--- r e f l e X i o n ---

wow this thing is looking effin siiiick!!

Fantasic work man! Your attention to detail is awesome. Can't wait to see the finished product!

/\ completely agree

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated. :)

Much more to come.

Waterblocks came in from DangerDen yesterday. Had a chance to snap a few photos tonight. I'm even more impressed with the blocks in person. They have a nice futuristic look which I think will go great with this build. Thanks to DangerDen again for their wonderful support on this project. :up:

/cry...you have all the hardware I currently want.

This project is amazing. Not only does it look cool as ********, but it has the hardware to back it up. I'm going to go set up a charity organization just in case you have any plans of donating this to charity...:D

Heheh, nice. I love the look of DD blocks; almost my entire loop is their stuff, actually.

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Originally Posted by mDust

/cry...you have all the hardware I currently want.

This project is amazing. Not only does it look cool as ********, but it has the hardware to back it up. I'm going to go set up a charity organization just in case you have any plans of donating this to charity...:D

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mDust, after this build is finished, you may see ME accepting charity donations as it's costing me a pretty penny--even with the sponsors. :D

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Originally Posted by x88x

Heheh, nice. I love the look of DD blocks; almost my entire loop is their stuff, actually.

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Thanks, x88x.

Appreciate the responses, guys. Another update to follow shortly as I've obtained a new sponsor for the project.

:up:

At this time, I'd like to provide a brief summary of r e f l e X i o n , show a glimpse of what the next steps are, and then I will introduce my third sponsor for the project.

First of all, thank you to everyone who has participated in r e f l e X i o n to this point by posting many encouraging and flattering comments here about the work that has been done thus far. I read each and every comment that's posted at each of my logs and try to respond on a person-by-person basis, because your comments are both encouraging and entertaining, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to post and +rep to let me know they're enjoying the build or to offer suggestions. These comments greatly help and sometimes are the difference in motivating me to go forward--especially during times when you've hit a brick wall with your fabrication or design. So thanks to each and every one of you here at TBCS. :thumb:


Design and Build

To this point, everyone has seen the first two stages of the project: Design and Build. I designed the Galaxy side panel with 3dsMax, an autocad program. A freehand drawing of the galaxy image was first done by my friend, Mark (a part-time artist), which I then imported into 3dsMax and made several modifications to. The design time once in 3dsMax was around 80 hours, and the drawing is composed of over 300 individual vertices that were used to create the circular, orbiting rings from a 3-D perspective. Here's a shot of the image editing in action:

After that, I had the finished 3dsMax drawing file cut into a clean side panel at a waterjet shop about two hours from my home. You've probably seen it a hundred times by now as I'm quite proud of it. :D

Next, I began designing the "Zero Gravity Chamber," also in 3dsMax.

Concept:

Reality:

This part I have fabricated myself except for the windows which were carved with the same waterjet that did my side panel. It is now close to completion.. just a little more polishing and fab work need to be done, and then it will go off to be powdercoated with the rest of the case frame.

So now, it's time to move into the next key stage of the project, which is:


Project Stage III: Lighting

And with that, I would like to introduce my next key sponsor for r e f l e X i o n, Lamptron.

Lamptron contacted me a few weeks ago about partnering on r e f l e X i o n. I let them know that it was perfect timing on their part as I was just about to start creating the lighting scheme behind it.

Lighting is a priority in this build, as I will be using it to give r e f l e X i o n its identity. There are three distinct lighting techniques which will be used. Lamptron will be assisting me with two of those, while I will be both designing and fabricating the other myself. In the coming weeks, I'll be revealing the specific items that Lamptron will be sponsoring me for and the lighting techniques we have decided on.

A special thanks to Lamptron for joining the team. I look forward to working with them in the coming weeks.

:thumb:

Congrats on the new sponsor! They make some awesome stuff; I'm looking forward to seeing how you incorporate it into r e f l e X i o n.

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Originally Posted by x88x

Congrats on the new sponsor! They make some awesome stuff; I'm looking forward to seeing how you incorporate it into r e f l e X i o n.

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Thanks, bud. :up:

:o

Congrats on the sponsor mate :banana:, I always try to buy lamptron illuminated switches, could do with buying a range of them even while I'm not modding as they can be hard to get sometimes in uk, I'm too shy and would feel cheeky asking manufacturers to sponsor me, I remember the thread of how to get sponsors but I also only want to put the parts I want in my cases, would be saaaweet to get some good sponsors though lol :).

