Lian Li PC-A77 Mod: Project [Thessa]

[knet370]

Ok..A little introduction if i may..Basically, the goal is to watercool the case all internal without ruining the case's simple and minimalistic design. Yet maintaining a cool and quite system. The system will be overclocked to its highest stable clock(3.4ghz) on stock vcore.

So i present Project[Thessa] < named after my significant other as a tribute for financing this whole project. LOLZ! ;-D

All Mods are done by tantric @http://www.tantricmodz.com
Probably the No. 1, if not the best modder in the Philippines!

Loop 1: Ek Res 250> MCP655>TC PA120.3> Q6600> NB> SB (EVGA 680i)
Loop 2: Ek Res 150> MCP655> BIX II 240 > 2 x EVGA 8800gts 512mb (Will Be changed later to BIX II 360)

Pics! :)
Top Mounted PA120.3
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc&#37;20modz/knettop01.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knettop02.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knettop03.jpg

Lasercut Acrylic PA radgrill
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knettop04.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knettop05.jpg

Powdercoat done..mounted the res and top rad
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetinterior.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetradpump.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetrads01.jpg

front rad mounted in custom hd cage bracket
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetrads02.jpg

window cut
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetwindowmod.jpg

misc mods
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetinterior01.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/dualpump01.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/resmounting.jpg

thats it for now..some minor adjustments will be done later..

the parts i will be using
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/IMG_3236.jpg
tubes will be replaced to a tygon 3400 1/2id 3/4od on compression fittings on the cpu block. the rest of the fitting will be the dangerden fatboyz

[knet370]

reserved..

[knet370]

reserved 2..

[MomijiTMO]

Wow, can't wait to see the final pictures!

Damn that rad grill is sleek

[InfinityNX]

tantricmodz.com -- probably the best modder in the philippines :) check out his other works. btw, he's the one behind bugkalot (junkun13)'s mods too, heh.

[zowle]

Looks cool

[MomijiTMO]

You know, I don't think I've ever seen a A77 on here before D:

[knet370]

i think its a new case just recently released so others have not yet bought it..not sure. or maybe they just dont like the case. hehe..

[MomijiTMO]

I was going to get its little bro but ended up getting something else. It is a nice case though, especially with the fan controller included.

[Rise]

Nice work so far, I love the clean & classy look. That is what I plan to do as well with my Lian-Li case when it arrives later today :)

[knet370]

im plannig to put a lcd screen on the front..

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/images/products/LCD5-MBK_02.jpg
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/images/products/LCD5-MBK_04.jpg

[disruptfam]

Hey kumusta,

How much was the powder coating?

that rad grill is slick :)

[knet370]

@disruptfam

kumusta mate. :D

the powdercoat was around more or less $50us overall..

[disruptfam]

omg

i'm so coming back to the Philippines.$50 is sooooooo cheap

how about the lasercutting?

[knet370]

im not sure about the laser but its cheaper than powdercoat. i think..

[disruptfam]

wow

powder coating would be 4 times that over here same as laser cutting

project is looking good...

keep it going

[knet370]

if only we have cnc mahinces here..fc blocks would be half cheaper than others. ;-)

[pcaddict]

looks nice, subscribed!

[Volkum]

Very nice setup! Gave me a few ideas for a project of my own (I've been debating picking up the A77 or a G70 for a summer mod project). :D

[mussafry]

Damn, i wish i could get a person/company to mod my case the way i want :( Id pay whatever just to get the the stuff i want done :P (since im such a noob modder). Does any1 know anything like that in the US?

Great job though! Looking very sexy! I was going to buy that case, but decided to go with a PC-P80.

[knet370]

Damn, i wish i could get a person/company to mod my case the way i want :( Id pay whatever just to get the the stuff i want done :P (since im such a noob modder). Does any1 know anything like that in the US?

Great job though! Looking very sexy! I was going to buy that case, but decided to go with a PC-P80.

mnpctech maybe?

[dualbrain]

Hey knet370 :)
Looking good so far - but pleeeeaaaase no external LCD (just my opinion)!
In my opinion it would destroy the whole look - like it did on the vodoo-omen-thing :D, but if you really need an LCD for essential informations - go ahead because usability should always come first.

All the best to the philippines! And say hi to Junkun :)

[emoners]

looking good Kenneth! :up:

[knet370]

@dualbrain

thanks for the comments sir. i just thought it would look nice. you know..bling thing.lol!. i havent ordered it yet though and might actually not hearing from the mdpc master..hehe..any suggestions on the front of case? or just leave it as is to maintain the cases' simple minimalistic yet elegant design..

[knet370]

@emoners

thank you bro. its coming together now. just waiting for the tubes and other parts to complete the build..

[xTKxhom3r]

wow i love what you have done to the case looks really clean bro! i envy your creativeness

[manyga]

Veery nice mod!

Amazing case!

Suscribed!!

[knet370]

just a trial run of the tubes. it may be revised when better layout arises etc...final tubes will be a black 3400 3/4od tygon

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture025.jpg

comments/suggestions are very much welcomed

[Friedchicken]

CPU loop : Have you considered losing the tube from the pump outlet -> radiator? You can use the resevoir as a vertical water transport if you swap the resevoir caps.

You can have the pump feed water into the single connect point in the bottom cap, and then the top cap can be used to connect the radiator feeder line (the side connect on the top res cap) and a filler/bleeding tube connected to the top barb.

I have run this config before, and as long as there was water in the filler tube, the micro air bubbles would bleed out in the tube.

[knet370]

@friedchicken

please enlighten me..i am not aware of that..can you make a illustration of what you are saying? ms paint will do. thanks!

[Friedchicken]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/98kobra/tmp.jpg

The filler tube can be clamped to the top of the case for easy fill/drain, or it can be hardmounted.
This way works if you can mount the resevoir right above the pump inlet to give you enough room to mount the drain tube at the top of the res. You would need a 90 degree elbow to clear the radiator if you can go this route.

[knet370]

yes you are indeed correct. definitely a better tube layout. thank you sir for the suggestion.

[Swatrecon_]

there are too many turns in the tube from the back res to what i think is the 2nd pump?

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture025.jpg

Bottom leftmost tube.

[knet370]

some minor tube layout revisions...thanks to friedchickens better idea.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture039.jpg

[biftek.]

That's a pretty sweet tube run, great execution, and good idea FC.

[knet370]

some minor revisions

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture094.jpg

[emoners]

kenneth, that's such a tease! :up:

[Quest_7F]

I would agree to leave the lcd screen out to preserve the sleek design.

Like the murdered out insides though, good job.

[mussafry]

very nice case! +1

just a question? What Ram cooler is that? I found an OCZ one but i want a black one :up

[MomijiTMO]

They just painted the said cooler black :)

[knet370]

its just a powdercoated ocz ram cooler. ;-)

[knet370]

il be using now my 780 instead of the 680i. still waiting for my ek 780i nb block

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture101.jpg

[knet370]

http://imgcash5.imageshack.us/Himg254/scaled.php?server=254&filename=picture183oz7.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

http://imgcash6.imageshack.us/Himg254/scaled.php?server=254&filename=picture162fc7.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

http://imgcash1.imageshack.us/Himg254/scaled.php?server=254&filename=picture187yt1.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

http://imgcash6.imageshack.us/Himg254/scaled.php?server=254&filename=picture182ag6.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

http://imgcash4.imageshack.us/Himg254/scaled.php?server=254&filename=picture176ew1.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

http://imgcash6.imageshack.us/Himg254/scaled.php?server=254&filename=picture165ri0.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=480

[kadozer]

Amazing job! I love the gloss contrast of the radgrill to the case. With super humid climate in the pinas, I knew there had to be quite a few mod/watercooling enthusiasts there. Very clean inside also.

[vengance_01]

I am just in ahhh. Wow I wish I could have the time and money to build a rig like that. :D

[emoners]

congratulations pre for being one of the chosen to be Bit-Tech's Mod of the Month (http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2008/06/30/motm-jun-08/5)! good luck to you!:up:

[Junimrox]

beautiful mods and nice picture... very good tubing, looks very good!! keep this going!

[Lu(ky]

Very nice build.... I was looking at that case and was planning on doing the same thing that you did. But I decided on a non Tower case build..

[grungero]

Ganda! Mabuhay!:up:

Job well done!

[64dragon]

looks amazing, keep up the good work :up:

why can't all cases come with powdercoated interiors, they make the cases look 10x better

[fasttruck860]

looks amazing, keep up the good work :up:

why can't all cases come with powdercoated interiors, they make the cases look 10x better

I agree 100&#37;. Especially in high end cases, it make everything look that much better no matter how wild or ordinary. Puts my pc-70 to shame.

[Envydia007]

Mabuhay !!! Very nice looking !

[orclev]

This is very similar to the build I'm working on. I'm curious, how did you get that annoying cross-bar off the top half of the case? Near as I can tell the damn thing is riveted in place and I didn't see an easy way to get rid of it without cutting it. Something else I'm considering on my build is mounting a pair of Laing DDC on the MB tray, and putting a 120.1 radiator/fan on the bottom of the case, although that will depend on how clean I can run the wiring and such if I do that. I was origionally considering a 120.2 radiator on the top, but seeing how clean it looks when you remove the top PSU mount and cross-bar I might use a 120.3 instead.

[lowfat]

wow

powder coating would be 4 times that over here same as laser cutting

project is looking good...

keep it going

I don't think it would be. If he is only getting the interior done and most of the prep was complete. It wouldn't be more than $50-$75ish...


This is very similar to the build I'm working on. I'm curious, how did you get that annoying cross-bar off the top half of the case? Near as I can tell the damn thing is riveted in place and I didn't see an easy way to get rid of it without cutting it. Something else I'm considering on my build is mounting a pair of Laing DDC on the MB tray, and putting a 120.1 radiator/fan on the bottom of the case, although that will depend on how clean I can run the wiring and such if I do that. I was origionally considering a 120.2 radiator on the top, but seeing how clean it looks when you remove the top PSU mount and cross-bar I might use a 120.3 instead.

Removing rivets is very easy, all you need is a drill. It seems everyone is afraid of rivets, but there shouldn't be a reason why, they aren't that bad.

[knet370]

modded my d5 pumps to fit threaded barbs. shown with 1/2id fittings.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/Lian-Li&#37;20VA77/mcp655mod01.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/Lian-Li%20VA77/mcp655mod02.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/Lian-Li%20VA77/mcp655mod03.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/Lian-Li%20VA77/mcp655mod04.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/Lian-Li%20VA77/mcp655mod05.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/Lian-Li%20VA77/mcp655mod06.jpg

http://www.tantricmodz.com/

[orclev]

Removing rivets is very easy, all you need is a drill. It seems everyone is afraid of rivets, but there shouldn't be a reason why, they aren't that bad.

I think it's more a psychological thing. If you remove a screw and change your mind you can always put it back. Removing a rivet is a bit more permanent, although even then if you have a pop-rivet gun you can reattach them, although they won't look as nice as the factory rivets.

I really didn't look very closely at the bar because at the time I wasn't planning on doing any heavy modification to the case (was still planning on air cooling), but after deciding to go with water cooling it became apparent I would need to modify the case if I was going to go with a internal setup and preserve the clean outside lines. I was sort of hoping there were some screws I missed or something, but if I have to I guess I'll just need to drill out those rivets. Definitely an option I'll consider.

On the other hand, I could save that HD cage and mount some HDs there, while removing the bottom most HD cage from the front of the case and putting a radiator on the front panel, my pumps, or a radiator across the bottom of the case instead. So many options to consider, almost makes me wish I could just buy 3 or 4 systems and try them all.

Anyway, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this build to see how it goes and maybe snag a few ideas ;).

P.S. Knet370, nice mod on the pump. I'm afraid I'd be too scared to try something like that on mine, that's a fairly hefty chunk of change should you screw it up.

[emir]

Very nice work on d5 :up:

[knet370]

some update. better pics will be taken once im done leak testing.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture003.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/Picture007-1.jpg

[CoNMaN]

Nice! :up:

[INFRNL]

Very Nice Work! I was thinking of getting this case or the silverstone TJ-07; still a toss up as they are both excellent cases

[knet370]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/IMG_3903.jpg

[knet370]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/IMG_3899.jpg

[tantric]

knet: nice job! talk about organized chaos :D

[Leeghoofd]

Great job mate I just received my case precut by Tom from Chilledpc.co.uk... will take some picices of mine when it's done still awaiting the 2nd rad from aquatuning...

how did you mount the front rad ? any pictures of that ?

[Logos]

nice, very nice :up: subscribed :)

[knet370]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3910.jpg

[Envydia007]

Blackened !!! Nice!

[dingdong555]

VERY nice work!

I love the Res's + Fan grill!

Keep it up!

[N3it1]

Ah sweet job.Your setup looks awsome.

[knet370]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3963.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3920.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3921.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3978.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3942.jpg

[masska]

Well done knet370:up:
Awesome job mate.
Anyone know of a good powder coating and laser cut place in Melbourne????
I'm inspired:yepp:

[theodredge]

Wow! simply amazing knet...
I'm speechless!

[knet370]

its now in blue uv dye. my rig is now a boy.. ;-)

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/knet370/_MG_3990.jpg

[OV3RCLOCK3R]

Have to say, that looks awesome!

[disruptfam]

looks really nice with the blue nice work!

[Jim Morbid]

Oh my... *jaw drop*

That is amazing!

[orclev]

The only thing that sucks about this build, is that mine is going to be so close to it. Good job man, it looks really nice, and I'm going to have to steal a few ideas off you, even if it will make my build look that much closer to yours (in particular the mesh on the drive bays is a nice touch that I think I'm going to use). I'm amazed at how clean you managed to make that wiring, it's giving me the most trouble out of anything so far (but then again, I'm wrestling with a RAID controller that has obscenely long SATA cables) and hope I can manage to get something that looks even half as nice as what you put together.

:up:

[dualbrain]

As already discussed: Change the clamp that holds the reservoire and we are almost OR already there. All the best to Junkun13 too, that pointed me to the first version of this rig :) Go for Philippines V2 :)

[knet370]

As already discussed: Change the clamp that holds the reservoire and we are almost OR already there. All the best to Junkun13 too, that pointed me to the first version of this rig :) Go for Philippines V2 :)

wow...dualbrain checking out my rig.:D anyway, can you elaborate on the clamps. what do you mean by change? repaint? or are there any other versions of clamps being sold?

[Cpl Ledanek]

Mabuhay knet370!
Sak-sakan nang ganda! (Translation:It's very beautiful!)
:up:

[dualbrain]

wow...dualbrain checking out my rig.:D anyway, can you elaborate on the clamps. what do you mean by change? repaint? or are there any other versions of clamps being sold?

You wonder that I check out your rig - or better say "almost one of the most beautiful computers"? :D

I got an email by Ruben about it ... :up:

Just paint them and you should be there. Also please hide or exchange the cable-ties - cable tie heads are never beautiful. A dream would be to have black PCB graphic cards in it, but I do understand, that it is hard to open the loop again ... but who knows :D Just follow the motto: No-Compromise!

If you have any questions and especially before you do the final shooting - PN me or ask Ruben for my email-address. You are more than :welcome:! I can't guarantee for anything but if you go to "no compromise" and the photos become pieces of art - what can I do? :)

[tantric]

As already discussed: Change the clamp that holds the reservoire and we are almost OR already there. All the best to Junkun13 too, that pointed me to the first version of this rig Go for Philippines V2
yay! i'm guessing knet will be very busy this weekend :D

[dualbrain]

I just looked at the photos again: The two screws on the vertical mesh at the side towards the front really annoy and destroy the general quality look. It is also bent a little. Maybe you have a second mesh? :D Sorry *duck and hide*
I know it's whining from my side on a high level - please forgive.

[disruptfam]

Myself and mr dual brain here both have ocd :D

because i was looking @ those aswell!! :rofl:

[knet370]

A dream would be to have black PCB graphic cards in it, but I do understand, that it is hard to open the loop again ... but who knows Just follow the motto: No-Compromise!

i would like to own black pcb cards as well..but the only cards i know are the 8800gtx, 9800gtx and those overpriced 260 and 280gtx. which obviously i cannot afford anymore. lol! i will try to make a pcb cover out of lasercut acrylic with a bit of design if it will look ok. i will email you the final pics when im done altering those tiny bits you mention.

i also just noticed, the mesh is kindly slightly bent. haha! anyway, thanks for the tips. ill be busy working it out again. hehe.

[emoners]

knet: just downloaded your hi-res pics...might use them as wallpaper hehehe. my regards to mhike! :D

[lennox]

love your rig! what happened to the inside mirror you replaced with mesh? it looked sweet :)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/tantricmodz/misc%20modz/knetinterior01.jpg

[knet370]

the mesh was added to blend in more like on the front 5.25 cover and the ram cooler which are all perforated alum.

[knet370]

knet: just downloaded your hi-res pics...might use them as wallpaper hehehe. my regards to mhike! :D

lol! im not worthy. haha. anyway, i heard from uncle mhike you planning to go water too. hehehehe

[tantric]

lol! im not worthy. haha. anyway, i heard from uncle mhike you planning to go water too. hehehehe

hahaha! i'm not that old lol!

[emoners]

lol! im not worthy. haha. anyway, i heard from uncle mhike you planning to go water too. hehehehe

hahaha still thinking about it :rolleyes: :D

[mcp]

i would like to own black pcb cards as well..but the only cards i know are the 8800gtx, 9800gtx and those overpriced 260 and 280gtx. which obviously i cannot afford anymore. lol! i will try to make a pcb cover out of lasercut acrylic with a bit of design if it will look ok. i will email you the final pics when im done altering those tiny bits you mention.

i also just noticed, the mesh is kindly slightly bent. haha! anyway, thanks for the tips. ill be busy working it out again. hehe.

there are 8800gt's by xfx with black pcb's. they are very cheap.

http://geizhals.at/eu/a314225.html

[knet370]

there are 8800gt's by xfx with black pcb's. they are very cheap.

http://geizhals.at/eu/a314225.html

they are not reference design and thus will render my iandh ramsinks useless. also i already have the 8800gts g92 which i think is the better card than the gt. 9800gtx or higher will be my only choice if i where to upgrade just to get a black pcb. sadly i couldnt afford it right now. ;-)

[RADCOM]

Fantastic Mod, One of my all time favourites. Does the pump Mod increase the pumps efficiency like the new EK top? Your use of black Tygon has made me rethink my efforts. Well done friend.:clap:

[tantric]

Fantastic Mod, One of my all time favourites. Does the pump Mod increase the pumps efficiency like the new EK top? Your use of black Tygon has made me rethink my efforts. Well done friend.
with regards to ease of use i think yes. because it's a lot easier to swap fittings with a threaded pump. with the original pump top you are limited to using only 1/2 and 7/16 id tubing at most :D

[NLight95]

knet370: I just purchased an A-77B. I think it looks decent in its stock configuration but what you have done is a work of art! The black powder coat really transforms the "bland" aluminum.

Maybe you should send some of your pics to Lian Li and see what they think.

[knet370]

i think lian li should anodize the internals of their cases as well.

[Jim Morbid]

i think lian li should anodize the internals of their cases as well.

At which point the only legal tender that they will accept would be gold.

Although - cant be that expensive if they do it on mass. Would be hella sexy.

JM

[tantric]

some of their newly released cases already have anodized interiors although a bit more expensive.

[Jim Morbid]

How much is a bit more?

JM