PROJECT: MM Pinnacle 300 (previously Ugly Duckling)

[Kibbler]

Part 1: Introduction

Hi all, this is only my second post on XS and my first worklog. I learned a lot from lurking here (and while waiting for my account to activate), and I would greatly appreciate any comments, criticism, and suggestions you might have. Thanks (and please excuse the amateur photography).

Just for fun, here are some pics from the last time I dabbled in WC. This was back in 2001, originally posted on Procooling:

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4313/01mu4.jpg http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3161/02co1.jpg
Love FLCL. If you're curious, that's a Thunderbird 1400+ on an ASUS something-or-other VIA KT133 chipset, and a GeForce2MX400. Good times…barely running Morrowind on medium detail.

That's a DD MAZE2, which later became a Geminicool Spiral, Tygon 3606, Eheim 1048 which used to be a Danner Magdrive and subsequently became a Hydor L20, and a BI Pro, all inside a Super Flower Hydraulic (i.e. Alienware's 1st case). This was all done with only the school's drill press and this:

My favorite tool ever.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1418/05ve4.jpg

So, this isn't my first time at the rodeo, but it's definitely been a while. Let’s see what we're working with today...

Antec 300. It's not a very popular case, hence the name “Ugly Duckling.” But I like it, nice solid budget case. Here it is, stock (pics from PPCS).
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4616/06si2.jpg http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6287/07mk9.jpg

Tools I will be using: rotary tool...
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/9686/08md5.jpg

and drill (and riveter, nibbler, etc.).
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4058/09bc6.jpg

Bitspower compression boom de yada.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1862/10xz5.jpg

Assorted fittings.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8690/11co4.jpg

FuZionV2.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/8038/12fi7.jpg

Booyah they fit!
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/848/14aw7.jpg

They're touching...but at least the collars turn freely.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9778/13jz9.jpg

PA120.2
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/2892/15gm0.jpg

The beginning of a plan. I’ll probably change this arrangement, though.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/4914/15xsj8.jpg

Bitspower res and more compression.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2858/17by0.jpg

Petra's top.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1416/19ke2.jpg

w/ MCP355.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/1959/20ey0.jpg

Fillport.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5232/21iy8.jpg

For 9800gtx (iandh heatsinks not shown).
http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/2812/23po7.jpg

Pentek filter.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8317/24mb3.jpg

Lian Li drive cage from PPCS.
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/3995/25oz6.jpg
Don't remember the model. I’ll be removing the stock HD mounts, and this thing will go on the bottom between the rad and the PSU. It'll be close, the PSU I’m using is long (CoolerMaster M850, 18cm long).

Lian Li rad brackets and some aluminum angles I cut up.
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1052/26pj6.jpg
The angles are meant to attach the rad brackets to existing rivet holes in the case front panel. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of the process. Measuring, cutting, and drilling is all.

***************

At this point I want to relate a quick anecdote about Gary @ Sidewinder. I'd placed an order for the rad, MCR60, R3400 and other things. Due to whatever reason, I ordered 8' but he only had 5.5' in stock. Gary asked if I'd like to replace the R3400 with another formulation instead (B44 and silver tygon were in stock). I politely declined, intending to wait until R3400 was back in stock. I was in no rush.

Long story short, it turns out that Saint-Gobain had serious issues with R3400 production, something about lacking an essential ingredient, and my order was delayed for almost a month thru no fault of Gary's. After all, I made the call to wait. Finally, I became impatient and asked Gary to switch to R3606. Gary rushed the order and upgraded the shipping...a day before the July 4th long weekend...to Singapore, and it was delivered in 3 business days. Despite the out of stock situation, I was extremely impressed with Gary's attentiveness (he did update me frequently on the status), and expedited shipping was just icing. Thanks a lot Gary.

More to follow!

[Kibbler]

PART 2: Starting the build

Measured + drilled 1/4" holes for the handles, which are black steel drawer handles from IKEA. Bolts to be replaced with black socket head bolts.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5152/26apm5.jpg

Rear handle:
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/7810/26bfo9.jpg

Drilled out some rivets and removed the existing drive cages.
http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/7564/28fg3.jpg

What should I do with these? Hack them up!
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5130/29ov5.jpg http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1539/30on1.jpg

I'll keep the ones on the right for the 5.25" bays, same as when it was stock.
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/737/31mq8.jpg

Hacking up the rest of the metal...after this pic was taken I tried to nibble a too-stubborn metal bar and the nibbler broke. Much sadness...
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/6987/32nh4.jpg

These 2 "angle bars" were cut from the original HD mounts. The original idea was to use these to mount the radiator somehow, but this idea was eventually scrapped. Too messy. However, they will be useful as guides...
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2125/33ms9.jpg

This is for the fill port. Prepping for holesaw-ing:
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/889/34bx7.jpg

Result:
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9898/35qm3.jpg

With the rad finally in hand, it's time to test fit my bracket. Here it is with zip ties:
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/9215/dscn1518yg5.jpg

Fits. here's the lower bracket:
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2461/dscn1521kg2.jpg

Test fit with rad. You can see in the top and bottom horizontal bits where zip ties are going thru existing rivet holes.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4848/dscn1522qk7.jpg

And this is the overall idea:
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4622/dscn1524qz1.jpg
It mounts perfectly...but at this point I abandoned the bracket idea. There's too wide a gap and I'd need to make some sort of shroud. Too complicated and inelegant. Moreover the rad sticks "out" too far, leaving barely enough room for the HD cage and long PSU. Too tight and barely any room for modular cable connectors.

Ok change of pace, let's put the rad on the back burner. Now we're working on this hole for access to backplates. The finished elliptical one to the right is for cable management.
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9006/dscn1526uj9.jpg

Here's a new nibbler from PPCS:
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/7386/dscn1527yr3.jpg

Mark it...
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2964/dscn1528zw9.jpg

Bit of progress...
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7908/dscn1530hb5.jpg

Done with the nibbler!:
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/9021/dscn1533nk4.jpg

Cleaned up with a sanding drum:
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8449/dscn1534ob8.jpg

Fuuuu----ck. This Lian Li plastic molding doesn't handle straight edges very well. Ah well, I ordered some more from PPCS, this time with adhesive.
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/332/dscn1536ky1.jpg

That's the last cable management hole at the bottom there. Used up a lot of cutting wheels and sanding bands doing this one, its location made it impossible to nibble.
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/2334/dscn1552wn2.jpg

That's it for cutting for now. Next section will be a short update to rad mounting.

[lowfat]

Damn those are some nice cuts. How is the nibbler? I've never used or even seen one used before. I've only just used a rotary tool.

[Kibbler]

PART 3: Back to the rad

Take an aluminum angle bar...
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8163/dscn1537gt2.jpg

Measured (29cm)...
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6104/dscn1538sj1.jpg

Clip clip clip...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4682/dscn1539hi8.jpg

Done 2x (don't mind the fan grills, I'm just playing around. Not finalized):
http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/4464/dscn1541bd2.jpg

Marked for drilling:
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/1253/dscn1542kn6.jpg
The hammer and nail are for making small pilot holes for accurate drilling. However, it's a bit overkill on such thin, soft aluminum. The metal will "divot" and you'll have to flatten it out. I used a heavy duty clamp to squish it back to flat.

Test fit to rad with zip ties (Thermochills have holes on the side for their shroud. How convenient):
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/935/dscn1544ap1.jpg

Both attached:
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4528/dscn1546qh5.jpg

And now with the included screws. I'm considering drilling them out to use rivets. Permanence can be satisfying...haven't decided yet though.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8239/dscn1547ey1.jpg

Other side. The screws stick out (in?) quite far, but should not really affect air flow.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9200/dscn1548cj2.jpg

Remember the hacked up "angle bars" from before? I used them as guides for this. I made sure to mark it "MOBO side" because I fcuked up confusing it for the other side. Twice.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3005/dscn1554nk6.jpg

This pic shows the case front (just the right side as an example). The red circles are the original rivet holes, which will need to be drilled out on my mount. The green areas are holes for the stock fan brackets, which I plan to use. My aluminum rad mounts will need "notches" to clear these areas.
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/299/dscn1555ja7.jpg

Done and it's perfect! If you're confused, this pic is taken from inside the case, looking forward. It looks a bit low because I don't have a hand to support it at the correct height.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/133/dscn1558fx5.jpg

Here are the notches cut out of the mount for the other side. Rivet holes not drilled yet, though.
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9073/dscn1563yi3.jpg

Side note: See that divot in the middle? Yeah...that's when I broke a drill bit when drilling out the drive cage rivets. The drill slipped and made a nice dent. The silver lining? That divot lines up PERFECTLY with the PA120.2 bleed screw. HAHA a serendipitous drain! Just need to holesaw and grommet it.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3392/dscn1560aq4.jpg

Oh yeah and I removed those disgusting glued-on rubber feet. Waiting for some MNPCtech rubber feet to arrive. But...stupid me, I'll need something to keep from scratching the paint on the bottom. So I put the disgusting feet back on temporarily.
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8100/dscn1551aa0.jpg

More to come!

[ThrustSSC]

Very nice build, keep them coming. I always like cheap cases, the cheaper the case the more modding potential it have :).

[taowulf]

Damn those are some nice cuts. How is the nibbler? I've never used or even seen one used before. I've only just used a rotary tool.

You can do some pretty decent work with a nibbler, but your hands will hate you afterwards. You might end up with Popeye forearms as well.

[Lagaaja]

Nice! And btw, wattaf is that nibbler :confused: Looks handy. Keep it coming, subscribed.

[Nate P.]

Excellent build, looks like it's moving along nicely!

[Dangals]

Great work - keep the pics flowing!!

[Kibbler]

Thanks for the comments so far. I'll try to update as frequently as I can.

REQUEST: Can anyone recommend a good powdercoater in Singapore? I'd like to give this duck some colors. I assume a few of you might live in these parts, and maybe others have friends here. Appreciate your help!

Regarding nibblers: They are nice for making small, accurate cuts, at least once you figure out their quirks. I don't have any pics of it in action, but this pic should explain a lot:

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4682/dscn1539hi8.jpg
Basically there's a small notch at the top of the tool in which you put the edge that you want to cut. Squeeze, and it "nibbles" out a ~1/8" x ~1/4" piece of metal. It's easy to cut straight lines because the cutting piece fits exactly into the notch made by previous cuts, assuring 90deg angles all around. The finished edge will be straight but not smooth. So it's best to cut with a 1/16" margin from your actual line, then smooth it out with the rotary tool.

My old nibbler was worn enough that it could turn a bit after each cut. Actually, it could turn *just* enough to the inside that I could cut out a perfectly round circle (or, many many sided polygon) for a 120mm fan.

