Project: Queso - MM Ascension 3 WC Loops

[skinnee]

I'm starting this build from the ground up, getting the case and WC components all in place before pulling the trigger on the hardware. Obviously, there are several things I cannot buy and put in the loops before deciding on HW, but you get the idea.

Hardware has been decided and most of it ordered, minus the 2 GTX 280's of course. :D
I have some other items to order, like 24" displays and what not, that will come once I get the gear baselined and have finished the continuously bleed of my walet from misc. parts for the case and WC loops.

Pic Index:
Case arrival, build (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2999323&postcount=1)
Pumps, Tubing, Fan Controller (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3030704&postcount=24)
Fans and sleaving (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3032860&postcount=29)
HW First Shipment, fans sleeved and mounted, rads mounted (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3045015&postcount=35)
Pumps mounted, Res's mounted, Res > Pump > Rad tubing (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3102644&postcount=71)
CPU Tubing runs, Res > Pump > Rad tubing take two (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3105855&postcount=77)
Chipset Blocks, Mobo Tubing, Leak Test (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3113397&postcount=93)
Thread Necromance (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3454318&postcount=200)

Hardware:

Mobo: Asus SIIE 790i Ultra
CPU: Intel Q9450
RAM: G.Skill DDR3 1600 (2x2GB)
GPU 1: eVGA GTX 280 (SLI)
GPU 2: eVGA GTX 280 (SLI){coming soon, I'm broke atm}
GPU 3: EVGA 9600 GT
PSU: Silverstone DA1200
HDD: 2x Seagate Barracuda 250GB 32MB Cache
DVD: Samsung 20X DVD±R
Case: MM Ascesion Anodized

CPU Loop

CPU Block: D-Tek Fuzion V2 (Second machine gets the V1 I already had)
Pump: Laing D5 Vario / MCP655
Res: EK 150
Rad: PA120.3 w/ EK ½" Barbs
Fittings: DD/Bitspower Fat Boy 11mm OD

GPU Loop

GPU Block 1: TBD
GPU Block 2: TBD
GPU Block 3: 9600 GT - EK9600 FC
Pump: Laing D5 Vario / MCP655
Res: EK 150
Rad: PA120.3 w/ EK ½" Barbs
Fittings: DD/Bitspower Fat Boy 11mm OD

Chipset/Mosfet Loop
NB Blocks: EK NS S-MAX
SB Blocks: EK NB/SB ASUS 1 - Evercool Low Profile Copper (depends on fit)
Mosfet Blocks: EK Mosfet ASUS 3a
Pump: Laing D5 Vario / MCP655
Res: EK 150
Rad: PA120.3 w/ EK ½" Barbs
Fittings: DD/Bitspower Fat Boy 11mm OD

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/01_Unboxed.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/01_Unboxed.jpg)
Yes, that is 3 PA120.3 hanging out in the background...more to come with those in the next week.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/02_Front.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/02_Front.jpg)
I had to put the sides on to see how she looked all covered up.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/03_Back.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/03_Back.jpg)
Look at that dumper. :D
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/04_L-Side.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/04_L-Side.jpg)
I want as much of the case and other structure components black, so had to do a little sanding a painting with the slot covers.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/05_Slot-Covers.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/05_L-Slot-Covers.jpg)
Way to shiny and definitely not black...cue the dremel and flat black rattle can.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/06_SC-QkTest.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/06_SC-QkTest.jpg)http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/07_SC-QT_Painted.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/07_SC-QT_Painted.jpg)
Yup, thats as good as its going to get...on to the others.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/08_SC-Finished.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/08_SC-Finished.jpg)
There...thats much better.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/09_Ready-4_WC.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/09_Ready-4_WC.jpg)
There, case is ready for the stuffing! :yepp: Another order arrives Thursday, I'll update again on the weekend.

One final pic...my trusty sidekick prepared for flying debris.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/00_Supervisor.jpg

[Nanometer]

sidekick says you're behind schedule. can't wait!

[skinnee]

BTW, for those of you waiting on an Ascension, get ready to add some length onto the power/reset button and led's...there is no way those are going to reach.

[Voo Doo]

Looking forward to this.

Cute dog by the way. Safety first and all that.

[Big_Daddy]

Subbed, And yes, already bought new Vandal resistant switches, with 30
" of cable..

[disruptfam]

Love that side kick!

[DarthBeavis]

Those cases are PIMPY . . .
http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/3662/bishopdonjaunds3.jpg

[Anemic]

Love that side kick!

+1 on the side kick!

I was just thinking about getting the Ascension so Im going to follow your bulid and see how it turns out. Looking sweet so far!

[Sultan]

subscribed...

[Martinm210]

lol...love the sidekick!!

[Crankyhobo]

sidekick looks concerned

[MasterChiefElmo]

Sidekick is awesome......



oOooOoOOOoooOoOoOo and so is the pc.. MORE UPDATES PLZ!!!!!

[skinnee]

Got some more parts and pieces in just before the weekend and have another order on its way...should have more pics for you all tomorrow.

[Anemic]

Aaaa, cant wait!!

[Sam__]

looking forward to more pics :D. subed

[i found nemo]

someone make the pic for ur dog say " i r serious "

lol

but yea, can't wait to see pics!!

[septim]

more pics required...

good luck on assembling...

[Astratuner]

following this!

[MasterChiefElmo]

Any updates?

[systemviper]

So you figure you got about a 1G into it
before you even spend a dime on components,
just what we're looking at? close?

[skinnee]

Yeah, just what is pictured up there was $1085 USD. I have more pics to add, but nothing has gone into the case yet other than me test fitting things.

Fans, sleeving, and molex connectors will be here Tuesday (06/02), Rheobus Extreme arrived yesterday along with some Ceramique and MX-2. 3 MCP655's, EK150's, tubing (Tygon B-44-4X), Bitspower Fat Boys, PTS Gel blocks, fan mounts, Biocide and Feser Blue UV Dye arrived last week.

Finally ordered some HW this evening...so a good portion of the remaining WC gear can be order, now I just need another paycheck and June 17th (hint, hint :D) to get here. There are a few odds and ends I need to order yet, but for the life of me I cannot find a US retailer that stocks Feser Orange UV Dye, thats what I want to GPU loop to be. I'm also seriously contemplating building a custom pump tray.

I'll try and get the pics off the camera yet this evening, but there has not been much action other than taking the goodies out of the brown cardboard boxes.

[skinnee]

Ok, as I said, not much of an update...but here are two pics of the goodies I recieved last week. I have 2 smaller orders and 1 big HW order arriving the middle of this week...stay tuned.

ahh yes, the eye candy. :D

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/10_Parts2.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/10_Parts2.jpg)
3 MCP655's, D-Tek Fuzion V2 and Quad Midplate. PT_Nuke, Bitspower FatBoys, PSU Modkit, 120MM Fan Vibration Dampeners, 3 PTS Gel Pads EK150(final one), 3 EK Ant-Cyclon's and 25 feet of Tygon B-44-4X from McMaster-Carr. Oh yeah, and one Blue PTS Pen.

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/11_Parts3.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/11_Parts3.jpg)
Tube of MX-2 (I'm nearly out of AS5), 22g of Cermaique for Chipset and Mosfet blocks, and Sunbeam Rheobus (Black).

