Project "Formal Black"

[Cutless009]

So after researching quite a bit, and asking a ton of newbish questions (thanks for answering them guys) I finally just laid down a sizeable chunk of cash for my businesses new demo rig.

Parts Ordered:


2x: GIGABYTE GV-R487X2-2GH-B Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

2x: Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PVS34G2000LLKN

ASUS Rampage Extreme LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

SONY Black 2X Blu-ray DVD ROM SATA Model BR-5100S

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core


Enzotech SCW-1 Sapphire CPU Water Block AM2 LGA775 1/2" Barb Fittings

3x: Swiftech MCRES-MICRO Clear HI-FLOW Water Cooling Reservoir 3/8IN & 1/2IN Barb Fittings


2x: Primochill Primoflex Pro LRT Black 1/2IN ID 3/4IN OD Tubing (10 Feet)

10x: Scythe Ultra Kaze 120MM High Static Pressure Silent Fan 38MM 2000RPM

15x: Bitspower G1/4 High Flow 1/2IN Barb Fittings for 1/2IN ID Tubing - Dark Nickel Plated (Pair)

15x: Swiftech Adjustable Black Hose Clamps for 1/2IN Inner Diameter 3/4IN Outer Diameter Tubing (2 Pack)

3x: Swiftech MCP355 High Performance 12V Industrial Water Cooling Pump 3/8IN Barbs

3x: HW Labs Black Ice GTX Xtreme 360 Triple 120MM Water Cooling Radiator Black 1/2IN Barbs

3x: Ek Water Blocks EK-DDC X-TOP Custom Pump Top for DDC or MCP350 or MCP355 Water Cooling Pump G1/4

Ultra X3 1600-Watt Energy Efficient Modular Power Supply

2x: EK-FC4870 X2 CF High Performance Water Block - Acetal

Enzotech Sapphire Northbridge Water Block Rev. A

2x: EK Asus 3a Mosfet Water Block for ASUS Motherboards LGA 775 - Acetal

EK-NB/SB ASUS 4 Chipset Block - LGA 775 ASUS Motherboards - Acetal


And to put it all in a Mountain Mods UFO:

U2-UFO CYO (Choose Your Own)

- Acrylic Color Clear

- Back Panel Fan Spacing Swiftech/Black ICE

- Back Panel Type Triple Standard

- Finish Anodize Black

- Front Panel Fan Spacing Swiftech/Black ICE

- Front Panel Type Duality

- Horizontal MB brace Yes

- Side 1 Big Window Panel

- Side 2 Big Window Panel

- Side 3 Big Window Panel

- Window Etching None


Total Cost of ordered parts: $4,800! God I hope I don't break $5,500!!! o_0 insane!



One quick question, does anybody know the thread pitch on the MM UFO screws? I want to order some brass screws for it (this whole build will be black/copper or brass)?

[cobra_kai]

Very impressive. Do you mind if I ask what you will be demoing on this rig?

[dopestuff]

if correct the screws are 6-32
like these (http://www.mountainmods.com/632-25-inch-black-oxide-hexbutton-head-screws-p-484.html) replacement screws for the standart thumbscrews

ow and looks good mate :up:

[Utnorris]

WOW!!!, That should be a sweet setup, although I would have suggested you do the Q9650 instead of the Q9550. With that much laid out, why not do the best chip you can currently get, assuming you will be overclocking this gorgeous beast. If you do not want to go to the Q9650, make sure you get a Q9550 with the EO stepping and it still should be able to overclock quite well. Also, I would swap out the BP barbs and Swiftech clamps for Koolance compression barbs, the go for $9 a pair at PPC's and will look a ton better. Plus you may want to get some 90 degree ones for the mosfet blocks. I would also order some UN brackets to mount the pumps, drop the EK tops and Swiftech Micro Res's for some XSPC Res tops, price will only be a little more, maybe $10 each and will cut down on the amount of fittings/tubing you need and perform better. What hard drives are going with? Velicoraptors are nice, I have 2 150GB in Raid 0 for my OS and then a few 320's for storage. What you have is great, these are just some suggestions. Can't wait to see some pics.

[Cutless009]

Hmmm, definitely some good food for thought there. I might be able to do it with the smaller stuff, but I doubt I'll be able to change the processor out, and the processor SHOULD be the E0 stepping model. I'll def be looking into those compression fittings and res's.

As for storage, I might be throwing in a single 120gb Velociraptor just for improved boot times and OS speed, but the main storage solution will be 4x 500gb 3gb/sec server drives from WD in a raid 5 array, and a 750gb 3gb/sec for backup

[Utnorris]

If you are going to do just a single drive for the OS, pick up the OCZ SSD drive for $100. 32GB should be plenty for your OS.

[Cutless009]

because Velociraptor sounds like its going to eat your face and your babies, and OCZ SSD sounds like a drug craze involving midget hookers and sex in unsanitary places.

[Cutless009]

For the love of god where is it written that all res's must be made with acrylic? Give me a delrin or acetal res for christ sake, I dont have to see my water, I just want it to do its job and make bleeding easier >>

[Utnorris]

For the love of god where is it written that all res's must be made with acrylic? Give me a delrin or acetal res for christ sake, I dont have to see my water, I just want it to do its job and make bleeding easier >>

I didn't recommend it because it was acrylic, I recommended because based on Martin's testing you cannot beat the performance. It would be greatif they made one out of acetal, but they do not.

[HaCKs]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/ericrwalker/pichers1.jpg

[Cutless009]

WOOOO, ended up having to cancel this build and my part orders for a bit there cuz of some stuff that came up, but FINALLY got all these parts ordered today today and then some! Total cost for the ordered parts was $5,082.67!!!! ARGH!

HUGE ups to the guys over at Mountain Mods for getting my Ascension CYO Packed and out the door by the end of the day when ordered late in the evening tonight! Thanks guys!!

And since Hacks wants pictures and I dont have any parts left, I'll just leave you guys with pics of a hot chick I met about 5 months ago that Im taking on a date tomorrow night:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/curledmyhair0o004.jpg


Pics of actual goodies as soon as they arrive!!

[MomijiTMO]

Now be nice, make sure to pay for anything she wants to buy and don't expect anything when you take her home or part ways. :D

Oh yeah hurry up with this build already or suffer some PM attacks.

[.Logic]

Amazing eyes... shame bout the nose ring (not a big fan of piercings :p:)

Can't wait to see more... of the project that is :up:

[FrostyPanda]

because Velociraptor sounds like its going to eat your face and your babies, and OCZ SSD sounds like a drug craze involving midget hookers and sex in unsanitary places.

Highly sig-able ROFL



I want updates :wierd::comp10:

[Cutless009]

So do I.... damn you shipping times!


Wewt woke up to shipping arrival tracking info for my MM Ascension!!

Ship date
Nov 6, 2008
Estimated delivery
Nov 13, 2008

INCOMING!!

Mcmaster Delivery also on its way!:

Sched. Delivery: 11/10/2008


Still waiting on newegg and NCIX to ship and give me tracking numbers.

I may actually be driving down to Performance PC's to pick up my order, as they are only an hour and 20 minutes south of me, we'll see!

[Cutless009]

WEWT!!! All orders have been shipped, and all but one of them gets here on MONDAY! YES!! --StokeD--

[MomijiTMO]

Woot. You must take loads of photos ok :)

[sniperbob]

Woot. You must take loads of photos ok :)

and you must also remember to post them all here :)

[Cutless009]

*preps 32gb SD card and digital camera to photo-journal every step of the build*

[T_Flight]

Cutless, did she cut your clothes off with those laser eyes? :D

She didn't try to set you on fire did she? :ROTF:

Looks like you've got a good one going here. I too hate waiting. I'm in one of those waiting phases too now. I have my case, but can't get the hardware yet...waiting on Core i7 and the boards to be released. I can't find anything but pre-order BS and a bunch of price gouging right now.

[Cutless009]

I would just like to update the parts list for this btw, it changed from the last time I posted it, and I went more for looks than performance since thats what seems to sell computers these days and this machine is intended to boost sales at my business.

2x: GIGABYTE GV-R487X2-2GH-B Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

1x: Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PVS34G2000LLKN

ASUS Rampage Extreme LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

SONY Black 2X Blu-ray DVD ROM SATA Model BR-5100S

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 Yorkfield 3GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core


EK Supreme Plexi LGA775 1/2" Barb Fittings

2x: XSPC DDC Pump Reservoir Tops.


2x: Primochill Primoflex Pro LRT Black 1/2IN ID 3/4IN OD Tubing (10 Feet)

10x: Scythe Ultra Kaze 120MM High Static Pressure Silent Fan 38MM 2000RPM

20x: Koolance 1/2" ID 3/8" OD compression fittings.

2x: Swiftech MCP355 High Performance 12V Industrial Water Cooling Pump 3/8IN Barbs

2x: HW Labs Black Ice GTX Xtreme 360 Triple 120MM Water Cooling Radiator Black 1/2IN Barbs

Ultra X3 1600-Watt Energy Efficient Modular Power Supply

2x: XSPC 4870x2 Full Cover water block.

2x Scythe Kaze Master fan controllers

1x LG DVD-R w/Lightscribe

Brass screws for case and other assembly

Brass fan screws

several sheets of black metal mesh

several sheets of copper woven fiber cloth for fan filter use

Enzotech Unicorn memory heatspreader

1x Delrin black vandal resistant switch, 16mm, white circle

1x Delrin black vandal resistant switch, 22mm, white circle

1x mounting plate for vandal switches

20x Danger Den Compression Fittings

2x Swiftech MCP355 pumps



Theres more random bits, like wire sleeving, heatshrink, cable management, cold cathodes (white), and other random stuff not worth mentioning.

Total so far is ~$5,200

[Cutless009]

First parts arrive tomorrow! Expecting the shipment from mcmaster, newegg, and Performance PC's in tomorrow... WOOO Christmas D: hehe.

[sniperbob]

i love it when stuff shows up for builds! it is definitely like christmas, except your money magically disappears...

[Cutless009]

Decided to make my first attempt at lapping a processor NOT be on my $550 Q9650, and instead decided to test my hand at it on my old AMD X2 4400+. Not bad for my first attempt at lapping:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Computers%20and%20Gaming/IMG_3104.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Computers%20and%20Gaming/IMG_3103.jpg

I feel pretty comfortable with the process now, if I feel like it will gain me 1C I'll definitely do this to my Q9650.

[Cutless009]

So it was Christmas time today. Came home to find HUGE BOXES on my doorstep. Turned out most of it was PAPER. No really, Im not kidding, kudos to mcmaster for packing my materials in over TWO POUNDS PER BOX of effing paper.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3106.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3110.jpg

The large upright box contained the huge roll of acoustic deadening material I ordered, while the other box contained the rest of my goodies.

Once it was all unpacked here's the materials that arrived today:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3113.jpg

I ordered two large sheets of this copper cloth for use on various places on the case:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3117.jpg

Also some mesh for use in various places:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3121.jpg

My favorite thing that came today, my Enzotech Unicorn memory heatspreaders, by far the sexiest thing I have ever seen.

Here's a little walk-through of the unpacking. When I first unwrapped the box I was presented with this:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3122.jpg

Holy crap was this thing heavy:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3124.jpg

And no wonder, look whats inside!!!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3126.jpg

In case you didnt catch that entirely, here's a close-up of how sexy these things are:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3128.jpg

Here's how the largest one looks when pulled out:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3129.jpg

And when you take it apart:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3130.jpg

And of course the cpu block which I didnt take too many pics of, as Im sure we all know what an EK Supreme looks like:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3132.jpg

The base of mine is kind of corroded or something, and not very flat.... any opinions on lapping this thing? I seem to remember somewhere that some1 said not to, like REALLY DONT DO IT, but I'd like to confirm that:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3134.jpg

With a couple bitspower compression fittings attached:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3142.jpg

And of course the most awesome thing that came today, I dont think it needs anything but pictures:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3145.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3146.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3147.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3149.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3150.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3152.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3156.jpg

Seriously though, this thing is QUALITY. Plain and simple. I know its been said over and over and over again, but really, this thing is TOP OF THE LINE.

The last item of note today was the XSPC 4870x2 FC Water Blocks. I havnt ben able to find a lot of info on these, but at nearly half the cost of an EK I decided to give them a shot.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3158.jpg

yup sexy so far

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3159.jpg

Mmmm, here comes the copper:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3160.jpg

what a big beautiful solid hunk of beautiful copper.

And of course what all the hardcore people want to see, internal shots:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3162.jpg

and the top:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3166.jpg

I wish I knew what to think of these, but as a noob this really doesnt mean much to me other than "woooo COPPPER!!!!"


Also not pictured, 4x 12" white cold cathode tubes, 2x Kaze Master fan controllers, 100 brass flat-head screws and 100 mini thumb-screws, 20 feet of 1/8th" black sleeving, 10 feet of 3/4" black sleeving, and 5 feet of heatshrink for both.

Slightly pictured were the 20 BP Comp fittings I ordered.

Tomorrow arrives the hardware!

[Arni]

Nice stuff :)

[Cutless009]

Quick question, does anyone know if here is a way to rig momentary switches up to cold cathode power inverters? I want to add switches for the lights but I dont want like a military switch sticking out of the top. Thanks to anyone who can point me in the right direction this.

[Cutless009]

Found a solution for the momentary switches, just picked up a couple 9v latching relays at radio shack for 50c each. Woot.

[FrostyPanda]

Could you post some pictures of comp. fittings on the 4870x2 blocks? I really like the EK stuff, but that XSPC thing looks like da bomb, only part I don't know if I'll like is how comp fittings would look with those nubby thread holes...

BTW....subscribed!

[Cutless009]

Sure let me finish up this wire Im sleeving and Ill set of the tripod and snap a couple shots for you.

[FrostyPanda]

Sure let me finish up this wire Im sleeving and Ill set of the tripod and snap a couple shots for you.

Schweet! Can't wait!

[Cutless009]

Pardon my mess, Im under construction lol.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3170.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3171.jpg

there u go man :)

[FrostyPanda]

Grrrrr its gonna be so hard to choose between this and EK :help:. Thanks a bunch for the pix's! Looking awesome :woot:

[shoopdawoopa]

make sure to paint a bowtie on this computer to make it really formal:D

[Cutless009]

If it makes any difference to your choice, these blocks are only $99 and the EK blocks are like ~155-165. If they perform as well I'd rather go with the one thats $60usd cheaper lol ^_^

[FrostyPanda]

If it makes any difference to your choice, these blocks are only $99 and the EK blocks are like ~155-165. If they perform as well I'd rather go with the one thats $60usd cheaper lol ^_^

Yeah I saw that. The only thing I like better about the EK's is the fitting holes. I'm not sure If I like the little part that sticks out :shrug:. I think I'm just being overly picky but the little things really bug my OCD :hitself:. I guess I'll wait a while (gonna have to anyways as its kinda hard for a 15 (almost 16:D) yr. old to come up with the moolah to pay for a lot of this stuff :mad:) until you post pix's of them in Xfire when you finish your build. Great stuff :up:

[Polizei]

I love those RAM heatspreaders.... excellent touch to add in spreaders with different height fins/pins. :up:

[Spawne32]

1600 watts!

[hmmisee]

Very nice looking, Subscribed :D
The pictures look nice, makes that acetal cover look nice and smooth :)

[N19h7m4r3]

I love that Power supply! If it wasn't close to 400$ and another 88 for shipping I would snapped it up!

Those cables on it look perfect for sleeving also!

I need one now! Also I need your budget :P

[twwen2]

Looking good cutless, great pictures! :)

[Cutless009]

Update for today: Hardware arrived. Finished sleeving the first Kaze Master, swapped the heat spreaders on the ram over to the enzotech's, mounted the water blocks for the video cards, and mounted the EK Supreme on the Motherboard.

Sorry for not taking more pictures, was just trying to get the work in tonight since I have school tomorrow and wont be able to work on it (I have a deadline to finish this project unfortunately).

Laying it all out:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3175.jpg

Skip forward a lot, again, sorry for lack of pictures. This is what I like to see!!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3178.jpg

I think its smiling at me!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3179.jpg

yup Im smiling now.

Mmmmm, dual processors......

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3183.jpg

Testing fitting:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3184.jpg

Yep thats sexy, a closer look?

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3185.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3186.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3187.jpg

Yup, lookin good. Need to order a few bits and bops to really finish it off later on, but other than that, ROCK ON :up:

[BlueAqua]

Looks great!! Although the screws for the cpu block look extra long. Are those stock?

Green ram! ;) I can see why you replaced the heat spreaders.

[switch8]

Great Work Cutless! Looking good! Let us know how the XSPC X2 blocks perform. :up:

[FrostyPanda]

Great Work Cutless! Looking good! Let us know how the XSPC X2 blocks perform. :up:

+1:up: I'm drooling... Better stop before I fry my keyboard :rofl:

Will you be watercooling the motherboard?

[Fyrelith]

2x 4870 x2's........ /drooooolll

[AlucardCasull]

dammnnnn, this will be an intense build

[Cutless009]

+1:up: I'm drooling... Better stop before I fry my keyboard :rofl:

Will you be watercooling the motherboard?

At the moment no since its a bit cost-restrictive and BP hasnt released the RE nb/sb block yet, if they get it out before the build is done I'll water cool the nb/sb in the cpu loop and get some enzotech sinks for the mosfets.

[sniperbob]

Are you going to keep the dual-slot cooling expansion slot covers on the back of your cards or swap them out for single slot covers?

[emoners]

damn! :up:

[Cutless009]

Are you going to keep the dual-slot cooling expansion slot covers on the back of your cards or swap them out for single slot covers?

Just ordered the single slot plates, SLI fitting, and more cable sleeving :)

[sniperbob]

AWESOME!! :up:

[Cutless009]

Just double checked my processors S-Spec code, and confirmed that it is indeed E0 stepped. WOOT:dj:

[Cutless009]

I would just like to state for the record that having a $600 custom ordered case be lost by fedex, is complete and utter fail. I noticed they hadnt updated the tracking since the 8th (it was shipped on the 6th via 3-day), and its now the 13th so I called them and asked what was going on and all of them were like:shrug: o.o :eek:

*sigh* sitting around waiting on parts and having your case lost in the mail, BLOWS.:down:

[sniperbob]

that has happened to me with fedex occasionally also. I had to return my laptop to HP for warrantee work, so they were supposed to send me a box so that i could send the laptop back. The exmpty box dissapeared via fedex... Ended up having to call a 1-800 number and get a Fedex investegator on the case to solve the case of the missing box. things like that are frustrating, but i can imagine how unnerving it must be to "lose" a 600$ case... wow. Hope it turns up :shrugs:

[Lagaaja]

Can we have some more shots of those sexy sexy sexy Enzo ram coolers please, those looks sick.. And so does your whole build this far :P

Subd.

[Cutless009]

First negative thing to say about the XSPC blocks for the X2's:

That little nub that was an aesthetic issue to someone before, that extra nub is actual extra length theyve added, and standard SLI water fittings do NOT fit (they push the cards apart at the fitting the same amount of the height of that nub), so if you are going to order these blocks, make sure you take note that you will need something adjustable and not a solid fitting.

[zlojack]

What did you use to link the cards? The Koolance SLI connector?

[TheGanG]

Gonna be a great setup but that hedgehogs aka Enzo Ram Cooler seems funny :)

[Cutless009]

What did you use to link the cards? The Koolance SLI connector?

Yep, koolance 2-slot spaced SLI connector, 1-slot is too short, just ordered the adjustable one from Chilled PC, was actually cheaper to have it express airmailed from the UK than it was to buy my original koolance connector >>

[zlojack]

Yep, koolance 2-slot spaced SLI connector, 1-slot is too short, just ordered the adjustable one from Chilled PC, was actually cheaper to have it express airmailed from the UK than it was to buy my original koolance connector >>

Hmm...can you please link me to that connector as I plan to do a similar setup and was going to order the Koolance one.

Good catch :up:

[Cutless009]

here you go man: http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=64_82&products_id=584

was $17 shipped with their fastest international shipping.

[zlojack]

Great! Thanks!

[Cutless009]

no problem, if you need resources for anything else let me know, Ive found a lot of great resources for switches (including latching type SPST pushbutton switches for on/off use so they can flush mount), and a ton of other stuff in my quest for this build.

[Cutless009]

Since all my packages were delayed until tomorrow at the soonest, buckled down today and finished up the sleeving on the kaze's

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3194.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3198.jpg

wewt

*edit* forgot the pic of the ends:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3200.jpg

not bad for my first sleeving job ^_^

[xTKxhom3r]

wow nice setup man..

but how are you supposed to run 4 sticks of ram with those heat spreaders?

[Cutless009]

Set them up differently, with the two side with the longest pins facing outward on each side and the next longest ones facing inward into the small gap between the slots and the other shortest ones in the middle. However I only have 2 sticks of ram, so thats how I set it up for best cooling effect.

[Cutless009]

Confirmed delivery today of MM Ascension and my water cooling gear (pumps, tubing, rads, res tops, etc). WOOT.

[FrostyPanda]

Confirmed delivery today of MM Ascension and my water cooling gear (pumps, tubing, rads, res tops, etc). WOOT.

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot. Yup I said it :D

[Cutless009]

So many parts, so little time, here's a little teaser shot:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3205.jpg

[zlojack]

I like!

[Cutless009]

Alright folks some more teaser pics, too far from "finished" with the outside to take any wholesome pictures, and I wont be getting the parts I need until about friday of next week! so till then, hold your breath you fiends!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3210.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3212.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3219.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3215.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3216.jpg

Man those brass screws look awesome up against that black finish.

[shoopdawoopa]

Sexy

[FrostyPanda]

wow! at first I thought the enzo ram heatsinks were ugly...now I REALLY want them!

[Lagaaja]

Aww, are you really going to let us all wai for a WEEK before next update..:D The size of the Ascensions shocks me everytime..

[Cutless009]

Nah Ill have some minor updates on some of the stuff, but no major ones till friday at the soonest most likely.

One interesting update for anyone following this thread, I ordered the wrong compression fittings from bitspower, I go the 1/2 ID 5/8 OD instead of the 3/4 OD, so im selling them off, I put them up in the for sale section for $7.50 per shipped, but for the awesome LC guys that are following my thread I'll sell them off to you guys for $6.75 per INCLUDING shipping, they are BRAND NEW and have never been used AT ALL, and are spotless:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Computers%20and%20Gaming/IMG_3229.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Computers%20and%20Gaming/IMG_3232.jpg

Just had to order the right ones to the tune of $224! >.<

[N19h7m4r3]

Wow!:eek2::eek2::eek2:

I wish I had your budget :(

[FrostyPanda]

I wish I had your budget :(

says he who has murder and mod in his sig..................

[N19h7m4r3]

Haha, I resemble that remark. But I'd still love Cutless's budget. It's more than 10x mine :P

[Cutless009]

My budget for this build was $5,500, and Im just under that atm at around $5,350 so far.

[N19h7m4r3]

Bloody hell!
With 1000 I'd finish of the build I'm planning and get some upgrades in.

[Cutless009]

Lol the scary part is, I had to "settle" for two loops instead of three and a single 1tb drive instead of a 4tb raid array just to keep costs down D:

such is life when ur running the worlds fastest processor and two of the world fastest graphics cards ^_^

[MJR]

Very nice build. But may I ask, why not x58 and i7?

[Cutless009]

Dunno, force of habit over a decade of building systems, I've always bought right when there was a change and one version back from the most current simply because its not brand new and the market has been established so it's easy to find parts and solutions to common problems, I'm really not very good with computers, not when you dig really deep into voltages/troubleshooting etc etc, so I prefer to remain in my comfort zone of well-established hardware :)

[N19h7m4r3]

I am with Cutless on this, I prefer a try and tested platform to one with loads of problems.

I felt like a king when I got my first edition Athlon 64 3200+ and socket 754 mobo and system.
Was buggy as hell and couldn't OC for cack! To make matters worse, AMD left 754 shortly after for socket 939.

So until now I wait for the market to settle and prices to drop. By then all the problems could be solved :)

[Cutless009]

Some of the custom painted pieces going on on the back. I'd love to show you guys what it looks like through the top window, however ben sent me the wrong top to my case D:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3240.jpg

[short114]

Really amazing work:up: also a lot of money involve, keep up the good work!:shocked:

Short

[Cutless009]

OMG, updates soon guys, still no parts in that I ordered, but the PSU is in and all the power wires for the motherboard and graphics cards are run, the first radiator is mounted (still waiting on NCIX to get stock in and ship me the 2nd one), and most of the fans are in, waiting on some fan bolts from MM before I can mount fans to the rads, and Im also waiting on some parts from MM to custom fab up a lot of the copper pieces. So much work! not really much to show since its all been the tiny minute stuff so far, but updates soon! promise! most likely tomorrow :)

[Cutless009]

This probably doesnt seem like much of an update, but its actually quite large. Everything is in its final seated position, power is run to everything thats in the case so far, the four white CCFL tubes are mounted along with all of their wiring and switches, the correct fittings are now in the case, and the Swiftech NB Rampage Extreme block has been added in place of the stock cooling solution.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3280.jpg

I ran into huge problems trying to route all the power cables because for some reason all of the cables that come with the Ultra are very short! So I did my best and I think it came out quite well. My custom switches came in today so Ive got those mounted in the front of the case now, and Im waiting on more shipments to come in.

Still to come: XSPC Bay Res's (one for each loop), drain and fill ports (one of each for each loop), my sheet metal stepped drill bit for drilling the holes for the drain and fill ports, fan extension cables, more fittings including some 90 degree fittings for the graphics loop, still waiting on my 2nd rad to come in, more fans, another 40 feet of sleeving, fill cap adapters for the res's so I can run the fillports down to them, fan filters for me to customize with copper cloth instead of wire mesh, fan-bolts from MM, silver kill coils (one for each loop) from petra, and more!

[PsYcHoNo0b727]

Nice looking set up so far! I like the way the Enzotech ram heatsinks look.

[Cutless009]

Hard to take pictures of the updates at this point, so here's a short vid of it:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/th_MVI_3296.jpg (http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/?action=view&current=MVI_3296.flv)

[Logos]

the idea of posting a video is just brilliant; people should do that more @XS :up:

[BigJoe]

Yap video is soo cool :)

[Cutless009]

A better video since the last one sucked balls:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/th_MVI_3297.jpg (http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/?action=view&current=MVI_3297.flv)

[j.almonte]

Great video... keep us posted.. !!!

[MasterChiefElmo]

Looks good man I can only dream of having a comp that nice one day...

[Cutless009]

After placing multiple orders with the following vendors, I'd like to write a very short review for each so other builders can know what to expect when ordering from these companies:

NCIX: Save a few bucks usually, but not good if you're in a hurry, expect 5-10 business days for PROCESSING, and another 5-10 to actually get your item. Ive never had an item arrive in less than 2 weeks from the time I ordered it from these guys. They are slow to ship.

Performance PC's: Great customer service, quick to respond to emails. They keep you up to date via email on the status of your order, and processing is never more than 1-2 business days. They've been great in regards to a stocking error and exchanging parts for other parts. Highly recommend this vendor.

Petra: Yah, nothing really needs to be said here. If they have what you need, order from them, they have great prices and fast shipping, as well as great customer service.

Chilled PC: Fast processesing, decent prices, have parts that I couldn't find for sale in the US and needed for my build. Don't expect fast shipping from the UK lol.

Mountain Mods: No disses on Ben, he's an awesome guy, and his products are nothing but absolute top notch, however I do get the feeling he's a bit overwhelmed in running his business. The case I ordered came with the wrong top (it was finished in black gloss powder coat instead of anodized black), however Im getting that sorted and they've been decent about it. Great guys with a great product, I get the feeling this error was an anomaly that doesn't occur very often with this shop.

The Egg: Do I really need to put this here? Not really, but just to say it, newegg is awesome, fast processing, fast shipping, great products. Beware of the shipping cost of small items, as they often add up to very great amounts (i.e. 10 120mm fan filters at $1.50 a piece, with shipping came to $46 shipped).


In short, Id rather pay a little extra and get my stuff from PPC's than order from NCIX, and Petra is God. No better cases than Ben's anywhere on the market.

[Chicken Patty]

After placing multiple orders with the following vendors, I'd like to write a very short review for each so other builders can know what to expect when ordering from these companies:

NCIX: Save a few bucks usually, but not good if you're in a hurry, expect 5-10 business days for PROCESSING, and another 5-10 to actually get your item. Ive never had an item arrive in less than 2 weeks from the time I ordered it from these guys. They are slow to ship.

Performance PC's: Great customer service, quick to respond to emails. They keep you up to date via email on the status of your order, and processing is never more than 1-2 business days. They've been great in regards to a stocking error and exchanging parts for other parts. Highly recommend this vendor.

Petra: Yah, nothing really needs to be said here. If they have what you need, order from them, they have great prices and fast shipping, as well as great customer service.

Chilled PC: Fast processesing, decent prices, have parts that I couldn't find for sale in the US and needed for my build. Don't expect fast shipping from the UK lol.

Mountain Mods: No disses on Ben, he's an awesome guy, and his products are nothing but absolute top notch, however I do get the feeling he's a bit overwhelmed in running his business. The case I ordered came with the wrong top (it was finished in black gloss powder coat instead of anodized black), however Im getting that sorted and they've been decent about it. Great guys with a great product, I get the feeling this error was an anomaly that doesn't occur very often with this shop.

The Egg: Do I really need to put this here? Not really, but just to say it, newegg is awesome, fast processing, fast shipping, great products. Beware of the shipping cost of small items, as they often add up to very great amounts (i.e. 10 120mm fan filters at $1.50 a piece, with shipping came to $46 shipped).


In short, Id rather pay a little extra and get my stuff from PPC's than order from NCIX, and Petra is God. No better cases than Ben's anywhere on the market.



Thanks for this dude.

Out of those I have ordered from Performance PCS, and Newegg.

Performance PCS is about 4 hours away from me so shipping is quick and their service is great.

Newegg of course is 2nd to none.

[Cutless009]

lol thats funny, they are right at 2 hours away from me :P Still, $20 shipping < the cost of gas + time to drive there >>



oh yah and I forgot to add, kudos to XSPC for OVERNIGHTING the screws for my DDC tops from CHINA. Yah. They get my vote.

[Chicken Patty]

lol thats funny, they are right at 2 hours away from me :P Still, $20 shipping < the cost of gas + time to drive there >>



oh yah and I forgot to add, kudos to XSPC for OVERNIGHTING the screws for my DDC tops from CHINA. Yah. They get my vote.

nice, what area you stay in??

I'm down in Miami

[Cutless009]

orlando :up:

[Chicken Patty]

orlando :up:

nice, ha, your way closer to them. Their ground shipping is one day for me, so I never have to overnight anything lol. Wonder why they still give me that option LOL

[norim_13]

take a look at the photos.
a big portion of them is not working :(

[Lagaaja]

All pics work for me:confused:

[Cutless009]

Only thing that shouldnt be working atm is the first video I posted as it was removed from my photobucket account, the rest should all work perfectly. If they arent working try another browser or copying and pasting the link into your address bar.

Or alternately just visit the album on photobucket that holds all the pictures for this project: http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/

[Cutless009]

More stuff to be picked up tomorrow from PPC's:

4 x CCFL Extension Cable 12" or 24" w/ Optional Sleeving (CCFL-EXT-VAR)
Cable Length 12" Cable
Cable Sleeve in your choice of colors
Sleeve Color Black
Heatshrink Color Black $17.96
2 x LED - Pre-wired with Connectors - 3mm - White (PW-LED3-WHITE)
Cable No changes (stock, unsleeved)
Sleeve Color Black
Heatshrink Color Black $5.98
2 x Bitspower G 1/4" Temperature Sensor Stop Fitting (BP-WTP-CT) $17.90
40 x Cord Clips 3/16" x 3/16" - Black (CORD-CLIP316) $8.80
20 x EasyGrip Female Molex Housing Black (MLF-BK)
Molex Pins No Molex Pins $10.00
20 x Cord Clips 1/8" x 1/4" - Black (CORD-CLIP1814) $4.40
10 x Heatshrink 1/4 Inch (HEATSHRINK14)
Heatshrink Color Black $10.00
1 x PPCS Advanced Slot Protector Kit - Black (SPK1-BK) $8.95
2 x XSPC M20 x1.5mm to G1/4" Fillcap Adapter (XSPC-M20-G14) $13.90
20 x EasyGrip Male Molex Housing Black (MLM-BK)
Molex Pins No Molex Pins $8.00
10 x 3 Pin Fan Extension Cable 12" Sleeved (3PINEXT12)
Sleeve Color Black
Heatshrink Color Black $39.50
2 x Bitspower Premium G1/4" High Flow 1/2" Fitting - Black Sparkle Finish (BP-BSWP-C01) $6.98
5 x *** NEW *** Bitspower G1/4" High Flow 1/2" Black Sparkle Compression Fitting (For Tygon 1/2") (BP-BSCPF-CC5) $49.75
2 x *** NEW *** Koolance Hose Clamp [19mm, 3/4" OD] (CLM-19) $1.98
2 x (UN)Designs Absolute Pump Bracket (for Laing DDC pump) (UN-PUMPBKT-ABSOLUTE) $35.98
20 x Split Tubing Black Polyethylene .288 In. I.D. w/.390 In. O.D. (SPLITTUBE288) $9.00
1 x *** NEW *** SCYTHE "ULTRA KAZE" 120 x 38 mm 3000 rpm Quiet Case Fan - High Speed - Sleeved (DFS123812H-3000)
Sleeve Color Black
Heatshrink Color Black $12.95
2 x Danger Den Brass Fillport (FILLPORT-BR)
Fitting Size 1/2" Barb for 1/2" ID tube $23.98
2 x Bitspower Rotary Fitting "Q" - 360 Degree Water Cooling Accessory - Black Sparkle Finish (BP-BSQR-C)
Nozzles No Nozzles $27.00
2 x Bitspower Premium G1/4" Fitting Spacer (BP-WTP-C25) $3.50
20 x Adjustable/Ladder Cable Clamps - Gray (LADDER-CLAMP) $9.80
1 x Bitspower G 1/4" Black Shiny Rotary 45 Degree IG 1/4" Adapter (BP-BS45R) $12.95
2 x *** HOT *** (UN)Designs Pump Z-Bracket (for Laing D4/D5/DDC Pumps) (UN-ZBRACKET) $27.98
---------
Sub-Total: $367.24
Store Pickup (Walk In): $0.00
Florida Sales Tax: $22.03
Total: $389.29



More stuff from ben:

1 x Plastic 120MM Fan Filter $1.79
2 x Mountain Mods black Acrylic Dual 5-1/4 bay cover
- Etching: No Logo $15.18
2 x 22 Inch Motherboard Lead $2.48
1 x 6-32 1.5 inch Black Oxide bolts w/nuts. $1.49
10 x Plastic 120MM Fan Filter $17.90
10 x 6-32 1.5 inch Black Oxide bolts w/nuts. $14.90



The rest of the stuff should arrive tomorrow that Ive ordered from overseas and what not. Wewt!

[Chicken Patty]

^^^holy god, you taking a pick up truck right? hahaha

[Cutless009]

LOL Definitely :)

More updates! Did some fabbing while waiting for parts to arrive and orders to be filled.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/th_Progress1.jpg (http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/?action=view&current=Progress1.flv)

[Cutless009]

OOOOO, you guys are in for it soon, got HUGE updates. Got all the rest of my parts in minus 2 hard drives and a rad, first loop is plumbed, fan covers fabbed and installed, custom screws replaced the old generic ones, both pumps have been mounted, and most of the wire management pieces have been painted and are curing before installation in the case. Starting to almost resemble a complete project WOOT! FINALLY!

[omaryunus]

hey we want proof PICS!! :D

[Sadasius]

Pics or it didn't happen! :up:

[Cutless009]

Lol shall I include pictures of the part where I took a metal bit to my case lol. I had to bore out the fan screw holes from 1/6th to 1/4" to accomadate the custom bolts I ordered. Yay!!! Next I get to drill holes for the drain ports ;)

I feel.... strange... taking a metal bit to a $600 case o.o

[Sadasius]

Yeah but that's what makes the build exciting knowing your modifying expensive parts to make your own creation. I think I have more fun building them then playing with them afterward. :up: Keep up the good work mate!

[Cutless009]

alright folks, picture time. Its late and no good light to shoot in, so this is just a couple of teasers for now. Believe it or not, ALL the cabling is run in these pictures, everything has power, everything is connected, and all the wire management is done.

Still to do:

Remount CCFL
Remount HD's and HD Bracket
Rig up 2nd loop (waiting on 2nd rad)
Fab 1 more fan grill (lol I miscounted by ONE, isn't that annoying?)
Figure out how to wire my switches correctly (anyone wanna point in the right direction on this one? The built in LED comes on but the switch doesn't function)
Mount the last three fan grills up front (after rad and last bracket come in and I fab up the last one))
Drill holes for fill and drain ports (I want my top ben! lol)
Run the fill and drain ports.
Test loops (after I figure out how to power up my PSU without having it squeel its balls off at me for now having enough drain on the rails >>)

Then it'll be done! WOOO!!!

Ok yah, enough chatter, pictures:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3332.jpg
The front, looking kind of naked still without that 2nd rad, DAMN YOU NCIX!! I paid an extra $50 just to get my 2nd one from PPC's just because I got sick of waiting after THREE WEEKS waiting on it, well that and PPC guys are awesome (thanks for taking care of me guys :up:)

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3333.jpg
Here's the back, this is the final look for the back so you can kind of get a picture of how the rest of the case will look

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3334.jpg
Here's the I/O area on the back panel, looking smooth after a ton of disassembling and painting.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3335.jpg
Here's for anyone wondering what exactly that copper stuff over my fans is, its well, copper. Copper CLOTH to be exact, just because I'm baller like that, and copper is awesome.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3336.jpg
Here's the dual pumps that will be running my loops. mmmm, bitspower + XSPC = win.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3337.jpg
more BP goodness. Better pics tomorrow, if Im not busy with turkey ;)

[Chicken Patty]

^^^ :::drools:::

[ScottAllyn]

The build looks great so far cutless. What mesh size did you choose for your copper cloth? I tested some 100x100 (mesh size) copper cloth that we've had in storage where I work for the last few years and it blocked 70% of the airflow from a 1500rpm s-flex. I knew it'd be bad, but gaaah!

I have several 12" x 12" sheets of stainless woven wire cloth on order from McMaster ranging from 24x24 (comparable to the plastic mesh filters that come with the Cooler Master cases) to 84x84 - 'gonna be interesting to see how they perform in my makeshift wind tunnel.

[Cutless009]

I went with 100x100 copper wire cloth for this application. It's actually quite see-through from straight-on, so I'm hoping it wont hinder performance too much. It really is beautiful to look at though. This rig isn't really meant for hardcore OC/benching, and the rads I have are basically overkill for what I'm using them for, plus I'm using high static pressure Ultra Kaze 38mm fans, so either way it shouldn't be bad, even if it does block 70% of airflow. Unless it causes unwanted noise etc I'm not really too worried about it.

*edit* - mcmaster concurs with your findings, stating that 100x100 mesh has an open area of about 30.3%. If you step it up to 1500x1500, it goes up to 44%, however at that point Id be worried about it breaking as soon as I tried to bend it, as thats very very very very VERY fine threads. (think about it, thats 15 times thinner than the 100x100, which is already like, freakin thin as hell).*/edit*

[T_Flight]

I spy a "Super Multi Blue Drive". :D

Check my sig out. My LG Burner just arrived today. :clap: That's pretty cool that you have one too.

[Cutless009]

yup good eye, that is indeed a blueray/hd dvd player/burner, and it has lightscribe, WOO!! lol :)

now all I need is n I7 rig :P LOL - nah, Ill wait till the first stepping revision before I touch that ;)

[T_Flight]

That's an "Everything and Then Some is Supported Drive" with LightScribe. Mine is slightly different. It has a small thin silver bar accross it that's the thickness of the power button, and has trick looking bars that go along it on the front bezel. They are cool. That LightScribe is neat, but wait until you get to see what the media cost! Make sure you ask them for a chair so you can sit down before they tell you the price. Those dang disks are expensive man!

[Cutless009]

A buck a pop doesnt seem too terribly bad man (30 disk spindle, 27.99, plus tax = ~$30). Granted a sharpie is cheaper, but then when you spend 6K on a computer, a buck a pop for anything sounds nice LOL.

[T_Flight]

Yeah I got used to a dime a piece CD-R's! hahaha

For that kind of media it ain't too bad, but it kinda shocked me from the price of CD-R's. It's good to have though. Keeps things Neat and professional looking. I like stuff like that. Can't wait to play with it. I'm gonna go nuts on the graphics. hehe :)

[SiuL]

nice work good system

[j.almonte]

Moarrrr.....

[Cutless009]

WOOOO, just cut my first one inch hole for the first of two drain ports on the back of the PC, and the first of four total in the case (two on the top, and two on the back). I drained almost 2 full batteries drilling it, but it came out smooth as a babies bottom, more pics tomorrow guys! Turkey day was awesome, hope everyone else had a good one too!

oh yah, and I spent most of the day countersinking every screw on the back of the case, so none of them stick out at ALL anymore, they are perfectly flush with the case! What a difference!

[Cutless009]

Drain ports mounted, and some pictures of how the pumps are mounted (wooo UN design bracket combos!), and some pictures of most of the tubing run. Got my last rad in today, just waiting on some screws from mcmaster, and the last of the sleeving and shrink and fittings that I need to finish soldering the fans together and running the tubing, and the top from Ben so I can get the fill ports drilled mounted and the tubing run from them. Also got in my ball-valve fittings for the drain-plugs.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3354.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3357.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3361.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3362.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3365.jpg


http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3368.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3369.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3372.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3373.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3376.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/IMG_3377.jpg


More work updates soon ^_^

[zlojack]

Looking good!

[Chicken Patty]

^^^^ jaw dropping. Wow, how much is that case again?

[ScottAllyn]

I like the location of the drain ports at the rear corners. I was hoping to put mine in the front corners, but they won't fit with the radiators installed. :(

If you put some modder's mesh between the fans and the copper cloth, it'll flatten out all of those ripples in the cloth w/o having much impact on airflow. Those ripples'd drive me nuts. :D I've picked up some modder's mesh for that very purpose and I think I'm going to need it now more than ever - I just found some 80x80 steel mesh with 0.0012" diameter wire. I have a small sample of the mesh now and it's awesome (over 80% open). Tho it's not *quite* delicate, I'd still worry about the fans sucking it up, so that modder's mesh will come in handy.

I love your black and copper theme!

[Cutless009]

^^^^ jaw dropping. Wow, how much is that case again?

I believe I paid just over $600 after shipping for the case, like $615 or something like that.

[Chicken Patty]

I believe I paid just over $600 after shipping for the case, like $615 or something like that.

damn, lotta money, but so effin' badass hahaha :confused:

[j.almonte]

Awesome job...
I like the gold accents...

[Whilhelm]

You should put some enzotech or swiftech ram sinks on the back side memory on the 4870X2s They would really go well with the theme and also cool those chips.

[Cutless009]

I would but Im at the end of my budget, so the stock sinks are going back on painted flat black to match the rest of the case :up:

[BlueAqua]

That is really a monster of a case, but it looks pretty good. Are you going to fill up the empty 5.25" bays?

[Cutless009]

Seriously considering, putting two Alphacool dual bay LCD readouts there to monitor clock speeds on the outside of the case, but only if budget allows.

[armeniandave]

It's funny cause when I made those Brackets this was exactly how I pictured them being used. Nice Job the build looks fantastic!

[PsYcHoNo0b727]

Wow... I looked at those pics and was :shocked:. Awesome work man! I kinda like that case i might consider it for my next rig that I build.

[Eddie3dfx]

I really like the build, but I'm wondering how much the copper cloth is blocking airflow.

[j.almonte]

I really like the build, but I'm wondering how much the copper cloth is blocking airflow.

same question here !!??

[Cutless009]

The copper cloth reduces air flow by about 70%, which is pretty big, however they filter out a TON of dust/fur/etc and my house is all hardwood floors, so they should keep almost all of the dust out of the system, on top of looking awesome. Im also using high static pressure fans to help compensate. If it hinders performance too much Ill have to come up with something else, although I really dont want to have to.

[ScottAllyn]

Even if the current copper mesh does hurt your performance too much, I wouldn't completely give up on the idea... 'just need to find a mesh that's open enough to give you the airflow that you need to meet your performance numbers while still having enough copper wire in the weave to give you the look you want.

I did a quick test on a 43x43 stainless mesh (.005" wire, 61% open) last night and was surprised to find that it only reduced the airflow by about 15%. It's probably just a *little* bit too open to give you the look that you want (with copper wire), but I bet a 60x60 mesh with a .004" wire diameter would give you the look without having much impact on the airflow.

Here's what the 43x43 mesh looks like with steel wire (and modders mesh in front of it). It's actually a little bit more transparent than what the photo shows - you can barely make out the fan in the photo. This was just thrown together quickly for this photo:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/43x43-mesh.jpg

[Cutless009]

Hmmm, I actually wouldnt mind if it was a bit more seethrough, you used 43x43 you say? I might have to order up some mesh and copper cloth to try that out.

Hmm, the cloth I used was 100x100 with .0045 wire thickness, but its only 30.3% open.... hmm... gonna see if I can find ~60% open wire cloth.

[yonton228]

Very nice, however it looks like your mobo is bending.



-yonton228/timmy

[Cutless009]

Its been discussed in another thread, it came like that, and it does it even just sat on a flat surface with nothing on it. Its been suggested that I just leave it like that since thats how it came so I dont destroy bus paths etc.


P.S. Note to self and others, when testing Scythe Ultra Kaze 38mm high static pressure high speed (3,000rpm) fans, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. HOLY CRAP *rubs numb finger*

[ScottAllyn]

If you can wait until the middle of the week, I should have the following steel meshes here to test with my anemometer:

20x20, .009" Wire, 67.2% Open
24x24, .0075" Wire, 67.2% Open
30x30, .0065" Wire, 64.8% Open
42x42, .0055" Wire, 59.1% Open
43x43, .0045" Wire, 61% Open
58x58, .0045" Wire, 54.6% Open
60x60, .0045" Wire, 53.3% Open
70x70, .0037" Wire, 54.9% Open
84x84, .0035" Wire, 49.8% Open

The 80x80 mesh that I have with the .0012" wire diameter is only 3" square - too small for me to test, but when I blow thru it, it's like it's not even there (over 80% open).

[yonton228]

Its been discussed in another thread, it came like that, and it does it even just sat on a flat surface with nothing on it. Its been suggested that I just leave it like that since thats how it came so I dont destroy bus paths etc.


P.S. Note to self and others, when testing Scythe Ultra Kaze 38mm high static pressure high speed (3,000rpm) fans, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. HOLY CRAP *rubs numb finger*


:banana::banana::banana::banana:ty buzz about the mobo :(

About the finger...Last time fan met finger @ my house, I had a 3/4" long cut on my thumb...It was hella deep as well...Not fun.



