Project X-343B-WC (Lian Li Cube) Completed [WARNING: Lots of Pics! 56K Beware]

[mjassbong]

Finally, after about 5 months long, I introduce to you my new build X-343B-WC. "343B" is for the Lian Li cube case. What started out as a simple 2 loops upgrade from my previous Opteron 170 system led to an all-out extreme watercooling system. Some of you have already seen a few sneak peek pics but here's more for your viewing pleasure. Critiques and feedbacks are welcome, infact encouraged. Thx!

SYSTEM SPECS
Main Components
Mobo: Asus Striker Extreme
CPU: Q6600
GPU: eVGA 8800GTX SLI
RAM: 4GB OCZ FlexXLC PC2-9200

Audio
SoundBlaster X-Fi Fatal1ty

Storage
LSI Logic Dual Channel Ultra-320 PCI-Express SCSI Controller
580GB 147GB x 4 RAID 0 Fujitsu Ultra-320 15K RPM
750GB Seagate SATA-II NL35
500GB WDC USB
Plextor PX-755SA w/Lian Li SATA USB External Enclosure

PSU
Ultra X3 1000W

Display
Dell 307WFP-HC
Spyder 2 Pro

Peripherals
Logitech G15 Keyboard
Logitech G7 Wireless Mouse

Watercooling
CPU: Swiftech GTX
GPU: EK 8800GTX FC x 2
Mobo: EK Asus NB/SB/Mosfetts Set
Pump: MCP655 x 1, MCP355 x 2
Rad: PA120.3 x 2, PA120.2 x 1
Res: Swiftech MC-Res x 3
Fitting: Koolance Compression
Tubing: Tygon 1/2", 3/8", 1/4"
Fan: Yates (Lots of It)

OS
Vista Ultimate x64

Main Use of System
Photos and Videos editing and Gaming


http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFD1_IMG_1493.jpg

LOOPS
Red: Res > MCP655 > PA120.3 > CPU > Res
Alien Green: Res > MCP355 > PA120.3 > GPU2 > GPU1 > Res
Blue: Res > MCP355 > 1/2" Y ..... F > PA120.2 > Res

Y1: > 1/2" to 1/4" > RAM1 > RAM2 > RAM3 > RAM4 > 1/4"-1/2" F
Y2: > SB > NB > MOS1 > MOS2 > 1/4"-1/2" F

[mjassbong]

IN THE BEGINNING

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG1_IMG_0043.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG2_IMG_0052.jpg
Skeletal view of 343B. I installed Akasa noise dampening material throughout the case then sleeved the cables.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG3_IMG_0045.jpg
Here's how 2 D5s can be mounted to the mobo side panel. These pumps were installed here for the originally intended dual loops. One D5 was removed as you will later see.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG4_IMG_0049.jpg
Bay module and top plate prepped for PA120.3,

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG6_IMG_0054.jpg
PA120.3 ready to be mounted

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG5_IMG_0055.jpg
Where a PA120.3 will live. Those fans are low speed yates with blue led. As you can imagine, am setting up a push-pull.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG7_IMG_0170.jpg
The Striker with EK's blocks installed. I can't praise enough about the look and quality of EK's work.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG8_IMG_0183.jpg
Another one of EK's beautiful work of art. The only thing that bothered me is the difference in colors of the G80s PCB. But I didn't lose any sleep over it.

That's all the pics I have for the prep work.

[mjassbong]

I PRESENT YOU X-343B-WC

EXTERNAL VIEWS

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OV1_IMG_1445.jpg
Bay cover is Lian Li PC-343B 3 X 5.25" Fan Module with Mesh Front and Filter.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OV2_IMG_1447.jpg
Side view. One day I will cut this side panel to put window just like the other side.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OV3_IMG_1452.jpg
Back side. Medium speed Yates + PSU fan for exhaust.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OV4_IMG_1451.jpg
A window with quite a breathtaking view :D

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OV5_IMG_1448.jpg
Another side shot. I love this case!

[mjassbong]

OTHER EXTERNAL VIEWS
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/TOP_IMG_1440.jpg
Top view. The original top panel was cut to perfectly match a PA120.2. I also bought the 343B top rad mount and clear top and ended up not using them. I plan to cut the clear top to match PA120.2 for better inside case view from the top.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OP_POWER_CONNECT_IMG_1443.jpg
Installed quick connect/disconnect of power button whenever the front panel is removed. I had to make the hole bigger to fit the molex, and I drank too much coffee that day. LOL!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/TOP_RAD1_IMG_1408.jpg
Here you can see how 2 PA120.3s can be installed in LL 343B. If you choose to keep the top bay panel, it must be cut just like I've done. Otherwise, just remove and toss or set it aside. From this shot you can also see how one of the reservoirs is mounted with bracket that came with MC-Res.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/TOP_RAD_MOUNT1_IMG_1411.jpg
Another shot showing how the reservoir is mounted.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/TOP_RAD_MOUNT2_IMG_1412.jpg
How the other 2 reservoirs are mounted. The red is screwed on to the green. The green is screwed on to the back side of the case. A perfect fit and location for this set up.

[lowfat]

Very Very Nice Job! No shortcuts taken, the way i like it :)

[mjassbong]

X-343B-WC IN DETAIL
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D1_IMG_1428.jpg
For 3 loops, the tubings don't look too busy because not all tubes are 1/2", and the 1/2" used is 5/8" OD, not 3/4". Only 5/8" OD will work with the 1/2" ID compression fitting. Coolsleeves had to be used in some area. I chose to install coolsleeve in almost all tubes just for the uniform look.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OP_FRONT_ANGLE_IMG_1439.jpg
Those 3 white fans on the PA120.3 are Nexus, for pulling air. 12" UV is installed on each side.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D2_IMG_1431.jpg
Close up bottom view. SB with 1/2" inlet and 3/8" outlet. PCI-E w/battery pack (white) and Fatal1ty between the GPUs.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D3_IMG_1432.jpg
Mid shot of CPU, RAM and MOS. Some of you probably have already screamed, "OMG there are 90 angles and too many of them!" Well all of the angles except one are on the insignificant loop.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D4_IMG_1436.jpg
A close up of the CPU. Note the MOS and RAM merging into the F-Fitting.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D5_IMG_1434.jpg
Close up of FlexXLC. The Asus Striker was quite a pain when it comes to 4 sticks of RAM. I had to go through 4 sets to finally find 4 sticks that work together in the Striker. Even so, the highest speed is 1066Mhz at 5-5-5-18, XLC 9200 rated timings.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D6_IMG_1433.jpg
Top view of PA120.2 and reservoirs.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D8_IMG_1437.jpg
MCP355 for GPUs.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D9_IMG_1438.jpg
MCP355 for NB/SB/RAM/MOS. These pumps are exceptionally quite once all the air in the loop is bleeded. These DDCs came with RPM cable that can be connected to the mobo fan header and then can be monitored in Windows using monitoring tools. I am using Everest.

[mjassbong]

THE DARK SIDE
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S2D1_IMG_1418.jpg
A little crowded but there's still plenty of access space.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S2D3_IMG_1406.jpg
4 x 15K RPM SCSIs + 1 SATA = HOT HOT HOT! Fortunately the rad fans are blowing at them. The drives are mounted by UFO HD mounting brackets. Yes, UFO :D
They are mounted to the rad fans and worked out quite well for this set up. Note the MCP655 is vertically mounted to back side of the mobo panel.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S2D4_IMG_1407.jpg
Just another close up shot.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S2D5_IMG_1413.jpg
The Ultra X3. Originally I had the PCP&C 1kW but that was so damn huge and long (insert dirty joke here). The X3 is a much smaller and shorter profile and incredibly beautiful, with black automotive finish, thin and very flexible modular cables and 1000 watts to boot. Oh, and it is also very quiet.

[lowfat]

Also how hard was that to bleed since you have the resovoirs on the outlet side of the pumps?

[mjassbong]

THE LIGHT SHOWS
Ok. Time for some cool light shows. But first I want to show you my 30 inches. No, not that. My Dell monitor. LOL!!!
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/307WFP1_IMG_1455.jpg
Monitor may appear smaller in pic than in real life, but the 30" is huge.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/307WFP2_IMG_1470.jpg
At 2560x1600, there's plenty of real estate. After calibration, the color is even more vibrant. Note the idle temps at the top right corner. The first 4 is the CPU core. The last bottom two is the GPU. How about that? It rhymes.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/IDLE_TEMP_IMG_1482.jpg
Close up of the idle temps. CPU and GPUs are not yet overclocked. So far am quite satisfy with the GPU temps. The CPU could be better eventho Q6600 runs really hot. What I should have done is bowed the GTX.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/SYSTEMD_IMG_1475.jpg
All together now. The system is still on the workbench in the garage. She will be moved to a nice cool room.

[mjassbong]

THE REAL LIGHT SHOW
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFNM3_IMG_1462.jpg
Did I mentioned that I love this case?

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFN2_IMG_1476.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFD2_IMG_1491.jpg
The green light effect on the EK acrylic top is alot greener in real life than in this photo and it looks stunning. This is accomplished by attaching green laser LED (3 LEDs) on top of EK's FC aluminum part with LEDs shining against the acrylic.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFD2_IMG_1506.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFD3_IMG_1502.jpg
The blue is a combination of Pentosin G11 and blue UV dye. It glows quite nicely. The CPU loop was intended to be UV orange but I found it almost impossible to obtain fluid that is even orange, let alone glows. Most of the orange UV dyes I've tried are either just light shade of red or green when exposed under UV light. Fire red was my next option but still doesn't glow as bright. Alien green is the brightest. You can't go wrong with either UV blue or alien green if you're looking for nice glows in your loop.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFD4_IMG_1498.jpg
With 2 x 6" UV light sticks attached to the back of MC-Res. Niice!!!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFD5_IMG_1496.jpg
No UV attached directly. MC-Res still glows very bright.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BACK2IMG_1399.jpg http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFNM5_IMG_1486.jpg
Asus Striker EL back lighting, Off/On.

[mjassbong]

LETS DO IT WITH LIGHTS OFF
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/SYSTEMN_IMG_1489.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFN1_IMG_1512.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFN4_IMG_1360.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFN5_IMG_1509.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFN6_IMG_1510.jpg
The green is so bright, it is yellow :D
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFN7_IMG_1511.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFNM4_IMG_1485.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFNM2_IMG_1461.jpg
Bulgin Vandal Power Switch - White
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/EFNM1_IMG_1379.jpg
Striker Power/Reset/Clr CMOS lighting and a nice bokeh (background/foreground blur) from a Canon 2.8 lens.

[mjassbong]

FINALLY, THE KEY TO RULE THEM ALL
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/Lighting_Key_FOB_IMG_1384.jpg
All lighting effects, except the power switch, are wired so it can be turned ON or OFF remotely with this key FOB.

[mjassbong]

Well there you have it. I hope you enjoyed viewing my rig as much as I enjoyed setting it up. Overclocking here I come.

[Jedda]

Loverly build!
I'd do the same if the case was available in Aust.
Had to bolt two together to bodge up a ghetto Lian-Li quad.
Your's came out really sweet.
Which keyboard is that?

[Mekrel]

Lovely build, puts the mountain mods cases' to shame.

Love how the panels actually slot into each other, and form a cube. None of this thumb screwing the panels to the side, making them stick out from the frame work.

[Glitch4583]

Wow :) I'm in the process of building something very similar, expect a couple PMs with questions :)

[no_n|ck]

Amazing build, realy nice job! I just recived my 343 cube and must say that the quality of the case is the best ive seen. Mine will not bo so flashy, as im not that kind of guy, but will defo took some ides from you! once again, great work! :up:

btw, is that optional part for the PSU, to suck the air only from outside?

