New wc'd case build - comments welcomed ****Money has now SPENT****

[GeoffP]

Hi,

Have decided to rebuild my existing air cooled rig with a new case and water cooling.

New Bits & Pieces:
Mountain Mods U2-UFO 120.3 Black Powder Coated - Diamond Top
2 x EK FC8800 8800GTS GPU Blocks
D-TEK FuZion CPU Block
Thermalright LGA775 RM LGA775 Retention Bracket
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator
Swiftech MCP655 Pump
EK Multioption RES 250
MX-1 Thermal Compound
Worm Drive Screws
Tubing:- Tygon 3603 Tubing 1/2"ID 3/4"OD.
Coolant:- Distilled Water with additive.

Questions:
1. What is a recommended additive for the coolant - wouldn't mind green or red coloured water.
2. Sealing the radiator against the case to eliminate air leaks. Do I need some sort of shroud with neoprene gaskets?
3. I will be ordering all the equipment to hopefully fit the 1/2"ID tubing. Any recommendations here?
4. The main purpose of this build is for a "quiet no-noise" pc. I have some Noctua low-noise 120mm fans which you can't hear, but I'm wondering about cfm effect as they don't seem to push that much air. Can I have some recommendations on this point with the knowledge that I am after a quiet pc (with good cooling performance as well).
5. Owners of the U2-UFO (especially the 120.3), do you have any other comments on this case (I have posted some questions over here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=138573)).

As this is my first water rig I have done a fair bit of research, but as always other users experience is an extremely valuable resource and must be considered as well, hence all my posts and questions:).

I want to get this right the first time, especially as I am ordering 99.9% of the equipment from the US (don't want to miss something and have to wait 5-10 days for a catchup delivery).

It's actually quite interesting most of the "good" equipment doesn't seem to be available in Australia, even from the online stores (based in Australia). What is here is quite expensive and I should be able to save some money by order as much as I can from a single supplier (like Petra's :rolleyes: ) and save on shipping that way.

Thanks in advance for all comments and suggestions.

Regards,

GeoffP

[ranker]

Hi,

Have decided to rebuild my existing air cooled rig with a new case and water cooling.

New Bits & Pieces:
Mountain Mods U2-UFO 120.3 Black Powder Coated - Diamond Top
2 x EK FC8800 8800GTS GPU Blocks
D-TEK FuZion CPU Block
Thermalright LGA775 RM LGA775 Retention Bracket
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator
Swiftech MCP655 Pump
EK Multioption RES 250
MX-1 Thermal Compound
Worm Drive Screws
Tubing:- Tygon 3603 Tubing 1/2"ID 3/4"OD.
Coolant:- Distilled Water with additive.

Questions:
1. What is a recommended additive for the coolant - wouldn't mind green or red coloured water.
2. Sealing the radiator against the case to eliminate air leaks. Do I need some sort of shroud with neoprene gaskets?
3. I will be ordering all the equipment to hopefully fit the 1/2"ID tubing. Any recommendations here?
4. The main purpose of this build is for a "quiet no-noise" pc. I have some Noctua low-noise 120mm fans which you can't hear, but I'm wondering about cfm effect as they don't seem to push that much air. Can I have some recommendations on this point with the knowledge that I am after a quiet pc (with good cooling performance as well).
5. Owners of the U2-UFO (especially the 120.3), do you have any other comments on this case (I have posted some questions over here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=138573))

As this is my first water rig I have done a fair bit of research, but as always users experience is an extremely valuable resource and must be considered as well, hence all my posts and questions:) . I want to get this right the first time, especially as I am ordering 99.9% of the equipment from the US (don't want to miss something and have to wait 5-10 days for a catchup delivery).

It's actually quite interesting most of the "good" equipment doesn't seem to be available in Australia, even from the online stores (based in Australia). What is here is quite expensive and I should be able to save some money by order as much as I can from a single supplier (like Petra's :rolleyes: ) and save on shipping that way.

Thanks in advance for all comments and suggestions.

Regards,

GeoffP

Wow, you build is almost exactly like the machine I'm currently putting together. However, I ebayed my EK 8800 blocks and bought the MCW60's from Swiftech instead since I plan on stepping up to the 8900's when they're released in April. Almost everything else is exactly the same except I have a MCW30 and a DD Maze 680i to cool my chipset with my Swiftech kit (microres, D5 pump, mcr-220 radiator) while I keep d-tek fusion alone with my pa120.3 and ddc-2 w/ petra's top.

The funny thing is the only problem I have right now is finding the correct screws to mount my fans and radiators to the case without doing anything stupid like puncturing the radiator cores. The only thing I have to ask is how come you purchased the Thermalright retention bracket? What's it used for?

[GeoffP]

Hi Ranker,

In one of my other threads IanY posted this:

Its safer to use a mounting backplate for the new generation of "bowed" water blocks. There are backplates sold b a variety of manufacturers, including ThermalRight etc. Here is one of the more creative solutions I have seen.