As I said...much more to come this week! :up:

[Giannis86]

nice collection there :D wouldn't a black rheobus fit more to your case though? or are you planning to paint it yourself?

[MomijiTMO]

nice collection there :D wouldn't a black rheobus fit more to your case though? or are you planning to paint it yourself?
It is black lol.

I love MM cases. I want to see more please :)

[skinnee]

nice collection there :D wouldn't a black rheobus fit more to your case though? or are you planning to paint it yourself?


It is black lol.

Yes, it is black...same box for both silver and black. I had to rip the box open just to be sure. ;)



I love MM cases. I want to see more please :)

More coming this week, fans and connectors arrive tomorrow.

[Giannis86]

It is black lol.

I love MM cases. I want to see more please :)


damn packaging:D i just woke up so missed out the text too:rofl:

[skinnee]

Waiting for me on the doorstep when I got home from work!

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/12_Fans-Molex.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/12_Fans-Molex.jpg)

Rivet nuts and 25' of Masterkleer will be here tomorrow! Fan modding will begin tonight or tomorrow night!

[Big_Daddy]

I wonder how many UPS packing slip pouches Petra's goes through in a week. :) Looking good.

[philbrown23]

it's tuesday the 2nd! no updates?!?!? subscribed!

[skinnee]

No pictures tonight...

But I have been busy with the soldering iron, good lord there are a lot of fans in this beast. All those fans means a ton of test fitting, marking, measuring, test fitting again, cutting, wire stripping, soldering, heatshrink, solder. I didn't even start sleaving and still have more soldering to do as I ran out of heatshrnk. I'll hit HarborFreight on my way home tomorrow.

Rivet nuts arrive tomorrow (i'm a day off this week), and first round of hardware arrives Thursday. Updates with pics to come tomorrow night or thursday!

[Duh]

must be kidding .. your dog is almost identical to mine :I

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/1425224983_ee9e6c8d60.jpg?v=0

nice project dude

[skinnee]

Another photo update...some actual progress this time. :D

First chunk of the hardware arrived on Thursday this past week.
Mobo: Asus Striker II Extreme
CPU: Q9450
Vid3 (For second display): Evga 9600GT
RAM: G.Skill DDR3 1600 2x2GB with Corsair Fans
PSU: Silverstone DA1200
HDD: 2 Seagate Barracuda 250GB 32MB Cache
DVD: Samsung 20x
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/13_HW-1.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/13_HW-1.jpg)

Finally got all the fans cabled and sleeved the way I want...here are the results with all the rads and fans mounted.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/14_Case-Fit-01.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/14_Case-Fit-01.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/15_Case-Fit-02.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/15_Case-Fit-02.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/16_Case-Fit-03.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/16_Case-Fit-03.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/17_Case-Fit-04.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/17_Case-Fit-04.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/18_Case-Fit-05.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/18_Case-Fit-05.jpg)

I have some more I am going to do tonight, but tomorrow I will figure out how/where I want the pumps mounted. Plus, I have to finally extend the Power, Reset and activitity LEDs.

BTW, those PA neoprene gaskets suck!!! What a complete pain in the ass those things are. That coupled with constantly having to run back to Northern Tool to get the right length socket screws...damn, what a pain in the ass. Plus, I am not to sure on the fan filters, might change those up soon.

[skinnee]

must be kidding .. your dog is almost identical to mine :I

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/1425224983_ee9e6c8d60.jpg?v=0

nice project dude

Nice...I really like the look of the Brindle Greyhounds, yours a former racer?

[Pellepel]

BTW, those PA neoprene gaskets suck!!! What a complete pain in the ass those things are. That coupled with constantly having to run back to Northern Tool to get the right length socket screws...damn, what a pain in the ass. Plus, I am not to sure on the fan filters, might change those up soon.

Yea I hear ya, they're terrible I had to stretch them out a little bit. Noob question your PSU will power all your hardwares?

[disruptfam]

1200w i would think so.

Looks good mate look forward to more updates

[Waterlogged]

BTW, those PA neoprene gaskets suck!!! What a complete pain in the ass those things are. That coupled with constantly having to run back to Northern Tool to get the right length socket screws...damn, what a pain in the ass. Plus, I am not to sure on the fan filters, might change those up soon.

Yea I hear ya, they're terrible I had to stretch them out a little bit. Noob question your PSU will power all your hardwares?

Guys, please read this.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2425424&postcount=20

[skinnee]

DOH! :shakes:

Anyhow, leak testing of the rads is complete. Mobo, Proc, Ram and the 9600 GT are going in tonight so I can get my Vista and XP images started.

[skinnee]

Noob question your PSU will power all your hardwares?

According to my preliminary calcs it will, I used a 40% increase of voltage and amps to determine max wattage (V*A=W). Here is a shot of the spreadsheet. Now the only critical flaw this sheet may have is the mobo information.

[Pellepel]

i c, thanks for explaining :up:

[skinnee]

No problem!

I'm gonna need some help from you all... I cannot figure out the best way to mount the D5's. I don't know if moving the PSU over to the other side above the mobo is needed or what. I'll post some pics of where I am at with stuffing the case tonight, but I desperately need some opinions on pump mounting.

[ubermensch]

No problem!

I'm gonna need some help from you all... I cannot figure out the best way to mount the D5's. I don't know if moving the PSU over to the other side above the mobo is needed or what. I'll post some pics of where I am at with stuffing the case tonight, but I desperately need some opinions on pump mounting.

Wow that's a lot of cooling.
Nice case.

Couple of ideas come to mind on the pumps-

1) mount them directly behind the PA 120.3 on the bottom sitting on the floor.

2) rotate your back panel 180 degrees - running the board on the right side. Power supply then goes pretty much in the same location underneath the motherboard that is running inverted. That leaves the left side completely free for pump space and you can pull a BIG BLACK BOOTY
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=190871

Good luck.

[BlueAqua]

Dang, this is one monstrous build that I've somehow missed. I would love to see this case in person, looks amazing. Did you order your new 280 GTX's yet?

[skinnee]

not yet...waiting for the 48xx series release for prices to balance out, plus I would like to see all of the blocks available. I do have to order some Un-brackets though. The stock D5 brackets just aren't going to work.

Ordering the three brackets, 2 EK Mosfet blocks, a EK NB and EK SB (with an Enzotech backup) tomorrow. I am probably going to WC the 9600GT I have for the second display, since SLI and Dual Displays are a no-go.

We should have a MN Mountain Mods gathering. Would be like a family reunion...:rofl:

[skinnee]

I can only imagine the scene at the airport trying to check an Ascension...

[Big_Daddy]

It's the body cavity search I'm worried about.

[xTKxhom3r]

nice parts

[skinnee]

nice parts

ty :up:

[TheGoat Eater]

Good to see the progress on this Skinnee! I just got the GTX 480, D5, and dual Maze 5s in for my bench loop :)... the case looks even better in these photos and that dog cracks me up - catch you later

[Pellepel]

Good to see the progress on this Skinnee! I just got the GTX 480, D5, and dual Maze 5s in for my bench loop :)... the case looks even better in these photos and that dog cracks me up - catch you later

hmm I can't see the photos.