And hooooly shmoke, the big guns :D, 2x 5970, seriously bad a$$ graphics power going into this, I would expect you will be able to play ANY game on tripple vision at max res & settings with this setup, Wow, drool :D.

Thanks, Waynio. :)

Just a short update for now.

I picked up some edge trim tonight at my local Auto Zone. This will help dress the rough edges on the perspex.

I wasted an hour at Lowe's Hardware store looking for some kind of edge trim or U-channel molding that would fit 1/8" perspex but, once again, the hardware stores in my area are a big...

... when it comes to anything but the most mainstream home improvement items.

So, I'm using automotive trim that I was able to find at a local Auto Zone near my house.

It's a nice, snug fit on the perspex, and it has a thin line of adhesive down the groove so that the edges will stick.

Beginning to dress the edges of the middle piece:

I'm leaving a little overhang so as to have a smooth join in the corners. After the corners are fitted, I'll cut the excess trim for a smooth join.

This build is INCREDIBLE. The ideas you have are awesome. Serious props for actually working on your ideas.

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Originally Posted by chaksq

This build is INCREDIBLE. The ideas you have are awesome. Serious props for actually working on your ideas.

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Thanks, chaksq! :up:

A short update for tonight, guys. My blocks are back from nickel plating, and I'm happy to say that things went really well. I've spent tonight polishing them to get them in top shape so that I can take some photos tomorrow in my studio.

Here are a few preview shots of the copper now plated electroless nickel:

The matte finish on the front of the GPU blocks has a cool effect when plated. Has kind of a metallic silver look now. The back of the blocks are very shiny and smooth.

I'll have some better shots tomorrow of the blocks and some polishing action. In addition, I'm working on a mid-build project video which is about half-way complete right now. Should have it finished within a week if all goes well.

Thanks again to DangerDen not just for their partnership in r e f l e X i o n but for allowing me to tweak their product to fit the theme of this build a little better.

Thanks, everyone!

ohh shiny :P

Well as promised, here are some more shots of the DangerDen "Nickel" versions of the CPU and 5970 blocks. Hope you enjoy!

With the exception of saying that I'm speechless, I'm speechless.

Wow, your really going all out on this :), don't think I've ever seen someone get their waterblocks plated, again, wow :).

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Originally Posted by mDust

With the exception of saying that I'm speechless, I'm speechless.

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Thanks, mDust. :)

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Originally Posted by Waynio

Wow, your really going all out on this :), don't think I've ever seen someone get their waterblocks plated, again, wow :).

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Thanks, Waynio!

Should have another update soon showing both 5970s w/ the blocks installed and on the motherboard.

This is insane. Awesome. Makes me embarassed to display my own creations, ha.

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Originally Posted by sloppyc

This is insane. Awesome. Makes me embarassed to display my own creations, ha.

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Thanks, sloppyc! :up:


5970s get water!!!

So right now I'm working on getting the blocks on the 5970s. I'm pleased with how easy it is to get these DangerDen blocks on. And it's also nice to see the stock backplate coming of use as it offers some opposing force and keeps the PCB from bowing from the pressure of the waterblock. That's been a concern of mine in the past in using full cover blocks, but the backplate keeps the PCB relatively straight.

I don't have both blocks on yet but thought I would share some of the progress thus far.

The workshop (if you can call it that. More like a studio/kitchen/workbench):

Yes, that IS tubing. I am actually going to watercool this thing.. for you guys who have been waiting around forever waiting on some H20 shots. :D

Removing all the screws to undo the backplate..

Luckily, there weren't too many of them. I've taken some HSFs off that had a screw for every day of the month. The 5900, besides the two GPU brackets, had fewer than most cards I've seen. And the new aluminum heat sink is extremely light compared to the copper slabs of the past.

Backplate is off.

One piece off, one to go. Time to remove the heatsink and fan.

This can't be done without removing the two GPU brackets (I call them GPU brackets.. I don't know what the technical terminology is for them) on the back of the PCB:

Those come off pretty easily. Each bracket is held in by four small screws, so eight in total.

Aaaannnnndddd... she's off!

Let's get that big, bulky, archaic air cooler out of the way and make room for something that's a little more efficient and a lot better looking.

But.. wait. The ever-annoying stage of having to remove all the old, mashed-up thermal paste before applying the waterblock. Ugh.

