Project: The Real Elemental Dragon :: Updated 2-09-08

[RCG_Bex]

Ok. Here it is. My main project, "Elemental Dragon". Drawing power from the earth to create searing firey heat, cooled by rushing water that's chilled by then flowing winds. My goal is to finish this for my b-day - September 22nd - so I can get maximum oc'ing out my new E8600 :)

System To Be Cooled :
- E8600 @ 5Ghz (I got my E6750 to 4.2Ghz max /4Ghz daily so I reckon this is do-able-ish)
- 2x 1GB Adata Extreme 1200 (I've had these bad boys @ 1400mhz!)
- 2x 3870X2's (Asus finally is sending me a replacement next week)
- Asus Maximus Rampage Formula
- X-fi Fatal1ty
- 2x 160GB Seagates RAID 0 (this may change if I can afford a new hdd)
- 500GB Samsung backup
- Vista Ultimate 32bit (no point me installing 64bit the now)

Decided to let my TT Eureka and old Swiftech kit retire (2x MCR240's with 70CFM fans begins to struggle these days with my CPU, NB and GPU's) for a nice new kit :D

Updated Kit :
- Lianl Li V2110
- XSPC CPU block (model to be verified)
- EK NB SB Max Acetal
- 2x EK 3870X2 Acetal
- TFC 480 Rad
- Swiftech MCR320 Rad
- 2x DDC2 Ultras with XSPC tops (haven't decided if they'll be res tops yet)
- Heatsink for SB (might try and use the original or just buy an enzo)

There's some very very VERY complex but beautiful laser cuts to be done but I'll post pictures of them when I'm finished perfecting the drawings - Marcus is already bricking it ;)

~Bex


UPDATE 21-08-08
Decided to go with a quad in the bottom with a restop laing DDC ultra and the top will have a swiftech 320 - not sure how I'm going to do the pump n stuff yet but we'll see....

Finished doing my side panel concepts :D

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/1036/completeconceptri3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Window'd Panel
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8193/windowconceptsc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Rear Panel
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/30/sidepanelqu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


UPDATE 31-08-08
Some updates on goodies... Mean to post this like 2 days ago but I had an allergic reaction to dinner and been in my bed sick for the last 2 days out cold - Even now my tongue is still swolen so hard to eat but at least I can breathe now! :(

Got some of my stuff from the US... Mostly for personalisation *shrugs*

RAM cooler - fans were mucky and too lazy to clean.... looked at bit plain too
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8537/photo0133si0.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Yucky dust!
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1091/photo0134qo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

More yucky dust!!!
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9051/photo0135ss4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

New fans! Giving it some colour :D
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8893/photo0136in4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Preview on how it'll look finished. Need to daisy chain the fans. Wires weren't as bad as I imagined so probably do it myself rather than send em to Marcus.
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/156/photo0137rv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)
Gave it a quick test - fans are uber powerful <dance1>

This 1 is just for lolz for the company who sent my E8600...
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3528/photo0118vt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)
That's all that came in this box bar 2 sheets of paper! :lol:

There were more bits of things like my barbs and such but my SD card adapter or reader has died.... :down: Need to get a new camera too tbh... If I've enough today I'll look into it...

UPDATE 2-09-08
Finally salvaged a pic of my new barbs. Bitspower 3/8" ID 5/8" OD

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6008/photo0138ol7.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

I also got a present in the work delivery today....

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/940/photo0139ak8.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Rofl! Not only is it an SSD but on closer inspection....

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7003/photo0140rs9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Yup! It's the new v2 edition with faster transfer speeds!!! Although the invoice says its an old edition and the new 1s should cost more *whistles innocently* I aint complaining! That's what was in my box!!!

God I love my job.... love it when the boss gets special deals on stock :up:

UPDATE 3-09-08
Thanks Marcus for sending the sexy pics of my case :D

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5003/dscf0012od7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6994/dscf0009ma5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/9065/dscf0010xz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/2025/dscf0006wm4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9465/dscf0007su0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8369/dscf0004in9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/6192/dscf0003qf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/1237/dscf0001rw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

~Bex

[.Logic]

Oh man, this is going to be one great build :up:

[pcaddict]

this is going to be AWESOME build! nice specs

[RCG_Bex]

Just a quick update :)

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

Quick update. My E8600 has found a new home, so in it's place will be a QX9650 (My bargain of teh month @ £300!) Case has been sent off to the specialists for the laser cutting and for a special clear coat (base coat has been done black).

I also got some thermalrights to replace the stock coolers on my board. Debating what to use on the SB. Does anyone know if the thermalrights can be used passive on the SB? Might just leave the stock on it... still haven't decided though :(

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

UPDATE 17-09-08
Quick update - Swiftech MCR arrived along with my new Thermalright Mosfet coolers. Debating on getting a matched SB cooler too but they were out of stock at the time. Res + pump #1 have arrived (Thanks Dev!) and a quick test to check they're ok :)

XSPC 3/8" Hosing + BP Compression Barbs
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/9210/photo0148nh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/photo0148nh4.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img58/photo0148nh4.jpg/1/)

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/372/photo0149es9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/photo0149es9.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img178/photo0149es9.jpg/1/)

XSPC 3/8" Hosing + 1/2" Barbs + worm drives
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8025/photo0155od0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/photo0155od0.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img178/photo0155od0.jpg/1/)
Apologies but forgot to take a photo of it when it was full - looked awesome :(

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2765/photo0156vn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/photo0156vn9.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img58/photo0156vn9.jpg/1/)

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/3180/photo0157am7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/photo0157am7.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img58/photo0157am7.jpg/1/)

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2860/photo0158tb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/photo0158tb3.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img58/photo0158tb3.jpg/1/)

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6716/photo0159ua5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/photo0159ua5.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img58/photo0159ua5.jpg/1/)

That's all for now - I need to go back to doing housework and being a good little house wife :(

Oh that and fix Mike's PC with the new CPU and HDD.... I hope he doesn't forget to order my cake again like he did last yr.... (I'm allergic to cow dairy so it has to be hand made with goats milk/butter and I don't want to bake my own)

~Bex

[bianco]

interesting build Bex.
sub'd

looking forward on how you mount that ssd.
:up:

[affiliate13]

I will hopefully be grabbing a V2110 next month, so i will follow this closely. I hope it all goes well. :up: sub'd

[Webster]

Anybody else getting "Do fish get thirsty?" at the bottom of the images? Annoying :( .

BTW, I like where this build is going. That's a beautiful case, I've considered getting one myself. I've got a little case envy!

[RCG_Bex]

UPDATE 22-09-08
My B-day! Just took some photos with my new camera - Fuji Finepix S1000fd

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9333/dscf0002ys5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/dscf0002ys5.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img219/dscf0002ys5.jpg/1/)
The full size image is just sick... Imageshack resize details = poo

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3337/dscf0003ir3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/dscf0003ir3.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img219/dscf0003ir3.jpg/1/)

Have photos of the bday night but too tired too host just now....

As far as work goes...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0021.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0019.jpg

Needs 1 more hole cut for the SATA's and then it done :)

Played around with some lighting today with my res. Unsure whether to use UV, white or red lighting. Thought red might frown out the colours, so thought about UV cause it might bring out some extra colour in the water. Tried UV but it went a horrible horrible colour :(

So I tried some white...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/PR-Lighting2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/PR-Lighting1.jpg

Personally I think it looks quite good :up:

Also got my new SB cooler today to match my mosfet coolers.

~Bex

[bianco]

happy birthday!
nice camera, your pics look great
:up:

[RCG_Bex]

Played with my QX9650 a little whilst I'm waiting on some more toys... Results speak for them selves - 1st time right off the bat with a 266 strap :D

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/QX96504GHz-128v.jpg

Adata Extreme 1200 running @ 1203MHz :)

Obviously I doubt it's prime stable but who knows. So far runs fine. Think I need to tweak the NB voltages though...

I really need more RAM though TBH. 2GB just isn't enough now. But I really love my RAM, clocks so well. Had it as high as 1400 but crap crap CRAP timings. It was utter lol.

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

UPDATE 1-10-08:
Some fun stuff arrived today. Forgot to take pics of what Paul sent me so I'll post them tomorrow! (Hosing, Delta V3 - got some 4870X2 blocks and a reservoir on the way too!)

Here's what I got for now...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0035.jpg
NOTE: The primochill will be UV red but there's no dye bombs available atm - also my slot covers and NB block are out of stock sadly :(

I'll not be using the feser barbs, but I thought I'd take some photos of them to compare the differences (didn't realise how they differed except for the hose sizes until I got my hands on them)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0036.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0037.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0038.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0040.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0042.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0044.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0046.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0047.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0048.jpg

And some shots of the pump with the barbs :)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0051.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0054.jpg

~Bex

[.Logic]

When are we going to see more :p:

I NEED MOAR PICS AND PROGRESS :up:

[septim]

this is gonna be an early Christmas for you. more pics please...

[pcaddict]

more pls :D this gonna be freaking awesome! :up:

You should overclock that cpu more..

[sniperbob]

wow... can't wait to see the finished product. Keep it up! :up:

[RCG_Bex]

Hey guys - sorry for lack of updates - waiting on the case coming back from the cutters - Missed some photos (did work on the roof shroud - just need to tweak it for whatever screen I decide on) sadly because my hubby is sick just now, rushed to A+E with severe ab pain, thankfully not apendix but his gallbladder is a bit fecked.... :(

1st 4870X2 arrived, waiting on the 2nd from Asus - should hopefully be in the country by Tuesday. Picking up some new RAM from 1 of the guys here (hoping my cooler will still fit!). Other than that it's just the waterblocks for the NB and GPUs along with some dye bombs..... Oh and a bay res and led's!

~Bex

[twwen2]

I can't believe i didn't see this log earlier!

Nice work Bex, i was thinking about using that case before i bought a V350 instead.

Looking forward to more updates, that new camera will really help things out. :up:

[R0bert]

Looking forward for some updates, and 4870X2 underwater :) Subscribed!

[RCG_Bex]

Looking forward for some updates, and 4870X2 underwater :) Subscribed!

2x 4870X2's good sir ;)

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

:: UPDATE 23-10-08 ::

She stripped down and got naked!

....


....the PC obviously - not me :P

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Stripped01.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Stripped02.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Stripped03.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Stripped04.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Stripped05.jpg

Next step - off for paint! Black with loverly bronze sparkles :D

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Bex_Dragon_Window_Paneltweak.jpg

Final Concept for the side :)

Almost forgot - I got new RAM too!

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/566/p1050657qc6.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2261/p1050659bk8.jpg

~Bex

PS. Asus are still screwing me around, eventually phoned up my odl contact and found out they screwed up the order and sent the wrong card (not that anyone planned on telling me!) so it'll be another 3 weeks before it arrives and another week before my dye bombs and NB block arrive (no idea how much longer case will be)

[masxerofkartis]

Mate i love the build up to now at least. Expect it to be great

Where did you get that price for the cpu?

[ward0]

nice start for your build, whats your 3dmark06 score?

[RCG_Bex]

nice start for your build, whats your 3dmark06 score?

ATM my 3Dmark06 is 20K and thats with -
QX9650 @ 4.3GHz
2x 1GB Adata @ 1330mhz
Asus Maximus Rampage
1x 3870X2 maxxed out OC
OCZ SSD

I never did get to do that benchy when I had the 2 3870X2's. Haven't tried it with the new gear yet but I'm hoping it'll be good - ~30K would be nice :)

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

:: UPDATE 29-10-08 ::
Finally got around to stripping my PC down...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/CaseStripping1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/CaseStripping2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/CaseStripping3.jpg

"Pink Lemonade" :lol: :P

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Mobo.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Removal1.jpg

!!! - ASUS HORROR PICS!!! PUTS ASUS TO SHAME!!! - !!!
These next photos show how poor the build quality for my motherboard actually was. I've seen some nasty pics of the paste being gloopy, majority made up of glue and some with yucky gloopy looking stuff - but all had some form of contact....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/MoboStripping.jpg

The hair dryer wasn't even required... The cooler fell off as soon as the screws and push pins were removed.....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/LackOfContact.jpg

Only 1 of the mosfet coolers made contact... The other was completely blank when it came off...

It gets worse though.... I tried to take the fusion block apart...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Horror3.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Horror2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Horror1.jpg

That thermal grease isn't even moist... it was rock solid - could barely chip it off. Turns out the heatsink wasn't even copper. The whole lot is really aluminium....

Now that that trash is off my motherboared, time for some real cooling!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SB-Cooling.jpg

I had some lolz n lapped my CPU too (I really hope it still works....)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Lapping1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Lapping2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Lapping3.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Lapping4.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/NearlyThere1.jpg

And of course, a lovely new Delta V3 to keep it at it's coolest ;)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/XSPCDeltaV31.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/NearlyThere.jpg

That's all for now until I get my NB and GPU water blocks!

~Bex

[inCore]

Good stuff, very brave for lapping a QX.

I need to show this to my girlfriend too, maybe there is hope... :p:

[ward0]

i have a asus P5e and i had the same horror getting my Thermal paste removed ... Its rock solid like hell!!! :@

[masxerofkartis]

Could you please make a short review on the block for the cpu? I am between that one the swiftech gtz one and ek supreme. Do you think its worth it?

[RCG_Bex]

QX9650 @ 4GHz was 50c (don't remember the ambient sorry)

Few degrees cooler than the DD and EK though - got mine sent straight from Paul @ XSPC :)

He's sending me the GPU blocks next week as well - YAY

~Bex

[FrostyPanda]

Turn your camera to the macro setting (often times a little flower icon). Looking forward to this build!!!

[masxerofkartis]

What did you put on the CPU to make it like that again? Shall i think of it as a way to improve contact with the cooler/block?

[RCG_Bex]

I lapped it with a premium lapping kit :)

It was set to macro but I don't have a tripod or anything so they're a bit off.... I think the later shots I forgot to set up the macro properly... :(

I'll try and get a pod for it. Any other recomendations? (My first non-phone camera :lol:)

~Bex

[sirheck]

You could use a flashlight to light up the part and shut the flash off for better lighting.

[RCG_Bex]

Just tried out the pumps aswell as leak + clean test the rads. Not sure which (I think it's the TFC though) but 1 was manky. My red water when it froffed before was clear froff, this stuff is browny orange and made the water a funny colour. Yuck! Took up a whole bottle just to try out this loop!

Please excuse the poor lighting and blurryness!!! Was a bit late for taking pics and the light that's generally near by is dead just now :(

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/MiniLoop1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/MiniLoop2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/MiniLoop3.jpg

Right - back to playing Fallout 3 on Mike's PC now! (why Mike's? Cause my 2nd PC only has an x800 and can hardly play anything - he has the HDTV and amBX kit!)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Fallout3amBX1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Fallout3amBX2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Fallout3amBX3.jpg

~Bex

[shazza]

Great project ... enjoying this one! Can't wait to see your design for the case actually cut .

[short114]

Very nice project, I love what you did as of now, I am looking forward to see the final result, nice lapping!:eek:

[RCG_Bex]

Cheers dude - was my first time (was absolutely pooping it!)

Should have pics of the paint job tomorrow (waiting for some decent light!)

~Bex

[anubis_is_evil]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/XSPCDeltaV31.jpg


hai RCG, loves your worklog, can't wait for more :D

got a question, what compression fitting that you used with the XSPC block there, can it fit with compres fitting for 1/2 tube ? if its fit, well i really should get those XSPC DeltaV31 blocks..:D

thx.....

[RCG_Bex]

Those are BP 3/8" ID 5/8" OD compression barbs. Still got a reasonable ammount of room so 1/2" barbs should fit fine

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/XSPC-DeltaV3-Spacing.jpg

I went with 3/8" because it was a little neater and I could get comps to fit my NB block (1/2" doesn't fit the EK NB-Max)

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

Little teaser pictures ;)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/18.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/34.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/20.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/24.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/28.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/33.jpg

And more good news! Asus finally sent me my new 4870X2 (only took nearly 9months!)

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/46.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/36.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/37.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/41.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/43.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Powdercoating/44.jpg

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

Because everyone loves pics!!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/4870X22.jpg

Asus finally ship me a new 4870X2 OEM!!! HURRAY! This is 9 months work :P

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/4870X2XSPC-Razer.jpg

Let's get her naked and properly cooled!!! Cheers Paul @ XSPC for sending the blocks!!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/XSPC-Razer-4870X2Finish.jpg

A closer look at that amazing finish on the water blocks!!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/XSPC-Razer-4870X2-Side.jpg

Side on view

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/4870X2XSPC-Razer-Testing.jpg

LEAK TEST!!! Glad to report that there are no leaks :D

Also liek to point out, those compression barbs are a tight fit on this card - any bigger and they outer diamter would hit the acetal!

And seeing as how everyone is posting fancy pics lately, here's mine....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/ED-4870X2-Shot.jpg

~Bex

[masxerofkartis]

I must be the only person in the world that doesn't know how yo f****ng paint a case

Beautifull paint job mate congrats

[RCG_Bex]

Cheers - Hoping to get some pics of the panels this week too!

Planning out the lighting is going to be trickier now, think I need to change my lighting scheme... considering amber as a choice to be honest... Might change the hosing colour too...

~Bex

[short114]

Very nice paint Bex:up: I really enjoy following your built!!

Short

[exe163]

I must be the only person in the world that doesn't know how yo f****ng paint a case

Beautifull paint job mate congrats

Painting is a lot easier than you think it is. I too am a first timer, I just tested the paints on my old HP case. I thought I did really bad, but then the paints balance themselves out. Plus a little bit sandding (sand block + sand paper from local auto shop) and viola! glass flat surface, I bet I can skate on it if I were smaller.

Back to the topic, very nice job, I learned a lot from the pictures, thanks!:up:

[ward0]

great work so far :)

[ShArKo]

nice work dude.........but why take 9 month asus to get your VGA??? :s

[RCG_Bex]

nice work dude.........but why take 9 month asus to get your VGA??? :s

Well, it's a long story. I got my GPU from my work as a leaving present (I was moving away and the store was finishing up), and 3 weeks later it sparked and caught fire. I couldn't RMA through my work so I tried phoning our distributer who had closed the account and told me to get lost. So I tried Asus. Asus was a pain in the ass! Rep after rep, no one wanted to help. Then 1 person said they'd help and then said Asus UK would phone. Nothing. They then by poor English canceled my request for help. Threw a hissy fit and eventually got someone to reply. They put me through to the new Asus RMA centre (their 1 sold up apparently). I've wasted about 5-6months by now, mostly because they took 1-2weeks to reply or get back in touch at any one time. They then told me 3 weeks after it was sent away that they couldn't get me a replacement. Demanded an upgrade for the hastle. Won my arguement and then they lost my card, tried to cover up for it and tried to send me a 4870 in it's place. I told them where to stick it. They never reported the error so I demanded a court case settlement which got them to move their asses and send me out a brand new 4870X2 which had to come from Taiwan to Czech to UK to me :rofl:

It's now in my mates PC until I get all my stuff together. Asus gave me a discount on a 2nd 4870X2 which has already been tested and a water block added as you can see from the last pics :D

~Bex

[Baxxxter]

Realy nice and literally sparkling paint job! Keep up the great work... :up:

[DonFaygo]

RCG, what tool did you use to pop the rivets out of this case, I have the same one about to start modding it and did you re rivet them or just screw them in

[RCG_Bex]

RCG, what tool did you use to pop the rivets out of this case, I have the same one about to start modding it and did you re rivet them or just screw them in

To be honest, I don't know, mate did it (girly hands of mine have to fail somewhere :P)

I'll let you know how it's re-attatched tomorrow as it arrives back from paint then :D

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

PICCIES!!!
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/laser/DragonPanel01.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/laser/DragonPanel02.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/laser/DragonPanel05.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/laser/DragonPanel08.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/laser/DragonPanel13.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/laser/DragonPanel15.jpg

Will post more tomorrow - I'm tired and there's more bits and pieces to photograph :D

~Bex

[PsYcHoNo0b727]

WOW :shocked: Window is awesome!

[LockBreaker]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/MiniLoop2.jpg

It's so hairy! Kinda in love with your BF's leg! :p:

No just kiddin...

Great project you have here. Love all the details you have put into this project. :)

That enclosure is just simply beautiful with all the work you have put into it. :)

That window appeard to me as awsome!!!! :D

[inCore]

That is one special window, very nice. I love the side with the writing on it.

[RCG_Bex]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=em8H5AThPls <--- some footage of the laser cutting

Putting clear in the main window (I was going to use stealth acrylic but meh) but not sure what colour I'm doing the dragon. Will see what looks good with some samplers....

Got some feser red, my nb block and unfortunately no heatshrink - got sent 6mm braid instead :(

~Bex

[LockBreaker]

How did you get the Bitspower fittings to work with the MCR-320? Did you just screw them in or did you have to perform any modifications to it? :)

[exe163]

Amazing windowing craftsman(craftswoman:P)ship, any pointer on how it was done?

[RCG_Bex]

How did you get the Bitspower fittings to work with the MCR-320? Did you just screw them in or did you have to perform any modifications to it? :)

Fitted just fine - just like any other barb

Design was hand drawen, re-drawn, and re-drawn again. Scanned, cleaned, imported into adobe illustrator and then cleaned further for the computer operated laser :)

~Bex

[shazza]

That window looks great ... excellent job!

[LockBreaker]

Fitted just fine - just like any other barb

Design was hand drawen, re-drawn, and re-drawn again. Scanned, cleaned, imported into adobe illustrator and then cleaned further for the computer operated laser :)

~Bex

Thanks for the replay. :)

How much did all that lasercutting cost? I mean, it's a pretty expensive machine. It had to cost something. :)

[RCG_Bex]

UPDATE 26-12-08

Little update - NB block arirved and now fitted with barbs - extremely tight fit!!! However, I noticed I seemt o have 2 types of BP barbs... 1 gripped and the other smoothed like Feser comps. Had I used 2 Feser-like comps I think it'd have been a bit easier but oh well - at least now I know!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/NB-Block1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/NB-Block2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/NB-Block3.jpg

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

UPDATE - 2/1/09

Just a little update..... Started my mockup and then ran out of hosing.... BUT DON'T PANIC! I have more! And I need to go steal my other card back off my mate :)

Er I also had a change of plans... Paul sent me 1 of his passive reservoirs and omg - it goes so nicely with my case. Been assured that with feser I won't have metal problems.

....I also need to order 45's... and some T's.... this'll be a ***** to drain otherwise... Please excuse the bad lighting.... I'll just shut up now and post some pics >.<;;

...
...

Oh yeah - and those tightly spaced NB barbs just got tighter!!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/CloseNB2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/CloseNB1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/ColourMatch.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/HomeForXmas.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Mockup.jpg

~Bex

[N19h7m4r3]

That looks amazing!! Simply wow!

[INFRNL]

Amazing job Bex! Keep up the good work; cant wait for the final results. I need to work on my imagination

[RCG_Bex]

UPDATE 9-01-09

A quick update. Some goodies arrived!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/BitsnPieces1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/BitsnPieces2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/GPU-WCd.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/GPU-WCd2.jpg

Leak testing - loop #1 fine - but as I said - loop #2 pissed itself. Attempt 2 at it seems to be going fine a few hours in... Still don't like that feser hosing... Post more pics when there's better light etc

~Bex

[MrGoodCat]

love the res, looks like a k&n air filter

[N19h7m4r3]

Wow! Looks great!

Orange has never appealed to me, but I find myself attractive to this build somehow.

Looks wonderful!

[RCG_Bex]

Little teaser pic whilst it's bleeding/leak testing...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Leaktest1.jpg

~Bex

[sniperbob]

awesome teaser shot, love all the red color in there too! It's thrilling seeing everyones projects come together at around the same in the worklog section!

[SGwillis]

wow, nice set up, as above nice colour scheme

[jtdigital]

nice build :up:

[GeorgeStorm]

Great looking build, loving the window, how muchw as it, (if you dont mind me asking) as I have been wondering whether I could get some acrylic or side panel engraved/laser cut...
Great to see all of the XSPC stuff is working fine, (I am on my way to water cooling, (when I have the money) and I will defo be using their products)

[RCG_Bex]

Little Update :: 2/02/09

Not really tbh but hey - pics are good no?

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Cables.jpg
Some Cable management....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/Fullloop.jpg
Leak testing, sadly revealed the res is a problem but it looked good at the time (got a new res)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/TestLighting.jpg
Got some laser LED's for the bottom of the case to light up the flames but there's not enough light from 2... So need to get more and some amber/yellow to make the m
flames look better... Still not decided if I'll do red, white or amber in the main window (messed around with white but no pics - too tired)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/TestLighting2.jpg
Lit up my back wall with the LED's shining through my case cut - was totally awesome - I don't have a tripod though so the setting that capture the light at it's best is too sensitive to any movement :(

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/TestLighting3.jpg
Tried with a white LED (didn't have anything good but I liked this)

I'm off to bed now tbh... just back from staff night out after having 5 courses at kublikhans.... mmmm.... wild bore, zebra, springbuck, venison, kangaroo follwed by sticky tofee pud mmmmmmmmm

No more shark sadly... :(

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

Lol tried out my PC for the first time since the new watercooling, and as I went into the BIOS read 17c!!! Now, yes, the room was very cold at the time, but I honestly thought it was going to be at least 10c out... so lets install windows!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/CoreTempSS.jpg

Ambient reads @ 20.7c - my 4870X2 is sitting at 27c on the quad rad with my NB - 2 of the fans aren't working on that rad yet so there's room for improvement yet!

Loop 1 :: XSPC 2x5.25" bay res pump > MCR320 > Delta V3 (no backplate)
Loop 2 :: EK 150mm Res > XSPC top DDC ultra > TFC480 > GPU 2 > GPU 1 > EK NB/SB Max
Single sided Zalman F3 fans at full, pulling config. Currently no side panels on the case.

~Bex

[EDIT] Oh yeah, coolant is pre-mized Feser One and the QX is lapped as well

[N19h7m4r3]

Looks great.

Where did you have the panels cut? Chilled PC?

[RCG_Bex]

Looks great.

Where did you have the panels cut? Chilled PC?

Nah - Marcus @ WCUK - was better rep for him and WCUK are kinda in link to my work so it works out cheaper. I was going to do it locally but they chickened out :rofl:

Anyway! Just some quick snaps, nothing special - wanted to try her out for a few days before I finish up... few more wires to do, lights to do and 2nd card :D

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0248.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0249.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0250.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0251.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0252.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/DSCF0253.jpg

~Bex

[N19h7m4r3]

That rig is crazy :D

Sadly I can't use WCUK, they won't ship to Ireland. Oh well.

I just noticed where you put those SSD's, hahaha great spot.

[The Water Dog]

Awesome work:up:

[RCG_Bex]

That rig is crazy :D

Sadly I can't use WCUK, they won't ship to Ireland. Oh well.

I just noticed where you put those SSD's, hahaha great spot.

I'm sure they do - I think you just need to get in touch?

UPDATE!!! Well, not much... PICTURES!!! :D

Got some acrylic today - 2 art stores, 1 had clear but no red and vice versa. Picked up some red today though! Will get clear on... um... damn.... won't be til next week now... :( Gah! Stupid work!

Anyways!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate3.jpg

Sorry - not pro, just had to use Paint cause I've not really installed much yet other than games and stuff....

~Bex

[RCG_Bex]

WHO LIKES PICTURES!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

...

...

...

...

...

UPDATES! PICCIES! ENJOY!!!!!!!! :D :D :D

First, I needed some energy after a long day going down to Ayr to pick up my mesh and 3hrs of10-pin bowling (about time I had some fun!). Like a Mana Potion but Health...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/HealthPotion.jpg

Never again.... tastes worse than Calpol....

So! Moving on!!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate4.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate5.jpg

And the result?

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate6.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/SidepanelUpdate7.jpg

Absolutley loving it! I think it looks very much like a dragon's scales and makes a change from hex mesh :D

Whilst that was all setting, I got to work on my 2nd 4870X2! W00t!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/4870X2XfireAgain.jpg

And she lives!!! Yet to do any benchys yet.... want to play some games tonight.... Also, I have lights coming next and the very last of the cables should be done. I'd of done them tonight but I actually ran out of elecy tape >.<;;

...

...

Oh and what's with the Primochill blood red you ask? Well I WAS going to use it, had heard good things about it and such but it all went a bit downhill. Now I definitely well and truly flushed all my blocks, rads and pumps, but after running the system on a mini loop to do an install and test further I find stuff floating in the water. I clean it out and tried with the other half but nope, it was back again! Very difficult to picture but here's my best shots...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/YuckyWater1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/YuckyWater2.jpg

Now I really, REALLY should invest in a tripod, photos would be so much better..... Hope that keeps you lot pleased for at least another week!

~Bex

[PradaG]

WOW - nice job :up:- those panels looks fantastic - & the lighting ties it all together to produce a very nice overall image - I love that large dragon :)

[ILikeCosmosS]

did your blocks get dirty from the red
because i will be bummed since my theme is black and red

[RCG_Bex]

Yeah they did - had to flush all the blocks and such out again. Thankfully it didn't seem "sticky", flowed out .

Thanks Prada! As I say, hoping to get my lights next week. Thinking white in the top with maybe a red underglow, and the flames will hopefully look like flames when I'm done with them!

~Bex

[ILikeCosmosS]

i am going to try feser dyes or primochill dye bombs and see what happens my self

[RCG_Bex]

Teaser Photos...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/WhiteCCFL1.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/Elemental-Dragon/WhiteCCFL2.jpg

More to come soon hopefully!

~Bex

[shazza]

Definitely liking the looks of the new mesh - it does look like dragon scales.

The red looks great in those last photos.

[RCG_Bex]

Thanks Shaza - nice to see that the little things matter and catch the eye of a fellow lady :D

~Bex

[Mr_Mike]

looks awesome

[masxerofkartis]

That first pic you got on your last post, the fitting really reminds of a bike By OCC a while back, they put mail around the exhaust pipe. It really reminds me of bonds you see at movies like eragon.

Well Done, Very nice work.

P.S. What are you getting from that CFX setup with the new Catalysts? My old temporary CFX couldn't drag its own feet for some reason.

Anyway well done

[dreamaxx]

Looks awesome, I love dragons :)

You much into fantasy books? Whatcha read if so?

What did you use to glue the acrylic btw?

[cucurucho]

Exelent job and very nice pics :up:

Only thing I dislike is the place for fans, if there where inside i think it will looks much better

[affiliate13]

Hi Bex,
Do you have any more pix of the rad in the bottom of the case please?

Laser cutting worked out so well btw.:up:

[RCG_Bex]

I don't sorry. And there's a cover for the fans, it's just not here yet.... The acrylic is stuck with epoxy sorta stuff.

And sadly due to a financial crises (pay cut + flat rent increase + £1k unexpected bill = epic fail) and Asus being dicks AGAIN (same problem as last time with the older card - VRAMs randomly started taking increased voltage + heat) I've had to give up on this project for now.

Nearly all of the rig has been sold off.... But don't worry - the case will be finished and pimped out more than ever and I shall return with a new rig from Gigabyte and pwn some ass! :D

~Bex

[dreamaxx]

aww sorry to hear that :(

DO YOU READ FANTASY? :D

[shazza]

Shucks, sorry to hear about that, Bex. Sure glad you will be able to finish the case, and let's hope the new build comes soon.

[affiliate13]

I don't sorry. And there's a cover for the fans, it's just not here yet.... The acrylic is stuck with epoxy sorta stuff.

And sadly due to a financial crises (pay cut + flat rent increase + £1k unexpected bill = epic fail) and Asus being dicks AGAIN (same problem as last time with the older card - VRAMs randomly started taking increased voltage + heat) I've had to give up on this project for now.

Nearly all of the rig has been sold off.... But don't worry - the case will be finished and pimped out more than ever and I shall return with a new rig from Gigabyte and pwn some ass! :D

~Bex

Sorry for your bad luck, i had been following it for along time as i have the V2110 and a 480mm rad too. Ill look foward to seeing where you take it next.

Thanks for the reply, take care. :D

[RCG_Bex]

aww sorry to hear that :(

DO YOU READ FANTASY? :D

Yes - haven't read anything for a while though... any recomendations? :D

@ Shaz - it'll take a wee bit whilst I get back on my feet but it'll be sweet :D

@ aff - Just you wiat - I'm going to attempt to squeeze in ANOTHER 480 rad + a 120 and a very special new res/pump system from XSPC :D

~Bex