Deep Black - Case From Hell Build Log (Image Heavy!)

[shabranigdo]

Deep Black
The Case From Hell
Build Log

Well after a lot of reading here and being taken over by the dark side, I have started my first WC build. I have put a few computers together in the past but this is a first in many areas, water-cooling is new to me and the case is a custom built from scratch mostly. After looking at a lot of cases I could not find one that really fit what I wanted, the MM cases came closest, hell if I had waited a few months with the new modular panels and Ascension case I may have just gone that way. But when this obsession started my only options were get it custom built or build it myself. The custom built seemed more expensive at the time LOL (OK so I have a bunch of cool new tools now and tools don't count in the project price honest :P ). Also the idea of building it sounded like some good fun/torture to go through. After a lot of questions here and other sources and multiple revised plans, and building up my infrastructure to take on this project construction started. With work and all it’s an hour or 2 here and there kind of project so progress has been a little slow.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0195.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0197.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0170.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0196.jpg


The basic plan for my case is to house 3 water cooling loops (I love jumping in and going striaght to overkill) with 3X120mm radiators and horizontal mother board setup. The PC will be for gaming primarily and some work. Also I will use large raid mirrored drives to back up other PC's and laptops on my net to a more stable platform. In designing the case I wanted to isolate as much as I can of the heated air from the radiators from the rest of the case. Originally all 3 radiators would be in a single duct isolated from the MB and drives but that make the case foot print which is still pretty big (21" W X 24" D) much larger. Since it is already almost as big as a small refrigerator I opted to put the third radiator on the 2nd level of the case.

Some duct sketches:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/radiatorduct2.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/newduct.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0165.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0164.jpg


The case outer frame is made up of 80/20 Quick Frame profiles and connectors. Its a simple and very sturdy way to make the frame and I like that the profiles (tubes) have flanges for panels to rest in. It was very easy to put together, just cut the straight tubes and pound them into the corner/joint pieces. And as a plus its very strong, the case can probably support the weight of my Z3 roadster, and it's almost big enough to park my little car on :P In addition to the Quick Frame outer frame the internal frame to support the components is 1/2 square aluminum rods. I'm sure its all over engineered in the strength and support department but hey the while build is pretty extreme overkill so it fits. The outer frame will support 3 differnet types of outer panels, aluminum plates mostly where components will mount or there is nothing to see like the external drive bays in the top front or the motherboard and PSU mounts in the back. Areas with lots of fans, radiator inputs, will have a full mesh panel, and the top and sides of the case will be plexiglass to show off the internals. The case is divided into 3 levels from bottom to top. The idea was to put the plumbing and less interesting parts on the bottom and have the top display the motherboard and cards.

Here are some early plans for the case:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/boxandsides.jpg


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/testfull.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/workareaforcasev2.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/newcaseframeless2.jpg


Working Plan / Design:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/panelstobox.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/frame1-14-08.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/frame2-24-08.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/0311082152.jpg

Level one house the dual radiator duct and once I figure out how it will be plumbed the drain valves for the 3 water loops. The dual radiator ducts suck in fresh air from the sides of the case and push it through 2 PA120.3 radiators. The radiators are separated by an internal baffle that directs the air out the back of the case. There is mounts for 2 exit fans but I am not sure at this point if more fans there are even necessary. The entire bottom duct will be covered in thin sound absorbing foam to reduce the fan and airflow noise as much as possible. Also all fan and mechanical parts throughout the case are mounted using rubber washers to isolate vibration noise.


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0180.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0181.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0184.jpg


Level two has a lot going on. In the front is the third PA120.3 radiator in a custom shroud. This shroud will also be covered in sound absorbing foam. Behind the radiator duct is the 3 mounts for DCC3.2 pumps with Petra tops. Below each pump is an 80 mm fan most likely under-volted to cool the pumps. Behind the pumps at the back of the case is the power supply flanked by 2 hard drive racks. Each rack will hold a max of 4 drives on thick vibration dampening mounts. Behind the 2 drive racks will be 120 mm fans blowing hot air out of the case.


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/level2frameconcept3-19.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0187.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0188.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0189.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0191.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0201.jpg

UPDATE 6/2/08

Some new pictures as I finished the Radiator Duct plumbing:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0247.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0250.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0252.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0254.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0256.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0257.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0258.jpg


New Pictures of the rear panel PSU mount and fans:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0230.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0227.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0231.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0233.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0234.jpg






Level three will house the motherboard, drive bays and three micro reservoirs. Also the bigNG and 2 miniNG will be on this level. I am still working out the details of this level as it's the next big part of the case to tackle once some more parts get here. The motherboard will be on a custom tray that slides in and out of the back of the case. I am also working on where cooling fans will be located on this level. Most likely there will be 1 or 2 exit fans on the back or top of the case and intake fans in the front or sides. The Front of the case will house 2 5 drive MM aluminum drive bays and cut outs to show the 3 reservoirs. I am leaning toward side mounting fans maybe with a baffle to direct the air at an angle to the motherboard, fans in the front would be a good distance from the MB and there is a lot of wires and tubing that I think would be in the way.

Update 6/2/08

Some pics of the mockup for the external drive bays. This was before I got the AL panels and just to see how things will fit as I build the top level supports for the drive bays and res's. The cutouts between the 2 drive back racks are to see the res's.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0222.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0223.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0225.jpg


Images to come once I build it.

Update 8/31 been real busy so progress was slow but I have completed the frame an will be painting soon.

Some shots of the top level of the case.


Back top panel and mother board tray.
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0309.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0310.jpg

MCRES x 3 in bracket

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0318.jpg

Top front of the case
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0324.jpg

Full front of case
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0326.jpg

Side view
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0327.jpg

Rear view
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0329.jpg

MB Tray
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0328.jpg


Inside Front
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0331.jpg

Closeup of MCRES's from back
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0332.jpg

Mesh cable tray below MB and BigNG/MiniNG etc mount
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0334.jpg

Holes in MB tray for cables
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0335.jpg

I have also cut the plex sides and top though no shots of those yet. Tops will be screwed on and sides have spring hinges on both sides so they can open from the front, back or be removed.



Lots more to come as I finish case and finally buy components. Thanks to all for the help and advise so far. I am sure I will need alot more before this project is complete.

[shabranigdo]

With construction mostly complete and lots of sanding I am moving on to painting. The metal parts will be painted with an self etching primer (ended up cleaing out 4 local auto parts stores and waiting for them to restock), then light sand where necessary and a regular primer. The outer panels and outer frame I plan on using a high build primer and putty where necessary to get a good smooth finish prior to painting. After about 17 cans of etch primer I have all the parts done with their first coats. Below are some pictures of my 2 car garage filled with all the little parts. I have recently build a getto painting frame to hang parts from for painting, this seems to work alot better than painting them on a flat surface. Other than that using alot more paint than I expected, powder coating does not seem so expensive now, I may look into that in the future. Using spray paint especially this caustic acid etch stuff a respirator mask is a must unless you like being etched inside and out.

Oh got a question for others who painted or powder coated, what did you do about threaded holes as far as prep for finishing? I ended up putting screws in every threaded hole (about 150 screws or so), I figured it was a toss up between that and having to clean out each hole after finishing. With paint I figure the build up from multiple coats would be a pain to have to re-tap or just plain messy as the screws pushed out little bits of paint. I wonder how others have handled this situation. With powder coat I don't think my idea would work, removing the screws would probably crack the surface coating. I am guessing if you cannot somehow mask it off you have to go re-tap all screw holes after powder coating. Is this true?


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0340.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0339.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0341.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0343.jpg

Masked off the plastic connectors from the self etching primer, not sure how it would react to it. Also not using the self etching primer on other plastic parts. I will use a regular primer or one specific to plastics.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0344.jpg

More shots of the painting process to come including the super what do I have laying around hanging painting rack.

10/1

Well more painting pics, almost done. The more I think about it the more likely if I do this again I will look to get things powder coated. The parts came out good with spray paint, but the big panels and frame not as good as I had hoped, and I went thru a hell of alot more paint than I expected. Below are some pics of the parts in various stages of painting. I found hanging the parts up to paint made it alot easier.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0346.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0349.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0353.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0355.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0356.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0358.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0359.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0363.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0350.jpg

I still have some work to do on the plexi windows and doors to finish them up and start coating the ducts with the sound absorbing foam. The stuff is kinda thin so I may line both the outside and insides also that should help me seal in the radiators. I may need additional foam around them so the air will only have the path of going thru the radiators. That and other little building things to finish up. I currently dont have any air blowing over the MB, there are 3 vent fans above it. I am thinking a fan hole in each of the side doors blowing onto the MB area, have to get creative with the wiring since the doors are removable. Actually alot of wiring sleeving etc to do, that will be the next big task.

10/11/08

Painting is pretty much done. I'm sure there will be some little parts that come up as i put it all together. I coated the ducts inside and out with sound absorbing foam along with the backs of the body panels and the bottom of the case. I am going thru and covering parts that slide like the drive bays, PSU mount and MB tray rails with adhesive felt. This should allow these parts to slide in and out easily. Also parts that may vibrate are getting either foam or rubber mounts to decrease any vibrational noise. I also started the cleaning of my radiators. I made a adapter for my kitchen facuet to flush the radiators. I also plan to run each for a day or so in a mini loop with a filter to catch any little bits of stuff from in the radiators. I took a little bucket and epoxyed in some barbs to use it as a temp res.

Some shot of the painted and foamed parts.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0364.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0367.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0368.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0369.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0370.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0372.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0373.jpg

Res flusing:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0376.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0375.jpg

[Nate P.]

Man, that is sick!

[shabranigdo]

Reserved more Future use 2

[shabranigdo]

Reserved even more Future use 3

[shabranigdo]

Reserved Future use 4 that should do it.

[Janno]

holy *censored*
that's awesome!
i love the "rad box" idea :up: very clever

[afX]

instascribed

holly hell, can't wait to see how this turns out. are the fans going to push the air into the rad?

edit: didn't see that you're mounting fans under the ddcs, very nice!

[Waterlogged]

Nice to see this project finally under way. :up: :yepp:

[STEvil]

Just an opinion, but when you go to plumb this use a common res so that you are not wasting radiator power ;)

[jimmyz]

Just an opinion, but when you go to plub this use a common res so that you are not wasting radiator power ;)

perfect case for a waterfall res. he should pm CyberDruid.

Awesome build buddy :up: that is gonna be sweet, I love the brake you made..top notch:up:

[tcorbyn]

Looking good mate, can't wait to see the finished product :up:

[jws2346]

Yeah man, I can't wait to see how it turns out either :up:

FanFeakingTastic :clap:

[[XC] NetburstXE]

Looking great! That case is HUGE! But I like it anyways :clap:

[skinnee]

Subscribed!

[Lagaaja]

Subscribed. That's HUGE. Seriously. H-U-G-E.

Anyways looks badass to me:up:

[ArtosDracon]

you're crazier than me! Congrats! Subscribed.

[septim]

yeah nice suggestion on PMing Cyberdruid for a waterfall reservoir...

what a big case you're making, you could easily fit 2 mobo's in there...

[Voo Doo]

Nice. Really looking forward to how this one turns out.
Any plan on a colour scheme?

[Vargher Warg]

Really XTREME and cool case! :up:

[Xilikon]

Wow, that's xtreme to the max !! Awesome metalwork skills :)

[shabranigdo]

Thanks everyone. Yeah this project did not die, it just took a lot more research to get started than I expected. Also fabricating everything from scratch has taken longer than I originally planned. I still have a long way to go to finish the case but I figured now it is starting to look like a PC and all the comments will modivate me to get things going faster.

To answer a few questions:

The fans mount inside the ducts before the radiators pushing air thru them, there is a 1-1 1/2 inch gap between the fans and radiators depending on how thick the fans are. At the moement I plan on using YL-120M fans. I have a sample H version of the fan but it seems a little loud and 9-11 of them even on a fan controller will be noisier than I want. According to calculations done a while back each rad with 3 YL120M's should disapate around 400-500 watt of heat. My plan is one loop will be CPU only and the other 2 loops (assuming SLI not triple SLI) will each have one GPU. The Mosfets and NB/SB will be split between the 2 GPU loops. This has changed a few times, originally I was thinking one loop for CPU, one for GPU's and one for mosfet NB and SB. If I go with 2 9800gx2's I think it will be best to put them on separate loops. I have a micro res for each loop and all 3 will be visable thru the front panel. The waterfall res is very sexy but I think 3 of them would even make this beast seem crowded. You would think with a case this big there would be lots of room but things are pretty tight on level one and 2 once everything is put in.

As to colors, the inside of the case will be flat black (I know not the most original but I'm a big fan of basic black). The outside will most likely be gloss black. The plexiglass panels are smoked grey. For the water loops I will be using red, blue and purple dyes. I didn't know at the time it would be so hard to find purple LED's but I finally found a good source for them. I will probably use LED's around the case and in the loops to light it. For a UV source to make the water tubes glow either cold cathode or UV LED's. I am up for suggestions here, has anyone used UV LED's and how do they compare to CCFL's? The lighting and bling are low on my priority list atm.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions and help, this was all new to me when I started, but people here have been very friendly and helpfull and pulled me to the darks side of water cooling. (BTW my bank account does not like any of you for making me stray from buying that off the shelf gateway or dell) :p:

[ArtosDracon]

I don't like the UV leds I've used as much as a good CCFL. The UV leds have just been more of a purple LED than true UV. I can't remember where I ordered them from though, sorry.

[plato333]

looks so nice man.

[phillip684]

The hard drive rack looks like a face :shocked: .

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff195/shab_killer_PC/IMG_0188.jpg

[shabranigdo]

Update:

Addes some pics to the first post. I finshed the plumbing for the bottom duct and the rear PSU mount. I have to say making each little piece from scratch is alot more time consuming than I ever though it would be, it can be frustrating when I worked for hours and have a little piece to show for it. Progress is slower that I had hoped but still it is a fun project. I am starting work on the last major part of framing the case, the third level with MB tray, external drive bays (using 2 MM 5 drive bays) and mouting for my Micro res's. I have finished tapping each of the res's with a new bottom port for temp monitor. Also PPCS finally got the BigNG in stock so I snached up one of those along with 2 MiniNG's and a analog sensor hub. I have to figure out how I want to mount them I am thinking something similar to the pumps were I have a small fan blowing on them as I have heard the heatsinks get pretty hot if your are running DCC pumps off them. I will be running one pump off each miniNG and one off the BigNG.

I also made a bunch of connectors out of delrin bars from McMaster for plumbing. I am happy with how easy they were to both drill and tap. No real chipping or melting problems but when you are drilling it, it is best to go slow and use lots of lube (Ok get your mind out of the gutter its crowded enough here already:ROTF:) I used water to cool the bit on shallow cuts and found some silicone spray works good on deep drillings. The stuff taps really easily and makes good clean threads. Lets hope they don't leak on me.

[dubtown]

holy crap that looks amazing!

i think with the waterfall res.. he meant have all the loops share the one res .... so you wouldnt need 3...

awesome work so far dude :up:

[Waterlogged]

Keep up the good work shab. :up:

I know the headaches your going through with this build, I'm building a custom Lubic case my self, unlike any seen before. The results for both of us will be worth it though.

[shabranigdo]

Keep up the good work shab. :up:

I know the headaches your going through with this build, I'm building a custom Lubic case my self, unlike any seen before. The results for both of us will be worth it though.

Yeah even with it taking longer I am having fun, and the hardware keeps getting better and better as I work. I was originally looking at 8800 vid cards now I will probably go with whatever they are going to call the 9900's now, also watched a few MB and proc changes. I am glad all I pre bought was the PSU and basic WC gears (pumps, reses and rads).

[shabranigdo]

First update in a long time, new pics in the first post. I have completed the framing of the case. At the moment all parts are sanded and ready for painting. This took alot longer than I though, both in free time and just making things from scratch. Little things like a corner bracket to hold the panels (don't to think of how many I made) could take an hour or so from start to finish each, and you'll never see them. Still it's been alot of fun.

The plan for painting is some acid etch primer (with any plastic parts masked from this), then a high build primer, light sand and a flat black. I will proabalby do the outside in a gloss finish and the inside a matt black. I have not decided yet if I will higlight some parts like them mesh panel and other little parts in a different color. I know everyone seems to make black cases but I have always been a fan of basic black, mehh I'll put in some colored lights.

Still a long way to go to buying parts but making progress.

[Charles Wirth]

Thanks update, was wondering.

Awesome work, thanks for sharing.

[man_bear_pig]

Very nice metal work bro. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

[skinnee]

WOW!!! Just amazing work.

Those exhaust ducts for the rads are genius...in fact, there are a ton of things on this build that are genius! :up:

[shabranigdo]

Started painting, new pictues in the second post. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support.

[septim]

well finally an update. this sure has come a long way from planning to actualization and some finishing hopefully soon too... hehehe... go go go!!!

[Lagaaja]

Monster is coming to one.

[elite.ire]

:eek: looks awesome m8 :up:

[zuess]

That case looks amazing, just don't rush the metal finishing.

Two thumbs up!

[shabranigdo]

That case looks amazing, just don't rush the metal finishing.

Two thumbs up!

Thanks spray painting now and its coming out ok. Probalby should have looked into powder coating given how much paint I am going thru. I should have some pics of the painting process soon. I want to get this thing together already so I can buy components and play with my PC.

[shabranigdo]

Update to 2nd post. Added some new pics of the painting process.

[septim]

hmm though those where early christmas tree decors hanging... hehe. nice. a little more till completion.

[skinnee]

you may call the paint line ghetto...but it appears to work perfectly!

looks like you've made excellent progress...build is looking great! :up:

[NaeKuh]

yay u just made my envy list. :rofl:

its a compliment when i envy you.

Awesome work dude! :up:

[BlackFlag]

Amazing project. Keep those updates coming!

[shabranigdo]

Updated, Some new pics of painted parts and foam covering. I just a order from McMaster with finishing screws washers etc. I should have the internal frames back together this weekend and once the rads are cleaned I can mount them in the ducts. I have some extra foam tape to seal the rads in the ducts. I also got the sleeving heat shrink tubing to start wiring. I think I will trim all the fan cables to short leads and have them connect to wiring so if a fan dies I don't have to redo all the sleeving. I'll probably need alot more 3 pin molex connectors. Too bad I have only found black connector at PPCs, they are a bit more expensive than white ones but I think it will look better with all the same connectors. Ahh the joys of soldering and calbe sleeving.

As to components I plan on using the 790 FTW digital though will have to see if anyone will make a mosfet block for the digital pwm's. I hope the current NB/SB combined blocks will fit the new 790 board. Come on bitspower put it out already. Video cards I was leaning toward the 280's but it looks like I will wait till next month to see what new stuff Nvidia will offer. Sound card I am hoping the new Auzentech PCIE 1x board will be out by them.

Still alot to go but it is feeling more and more like a PC now that the parts are painted and beginning to look like something more than a collection of random parts.

[Eddie3dfx]

I'm so impressed.. This looks amazing

[Utnorris]

Looks amazing. As far as MB, at this point I would say just get one of the new Nehalem X58 boards, whats a few hundred more dollars at this point. :D

[Lagaaja]

Utnorris, that signature is pure overkill. :D


Still waiting for updates on this beastie..:up:

[shabranigdo]

Thanks everyone, yeah progress is slow but going. One cool thing hooked up a pump for the first time today. I made a little loop of bucket res pump radiator and filter. I plan on running each res for a day thru the filter. I have to say I was very impressed by the power of a little dcc 3.2 pump, even thru the filter which I assume is pretty high restriction the water going back into the bucket was moving damn fast. Had to make a little cover for it to keep the splashing down. That was fun had some of these pumps sitting around for months waiting to try them out.

I need to find something to clean my plexi drive bays. I had them covered with painters tape while cutting and drilling and it left behind some adhesive film on the plexi. I have some goo off but will try it on some scrap first I found out in a rather scary way that it eats thru some plastics. I was removing a sticker from a lighter and all of a sudden it cracked and was spewing out gas. Quick run to the door to toss it in the back yard and I was ready for a drink :p: So im not sure if its safe to use on plexiglass. Any suggestions on how to clean plexi?

[Utnorris]

Soap and water.

[shabranigdo]

Well putting things together and sleeving wires. I should have some new pics soon when I get it together with the basics. Ordered a GTZ for the cpu, waiting on hopefull the bitspower 790 NB/SB block and when the make it a 790i ftw digital mosfet block, I'll probably hold off on them till I can get both since all the stock cooling is integrated. For graphics card blocks not sure going to wait and see what comes out before x-mass from Nvidia. I'll probably just pick up a 9800 gt or gtx as a backup card. I'm about to order the main pc hardware below.


EVGA 132-YW-E180-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 790i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9650

Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop

2 Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

2 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black IDE Model GH22LP20

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English

I'm hoping to the new auzentech sound card when its released, and next rev of nvidia cards. Monitor I am still debating over what 30" to get.