[mjassbong]

Loverly build!
I'd do the same if the case was available in Aust.
Had to bolt two together to bodge up a ghetto Lian-Li quad.
Your's came out really sweet.
Which keyboard is that?

That keyboard is the Saitek Eclipse, which has been replaced with a G15.

[sick_g4m3r]

WOWOWOWOWOWOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you totally PWNZORZED any MM to the max!!!!


THATS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Turtle 1]

Nice job. I was wondering what the ambient temps were when you gave those Temps. For all the rads and loops they seem rather high for idle . I would expect all temps @ idle to be in the 26c-29c range.

[onekewlchip]

Lovely build, puts the mountain mods cases' to shame.

Love how the panels actually slot into each other, and form a cube. None of this thumb screwing the panels to the side, making them stick out from the frame work.

Interestingly enough he uses the Mountain Mods Hard drive brackets! Without them he'd be HD less with the Rads. Unfortunately he still has to use external optical devices - what a bummer! As for the non thumbscrew look, Looks way to flat to me. I like the 3D to the MM cubes the thumbscrews and removable bays. This LILI looks like a black flat square box, but the OP did an awesome job with this build. Very nice job with the tubing and coloring, and the modifications needed to fit the thermochill inside. Me though I'd of opt for this for a lot less money-

http://www.ocia.net/reviews/mmduality/page1.shtml

Can hold everything you got there plus some.

[[cTx] Nooc]

wow, thats beautiful :shocked:

XS keeps breaking its own record in WC xtremeties

[spider_d]

Wow, stunning build. Well done!

[mjassbong]

Lovely build, puts the mountain mods cases' to shame.

Love how the panels actually slot into each other, and form a cube. None of this thumb screwing the panels to the side, making them stick out from the frame work.

Altho build quality is almost equal or the same for both MM and LL but LL is alot cleaner and more refined looking while LL looks too industrial. I recall some one here on XS once described MM UFO as a Snap-On toolbox found in your garage. Am not puttting down on MM or anything because I recommended the case to a friend.

[sick_g4m3r]

whered you get that remote?

ill say it again, WOOWOWOOWOO@O!@O!OOO!

[mjassbong]

Glitch4583: Bring on the questions :D

no_n|ck: The PSU sucks air from the bottom of the case and exhaust through the back. Nothing was done to the PSU or LL PSU mounting.

Turtle1: It was very warm in the garage that day when I took the pic. Those temps are core temps of Intel Quad 6600.

[mjassbong]

Interestingly enough he uses the Mountain Mods Hard drive brackets! Without them he'd be HD less with the Rads. Unfortunately he still has to use external optical devices - what a bummer! As for the non thumbscrew look, Looks way to flat to me. I like the 3D to the MM cubes the thumbscrews and removable bays. This LILI looks like a black flat square box, but the OP did an awesome job with this build. Very nice job with the tubing and coloring, and the modifications needed to fit the thermochill inside. Me though I'd of opt for this for a lot less money-

http://www.ocia.net/reviews/mmduality/page1.shtml

Can hold everything you got there plus some.

Thx! You're right about my HD mounting. I was stuck for awhile figuring out how to mount them. I've tried various brackets but none seem to work until an XS member suggested the MM bracket. It's a Godsend!

As for the lost of bay devices, I didn't care too much having it installed in the case. Infact I find it more convenient with an external USB.

[IanY]

Never mind the computer and the water cooling... look at his raid set !!! The water cooling is cool and neat... but I see other things about this machine that blow me away.

mjassbong,

If it makes you feel any better, I went through four sticks of ram hell myself and I settled on the mediocre Corsair 8500C5 5-5-5-15 ram. I burnt through two sets of Dominator 8888C4 hot rod hyper expensive ram, and Corsair got mad with me with the RMAs lol I like that OCZ Flexx ram though.. and I heard they just released a PC2-9600 version that has the same exact problems with the Striker lol

[ANP !!!]

WOW man.. thats some Awesome work i have seen since a long time :D

[mjassbong]

whered you get that remote?

ill say it again, WOOWOWOOWOO@O!@O!OOO!

This is the one: http://www.xoxide.com/remote-12vdc-relay-kit.html

[IanY]

mjassbong,

Can you share why you chose to dremel out the holes at the top of your optical bay cages rather than just drill out the four pop rivets and remove the entire optical bay top panel ?

Would you believe I found an adapter to mount an optical drive in that case? :) Except that you can't access the optical drive from the front, obviously. If you have a plex window up top, I think a slot loaded DVDRW may work in vertical mounting mode.

[AndyM]

Wow, now that is a computer! Great work!

[NaeKuh]

nice work indeed. Very clean setup.

However each time i see one of your 90's it get a slight twitch.

Definitely nice build tho.

[Termite617]

Why bother watercooling the ram if you're only running it at 1066mhz? heh

[mjassbong]

IanY: For the majority of people who chose the Striker, they will go through some form of nightmare. Am glad mine wasn't eXtreme.

As for the bay top panel, I did removed it first by drilling out the 4 rivets. After removing it, I realized the cages were a bit flimsy. I then proceeded with the cutting in order to install it back on. However, once the rad is installed, the bay cages is very sturdy once again, even without the top. So my mod was really unnecessary, really. But it does look nice with it on :D

[IanY]

Did you use a dremel to cut ? I don't mean to sound ridiculous, but in your opinion, is the top edge of the case frame friendly to joining two cases.. as in flipping a second case upside down and bridging two cases with 6-32 bolts and nuts, or using pop rivets. ? The reason is, with full respect to you and everyone else, everyone's machine ends up very very cramped with very little space left. This is true with both LL and MM.

On the other hand, is the ceiling and the floor of the case perfectly smooth? One option is to remove the case ceiling top panel and then cutting a similar hole in the floor of the top case. Is the underside of the case floor aluminum colour or is it black ?

[mjassbong]

mjassbong,

Can you share why you chose to dremel out the holes at the top of your optical bay cages rather than just drill out the four pop rivets and remove the entire optical bay top panel ?

Would you believe I found an adapter to mount an optical drive in that case? :) Except that you can't access the optical drive from the front, obviously. If you have a plex window up top, I think a slot loaded DVDRW may work in vertical mounting mode.

Where did you find the adapter? I still have one more HD that got left out because of space issue. I am done with adding any devices but if you have an idea for me to mount another hard drive, I'd buy you beers, if you're local to me LOL!!!

[mjassbong]

Did you use a dremel to cut ? I don't mean to sound ridiculous, but in your opinion, is the top edge of the case frame friendly to joining two cases.. as in flipping a second case upside down and bridging two cases with 6-32 bolts and nuts, or using pop rivets. ? The reason is, with full respect to you and everyone else, everyone's machine ends up very very cramped with very little space left. This is true with both LL and MM.

On the other hand, is the ceiling and the floor of the case perfectly smooth? One option is to remove the case ceiling top panel and then cutting a similar hole in the floor of the top case. Is the underside of the case floor aluminum colour or is it black ?

I used a dremel and it was a pain to replacing the cutting wheel very often. In my opinion, the LL cube frame is very sturdy. I really think it's possible to stack 2 cases and joined them with bolts or rivets like you mentioned and also add extra support at the frames. That would make one awesome tower case.

If I recall, the underside of the case isn't completely smooth but not impossible to trim or sand the rough surfaces. And it is aluminum silver.

[mjassbong]

nice work indeed. Very clean setup.

However each time i see one of your 90's it get a slight twitch.

Definitely nice build tho.

With the amount of 90s I have installed, you must be having ALOT of that slight twitch, Naekuh LOL!!!! j/k

Thx for the compliment

[IanY]

Where did you find the adapter? I still have one more HD that got left out because of space issue. I am done with adding any devices but if you have an idea for me to mount another hard drive, I'd buy you beers, if you're local to me LOL!!!

Yeah baby lol Beer not necessary.. just glad to help :)

I found a way for you to have eight HDDs... yes 8 HDDs... up from your current five. I hope your extra HDDs will all be additions to your scsi raid :)

These are called Coolermaster 4-in-3 drive bays, typically used in the Stacker case but can also be used in any other case.

Buy two of these suckers and dump the fans (actually, they're not bad, so keep them lol)... mount the fan to the PA120.3 radiator. That mounting alone would be strong enough to support the weight of the drive cage, but the drive cage itself can be screwed onto the optical bay cage as well.

http://reviews.cnet.com/storage-accessories/cooler-master-4-in/4505-6517_7-30995795.html

As for the extra optical, that's a different product :)

[IanY]

Ya.. I forgot.. you may have to decide between using 1.5 inch x 6-32 self taping screws (assuming you are using close cornered Nexus aka Yate SLs) and 1.625 inch x 6-32 self tapping screws. You see the screw has to be fitted from the inside of the drive case and has to pass through the fan into the rad. Of course, if the fans are open corners, you have no such concerns. Its just that messing around with Thermochills is like messing around with a bomb. Don't want to puncture that radiator core.

[mjassbong]

nice work indeed. Very clean setup.

However each time i see one of your 90's it get a slight twitch.

Definitely nice build tho.

With the amount of 90s I have installed, you must be having ALOT of that slight twitch, Naekuh LOL!!!! j/k

Thx for the compliment

[IanY]

mjassbong,

Please do me a favor. Can you please confirm that the latest iteration of the 3007WFP-HC uses the LG/Phillips S-IPS LM300W01 panel and not the Samsung PVA LTM300M1 panel. Many thanks.

[mjassbong]

ANP and AndyM: Thx very much! The actual work wasn't so hard but it took alot of planning.

[dekruyter]

How did you, or did you, get the soundblaster fatality to work w/ Vista x64 and 4GB of ram; most people are having problems; are you using Alchemy?

That is one nice build, by the way. The cube seems like it's made for WC and radiators, unlike some builds that are forced into a standard air case.

Nice!

[Grinch]

very nice build you have there...I see you shot the pics with a 5D...very nice camera as well..you use a tripod with the dark shots?

[mjassbong]

Holy crap! I have one of these right now. I could have easily used one, mounting with the middle rad fan allowing for 4 drives instead of 3 with MM bracket. Mounting at the top will be in the way of the PA120.2 and at the bottom might be in the way of all the cables and tubings. Thx again for the suggestion. Now tell me where to send beer LOL!!

The Dell 3007-HC uses S-IPS panel from LG. Here's a few sources:
http://www.hothardware.com/articles/Dell_UltraSharp_3007WFPHC__92_Color_Gamut_30_Inch_ LCD/?page=2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitors

There is a long thread or toward the middle of this long thread about this monitor here:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1017391

It's a gorgeous monitor. The only negative is the lack of multiple inputs.



Yeah baby lol Beer not necessary.. just glad to help :)

I found a way for you to have eight HDDs... yes 8 HDDs... up from your current five. I hope your extra HDDs will all be additions to your scsi raid :)

These are called Coolermaster 4-in-3 drive bays, typically used in the Stacker case but can also be used in any other case.

Buy two of these suckers and dump the fans (actually, they're not bad, so keep them lol)... mount the fan to the PA120.3 radiator. That mounting alone would be strong enough to support the weight of the drive cage, but the drive cage itself can be screwed onto the optical bay cage as well.

http://reviews.cnet.com/storage-accessories/cooler-master-4-in/4505-6517_7-30995795.html

As for the extra optical, that's a different product :)

[mjassbong]

How did you, or did you, get the soundblaster fatality to work w/ Vista x64 and 4GB of ram; most people are having problems; are you using Alchemy?

That is one nice build, by the way. The cube seems like it's made for WC and radiators, unlike some builds that are forced into a standard air case.

Nice!

The only thing I did was installing the latest SB driver for Vista x64. Maybe it is working for me because I have not or did not enable EAX? I was playing COD2 and a few other games all day without and problem, without EAX.