Luckily, I have Arctic remover and purifier to do the job. :up:

And a box of professional, hi-grade Q-tips. No, I'm not joking.. I'm dead serious as they do make them.

*snicker*

Ahhhh. Much better. I love a nice, clean, sexy graphics chip (or two :D .)

And now, the best part. After popping a few screws in we get to see our new baby all dressed to impress.

Isn't she a beaut? ;) I'm really loving the nickel plating.

Reflection. :)

We'll throw our little MC-TDX buddy in to join the tube party.

That's all for now! Tomorrow, I hope to have some shots of the motherboard with both cards fitted and maybe some other blocks to begin experimenting with tube routing.

Thanks for reading! :thumb:

Oh baby! Those are sexy!

Preeety :D

I do really love the look of the nickel plated blocks; so shiny :D

Thanks, guys! Here's a teaser shot.

There's no excuse for how great this is looking.

This is an amazing build. I'm almost speechless it's so beautiful.

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Originally Posted by mDust

There's no excuse for how great this is looking.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trace

This is an amazing build. I'm almost speechless it's so beautiful.

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Thanks, guys. :up:

Didn't get a chance to do much today. I had to take one of the GPU blocks off because, when looking at the map again, I saw I missed a few spots where some thermal pads should've gone. Can't risk anything with these cards as they cost a fortune.

But now, all blocks are assembled and ready to go. This weekend, I'll be providing more insight into the layout of the entire structure and components.

I'll be waiting!

Wow...what else can one say but simply WOW....this build is truely amazing...

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Originally Posted by notsure

Wow...what else can one say but simply WOW....this build is truely amazing...

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notsure, you have the best handle I've seen yet. I loved Idiocracy. Thanks for the props.

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Originally Posted by Datech

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That's superb news, Datech. Thanks! And thanks to all who voted for me!

:D

Let me be the first to congratulate you! Congrats!

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Originally Posted by Trace

Let me be the first to congratulate you! Congrats!

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Thanks, Trace! It's quite fitting that you're the first (besides Datech, obviously,) to congratulate me since you were the first to post to my project log!

Thanks for following along and for offering your many encouraging words of support!

I'm working on a short update that I'll be posting in the next half hour.

I'm waiting for it!

Just a short update for tonight, guys.

I've began work on the motherboard. Just small aesthetic things for now, and then over the weekend I'll be installing all the components in the case for a brief period to have a better idea of how the wiring and tubing will look.

I've been hesitant to show any pictures of the motherboard, because the end product will look quite different than it does now. This is a fantastic motherboard. It's the Foxconn "Flaming Blade" X58. It's the most polished mainboard that I've ever owned which is why I'm keeping it for this build, even though there's a lot of red on it that I'll be changing to black to blend in better with my color scheme. I'll provide updates on how I'll be doing that later, but for now just know that all the different colors that you see on the board will be just one or two colors when everything is complete.

I began the aesthetic changes by polishing all aluminum brackets/boxes on the motherboard.

I used my dremel and polishing wheels again to do this as it makes such an easy job of polishing anything. Why do this? Because I've seen how nice metal can look when polished vs. unpolished, and because I want there to be no compromises with this build. I'm a believer in fine-tuning every last detail because I believe it puts a nice signature on an item. So while I don't plan to spend the next year or two eyeballing every little thing through an electron microscope, you will see me be very meticulous about cosmetics and taking my time when you probably want to slap me and just wish I would skip on ahead to the next stage.

Here you can visually see the difference between a polished bracket/box and an unpolished bracket/box:

The capacitors will either be painted or sanded down (perhaps both) so there's no red showing. They'll either be silver or black. The stock red northbridge/mosfet cooler will be coming off in the next day or two and be replaced with waterblocks/heatsinks that fit the color scheme of the build better.

Now for something that will probably be a little more interesting.

Here are a few nice shots of the beautiful rad grills that I received from MNPCTech. I'll be building two custom radboxes for the two Swiftech 240s that are going into refleXion, and these grills will be bolted on top of the fans and the radbox.

I've thanked Bill about 10 times for these already, but I'll thank him again. MNPCTech was the first to show faith and support in this build while a few other companies I've done business with for years wouldn't even dignify me with a response (even a "no, sorry" would've been fine.) So thanks again to MNPCTech for their faithful support. :thumb:

Thanks, guys!

looking good!