They're also nice when you have an urge to cut something in the middle of the night, and the rotary tool would make too much noise. But yeah, use them for too long and your friends might start to wonder if you've been single for too long...

[Lagaaja]

Thanks for the info:up: What colors do you have in mind?

[Kibbler]

PART 4: Rad continued

Small update today. The rad mounting bracket/shroud is done, holes drilled. Here it is attached with zip ties. In the final assembly stages, this rad/shroud piece will be attached to the case with 6 rivets or bolts through the circled existing rivet holes (no extra holes were drilled into the case).
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9402/dscn1565pj9.jpg

EDIT: Forgot to make a comment here. Thermochill PA series are 126mm wide. On the Antec 300, there is a metal "lip" that curves in along the edges of the 2 fan intakes, which you can see in this pic:
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/133/dscn1558fx5.jpg
...and you know what, the fan intake is also EXACTLY 126mm wide. Which means, my aluminum rad mounts sit flush with the side of the rad AND the side of the fan intake, creating a seal. Now that's lucky!!

Here's the general idea for the pump. The Absolute bracket will be attached to the case to support the pump....wouldn't want the weight of the pump putting so much torque on the rad inlet. REQUEST: I would appreciate your input on this: Will I have any flow problems with this setup? It's basically like having a 90 at the pump outlet, right?
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8444/dscn1568rc8.jpg

Remember what I said about the drain hole? Here's the bottom-front of the case, cut out with a hole saw. That light impression in the middle (just barely visible through the masking tape) is the bleed port, minus the removed screw.
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6469/dscn1570zv1.jpg

As for colors, I'm open to suggestions. What would you guys like to see? However first priority is actually finding a reputable powdercoating place.

Overall some small but solid progress today.

[evil-98]

yea the only thing i hate about the nibbler is after a few hours your pale will be so sore and raw that you can barely move it.

the 300 looks like a nice case, i personally like it. i like the rad placement :up:

good luck, keep up the good work

[zlojack]

Nice work so far. Definitely looking forward to seeing the final product here.

[Kibbler]

Part 5: Pumpin'

First, I found out that the Thermochill rads are the perfect width for my case. Now, check this out. That's damn lucky...That's the Absolute DDC bracket between the PCI slots and the edge of the case. It's touching on both sides, but not tight. Thanks armeniandave. Thanks for looking out for me. :):):up::up::up:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1793/dscn0002hj6.jpg

Here it is with the DDC. That's a great fit, just inside the side panel.
http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/9315/dscn0004cm4.jpg

Other notes:

-Had a problem with the original rad mount: it was touching the bottom of the case, and blocking the holes where my case feet will be mounted (with bolts coming up through the bottom panel). I needed to make new rad mounts to raise the rad by 1/2".

-Also, I found a powdercoater in the area. :up: Actually there are several, but this one was mentioned by name on another forum. I'm very excited to wrap up the cutting and drilling, and get this thing baked to a glossy black.

[Lagaaja]

Now that's lucky:D Looking really good so far.

[kinghong1970]

damn... goes to show, some simple tools + dedication = amazing results...

nice cuts with a nibbler... you are way more patient than i am bro...

[lyl]

Good looking mods so far; nice rad mounting. Nice parts too!

Only thing i dont like is the color of the case's interior... battleship gray :p:
Edit: just saw youre going to have it PC'd... cant wait for that!

[Bubbaxm2]

Nice work!

[GAR]

I'm interested to see how this ends up, as i think this is the best case for $60 bucks usd.

[Serpentarius]

PART 4: Rad continued

Small update today. The rad mounting bracket/shroud is done, holes drilled. Here it is attached with zip ties. In the final assembly stages, this rad/shroud piece will be attached to the case with 6 rivets or bolts through the circled existing rivet holes (no extra holes were drilled into the case).
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9402/dscn1565pj9.jpg

Here's the general idea for the pump. The Absolute bracket will be attached to the case to support the pump....wouldn't want the weight of the pump putting so much torque on the rad inlet. REQUEST: I would appreciate your input on this: Will I have any flow problems with this setup? It's basically like having a 90 at the pump outlet, right?
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8444/dscn1568rc8.jpg



i think you're forgetting something very very important ... remember the fans?

[Kibbler]

i think you're forgetting something very very important ... remember the fans?
Fans go here ;) (I was kinda working towards this detail as a "tada" surprise haha) Those are stock fan brackets that go behind the bezel. Unscrew 2 thumbscrews on the right side and the bracket swings open like a door. There's enough clearance for 25mm fans. I will have 2 S-Flex (F) to do the pushing.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7598/frontfansah8.jpg
(pic from ozhardware.com.au)

Thanks a lot for the positive comments all :) Gives me motivation to see this thing through.

[japanese]

what's the size of those compression fittings? both id and od please.

[Kibbler]

what's the size of those compression fittings? both id and od please.
Bitspower 3/8ID 1/2OD.

[Kibbler]

Part 6: HDD

Bottom of the case, marked for drilling:
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5139/dscn0006mp4.jpg

Drilled 2 1/8" holes. Good size for these Lian Li thumbscrews.
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8398/dscn0008vg5.jpg

Other side. Lian Li thumbscrews fit Lian Li threaded holes, how nice ;). Seems strong enough.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6396/dscn0007xv9.jpg

Finished drilling all 4. Messed up the last 2 and missed by about 1/16" in one direction, so I widened all the holes to the next larger bit, 9/64".
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/197/dscn0009nn2.jpg

From the side. Originally I wanted to go with rivets, but you see the raised metal "lip" would block access to the 3rd drive position. So I went used thumbscrews instead. The bottom of the drive cage comes with threaded holes.
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7463/dscn0012vy0.jpg

Here's the rad in position. That's close, about 1/2" gap without fangrills. Thinking back I should have spared 1/2" to the left, but no big deal. There are plenty of large holes in the drive cage, so I hope airflow won't be a problem. Thankfully S-Flexes are good with static pressure so they say....?
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3439/dscn0013fe3.jpg

Sorry for these small updates. I don't have a lot of free time during the week to work on big chunks. Only a little bit here and there.

[lyl]

where are the rad fans?

[Kibbler]

where are the rad fans?

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8650/antec34qz7.jpg

[Lloyd]

cool idea! Can't wait to see it finished :up:

[emoners]

man so much work! :D nice! :up:

[TedShred]

geez, nice work man!

love your build log:D

[askareem24]

heh this is just teasing me , quit strip teasing me..

[lyl]

nice, i see where the fans go now. really cool.... makes me want to pick up an Antec 300 to play with :)

[Tile]

Nice metalwork on the case. I like it. I have some experience with the nibblers, they are ideal for doing metalwork on noname and thin aluminium cases. I've used mine to cut a window hole on an Antec SLK 3000B side panel (0,8 mm SECC steel).

[continuum]

Nice, very nice work!

[Kibbler]

Part 7: A non-update, and :shakes: to EK

Sorry for the lack of updates. This build is still alive and well, but was put on hold for the last couple of weeks due to 1) flu, 2) company workshops, and 3) waiting for some parts to arrive. Basically, all the cutting and drilling is done, and the case has been de-riveted into 6 major sections + other smaller parts, ready for the trip to the powdercoaters.

I did run into snags with parts. I ordered a 2nd G3/8-G1/4 reducer from ChilledPC-UK, which turned out to be different from my first one, and doesn't screw in all the way. I've ordered a few more and hope to get just 1 more good one out of them. If not...then it's time to think of another solution.

For the res, I've settled on an EK150 tube res. However...
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5039/dscn0015bd2.jpg

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/9288/dscn0016ka7.jpg
There's some major fubar in the threading on the lower cap, and I'm waiting for a replacement to arrive. It couldn't have happened in transit, since the acrylic part and the rest of the package are flawless. Must be bad QC:shakes::shakes:

I still have an unopened Koolance 80mm res, and unused Bitspower 5.25" POM bay res sitting around. Maybe I can do a short review of those for kicks, after the case is sent off for painting.

[Shogan]

Nice. Looking forward to the updates when they do come! I am currently planning out my first "proper" watercooling install (i.e. not coolermaster kits etc..) so it will be interesting to see what you fit into a case of this size! Enjoying the mods so far.

[Kibbler]

Nice. Looking forward to the updates when they do come! I am currently planning out my first "proper" watercooling install (i.e. not coolermaster kits etc..) so it will be interesting to see what you fit into a case of this size! Enjoying the mods so far.
Thanks Shogan. TBH my biggest constraints are:

1. Size of the case
2. Everything MUST be internal (OCD)
3. NO rad on top (OCD, I dislike top openings)

With that said I'd recommend going for the largest/best case you can afford if you're serious about watercooling. This Duckling is more to see if I can turn a budget steel case into something classy, and cool some nice hardware as a bonus.

For performance, capacity, and something that I'd never have to move, I'd certainly go for a LiLi full tower, 343B, or a MountainMods cube.

[Kibbler]

Yay, got an envelope from ChilledPC-UK. Out of the total 5 reducers I've ordered from them so far, I needed at least 2, and now I have 3 good ones (the other 2 are too long). If only they would clean up their stock and only sell the good ones from now on.

The 3 at the bottom are the "good" ones. The other 2 are "bad" ones. The difference is very small. On the good ones the nut flange is slightly bigger and thicker, while on the bad ones the threaded portion is slightly longer. Also, the finish on the good ones is a bit duller compared to the bad ones.
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8762/dscn0020xc0.jpg

Anyway, now I can do this:
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/7148/dscn0019kw7.jpg

[Utnorris]

subd. looking sweet.

[Kibbler]

Part 8: Res and pump

Just a quick update on the parts I've received and will be using, and their arrangement:

The primary drain:
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4325/dscn0035vt6.jpg

Replacement EK res bottom. Much better than the last one!!
http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/9977/dscn0036ij4.jpg

A preview. Waiting for another BP G1/4 male-to-male to connect the pump to the res. I have 3 Koolance couplers (like the one on there now) but they're simply too...unforgiving. They are either too loose, or tighten to the same specific angle. BP o-rings are thicker, there's a wider range of final angles which are still tight enough to be leak-proof.
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7573/dscn0039tj6.jpg

Other updates:
-Due to some mishaps and bad measurements, I will need to buy another Antec 300 :(. I want a new bottom panel to work with. Although they cost only as much as an EK Supreme, I'm still disappointed in myself.
-I cracked the EK anti-cyclone piece with almost no effort. :(
-Lots of tubing choices. I will take some pics once they are all in. Black? Sleeved? Orange?

[mpower1001]

Looking good, good idea for a drain

[Kibbler]

Part 9: Thread adapters, and disappointment! :(

A small padded envelope arrived. Two small but necessary parts (BP NPSM adapters):
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8732/dscn1479kc6.jpg

Compression fittings attached to adapters:
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/9659/dscn1480cp4.jpg

Shiny and I like it! I wasn't happy with using G1/4 fittings on this block, short threads and recessed o-rings did not give me a sense of security. This seals MUCH better.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/994/dscn1481kr4.jpg

The fittings just clear the mounting plate. Larger comp fittings would not work.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7245/dscn1482pd8.jpg

Now time for something different. Gonna use that Gerber locking pigsticker to cut some tubing...
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/7687/dscn1483rx5.jpg

Techflex PET:
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1945/dscn1484bd1.jpg

Happy and excited to do something cool!
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3494/dscn1485zk6.jpg

......

Alright I'm gonna spoil it...I tried to sleeve the tubing with compression fittings on the ends. It was, a complete super DISASTER. The sleeving frayed horribly. Trimming the ends to clear the comp fitting thread sent orange strands flying. The compression ring would not screw down properly, I guess tubing + sleeve is too thick. I made such a mess that I was too anxious to clean it up, and didn't even take a photo :(

Pros (Charles?), I need help...how do you do it. Am I using the wrong sleeving? Should this work with comp fittings, or only with barbs + heatshrink?? :confused:

Next update: How to make a better, but not entirely original, res mount.

[disruptfam]

ohhh nooo...

i Was planning to do the same with my build but i had a feeling the sleeving + the tubing would be too big to fit the comps!!! :( i was right!

[Big_Daddy]

VirtualRain (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2765933&postcount=2)did it, but he used Koolance barbs..

[Kibbler]

Big Daddy: Thanks for the link, I forgot about that project.

Disruptfam: Sorry bro. Hope you can figure something out then we both benefit.

I took another shot, being extra careful to cut the sleeve to the same length as the tube...
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6432/sleevetubejo2.jpg

It's closer, but still crap :mad:. Notice the ends where the orange strands are unraveling, and the comp fitting collars cannot be screwed on completely. I have some Koolance comp fittings but too tired for another go. I was also hoping the sleeve would be more "dense" but black and orange doesn't look bad. In fact it matches the rest of my project.

However, I don't think this is the way to go. At least not with this kind of sleeve. Nevermind, I have some other tubing on the way...

[disruptfam]

i will have to try it myself... hopefully it works out well

i will be using the mdpc sleeving the same sleeving charles used...i will post when i receive it

[Kibbler]

Part 10: Building a custom "Omega" res mount (and a poor man's metal brake)

As promised (for the 2~3 of you still following this thread:welcome:;)). And here we go.

We start with this, 3/4" wide aluminum strip.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9125/dscn1487zm5.jpg

Then we go here. EK res is 50mm diameter (yeah I'm bad at math and measurements). We need the circumference.
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/8558/untitledsk8.jpg

Mark it, and leave some material to spare at the ends...
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/1172/dscn1488kk9.jpg

Place a 1/8" thick AL angle bar against the edge of my cheap IKEA desk. This stuff is light, but very stiff. Lay the measured strip perpendicularly, like so.
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5489/dscn1491sz5.jpg

Then we take another thick AL angle bar...
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/237/dscn1492tw4.jpg

And push against the original. Push hard!!
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6290/dscn1493cf7.jpg

x2 and you get this. Right-angles. Pretty basic stuff.
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8216/dscn1494kr3.jpg

Now I need my original, poorly-threaded EK res bottom. It's lucky I kept it because I don't want to scuff up the good one.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7333/dscn1495kr7.jpg

Do this.
http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/5481/dscn1473yr7.jpg

Then clamp and drill.
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/39/dscn1496wx1.jpg

Almost there.
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7563/dscn1497in7.jpg

Two more bends (these were difficult), and here's what we have (that's why I call it an Omega mount).
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6170/dscn1498du4.jpg

Drill 2 more holes in the backplate and trim the ends of the Omega.

And here's the final placement. The res itself is height adjustable to a degree, just loosen the clamp and shift. The bracket is attached by 2 more of the same small bolts, shown above.
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5749/dscn1502ax2.jpg

Yeah I know. The powder coating is way way overdue.

Hope you enjoyed it :cool:! and hope some of you found this useful. I certainly prefer this over the stock plastic kind.

I first saw this idea in someone's SFF or horizontal-mobo build, done with a BP water tank Z. But I can't find it anymore. Credits go to him/her.

[zlojack]

Very nice work!

[Arni]

Nice and cheap holder :up:

[eXa]

Hmm wish i thought about that before i powdercoated my case. The stock clear ress holders are so fragile. Broke 1 already.

[Kibbler]

Hmm wish i thought about that before i powdercoated my case. The stock clear ress holders are so fragile. Broke 1 already.
I hear you. I don't like the clear ones because they feel insecure and fragile. And the black ones (with latch) are too bulky for the amount of space I have. I like the AL satin finish, too :up:

[Lagaaja]

Nice one with that res holder:up: Looking forward to see the final build getting shape!

[joshd]

This is looking really awesome so far, good job!

[Kibbler]

Teaser

Pretty obvious what these are. Mosfet sinks will be paired with EK backplates.
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4315/img0200hp3.jpg

I'm as happy as a pig in poo that these Lamptron anodized AL handles fit the same holes I drilled earlier for temporary handles (IKEA drawer handles).
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/338/img0203ta6.jpg

And I got a free t-shirt. One that would fit 3 sumo wrestlers.
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8983/img0207sg6.jpg

Minor mods to the front panel. Who knows maybe it'll fit a triple.....;) And maybe there will be a 120.2 in the FS/FT section soon......;)
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/6629/img0202vl3.jpg

Comments/to-do:
-Don't use fitted sheets as backdrop.
-Iron sheets.
-Buy new sheets.
-Wait for last packages to arrive...

[whe3ls]

nice mod. i really like your nippers

[Kibbler]

Teaser2

There's a lot of sleeving in my near future (not shown: 2 big bags of cable management p-clips).
http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/4929/img0215jg7.jpg

New aluminum bracket for 120x3 rads, to be drilled for ST/BI spacing. Basically the same idea as the PA120.2 mount shown previously, but I decided to go for broke and go with a triple rad instead. MCR230 is on the way from Gary.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/909/img0223ng2.jpg

I like how this piece turned out after powder coating.
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2688/img0229xd9.jpg

Problem is, guess my instructions to the powder coaters were not specific enough. A few panels were only coated on 1 side, and some of the pieces were the wrong color (black instead of orange). The HDD cage above was supposed to be black, too, but the orange looks interesting so I'll keep it as-is.

However, the finish on the coating is fantastic. Very smooth.

Sigh...need to make another trip to finish up the rest of the panels, who knows when I'll have time.

[Extigy]

I noticed you were having troubles with the cable wrap fraying. little tip. cut the cable wrap with a heat knife, or something similar (heat up scissors). This will prevent the ends from freying! with the ends sorted, they should fit into a compression fitting with some encouragement!

Hope this helps!

Love the orange powdercoating with the grey plastic mounts. Very nice.

[Kibbler]

I noticed you were having troubles with the cable wrap fraying. little tip. cut the cable wrap with a heat knife, or something similar (heat up scissors). This will prevent the ends from freying! with the ends sorted, they should fit into a compression fitting with some encouragement!

Hope this helps!

Love the orange powdercoating with the grey plastic mounts. Very nice.
Thanks, I'll try that. However the problem wasn't just the fraying, it's that with tygon+sleeve it was physically too thick to screw down the compression collar. Virtualrain got his to work with shiny (mylar?) sleeve, which I think is thinner. Thanks for your comment, too.

***

After some irritating setbacks (powder coating, problems with the bezel, etc.), I am very pleased that the triple rad mount is coming along nicely. Here it is test-mounted to the front panel:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/582/img0232wt9.jpg

And here's the other side (s-flex ftw:D). Almost looks stock, doesn't it?
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/737/img0233bz8.jpg

Measure 3x, drill 1x ftw.

The fans are attached with machine screws and nuts, to be replaced with whatever appropriate screws when my MCR320 arrives. The whole assembly is attached to the front panel with the same screws/nuts. I was planning to use rivets, but might go with this method instead. It'll be nice to be able to remove the entire rad + fans + mount assembly for cleaning in the future.

I just pray that my Swifty rad will have 15mm spacing...

[oily_17]

Very nice build you have going here.:up:
Love the amount of detail you are giving on each step,keep up the good work.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the name of orange powdercoat you used for the drive cage -

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2688/img0229xd9.jpg

I am going to start an orange and blue themed build and really like the orange colour you used.Also the finish looks amazing on it,hope I can find a local powdercoater who is as good as that.

EDIT: Do you have a pic of it beside the orange PET sleeving for comparison,as I will be using that sleeving in my build as well.Would appreciate it if you could post a pic please.

[Kibbler]

EDIT: Do you have a pic of it beside the orange PET sleeving for comparison,as I will be using that sleeving in my build as well.Would appreciate it if you could post a pic please.
Thanks for the comments:) This is a very slow build (waiting for parts, not enough time, laziness and indecision on my part) so if it wasn't so detailed I'd have nothing to post!

I'll take and upload some pics when I get out of work for comparison's sake, but it won't be helpful to you I'm afraid. I went to the powder coating place with black and orange in mind and expected them to let me choose out of a palette, but when I got there I saw a piece of bus/subway/metro handrail they had done in the perfect orange, so I just said "I want that" :D

Best bring a piece of orange PET along when you go to the painters and ask them what comes closest.

btw firefox theme build?

[oily_17]

I'll take and upload some pics when I get out of work for comparison's sake, but it won't be helpful to you I'm afraid. I went to the powder coating place with black and orange in mind and expected them to let me choose out of a palette, but when I got there I saw a piece of bus/subway/metro handrail they had done in the perfect orange, so I just said "I want that" :D

Best bring a piece of orange PET along when you go to the painters and ask them what comes closest.

No problem mate,think I will take some of the sleeving with me when I go.I know what you mean when you just saw the colour and bang: 'thats the one I want', I keep checking everything orange at the moment for the perfect colour.


btw firefox theme build?

Nah, but not a bad guess, it's just two of the colours I think look good together and I agree the Firefox orange and blue go very well together..you never know I might just use them... hmmm

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

thank you so much for showing the metal brake technique !! i was wondering how i was going to make a shroud in my next build and you just solved my issue :up:


how thick was the alu strip you bent for the holder?

[Kibbler]

thank you so much for showing the metal brake technique !! i was wondering how i was going to make a shroud in my next build and you just solved my issue :up:

how thick was the alu strip you bent for the holder?
You're most welcome. I think mine is about 1mm thick, very thin and flimsy by itself, need angles to give it rigidity. 1/16" might work, too. I'm guessing you want to make a shroud by forming a rectangle from 1 long strip? Good idea.

PS My gf just informed me I got *another* package. Let's hope its the triple rad, and let's hope it fits :D

[Kibbler]

Part 12: Big, black, and beautiful

QP-K is here, with Bitspower NPSM-G1/4 adapters. The glossy paint job is fantastic, much better than I imagined so I probably won't paint it. Fins are evenly spaced, too. But wait, whats it sitting on?
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8528/img0234la1.jpg

S-Flex army! Here's the whole rad + fans + mounting assembly. I'm apply the same "modular" philosophy to the rest of the build eg. hard drive cage, res, so that individual parts can be removed without disturbing others. Rad fits great with the included long screws, thanks Gabe! (are you still looking for MCR320 mounting photos?)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3457/img0236qy4.jpg

Here it is attached to the front panel.
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/8334/img0238gl5.jpg

And attached to the front bezel (minus mesh grill, which is not painted yet).
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/4674/img0239dr8.jpg

Oily_17: If the 2 colors look close, that's because my camera is not that great. In reality the powder coat is slightly more dull.
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/3946/img0242zo9.jpg

Hope you enjoyed it!

[eXa]

The rad\fan mount is covering the fans a little, planning on doing something about that?

[oily_17]

Like how the front end has turned out,seems almost factory fit,which is what I like about the mod.
Maybe trim the sides of the mount up a little in a ) shape so that they do not overhang the fans as eXA said.
Looks good so far,keep up with the good work and pics.


In reality the powder coat is slightly more dull.

Cheers!! Yeah that's a great shot,I can see the difference in the two quite clearly.In fact I think I like the duller colour better,the PET sleeving colour might be a bit too much ::Bling:: when doing the inside with it.I will have to look around some more for my perfect colour.

[Kibbler]

The rad\fan mount is covering the fans a little, planning on doing something about that?
Yeah, noticed that. I have an idea in mind on how to open it up cleanly, but the aluminum angles I used are pretty thin. I have to keep structural integrity in mind.

[Pub_Randy**]

i want ur wallpaper lol

[Arni]

i want ur wallpaper lol
paint it ;D

Kibbler check pw plzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Kibbler]

Arni: Got your PM, thanks. Not sure exactly what you're asking, but maybe you can check the pics in post#54, that will show you how much to cut away.;)

[Arni]

ok now i see it ,I think i buy thius case too :)

[Kibbler]

The rad\fan mount is covering the fans a little, planning on doing something about that?

I used a grill and a piece of aluminum scrap to test my idea, looks ok.
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7062/img0243xc9.jpg

Marked the cutout areas using the grill as a template.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1786/img0247pk3.jpg

Cut out most of the material with the good old nibbler.
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6915/img0248ou7.jpg

Couple hours and 4~5 sanding drums later, looks good :)
http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4083/img0260gs6.jpg

The MCR320 is too big, and I won't have any open drive bays. So what about my dvds? I got this, a slim drive enclosure, all aluminum. Took a long f-king time to find it, too. Newegg was the cheapest but they don't ship overseas:(, and other websites charge an arm and leg for shipping. Finally bought it off someone from Arstechnica for $15. Firewire version, too! The enclosure will be fixed to the case. Here it is, with the ATAPI interface PCB on top. It won't be used tho...
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/367/img0269kh2.jpg

...because I will be using a new Sony/Optiarc slimline sata drive. I wanted to spring for Blu-ray but ~$300 is a lot of money.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4403/img0268zb6.jpg

Cheers!

[skinnee]

I am really liking this build log! Its inspiring me to design and build my own case.

keep up the good work! :up:

[Arni]

I love this project :) dvd-r on radiator?

[Kibbler]

Part 13: Antec Cosmos IKEA Edition

How to make a cheap COSMOS wannabe:

Buy pull handles from IKEA (I bought a few variations to try out, they're cheap).
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3104/img0279jb2.jpg

Make measurements on the top panel. Measure 3x, drill 1x. Side note: I f-king suck at drilling. Ok after using a hammer and punch the bit stays put and doesn't walk. But the resulting hole is ALWAYS burr-y and sharp. What am I doing wrong?:shrug: I'm using average HSS drill bits, is that ok for steel?
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8250/img0281xk7.jpg

Test fit, looks nice! At this point I found that the included screws are meant for drawer/cabinet doors, so they're too long for just a sheet of metal and 2 washers. Need new screws.
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/5462/img0290fz2.jpg

Another angle. You see there's a larger off-center hole there. That's no (moon) fillport, that's cable routing for...
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3269/img0288bf9.jpg

...for the mounted external slimline drive.
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/985/img0291mm5.jpg

Another angle. Still some minor details to clean up and a coat of paint to go, but that's the general idea. Oh, the bottom of the slimline enclosure will not be there, I was just too lazy to take it apart again.
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6285/img0293ia0.jpg

Enjoy!:)

[Zw_Roodbaard]

Haha that's a nice addition to your case :P

I've got the same handles in my bathroom to hang my towels on :rofl:

[ShArKo]

OMFG realy nice work men................contratulation ;) jejeje

I wan to see that work finished ;)

Good luke.......

[bianco]

excellent workmanship kibbler.
:up:

i really dig that omega mount... too bad i don't have access to alum around my area.

[Kibbler]

@Roodbard: ...not sure if that was a compliment...thanks if it was :p:

@Skinnee, Arni, ShArko: Thanks for all your comments :)

@bianco: Thanks and I'm keeping an eye on your build as well, that's a lot of fun toys there (btw I seem to recall another photo in another worklog where some little girl is inspecting a watercooling part. That was on VRforum, was that you as well?)

Hang on a sec you're in Singapore, too! There's lots of raw material around here, just have to find a GOOD neighborhood hardware stores (not the generic kind that sell mostly household fixtures, you need a bona-fide "wu jing" store).

[bianco]

@Roodbard: ...not sure if that was a compliment...thanks if it was :p:

@Skinnee, Arni, ShArko: Thanks for all your comments :)

@bianco: Thanks and I'm keeping an eye on your build as well, that's a lot of fun toys there (btw I seem to recall another photo in another worklog where some little girl is inspecting a watercooling part. That was on VRforum, was that you as well?)

Hang on a sec you're in Singapore, too! There's lots of raw material around here, just have to find a GOOD neighborhood hardware stores (not the generic kind that sell mostly household fixtures, you need a bona-fide "wu jing" store).

hi Kibbler. yeah, that's where i started the worklog... trying to sync both now. was going to do simultaneous before, but xs didn't get me approved for quite sometime. good having advice from as much experts as i can. that's my daughter performing the quality check. hehe. ok, i'll try to go out further my area and search. haha. thanks!

[Kibbler]

Ask around. I managed to find a couple of stores in Clementi central area. Well stocked w/ tools, metal stock, paint, etc. If you're interested, for powder coating I went to a place close to Bishan, there's a tech park around that area.

[bianco]

Ask around. I managed to find a couple of stores in Clementi central area. Well stocked w/ tools, metal stock, paint, etc. If you're interested, for powder coating I went to a place close to Bishan, there's a tech park around that area.

wow that would be a coast to coast for me. :D
i'm at pasir ris, the east of east. haha. if i run out of options in this side, i probably would head west. thanks man.

[CrixD]

Hey Kippler, could you make some schematics om how you made the bracket for the fans and rad? :)
Would be nice as I am damn clueless currently how I myself could pull it up, without ruining the front :P

[Zw_Roodbaard]

@Roodbard: ...not sure if that was a compliment...thanks if it was :p:


It was a compliment but it just to funny to see how you can use products originaly meant for the bathroom on your pc ;)

[Shocker003]

Kibbler, can i mount a 120mm Blackice X-Flow at the top of the case where the 140mm is without modding? I would like to retire my Coolermaster 330 case. I kinda like the price and layout of the Antec 300. If it´s possible then i have found my next case.

[Kibbler]

@CrixD: They're just aluminum angle pieces joined together. I can take some measurements, but with only a steel ruler I don't know if they will be accurate enough for you.

@Roodbaard: Thanks, it's the modding equivalent of kit-bashing, which is great, because I have neither the tools nor the expertise to fab my own parts.:(

@Shocker: It's possible, but depends on how you want to step-down 140mm to 120mm. Biggest issue is the top panel is very close to the mobo, so tall mosfet sinks or blocks will interfere with a top rad. You might be able to get away with a scythe 140mm kama: Mount to the case using 140mm holes, and mount to the rad using 120mm holes.

[CrixD]

@CrixD: They're just aluminum angle pieces joined together. I can take some measurements, but with only a steel ruler I don't know if they will be accurate enough for you.

IF you just could take some pictures and yadda yadda yadda, then I would be happy, due that bracket is genius :D

[Kibbler]

The first bit of sleeving

Sat down and worked on splicing my rad fans while watching the Singapore GP on TV (go Massa!)

Notable thanks to twwen2 and Dangals for their great pics and guide, respectively.

Soldering the 1st junction
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6362/img0353zz6.jpg

Combination of heat shrink segments. The wires on the left are sleeved, then the whole junction is heat-shrunk with 3/8 (1/4 would probably work too, but it might be tight). I'm using 3:1 dual wall (glue lined) from cableorganizer.com.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/584/img0355en7.jpg

Here's the final
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6690/img0357ru7.jpg

[twwen2]

Aha, there's my man! :D

Nice job, you put my handiwork to shame! :(
I see you didn't forget any of the sleeving...:up:

[Kibbler]

Aha, there's my man! :D

Nice job, you put my handiwork to shame! :(
thanks but I disagree:up:

I see you didn't forget any of the sleeving...:up:
Oh but I did...:(

Missed a short section of the RPM wire on the 2nd junction lol
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3518/img0358os6.jpg

[emoners]

i'm curious...what happened to the RPM wires of the other 2 fans?

[Kibbler]

The 2nd junction kept bugging me so I went back and fixed it up.
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/7038/img0360ct7.jpg


i'm curious...what happened to the RPM wires of the other 2 fans?
Snipped!
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1862/img0361wa9.jpg

[Dangals]

Nice job Kibbler :up:

Keep it up and dont forget the pics:yepp:

[twwen2]

i'm curious...what happened to the RPM wires of the other 2 fans?


Snipped!

True that, snipped is the word. Emoners, only one rpm wire is needed for monitoring. Unlike the power wires, you cannot solder the rpm wires together, apparantly it throws out the readings.

[emoners]

thanks twwen2...i learn something new everyday! :D

[bianco]

nice job kibbler
too bad i can't daisy chain my fans like that...
it'd overload my fancontroller... :(

[BlueAqua]

Great sleeving job. How do you like that glue lined sleeving? Does it only get sticky once heated? I'm curious. ;)

[Kibbler]

Thanks BA, that's a great compliment coming from your caliber :)

The dual-wall is nice. Not sticky to begin with, and easy to slide over wire/sleeve. Once heated the glue melts and the tube shrinks, which can squeeze a bit of glue out of the ends, like in this pic (this only happened on 3/8 shrink, not on 1/8, I assume because 3/8 has more glue inside). That may not look as clean as regular shrink, but the glue is strong and I like the security, actual and psychological.

I noticed that most resellers use regular shrink to sleeve their fans. In a few cases the shrink doesn't "grip" enough, and I can either slide the sleeve + heat-shrunk end freely, or pull the sleeve out of the shrink entirely :(. Very nasty. I chose glue-lined to avoid that (for a small price premium).

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1862/img0361wa9.jpg

[PakaPaka]

I'm waiting for updates :)

very nice project..

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Thanks BA, that's a great compliment coming from your caliber :)

The dual-wall is nice. Not sticky to begin with, and easy to slide over wire/sleeve. Once heated the glue melts and the tube shrinks, which can squeeze a bit of glue out of the ends, like in this pic (this only happened on 3/8 shrink, not on 1/8, I assume because 3/8 has more glue inside). That may not look as clean as regular shrink, but the glue is strong and I like the security, actual and psychological.

I noticed that most resellers use regular shrink to sleeve their fans. In a few cases the shrink doesn't "grip" enough, and I can either slide the sleeve + heat-shrunk end freely, or pull the sleeve out of the shrink entirely :(. Very nasty. I chose glue-lined to avoid that (for a small price premium).



where did you pick up you glue line heatshrink? on P-PCS they only have regular.

[Kibbler]

where did you pick up you glue line heatshrink? on P-PCS they only have regular.
Right here dude
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/4087/img0215mo9.jpg
They have a huge selection of sleeve, shrink, and others (I bought P-clips from here, too). And cheaper per/ft than PPCs.

[Kibbler]

Did a test fit with the MCW60 and didn't like how the comp fittings + NPSM adapters were working (long and heavy). Which brings us here:

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8541/img0370go3.jpg

Me like. The brass G1/4 thread is a nice touch.

[bianco]

Did a test fit with the MCW60 and didn't like how the comp fittings + NPSM adapters were working (long and heavy). Which brings us here:

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8541/img0370go3.jpg

Me like. The brass G1/4 thread is a nice touch.

that looks nice Kibbler.
btw, how to you plan to cool the gpu memory and vrms?

[Kibbler]

ta da

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/5940/img0372sv9.jpg

[bianco]

ta da

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/5940/img0372sv9.jpg

haha. great sound effect. :D
thanks Kib.
i've been trying to find a comparison between fullcover block vs gpu only block. would you mind sharing why you chose a gpu only block over fc?

[Kibbler]

To be honest it was dollar tag shock (read: expensive). And I'm not planning on SLI. And iandh's sinks are sexy. And hopefully I can re-use the GPU-only block in a future upgrade. And FC blocks can bend cards. And they're heavy. Did I mention expensive?

[septim]

and most casual people who do full cover blocks intends for them to be used for a few years anyway... delrin acetal full cover FTW...

[bianco]

To be honest it was dollar tag shock (read: expensive). And I'm not planning on SLI. And iandh's sinks are sexy. And hopefully I can re-use the GPU-only block in a future upgrade. And FC blocks can bend cards. And they're heavy. Did I mention expensive?

hhaha. gotcha bro. :up:
i was going to go gpu only block, but i was clueless on how to cool the other important stuff. but i read somewhere, fc can mix the temps of gpu and vrms/memory. does iandh have heatsinks for gtx280s? thanks

[moogle]

Kibbler the Nibbler :D

Looking damn awesome! :up:

Can't wait for more updates.

[Kibbler]

That's got a nice ring to it!! (and subsequently, blatantly stolen) :D

[moogle]

That's got a nice ring to it!! (and subsequently, blatantly stolen) :D

:p:

Glad someone can make use of it :D

Googling it leads here on the 4th result too :rofl:

Not bad :)

[Kibbler]

New toy w00t (I really need to make a light tent)

1 channel for rad fans x3, 1 channel for DDC3.2

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4961/img0373yy7.jpg

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

pfffff light tent, just build a photo studio off of your house :runs: :)

I actually would prefer a light tent to the photo studio sometimes hahah, the studio is a b*tch to maintain and set up

[evilsponge]

Nice work! I like the custom metal work

-sponge

[ben333]

I think I found you :) http://forums.procooling.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=3019

Was looking at that thread not too long ago when it appeared in the random forum image box.

[moogle]

I think I found you :) http://forums.procooling.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=3019

Was looking at that thread not too long ago when it appeared in the random forum image box.

Wow that threads old. The avatars are evidence to prove what era it was posted in too :rofl:

[Kibbler]

:yepp::clap:

Just for fun, I saved the pics from that thread:

high school senior year dorm room. 90 on the inlet lulz
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/6039/pict0120iu0.jpg

oh yeah check out that chunk of maze2 copper
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7127/pict0122ci1.jpg

i was so proud of sticking a fan behind the bezel to do push-pull. this photo is fked up, but if you look closely you can see the custom plate made from mild steel to replace the original 80mm opening. It was cut with a nibbler.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5687/pict0124vb6.jpg

uh, wire management before the sleeving epidemic?
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4035/pict0132bi1.jpg

[Kibbler]

Bezel

Bezel.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4589/dscn1503xsi1.jpg

[septim]

cool, not bad looking...

cooler with new set of black button head screws... hehe...

[bianco]

Bezel

Bezel.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4589/dscn1503xsi1.jpg

that looks really nice!
where did you get the hex mesh? local?

[Kibbler]

cool, not bad looking...

cooler with new set of black button head screws... hehe...
Agreed, but I did a piss-poor job of painting them so stainless steel's all I've got at the moment.

I also got one of these.
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5295/sidewindercomputers2022zm7.jpg

And cut/sand/re-painted like so.
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8664/dscn1509wi5.jpg

So I could do this.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/4089/dscn1510sy1.jpg

[Spankyfart]

Interesting build, using "cheap" aluminum framing to make radmounts in a "cheap" case, yet powder coating hdd brackets.
Looks good, I'll be following this one.
You actually gave me some idea's for my maybe new build.

keep it up.

[PhxProvost]

any updates? :shrug:

[Kibbler]

Hi, sorry I have not been updating as of late. There are a few updates in terms of parts (new res-top, rotary fittings, etc.) but unfortunately I haven't been taking any good pictures. Gf took her good camera on holiday and I'm left with my weaksauce camera. Actually I've been very busy sanding, priming, painting, sanding, painting, sanding, painting, sanding, painting...

I hope to upload some more photos once the majority of the painting is done, put all the small updates together for a juicier post.

Thanks for your patience, I hope you will like the final build.

[septim]

yeah, endless sanding...

[Kibbler]

Top panel and slim drive slot are done, matte black and gloss orange theme. Not sure what I'll do with the screws yet, but those thumbscrews look kinda cool. Fillport will be in the center, behind the drive.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2711/dscn15182lz3.jpg

Oops, blurry and I'm casting a shadow. Can see the hole for the fillport, which is obviously not yet installed.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7575/dscn1522fr1.jpg

[bianco]

that orange touch is really nice!
:up:

[twwen2]

Hmm great work. Keep it coming man!

[BlueAqua]

Slick modding skills required to pull that off. Nice work. Maybe some low profile buttonhead black screws if you don't want the thumbscrews. Keep it coming.

[m411b]

Any updates?
Looking really good so far!

[GiosBrah]

New toy w00t (I really need to make a light tent)

1 channel for rad fans x3, 1 channel for DDC3.2

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4961/img0373yy7.jpg

excuse the ignorance.

What is this? Some sort of special fan controller?

[tgm_of_xxl]

it's m-cubed TBalancer miniNG. You can hook up 2 channels of something (fan, pump) for up to 25W analog power. It can be stand alone or work hooked up to a tbalancer bigNG.

[GiosBrah]

it's m-cubed TBalancer miniNG. You can hook up 2 channels of something (fan, pump) for up to 25W analog power. It can be stand alone or work hooked up to a tbalancer bigNG.

tea why sir. :up:

[PhxProvost]

was this project dropped or something? :(

[FrostyPanda]

was this project dropped or something? :(

what the hell is that supposed to mean?????

[BigJoe]

Great work man :)
I cant wait to see the finished product :wave:

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

what the hell is that supposed to mean?????

it hasn't been updated in a long time... it was great work so far....

[Kibbler]

I was on vacation for 2 weeks therefore no updates, sorry. Now that I'm back I should be updating periodically again. Thanks.

[FrostyPanda]

I was on vacation for 2 weeks therefore no updates, sorry. Now that I'm back I should be updating periodically again. Thanks.

wooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

How did the tube sleeving turn out?

[outtamyhouse1]

Bezel

Bezel.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4589/dscn1503xsi1.jpg


that looks really nice!
where did you get the hex mesh? local?

I would like to know too:up:

[PakaPaka]

project updates?
its really nice... keep with updates.

[FrostyPanda]

I would like to know too:up:

You can get hex mesh from mcmaster and also as modders mesh. Just google for modders mesh and the mcmaster website has it under perforated sheets.

[outtamyhouse1]

Thanks. FrostyPanda :)

radgrill
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/images/products/KB-HONEYCOMB-3-BK_01.jpg
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=363&products_id=22803

meshx
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3398

http://www.mcmaster.com/ <<This place gets me lost with their huge inventory. :confused:

I agree, Its a nice project

[Mark90]

Where is the rest of the build? I'd really like to see how you finished, since this build has given me ideas on my 900.

-Mark90

[exe163]

This is by far the best build log! It took over a year already, might as well put in a kick ass rig inside it.

Keep updating, creativity at its best. BTW I am stealing some of you ideas :P: (not the IKEA handle one).

[articu]

any updates ?

[Kibbler]

Update: I bought some things from Sidewinder.

Aqua Computer Cuplex HD
Bitspower Black Freezer AIX48NSF
another MCP355
another MCR320
Scythe S-Flex F x 3

Either I will rename this thread to "Ugly Pinnacle 300" (how do I do that?) or start a new thread.

also: *hint hint*

More to come.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

pm a moderator or admin about changing the thread name, movieman and ashraf are usually active

[eXa]

Im still watching this awsome build....

[Kibbler]

Delivery

Extremely not happy about the condition of the box. Some areas were recently wet.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3240600080_fb95957d0c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3240600080/)

Made sure all the parts looked ok before sending away the FedEx dude.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3240600092_e623b0ac4c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3240600092/)

Got some assemblin' to do!

Photos taken with D90.

[shazza]

Now, that's what I call an update. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Kibbler]

The Pinnacle came with 4 of these threaded acrylic things. What are they?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3239944253_33b7ccf4b9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3239944253/)

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

feet?

[Kibbler]

:doh::doh::doh:

[shazza]

Yep ... feet, in case you don't want to put the casters on. They work pretty well, especially if you put some felt on the bottom.

[bianco]

very nice update bro.
:up:

[Kibbler]

Tall case is tall.

This is my first experience with MM so here are some...first impressions.

-Like the plastic wrap packaging. b**ch to remove but keeps the parts scratch-free.

-Build quality is ~95%. Not quite perfect. Some edges are not smooth, for example the rectangle opening in the front panel, and the holes for the fan screws. Don't know if these imperfections are from the machining process or anodizing process.

-Some rudimentary instructions would be nice, such as which bag of screws for what.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3242895795_108e809286_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3242895795/)

[Rapt0r]

Nice MM casing you got there kibbler,may I know how much you spent for the case and shipping to Singapore?

[Kibbler]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3257366305_96bf91d477_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3257366305/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3258197490_738fa3a624_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3258197490/)

Rapt0r: shipping was $112, rest you can customize yourself. not pretty. expect more for larger cases.

[Kibbler]

Res + pump + drain assembly:

*I ordered 3 ball valves from ChilledPC.UK 2 weeks ago and today I get an email that says they it has been "dispatched." If that means they shipped my order 2 weeks after I placed it, then that's the last time I'm shopping with them.

**Pumps are not attached yet. Come time for final assembly I will leave gap underneath, don't worry.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3334914192_8751f21806_b.jpg

Slowly making progress...

[Kibbler]

Woot new thread title, thanks movieman:D

[Mr_Mike]

looks good

[Kibbler]

<3 BP, Koolance, EK, MM. Please excuse the pump and sensor wires.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3368415398_e5aca62419_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3368415398/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3367592017_900676a15d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3367592017/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3368418974_6a4845fab5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3368418974/)

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Yay updates, looks real nice :up:

[sniperbob]

i like the green orange color combo. great looking pictures

[Borys]

Nice looking pumps ;] Plx show us i bit more pictures from work.

[MomijiTMO]

Hmm I wonder how this will turn out. :D

[jpm804]

Nice Setup.. I like the way you designed you drainport...

[Jokester_wild]

Looks neat, interested in seeing the final results.

[Lagaaja]

I like the symmetry. Interesting color combo:up:

[anubis_is_evil]

looking good..

damn like it...

keep it coming..

[Kibbler]

Thanks for the comments guys, very encouraging :)

Wish I have more to show but I realized I cannot attach the rads yet. Swiftys come with 12 long screws but only 4 short ones, not compatible with the fan grill combination I have in mind.

Black hex screws coming in next week, stay tuned.

[bianco]

glad to see your project looking good Kib!
:up:

btw, are you getting the black hex screws locally (sg)?

[skinnee]

Very much like the drain system, well planned and executed! :up:

[LonghornN]

I like it, looks very good.

What tubing is that? DD-TFC 3/8 5/8?

[Kibbler]

Bianco: Thanks, I bought socket cap screws from modelfixings.co.uk through a Google search. Only after the fact did I think about if they're reliable or not. Oh well, I hope I get them soon. If not, at least they weren't too expensive.

LonghornN: Thanks, the tubing is TFC 3/8-1/2. I like to keep things slim.

[Alex Suraci]

Subscribed. :)

What radiator will you put at the top? Won't it get in the way of the 5.25" bays?

[Kibbler]

Subscribed. :)

What radiator will you put at the top? Won't it get in the way of the 5.25" bays?2 x MCR320, 1 at the top and 1 in front. Yes it will get in the way of the first, maybe even the second bay, I'm actually not sure yet. Still waiting on them screws so I can move forward.

small updates...
1) I replaced the male2male connector between the valves and the Q-fittings with BP rotary male2male connectors. Love the quality of these fittings.

2) What's a good way to clean anodized AL? The surface has a grain that seems to just "absorb" dust from any cloth I use during a fingerprint wipedown.

[shazza]

Kibbler ... what I find works for anodized aluminum is to keep a "microfiber" cloth nearby, and constantly wipe it down. The sooner you get to the fingerprints, the better. Wearing plastic gloves is also good, but admit I find that limiting. I'm going to try a soapy water bath before I make my next attempt at photographing the case.

[bianco]

Bianco: Thanks, I bought socket cap screws from modelfixings.co.uk through a Google search. Only after the fact did I think about if they're reliable or not. Oh well, I hope I get them soon. If not, at least they weren't too expensive.

LonghornN: Thanks, the tubing is TFC 3/8-1/2. I like to keep things slim.

oh. wait, bro you're still in sg or overseas?
if you're in sg, my friends and i have found this shop in kelantan lane... a whole lot of selection of screws... i bought hundreds of black socket heads and nuts.

i can send you a map or something since i didn't get a namecard or contact info. :p:

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh73/bianco26/Project%20Resurrection/04_CaseModStuff/Assorted_Fasteners/EOS_2009_03_17_1006.jpg

[Kibbler]

Bianco: Yes please, I'd appreciate that! I'm aware there are shops there but being busy with work I never had a chance to look around. Heard those shops close on weekends, too. Bummer.

[bianco]

Bianco: Yes please, I'd appreciate that! I'm aware there are shops there but being busy with work I never had a chance to look around. Heard those shops close on weekends, too. Bummer.


np bro. we actually took a leave for that weekday, made a trip to sim lim tower for electricals and suntec for the it fair that just ended. i heard the shops are open halfday on saturdays; but i haven't gone there on a weekend so i cannot say for sure.

like i said earlier, i don't have the exact address of the shop. however, using the online map, it is roughly in area with the red dot. ground floor shop along the street. it's a bit of a walk from sls and slt.

i have also included a very crude drawing of the facade of the shop... it's how the shop will look like when you're standing right in front of it. there's just a counter in front and not a walk-in shop. there are screw sample/posters in front (white rectangles), inside are the shelves that house the boxes of screws (grey vertical rectangles) and the clerks just stand on the other side of the counter (yellow circles)... the auntie that acts as cashier sits near the counter (middle yellow circle). best to talk to auntie about the price, large quantities get nice discounts and she seems to be more patient than the guys.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh73/bianco26/Others/KelantanShop.jpg

[Kibbler]

That is fantastic. Far more informative and entertaining than I expected. You even managed to show the shopkeeps' ethnicity.

Thanks man.

[bianco]

That is fantastic. Far more informative and entertaining than I expected. You even managed to show the shopkeeps' ethnicity.

Thanks man.

haha. i was going for simpsons' style there wasn't flesh tone in paintbrush; now paiseh that you've mentioned it!

[charles_h]

Kibbler, I really like the symmetry of your res/pump config - very strong aesthetic! :up:

Looking forward to following along. :)

[Kibbler]

Whew, long time since the last update. Hmm, seems some posts were deleted when the forums went down. Oh well here goes.

1) New grill! There's another one of the same on top. It originally came with silver mesh, which I thought was tacky. I like the matte aluminum and black mesh combo much better.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3500922835_2842d8e0bb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3500922835/)

2) Please excuse the wires. They're sleeved but have nothing to plug into yet.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3500899967_b23d166fcb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3500899967/)

3) You can see the single fillport up there near the top. One fillport, two res? You'll see ;) Let's get a closer look at the top.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3501746888_43b0562eb3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3501746888/)

4) I made this bracket to route tubing and keep it away from where the PSU will be. Needed a lot of sanding to make sure the holes are perfectly round and smooth, no sharp edges allowed. Three holes for rad inlet, filling line, and rad outlet (you can see all three at the back).
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3501740698_b5fbafabab.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3501740698/)

5)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3500908407_8fb2be13d5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3500908407/)

6)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3501729204_c8cd010479.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3501729204/)

7)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3500941169_7c9c22c57c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3500941169/)

Thanks all for your comments. Now just waiting for the Koolance TMS200 to arrive. More to come!

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Once again great work kibbler, every update I see something really nice that you've come up with :up:

[Kibbler]

Thanks SniipeDogg, I'm waiting patiently for your new LiLi, too.

[Kibbler]

The expansion board is in a separate shipment so I won't be installing it just yet. This weekend hopefully.

Here's the whole kit.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3510661308_5df5da09ca_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3510661308/)

Components side.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3510640050_eca17613b7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3510640050/)

Microprocessor side. The surface mount soldering is very good in general.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3509836913_e4fa60b337_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3509836913/)

Included cables.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3510633848_7bbbb19d38_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3510633848/)

[MomijiTMO]

Nice case photos Kibbler. I'd be interested in your comments on that Koolance thingie when you get everything up and running.

[Kibbler]

Nice case photos Kibbler. I'd be interested in your comments on that Koolance thingie when you get everything up and running.I certainly will.

Rampage Formula, 9800GTX, DDR2 (NB heatsink popped off with a sickening *crack* but the IHS stayed on). Definitely not top of the line stuff anymore but I already spent a alot on camera gear in the past few months...:(
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3516249718_c289036896_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3516249718/)

Lets start with the video card.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3515450145_a6360632db_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3515450145/)

Got my anti-goo and new goo ready (thermal pads for VRAM/VRM not pictured).
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3515454985_6e8e1c1499_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3515454985/)

PITA to clean, finally done!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3516275712_10568992ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3516275712/)

Attaching iandh's sinks. They're wonderfully made but I was confused about which side to put the plastic washers. Ended up putting them on the back. Is that correct?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3516286634_9c6d9c4808_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3516286634/)

All done.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3516298750_58c4f27949_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3516298750/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/3515500261_b0b0e708b1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3515500261/)

Tomorrow, the mobo.

[Kibbler]

Sigh...I think no one is interested in this old worklog anymore :(. Oh well, progress waits for no one, I shall persevere.

A lot of photos this time, so I'll keep them small.

Onto the motherboard today...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3517426943_5f927cb33a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517426943/)

Enzotech mosfet sinks. They're very high quality but don't come with any backplates.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3518242118_e2f4e06425.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518242118/)

About an hour of PITA cleaning off the old TIM later.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3518252596_63ed649221.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518252596/)

What's next?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3517451867_575e7fcd88.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517451867/)

Another couple hours later. BTW I'm using EK backplates for the mosfets and CPU block.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3518279220_04cb4421fd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518279220/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3518270834_006704c8f0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518270834/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3517479531_0edc201576.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517479531/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3517474715_715b95838b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517474715/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3518304974_7a8efc132a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518304974/)

[Dangals]

very nice progress kibbler :clap:

I am looking forward to you putting the system together in the case as what you have shown so far is :up:

Keep it up :yepp:

[RCG_Bex]

YAY!!! Nice to see some more work getting done to this!

~Bex

[pcaddict]

Awesome Looking build :up:

[Kibbler]

Feser tubing has good kink resistance. I'm using thin wall 3/8-1/2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3518295982_32933b6229.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518295982/)

Installed some stuff.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3517587341_0c41a441e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517587341/)

Did you notice the drain setup is different from before? That's because the original setup interfered with the mosfet sinks.:mad:
So I re-configured a bit. I like this new arrangement much better.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3518313880_07706b58bf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518313880/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3517515535_18acb5fb53.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517515535/)

The orange loop drain valve handle just *barely* clears the mosfet sink without touching. I was super relieved that everything fit.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3518332314_e28043b4f5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518332314/)

View from the top.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3518339512_a69efd1820.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3518339512/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3517536867_c887616aa8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3517536867/)

*****

Idiot me...it seems I either ran out of, or misplaced the rest of the orange tubing.:( Either I find it again or reorder a few more feet.

[Kibbler]

very nice progress kibbler :clap:

I am looking forward to you putting the system together in the case as what you have shown so far is :up:

Keep it up :yepp:
YAY!!! Nice to see some more work getting done to this!

~Bex
Awesome Looking build :up:Thanks a lot for the comments guys :)

[dingdong555]

Ofcourse we're interested, we just needed pictures!

Awesome work there Bex :)

[Lagaaja]

That drain setup is sick! It makes me want to do something similiar for my next build:yepp:

Just out of curiousity, how much money have you spent to all of those BP fittings:p:

[Kibbler]

Ofcourse we're interested, we just needed pictures!

Awesome work there Bex :)Thanks man! I'll keep the updates coming.


That drain setup is sick! It makes me want to do something similiar for my next build:yepp:

Just out of curiousity, how much money have you spent to all of those BP fittings:p:More than I'd like to admit, but less than you might imagine. For eg all the compresion fittings themselves are Koolance, which are cheaper than BP.

Good news, I found the misplaced 7ft of orange tubing.:D The CPU/Mobo loop is now complete except for the final puzzle piece: The shared fill line.

[Kibbler]

CPU/chipset loop. Tubing spring necessary to prevent kinking.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3617224482_c4ff6c5e20.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3617224482/)

Koolance TMS200 + expansion wiring. Plugged in are both coolant temp sensors (1 per loop), both pumps, and the front fans. I think having the heatshrink partially overlapping the connector works really well: It's stiff and gives a more natural bend to the wiring.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3617238458_1073962eba.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3617238458/)

Here's the GPU loop going into the top rad through that aluminum bracket, which leaves enough clearance for HDDs and PSU. You can also see the shortened 3-pin connectors on the fans, and same for the front fans. I crimped up some daisy-chain wiring which you'll see later. The green and orange lines look like they're touching, but they're not.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3617231712_e7e195a64a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3617231712/)

Some cable management ...there are a total of 9 mounting points for P-clips.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3617244246_ddc56e6cea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3617244246/)

The whole shebang! You can see that daisy-chain fan wiring at the front, should come in handy if I ever have to replace a fan.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3616433221_700c32382c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3616433221/)

That's all for now. I'm very excited to be in the last few stages of this project...needless to say it's dragged on far too long :D

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

One of the first to do a legitimately good wiring job in a pinnacle :clap: (well, you havent done it yet, but I expect nothing less ;))

those drain ports do look really sick in the bottom there

[MomijiTMO]

Very nice!

Why does your green tubing change colour?

[Kibbler]

Why does your green tubing change colour?Oh...that's funny I didn't notice that. I assume it's from the lighting but nonetheless I'll check it out later. Thanks.

[MomijiTMO]

Yeah probably lol. Looks pretty cool though :p:

Oh you need to add a lot more things because that case if fricken enormous.

[jpm804]

Kibbler - Question on the Koolance TMS-200, did you created that barcket so it is able to occupy a expansion or does it come like that?

Also great work on the tubing and wiring ... very clean :up:

[ILikeCosmosS]

Kibbler thats awesome

dont you have to drag the case to drain the res ?
after looking at your res configuration i have idea of my own to make do with a overly stuffed cosmos s:D
just how much did you save on koolance fittings ?

[Kibbler]

Kibbler - Question on the Koolance TMS-200, did you created that barcket so it is able to occupy a expansion or does it come like that?

Also great work on the tubing and wiring ... very clean :up:Thanks man. The TMS-200 comes with the bracket, thank goodness.


Kibbler thats awesome

dont you have to drag the case to drain the res ?
after looking at your res configuration i have idea of my own to make do with a overly stuffed cosmos s:D
just how much did you save on koolance fittings ?I'm planning to replace the acrylic feet with some castors, but I haven't found any that I like. Mountainmods has castors on their website but shipping cost is ridiculous so forget that.

As for any savings on Koolance fittings....let's just say any savings I would have enjoyed is more than made up for by extras of everything else I bought over the months...:(:D

[shazza]

Very clean setup, Kibbler the Nibbler ! Please keep the updates coming.

[Kibbler]

Very clean setup, Kibbler the Nibbler ! Please keep the updates coming.Thanks shazza. Working on sleeving the ATX 24pin now...then it's time to zip this baby up!

PS Word of caution nibblers do not work on 2mm aluminum. not nearly enough bite.

PPS This is the best-est tool I've recently purchased. Custom wiring would be impossible without it...granted I'm still using a small nail clipper to strip the ends...
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1311/deluxecrimper01.jpg

PPPS It looks like a T-Rex.

[bianco]

Thanks shazza. Working on sleeving the ATX 24pin now...then it's time to zip this baby up!

PS Word of caution nibblers do not work on 2mm aluminum. not nearly enough bite.

PPS This is the best-est tool I've recently purchased. Custom wiring would be impossible without it...granted I'm still using a small nail clipper to strip the ends...
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1311/deluxecrimper01.jpg

PPPS It looks like a T-Rex.

looking good bro.
your motherboard looks like an matx in that case! that's a lot of room to work on. very nice.

btw, the crimper that you bought is from ppc? you didn't get it locally? also, what size of wires that you use for your atx/pcies? thanks kib.

[Ashraf]

Very interesting. Kibbler, I am loving the drain system. Excellent job. :up:

[Kibbler]

bianco: Yeah I got it from PPCs, tagged along with other stuff in an order. I'm sure it's available locally, but the laziness is entirely my fault.

PCI-E is 18awg. ATX 24pin and 8pin are 16awg. Fan wiring is 22awg, and power-reset switches are wired with 24awg (not yet installed). Pump wiring is also 22awg, I figure if it comes with that stock then it shouldn't be a problem.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Hey Kibbler, I got that tool in the mail today :p: :up: you'll see pics of what I use it for in my log really soon :)

[Kibbler]

Very interesting. Kibbler, I am loving the drain system. Excellent job. :up:Thanks Ashraf I appreciate it :). I may actually fine tune the drain setup a bit, change a few fittings here and there, but that right there is basically it.

The need for castors or better feet had been brought to my attention. Time to have a look around...

[bianco]

bianco: Yeah I got it from PPCs, tagged along with other stuff in an order. I'm sure it's available locally, but the laziness is entirely my fault.

PCI-E is 18awg. ATX 24pin and 8pin are 16awg. Fan wiring is 22awg, and power-reset switches are wired with 24awg (not yet installed). Pump wiring is also 22awg, I figure if it comes with that stock then it shouldn't be a problem.

thanks a lot bro; great info.
i'd probably try to find it locally first... if not, then i'll take the easier path. :ROTF:

[xaxis]

Very, very, clean build! :up:

[Kibbler]

Wheels!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3635483959_b594a7eab7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3635483959/)

Finally got the correct length res tubes. Thanks to EK for sorting me out.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3636300392_4f8629042d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3636300392/)

One lonely SATA. Wait what's that up there?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3636301598_b88c6c4fdb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3636301598/)

A manifold! Well, temporary placeholders anyway. I'm still waiting for 3 specific fittings to arrive. I didn't like the way it looked running tubing straight through, so I decided to make the bends with fittings instead.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3636302558_d820b3e122.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3636302558/)

The face of the beast.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3635488585_99777d2bef.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3635488585/)

Closeup of the drain setup. I swapped in BP rotary 45s to make sure the valves can be tightened properly AND face the right direction.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3635489937_2e03e9d92c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3635489937/)

Anther look at the wheels and the drain outlets on the belly there.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3635491027_937928c57d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3635491027/)

Another shot to wrap it up for today.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3635493861_bba903f418.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3635493861/)

Sleeved PCI-E. The secret to cheaping out and not using MDPC-X? Crimp your own custom cabling with black wires.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3636309726_d521fdff1b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3636309726/)

Sleeving is all fun and games until you realize you're out. ATX 8pin is finished. ATX 24pin only 9 out of 24 done. You can see the problem with Techflex there. One of these days I'll probably cave and buy the MDPC pack. Sigh...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3636310604_13af9980bf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3636310604/)

[Kibbler]

A couple'la small updates...

1) As expected I am re-doing the fan wiring yet again. Last week I predicted that I wouldn't be happy with a daisy chain but did it anyway just to see how it would look. Me no likey :(. Time to crimp up some more extensions and use some more p-clips.

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/3922/cxmfhbk.jpg
These suckers are bloody invaluable when it comes to custom wiring. These and that T-rex crimper.

2) I find Koolance o-rings are just a tad too small. Red is bling and makes my pants fit funny but it's terribly easy to overtighten on compression fittings and, come time to undo them, end up unscrewing the whole fitting instead. For the most fitting-heavy areas (the drain system, top res inlet and outlet, top-center manifold) I replaced them with slightly fatter Bitspower o-rings. They tighten down a lot more securely.

3) I was going to show off the fill-line setup after it was finished but over time I'm having some doubts about it's impact on thermal performance.

Here, let me show you it.
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5822/3635493861bba903f418.jpg

Single line from fillport followed by a Y-splitter.

For aesthetics sake I would fill-bleed-fill until both loops are fully bled and the coolant level is above the Y-split. That's to avoid having different coolant levels in each res, which would look kinda dumb.

Problem is...obviously there would be coolant exchange between the two loops. But given how small the area of interchange i.e. essentially the tubing ID, I figured it would not have a huge impact on CPU/GPU loop temps. Certainly shouldn't be as terrible as sharing a res...would it?

Appreciate a bit of advice here: Would this be an acceptable setup, or am I defeating the purpose of dual loops? Thanks.

[dreamaxx]

If I were you I wouldn't have the T, and just fill each one separately. Then you can get rid of that bit of tubing and put two little stop fittings at the top of each res. And have two proper dual loops (although they probably won't share fluid that much).

[xaxis]

I love this build.... and for some reason I can't help but imagine driving it around like an RC car. :D

[Dangals]

Love that this build is going again!!

I would not have the fill line there permanently as I feel it would add too much clutter - plus I am not a big fan of it being shared between the two loops. I mean why go to all the trouble of two seperate loops only to have them connected at the res? Perhaps a quick disconnect type fitting on your bracket that is attached to the rad as well as one for each res for quick and easy filling - which would also give you to flexibility of only filling one loop at a time option as well. my :2cents:

[Kibbler]

If I were you I wouldn't have the T, and just fill each one separately. Then you can get rid of that bit of tubing and put two little stop fittings at the top of each res. And have two proper dual loops (although they probably won't share fluid that much).That's a good idea. Usually I tend towards permanence but your suggestion would definitely look cleaner. Thanks for that.

Any other advice regarding whether or not having a shared fill line would seriously hinder my temps?
I love this build.... and for some reason I can't help but imagine driving it around like an RC car. :D:D All I would need are some servos...DC motor...i/o board. Sit on top and drive via USB wheel or netbook + VPN :D

[Kibbler]

Love that this build is going again!!

I would not have the fill line there permanently as I feel it would add too much clutter - plus I am not a big fan of it being shared between the two loops. I mean why go to all the trouble of two seperate loops only to have them connected at the res? Perhaps a quick disconnect type fitting on your bracket that is attached to the rad as well as one for each res for quick and easy filling - which would also give you to flexibility of only filling one loop at a time option as well. my :2cents:Thanks Dangals, your suggestion sorta echoes dreamaxx so I'm inclined to agree. There's definitely room for improvement in tube routing and I will put some effort towards that. Any other suggestions would likewise be appreciated.

For cryin' out loud this case is bigger than TJ-07s, but in that case the bottom rad chamber is the bomb diggity when it comes to clean builds.

[dingdong555]

Top job!

[Kibbler]

Top job!Thanks for your kind comment :)

[RCG_Bex]

I love it! I love the colours and the planning. I may have to copy some of them :P

Definitely inspired me to get back and get my rig finalised!

~Bex

[Blizzy]

Nice job you've done there! Best Pinnacle case i've ever seen :]

Does the pinnacle comes with the vandal switches for power/reset ? if so, what size are they ? 22mm ?

[Kibbler]

I love it! I love the colours and the planning. I may have to copy some of them :P

Definitely inspired me to get back and get my rig finalised!

~BexThanks, go ahead and copy as much as you want :).
Nice job you've done there! Best Pinnacle case i've ever seen :]

Does the pinnacle comes with the vandal switches for power/reset ? if so, what size are they ? 22mm ?Thanks Blizzy :). MM cases come with 2 22mm switches, no LED, screw terminals. I wanted LEDs (for power and HDD activity) and solder tags are easier to heatshrink over so I am installing some new ones. These (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375&products_id=22158), to be precise.
///

Not much progress this weekend. Finally went to see Terminator Salvation last night and it was fun...but inconsistent + disappointing (my God does Christian Bale ever smile??). My GF now has a brand-new niece so it was off to visit family and her sister in-law today! All in all...I wish it was still Saturday. Sigh.

I did try to document the SATA punch-down wiring and crimping process, figuring though it's old news to the pros it might be helpful to neophytes. Alas I left the lens VR on while shooting from tripod and the end results were rather poor.

Picture speaks a thousand words. Be sure to use an "end cap" for the end and "through caps" for the lower drives.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3646337341_302817f547.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3646337341/)

Blurry photo of a better-than-usual mess.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3646336165_e642d82c74.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3646336165/)

More to come.

[Someguy1982]

Great job so far, I'm interested in getting one of these cases myself. Cant wait to see what you can do with it!

[Kibbler]

Great job so far, I'm interested in getting one of these cases myself. Cant wait to see what you can do with it!Thanks Someguy. I'll say this about MM cases...they're designed with bolt-on parts in mind and to that end they excel absolutely. But when it comes to custom work the tried-and-true ATX airflow (front to back, bottom to top) is not conducive to clean builds.

I have an idea in mind for a re-configured Pinnacle that would allow similar parts arrangement to TJ-07s, from which I think we have seen some of the best and cleanest builds so far e.g. Murderboxes.

EDIT: lolz? :p:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7469/sketchk.jpg

[Someguy1982]

That would be a nice option for a side panel, unless there's something I'm missing in the drawing.

That's one thing I noticed after looking at all the cases. Sometimes you look at the panel options, and one type has the side you want to use, but its not the case you want. For example, would it have killed 'em to make a U2-UFO with 3X3 120 fan hole side option? 3 triple rads on the top of the case would make me happy : ) It's available as a triple quad for the extended version, but then they don't have the side available that I would have liked to get for the other sides of the case. It's a tease!

Oh well, for now I'm watching and preparing.

[Kibbler]

That would be a nice option for a side panel, unless there's something I'm missing in the drawing.

That's one thing I noticed after looking at all the cases. Sometimes you look at the panel options, and one type has the side you want to use, but its not the case you want. For example, would it have killed 'em to make a U2-UFO with 3X3 120 fan hole side option? 3 triple rads on the top of the case would make me happy : ) It's available as a triple quad for the extended version, but then they don't have the side available that I would have liked to get for the other sides of the case. It's a tease!

Oh well, for now I'm watching and preparing.I figure you'll have to order off the menu, so to speak (i.e. talk to Ben and/or place a custom order).

[Someguy1982]

Yeah I haven't called them yet. Guess I should before I place an order in case there is something more that can be done. I understand that the triple quad won't fit on a non-extended U2-UFO, but a 3X3 probably could! I'll call when im closer to buying. Until then, I will observe and try and absorb the coolness.

[Blizzy]

Did the wheels come with the case ?
Sorry for asking so many questions, its cause i plan on getting one :D

Check this out:
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/aqcodefiwiwa.html

I think you could fill both loops with it, without "mixing" water from on loop to another, and with a funnel you can choose which hole to fill :D

[Kibbler]

Did the wheels come with the case ?
Sorry for asking so many questions, its cause i plan on getting one :D

Check this out:
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/aqcodefiwiwa.html

I think you could fill both loops with it, without "mixing" water from on loop to another, and with a funnel you can choose which hole to fill :DNo worries about asking questions man, fire away. Castors are extra from MM and cost an arm + leg to ship. No way. The good thing is the castor mounting holes seem to be standardized and I found a good set of castors locally. They're identical to the ones offered by MM, except I paid ~$4 instead of ~$16 + $30 in shipping had I ordered them online. $4 vs $46, no brainer. :cool:

Unexpected benefit to using castors is: When I had the stock acrylic feet installed the base was uneven for some reason, like a chair with one short leg. Now with castors all four corners are making good contact.

I saw that fillport recently. The Babelfish translation gives me a headache. So it's basically a fillport...with 2 ports. Functionally it seems no different from using a normal fillport and a splitter. And I'd have to drill out the existing hole to 44m. Nah, not gonna happen.

[Kibbler]

It's always towards the end of a project that other new ideas emerge.

It would only take a custom front panel, new top and bottom panels, and cutting the side panels. PSU and HDDs would go to the front just under the optical drive bays. Pumps go between rads. Motherboard would be inverted ATX. Basically a Mountain Mods iteration of the usual TJ07 build.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2452/3652605265_c2684781d3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3652605265/)

Alas this concept is beyond the scope of this project. It will be refined and hopefully fully fleshed out in time for the upgrade to Intel's next "tock," Lynnfield.

[Blizzy]

No worries about asking questions man, fire away. Castors are extra from MM and cost an arm + leg to ship. No way. The good thing is the castor mounting holes seem to be standardized and I found a good set of castors locally. They're identical to the ones offered by MM, except I paid ~$4 instead of ~$16 + $30 in shipping had I ordered them online. $4 vs $46, no brainer. :cool:

Unexpected benefit to using castors is: When I had the stock acrylic feet installed the base was uneven for some reason, like a chair with one short leg. Now with castors all four corners are making good contact.

I saw that fillport recently. The Babelfish translation gives me a headache. So it's basically a fillport...with 2 ports. Functionally it seems no different from using a normal fillport and a splitter. And I'd have to drill out the existing hole to 44m. Nah, not gonna happen.

Maybe this then:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=25761

[charles_h]

Kibbler, I'm intrigued by your "TJ07 layout" concept for the Pinnacle. I think it's a great idea. As you say though - something for down the road... :)

[Kibbler]

New bit of color :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3694355152_2e4d8608ba.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaikibbler/3694355152/)

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Blue and orange - MUCH better color combo, I love it :)

[Kibbler]

Blue and orange - MUCH better color combo, I love it :)Thanks S_D. I came to the same conclusion when I realized, oh yeah, nothing else in the case is green. :doh:

Another :doh: moment: Realizing I bought a wrong batch of screws (high tensile alloy steel instead of stainless). That means they rust you idiot!

:doh:

Fans, p-clips, etc. will be re-attached once the new stainless socket caps arrive.

[Blizzy]

What size screws are you using ?

[Kibbler]

6-32 1/2" and 6-32 3/8"

[Blizzy]

I don't understand this screw mesurement at all, lol
Is 6-32 same as M4 ?

[Kibbler]

I don't understand this screw mesurement at all, lol
Is 6-32 same as M4 ?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_case_screws

I think 6-32 is the same diameter as M3.5 but thread pitch might be different.

1/2" and 3/8" just refer to the length.

[hmmisee]

I love this build. The attention to detail is magnificant. I can't wait for the finished product!
Though for me, the wheels ruin it ::(

[dreamaxx]

I also dislike the wheels :O

Apart from that it's really lovely.

[Kibbler]

hmmisee and dreamaxx: Thanks for your kind comments. Point taken about the wheels...I wanted this build to be as functional/practical as possible. With drain ports on the bottom it made sense to use castors to raise the floor, though I get what you mean about hurting looks. Any suggestions?

Just picked up 2 spools of 18awg (I think about 200ft) and a boxful of Minifit-jr pins. Time to get cracking (again) on another set of custom cables for this:

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6990/da650package.jpg

:D

[hmmisee]

If you just want custom case feet i really enjoy the mnpctech ones
http://www.mnpctech.com/CaseFeetMachined.html
But i fear they wont be high enough for you, so theres always these ones
http://www.mnpctech.com/Aluminum_Computer_Case_Feet.html
n__n