Thx!

[mjassbong]

very nice build you have there...I see you shot the pics with a 5D...very nice camera as well..you use a tripod with the dark shots?

Thx :)
It was all hand held shots with the 24-70 lens, which has no IS. I may have gotten better results using a tripod with a little longer exposure.

[SiGfever]

Excellent job! :clap: :clap:

That is one classy build. :toast: :toast:

[hoax]

holy mother of bling! I am not exactly a huge fan of case lighting but damn...got to love the attention to detail and all the hard work you obviously put into this build.. and props for the remote... very cool :clap: :clap: :clap:

amazing work... and great pics to do it justice... many thanks for sharing them :up: :up:

[AndyM]

How do you like the mounting of those EK mosfet blocks? Are they stable and solid using the mounting mechanism they come with or ???

[Grinch]

Thx :)
It was all hand held shots with the 24-70 lens, which has no IS. I may have gotten better results using a tripod with a little longer exposure.



:eek: 24-70 major $$$...very nice glass...and a great camera...still great pics..:clap:

[IanY]

Holy crap! I have one of these right now. I could have easily used one, mounting with the middle rad fan allowing for 4 drives instead of 3 with MM bracket. Mounting at the top will be in the way of the PA120.2 and at the bottom might be in the way of all the cables and tubings. Thx again for the suggestion. Now tell me where to send beer LOL!!

The Dell 3007-HC uses S-IPS panel from LG. Here's a few sources:
http://www.hothardware.com/articles/Dell_UltraSharp_3007WFPHC__92_Color_Gamut_30_Inch_ LCD/?page=2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitors

There is a long thread or toward the middle of this long thread about this monitor here:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1017391

It's a gorgeous monitor. The only negative is the lack of multiple inputs.


I have a previous generation (actually second generation) 3007WFP S-IPS LG panel, as does my wife. There's this huge anxiety about Dell switching over to the cheaper Samsung panel... and I heard about the ghosting horrors with the PVA panel. I'm in the market for another one (my third) because my son wants one.

[IanY]

Mjassbong,

Do you use a Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L lens ? Its great for portraits. I know 24-70 isn't a common Nikkor AFS platform.. wife's hobby is photographs...

[k0nsl]

Very nice build. Looks awesome and I'm sure its awesome too!

[IanY]

mjassbong,

Just for your future reference, this is a nifty device to extend the platform for an optical bay. thus allowing one to install an optical drive and a rad together, except of course you cannot access the optical from the front.

Now.. think about it... perhaps the opticals can be mounted in front and the rad behind a few of those .... :) Opens up new possibilities :)


http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=257&products_id=2491

[Patriote]

Man...I am stunned. Have nothing else to say! What a freaking great work!

This is Xtreme!

Enjoy!

[IanY]

If you on the northern East Coast, I'll buy you some dinner to celebrate your beautiful machine :)

[sick_g4m3r]

That is an amazing build.

Thanks for that remote control link, I am definately using that in my build for the UVs. Thanks!

[IanY]

Dude,

Where did you buy the Akasa sound absorption foam ?

[mjassbong]

holy mother of bling! I am not exactly a huge fan of case lighting but damn...got to love the attention to detail and all the hard work you obviously put into this build.. and props for the remote... very cool :clap: :clap: :clap:

amazing work... and great pics to do it justice... many thanks for sharing them :up: :up:

Many thanks :)
That's the beauty of the remote. If I get tired of the bling or about to go blind from all these lights, I can just turn it off with one click :D

[Aerou]

mjassbong,
as you can see, we are all amazed by this this quality piece of work, beauty and one hell of machine,

this Lian-Li case is a marvelous thing to work with and you filled 100% with great stuff

I like the detail even in such a huge system,
congratz on this marvelous CUBE man :toast:

[mjassbong]

How do you like the mounting of those EK mosfet blocks? Are they stable and solid using the mounting mechanism they come with or ???

Mounting the mosfet blocks is very stable and feel solid. However, on the Striker, I ended up adding thermal pad on a few mosfetts because once tighten, the mobo bowed just a little around the area, creating gaps.

[mjassbong]

:eek: 24-70 major $$$...very nice glass...and a great camera...still great pics..:clap:

Canon L glasses are big $$$. But they have excellent resale value. I got the 24-70 barely 2 months ago. It is heavy but excellent lens for fast low light shots such as at weddings or portrait. It is on my 5D 90% of the time.

[mjassbong]

IanY:

Dinner! That sounds very good about now. Too bad am in the Westcoast. I used to go to NYC and Boston alot before my ex and I are separated.

About the new Dell 30HC, you can probably rest assured and am almost 100% sure that will always be an IPS panel. Even the previous generations are great monitor. The first time I saw a 30" LCD was Apple's at their store in SOHO and absolutely fell in love with it.

And wow! You got 2 already. Have you tried pairing them together? Talk about screen real-estate...

[mjassbong]

Mjassbong,

Do you use a Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L lens ? Its great for portraits. I know 24-70 isn't a common Nikkor AFS platform.. wife's hobby is photographs...

That's the one I have. I had the 24-105 f/4L IS prior (an excellent walk-around lens with great range) but I find myself shooting more in low light and needed something faster. I ended up almost breaking even by selling the 24-105 to buy the 24-70. Getting into dslr photography is a very expensive hobby, especially if you're shooting a Nikon or Canon. There is a tendency or urge to collect assortment of lenses which will make a HUGE dent on the checkbook. The upside is these quality glasses don't depreciate much, unlike our other expensive hobby - the PC and the constant upgrades :D Is your wife on the Nikon camp?

Great find on the optical bay extension. I bought most of the stuffs for this build from PPCS and missed this one.

I got the Akasa Paxmate II here: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/akpanorekit.html

[teyber]

sorry im really tired and im SURE this has been answered...

it appears you have overlooked one very important thing

where are your dvd/cd roms?

[mjassbong]

That is an amazing build.

Thanks for that remote control link, I am definately using that in my build for the UVs. Thanks!

No problem. Also you might want to pair the remote unit with this, which is what am using. It makes connections a lot easier.

http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-minibaybus.html

Or this, but more expensive.

http://www.xoxide.com/thermaltake-powerstation-mini-box.html

[mjassbong]

sorry im really tired and im SURE this has been answered...

it appears you have overlooked one very important thing

where are your dvd/cd roms?

LOL!!! Good observation. Here's my CD/DVD-ROM. It's a Lian Li EX-127 USB2. Can take both IDE or SATA drive. Mine is a Plextor PX-755SA, which is SATA.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/ex127_main.gif

[mjassbong]

Thank you all for the kind response and feedback. I've built a couple watercooling systems and this is my best one so far. Of course, I put in more time and alot more effort into it, not to mention a big dent in my bank account :lol2:

[Quazi]

Dad-gum-it Mjassbong. You make me want to spend money! That case is phenominal! Like Iany, I would like to see two of them stacked. Would be a bit xtreme I know. But.....

Awesome job in separating the loops like you did, going in 1\2" & coming out 3/8" from your chipset block, & cooling your ram with those awesome blocks!

I use a Stacker case & as soon as I saw your HD's, I immediately thought you could have used the 4 in 3 HD cage.

I have been keeping up for 5 months. And it is good to see it finally completed. CONGRATS m8! Job superbly well done!

[septim]

very good finish. although it really does get cramped in there...

IanY how's that stacking of 2 cases plan of yours coming along...

[IanY]

very good finish. although it really does get cramped in there...

IanY how's that stacking of 2 cases plan of yours coming along...

Septim,

Unfortunately it hasn't gone very far so far. Hard H20 is hooking me up with a custom fabrication shop because I am not very satisfied with either MM or LL's solution. In fact, I find MM a little hard to work with. The custom shop will get me the case that I truly want, but that takes time. Incidently, Hard H20 has a 36 inch cube done already... yes, its four times the size of a typical MM or LL case. Forget stacking. This one's stacked and double wide, and also one piece, not joined together by some silly rivets. Its going to blow the doors off conventional thinking.

[IanY]

That's the one I have. I had the 24-105 f/4L IS prior (an excellent walk-around lens with great range) but I find myself shooting more in low light and needed something faster. I ended up almost breaking even by selling the 24-105 to buy the 24-70. Getting into dslr photography is a very expensive hobby, especially if you're shooting a Nikon or Canon. There is a tendency or urge to collect assortment of lenses which will make a HUGE dent on the checkbook. The upside is these quality glasses don't depreciate much, unlike our other expensive hobby - the PC and the constant upgrades :D Is your wife on the Nikon camp?

Great find on the optical bay extension. I bought most of the stuffs for this build from PPCS and missed this one.

I got the Akasa Paxmate II here: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/akpanorekit.html


mjassbong,

Yes, she's with the Shiite enemy (Nikon) lol That hobby is killing me, forget computers. Computers are downright cheap compared to camera stuff. And don't be fooled that lenses are "buy once" items... if you are heavily into it, every freaking lens that comes oout... you gotta have it. You know some simple Nikkor AF-S zoom lenses can cost like 8800 SLI (geeks dimension costs in terms of computer hardware lol), and that's not even a telephoto or macro. Silly thing like a tripod.. oh.. it *must* be carbon fiber !.. if its heavy, guess who gets to carry the damn thing around.. :) And I love the justification too... "when I get a gig (usually a birthday party for some rich family), I get to earn about $500 for three hours of work"... "ya... never mind that your latest DX upgrade.. body only... cost me how much??" lol :)

Hey.. did you use one or two orders of Akasa Paxmate in that case ? It says that its "extremely difficult" to remove, which worries me a little because I tend to over-do things and then find out that I would need to remove some lol

On your optical box, do you use an eSata, USB2 or 1394/2 connection to the computer ? I dig Plextors.

Where are you.. So Cal, S. Barbara, Monterey, SF/Valley, Sacramento/Reno, Portland, Seattle ?

[Grinch]

I know I spend alot of time here as well:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

And yes dslr photography costs WAY more than computers...

here is what I have now:

Bodies: 30D & XTI
Lenses: Canon 50 f/1.8..Canon 100-400L f/4.5-5.6..Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5
Misc: 580EX..Better Beamer..4 & 8gb Ridata 150X CF..Opteka Battery Grips..Kenko 1.4 TC..UV Filters..Lowepro Slingshot..Tripod

[IanY]

OK. I stand corrected. Nikon does have a 28-70 f/2.8 AF-S lens. It costs only $1350 hahaha

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/169589-GREY/Nikon_1961_Zoom_W_A_Telephoto_AF_S_Zoom.html

Info for the Asus Striker Extreme memory support group.. for those moments where you feel all your hair is falling out from the four sticks of memory blues :)

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?id=20070511113652890&board_id=1&model=Striker+Extreme&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

More than you would care to know about the Striker Extreme

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?id=20070408022704074&board_id=1&model=P5N32-E+SLI&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

Have you tried bios 1301 ? I have had luck with bios 1102.

[mjassbong]

Septim,

Unfortunately it hasn't gone very far so far. Hard H20 is hooking me up with a custom fabrication shop because I am not very satisfied with either MM or LL's solution. In fact, I find MM a little hard to work with. The custom shop will get me the case that I truly want, but that takes time. Incidently, Hard H20 has a 36 inch cube done already... yes, its four times the size of a typical MM or LL case. Forget stacking. This one's stacked and double wide, and also one piece, not joined together by some silly rivets. Its going to blow the doors off conventional thinking.

Can't wait to see pics of this badboy :D
Am getting dizzy just thinking of its possibilities with a case this size. The phrase "The Mother of all Watercooling" should sum it up :ROTF:

[mjassbong]

mjassbong,

Yes, she's with the Shiite enemy (Nikon) lol That hobby is killing me, forget computers. Computers are downright cheap compared to camera stuff. And don't be fooled that lenses are "buy once" items... if you are heavily into it, every freaking lens that comes oout... you gotta have it. You know some simple Nikkor AF-S zoom lenses can cost like 8800 SLI (geeks dimension costs in terms of computer hardware lol), and that's not even a telephoto or macro. Silly thing like a tripod.. oh.. it *must* be carbon fiber !.. if its heavy, guess who gets to carry the damn thing around.. :) And I love the justification too... "when I get a gig (usually a birthday party for some rich family), I get to earn about $500 for three hours of work"... "ya... never mind that your latest DX upgrade.. body only... cost me how much??" lol :)

Hey.. did you use one or two orders of Akasa Paxmate in that case ? It says that its "extremely difficult" to remove, which worries me a little because I tend to over-do things and then find out that I would need to remove some lol

On your optical box, do you use an eSata, USB2 or 1394/2 connection to the computer ? I dig Plextors.

Where are you.. So Cal, S. Barbara, Monterey, SF/Valley, Sacramento/Reno, Portland, Seattle ?


I hear you. These lenses are a novelty item. You can never have enough of it until you bought the entire collections. I told myself enough is enough after I collected 4 lenses. But I still don't have a wide angle and need one. Or is that a "want"? Speaking of carbon fiber tripod, I don't have it either, yet. :ROTF:

I ordered 2 sets of Paxmate and ended up using 1 1/2 of it for this case. The glue they use is very sticky and on most surfaces, it's very difficult to remove without making a mess. If you intend to use it, I'd suggest plan it carefully.

That Lian Li EX-127 has USB 2.0 connection only to the PC. With this new build, I utilized all the USB ports in the back, on a 5-port hub, and even 1 of the port on the 30".

Sunny SoCal is where am at :)

[mjassbong]

I know I spend alot of time here as well:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

And yes dslr photography costs WAY more than computers...

here is what I have now:

Bodies: 30D & XTI
Lenses: Canon 50 f/1.8..Canon 100-400L f/4.5-5.6..Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5
Misc: 580EX..Better Beamer..4 & 8gb Ridata 150X CF..Opteka Battery Grips..Kenko 1.4 TC..UV Filters..Lowepro Slingshot..Tripod

Very nice gears you have. The 30D is a great body and what I had initially. I couldn't resist the step-up to the 5D when my local Sammys camera shop had a refurb for $1800. It is basically a brand new body. I still miss the 30D 5fps compare to 3fps on the 5D. But once I look through the 5D viewfinder, I completely forget the 30D :D

Being where you are, I bet the 100-400L comes in very handy. How's the result when used with your Kenko 1.4? And have you considered upgrading to 580EX II? Am thinking about it.

[mjassbong]

OK. I stand corrected. Nikon does have a 28-70 f/2.8 AF-S lens. It costs only $1350 hahaha


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/169589-GREY/Nikon_1961_Zoom_W_A_Telephoto_AF_S_Zoom.html

Yowzers! That's alot of dough, more than a Canon.


Info for the Asus Striker Extreme memory support group.. for those moments where you feel all your hair is falling out from the four sticks of memory blues :)

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?id=20070511113652890&board_id=1&model=Striker+Extreme&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

More than you would care to know about the Striker Extreme

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?id=20070408022704074&board_id=1&model=P5N32-E+SLI&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

Have you tried bios 1301 ? I have had luck with bios 1102.

I am on 1102 as well right now and seems to be working just fine. I may give 1301 a try after hearing the faster boot up time, better overclocking and 4GB support.

[IanY]

Err.. I suggest not jumping on the 1301 bandwagon yet. I hear a lot of gripes so far. Fools rush in where angels fear to thread lol :)

And for lenses, when you get into the telephoto stuff, which my wife thankfully isn't interested in (wildlife, investigative husband cheating on wife, celebrity snooping, etc.), we're talking $3000 to $5000 for one lens.

[IanY]

Very nice gears you have. The 30D is a great body and what I had initially. I couldn't resist the step-up to the 5D when my local Sammys camera shop had a refurb for $1800. It is basically a brand new body. I still miss the 30D 5fps compare to 3fps on the 5D. But once I look through the 5D viewfinder, I completely forget the 30D :D

Being where you are, I bet the 100-400L comes in very handy. How's the result when used with your Kenko 1.4? And have you considered upgrading to 580EX II? Am thinking about it.


You are very very lucky to get a 5D for that great price, refurbished or not. At least you are smart and didn't pay retail... I hear the retail for a 5D is $3,800, body only?.... is the 1D still the bomb for Canon ?

And just to console myself and make myself feel a bit better.... the ambient temps in Sunny SoCal ain't so good for extreme overclocking temps.... there, I feel much better now :D

[Grinch]

Very nice gears you have. The 30D is a great body and what I had initially. I couldn't resist the step-up to the 5D when my local Sammys camera shop had a refurb for $1800. It is basically a brand new body. I still miss the 30D 5fps compare to 3fps on the 5D. But once I look through the 5D viewfinder, I completely forget the 30D :D

Being where you are, I bet the 100-400L comes in very handy. How's the result when used with your Kenko 1.4? And have you considered upgrading to 580EX II? Am thinking about it.

:eek: $1800.00...nice! The only reason I have not gone with the 5D is exactly what you said ..5fps vs 3..I take alot of nature/sports photos and need all the fps I can get...this is what I am buying next instead of the 5D..

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0702/07022208canoneos1dmarkiii.asp

10mp @ 10fps....ew la la very nice...:eek:

my 100-400 rarely leaves my 30D along with my kenko 1.4....here is a place where all the pics I have taken were with the 100-400 along with the kenko tc...

http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/canon_100-400

keep in mind I have only been doing this since december 2006
:up:

[IanY]

Excuse me Mr. Grinch. Can you please enlighten me as to how you learned advanced Digi photography so darn fast? I live with my wife and I don't understand half the crap that she (and her circle) says when it comes to photography, and my skills are distinctly lacking.... I use auto focus cameras lol

[Grinch]

I am involved in a local photography club...and I read the hell out of:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

other than that ALOT of practice...*-)

alot of it to is in the glass attached to your camera...

[jabski]

great work mjassbong :)
Please explain abit more about the leds by the Ek blocks for you 8800's
thanks

[mjassbong]

IanY:
I guess I can wait awhile before jumping the 1301 bandwagon.
Btw, in SoCal we get to play golf pretty much year round :D

[mjassbong]

I am involved in a local photography club...and I read the hell out of:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

other than that ALOT of practice...*-)

alot of it to is in the glass attached to your camera...

I got started with digital photog middle of last year. I've been frequenting fredmiranda and dpreview. I will definitely check out photography-on-the-net. But like you said, the best way to learn is to just start shooting.

Those are some really nice photos you took. How long again have you been into photog? Your shots look like pro to me :)

[mjassbong]

great work mjassbong :)
Please explain abit more about the leds by the Ek blocks for you 8800's
thanks

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't have pics of how I mounted the green LEDs. Since a few others had asked the same question, here's my attempt at illustration.

First, this is the LED.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/svcompucycle_1957_38246148.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/svcompucycle_1957_38216960.jpg

Here's how I mounted it.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/IMG_0182_1.jpg

The LED is shining through the acrylic toward the back of the case. You can just use a double-sided tape, preferrably a thin one. However, I didn't have the tape at the time. So I applied a tiny dab of epoxy glue I had nearby on the LED and pressed it on to the EK aluminum heatsink.

Next, use a piece of black tape about the same lenght of the LED and place it between the acrylic and LED to prevent effect light from bleeding out.

If you have an inverted case such as some Lian Li's where G80 block is right-side-up, then you might want to make this mod look as neat as possible since it will be shown/exposed. Mine is a regular mount with the block upside down, you can barely see the LED.

[DavidP]

Very impressed !!! Congrats on the A+ build

[sick_g4m3r]

Wow grinch, i am not into photography stuff, but your pics are mindblowing!!!!!

[IanY]

IanY:
I guess I can wait awhile before jumping the 1301 bandwagon.
Btw, in SoCal we get to play golf pretty much year round :D

mjassbong:

Bah.. at least the links here are green and not brown ..j/k :D

[IanY]

Hey Mr. Grinch,

When I asked to see chicks, I wasn't expecting birds.. j/k :D Stunning photos.

[Jedda]

I hear you. These lenses are a novelty item. You can never have enough of it until you bought the entire collections. I told myself enough is enough after I collected 4 lenses. But I still don't have a wide angle and need one. Or is that a "want"? Speaking of carbon fiber tripod, I don't have it either, yet. :ROTF:



Roger that!
I haven't embraced digital photography with much enthusiasm, just because I have most of the old nikon range of lenses, drives and bodies.
LOL I haven't used my 24-70 for longer than Grinch has been into photography!

What's the go with mirror lenses? Can you strap the old 500 or 1000 reflex onto a digital body?

[Grinch]

I got started with digital photog middle of last year. I've been frequenting fredmiranda and dpreview. I will definitely check out photography-on-the-net. But like you said, the best way to learn is to just start shooting.

Those are some really nice photos you took. How long again have you been into photog? Your shots look like pro to me :)

Thanks man...I really like that forum for photography...I like the layout way better than dpreview...I have been doing this since december 2006:up:


Wow grinch, i am not into photography stuff, but your pics are mindblowing!!!!!

Thank you...:up:


Hey Mr. Grinch,

When I asked to see chicks, I wasn't expecting birds.. j/k :D Stunning photos.

:ROTF: ...Alot of it is in the glass...:)


Roger that!
I haven't embraced digital photography with much enthusiasm, just because I have most of the old nikon range of lenses, drives and bodies.
LOL I haven't used my 24-70 for longer than Grinch has been into photography!

What's the go with mirror lenses? Can you strap the old 500 or 1000 reflex onto a digital body?

you talking like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Opteka-500mm-HD-Telephoto-Mirror-Lens-for-Canon-EOS-EF_W0QQitemZ280132206851QQihZ018QQcategoryZ106844Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

you can but overall a mirror lens is not that good with IQ...:up:


If you want to see ALL the pics I have taken and put on the web...then go to:
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247

you might see a slow progression into getting better...

[sick_g4m3r]

Holy smokes! You bush gardens shots are amazing!!

[Grinch]

Holy smokes! You bush gardens shots are amazing!!

thanks man...although it was quite funny watching all these people stare at me with a giant white lens attached to my camera..:up:
when that 100-400 is extended with the lens hood on it looks HUGE..:clap:

[AcuraDC5]

I'm speechless.

[IanY]

Mr. Grinch,

You have the most lovely daughters. Your photography skills only make them all the more pretty.

[Movieman]

ahhh,well,ahem...I got a 3 year old Canon A70..:shakes:

[Jimmer411]

Very nice setup you have there. Tho personally I find the coolsleeves ugly :(

[MrToad]

Nice build massa. I also have the same enclosure, at the moment sitting in the workshop waiting to be butchered ^^

Very useful to see a real life application of this quality before I start hacking and slashing...

I'm also a fan of Bulgin switches (I put them everywhere that I need a bit of subtle bling), but I have a little thorn in my side.

I've never found switches like these anodized in black (I suppose is self defeating having an anti-vandalic switch that will lose it's coating after the first week of heavy battering :p: ).

Does anyone know where I could source such thing?

[Grinch]

Mr. Grinch,

You have the most lovely daughters. Your photography skills only make them all the more pretty.

thank you very much..:up:


ahhh,well,ahem...I got a 3 year old Canon A70..:shakes:

still decent...:up:

[mjassbong]

Very nice setup you have there. Tho personally I find the coolsleeves ugly :(

Thx! I didn't like coolsleeves either but this turned out pretty good, imo.

[mjassbong]

Nice build massa. I also have the same enclosure, at the moment sitting in the workshop waiting to be butchered ^^

Very useful to see a real life application of this quality before I start hacking and slashing...

I'm also a fan of Bulgin switches (I put them everywhere that I need a bit of subtle bling), but I have a little thorn in my side.

I've never found switches like these anodized in black (I suppose is self defeating having an anti-vandalic switch that will lose it's coating after the first week of heavy battering :p: ).

Does anyone know where I could source such thing?

Believe me I also looked for that anodized black bulgin switch. No where to be found.

I hope you'll post pics of your install. I'd like to see what others are doing to their 343B. I didn't have to butcher mine much, infact hardly at all.

[MrToad]

Believe me I also looked for that anodized black bulgin switch. No where to be found.

I thought that much, because Bulgin switches are made of SS, and if my memory serves me well the process of anodizing SS differs greatly of the process used with AL, and the result's durability is questionable to say the least.

However, I'd like to find an alternative to the stock push buttons because I don't particularly like them.


I hope you'll post pics of your install. I'd like to see what others are doing to their 343B. I didn't have to butcher mine much, infact hardly at all.

I will, but it will take a while. The whole mod is still on the drawing board, because of this never ending fight between what I'd like to use and what, being realistic, I can source.

Edit: Wooohoooo!!!! I haven't found black Bulgin switches, but I've found black aluminium (housing and actuator) anti vandal switches, flush mount, illuminated or not. Unfortunately they only make the illuminated rings in black or green, not blue or white, but still...

Sometimes seeking help in other sub-forums yields good results ^^

[mjassbong]

I have a previous generation (actually second generation) 3007WFP S-IPS LG panel, as does my wife. There's this huge anxiety about Dell switching over to the cheaper Samsung panel... and I heard about the ghosting horrors with the PVA panel. I'm in the market for another one (my third) because my son wants one.

IanY: Since you have 2 of these, does any one or all of yours run hot? I find my 3007-HC to be the hottest in the system. The room gets warmed up, too warm for the summer SoCal heat, after a few minutes the LCD is turned on. Anyway to watercool these montsters? :lol2:

[IanY]

IanY: Since you have 2 of these, does any one or all of yours run hot? I find my 3007-HC to be the hottest in the system. The room gets warmed up, too warm for the summer SoCal heat, after a few minutes the LCD is turned on. Anyway to watercool these montsters? :lol2:

They are in the same room but not next to each other. They are on tables up against seperate room walls. They are hot monitors, but I recall I switched over from a 21 inch and a 24 inch CRT, so they are nowhere as hot as the old CRTs (Sonys). Sorry that I cannot lend you comfort against taming the heat, and in fact, the whole room of electronics creates somewhat of a sauna. I cool the room perpetually with a wall unit airconditioner that I run in fan mode in the fall and in the spring. In the summer, its unbearable without the A/C on because the humidity in teh East is obnoxious (even compared to So. Cal., and I lived there before for one year). Its only in the middle of winter (remember that this is New England here) that the room is comfortable in terms of temperature.

[Bun-Bun]

Dang... Nice build :D

And so many people here with all the expensive hobbies like me... I feel so at home... lol

BTW I have a Minolta 7D with far too many lens's and accesories... problem is I wish i would have known they would sell out to Sony so soon after my purchase... theres $10k of stuff I wont get back...

So now looking at getting a D200... dad has one adn makes me jealous everytime I am over...

[RX7boricua]

See, this is how I can tell you're whipped! A real man would've kept both 3007's for himself, and given his wife the ol' 15" CRT! :yepp:


I have a previous generation (actually second generation) 3007WFP S-IPS LG panel, as does my wife. There's this huge anxiety about Dell switching over to the cheaper Samsung panel... and I heard about the ghosting horrors with the PVA panel. I'm in the market for another one (my third) because my son wants one.

[IanY]

Dang... Nice build :D

And so many people here with all the expensive hobbies like me... I feel so at home... lol

BTW I have a Minolta 7D with far too many lens's and accesories... problem is I wish i would have known they would sell out to Sony so soon after my purchase... theres $10k of stuff I wont get back...

So now looking at getting a D200... dad has one adn makes me jealous everytime I am over...


Along with the D200, I recommend the 18-200 f/3.5-5.6G AF-S with VRII. Its a good lens at a very decent price. There is also the 18-135 mm that is slightly cheaper. The SB-600 or SB-800 speedlight is a good complement.

[IanY]

See, this is how I can tell you're whipped! A real man would've kept both 3007's for himself, and given his wife the ol' 15" CRT! :yepp:

Wise man say.. dog house by shed not so comfortable and warm/cool as bedroom...

Older wise man say.. one 3007WFP not bad when old wise man no pay for it... guess who paid for it :)

Very old wise man say.. 15 inch CRT ... no access to basic needs... big problem...

[Bun-Bun]

Along with the D200, I recommend the 18-200 f/3.5-5.6G AF-S with VRII. Its a good lens at a very decent price. There is also the 18-135 mm that is slightly cheaper. The SB-600 or SB-800 speedlight is a good complement.

yeah my dad also has the 18-200 VR... man I love that combo. Currently my fav's with the 7D are 17-35 and 24-105.

Dad actually has a spare D70s kicking around... might go pick up a 18-200 and just use his D70s until I can get the D200...


Wise man say.. dog house by shed not so comfortable and warm/cool as bedroom...

Older wise man say.. one 3007WFP not bad when old wise man no pay for it... guess who paid for it :)

Very old wise man say.. 15 inch CRT ... no access to basic needs... big problem...

:rofl:

[Turtle 1]

You can get anti vandal switches in many colors . including the blue lighted ones. Google is your friend.


http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail/LambIndustries/PV5Series_Sealed_and_Colored_AntiVandal_Switch/37784/1

[mjassbong]

Wise man say.. dog house by shed not so comfortable and warm/cool as bedroom...

Older wise man say.. one 3007WFP not bad when old wise man no pay for it... guess who paid for it :)

Very old wise man say.. 15 inch CRT ... no access to basic needs... big problem...

:rofl: You are very wise indeed, my friend.

[mjassbong]

yeah my dad also has the 18-200 VR... man I love that combo. Currently my fav's with the 7D are 17-35 and 24-105.

Dad actually has a spare D70s kicking around... might go pick up a 18-200 and just use his D70s until I can get the D200...



:rofl:

I envy Nikonians for their 18-200 VR. I wish Canon would produce a lens with the same focal ranges, at 2.8 and with image stabilizer.

[MrToad]

You can get anti vandal switches in many colors . including the blue lighted ones. Google is your friend.


http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail/LambIndustries/PV5Series_Sealed_and_Colored_AntiVandal_Switch/37784/1

Thanks for the input.

See, the problem wasn't finding a manufacturer that would produce the kind of switches I wanted.

The problem was sourcing them in the UK and in single figure quantities.

[mjassbong]

You can get anti vandal switches in many colors . including the blue lighted ones. Google is your friend.


http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail/LambIndustries/PV5Series_Sealed_and_Colored_AntiVandal_Switch/37784/1

But but this is not a Bulgin vandal swtich. We're looking for a Bulgin with anodized or aluminum black body/frame.

[MrToad]

But but this is not a Bulgin vandal swtich. We're looking for a Bulgin with anodized or aluminum black body/frame.

Which unfortunately doesn't exist.+

Bulgin's anti vandal switches are made of SS, and due to the differences in the process (I don't even know if with SS using the term anodizing is correct or not), the end result's durability is not very good. And having an anti vandal product that's going to look tatty in a week is not a good selling point :P

Anyway, instead of searching for the impossible, I settled for a manufacturer called Saia-Burgess.

They do a nice range of black anodized aluminium anti vandal switches, that fit my aesthetic criteria, and are available through RS Components, which means I will have to pay a premium but I won't have to buy 1000 :D

[ranker]

I hope you have better luck with your remote than I do. I'm not sure which model you have, but I purchased the Logisys remote a long time ago. The interference with other electronic components in the room (not even the PC itself) caused me to rethink about using it. I'm not sure if i got a defective model or if I should have purchased one from a different company like yours.

[virtualrain]

Mjassbong... nice setup. I'm working on a three loop system in the same case but I'm converting the mobo to a horizontal setup. While I'll be usuing dual rads, I'm curious... how much clearance is there above and below the PA120.3? Is the rad basically resting on the top of the rivets for the front casters and the pics you show of the top is therefore illustrative of how much net clearance you have?

[Jedda]

Get P30 into it and 1333 here we come.
Get your vitamins Here (http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=5114) and P30 is out today.

[Waterlogged]

All this talk about 5D's, 30D's XTI's and other top notch photography gear has my Rebel XT feeling a bit inadequate. It has asked me to ask you to cease this behavior.

P.S. My Rebel GT has also started talking about suicide.:shrug:

[MrToad]

Do you have part numbers?

RS Components stock no. is 665-635.

However, I just realized I have to double check the dimensions of the original mounting hole, because this one is for 16.2mm hole, not 19mm like the Bulgin.

Anyway, this will have to wait, time for work...

[Grinch]

All this talk about 5D's, 30D's XTI's and other top notch photography gear has my Rebel XT feeling a bit inadequate. It has asked me to ask you to cease this behavior.

P.S. My Rebel GT has also started talking about suicide.:shrug:

:rofl: :ROTF: :clap: ...it's all good ...:up:

[mjassbong]

I hope you have better luck with your remote than I do. I'm not sure which model you have, but I purchased the Logisys remote a long time ago. The interference with other electronic components in the room (not even the PC itself) caused me to rethink about using it. I'm not sure if i got a defective model or if I should have purchased one from a different company like yours.

I got the same Logisys remote as you do, purchased over a year ago. I don't seemt to have any problem with interference. The only electronics in it's vicinity are the PC itself, Klipsch PC speakers, the 30" Dell and a TV. What kind of interference are you getting?

[mjassbong]

Mjassbong... nice setup. I'm working on a three loop system in the same case but I'm converting the mobo to a horizontal setup. While I'll be usuing dual rads, I'm curious... how much clearance is there above and below the PA120.3? Is the rad basically resting on the top of the rivets for the front casters and the pics you show of the top is therefore illustrative of how much net clearance you have?

Thx! I really like to see your setup with the horizontal mobo mounting.
There isn't much clearance at the bottom of the rad if you let it rest on the caster rivets like I did on mine. However, if you remove the bays top plate and not re-use it unlike I did, you can mount the rad about another 1/2 to 3/4" higher.

[mjassbong]

All this talk about 5D's, 30D's XTI's and other top notch photography gear has my Rebel XT feeling a bit inadequate. It has asked me to ask you to cease this behavior.

P.S. My Rebel GT has also started talking about suicide.:shrug:

Die Rebels! Die! :D j/k
The Rebels can still play with the 30Ds and 5Ds. I know a few pro photogs who has a Rebel as backup.

[IanY]

Coolpix FTW just kidding :) Because that's all I know how to use properly <- full noob auto focus :)

[cablesguy]

mjassbong...sweet built i must say :up: ...a coupla questions tho'

1) you mentioned replacing the PCP&C 1kw (length=23cm) for an Ultra X3, was it bec it didnt fit with the pa120.3, u reckon it'll fit a pa120.3 (push pull with 38mm fans) with a 22cm psu?

2) havent seen an actual 343b, so im not too clear abt u removing the top bay panel, whats that for anyway, keep the top panel frm flexing?


Thx

[mjassbong]

Coolpix FTW just kidding :) Because that's all I know how to use properly <- full noob auto focus :)

My first portal into digital world was a Coolpix 990 - great camera. Then it got stolen.

[jayhall0315]

Hey Mjassbong,
I gotta say, in order to get ready for some of my posts here at Xtreme, I looked at a great many pictures and components, and yours may take the cake. Seriously, hats off to you!
A few questions if you dont mind:
1 How long once you had all the components on hand did it take to get all the stuff in the case and fully set up for first boot?

2 If it is not a secret, how much did all that cost? Do you live under an overpass now that you own the best rig on the planet?

3 Could you give us a few HD Tach numbers on the RAID 0 x4 SCSI setup? I have seen some testing of RAID 0 with 4 enterprise drives at the techreport, but never really saw any large difference over RAID 0 with 2 Raptors. How much better is it?

It is time for you to enter that suckka into some mod contests and start taking home the cash!

Jay

[Bun-Bun]

Hey Mjassbong,
I gotta say, in order to get ready for some of my posts here at Xtreme, I looked at a great many pictures and components, and yours may take the cake. Seriously, hats off to you!
A few questions if you dont mind:
1 How long once you had all the components on hand did it take to get all the stuff in the case and fully set up for first boot?

2 If it is not a secret, how much did all that cost? Do you live under an overpass now that you own the best rig on the planet?

3 Could you give us a few HD Tach numbers on the RAID 0 x4 SCSI setup? I have seen some testing of RAID 0 with 4 enterprise drives at the techreport, but never really saw any large difference over RAID 0 with 2 Raptors. How much better is it?

It is time for you to enter that suckka into some mod contests and start taking home the cash!

Jay

Those SCSI drives arnt for speed (although they will be faster due to the better controller) they are meant for reliability.

Sure you can go buy a couple SATA drives and put them in raid and get similar performance but you don't have the Scalability and Reliability that SCSI controllers and drives provide...

But yes he does have a very impressive rig...

[jayhall0315]

Those SCSI drives arnt for speed (although they will be faster due to the better controller) they are meant for reliability.

Sure you can go buy a couple SATA drives and put them in raid and get similar performance but you don't have the Scalability and Reliability that SCSI controllers and drives provide...

But yes he does have a very impressive rig...

In what sense? Not trying to be argumentative, but we use both SCSI and SATA file storage/sever and RAID systems in our lab with Red Hat and Debian and for the most part, none of us in the lab can tell a difference. We seem to get much more bang for the buck from simple 250 GB Caviar drives. Care to add a bit more info?

If we could all get more folks behind projects like Ubuntu, the computing road ahead will be better for us all,
Jay
Jay

[mjassbong]

mjassbong...sweet built i must say :up: ...a coupla questions tho'

Thx! :)

1) you mentioned replacing the PCP&C 1kw (length=23cm) for an Ultra X3, was it bec it didnt fit with the pa120.3, u reckon it'll fit a pa120.3 (push pull with 38mm fans) with a 22cm psu?


2) havent seen an actual 343b, so im not too clear abt u removing the top bay panel, whats that for anyway, keep the top panel frm flexing?


Thx

[1]
The PCP&C 1kw will fit with a PA120.3 mounted but will leave no room for the PSU cables and running tubes to the rad. The Ultra X3 is 19cm in lenght and there are 2 things that helped with the clearance between the psu and the rad. (1) X3 modular cables are thin and flexible. I managed to tuck some of the cables underneath the psu. (2) I had to cut both the top and bottom fan shrouds from the LL343B Fan Module so that the PA120.3 can be mounted further toward the front, providing about another 1.5" of clearance.

Cut along red line to top (shown) and bottom of this fan module. Result is image on the right.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/CCFANMODULE_01.jpg http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG5_IMG_0055_Cropped.jpg

With your 22cm psu, it should fit with a PA120.3 push+pull config. provided you mod the 3x5.25 Fan Module by cutting the shrouds. OR, get this bay module instead:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210&products_id=3704

One more additional option is to mount the rad with barbs at the top if there's not enough clearance to run tubes at the bottom.

[2]
I should call that piece plate instead of panel. Yes, that top plate is to keep the bay cage firm. But once you mounted a rad, it is very firm even without that top plate.

[Bun-Bun]

In what sense? Not trying to be argumentative, but we use both SCSI and SATA file storage/sever and RAID systems in our lab with Red Hat and Debian and for the most part, none of us in the lab can tell a difference. We seem to get much more bang for the buck from simple 250 GB Caviar drives. Care to add a bit more info?

If we could all get more folks behind projects like Ubuntu, the computing road ahead will be better for us all,
Jay
Jay

For the most part you won't be able to tell a difference with smaller raids. And yes simple drives do give the best bang for your buck (although I wouldn't trust my data to a Caviar drive) The newest Seagates give you the best bang for your buck... which is why I got them over Raptors and got a X-Fi Elite Pro instead...

Where the benefit to SCSI comes in is when you have large raids (5+ drives) and have a lot of simataneous access to those drives.

For example here at work we run 10 76 GB SCSI drives in raid 5 for our file server. At any given time there is at least 150 people accessing that raid. Currently SCSI controllers can handle that way better then SATA controllers and offload almost (if not all) all of the load from the CPU. Why do you think there are SCSI controllers out there with P4 equiv. processors and 2+ GB of ram?

Then there is the reliability factor... SCSI drives and controllers are plain just built to last. Run two servers... one with SATA drives and one with SCSI drives... the SCSI server will outlast the SATA one by a long shot. There is a 4 x 36GB Raid Tower sitting here that as been used for over 5 years with constant daily access without even the slightest hitch. Don't see that with SATA...

Is that to say SATA is incapable of all that... no... The technology just has not matured enough yet. Gotta think about how long SCSI has been around... SATA is still an infant in comparison.

Is that also to say SCSI is worth it for everyone? No... I don't use SCSI... I use SATA at home. I have a 1.5 TB raid 5 on my new server made up of SATA Seagates. And I use an external drive for backup... good enough. SCSI is more for mission critical servers that can't afford even the slightest bit of down time. Such as work here where up to 300 employee's coudl be caused to not be able to work due to a Server problem.

[mjassbong]

Hey Mjassbong,
I gotta say, in order to get ready for some of my posts here at Xtreme, I looked at a great many pictures and components, and yours may take the cake. Seriously, hats off to you!
A few questions if you dont mind:
1 How long once you had all the components on hand did it take to get all the stuff in the case and fully set up for first boot?

2 If it is not a secret, how much did all that cost? Do you live under an overpass now that you own the best rig on the planet?

3 Could you give us a few HD Tach numbers on the RAID 0 x4 SCSI setup? I have seen some testing of RAID 0 with 4 enterprise drives at the techreport, but never really saw any large difference over RAID 0 with 2 Raptors. How much better is it?

It is time for you to enter that suckka into some mod contests and start taking home the cash!

Jay

Thanks very much. I never thought about entering any contests. The built was out of personal enjoyment and for my own use. But now I may submit this to NV SLIzone rig of the month :D

1. Once I had all of the components and determined the components placement inside the case, I'd say it took me about 3 weekends to set it all up. The minor details, such as cable sleevings, case mods, lightings, etc. took a lot of time.

2. LOL! Fortunately I still have a roof over my head. But ever since this rig was completed, my meals consist of only Cup O'noodles (j/k). This rig costs me between $4500 to $5k with the Dell 30" but excluding the following because they were migrated from my previous system:
- SCSI setup and SATA drives
- Plextor DVD
- 1 x PA120.3
- D5 pump

3. There are alot of benches with comparisons between various enterprise SCSI drives, most notably Seagate, Maxtor and Fujitsu at storagereview.com. There are also benches comparing between Raptors and SCSI. Here's direct link: http://www.storagereview.com/WD1500ADFD.sr?page=0%2C0

But I will do some benches of my own and will include HD performances along with 3dmark06 on my SLI set up.

[mjassbong]

For the most part you won't be able to tell a difference with smaller raids. And yes simple drives do give the best bang for your buck (although I wouldn't trust my data to a Caviar drive) The newest Seagates give you the best bang for your buck... which is why I got them over Raptors and got a X-Fi Elite Pro instead...

Where the benefit to SCSI comes in is when you have large raids (5+ drives) and have a lot of simataneous access to those drives.

For example here at work we run 10 76 GB SCSI drives in raid 5 for our file server. At any given time there is at least 150 people accessing that raid. Currently SCSI controllers can handle that way better then SATA controllers and offload almost (if not all) all of the load from the CPU. Why do you think there are SCSI controllers out there with P4 equiv. processors and 2+ GB of ram?

Then there is the reliability factor... SCSI drives and controllers are plain just built to last. Run two servers... one with SATA drives and one with SCSI drives... the SCSI server will outlast the SATA one by a long shot. There is a 4 x 36GB Raid Tower sitting here that as been used for over 5 years with constant daily access without even the slightest hitch. Don't see that with SATA...

Is that to say SATA is incapable of all that... no... The technology just has not matured enough yet. Gotta think about how long SCSI has been around... SATA is still an infant in comparison.

Is that also to say SCSI is worth it for everyone? No... I don't use SCSI... I use SATA at home. I have a 1.5 TB raid 5 on my new server made up of SATA Seagates. And I use an external drive for backup... good enough. SCSI is more for mission critical servers that can't afford even the slightest bit of down time. Such as work here where up to 300 employee's coudl be caused to not be able to work due to a Server problem.

Bub-Bun: Well put! I've used SCSI since the days of Ultra2 to now at Ultra320 and never once did any of the drives ever failed. I've set up servers at home using IDE RAID and had numerous drive failures.

I agree that SCSI is not for everyone, especially at home for mostly gaming. Where you see SCSI shining performance is in the server environment with multiple users and multiple instant file access. Then why am I using SCSI? Well (1) for reliability, (2) video editing?, (3) I got the drivess off Ebay for almost the same price of a Raptor. I even got a great deal on the controller. So, why not SCSI eventhough I have to deal with heat? :)

[Cascades]

mjassbong,

What a beautiful setup!!

I have spent a couple of weeks looking at all kinds of cases and as I read your writeup, it became clear that this is the case for me.

I will be utilizing two MCR-320 Radiators for the two loops. I'll mount the first one on the right side vertically, like you did, but where do you suggest mounting the 2nd MCR-320? It looks like the radiator would be too long to mount on the removable panel on top.

The system will utilize two CDROMs and a 5.25" fan controller. That will be mounted on the left side. The other question is where can I mount the six hard drives? I suppose I could mount them in an internal cage somewhere.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Rick

[IanY]

Cascade Rick,

If you absolutely must have optical drives, then you can use a MCR320 on the right, a MCR220 on the left and a MCR220 up top. The case has an optional top panel designed to fit an MCR220 perfectly. Mjassbong chose to use Thermochill rads, so the optional top radiator panel cannot be used.

I was the person who talked Mjassbong out of optical drives. This is the day of USB2 and Firewire2, not to mention other options such as eSata2, SAS2 and Ultra3Scsi. Mjassbong has his dvdrw drive in an external case that sits on his desktop. That is what I would recommend to you.

As for HDDs, I hinted to Mjassbong that he should look at the Mountain Mods HDD brackets, and he heeded my advice. That is what I suggest to mount six HDDs. If more HDDs are needed, more MM HDD brackets can be requisitioned.

Cheers.

[Cascades]

IanY,

Yeah, that case is so universial, you can do just about anything with it. I suppose I could use two of the MCR220s and not have to cut any metal.

Now, I just need to find those MM HDD brackets.

Here are the two loops I am thinking about implementing using two MCR220s:

Loop1: Res->Petra Pump->MCR220->MCR220->CPU->PWM->Res
Loop2: Res->Petra Pump->MCR320->NB->SB->GTX->Res

Regards,

Rick

[IanY]

IanY,

Yeah, that case is so universial, you can do just about anything with it. I suppose I could use two of the MCR220s and not have to cut any metal.

Now, I just need to find those MM HDD brackets.

Here are the two loops I am thinking about implementing using two MCR220s:

Loop1: Res->Petra Pump->MCR220->MCR220->CPU->PWM->Res
Loop2: Res->Petra Pump->MCR320->NB->SB->GTX->Res

Regards,

Rick


Cascades Rick,

The MM HDD brackets are easily found and readily available. Buy them here for cheap. I suggest black ones to blend in with the LL case.

http://www.mountainmods.com/index.php?cPath=21_34_65

You can use two MCR220s and one MCR320, and yet use up to three more PA120.1s if you deem necessary. All that without cutting anything. Alternatively, as I suggested, you can use two MCR320s, one MCR220 and up to three MCR120QPs or three PA120.1s. More radiators are even possible with a little imagination, subject to your budget, which probably is unlimited.

I suggest three loops. I suggest not mixing anything with the CPU.

res>pump>MCR320>cpu>res
res>pump>MCR320>gpu>res
res>pump>NB>SB>pwm>res

Possibilities are limitless and you can even break the pwm from the NB/SB. If you have the budget, we have the way :)

Regards.

[mjassbong]

IanY: You are pretty much a part of soul and spirit of this system. You are now officially my hardware consultant :)

Cascades: What IanY said. You can get the brackets from mountainmods.com. I had 6 drives also (4 SCSIs and 2 SATAs) but had to sacrifice 1 SATA because of space. After the build was completed, again with another IanY suggestion, there is a way for me to add that 1 left-over drive. I could have installed 2 more sets of MM brackets on the main components side and have a total of 12 drives but I chose not to. I wanted to keep that side clean at all cost.

As of right now, that extra drive is externally connected to a SATA port on the back of the Striker board.

These are what I had to give up.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project&#37;20X-343B/BayDevices.jpg

For this.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/X-343B-WCandEX-127.jpg

Not one regret!

[IanY]

IanY: You are pretty much a part of soul and spirit of this system. You are now officially my hardware consultant :)

Hey.. that's a dangerous statement... to which address do I send my invoice for my monthly retainer fee? After that, I hold people hostage with per diems :)

You know the real good news ?... Remember the Swiftech MCR120QPs with fixed 3/8 barbs? Well, they are not as good as PA120.1s but they are more skinny and three of them would fit nicely in a LL 343B. I just heard from Swiftech that they are moving to screw on barbs. You know what that means? We can have 1/4" barbs on one of those MCR120QPs and cool the OCZFlexx in a separate loop with a reliable less powerful pump like the D-Tek DB1. We can also route the NB and SB to the other two single radiators. That leaves the whole top dual radiator available for cooling expansion! Let's say we have two PA120.2s cooling two G92s.. on two separate loops, instead of stuffing two hot G92s into one PA120.3. This leaves open 3 optical bays for your optical stuff.. which is perfect for your Plex, your Matrix Orb and your X-fi Bay !!! hoooray !!

Have you seen my buddy Doubage's 343B? Another masterpiece.

{Edit: actually I saw that you posted in the update thread.. so you know about this work of art}

Initial Thread
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=126253&highlight=doubage

Update/Upgrade
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=141888&highlight=doubage

[Boxcar]

That things crazy! Thanks for the pics.

[mjassbong]

IanY: LOL! See, I rest my case. My wallet is already empty and my bank accounts dried from this rig. If you keep on providing more valuable info, personally I will have to declare bankruptcy. But this is good news, indeed, for those others who are looking to build new rig with a 343B.

Your friend's rig is where I got some of the inspirations from :)

Boxcar: Thanks mate!

[cablesguy]

Gotcha...thx for taking the trouble to explain in detail+pix, man this's really xtremesystems, all the sweet builts and mods...plus experienced advice, suppose Thx are in order to IanY for advising you on getting it right and coming with a nice built for all to see. Anymore pix :D

Cheers All :up:

[mjassbong]

Thx cablesguy. IanY doesn't need any Thx from me because he will be sending me his invoices instead :D j/k. He shall, forever, have my gratitude.

[santiagodraco]

Mjassbong,

What's your feeling on those Akasa sound dampeners? I'm considering adding some to my HTPC rig, and inside my pump/res external enclosure, but unless they are effective I might pass for the Damptek or Acoustipak stuff.

[mjassbong]

This is only subjective but I like 'em. I have no data, evidence or proof to claim that Akasa works better than the other or that the Akasa has reduced noise level and vibration in my case IF I were not to use it. I can tell you this tho, I bought another brand (don't recall which) and prefer the Akasa over the unknown brand just because the Akasa mat is black to match with my black lian li. The other brand is grey eventho it was claimed to be black. I used the grey brand in unexposed areas.

[MrToad]

This is only subjective but I like 'em. I have no data, evidence or proof to claim that Akasa works better than the other or that the Akasa has reduced noise level and vibration in my case IF I were not to use it. I can tell you this tho, I bought another brand (don't recall which) and prefer the Akasa over the unknown brand just because the Akasa mat is black to match with my black lian li. The other brand is grey eventho it was claimed to be black. I used the grey brand in unexposed areas.

The "grey stuff" is most likely the one from Acousti Products. (http://www.acoustiproducts.com/en/acoustipack_dx.asp)

I found myself looking at it as well, because this case, based on my experience with my much enjoyed Lian-Li PC-70, is going to be a nightmare of squeaks, rattles, reverberations and sonic annoyances in general...

With that particular one I ended up using the kind of (ugly as hell) foam we would use in floor insulation (3 cm thick high-density), basically because it was free (offcuts ftw! ^^). It didn't help a lot though. At that time I mounted the orange TT fans for the case, and a 60mm delta on the CPU, and the only way to silence those was to smash them with a blunting object (which in the end I did ^^; )

However, I must agree with you, they've managed to choose a rather unatractive colour for it :p:

And I don't like the Akasa one either because they've decided to print the bloody logo all over it, which doesn't really float my boat (unless they decide to sponsor my mod, of course ^^).

And the DampTEK one, although they call it (rather poetically) Anthracite Grey, looks more like filthy-used-to-be-white to me :p:

Mind you, I don't know why I bother about the looks because I'm going to ditch the windowed panel (or rather leave it in the loft for the spider's amusement) in favour of the original non-windowed one.

Being not-so-bright is sometimes such a hindrance...

[cablesguy]

how bad are the squeks and what nots for this case?
u referring to 343b?

havent used sound dampeners b4 but frm what i gather, it increases temps a little and a pita to remove

[MaxxxRacer]

mjassbong, I'm out in San Fernando. Maybe we should hang out sometime. I could drool over your camera/LCD/computer a bit.

Quite an amazing machine you have there.

With regard to hobbies.. Every one I enter seems to be more expensive than the next..

1. RC Cars (stopped due to expense)
2. Computers (havnt stopped, but dont purchase items as much because they dont break every time u use them)
3. Photography (also ties into computers due to screen calibrator and better LCD panels)

[mjassbong]

Thanks Maxxx!

This is my first "break the bank" PC build and there will not be another one for a very long time, I hope. Of course, I will just upgrade the CPU and GPUs down the road :D

I can imagine why you've stopped with RC cars. Between computers and photog, they get the most breakdowns.

P.S. - We definitely should have a hang out. Am about an hour+ from you, in Lakewood.

[ginnz]

Mjassbong.

i am simply amazed, theres nothing i can say that hasnt been said..... simply amazing, the attention to detail is second to none!

id sure hate to have to swap a part out in that rig though.... (ie, ram stick!)

my rig took me all of 6 hours to put togetrher, and looks like a POS compared to yours! i will be rebuilding mine in fall after my major house rono's (which include a new pc/work room!) ill be using your build as a refence to the merits of attention to detail! right down to the remote controlled lighting!

very nice work, you should be proud of what you've built there!

off to my crappy job. but ill be thinking of your rig all day ;-)

[mjassbong]

Thank you :)

I do agree. It's going to be a real pain in the ass when I have to drain the coolant or replace any of the components.

[Jedda]

Thank you :)

I do agree. It's going to be a real pain in the ass when I have to drain the coolant or replace any of the components.

That's got to be the design weakness of all the cube cases we see.
With motherboard mid-mounted they all overlap it with other components on both sides. I guess they want to take advantage of all the space in what are fairly large cases.
I'd prefer six inches more depth and none to very little overlapping the front side of the board.
Guess, making it myself would be the only way to get one like that.

[noel82]

Amazing system's specs and amazing job !! :clap: :clap:
I think it's one of the best in the forum ;)

[Cascades]

mjassbong,

How thick is that sound dampening material you used? I found some stuff that is 1/8" thick that has no logos on it. It's 4' wide and $6.95 per running foot.

http://www.soundproofing.org/sales/prices.html

Rick

[mjassbong]

That's got to be the design weakness of all the cube cases we see.
With motherboard mid-mounted they all overlap it with other components on both sides. I guess they want to take advantage of all the space in what are fairly large cases.
I'd prefer six inches more depth and none to very little overlapping the front side of the board.
Guess, making it myself would be the only way to get one like that.

Am with you. This case would have been PERFECT if it is a few more inches deep and taller.

[mjassbong]

noel82: Thank you.

Rick: The Akasa is 4mm thick, just a little over 1/8". That site you listed has good price. I should have shopped around first.

[Grinch]

that's It...............I've had enough...you deserve an "ICE COLD" beer:

http://s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/_MG_2158.jpg (http://s2.supload.com/free/_MG_2158.jpg/view/)


:up: :up: :clap: :shocked:


believe it or not this is EXACTLY how they looked coming out of my fridge!..:woot:

[mjassbong]

:lol: That is exactly what needed here in Socal. It is so hot today. Thanks for the ice cold beer.

[Grinch]

no prob....*-)

[Tauvo]

W:shocked:W!!!! Very nicely done!

[lloydsmart]

Best WC system I've seen so far! Absolutely amazing.

[Anemone]

Yes more depth and a removeable mobo system would have been tons better. Put my 343B (log to come in a month or two as things are building slowly) to the saw yesterday, cut the mobo down to ATX size and give myself access to both drive bays much easier. Like the change very much, but it sure was kind of creepy cutting such a case.

:)

[mjassbong]

W:shocked:W!!!! Very nicely done!


Best WC system I've seen so far! Absolutely amazing.

Thanks! This was a straight-up install - very little case modding done. Mekrel and Angry_Steel and a few others are setting up a system using the same case. But their case-modding skills will put mine to shame :p:

[Jedda]

Yes more depth and a removeable mobo system would have been tons better. Put my 343B (log to come in a month or two as things are building slowly) to the saw yesterday, cut the mobo down to ATX size and give myself access to both drive bays much easier. Like the change very much, but it sure was kind of creepy cutting such a case.

:)

343 being conceptually two Lian Li cases joined together, it's all about which cases they chose.
I came up with the same idea but using the V1000 instead.
Appearance-wise it's not as good looking externally but the extra bit of room makes layout much better, imho. Build log soon.

[Anemone]

bolted 2 v1000's together???

[Jedda]

Yep!

[cablesguy]

Jedda....any pix to showoff

[Jedda]

Jedda....any pix to showoff

Well, this is Mjassbong's thread and I'll be posting mine in a build thread soon.
But just to show it's not hot air and with apologies to Mjassbong for the liberty, I'll show the extra half behind the motherboard which is where the bulk of my WC will be. A PA120.3 top and bottom with pumps and reservoirs in the middle for two loops planned.

Edit Have my thread up Here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=156663) so I've taken the pic down. Folks should be looking at Massbong's pics, not mine.

[cablesguy]

cool...cant wait :up:

[tiro_uspsss]

@ Jedda - funny how u came up with fusing those two... just 2 weeks ago i was thinking of fusing 2 343B's together, but instead of next to each other, one on top of the other :D

[Jedda]

Yeah, the first company to come up with a connect together system that lets us really build our own layout will reign. A lot of the Lian Li stuff transfers between their cases as it is.

[~aoe~]

I'd just like to add my congratulations. That is a fantastic build :up:

I'm just starting my 1st water-cooling build, and have purchased the PC-343 case (originally bought an MM, but wasn't totally happy with it) together with a PA120.3 rad (single loop for now).

I did have a few questions regarding component layout for this case, but this thread seems to have answered most of them :)

I may have more questions during the build process however. I hope I can rely on your support :p:

[Cascades]

I'd just like to add my congratulations. That is a fantastic build :up:

I'm just starting my 1st water-cooling build, and have purchased the PC-343 case (originally bought an MM, but wasn't totally happy with it) together with a PA120.3 rad (single loop for now).

I did have a few questions regarding component layout for this case, but this thread seems to have answered most of them :)

I may have more questions during the build process however. I hope I can rely on your support :p:


There are several of us that are building a custom system using the 343 case using different layouts. Search 343 for different ideas.

Cheers!

[~aoe~]

Thx for the info Cascades. I've subscribed to the other threads and will take my time working through them.

As this will be my 1st attempt at both water-cooling and modding, my build will not be as extreme as those posted. Just a single loop for the CPU to start and then maybe look to extend at a later date once I have built up a little experience.

[mjassbong]

I'd just like to add my congratulations. That is a fantastic build :up:

I'm just starting my 1st water-cooling build, and have purchased the PC-343 case (originally bought an MM, but wasn't totally happy with it) together with a PA120.3 rad (single loop for now).

I did have a few questions regarding component layout for this case, but this thread seems to have answered most of them :)

I may have more questions during the build process however. I hope I can rely on your support :p:

Thanks! You have chosen one nice case. You will find Cascades and many others with the same case in the process of setting up. So you've come to the right place with questions :)

[egraphix]

awesome build!!

mjassbong: can you please post the wiring for the logysis remote? i've ordered one form the US over ebay and got it delievered last week. i've also just had the LL343b delieved today-and will be wirng it all up in the next few days.

From the black small box you have 5 wires.
blue one is for the RF antenna
the 2 black are ground
red one is 12v IN
and white 12v is OUT.

Am i right in saying that one black and 12v IN is connected to the PSU; and the other black and 12v OUT is connected to a molex for example-which is then looped to the several cathodes?

pic attached:

http://www.egraphixstudios.com/images/remote.jpg

[mjassbong]

That's pretty much it. You have the wiring diagram correctly. One option to connect the 12V OUT to is a power station like this one:
http://www.xoxide.com/thermaltake-powerstation-mini-box.html
Then you can connect all of your lighting to be remotely turned on/off to this box.

Also be sure to hang up the blue RF wire high. Otherwise, you'd have to be really close to your LL343B to use the key fob.

[pH(x)]

Good one, mjassbong. That is a nice looking machine. I right-clicked Save As every damn picture you posted :ROTF:

[Movieman]

Thanks! You have chosen one nice case. You will find Cascades and many others with the same case in the process of setting up. So you've come to the right place with questions :)

Mjassbong: Absolutely magnificent build.:up:

[mjassbong]

Good one, mjassbong. That is a nice looking machine. I right-clicked Save As every damn picture you posted :ROTF:

Thx! I am flattered. Let me know if you want any high resolution (4368 x 2912) images :D


Mjassbong: Absolutely magnificent build.:up:

Thx again Movieman. I really enjoy using this system.

[cablesguy]

Good one, mjassbong. That is a nice looking machine. I right-clicked Save As every damn picture you posted :ROTF:

Well...actually me too....funny but i still come in once awhile to see even tho i hv it saved in my hd :D

[shabranigdo]

Wow, very impressive. I swear the more I look at builds the more excessive my plans try to become.



X-343B-WC IN DETAIL
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/S1D1_IMG_1428.jpg
For 3 loops, the tubings don't look too busy because not all tubes are 1/2", and the 1/2" used is 5/8" OD, not 3/4". Only 5/8" OD will work with the 1/2" ID compression fitting.

I have a question about the fittings you are using. I have been looking for compression fittings that work with a 1/2" ID tube, what are those and how happy are you with them? I like the look of compression fittings over zip ties or worm clamps. Also how are they for being secure/ leak free.
Thanks for any help.

[Waterlogged]

I have a question about the fittings you are using. I have been looking for compression fittings that work with a 1/2" ID tube, what are those and how happy are you with them?

Try reading the first post. ;)

[Nate P.]

WOW! VERY nice build man! Looks WAY better than my loop... I'm jealous.

[The Lone Wolf]

nice build and nice sig its very funny

[shazza]

Gotta agree ... verrrrry verrrry nice system. Love to see these types of builds - they are inspiring!

[Jedda]

Watching your psu closely.
Is that the only brand with modular board leads, 24-pin etc?
My Tagan had a good sheilded board aux power molex 4-pin lead but too stiff. My Corsair only has a std molex for the board aux. What's the X3 have for aux board lead use?

[mjassbong]

I have a question about the fittings you are using. I have been looking for compression fittings that work with a 1/2" ID tube, what are those and how happy are you with them? I like the look of compression fittings over zip ties or worm clamps. Also how are they for being secure/ leak free.
Thanks for any help.

They are Koolance's. In order to use their 1/2" or 13mm ID fitting, you are limited to use only a 1/2"ID 5/8"OD tubing.


Watching your psu closely.
Is that the only brand with modular board leads, 24-pin etc?
My Tagan had a good sheilded board aux power molex 4-pin lead but too stiff. My Corsair only has a std molex for the board aux. What's the X3 have for aux board lead use?

Am not aware of any other brand other than Ultra's X3 that comes with a modular 24-pin. All of X3's cables are modular and the cables are very very flexible. You can see a closer pics at Patriote's new build here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=160457).

And thank you all for the comments. It's been over 3 months since I've completed this build and it is still running strong.

[IanY]

And thank you all for the comments. It's been over 3 months since I've completed this build and it is still running strong.

And now that it ain't broke, you've got to fix it till it breaks ! And then build a new one !! ;)

[mjassbong]

LOL! Don't push me. I've been putting off swapping the B3 Q6600 with a G0 for over a month now because am afraid of screwing up a perfect setup. As you can see, swapping a CPU isn't as easy as pie. I'd have to drain a loop or two.

[disruptfam]

LOL! Don't push me. I've been putting off swapping the B3 Q6600 with a G0 for over a month now because am afraid of screwing up a perfect setup. As you can see, swapping a CPU isn't as easy as pie. I'd have to drain a loop or two.

Can't ya take off the cpu block and put a new cpu in without draining the loop?

i'm not sure with the gtx block but i did with i swapped out my cpu with my fuzion.....but in your situation might be different...

Also where are you dvd drive's?

[~aoe~]

Also where are you dvd drive's?

I remember this was asked earlier:

LOL!!! Good observation. Here's my CD/DVD-ROM. It's a Lian Li EX-127 USB2. Can take both IDE or SATA drive. Mine is a Plextor PX-755SA, which is SATA.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/ex127_main.gif


LOL! Don't push me. I've been putting off swapping the B3 Q6600 with a G0 for over a month now because am afraid of screwing up a perfect setup. As you can see, swapping a CPU isn't as easy as pie. I'd have to drain a loop or two.

I have the same concerns with my build. I've just completed final leak testing and already have some concerns about the layout - I know my pump needs to be moved, which will require the motherboard to be removed and have realised that I cannot do this without draining the system. However, I'm not entirely sure how to achieve this :rofl:

Anyway, I'll try and post a build log with some pics in a separate thread and maybe I can get some good suggestions.

[Anemic]

Holy Bedjezuz! This is.......This is true hardware Pr0n!
Really sweet looking!

[mjassbong]

Thanks! :)

[peebee]

Got the Case right now :D

How did you get the rad mounted with the 3-Slot Fan-covers? The cages are very deep and a Rad is standing very deep in the case, not close to the front! Do I have to modify those?


http://www.lifepatcher.com/pc/ll/blendentest1.jpg

http://www.lifepatcher.com/pc/ll/zubeh111.jpg

[~aoe~]

Hi Peebee

Happy to hear you finally got the case :up:

I modded the fan covers (I believe we all did) by cutting out the top and bottom off each. Here's a pic from page 1 of this thread:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/BEG5_IMG_0055.jpg

And on page 6, he explains where to cut:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/CCFANMODULE_01.jpg

It's not necessary to cut it all - you can leave up to 25mm (width of fan) to provide additional rigidity, although this is not necessary.

As you can see, mjassbong attached the front fans to the covers - I personally fixed them to the radiator and then slid the rad into the slots.

Good luck with the build. Hope you are planning to provide us with a build log :D

[peebee]

Well, I already cut the first one. I saw, what I had to do :D *hrhrhr*
I also took all parts out of the case. Maybe I will shorten the mainboard-Tray between the 5,25 Cages. For more space.

I polished the bottom a little bit. But it musn&#180;t be a mirror, just a little bit more shiny.

[Anemone]

I cut the mobo tray to allow more space between the cages and built just a small bracket to remount it to the brace that attaches the front part of the tray to the right drive cage tower.

Sounds complicated but when you look at it, it isn't. Only issue was getting a good cut near the bottom of the case scuffed the bottom a tiny bit. But that's not a concern to me. It could be a concern to you.

gl

[peebee]

I just decided to cut out a bigger hole. That should be pretty stable and deliver enough room between the cages.

http://www.lifepatcher.com/pc/ll/tray.jpg

http://www.lifepatcher.com/pc/ll/blendenmod1.jpg

http://www.lifepatcher.com/pc/ll/blendenmod2.jpg

http://www.lifepatcher.com/pc/ll/polishnachher.jpg

[Clockwork_Apple]

Impressive build, it's hard to make tripple loops look that clean.

Good work.

[Shocker003]

;)
Nice job. I was wondering what the ambient temps were when you gave those Temps. For all the rads and loops they seem rather high for idle . I would expect all temps @ idle to be in the 26c-29c range.

That one hell of a badarse RIG!! Good job and my respect but i think your temp is a bit on the high side with all those hardware. I guess it equally costed a fortune(hi hi). Keep it up

[RADCOM]

Fantastic job, I gotta get me one of these :)

[drechana]

Hi mate

Its me again. I am still stumped about the fittings you have between the two GFX cards. I have the same board and cards as you but for some reason there doesnt seem to be as much room between them.....it looks like u got an inch of pipe there between the two cards, my fittings actually touch there is so little room. Can you tell me exactly what those two fittings are and the size of the tubing (ID) you used?

[Jtrain43791]

Very nice clean build, love the different colored loops. I love this case I plan to use it for my newest build. Sweet rig keep up the good work!

[Eddie3dfx]

This is my favorite build of all time

[Eddie3dfx]

Why bump it...??? :down:

Just send a PM to mod to move it, too many bumps lately...

This setup is what inspired me to do a triple loop!
must show appreciation lol

[Mr 326]

1 word - awesome

[Asgard_thor]

can I have it?

[twwen2]

Well now it's been bumped imma take the opportunity to say what i should have when i first saw this wonderful build. I'd have to say this is probably my favourite build ever on XS! :D

Now let it rest in peace..:rolleyes:

[AlucardCasull]

OTHER EXTERNAL VIEWS
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/mjassbong/Project%20X-343B/OP_POWER_CONNECT_IMG_1443.jpg
Installed quick connect/disconnect of power button whenever the front panel is removed.

Genius!!!!!!! That us such a great idea, thank you!

[Bolas]

Hmm... I want to see the pics, but it says photobucket account inactive. Someone refresh them please?