[Worklog] Custom U2-UFO - "Radium"

[Razor_Blade]

I don't know what else to call it, being that it is Black and glows green ;). Here are some teaser shots:

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/top_view.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/left.jpg

[generics_user]

takes note - cell phone cams suck (especially nokia ones)

go out and get some 50$ digicam to post some pics and return one ek block so we can enjoy the pr0n :D

build going to be interesting

[Razor_Blade]

No need to return any blocks. I just need to bring my camera to work next week. I will post more details later today.

[philbrown23]

subscribed! this looks promising :D

[Big_Daddy]

:dammit:

You've ruined that beautiful MM case with that craptastic camera. You must go out, this instant, and purchase a half way descent camera. Take more pics, and burn these.
Go, now. We'll wait.


Still waiting.....

:)

[septim]

ah lolz, and kindly resize it smaller before posting. thanks.

here's a matchbox for ya. someone else provide the fire bin...

[Razor_Blade]

Lets see, Parts list:

Case stuff:
CYO UFO with Opti front and triple Thermochill rear.
9 Yate Loon D12SH's
2 15" UV Cold Cathodes

Hardware I have:
Evga 790i FTL Edition (just kidding)
G.skill ddr3-1600 4GB kit (and maybe a 2nd one...) if these don't work, I will get some Mushkin ddr-1800 sticks
Intel e8400 or Q6700; can't decide, I have both
2 Raptor X's and and 2 normal Raptors, all 150gb
Tagan 1300W power supply

Watercooling stuff I have:
2 PA120.3's
2 EK 140 X-Res DDC tops and one G3/8 DDC top
3 swifttech 355 pumps
EK motherboard blocks for evga 790i, in every flavor
EK Supreme
eleventy-billion Bitspower fittings, 1/2 inch all around.

Stuff to get:
2 GTX280s
2 EK waterblocks for said cards
Higher paying job...

That about does it. I am doing 2 loops, with a dual pump setup on the CPU/chipset loop.

So, What do you guys think? Should I go for a super fast Dual Core or a respectably fast Quad?

Ideas, Comments, Suggestions are always welcome.

[Razor_Blade]

Resized. Also, self nomination for worst pictars on teh XS.

[septim]

go for Quads, Q6600 standard or higher.

you forgot the camera on your list of must haves. even simple 5MP camera is good, or the n95's camera.

[Razor_Blade]

Here are some more pics, now with 5MP hotness:

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/front_incomplete.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/left_close.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/top_close.jpg

So many Raptors
http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/drives.jpg

I think I might have an EK addiction...
http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/pumps.jpg

Bet you cant guess what is inside...
http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/fun_boxes.jpg

This post brought to you by, my work rig:
http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/work_computer.jpg

[disruptfam]

very nice mate...

your like me ek addiction :)

[Razor_Blade]

I am unlike you, in picture taking, however... lol

[TedShred]

Lol, I was thinking "that green looks radioactive" before (somehow) I even noticed the "radium" in the title. Very cool build.:up:

How do you like those bitspower fittings?

[philbrown23]

noice! this is looking goo, quick question though...why are there 3 raptors on one side and one on the other? why not 2 on each side?

[Razor_Blade]

Lol, I was thinking "that green looks radioactive" before (somehow) I even noticed the "radium" in the title. Very cool build.:up:

How do you like those bitspower fittings?

The bitspower fittings are liquid sex. I have more on the way. If you have a very sharp eye, you will notice that I had to be creative with the spacing on the NB block. I am ordering more fittings to fix the issue.


noice! this is looking goo, quick question though...why are there 3 raptors on one side and one on the other? why not 2 on each side?

The odd Raptor configuration is to allow for enough space for extended graphics cards. I had it the other way, but my test card didn't fit.


I am thinking that I will do one gtx280 at first (of course, this depends on the performance) and then expand two two when the prices come down from launch.

I am also leaning towards using the e8400 over the q6700, because I think it will be a little easier to get it stable, when overclocked.

[Rise]

wow, very clean looking case, I like it!

[Razor_Blade]

Thanks, I think that MM cases look pretty good when anodized.

[Big_Daddy]

Much better. And looking good too.

[Razor_Blade]

So, I am having fittings issues. The NB and SB blocks cant hold 1/2 inch ID, 3/4 OD inch hoses with clamps on them, because there isn't enough space in between barbs. What should I do? I have bought smaller diameter hose and some different barbs to try, but there is obviously a good solution. What do all of you do? I think my current spacer solution is ugly.

[Razor_Blade]

Update with better mobo pics. I have a shipment inbound from Performance PCs with the rest of what I need to complete the project, minus the video card and block. I will update again on Monday, after the box shows up. Anywho, here are some higher res pics:

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/mobocloseup1.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/mobocloseup2.jpg

[ubermensch]

Those are some nice motherboard shots.
That anodized finish looooks awesome:up:

When are you going to be putting in the radiators and video cards?

[disruptfam]

nice mate..

what fitting combo did you use on your chipset blocks ?

whats the reason you did that?

[Razor_Blade]

Those are some nice motherboard shots.
That anodized finish looooks awesome:up:

When are you going to be putting in the radiators and video cards?

Radiators will be next week, followed by the graohics cards. I am hoping to have those here by next Thursday.


nice mate..

what fitting combo did you use on your chipset blocks ?

whats the reason you did that?

The fittings are like that because I cant get 1/2 tubing, with clamps, on in that small of an area. I have some 3/8 tubing on the way, but I would really rather keep the size uniform.

[systemviper]

Lets see, Parts list:

...

Stuff to get:
2 GTX280s
2 EK waterblocks for said cards
Higher paying job...




Very well said!, you do some very clean work, i likey.

PS.. How do you like that Danger Den MC-TDX with the Q6600?

Keep up the fantastic work.

Regards
Steve

[Razor_Blade]

I know this sucks, but I am out of town for a week. I did get the card, and I will post some pics of it installed when I get back.

The MC-TDX works great. no noticeable difference in temps in between it and the supreme.

[Razor_Blade]

Late, but as promised. She isn't fully running yet, due to the fact that it wont finish posting with my card in the 3rd slot. full boot will have to wait until I get the graphics card block. :(


I also REALLY need a tripod. :D

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/glow2.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/glow3.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/glow4.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/glow5.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/glow6.jpg

[ubermensch]

Hey looking good.

That looks similar to the setup I am runnin opti1203 with horizon brace.
I also have 2 fans in the bays. They provide some good xtra air over the board.
Then I run 2 pa 1203s on the underside.

What are those filters you are running? they look pretty good.

[Razor_Blade]

Hey looking good.

That looks similar to the setup I am runnin opti1203 with horizon brace.
I also have 2 fans in the bays. They provide some good xtra air over the board.
Then I run 2 pa 1203s on the underside.

What are those filters you are running? they look pretty good.

Actually, our setups will be nearly identical. This is basically a Opti/Horizon combo. I will have 2 PA's on the bottom, once I get my GTX 280 Block.

The filters are from Performance PC's; they are stainless steel mesh. Good luck on your build :up:. You have a link to a build log?

Tomorrow will bring more pics, with internal shots. I am trying to make the wire management look better, but it hasn't been going great. The Tagan power supply is a great unit, but I have NEVER seen such short cables. It is almost impossible to hide anything, because all cables barely reach their connectors. I need to buy a TON of extenders.

The other issue I am having is that the way the the PCI-e connectors hook into the graphics card conflicts with the left hard drive. I will take a picture tomorrow, but I basically can't bend the wire fast enough to avoid the bottom of the hard drive. Has anyone ever seen 90 degree PCI-e connectors for 6 and 8 pins? Let me know if you have, I REALLY need them!

[rafwlkp]

Can u take daylight photos ? I will be greatful ^^

[Logos]

Can u take daylight photos ? I will be greatful ^^

yep, just what I was thinking, your build is really nice but the last pics are really really too dark ;)


:dammit:

You've ruined that beautiful MM case with that craptastic camera. You must go out, this instant, and purchase a half way descent camera. Take more pics, and burn these.
Go, now. We'll wait.


Still waiting.....

:)

lol :D

[Razor_Blade]

I am still working with an inferior camera, so pardon the flash in the second picture.

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/cpuloop.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/cpuloop2.jpg

[Razor_Blade]

looks good.... :up:

You have "mad" pretzeling skills... :up:

:D Thanks, but you lost me on the "pretzeling" part. :confused:

Also, I just ordered a areca raid card for the middle slot. Raid 5 should be fun ;)

[Logos]

I am still working with an inferior camera, so pardon the flash in the second picture.

np, these new pics are good enough to see the good work :)

[Razor_Blade]

The EK water block for the GTX 280 arrived today. Enjoy the pics and the 4th of July Weekend!

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/NewBlock1.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/NewBlock2.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/NewBlock3.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/NewBlock4.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/NewBlock5.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/NewBlock6.jpg

[Razor_Blade]

I am really pissed at the SB block; it doesn't fit with the water block there. WTF?!? They are from the same company, you would think that they would be OK. Now I have to drain the loop to get the block off. AAAARRRRGGGGGG!!!

[Razor_Blade]

I think I am either going to water cool the Areca raid card, or I need another GTX 280. (and a therapist)

[TedShred]

Wow, lookin' great:up: Love the black sleeving on the 24-pin connector:cool:

Is that Feser acidgreen tubing?

[MomijiTMO]

You better cool the ram chips and other madoobies on the back of the GTX280.

[Anemone]

That is a beautiful job you've done. Eddy has really outdone himself with that 280 block as well. It's really a sight to behold and so lightweight as well.

[Logos]

That sucks having to drain that block...

What I meant by pretzeling, was how you looped all your tubing, like a pretzel...

did you actually mean Bretzel :confused: I think so :D

[ergotism]

Awesome job! Worklog looks great too!. One question though, what type of tubing is that?

[Anemone]

First COOL the chips on the back of the 280. Killing that card would not make you happy at all.

Second, as a rule of thumb, the southbridge 'sink has to be no taller than the pci slots. We all know that's not necessarily an easy thing to accomplish, sooooo, in your case I think it's safe to chop down (not off) a few pins on the SB 'sink and perhaps fit the whole thing together.

That plan might have to be modified if you are thinking a second 280 is going in there "someday soon"

[Razor_Blade]

Wow, lookin' great:up: Love the black sleeving on the 24-pin connector:cool:

Is that Feser acidgreen tubing?

Its Primochill Pro LRT tubing. Thanks for the compliments!


You better cool the ram chips and other madoobies on the back of the GTX280.

I am not so sure about the "Madoobies" you are referencing to; The rear sink that was on the stock card only made contact with the ram. I have a set of ram sinks here from swifttech that might go on the card, but they would make it impossible to put on a heat spreader on later. From what I can tell, the chips will run at stock speeds without a problem without any sink on them.


That is a beautiful job you've done. Eddy has really outdone himself with that 280 block as well. It's really a sight to behold and so lightweight as well.

Agreed. Eddy has made me an EK whore... :ROTF:


Awesome job! Worklog looks great too!. One question though, what type of tubing is that?

See above.


First COOL the chips on the back of the 280. Killing that card would not make you happy at all.

Second, as a rule of thumb, the southbridge 'sink has to be no taller than the pci slots. We all know that's not necessarily an easy thing to accomplish, sooooo, in your case I think it's safe to chop down (not off) a few pins on the SB 'sink and perhaps fit the whole thing together.

That plan might have to be modified if you are thinking a second 280 is going in there "someday soon"

I will try something different with the rear chips, just give me some time. ;)

The heat sink on the SB fits great now, it was the water block I was complaining about earlier. The enzotech sink is the perfect height for avoiding the cards.

[MomijiTMO]

Well if you don't think they get hot then who cares :). I know the EVGA block has a backside copper heat spreader that covers the ram chips and some voltage regulator bits [you can tell I don't have a clue what they are right]. For now I would cool those ram chips with the Swiffy copper sinks you have. You can pull them off later if you find a better [looking] solution.

[Razor_Blade]

Well if you don't think they get hot then who cares :). I know the EVGA block has a backside copper heat spreader that covers the ram chips and some voltage regulator bits [you can tell I don't have a clue what they are right]. For now I would cool those ram chips with the Swiffy copper sinks you have. You can pull them off later if you find a better [looking] solution.

And you hit the nail on the head.

[Razor_Blade]

After looking into it more, the only thing that produces heat on the back of the card is the RAM chips. Each creates about 4W of heat. I am considering running them without anything. Thoughts?

[Razor_Blade]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/complete1.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/complete2.jpg

Currently enjoying Mass Effect. :D

[Razor_Blade]

I am considering swapping out the Tagan PSU for a Silverstone DA1000. I think a fully modular PS would really clean up the case. What do you guys think?

[Dangals]

firstly I think you have done an excellent job so far!! Keep up the good work!

But yes a modular PSU would help clean it up a little more....not that it needs a great deal of cleaning up!!

[Razor_Blade]

Well, I am now a poorer man...

On the bright side, I am also a Silverstone DA1000 Owner!!! I have been working on cleaning up some of the cabling mess (subjective) and will show you guys some cool new pictures soon. Lets just say I got creative. ;)

[The Shooter]

Love the tubing, the more it is the better it is!:up:

[Razor_Blade]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, guys! I spent Friday trying to clean up the case, as well as get rid of some annoying leds. I will be sure to post some pictures, come Monday, of the progress.

[Jtrain43791]

dont forget how long those Silverstone DA PSUs are i know that the Da1200 is right around 9"long, you should be good though. Beautiful Build!:up:

[Razor_Blade]

dont forget how long those Silverstone DA PSUs are i know that the Da1200 is right around 9"long, you should be good though. Beautiful Build!:up:

Word. I guess that if it doesn't fit, I will just have to build another system...









CRAP, what did I just say? Must be the lack of sleep talking.

[Jtrain43791]

Word. I guess that if it doesn't fit, I will just have to build another system...

CRAP, what did I just say? Must be the lack of sleep talking.
LMAO after i posted that i looked up the DA1000 and its only 7" Lets cross our fingers and hope it fits :D

[Razor_Blade]

I swapped out the switches for the power and reset with green delrin switches. I also removed the blue glow from the fan controller, but left the undervolting red light intact. The wiring has been cleaned up inside, but I will get more into that when the new power supply arrives.

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/green1.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/green2.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/green3.jpg

[ubermensch]

turned out very nicely razor :up:

[Fusion2002]

Looks great! Finnish looks really cool with those grills

[Razor_Blade]

Thanks guys! I am working on one last thing for the build: I bought a DD copper backplate that I am going to modify so it works with my EK GTX 280 block. Should look pretty good. I will post more pictures when I have it in hand.

[Razor_Blade]

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/backplate1.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/backplate2.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/backplate3.jpg

http://www.medonemedical.com/images/xtremesystems/backplate4.jpg
The top part (the thick part with 3 holes) will have to be milled off for it to fit with the EK block. I will get some more pictures when I mill it.