[TheGoat Eater]

no photos - this is not my thread, just letting a friend know as I couldn't IM him :p: the Xs are CPU-Z thumbs that are not showing up

[skinnee]

I appreciate it Goat Eater!

Yeah, the dog is finally warming up to the new case, he keeps after me to hurry up and finish the build though. :D

[skinnee]

Waiting for pump brackets...once those arrive there should be a nice big update!

[armeniandave]

I am looking forward to seeing those brackets in your build. Like I told RealRedRaider I am thinking about a MM case for myself and so I have been looking over all the MM builds. Subscribed.

Dave
(UN)Designs

[skinnee]

I gotta say thanks for designing those brackets, I'll be snagging a few more for a rebuild after this project completes. Having the ability to rotate on an axis is huge!
I'll be sure to post up pics!

[armeniandave]

I gotta say thanks for designing those brackets, I'll be snagging a few more for a rebuild after this project completes. Having the ability to rotate on an axis is huge!
I'll be sure to post up pics!

Well thanks for buying them!! :up:

Seriously like you I am an enthusiast also so when I first had the "where do I put my pump?" problem I couldn't find anything I liked. Being that my background is in sheetmetal and being a master machinist I came up with this design after several prototypes. Everything I sell I also use in my own system to make sure it works. You can be sure that it works like it's supposed to.

I Look forward to seeing the rest of your build.

[Pellepel]

Well thanks for buying them!! :up:

Seriously like you I am an enthusiast also so when I first had the "where do I put my pump?" problem I couldn't find anything I liked. Being that my background is in sheetmetal and being a master machinist I came up with this design after several prototypes. Everything I sell I also use in my own system to make sure it works. You can be sure that it works like it's supposed to.

I Look forward to seeing the rest of your build.

Yup I concur :up:

[skinnee]

Little update, sorry no pics.

Ordered 1 GTX280 (still hesitant on GTX280 SLI with the 55nm refresh looming and reported SLI problems with the SIIE), NB Block, SB Block, and Mosfet blocks. Haven't had much time to work on the rig, pumps are in the (UN)Designs brackets and placed in the case to see how I can position them, but that is as far as I've gotten. Work is madness right now, hopefully this weekend I can finalize pump location, rotate the rear rad to put the barbs at the bottom and start tubing the pump side of the case. Thats the plan anyway. ;)

Updates with pics soon...I promise.

[Anemone]

Hoping to see more of this one as you gradually get the gear in.

[skinnee]

Pics tomorrow, I'm too tired to fire up photoshop at the moment.

I got the pumps mounted, and some tubing run (res >> pump >> rad). Had to do a little modding for power cables...who needs a floppy power connector anyway. :D

[armeniandave]

Would really like to see some pics tonight!! It's still early how about a couple.....

[Pellepel]

the suspense is killing us! :up: on the contrary did you ever find a US store that supply Feser orange dye? thx

[skinnee]

the suspense is killing us! :up: on the contrary did you ever find a US store that supply Feser orange dye? thx

No, looks like I am going to have to buy the pre-mixed, I'll order that up when I finally determine the GTX280 blocks that I want to go with. I took some time after the pics were taking to do some cable management, although I think thats gonna be a pain to get the look I want.

NB, SB and Mosfet blocks arrive Wednesday according to UPS, a GTX280 will also be delivered that day as well. I'll finally be able to get two of the three loops running by the 4th of July weekend! :up:

And without further mumblings by me, some pics...

Wires everywhere, but the Res's are mounted in the best spot I could think of, plus it hides the cable mess of the fan controller.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/19_CasePrep.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/19_CasePrep.jpg)

Pumps are mounted. the (UN)Designs brackets worked perfectly! Pump closest to the front of the case is a little tweaked because of the tubing, I'll still contemplating a solution to that problem.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/20_Tubing-01.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/20_Tubing-01.jpg)

Closer view...
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/21_Tubing-02.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/21_Tubing-02.jpg)

Top view...
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/22_Tubing-03.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/22_Tubing-03.jpg)

From the other side of the case, see the tweaked pump?
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/23_Tubing-04.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/23_Tubing-04.jpg)

A shot of the Res's mounted in the 5.25" Bay.
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/24_ResMounts.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/24_ResMounts.jpg)

[Anemone]

You could use a clear or smoke acrylic baycover and thus keep an eye on your res's from the front of the case with them mounted like that (well 2 of the 3 anyway).

Lovely design and sorry to have kept you up late publishing pics :) But we SURE do LOVE them!

[armeniandave]

Pumps are mounted. the (UN)Designs brackets worked perfectly! Pump closest to the front of the case is a little tweaked because of the tubing, I'll still contemplating a solution to that problem.


Good to see them put to such good use!! What if you switched the tubing from pump 1 to 3? That might clear up the kink.

Dave W
(UN)Designs

[Pellepel]

Yup ordering the premix seems like it would be the way to go :shakes:. Which I means I have to drain one of my loop :shakes:

looking good skinnee! looks like you went across with the pumps just like Marquis and I,good work:up:.

[skinnee]

You could use a clear or smoke acrylic baycover and thus keep an eye on your res's from the front of the case with them mounted like that (well 2 of the 3 anyway).

With the clear panel in the top and the big window on the side I should be able to keep a good watch on them, access from the top will be very nice for filling the loops! :up:


Good to see them put to such good use!! What if you switched the tubing from pump 1 to 3? That might clear up the kink.


That is kinda what I had in mind. Move outlet of pump 2 to the lower rad, pump 1 outlet to the back rad and pump 3 outlet to the top rad at the front.


Yup ordering the premix seems like it would be the way to go :shakes:. Which I means I have to drain one of my loop :shakes:

looking good skinnee! looks like you went across with the pumps just like Marquis and I,good work:up:.

Thanks, seeing what you guys did was definitely in the back of my mind. Was about the only way to really get all three in there with clearance to route tubing and cables. If only the Ascension's were 24x24x24. :D

I'm going to be running Orange in my GPU loop, so luckily I have to find my GTX280 block and can order the pre-mix :shakes: at the same time. CPU loop will be blue (yes, I would jump off a bridge is everyone else was too) and the Chipset/Mosfet loop will be black...at least, thats my plan.

[disruptfam]

looking great

[skinnee]

A small update, re-routed some tubing, loose CPU tube run.
I like Res > Pump > Rad tube runs alot better, plus the first pump straightend.

Still waiting on chipset and mosfet blocks...

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/25_TubeAdjust-01.jpg] (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/25_TubeAdjust-01.jpg) http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/26_TubeAdjust-02.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/26_TubeAdjust-02.jpg)

[clwoodwork]

Your case is looking good I only hope mine will look as good as yours.

Peace, CCL

[Pellepel]

That looks much better. Hmm I like what you did on your first post (links to your pics). I just realized that you have some insane hardwares :shocked::up:Keep up the good work.

[twwen2]

Good work, it's coming along nicely!

[skinnee]

thanks!

Yeah, I had to update the first post...I was losing track of the pics. ;)

I think UPS is going to block my IP address soon, I have to refreshing tracking status far to often for their liking.

[skinnee]

nice little delivery today...
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/27_Blocks.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/27_Blocks.jpg)

will start removing the Asus Heatpipe from the mobo this evening(hopefully with pics), but have to remember to take it slow.

[Anemone]

I get almost philosophic every time I stare at these Ascension threads. Thank you.

[MomijiTMO]

Have you fired up your striker before? Apparently the ASUS TIM is much harder to get off if it has been subject to intense heat. I remember someone on Clunk pulled their NB off their Maximus when trying to remove the heatpipe assemble after running the board for a month.

Take care.

EDIT : Pictures of death and fear
http://666kb.com/i/asr6i7tzq7v6z3yvd.jpg
http://666kb.com/i/asr6iudpk2v5gdkqx.jpg

Maybe you won't have such issues with the nVidia NB. I hope so :)

[disruptfam]

dammmmmmmmmmmmmn!!!!

hair dryer to the rescue?

[skinnee]

heat gun...low setting, just hit the blocks until they are warm...wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. I've heard never pull, always wiggle.

worked, we'll see if the board still works (knock on wood). ;)

Pics coming...

[disruptfam]

what type of finish/color did your case in?

[Big_Daddy]

Try this before anything. Remove the pins, turn the motherboard over, and prop the board up on something so that the heat pipe just hangs. Give it an hour or so. Should just drop off. Worked for me.

[skinnee]

what type of finish/color did your case in?

anodized black

[disruptfam]

anodized black

Love it i will do the same with my lan rig cheers :up:

[Big_Daddy]

I just have to say one thing about the MM Anodized Black cases. They are beautiful. Scratch resistant. Hell, I was trying to scratch a mark in it for a drill hole. I couldn't. I actually had to tape it, and mark with a pen. (yeah, yeah, should have done that to begin with) SO much less likely to scratch than their old high gloss powder coating. Anodizing is the way to go.

[skinnee]

update...

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/28_MoboPrep-01.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/28_MoboPrep-01.jpg)http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/29_MoboPrep-02.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/29_MoboPrep-02.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/30_MoboPrep-03.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/30_MoboPrep-03.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/31_Tubed-01.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/31_Tubed-01.jpg)http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/32_Tubed-02.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/32_Tubed-02.jpg)

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/33_LeakTest-01.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/33_LeakTest-01.jpg)http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/34_LeakTest-02.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/34_LeakTest-02.jpg)
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/35_LeakTest-03.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/35_LeakTest-03.jpg)

[MomijiTMO]

Woot. Things are moving along nicely. I totally love the blue coolant.

[Statts]

Which coolant is that?

[Pellepel]

looking good, looking good. That is insane how that NB came off :eek:

[Anemone]

Lovely case and really nice coolant :)

[skinnee]

Which coolant is that?

Feser UV Blue Dye, I'm still bummed I can't get UV Orange for the GPU loop, have to buy the pre-mixed.

System is up and running, minus the 9600GT...still trying to figure out what the problem is with the two cards and Vista-x64. Will get some "bling" pics once I get the UV's mounted and hidden away in the case. For now just getting the board and card clocked to where I want them.

[Astratuner]

How are the fans set up?

only in pull config?

cause i can't see on the pics :$, you only have fans fitted on the inside of the case? Is that correct to say?

[disruptfam]

this is looking good :)

get that gpu on water

[skinnee]

How are the fans set up?
6 fans in pull on the front.
3 fans in pull with another 2 in pull on the mobo side
2 fans up top in pull



only in pull config?

Yup


cause i can't see on the pics :$, you only have fans fitted on the inside of the case? Is that correct to say?

correct, all internal. Bring air in on the front, exhaust out the rear and top.


this is looking good :)

get that gpu on water

ty. in the works, trying to decide between the GPU blocks and pick up another GTX280 since the prices are dropping. Need to rebuild the funds department for that to take place. :D

[Pellepel]

Yup same with my configuration all pulled as well :up:. That's going to be awsome 280GTX SLI :up:

[Astratuner]

hey if you say that the 2 top ones are in pull to then your blowing the hot air back inside the case ?

Or your rear panel : the exaust panel as you said? I should think that the top ones should also be push fans cause hot air raises...


BTW mate when it's done can you make a movie for me :)

I wanna hear what noise the fans made cause you got quiete alot of them hehe. Or if you got a dB meter :p

[ShoNuff]

http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/35_LeakTest-03.jpg (http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/1600/35_LeakTest-03.jpg)

That is the money shot right there! I'm glad to see things are coming along so nicely. Keep it up!

Where is the second GTX280?

[skinnee]

Yup same with my configuration all pulled as well :up:. That's going to be awsome 280GTX SLI :up:

Yeah, just need another GTX280 and 2 FC blocks. Oh yeah, and a sugar-momma too. ;)


hey if you say that the 2 top ones are in pull to then your blowing the hot air back inside the case ?

Or your rear panel : the exaust panel as you said? I should think that the top ones should also be push fans cause hot air raises...


BTW mate when it's done can you make a movie for me :)

I wanna hear what noise the fans made cause you got quiete alot of them hehe. Or if you got a dB meter :p

The top fans are pushing exhaust air out. The only fans that are actually "pulling" air or intake fans are those 6 on the front mounted on the two rads. Creating some negative pressure yes, but I would rather have the dust that stale heated air inside the case.


That is the money shot right there! I'm glad to see things are coming along so nicely. Keep it up!

Where is the second GTX280?

Thanks! I like that pic as well, things have hit a halt due to funding...having to spend a little extra on some other things, but the second GTX280 and FC blocks are coming (hopefully soon)!

[Astratuner]

I was wondering if MM could build this as a BTX style mobo tray layout?

You know hwere the cpu is on the lower side and the VGA cards are with the printed side up?

Are your HD's under you disc drives? Are they also air fan cooled?


Also i questioned myself with what kinda screw you fixed the 120.3's to your case? Where they with the 120.3 when you got them?

Sorry i want to know alot hehe it's for my future simmular project :P

[skinnee]

I was wondering if MM could build this as a BTX style mobo tray layout?

You know hwere the cpu is on the lower side and the VGA cards are with the printed side up?

I'm sure they can, the "stock" mobo tray could not facilitate that configuration, but I am sure Ben will work something up to accomodate...the new modular MB tray might accomplish that.


Are your HD's under you disc drives? Are they also air fan cooled?

HDD's are under the optical drive. I mounted them using the Scythe Anti-Vibration HDD mounts, just needed longer M3 screws.



Also i questioned myself with what kinda screw you fixed the 120.3's to your case? Where they with the 120.3 when you got them?

Fans to rad - 6-32 1.25" screws.
Front two rads to case - 6-32 .5" screws
Back Rad, 6-32 1.5" screws. These go through a few other things than just fan to rad.
Grill-|-Neoprene Washers-|-Case-|-AntiVibeMount-|-Fan-|-TC Gasket-|-Rad



Sorry i want to know alot hehe it's for my future simmular project :P
No problem...ask as many questions as you need! :up:

[Astratuner]

Perhaps got a pic of those screws :p:

Those screws go all the way through your rad? Or just to the first opening cause i know from the warnings that you can damage your rad if your not carefull enough :eek:

You have chosen for the most powerfull pumps that you could get from Laing right? If the more always the better? More flow i think, but then the water can't take mutch heat or dispence more heat ot the rad if you over do it not? Then you have to stick with 1/2" tygon right cause of the pump things are 1/2"?

Is 1/2" better for performance wise then 3/8"?

Also you just drilled holes into the bottom of the case to mount the pumps???

I've read that you can change the 'flow' speeds on those pumps? So you regulate the voltage they get and that changes the speed iirc?

This might be because i'm still green behind my ears and watercooling is a new thing for me :)

Also the pumps how are they all connected? And is there a way to monitor them? Cause I can't imagine that when you boot you have to check your pumps etc :D

Does you rig has a fancontroller or you didn't pick one ? :) If you have one you made pairs out of 2 fans for connecting it onto the controller?


I know it's alot :D But much appreciated :)

Thanks :)

[skinnee]

Perhaps got a pic of those screws :p:
Which ones? Hell, I take a pic of all the different screws I used on the build.


Those screws go all the way through your rad? Or just to the first opening cause i know from the warnings that you can damage your rad if your not carefull enough :eek:

No, the screw length is just enough to go through the pre-drilled hole on the rad and not make contact with the Rad fins or tubes. I did have a little incident where I did not measure accurately, but that has been taken care of.


You have chosen for the most powerfull pumps that you could get from Laing right? If the more always the better? More flow i think, but then the water can't take mutch heat or dispence more heat ot the rad if you over do it not? Then you have to stick with 1/2" tygon right cause of the pump things are 1/2"?

I don't know if you can call the D5/MCP655 the most powerful pump available, I think the DDC3.2/MCP355 might take that crown, but I got the pumps I knew I could rely on. Another addition to this project is going to be adding Fillports and Drain lines, I might start experimenting with the DDC3.2's in that portion of the project. With the D5/MCP655 you cannot use your own fittings unless you get an aftermarket top (several in prototype phase atm), and the DDC3.2's require aftermarket tops as well. If the pump only had 3/8" Barbs, I would have modded them to take fittings.


Is 1/2" better for performance wise then 3/8"?
By only a limited amount, I don't remember the thread that compared tube size to temps and flow...let me try and find that again. Ah yes, a Cathar thread, so you know the info is top notch...http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=147767


Also you just drilled holes into the bottom of the case to mount the pumps???
Yup, pretty much. I put masking tape (painters tape) down and laid out where I wanted the pumps. Traced around the pump brackets so I had the outline, took one of the pumps of a bracket and used that to go back in each spot where I traced to mark the spots where I would drill.



I've read that you can change the 'flow' speeds on those pumps? So you regulate the voltage they get and that changes the speed iirc?
Yes, the pumps have a variable impeller speed setting, a little rotary dial on the back of the pump (Settings 1-5). The rotary dial just changes the V-A draw by the pump.


This might be because i'm still green behind my ears and watercooling is a new thing for me :)

No worries mate, we all start somewhere!


Also the pumps how are they all connected? And is there a way to monitor them? Cause I can't imagine that when you boot you have to check your pumps etc :D

I took one molex cable for my PSU and modded it slightly by removing the floppy power connector and added another molex. So the one cable is powering the Fan Controller, and all three pumps...ahh, one of the reasons to run a Single Rail PSU with modular cables. :D

I should have taken more pics of the individual steps, but I kept forgetting and just kept my mp3 player going and rocking through the work, then oh crap, I need to take pics.


Does you rig has a fancontroller or you didn't pick one ? :)

It does, a Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme, 6 channels @ 30W per channel.


If you have one you made pairs out of 2 fans for connecting it onto the controller?

I took three fans or two fans depending on which ones and soldered them into a common header. I have a pic somewhere of this, I'll add that pic to the one of the screws I used.



I know it's alot :D But much appreciated :)

Thanks :)

No problem!!!! :up:

[Jtrain43791]

just a quick question, was planning to use that same PSU in my upcoming build, how much space is there between your PSU and your Rad fans, i know that the PSU is like 9 inches long or some craziness like that. Build looks great keep it up!

[skinnee]

I will measure (assuming you want to know with the PSU position on the bottom opposite side of the mobo) for you. I did end up moving the PSU above the mobo, had to mount three pumps somewhere. :D

[Astratuner]

hey me again :D

Can you tell me how many meters of tubing needed in order to build it?

Also how long did you build on you system untill it booted?

Is it possible to upload some kind of movie so i can hear the noise it makes?

Thanks.

[Pellepel]

any updates? :)

[Astratuner]

if it's not a big trouble could you still photograph the screws used for attatching your rad to the case.


Thanks :yepp:

[IanY]

So hey Skinnee {funny nickname.. you know what the Somalis were called by the Rangers, right? lol)

Did Ben of MM ever sell you the right length of wire for the power and reset buttons?

[skinnee]

if it's not a big trouble could you still photograph the screws used for attatching your rad to the case.


Thanks :yepp:

I'll list off what I used and can probably snap a pic...sure.


So hey Skinnee {funny nickname.. you know what the Somalis were called by the Rangers, right? lol)

I'm as thin as a rail...have had the nickname for a long time. And, I don't think I know the answer to the rangers question.


Did Ben of MM ever sell you the right length of wire for the power and reset buttons?

Not to me...I had to extend the length, I really did expect a little more for the amount of money I spent on the case. None of my side or top panels really line up, the mobo tray PEM nuts are off. I'll be going Lian Li or Silverstone on future builds. But I will be keeping the Ascension as my main rig.

[IanY]

Not to me...I had to extend the length, I really did expect a little more for the amount of money I spent on the case. None of my side or top panels really line up, the mobo tray PEM nuts are off. I'll be going Lian Li or Silverstone on future builds. But I will be keeping the Ascension as my main rig.

Pick up the phone. Work the phone. I know I would.

When you say "the mobo PEM nuts are off," you are referring to the mobo tray, and that your mobo is not aligned properly? If so, did you force in your expensive video cards? Don't do that! Get it fixed.

As to the side panels and top panels, precision fits are kind of difficult, and I see that too on some Lian Lis (I have a lot of them, just no 343Bs). My two classic MMs fit flush. I had issues with my TJ07 as well, but its tiny nitpicking.

Like I said, pay your tribute to Alexander Graham Bell. Well oiled machines are silent, but the squeaky wheel on the supermarket cart gets heard throughout the large box store and gets the manager's attention!

I know I would scream my head off, even in this forum. I would post progressively louder and louder complains (hence PITA name) until everything gets fully resolved to my satisfaction.

I give retailers and manufacturers hell, regardless of who.

That power switch wire needs to be shipped to you 100% free. If it is the mobo tray that is misaligned it needs exchanging, and it should be cross shipped.

The US forces in Somalia called the locals, especially the enemy combatants, "Skinnies" largely for the same reasons you stated about your physique.

[Astratuner]

Hey when i look at your pics and i see your southbridge beeing watercooled, if you mount another 280GTX on your motherboard will it not be on top of the SB?

Cause SLI cards are packed close to each other not? Or is that only the case of you tri sli ?



In my dreams i wonder how you fixed those 2 front rads to the case :ROTF:

I've read something about rivets but you didn't use them right?:up:

[skinnee]

Hey when i look at your pics and i see your southbridge beeing watercooled, if you mount another 280GTX on your motherboard will it not be on top of the SB?

I did the first time around, I am still debating on whether I'll put the SB under water or not. If I am going to run SLI, then I will definitely be putting the SB under water.


Cause SLI cards are packed close to each other not? Or is that only the case of you tri sli ?

Thats the case with Tri-SLI, the barbs on the SB just dont provide enoug room for even a single slot card to fit. If Eddy would maked the SB block a little longer, 6-8MM, that would provide enough room. I have yet to see if a DD block would do the trick or not.


In my dreams i wonder how you fixed those 2 front rads to the case :ROTF:

I used 6-32 x 1/2" Socket Head Cap screws (http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/Controls/i/is.aspx?path=/images/Pimages/M-300-SH-HA328-10.jpg) to mount the rads to the front of the case, I also have a fan vibration damper (the cheap ones) in between the case and the rad, so 3/8" just wasn't quite enough. I used socket head cap screws everywhere, ranging from 3/8" all the way to 1.5".


I've read something about rivets but you didn't use them right?:up:

I did not use rivet nuts, I have them sitting here along with a Rivet Nut setter, but I just couldn't do that to my rads, it wasn't needed with a 6-32 tap.

[Astratuner]

hey skinnee


thanks for helping me out again hehe.

But those screw look awfull long to me?

Or is the case + damping material + rad so tick that you needed such long ones?

[skinnee]

Thats not my pic...I snagged one off google image for "illustration purposes only" to show what I meant by socket head cap screws. I have no idea how long those are, but I do know they are not 6-32 either.

[Astratuner]

mkay sorry my bad :)


So they are 1,27 cm then ? ( 1/2" ) :confused:



- And i've seen something else what makes my question in the head how you mounted the HD's in your 5.25" bays?

Mountain mod mounting tool or something like that?

- Also nice to see that you are using a rheobus extreme. You modded + sleeved the rad fans per 2 I guess??

So you have 4 pairs of wires then to connect to the fancontroller i presume :D
But my question here is what did you do with the cable of the last fan of a rad?

- And did you used up the last fancontroller plug to?


Thanks again Skinnee :up:

[Mick64]

[QUOTE=skinnee;3122384]Yeah, just need another GTX280 and 2 FC blocks. Oh yeah, and a sugar-momma too. ;)


I could do with a 'sugar-momma' any idea where I can get hold of one? :rofl:

Nice work BTW! :up:

[skinnee]

I could do with a 'sugar-momma' any idea where I can get hold of one? :rofl:

I'm still looking, my wife isn't being very helpful in my search though. :shakes:
I'll let you know if I run into a pack of them. ;)


Nice work BTW! :up:

ty!! :up:

[skinnee]

mkay sorry my bad :)

No worries mate.


So they are 1,27 cm then ? ( 1/2" ) :confused:

Correct, 1/2" = 1.27cm


- And i've seen something else what makes my question in the head how you mounted the HD's in your 5.25" bays?

Mountain mod mounting tool or something like that?

I used the Scythe Stabilizer (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4475) mounting kit, though I didn't use the plates, just the anti-vibe screws with M3 5/8" (1.5875cm) screws to attach the anti-vibe mounts to the drive bay. I would link to the M3 screws, but I picked those up locally. This way I kept the MM drive bay cover up front but had enough room to mount the HDD's. For all of the other bay devices I used 3/8" (0.9525cm) (http://www.fastener-express.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7064) or 1/4" (0.6325cm) (http://www.fastener-express.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=39264) flat socket head screws from Fastener Express


- Also nice to see that you are using a rheobus extreme. You modded + sleeved the rad fans per 2 I guess??

For the rads, I connected all three fans to one header, sleaved the entire length and heatshrinked where each set of fan wires connected. The top panel has two fans, I soldered the one set of fan wires into the second and extended the run.


So you have 4 pairs of wires then to connect to the fancontroller i presume :D

I actually have 5, one connecter for each radiator, the top panel, then one fan from the back panel. The other fan on the mobo trays connects to the mobo.


But my question here is what did you do with the cable of the last fan of a rad?

I have all three fans on the radiator connecting to one common header.


- And did you used up the last fancontroller plug to?

I have one open rheobus on the fan controller.



Thanks again Skinnee :up:

No problem! :up:

[Astratuner]

Mutch appriciated Skinnee:clap::clap::clap:

[mpower1001]

Nice build. I see you used Feser 1 uv dye, did you use any other additive?

[skinnee]

PT_nuke, I have not seen any ill effects. But I am currently down, mobo went back on RMA.

For all you MM owners, I strongly suggest lining the mobo tray with 1mm-2mm thick neoprene. The shorter mobo standoffs and backplates (CPU, NB, SB and Mosfets) are not a good situation.

[Anemone]

For all you MM owners, I strongly suggest lining the mobo tray with 1mm-2mm thick neoprene. The shorter mobo standoffs and backplates (CPU, NB, SB and Mosfets) are not a good situation.

That doesn't sound good. I'll keep an eye on that when I mount. I'm a bit leery of the neoprene because even the tiny bit of air running under there helps and the neoprene would act as a thermal insulator as well as an electrical one. But heat would be better than a short.

Wonder if Ben needs to have a look into modifying the mobo tray :(

[skinnee]

That doesn't sound good. I'll keep an eye on that when I mount.

Keep an eye on it, its extremely close for the spots I could see. I was using backplates on my NB and SB, couldn't see if those were touching or not.


I'm a bit leery of the neoprene because even the tiny bit of air running under there helps and the neoprene would act as a thermal insulator as well as an electrical one. But heat would be better than a short.

Thats why I suggest a very thing layer (1mm-2mm) or some clear mylar just under the backplates...just to be sure.

[Big_Daddy]

Well, I haven't had any problems with it touching. And even if the backplates did touch, it shouldn't cause a problem. Maybe a thin layer on the backplate itself?

[skinnee]

Definitely wouldn't hurt.

Next time you have your mobo tray in a spot you can check take a look and let me know what you see.

[Anemone]

Black vinyl (or wide electrical) tape in the few spots would be invisible under the mobo and would likely insure against any issues providing poky parts weren't sticking through the tape.

[IanY]

For MMs, you should use $100 bills as insulation material ? LOL

[skinnee]

For MMs, you should use $100 bills as insulation material ? LOL

I've been thinking about it more...$100 bills just seems a little low class for an MM.

I was thinking Panda fur, that way it somewhat matches the anodizing.

[IanY]

I've been thinking about it more...$100 bills just seems a little low class for an MM.

I was thinking Panda fur, that way it somewhat matches the anodizing.


Either that or lion mane. You'll have to catch the lion yourself though.

[twwen2]

:ROTF:

Panda fur, lion manes. Did you gents get woken up a little early perhaps? Or is work really that boring...? :rofl:

[71 (Bryan)]

im not even sure they have a job, theyre like 24/7 on the forum :P

[skinnee]

Oh, we have jobs...

To rid the world of stupid, one idiot at a time! Its a thankless job really.

[IanY]

Work.. work is ... yawn... what work... ?

[Anemone]

I was thinking about these "nothing is too good for my MM case" thoughts as I was drilling some holes in it yesterday...

I do appreciate the looks, and I'm going to do some nice things to the case, but for things that are out of sight, or fit the need of practicality (drilled holes), then I do what's needed for the task at hand. I like the looks, but the biggest thing I think of with the MM case is just a huge amount of practicality. Need more cooling say for 2 cpu's a year or two down the line? Add it, the MM case can fit a larger mobo, or more rads with ease. There is ROOM, outright clear space to work in, to drop in some new hardrives if you choose down the line. And unlike many MM case builders I don't want to fill all that empty space. I prefer to have space to fit things later, to add or change things around later all within this same case.