[url]http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=131415[/url

This should answer you question.

[IanY]

Geoff,

You have made good choices. Good luck on your beautiful machine.

Ian

[GeoffP]

Geoff,
You have made good choices. Good luck on your beautiful machine.
Ian

Thanks for all your input Ian,

Most appreciated :D

[GeoffP]

Wow, you build is almost exactly like the machine I'm currently putting together.

What case are you using?

The funny thing is the only problem I have right now is finding the correct screws to mount my fans and radiators to the case without doing anything stupid like puncturing the radiator cores.

Also, are you using any type of radiator shroud with/without neoprene gaskets?

[ranker]

What case are you using?



Also, are you using any type of radiator shroud with/without neoprene gaskets?

Exact same case you have. I've been sitting on my UFO2 Black Coated with Big Top Window for 2 weeks. I've put together half of the system but I always find myself missing a piece or two (such as chrome fittings for my PA120.3... I bought the wrong ones, then I bought one ...not knowing they didn't come in sets..etc etc).

The only thing left is driving to the hardware store to get screws to mount my PA120.3 to the case and my MCR-220 to the back of the case. I'm just still clueless on what screws to use.

My plan is:
1) Assemble my PA1203. I'll have 3 of those chick fan grills (purchasable at mountainmods.com) connected to the case, connected to the a gasket, connected to 3 Cooler Master Blue LED 120mm x 25mm fans. Basically long story short I'll be going: Grill -> Case -> Gasket -> 3 Cooler Master Blue LED 120mm x 25mm "open" fans -> Gasket -> Shroud -> PA120.3 -> Shroud -> Gasket -> 3 Scythe S-Flex SF12F 120mm x 25mm fans -> Thermochill Original Grill -> UFO Hard Drive brackets -> 3x Raptors.

2) Attach another CM Blue LED 120mm x 25mm fan to the front fan port underneath the 5 1/4" bay slots with the UFO hard drive brackets behind it with 1 x Raptor and 2x 500gb WD drives.

3) Assemble my Swiftech MCR-220 Radiator and attach it in the back. It'll go: Grill -> Case -> Sound Dampener -> 2 CM Blue LED 120mm fans -> Sound Dampener -> MCR-220 Radiator -> Sound Dampener -> 2 Scythe S-Flex SF12F 120mm fans -> Grill.

I think I'm going to velcro/mount both of my reservoirs (EK and Swiftech Microres) on the backside of my motherboard tray. If there's any reasons not to do that, please let me know. I'll place both pumps behind the motherboard tray at the base behind the 5 1/4'" bay slots.

I'll have two loops as follows:

1) DDC-2 with Petra's top -> PA120.3 -> D-Tek Fusion -> Danger Den 680i NB -> Swiftech MCW30 on SB -> EK multi res

2) Swiftech D5 -> Swiftech MCR-220 -> Swiftech MCW60 on 8800-> Swiftech MCW60 on 8800 -> Swiftech Microres

I'll be using a mix of Swiftech's inhouse 7/16" tubing for crazy bends and some Masterkleer 7/16" for the straight lines for tubing.

Ironically, the only thing holding me back is finding the correct screws to do all of the mounting for the radiators and fans. I'm not sure on the exact length and screw type and I'm scared :banana::banana::banana::banana:less about puncturing my radiators.

[GeoffP]

Did you read the review on Mountain Mods here (http://www.xtremesystems.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=42).
OPPAINTER explains how he mounted the PA 120.3 into the front bottom of the U2-UFO.

So you are using a push/pull fan config for your radiator then. I was going to use a push config and see how my temperatures went.

Sounds like I need some shrouds and gaskets.

So I would need to do something like Grill -> Case -> Gasket -> 3 Fans -> Gasket -> Shroud -> PA120.3 for a push configuration.

How did you order the gaskets & shrouds - individually (i.e. are they singular or three in a row but joined - to fit the pa 120.3 radiator?)

Also, are you saying that you don't get any type of nuts, bolts, screws etc with the radiator to mount it to the case?

Also, is your case the U2-UFO or the U2-UFO 120.3?

[ranker]

Did you read the review on Mountain Mods here (http://www.xtremesystems.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=42).
OPPAINTER explains how he mounted the PA 120.3 into the front bottom of the U2-UFO.

So you are using a push/pull fan config for your radiator then. I was going to use a push config and see how my temperatures went.

Sounds like I need some shrouds and gaskets.

So I would need to do something like Grill -> Case -> Gasket -> 3 Fans -> Gasket -> Shroud -> PA120.3 for a push configuration.

How did you order the gaskets & shrouds - individually (i.e. are they singular or three in a row but joined - to fit the pa 120.3 radiator?)

Also, are you saying that you don't get any type of nuts, bolts, screws etc with the radiator to mount it to the case?

Also, is your case the U2-UFO or the U2-UFO 120.3?

I got this version http://www.mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=78

If you look at your PA120.3 installation sheet it says the screws are optional for the ones that go "grill -> case -> gasket -> fan". It didn't come with mine. The only thing that came with mine were the fan screws.

Btw, after reading about the backplate thing, I ended up buying the same backplate you did. Guess my build is going to be delayed another 5 days.

Ugh, I swear I'll never finish getting the parts and doing all the little things to get this up and running. I've had my parts sitting here for over 2 weeks.

Next up is learning how to turn my X-fi ribbon cable into a round cable and to clean up my 12 fan wires connected to the rheobus without having to resorting to soldering/cutting etc. I bought a sleeve kit but I'm not even sure where to start.

[GeoffP]

I got this version http://www.mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=78

If you look at your PA120.3 installation sheet it says the screws are optional for the ones that go "grill -> case -> gasket -> fan". It didn't come with mine. The only thing that came with mine were the fan screws.

Btw, after reading about the backplate thing, I ended up buying the same backplate you did. Guess my build is going to be delayed another 5 days.

Ugh, I swear I'll never finish getting the parts and doing all the little things to get this up and running. I've had my parts sitting here for over 2 weeks.

Next up is learning how to turn my X-fi ribbon cable into a round cable and to clean up my 12 fan wires connected to the rheobus without having to resorting to soldering/cutting etc. I bought a sleeve kit but I'm not even sure where to start.

Yeah, the backplate idea seems like a good one.

Which Rheobus fan controller(s) r u using. Actually haven't thought about it, and I will need some type of control.

So, when you ordered the rad did you have the option to order the proper screws for the extra length required?

[ranker]

Yeah, the backplate idea seems like a good one.

Which Rheobus fan controller(s) r u using. Actually haven't thought about it, and I will need some type of control.

So, when you ordered the rad did you have the option to order the proper screws for the extra length required?

I purchased two regular black sunbeam rheobus controllers (4 ports). I wanted to buy them from Petras, but they were out. Jab-tech was out as well. Finally bought a pair for 15$ a piece from Crazy-PC.

Unfortunately I wasn't given an option to purchase screws fitted for my setup.

[GeoffP]

Well,

I bit the bullet and finally order the following from Mountain Mods: :banana:
1 x U2-UFO Opti-1203 Black Powder Coat - Diamond Top
1 x Mountain Mods black Acrylic 5-1/4 bay cover
1 x Mountain Mods black Acrylic Dual 5-1/4 bay cover
1 x Mountain Mods black Acrylic Triple 5-1/4 bay cover
4 x 120MM Black Aluminum Fan Filter
3 x 120MM Chrome Grill (for rear of case)
3 x Mountain Mods 120MM Fan Grill (VERSION 2) - Color: Mirrored (for front of case)
4 x 80MM Black Aluminum Fan Filter
4 x 80MM Chrome Grill (for top of case)
10 x Tygon 3603 Tubing 1/2" ID 3/4" OD
1 x Molex Pin Remover

Hopefully all will go well with the delivery.

Just have to order the water cooling stuff now.

Have been having a bit of trouble finding the following available stock:
2 x EK FC8800 8800GTS GPU Blocks
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator

Will keep on soldering on :p:

[InTheFlow]

Well,

I bit the bullet and finally order the following from Mountain Mods: :banana:
Have been having a bit of trouble finding the following available stock:
2 x EK FC8800 8800GTS GPU Blocks
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator

Will keep on soldering on :p:

Congratulations! You'll love the OPTI...and probably never go back to a 'regular' case again. :D

You can get the Rad from Jab-Tech here (http://www.jab-tech.com/Thermochill-PA120.3-pr-3264.html).

[GeoffP]

Congratulations! You'll love the OPTI...and probably never go back to a 'regular' case again. :D

Hope so, quite looking forward to building it up :slobber:

You can get the Rad from Jab-Tech here (http://www.jab-tech.com/Thermochill-PA120.3-pr-3264.html).

Thanks, just ordered one with some other parts from performancepcs.

Still having problems finding these parts though:
2 x EK FC8800 8800GTS GPU Blocks
1 x D-TEK FuZion CPU Block
1 x Thermalright LGA775 RM LGA775 Retention Bracket
1 x EK Multioption RES 250

Cheers.

[ryno]

Have you tried petras shop
i think that they carry EK blocks

[GeoffP]

Have you tried petras shop
i think that they carry EK blocks

Just checked, out of stock like everywhere else, UNLESS I order from UK, but no-one had the clear acrylic tops which is what I am after.

[thespeakerbox]

Thats gonna be one heck of a system. How much $$ was it in total?

[GeoffP]

Thats gonna be one heck of a system. How much $$ was it in total?

HEAPS :eek:

Still haven't ordered everything so total costing isn't quite in yet.

I will post the amount my bank balance has decreased once I sort out the final suppliers.

[SaFrOuT]

and PICTURES once you receive the items please

[GeoffP]

but of-course, before and after me thinks.... :p: