Cube-Water-Overclock!

[MnM]

The Problem:

Having owned a few cases until now (from midi towers to CoolerMaster Stacker) I was always a little bit unhappy about the room availalbe inside. The most annoying thing was that with almost all the cases I owned they had to be modded in one way or another in order to put in a radiator.

The Solution:

So I was always on the lookout for something better. Recently I came across a new thread at xs.org in which I saw the MoutainMods U2-UFO Opti-1203 case.

This seemed like the case I always wanted!! Huge case, plenty of room inside, already modded for 120.3 Thermochill radiator. Yes this was my case! I decided to start from scratch - with almost everything new.

Just to give you an idea - this was my old setup:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/Oldsetup.JPG

It was pretty good while it lasted.

The Parts:

So about 2 weeks ago I started ordering new stuff in. Here is the list with what has been ordered so far:

6 x Logisys 120mm Quad Blue LED Fan
1 x U2-UFO Opti-1203 Black Powder Coat - Diamond Top
4 x Logisys 80mm Quad Blue LED Fan
3 x 120MM Chrome Grill
3 x Mountain Mods 120MM Fan Grill (VERSION 2)
3 x Mountain Mods black Acrylic 5-1/4 bay cover
1 x ThermoChill PA 120.3 Radiator
3 x 80MM Chrome Grill
1 x Dual 12 Inch Blue Cold Cathode Kit
1 x Dual 12 Inch UV Cold Cathode Kit
1 x Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate DVD 32bit
1 x Silverstone 1000W OP1000 Power Supply, Black, 80mm fan, 4 x PCI-E 6pin connectors, 2 x PCI-E 8pin connectors, 2 x triple SATA connectors single rail 80A
1 x Intel® Core 2 Quadro™ QX6700 2.66G LGA775 2x4M 1066 FSB XD EM64T EIST VT
1 x Asus P5k DeLuxe Wifi
1 x mCubed TBAN-SH Transparent Analog Sensor Hub
1 x mCubed bigNG
1 x DDC-2 18W water pump with 1/2" D-Tek high-flow bars
1 x Petra's DDCT-01s top
1 x BLue UV Reactive Pentosin
1 x biocide
1 x Arctic Silver 5
1 x Aero GateWatch 2 (black) fan controller
1 x ClearFlex 60 Tubing
3 x CoolSleeves
1 x Blue UV Sleeving Kit
1 x 8800 GTX (oc 600 Point of View) - petty as I wanted an ATI 2900HD but the benchmarks does not favour this video card
1 x Swiftec MCW60 GPU water block
1 x Thermalright 775 Bolt thru kit
1 x 1.44 black floppy
1 x sata dvd writer black
1 x dvd rom black

- yeah a lot of parts.

On top of this I kept (from my old PC):

2 x 36GB Raptors
2 x 320 Sata2 16MB cache hdds
1 x G.Skill HZ 2GB DDR2 PC8500 Dual Channel Kit (1066Mhz) CL=4-4-4-5

The Pictures:

And this is what I got so far:

U2-UFO Opti-1203 Black Powder Coat - Diamond Top case from Mountain Mods

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/Case.JPG

Thermochill PA 120.3 radiator

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/rad.JPG

D-Tek Fuzion CPU block + Swiftec MCP355 with Petras top pump

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/water.JPG

Other accessories (read bling :) ) for my new case (neons, led fans, grills, bay covers)

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/accessories.JPG

The hardware that is going to be overcloked by the above is:

P5k DeLuxe motherboard
QX6700 Quad CPU
2 x 1GB G-Skill ram
SilverStone OP1000w power supply (single rail 80A)
black 1.44 and dvd writer
and of course Vista Ultimate 32bit OEM edition (I could not pass up in getitng this at a bargain price together with the hardware). The intention is to run WnXP until need to move to Vista. Here are the mandatory pics:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/Hardware.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/cpu.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/powersupply.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/ram.JPG

As I am an overcloker, I am not too concerned about noise (hell I run a quad cpu 2GB XEON 8GB RAM DELL server in my room=lots of noise) but what I want is a very stable system overclocked to the "edge" if I can say so.

Apart from the above bits and pieces I am still waiting on two more parcels to arrive with more hardware (fan control, video card, cable sleeving etc)

As most of the stuff only arrived in the last couple of days I have not started my water cooling project yet. Most of the hardware is still in its boxes :)

I hope to get a start in the next day or two. Will keep this thread updated with my progress.

[MnM]

Ok more stuff arrived today.

I got Gatewatch2 fan controller, Thermochill bracket, MCW60 GPU water block, some UV sleeving kit anf of course XFX 8800GTX extreme (600MhZ).

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/morestuff.JPG

Today I have assembled Petras top on the DDC-2 pump

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/petratop.JPG

And I have started cleaning the rad (the last task my trusted 1250 is going to perform before going to its new owner):

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/eheim1250-1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/eheim1250-2.JPG

I really do NOT like the plastic barbs that came with the Thermochill. I did not use any tape on them and they started leaking during the cleanup process. I have emailed Petra for a shipping quote for the AquaExtreme high flow ones. Hopefully they will get back to me tonight so I can pay for the stuff and receive them Monday/Tuesday.

In the mean time I have lost the camera (my friend needed it back) so no more pics until tomorrow sometimes after I get a new camera. I have strated sleeving some of the fans and the cables out of the Gatewatch as well. Also installed top and back fans in the UFO case. Pics tomorrow with this tomorrow.

[MnM]

Ok got a new camera so it is time for more pics. More stuff arrived today:

T-Balancer bigNG:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/bigNG.JPG

bigNG addon - Analog Sensor Hub:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/Sensor.JPG

I have started to do some testes in order to determine tube sizes, SATA-floppy-IDE cable sizes etc.

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/Test1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/Test2.JPG

Still waiting on a few other things to arrive - but what is holding me back ATM is the rad barbs. They are on the way and should arrive aroud Friday this week. I hope by then to have ALL my cables sleeved, tubing cut, and mounting position for pump and hdds worked out.
More pics as I do more work on this. Soon....

[MnM]

Ok been away for a while - family/work took most of my time so I did a few bits and pieces in between :)

First of all new stuff arrived - cable sleeving stuff, reservoier, barbs for Thermochill, cables:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/morestuff1.JPG

Started to take apart the retail heatsink from my 8800GTX while I am waiting for the GPU block to arrive:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/8800Retail.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/8800.JPG


I have also installed the hard drives - I really like MM hdd bay :)

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/hdds.JPG

Started working on the radiator so it can be installed:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/rad1.JPG

Installed the reservoir in its bay:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/reservoir.JPG

Then I decided to strat sleeving the cables (and I can tell you that it took a while and still not everything is done):

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/sleeving.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/sleeving1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/sleeving2.JPG

Since I am still waiting for the GPU block to arrive (and I can not cut any tubing because of that yet) I have decised to install the needed cables and try my best to keep everything as tidy as possible (well my best...):

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/cabletest1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/cabletest2.JPG

That about where I stopped. I going to have dinner now, no more working on the PC tonight. Hopefully more updates tomorrow after the GPU block arrives.

[septim]

Reserved 4..........

yeah more pics....

[[cTx] Nooc]

Reserved 4..........

yeah more pics....

LOL

but I don't disagree :) . Every MM mod we've seen has been amazing

and don't forget the floppy :)

[Okda]

Reserved 4..........

yeah more pics....

LOL very funny

[Lu523]

Yea, more pics. And a total on the price if you don't mind me asking.

[septim]

btw MnM you might want to cover up them serial # just in case you'd register said product... cause some OCing voiding warranty stuff....

[[cTx] Nooc]

btw MnM you might want to cover up them serial # just in case you'd register said product... cause some OCing voiding warranty stuff....

OH...but he would NEVER :slapass:

[marauder16]

OH...but he would NEVER :slapass:
yeah, lol
cover up the serial on the mem. too, just for security ;)

[MnM]

Updated second post with today's happenings :)

Edit: I have also fixed those pictures so no more serials (not that I would do that anyway ...)

[septim]

nice, yeah gues its time for that new camera you've always wanted, hehe.

[MnM]

Got my new camera so I added more pictures.
Slowly getting there.

[septim]

yeah nice pics, nice bigNG, you gonna run the ddc through the bigNG?

[MnM]

yeah nice pics, nice bigNG, you gonna run the ddc through the bigNG?


The intention is to run the ddc 4 molex plug directly from power supply and have the RPM cable plugged in the bigNG/sensor hub (one of them) for rpm monitoring and configured to shut down below if rpm drops below a certain number. I really do not see any benefit from running the 4 plug molex (power) directly from the bigNG/sensor hub.

If there is any benefits I would like someone to point those out to me :)

[septim]

i don't know anything about running a bigNG and ddc together.
i've emailed and received no confirmation that the ddc can be run from the bigNG. hence waiting for anyone who runs one of these setups to fill me in.

or should it be like what you're gonna do, run rpm sensor only and shutdown if it goes below.

seems to me your idea MnM is much simplier to copy.
maybe when i get some funds to order the bigNG too i'll copy your idea.

hopefully you get your barbs soon so we can finally see it all comes together.

[MnM]

Hey guys been reading a thread here and one guy said:

"I'm using a Swiftech MCW60 block with G80 adapter "

Now I am worried. What is a G80 adaptor? Do I need one?
The GPU block I got says:

1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

All nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above
All ATI® Radeon™ series from X1300 and above

I assumed that it will work with 8800GTX. If it does work why are people running this GPU block with a G80 adaptor? (btw the reseller that I got this from does not sell any G80 adaptors or any adaptors for the MCW60 block so I hope I dont need one as sourcing one will slow down my build)

[Jedda]

MCW60-FX Kit
MCW60-G80 kit
They're the two mounting kits being discussed.
All Swift have to say about them is -
Please consult your Swiftech distributor prior to ordering direct from us, or purchase the product factory direct BY CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (562) 595-8009 FROM 8:30 TO 4:30 PST.Please consult your Swiftech distributor prior to ordering direct from us, or purchase the product factory direct BY CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (562) 595-8009 FROM 8:30 TO 4:30 PST.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/sulk/G80-ADAPTERKIT.jpg
The G80 adapter kit is used to replace the standard MCW60 hold-down plate and allows installation with GeForce 8000 series Video Cards.
Looks like this is what you need.

[septim]

the adaptor was because the mcw60 block was before a g80 card, they figured out some diff in hole placement so made appropriate adaptor when the G80 card came out, since people had to jury rig some form of mounting for their mcw60 with the g80 card...

[Bootsy]

Nice thread. I am also considering the MM case and I am currently using a CM stacker. It's like you read my mind:)

Do you like the look of the Black Powder coat?

[septim]

black is universally liked.. but since you're going with an MM case, you might want to personalized the color too...

but still black is good looking, matte black for the fingerprint sensitive or the glossy shiny black for that picture perfect/mirror reflection bling...

[MnM]

Hmm still confused about the whole adaptor thinggy...I understand that it is for the 8000 series. I have an 8800 series ... so I still need the adaptor?
Also when going to the Swiftec site they list the 8800 series compatible with whatever the unit ships with:

"The MCW60™ is shipped with two separate retention mechanisms composed of spring loaded screws and back plates providing off-the-shelf compatibility with all ATI® Radeon™ and most nVidia® GeForce™ families of products as follows:

1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

Most high-end nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above (incl. latest 7900 series). See compatibility list below. "

When you click on the compatibility list the first entry is 8800 and yes for compatible. No mentiuon of any adaptors needed or anything. After I red this I am sure that the two mounting units that come with the GPU block should work.

Are you guys telling me that it will not work and I need to ourchase the extra mounting kit?

Edit: I am trying the mounting kit right now to see....

[MnM]

Ok it wont fit.

I am left with a bitter taste..as if you go an read swiftnets.com and then check the compatibility list one will understand that the GPU block will fir the 8800GTX series without any other attachements needed. On top of that the unit was sold to me by a retailer stating:

"1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

All nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above
All ATI® Radeon™ series from X1300 and above"

[ranker]

Ok it wont fit.

I am left with a bitter taste..as if you go an read swiftnets.com and then check the compatibility list one will understand that the GPU block will fir the 8800GTX series without any other attachements needed. On top of that the unit was sold to me by a retailer stating:

"1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

All nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above
All ATI® Radeon™ series from X1300 and above"

That was probably written before the 8800 came out. You'll need the mounting plate which runs about $5-10 as well as the ram sinks which costs about $40 a set.

[septim]

yup misleading sometimes, try sourcing out for one of em mounting adapters.
bah will have to patiently wait i guess, or get creative and design one yourself?

[Jedda]

Ok it wont fit.

I am left with a bitter taste..as if you go an read swiftnets.com and then check the compatibility list one will understand that the GPU block will fir the 8800GTX series without any other attachements needed. On top of that the unit was sold to me by a retailer stating:

"1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

All nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above
All ATI® Radeon™ series from X1300 and above"

PC Case Gear?
You want the adapter pictured in my post. I know of no aussie outlet atm.
Petra's got them though, here (http://www.petrastechshop.com/swmcg80adpl.html)
.
In your situation I'd be cutting one out myself if in a hurry.

[MnM]

Tried PCCaseGear - no stock due in 3 - 4 weeks.
In the end I got this from cool-z.com.au:

Swiftech MCW60 VGA Waterblock - Retail Pack
"The MCW60™ is shipped with three separate retention mechanisms composed of spring loaded screws and back plates providing off-the-shelf compatibility with all ATI® Radeon™ and most nVidia® GeForce™ families of products
This is the Retail packaging version: Water-block assembly including mounting hardware for ATI & nVidia High-end graphics cards (including GeForce 8800 series), 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 fittings, Arctic Ceramique thermal compound, installation guide."

I guess this will HAVE to work!! It is advertised there in plain English.

Also I had to order a pack of memory sinks - the MCW60 only has 8 of them included while the 8800GTX has 12 memory chips on the pcb (lucky I took the cooler off last night and had a look).
Hopefully they will be with me by Friday so I can continue my build :)

[septim]

oh the agony of the waiting?...

have you given them a call to make sure its the right right right part?

[GeoffP]

Hi Mnm,
Sent u a PM to call me - but anyhow, I had a really, really, really good close look at the MCW60-R (Retail) version. Looks like you will be alright as the G80 adapter plate is definitely listed as being supplied.

I originally ordered the MCW60 (non Retail version) which didn't include the G80 plate.:p:

Quick check, Cool-Z have these in stock but not the G80 Plate by itself so looks like you are good to go - have fun this weekend. more piccies expected as well of-course :p:

[MnM]

oh the agony of the waiting?...

have you given them a call to make sure its the right right right part?

I whish I could = they advertise email only. But I put comments in the order section along the lines if GPU doesn not work with 8800GTX without any other extra fittings as advertised do not bill and do not send as it will sent back!
I have checked swiftnets for the MCW60 retail pack and it matches what was advertised on the retailer site too :):

"The MCW60™ is shipped with three separate retention mechanisms ..."

the third included retention mechanism is described as:

"3. Retention mechanism for nVidia GeForce 8800 series"

So it has to work otherwise I will send all back to Swifnet and ask them to refund (as retailer are only selling what they produce together with the description Swifnet put together for their products).

[MnM]

Hi Mnm,
Sent u a PM to call me - but anyhow, I had a really, really, really good close look at the MCW60-R (Retail) version. Looks like you will be alright as the G80 adapter plate is definitely listed as being supplied.

I originally ordered the MCW60 (non Retail version) which didn't include the G80 plate.:p:

Quick check, Cool-Z have these in stock but not the G80 Plate by itself so looks like you are good to go - have fun this weekend. more piccies expected as well of-course :p:

Thanks my friend!!
Didnt call you as I was busy researching Swifnets.com to see what they say about the -R gou block. I am 100% confident that the G80 retention mechanism is included. Order placed at cool-z.com.au (along with more ram heasinks). He can not ship today (I guess he has a day job) but according to his site order will ship tomorrow via overnight AAE.
Hopefully I get everything in by Friday!!

[GeoffP]

Thanks my friend!!
Didnt call you as I was busy researching Swifnets.com to see what they say about the -R gou block. I am 100% confident that the G80 retention mechanism is included. Order placed at cool-z.com.au (along with more ram heasinks). He can not ship today (I guess he has a day job) but according to his site order will ship tomorrow via overnight AAE.
Hopefully I get everything in by Friday!!

Hi mate,

Yeah, they guy from Cool-Z does have a day job. I have his mobile (or at least I did have) somewhere in my emails. He was good in sending the parts I ordered, and yep, the G80 adapter plate IS in the -R kit so u will be good to go...

[MnM]

I think I am very fortunate that I have ordered the MCW60-R from cool-z.
Why? I just received some more stuff today, amongst the deliveries was one from PCCaseGear with a reservoir. And guess what? The reservoir came without any barbs!!
Anyway my new GPU block is on the way here (to be delivered tomorrow according to the tracking system), so I will have 2 extra 1/2" swiftec barbs to use with the reservoir. Hopefully will get more pics tonight when I get home from work.

[septim]

regarding g80 adapter, good to hear that MnM, hopefully we'll be able to see more pics soon...

regarding res without barbs, don't you have any reserved there that'll probably fit? still worth a try though...

[GeoffP]

I think I am very fortunate that I have ordered the MCW60-R from cool-z.
Why? I just received some more stuff today, amongst the deliveries was one from PCCaseGear with a reservoir. And guess what? The reservoir came without any barbs!!
Anyway my new GPU block is on the way here (to be delivered tomorrow according to the tracking system), so I will have 2 extra 1/2" swiftec barbs to use with the reservoir. Hopefully will get more pics tonight when I get home from work.

That sucks re the rad barbs, but u will still be ok. I got my replacement rad barbs thru cool-z which really helped my build as I thought the plastic/nylon barns that came with my PA120.3 didn't look that great compared to my metal barbs for the cpu block (probably get shot down here for saying that :))

[Jedda]

Again we find that rad uses 3/8 NPT so your spares are probably 1/4 BSPP and no use. As Geoff says CoolZ have replacements in black or clear plastic.
ChilledPC have 9/16th straight thread DD Hi-Flows but god knows what they fit, I've never used them.

[septim]

9/16 HIFlows original barbs for DD gpu blocks..
now i think they've switch standard g1/4 thread barbs...

[GeoffP]

Again we find that rad uses 3/8 NPT so your spares are probably 1/4 BSPP and no use. As Geoff says CoolZ have replacements in black or clear plastic.
ChilledPC have 9/16th straight thread DD Hi-Flows but god knows what they fit, I've never used them.

no no no no - I bought some metal 1/2" ID barbs from cool-z (they were suitable for the PA120.3).

[Jedda]

no no no no - I bought some metal 1/2" ID barbs from cool-z (they were suitable for the PA120.3).

Which ones Geoff?
I couldn't see any.

[dinos22]

Hey guys been reading a thread here and one guy said:

"I'm using a Swiftech MCW60 block with G80 adapter "

Now I am worried. What is a G80 adaptor? Do I need one?
The GPU block I got says:

1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

All nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above
All ATI® Radeon™ series from X1300 and above

I assumed that it will work with 8800GTX. If it does work why are people running this GPU block with a G80 adaptor? (btw the reseller that I got this from does not sell any G80 adaptors or any adaptors for the MCW60 block so I hope I dont need one as sourcing one will slow down my build)


I think I am very fortunate that I have ordered the MCW60-R from cool-z.
Why? I just received some more stuff today, amongst the deliveries was one from PCCaseGear with a reservoir. And guess what? The reservoir came without any barbs!!
Anyway my new GPU block is on the way here (to be delivered tomorrow according to the tracking system), so I will have 2 extra 1/2" swiftec barbs to use with the reservoir. Hopefully will get more pics tonight when I get home from work.




i bought that G80 adapter from Cool-Z yesterday too hahahah

Patrick is a really nice guy :up: :up: :up: :up: :up: :up:

he mailed it out already :D

i'll be slapping it on my 8800GTS

oh btw i have a (ghetto)cube project brewing boys ;) :D

[GeoffP]

Which ones Geoff?
I couldn't see any.

Yeah, good question.

Ahhhh, finally found them here (http://www.cool-z.com.au/zenshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32).

Strange because the description has changed. Same part number, but when I purchased them it said they were compatible with Thermachill rads - now description is different.

My receipt has the same part number - oh well, they fitted my Thermachill PA120.3 perfectly, so I am not worrying :cool:

[Jedda]

Got some Thermochills coming. Decided to get in some AquaXtremes from Petra's for them. Ordering tomorrow.
I could add another pair if you wanted, MnM?

[septim]

geoffp the one you linked to is g1/4 thread, not suited for g3/8 thread thermochill PA rads...

[GeoffP]

geoffp the one you linked to is g1/4 thread, not suited for g3/8 thread thermochill PA rads...

well dunno then - as the description is now different from when I placed the order, maybe they have stopped stocking that part and reused the part number for a swiftech compatible barb?

if I had the wrong thread, would I still be able to screw it in properly and achieve a full seal? - cause that's what I have..

[septim]

g3/8 or 3/8bspp is quite bigger than g1/4 or 1/4bspp...
its gonna be a very loose barb...

[GeoffP]

g3/8 or 3/8bspp is quite bigger than g1/4 or 1/4bspp...
its gonna be a very loose barb...

hmmm, ok, i'm wondering which thread i have.

the barb screwed in nice and tight all the way. it didn't feel like i was over forcing it (like when you are cross threading a nut), haven't had any leaks. suppose i will leave it as it is and monitor it.

thanks septim

[Zillanamon]

hmmm, ok, i'm wondering which thread i have.

the barb screwed in nice and tight all the way. it didn't feel like i was over forcing it (like when you are cross threading a nut), haven't had any leaks. suppose i will leave it as it is and monitor it.

thanks septim

They are definitely G1/4 fittings. I've just checked the Thermochill website and they use 3/8 on the PA120.3 so.. :shrug: The two are definitely not interchangeable- your rad must have G1/4 threads.

That's the correct part number and description earlier in the thread.

Weird stuff indeed!

[MnM]

Got some Thermochills coming. Decided to get in some AquaXtremes from Petra's for them. Ordering tomorrow.
I could add another pair if you wanted, MnM?

Jedda: thanks man ..but I should be OK the swiftec plastic barbs are much better than the plastic ones that came with the Thermochill so I will not have problem using them :)

[MnM]

More updates on page 1 ..I think that will do for page one ..anymore updates will NOT on page 1 anymore :)

[Snyxxx]

I finally hooked up my BigNG and sensorbus to my rig yesterday. I only had my RPM signal blue cable going over to the sensorbus to see the flow rate. It is kinda weird though.

It defaults to a sample time of 3 seconds and showed 7.8 l/m flow rate. I changed the sample rate to 2 seconds or 1 second and the flow rate doubles or triples. Not sure what to make of this. I have searched and cannot find the correct impulse rate (509 default).

I am thinking about filling a bucket and try to measure the actual flow rate to calibrate. Anyone else see this behavior or knows what the correct impulse rate is for DDC-2 18W?

[Jimmer411]

Looking good so far, Ive been eyeing the MM UFO for quite a while myself.

One thing Id change, Id ditch the cool sleeves. They look like ass in every build IMO.

[MnM]

Jimmer411: while I have the pink coolsleeves I think I will not use them in this build :)

Snyxxx: while I can not help you I am interested in the answer to this as around the middle of this coming week I will most probably run into the same issue. So please let us know what you find.

[MnM]

Hmmmm got the swiftec GPU block today. All is good exept I have discovered that the barbs will not fit my reservoir. I went back to the site I have got the reservoir from and it states:

"Fits in two 5.25" drive bays and comes with 1/2" fittings."

Does that mena that the required barbs should had been supplied with the reservoir?

I have put in the tube side of a 1/2" swiftec bard and it goes straight through so that means the the hole on the reservoir side is way bigger than 1/2"!

Furthermore the description of the reservoir states:

" Not only is the fill hole a 1/2" ID NPT thread, the outlets are as well."

But if the tubing side of a 1/2" barb goes straight through doesnt that mean that the reservoir outlets are bigger than 1/2"??

I am confused and dont know what to get in order to fit the reservoir. Form the initial description it looks more and more like the barbs should have come with the reservoir but I got none.

Need help/clarification guys.

Please :)

[Jedda]

Link to the reservoir in store?
Sure sounds like they were supposed to be included.

edit
Ah, PC CaseGear. The mini blurb says they come with it but the expanded page doesn't.
I'd be taking a screen print of the first page and including it in my email to them. Hopefully they'll come good,
as you'll be off in the hardware store to get barbs that fit.
Their rep is OK amongst the long term aussie WC guys, so they may come good.

[MnM]

PC Case Gear who else?

http://www.pccasegear.com.au/category42_8.htm

is the second one on that page.

As I said after reading the description again it made me think that the barbs should have been included

"Fits in two 5.25" drive bays and comes with 1/2" fittings."

Jedda is this your understanding as well?

[MnM]

Anyway I got one of the Thermochill barbs out and it seems that those are the kind of barbs I need.

As for the hardware stuff - I only of places that does brass stuff. I rather not mix them with the silver ones.

[Jedda]

Yep, guess you missed my edit.
I really can't add more to that but agree you read it like me. I'd get that screen grab before raising it though. Don't want them changing it and stone walling.

[Jedda]

Anyway I got one of the Thermochill barbs out and it seems that those are the kind of barbs I need.

Back to Z again?

[MnM]

Back to Z again?

Yeah will ask him Hopefully he has those ones in stock. If not another week wait (as the I got the thermochill ones from Petra and it took 1 week via normal air mail).

[Jedda]

Yeah, I'm ordering 10 from Quoc tonight.
Cool he'll drop them in a padded postal bag.

[MnM]

So where are you Jedda? Maybe you can order 11 pairs.
This is what I got from him last time:

2x AquaExtreme High-Flow Fittings (G 3/8, ½” OD)

[Jedda]

I'm in northern nsw, Lismore.
I'm happy to add 2 to the order and pop them in an envelope to you. Post from me to sydney is usualy two days. PO two doors up from me.
I put a buy of thermochills together with Aus O'clock guys and I'll be posting the other barbs to a couple of them. So it's no big deal to add yours.

[MnM]

Yeah cool. Thanks man.
Well that is what I require:

2x AquaExtreme High-Flow Fittings (G 3/8, ½” OD)

I am in Perth so I will pay $6 more for express post from you to me :)
When do you expect your order to arrive?

[Jedda]

Last one was 5 days from payment. So I'm hoping for monday with a tiny chance of friday. I'll repost straight from the PO. I don't get a delivery at home as there's no postman.

[MnM]

Last one was 5 days from payment. So I'm hoping for monday with a tiny chance of friday. I'll repost straight from the PO. I don't get a delivery at home as there's no postman.

Yeah I will wait. I think is best as all the other barbs are silver so I rather not get the black plastic ones from Z.
Anyway you better PM some bank details so I can pay for the barbs and Express Post :)
Will do that tomorrow sometimes and PM right away.
And again, thanks!! much appreciated.

[Jedda]

My pleasure, bro.
I'll PM you on the other site tomorrow.
Gotta get some Z's now.

[MnM]

Gotta get some Z's now.

Same here.

[septim]

most likely monday, as Quoc will be open tuesday...

[MnM]

most likely monday, as Quoc will be open tuesday...

Yeah I saw that - but Tuesday is today!! SO hopefully he get to mail them out tonight Australian time :)

Just a little update - I have contacted PCCG about the barbs problem. They told me that they will get the barbs and post them to me today (or so they claim).
Also I have paid Jedda, so I will get some from Petras as well.

[Jedda]

That's cool from PC Case Gear.
As I said, they've a good rep, if a some what limited WC range.
I guess it's doing the right thing, like they have with you, that's earned it.

[MnM]

A small update as I havent done much lately.
Just installed the reservoir and did some tests (water leek and tubing).

Lets tart with some getto modding of the Swiftec ram heat sinks in order to fit my 8800GTX:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/video1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/video2.JPG

Next the tubes and res:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/reservoir23.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/reservoir1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/tubetesting.JPG

On another note I am still waiting for my res barbs and blue Pentosin to arrive (thanks Jedda). So because I had nothing to do I decided to search the forums to see how my components rate (maybe I should not have done this!).

I have since found that most people are running away from the bay res as they are prone to leeking :( So now I am confused. I am almost confident that I should not use it (dont want to risk my hardware). howerver there are now 2 scholl of thoughts - use a res or use a T-line.
Dont know which I should use. If I use a res then I will most probably order the EK-RES250 Multi-Option Reservoir and delrin port from Petras. That = more delays (i really want to use my PC soon before my hardware is obsolite).

What do you guys suggest? T-Line or res?

[Colossous]

60173

Nice build duder !! Above is the Opti i have and will soon be building so looking forward to seeing yours finished !! :up:

[MnM]

60173

Nice build duder !! Above is the Opti i have and will soon be building so looking forward to seeing yours finished !! :up:


Thanks man. It seem the cubes are the flavour those days. Looking forward to your build. Hope you have fun and let us know the link :up:

[Robump]

That looks great, what did you use to stick on the ram sinks?

Rob

[MnM]

Well I left the double sided sticky tape as it was (really you can not stick those heatsinks to anything as the double sided stickytape is very very weak) and I used super glue.

What I did is take a toothpick, have a couple of drops of super glue on some surface. With the toothpick I put the tip in the superglue and them touch one corner of the ram. Dip toothpick in super glue touch another corner ... etc
Once I had 4 corners done I applied the heatsink. It is strong enough to stay there but I can easily remove them if need be.

[MnM]

Can someone help me with this please?
I need to put an order through today at Petras so if the res is needed then I will include it as well. Bugger the bay res really fitted well in the "looks" of my case.

I have since found that most people are running away from the bay res as they are prone to leeking So now I am confused. I am almost confident that I should not use it (dont want to risk my hardware). howerver there are now 2 scholl of thoughts - use a res or use a T-line.
Dont know which I should use. If I use a res then I will most probably order the EK-RES250 Multi-Option Reservoir and delrin port from Petras. That = more delays (i really want to use my PC soon before my hardware is obsolite).

What do you guys suggest? T-Line or res?

[Colossous]

I'm thinking of using Swiftech Micro res's, have'nt heard any bad reports about them !?

http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=34_42&products_id=173

[MnM]

Yeah I got one of those too ..but the problem is that you can not use any of the additives that are on the market - like Ethylene based or alcohol based as it will make any acrylic res brittle and crack.

The bay res I red that they crack anyway thats why I am having second thoughts about it.
I will like to use additives as it gives me different (than green) UV color and preventa algae from forming.

[n00b 0f l337]

Wait, do you realize your going to be pumping into your res, then through your loop? I'd reverse that pump man

[MnM]

Wait, do you realize your going to be pumping into your res, then through your loop? I'd reverse that pump man

I was wondering if somebody was going to pick that up :)
It was just a try.. I am modifying the loop to be:

pump>rad>cpu>gpu>res

[Jedda]

I really can't see using a reservoir unless it's for aesthetic reasons.
A killer visual feature can really set your box off.
But a cab row of reservoirs can really look bad too so it's personal choice.
On tech grounds I think you can always add volume temporarily to your T-line for filling. Even just a funnel does the job.
I've got a MCRES but wont use it. A T-line is my choice on room grounds. Why waste case space when I'm short on that atm?
If I did use a res it'd be EK, for looks.
Hope the thinking behind my choice might help you in yours.

[septim]

hmm MnM what ever did you use on those mc14 ramsinks. looks like you chewed them 1 at a time...

EK multioption res FTW definitely...

i have a mcres, running for 6months now, 5 with pentosin. so far no leaks. knock on wood...

[xsbb]

wow nice job

[MnM]

hmm MnM what ever did you use on those mc14 ramsinks. looks like you chewed them 1 at a time...

EK multioption res FTW definitely...

i have a mcres, running for 6months now, 5 with pentosin. so far no leaks. knock on wood...

Haha here is the tool of choice:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/tool.JPG

As for the res I decided to go with the T-Line and a delrin fillport port. I will start drilling the UFO soon :D
Main reson for this is that I can drill now and have the line in place = I can use PC in a few days. When the fillport arrives is just a matter of installing it.
I am still thinking what to put in the 2 5 /1/4 bays now that they are empty. Any suggestions?

[septim]

hmm more Raptor HDs in raid...

[MnM]

hmm more Raptor HDs in raid...


Nahh I already have 2 of those... enough for me :D
Need more suggestions - looking for something that while it will add to the looks of the case is also useful in some way. I am thinking of an Alphacool LCD but not sure if the are worth the $$.