So no $100 bills for me. I like the looks yes, but the practicality is king for me.

[skinnee]

I think you're missing our heavy sarcasm.

[IanY]

Anemone,

I need to come up to Boston and bring you a couple of Sam Adams.

Part of having fun is being silly :)

[skinnee]

Are you making fun of my use of :up:

[Astratuner]

I hope that the guys @ MM can do a revision of the case :D


longer motherboard standoofs and longer power + led wires :D

[71 (Bryan)]

Are you making fun of my use of :up:


yes :up:

[skinnee]

If I could bold the little guy I would. ;)

[IanY]

How you like me now, B.? haha

[skinnee]

How you like me now, B.? haha

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

:up:

[Anemone]

IanY that'd be great to do someday. Sorry if I mistook the silly factor - was a bit tired this morning after doing Dad duty with my 16 month old early am.

I have to ask, does anyone look at this case and just think of the options that are available down the road? With most cases you are often going "well if I wanted to put xxx in, I'd probably have to move that, rewire that and maybe stick it over in that space right there". With MM, you just look at what you want and decide what wall or floor to attach it to, end of problem. I don't want to exaggerate, but you could a reasonably sized phase system in the Ascension, 2 1.2+kw psu's, and who knows what else.

Just love it.

[skinnee]

Thats what I did...was modding fans anyway...

just another couple inches of wire, two solder points and some heatshrink each. Much easier than picking up the phone and requesting new switches and led's.

@Astratuner
All of the stuff I mentioned is minor. Hell, just think of the mods you have to do on a 343B to get a triple loop up and running. If case modding and modding in general is not your cup of tea, you might be in for a world of hurt and disappointment getting into WC'ing in the first place.

[Big_Daddy]

IanY that'd be great to do someday. Sorry if I mistook the silly factor - was a bit tired this morning after doing Dad duty with my 16 month old early am.

I have to ask, does anyone look at this case and just think of the options that are available down the road? With most cases you are often going "well if I wanted to put xxx in, I'd probably have to move that, rewire that and maybe stick it over in that space right there". With MM, you just look at what you want and decide what wall or floor to attach it to, end of problem. I don't want to exaggerate, but you could a reasonably sized phase system in the Ascension, 2 1.2+kw psu's, and who knows what else.

Just love it.

Just think when the extension comes out. 6" longer too. Then EVERYONE's in a world of hurt.. :) Rad's, Phase, small children, whatever..

[IanY]

IanY that'd be great to do someday. Sorry if I mistook the silly factor - was a bit tired this morning after doing Dad duty with my 16 month old early am.

I have to ask, does anyone look at this case and just think of the options that are available down the road? With most cases you are often going "well if I wanted to put xxx in, I'd probably have to move that, rewire that and maybe stick it over in that space right there". With MM, you just look at what you want and decide what wall or floor to attach it to, end of problem. I don't want to exaggerate, but you could a reasonably sized phase system in the Ascension, 2 1.2+kw psu's, and who knows what else.

Just love it.


Anemone,

I fully understand the Dad duty thing. I have a 40 month old myself, and he's still doing the diaper thing, except with an attitude problem.

I wished I saw things the same way you do with MM. I find space to be a premium, and I find it kind of annoying. But most of it is me and my dumb ass ideas.

Regards.

[Anemone]

haha just gave me an image of my son crawling inside the empty case and making it his "fort" :)

And yes, EVEN with the MM, it is very easy to "spend" the space you have. Sounds like you are heading towards building a "room" to house a pc, lol!

[skinnee]

Its not that big.

Although, it is a perfect place to hide after I have pissed off the wife. ;)

[twwen2]

I have to ask, does anyone look at this case and just think of the options that are available down the road? With most cases you are often going "well if I wanted to put xxx in, I'd probably have to move that, rewire that and maybe stick it over in that space right there". With MM, you just look at what you want and decide what wall or floor to attach it to, end of problem.
Just love it.

:yepp:
I'm looking at those 6 fan holes with thermochill spacing going I've got one PA120.3 which i'd mount on the back, but id't be such a shame not to fill the front 3 holes too... Heck, i then i could run dual loops easy, there's room for anything down there!:up:

[skinnee]

Recieved the email yesterday, Mobo RMA is all set, package is en route back to me!

Crap, now I gotta get off my duff and do a bunch of stuff!

[skinnee]

:up:

[pcaddict]

wtf you do with 9600gt?:confused:

[skinnee]

Run my second display.

[Loser777]

Recieved the email yesterday, Mobo RMA is all set, package is en route back to me!

Crap, now I gotta get off my duff and do a bunch of stuff!
Striker II Extreme eh?
What happened to it? Not another case of nvidiaitis I hope.

[skinnee]

No, was really starting to like the board. I am 50/50 on exactly what happened...but I am leaning towards grounding out on the mobo tray.

I have that issue covered so it won't happen again. :up:

[skinnee]

Got my board back!

Added a layer of mylar to the mobo tray. Glad I did, because the CPU backplate (Thermalright) does contact the mobo tray.

Will be firing it back up shortly, although I won't be putting the NB, SB and Mosfets under water until after I put the board through stability testing.

[Astratuner]

didn't the d-tek came with a backplate???

[Anemone]

I'd bet a thin plastic (mylar?) report cover from Staples, cut up to the right size would do the trick. A leather/hole punch could make the screw holes easy enough.

[skinnee]

I used some double thick (about 1mm) mylar sheets, I'm not exactly sure on the kind...I'll try and find the tag that was on the sheet.

And to be truthfully honest, I got it at Jo-Ann Fabrics. They have all sorts of mylar in their scrapbooking section. Apparently mylar sheets are a major part of scrapbooking, because they had tons of it.

Hey R3, you can get some pink mylar for your rig too!

[twwen2]

Good to hear you got the board back. Good luck with the stress testing :)

[skinnee]

I'd bet a thin plastic (mylar?) report cover from Staples, cut up to the right size would do the trick. A leather/hole punch could make the screw holes easy enough.

Yup, the wife had all the proper utensils still in her portfolio bag from college.

[Big_Daddy]

Most likely Acetate, not mylar.

[BlueAqua]

Skinnee, did you get this thing done yet? I want to see it!

[skinnee]

Yeah, I just quit doing photo updates. I might throw another set of photos up when I change out the Chipset and Mosfet blocks, or wait until I get the GTX280's strapped with DD Tietons.

[Anemone]

Considering sending those Tietons back to DD to get them chromed? :)

[skinnee]

Haven't ordered them yet...but yes, I will be going after the nickel plated Tietons. After seeing them in DB's Daywalker build I just can't resist...and I like the look of copper too!

The disappointment I've had with EK blocks and the growing number of reports that the EK blocks just aren't working for the GTX280's sealed the deal, DD's FTW! :up:

[skinnee]

Now...Now...Eddy has fixed the problem, plus he fessed up....:up:

EK..........FTW :up:

Fessing up is fine, only took several of us point out problems for that confession.

My fanboy list is slightly different than yours, the EK GTX200 series block is not the only complaint I have with EK. But, I am a grumpy little bastard and I will choose to spend my $$$ on the companies that have taken care of me when I point out a problem...the same thing I expect you to do.

[Big_Daddy]

Fessing up is fine, only took several of us point out problems for that confession.

My fanboy list is slightly different than yours, the EK GTX200 series block is not the only complaint I have with EK. But, I am a grumpy little bastard and I will choose to spend my $$$ on the companies that have taken care of me when I point out a problem...the same thing I expect you to do.

Take care of you when you point out a problem? :)

[skinnee]

Take care of you when you point out a problem? :)

Exactly...thank you for the fruit basket. :D

No, I meant spend his money where he chooses...poorly written statement my me.

[skinnee]

I agree that we all choose which companies get our $$$, but give EK a little slack. They fessed up that they tried to "reduce the weight" of their 200series cards and that it was not working. Eddy has offered to replace all of the blocks that are from the borked batch.

I give Eddy props for that, but that does not change my opinion.


I have had limited experience with EK, but the EK pdoducts that I've bought, have been superior quality. What other problems have you had with EK?

I have quite a list here...but for example, the threads on the reservoirs were horrible, I had to re-tap them and the Tri-SLI oops for the Asus SIIE. Anyhow, I know Eddy is a stand-up guy, I'm not debating that.


IMO, DD products just don't appeal to me for some reason... Can't quite put my finger on it...

Its personal preference I know, the big thing for me is DD's support, you can call them up and throw questions at them and they are glad to help. DD also has a massive list of folks they sponsor...I don't know of a single sponsorship by EK. For me, DD's support and involvement in the community cannot be touched by many of manufacturers.


But ultimately, it's your decision which products you buy... I say go with what you like, just don't bash the "stand up" companies the They've come clean...

See this where we disagree, I will gladly express my opinion of a company regardless of what others opinions of that company may be. For every person that see's my opinion as a "bash", another will find that opionion helpful or inline with their own thinking. Same as you expressing your like for vendors/manufacturers that "bash".


Do you think Koolance will ever admit they sold me (5) nozzle bodies that they claim are nickel-plated brass, but fail to state come with steel plugs???

Never know...they might, but I'm not talking about Koolance. I can honestly say I will never purchase a Koolance product.

I have never come after you for an opinion you have expressed even though I may disagree with it, I go by the old saying which my old man taught me long ago..."Opinions are like A:banana::banana:holes, everybody has one."

[skinnee]

:up:

[Anemone]

So do we get to see pics with just plain water in the loops?

[skinnee]

I don't know...not really sure if I'm going to take more pics or not. Starting to work on my test and benching setup now.

[skinnee]

drain valves are going in....
http://photos.skinnee-industries.com/build/480/36_DrainValve.jpg

[majestik]

WHOAAA a picture!

[skinnee]

LOL... :rofl:

Yeah, I might sprinkle a pic in now and then. I still have a ways to go before I consider the build "done", and who knows there might even be some UV shots. I decided to make this build more show and just have my bench and test rigs be down and dirty.

[twwen2]

Aww man that's my idea! :eek:

Great minds think alike my man... :cool:

[skinnee]

I figured it was time for a thread necromance, the parts from these photos and a whole lote of murderMod sleeving to make their way into my case over the holiday break.

http://www.skinnee-industries.com/photos/build/gpu-block_01.jpg

http://www.skinnee-industries.com/photos/build/gpu-block_02.jpg

Shots before these go on the test bench...
http://www.skinnee-industries.com/photos/build/chipset.jpg

[BlueAqua]

I figured it was time for a thread necromance, the parts from these photos and a whole lote of murderMod sleeving to make their way into my case over the holiday break.

http://www.skinnee-industries.com/photos/build/gpu-block_01.jpg

http://www.skinnee-industries.com/photos/build/gpu-block_02.jpg

Shots before these go on the test bench...
http://www.skinnee-industries.com/photos/build/chipset.jpg

I had to bump the pictures. ;)

Holy thread necromance batman! :rofl: jk :)

I'm definitely interested in watching this skinnee. Nice pictures! So, what are all your plans with the whole thing?

[skinnee]

There are a lot of little things that will happen in the short term (next couple weeks), including some fan changes on the CPU loop, a rad rotation, the other drain valves, re-sleeve with murderMod sleeve, the GPU block and loop, and chipset blocks changed over to the BP's after testing concludes.

There is another thing I cannot really disclose presently, but what I will say is it involves a Canadian. :p:

[2low4u]

Damn how'd I miss this? lol Sub'd "Get Er Dun!" lol :up::up::up::up::up::up: haha

[ward0]

to bad i saw this topic to late, nice updates so far. i have started my MM case with pedestal24. But i'm gonna try 4 loops see how it will work out. Keep up the good work!!

[Pellepel]

About time Skinee j/k (no pressure) :). We know your busy with testing and all. Aww I'm so envious that you got those Murdermod sleeve. Wished I would of found out about those sooner and I just got done sleeving my PSU with Techflex :doh:

[shazza]

Looking forward to seeing more, skinnee. I hope you find time to post more pics!

[breathemetal]

Gotta love MM cases :) They are by far my favorite.
Anxious to see more.
Seems like no matter what you do to an MM it still looks phenomenal.
Cant wait till the day I get to play inside one. Project "Hell" will be a fun one indeed!
Damn budget making me wait till March :(

[skinnee]

Alright! Both pump top tests are being published to the server, and the Shootout page is on its way too. Just need to post a condensed version of the reviews on a couple of different forums and the Striker II Extreme gets stripped naked for chipset block tests! :up:

[BlueAqua]

Hey skinnee, where are the updates? I know you've been busy. ;)

[skinnee]

they're coming...I'm having some trouble finding a good way to test the chipset blocks. There is no way that I can think of to stress them like a CPU for temp differences. Everything is just taking more time than I had planned for.

[shazza]

Excuse the bump, skinnee. Reviewing MM builds, and hoping to see some updates on yours. I know you're busy, but please don't keep us in suspense too long.

[skinnee]

why you little... ;)

I'm trying to find a 36"x36"x.25" piece of white acrylic for the bigger light box that I have. Once I can source that thing, I will have photos of the build. I should post some shots of the lab and light boxes. I just never like photos of my own stuff, my loops and builds just don't compare to creations like yours shazza!

[Waterlogged]

why you little... ;)

I'm trying to find a 36"x36"x.25" piece of white acrylic for the bigger light box that I have. Once I can source that thing, I will have photos of the build. I should post some shots of the lab and light boxes. I just never like photos of my own stuff, my loops and builds just don't compare to creations like yours shazza!

skinnee, try Mcmaster. They don't have that exact size but they come very close (#8505K967)...btw, it ain't cheap either. ;)

[skinnee]

Thanks WL!

$85 isn't bad, you should see what some of the local superstores wanted.

[N3it1]

Opal white looks sweet with lights behind it. Its pretty fragile tho but can be dealt with + it got a nice gloss. Have made few light domes from it.

like this http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/wanqin4321/product-detailGoOmayFurzkd/China-Opal-White-Acrylic-PMMA-Sheet-Board-.html

[Waterlogged]

Thanks WL!

$85 isn't bad, you should see what some of the local superstores wanted.

NP dude. Glad to help. :up: