Considering Custom Water Cooling Case (Need Input!)

[foodfightr]

I'm considering purchasing a custom modded LIAN LI case from performance-pcs.com

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4428

Do I need a reservoir or just a fill port?

What type of pump would you recommend?

What type of block would you reccomend for a socket 939 opteron?

Is it possible to attach a GPU block without voiding the warranty?

[serialk11r]

Bleh [cough]ripoff[cough]
It only comes with the radiator. You need everything else. Pump, fillport, etc.

[foodfightr]

Bleh [cough]ripoff[cough]
It only comes with the radiator. You need everything else. Pump, fillport, etc.

I don't think I'd be able to mod the case to look anywhere near as good as they did though.

[newls1]

Bleh [cough]ripoff[cough]
It only comes with the radiator. You need everything else. Pump, fillport, etc.

Agreed, expensive, and you still need everything else.

[newls1]

I don't think I'd be able to mod the case to look anywhere near as good as they did though.

You don't give yourself much credit, do ya? you can PM me and i can help you with an external watercooler?

[foodfightr]

Well it adds up... that radiator is easily like $125 plus the case $180 plus the fans $45. At most the labor adds up to $125. Lets assume that I want a case to look sweet like that with the radiator built in to the top. I can add the rest of the stuff.

Unless there is an easier and cheaper way for me to make a case look this slick, can you answer my questions?

[rbd89]

Like the others were saying, you can mod it yourself. You would be surprised how easy it is to dremel a radiator hole up in the top of the case. I did mine in an hour or two (first time with a dremel) and it turned out pretty nice. IMO you would learn a lot, save a bunch of money and just be happier if you did it yourself. But I can also see that it is an expensive case that you do not want to risk ruining. In which case you need to decide if that $150 is worth it.

[Aldy402]

do it yourself, you get a feeling of accomplishment that you can't get by selling out to performance-pcs

your rig will be that much better knowing you did it yourself

[serialk11r]

Well actually that mod they did is EXTREMELY simple. You can buy the cheapest drill you can find, get the fattest bit that fits in, and get a super cheap jigsaw. Use a nail, hammer a little dent into the top. Then use a big bit, and put a pilot hole in. Get a fine TPI blade for the jigsaw, and start cutting. Cut out holes for the radiator, and mark where you need the holes for the screws. Use the hammer and punch the places where you want the holes with a nail (again) and use a small bit to make the holes. Take a screwdriver, and screw everything in. And you're done. Congrats, you spent 60 dollars LESS and you have a few tools you can use for simple mods. You'll find its VERY easy to do all this, and it doesn't take too much time.

[rbd89]

Or, you could use a dremel with reinforced cutting wheels. It all depends on what equipment you already have or are willing to buy. Both methods will work though.

[Lu523]

You would be suprised what a pair of tin snips can do to a case. All you have to do is drill a hole then go at it. Might take a bit longer than a dremel. But is cheaper to buy for those that don't have a dremel.

[serialk11r]

You would be suprised what a pair of tin snips can do to a case. All you have to do is drill a hole then go at it. Might take a bit longer than a dremel. But is cheaper to buy for those that don't have a dremel.

YIKES using those are a nightmare, sheet metal cutting pliers... it twists up the metal too and you gotta use some wood, clamp it, and file all the crap down.
Dremel will work for cutting, but what are you going to use to drill holes for the fans and stuff :) They don't work very well as drills because of high rpm low torque.

[ranker]

Buy the tools. You'll have some fun, learn a few things for future jobs and above all, you'll feel more manly for having them. Just be sure to let the lady see you with the Home Depot bags.

Modding was a rewarding experience and having the right tools help out. You'll soon want to mod everything. Hell, I made a toilet mod by cutting some Acrylic up and putting it in the tank of the toilet to prevent the sloshing sounds when refilling. You know you need help when the significant other warns you she's leaving you if she sees a UV light in the toilet tank.

[serialk11r]

Buy the tools. You'll have some fun, learn a few things for future jobs and above all, you'll feel more manly for having them. Just be sure to let the lady see you with the Home Depot bags.

Modding was a rewarding experience and having the right tools help out. You'll soon want to mod everything. Hell, I made a toilet mod by cutting some Acrylic up and putting it in the tank of the toilet to prevent the sloshing sounds when refilling. You know you need help when the significant other warns you she's leaving you if she sees a UV light in the toilet tank.

LOL how true, I got obsessed with tools and machining when I laid my eyes on the industrial tech room at school, it was just like heaven for me. I modded my god damn soldering iron :stick: and the stand I bought that holds it :stick: My next plan is to mod my keyboard by sticking LEDs in :stick: :shakes: :cool:

[Jedda]

Cheapest is drill a 3/8th hole and cut it out with a hand nibbler.
You can get the Lian-Li edge trim by the foot and all your cuts end up neat looking like the factory did them.
"Cuts", plural? the OP says.
Yep, a couple of wiring route slots are a big help for neat stealth wiring.
If you swap your blocks around ever, you'll find a couple of rear mobo access holes allows you to get at the rear fittings without stripping the mobo out of the case.
You remember my motto - Think thrice, measure twice, cut once?
Trick is in the think section.