[MnM]

Actually one more question. For my T-Line I have this:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/brass.JPG

Is it OK to be used with the Nickel Plated Brass? (the normal silver barbs)

[Jedda]

Just fitted an alphacool LCD.
That 240x128 that ChillPC were showing. I think I can get it working with samurize so should show the M-cube stuff. It's got an Everest plug in but M-cube Navigator doesn't yet so it won't play that way.
It can run LCDhype and the other one and they've got pages of plug ins so it should show weather, news,emails etc.
I'll let you know how it goes next week if you want. It'll take me that long to get to it. Gotta rebuild the box again with a couple of cuts for cable management and new plumbing.

[MnM]

Just fitted an alphacool LCD.
That 240x128 that ChillPC were showing. I think I can get it working with samurize so should show the M-cube stuff. It's got an Everest plug in but M-cube Navigator doesn't yet so it won't play that way.
It can run LCDhype and the other one and they've got pages of plug ins so it should show weather, news,emails etc.
I'll let you know how it goes next week if you want. It'll take me that long to get to it. Gotta rebuild the box again with a couple of cuts for cable management and new plumbing.

Cool thanks Jedda. Yes I will be interested on how you go with that. I was looking at the dual 5 1/4 but it seems that chilledpc does not have any in stock. Looking forward to your results!!

[Jedda]

No they don't and I suspect they may not get more. They sold me the demo screen from the shop. Great for me pricewise but sorta hints they don't think they need to show it again.
I think alphacool may be only doing the free-standing model from now on.

[MnM]

Did you get silver or black version?

[Jedda]

Silver

[MnM]

Actually one more question. For my T-Line I have this:

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/brass.JPG

Is it OK to be used with the Nickel Plated Brass? (the normal silver barbs)

Anyone?

[phelan1777]

Its brass I don't think you can get much better for water cooling parts.

[MnM]

Its brass I don't think you can get much better for water cooling parts.

Thanks I know that. What I ment is if this will integrate OK with the silver barbs that are around (aquaxtreme, dd etc) in regads to corrosion and such

[phelan1777]

hehehe, I was being a smarta$$.

There should not be an issue using it in your loop, hell if the manufactures used brass on everything that would be AWSOME, well except for the actual blocks.

[MnM]

Hey guys after changing over to a T-Line, I started filling the tline with the liquid that I have (not sure if I have enough liquid - last itme when I used the reservoir definitly not enough). Ayway I though I might as well strat the filling process as I will get more UV stuff tomorrow so I can brew more liquid :D

Anyway, I shorted my power supply (green wire with black wire). I pluged in my pump (made sure the yellow wire from the pump connects to the yellow wire from the power supply). I put liquid in the tline and turned it on.
I can hear the pump turning on but there is NO liquid moving around the components.

I plugge din a HDD and 2 cdrom drives thingking maybe the pump is not enough. I start it up - I can hear the hdd spinning up, the pump starting but no liquid moving around!! I am puzzled by this - this is the first time I turned on this pumo since I got it from petras. I used pure lungs power to push in liquid through the loop. Same result after I turn on the pump.

Now just to describe my setup a bit more:

1. The intake of the pump is the one that has the barb horizontally and the out is the one that is vertically right? I have my tLine just in the front of the intake.

Any ideas guys?

[MnM]

Just saw in on Petras - Inlet is at the top of the pump.
I thought is the same as Eheim - outlet at the top not inlet!!
Ohh well now to drain and change tubing around.

Edit: ohh also that means that my current loop goes pump>tline>rad>gpu>cpu>pump

Thast pretty bad isnt it?

[MnM]

Ok changed the tubes around. Started filling with coolant.
ATM I can see a LOT of foam in the loop but no leaks at all.
I will leave it running overnight, hopefully that will get rid of the foam in the setup.

By the way this is how I have mouted my pump (had no choice as my power supply is longer than standard):

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/pumpmod1.JPG

http://www.auswebserv.com/Cubic/pumpmod2.JPG

[jabski]

nice build. Lets hope you get through leak testing ok. Have you made your mind up on what to put in the other 2 bays yet where the res was ??

[MnM]

nice build. Lets hope you get through leak testing ok. Have you made your mind up on what to put in the other 2 bays yet where the res was ??

Yeah I will cover one bay up with a face plate and a black Alphacool LCD is going into the other empty bay.

[MnM]

Just a quick update - coolant was just enough without a reservoir. The TLine is almost empty - it has about 5cm of liquid in in. This was the level after I let it run overnight. All the foam stuff has dissapeared too. When I get back from work will give shake and twist and trun the case a bit to ensure all air bubbles are out.

I think I will turn on the PC tonight if everything goes OK.

[vservera]

veri nic job, nice work m8

[mstrmold]

holy thread resurrection batman!:eek:

[Okda]

holy thread resurrection batman!:eek:

couldn't stop laughing :)

[MnM]

Holy %$#^#^% yeah really thread resurrection.
I was talking with a friend and was looking at this thread and noticed the reply.

Really needs an update with the new components that are running now.
I might just do that when I get a chance.