-yonton228/timmy

[ScottAllyn]

P.S. Note to self and others, when testing Scythe Ultra Kaze 38mm high static pressure high speed (3,000rpm) fans, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. HOLY CRAP *rubs numb finger*

:rofl: I got that very same fan about two weeks ago so that I could use it for testing in my little wind tunnel (made of fan bodies). I had the fan powered up and was holding it in my hand while shifting my seating position. I moved enough to pull the fan cable taut and lost my grip on the little beast so that it fell right into the palm of my hand while spinning at 3000 rpm. Then there was screaming and dancing!

[Cutless009]

If you can wait until the middle of the week, I should have the following steel meshes here to test with my anemometer:

20x20, .009" Wire, 67.2% Open
24x24, .0075" Wire, 67.2% Open
30x30, .0065" Wire, 64.8% Open
42x42, .0055" Wire, 59.1% Open
43x43, .0045" Wire, 61% Open
58x58, .0045" Wire, 54.6% Open
60x60, .0045" Wire, 53.3% Open
70x70, .0037" Wire, 54.9% Open
84x84, .0035" Wire, 49.8% Open

The 80x80 mesh that I have with the .0012" wire diameter is only 3" square - too small for me to test, but when I blow thru it, it's like it's not even there (over 80% open).


WOOT! For sure man, I'll be waiting on that, thanks a ton :up:


Are you sourcing these from McMaster, or elsewhere?

[ScottAllyn]

All are from McMaster with the exception of the 43x43 and the 80x80 - those are from TWP (twpinc.com). I ordered a 12" square sheet of each from McMaster so that I could test them before buying a larger sheet to use for filters in the new case.

[mpower1001]

Great work, looks incredible

[exe163]

Wow this build is amazing. But I find it funny how you bought the best of everything and decided to save couple bucks on the 4870x2 WB.

[Cutless009]

Why not, all the blocks work the exact freakin same o.o

I mean think about it, its a chunk of copper, touching hot things, does the name on it really matter? Theres got to be less than ~1c difference if any between these blocks.

[exe163]

Just like 4870x2 will max every game on the market regardless of solo or crossfire (in some cases quadfire performs worse O.o). I personally thinks EK's 4870x2 blocks looks much nicer than a XSPC one, maybe it's just me :p:.

[Cutless009]

All are from McMaster with the exception of the 43x43 and the 80x80 - those are from TWP (twpinc.com). I ordered a 12" square sheet of each from McMaster so that I could test them before buying a larger sheet to use for filters in the new case.

thats awesome.


Now come teach me to play guitar D: The songs you play on youtube are awesome :up: All I have is a :banana::banana::banana::banana:ty old Ibanez acoustic :(

[ScottAllyn]

Hah! Thanks, but trust me... you don't want me teaching you to play the guitar! I'm way too irritable and impatient - we'd probably be smashing guitars over each other's heads within 20 minutes. :fight:

[T_Flight]

Cutless, check that Kaze thread you posted. That display issue seems to eba common one. I posted a post about a long 2 months of trying to deal with it and with Skythe.

[Cutless009]

Nice, looks like I'll be returning these :down: Thanks for the heads up T_Flight, can you reccommend a fan controller that actually works for me?

How sad that a scythe product doesnt work with its own fans o.o

[Cutless009]

Fun, fun, FUN stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpWTqENH434

T_Flight, maybe this will you help you out with your problem as well? I know I'll be sending this to scythe along with a receipt and asking for a refund since I cant use these bloody things *sigh*.

[FrostyPanda]

Fun, fun, FUN stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpWTqENH434

T_Flight, maybe this will you help you out with your problem as well? I know I'll be sending this to scythe along with a receipt and asking for a refund since I cant use these bloody things *sigh*.

:rofl:

[T_Flight]

Cutless, I'm going to take the more direct approach instead of thwe "end user beta testing" approach tomorrow. I tried to work with these folks, and dammit I wanted to come on here and say "I have a cure for those of you experiencing issues with the Kaze Master controller and Ultra Kaze 3000's". I really did. I kept quiet about this, becasue i'm not one to go blaming products and downing them. i like to take the approach of helping cure issues and keeping things in a positive light, but I just could not sit here and watch somebody have the exact same problem and not say anything. Especially when over a two month period I have not received but one e-mail from them acknowledging my claim. After that all electronic correspondence has been ignored. I've called them a couple times out of maybe 5 or 6 and was told that the rep would call me back, and he never followed up with me. Not one time. Everytime I've spoken with them, I've literally had to "catch" during a game of phone tag.

I work with places. I like doing it. I like working with this stuff. if there is a problem I might have been able to help them, but they never followed up with me. I never wanted anything out of it. Only to see that it would keep others from having the same issue, but it didn;t work out that way. I came on here today and what did i find? The exact same issue. I do not want to get into the details of what I was told over the phone, but will say it's not adding up.

I am also going to talk with my e-tailer aboutt his issue. I don't want him to have to "eat" these things due to something that he has no control over. This is definitely an issue and that video is ********EXACTLY******** what mine is doing. I mean precisely, and it will do it every single time. You can cut up two fans, and then sdtart to cut up the third and before you reach 2200 rpm you get a funkadelic screen like a watch the batteries are dying on, and thena click followed by zeroes accorss the board, and the only way to reset it is to disconnect the molex or power down the PSU completely cold via the PSU switch and rthen recycle.

I am seriously trying to work through issue like this. I couldn't begin to describe to you folks the ammount of work I have put into this machine. If I told you, you probably wouldn;t believe me. Until i get some pictures up and get something lookign presentable it's "pictures or it didn't happen" and believe me, I want to get through these dang problems so I can buold a system that works. Maybe that will help some people. That's why I am here, to seek some help from experienced folks, and maybe try to give back a little bit of that.

[Cutless009]

I'm with you man, a company needs to stand behind their products, if they dont get something done, I have an aunt who is any companies worst nightmare, its the standing joke that when we cant get something taken care of we "sick" her on them, haha, she always gets what she wants out of a company ;)

[Cutless009]

HMMMM, what could THIS be?!


http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/panel.jpg

[FrostyPanda]

HMMMM, what could THIS be?!


http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/Project%20Formal%20Black/panel.jpg

Ummmm what COULD it be???

[Cutless009]

well it may or may not involve a call to ben :P

[FrostyPanda]

well it may or may not involve a call to ben :P

:rofl: I'm still stuck...(not familiar with MM cases and that just baffles me)

[Cutless009]

Its going to be the front panel that covers the 5.25" bays, so there will be two :up:

[T_Flight]

OK, you fooled me with the asterisks. I counted them and they came out to "Pedestool", and I got to thinking "Man, he'd have to take a bunch of stuff apart to do that", but that wasn't it. I had thought about the panel covers, but it didn;t fit the asterisks. Those are very cool looking. :)

[Cutless009]

It's actually a slightly modified electrical symbol :up: WEWT

[T_Flight]

It is pretty cool looking.

It was funny because I kept thinking and said to myself "Surely he is not gonna all that apart." :D

[Cutless009]

Yup should be badass, gonna put acrylic behind it and modders mesh behind that :up:

[FrostyPanda]

Coolio.......

[ScottAllyn]

w00! The steel meshes are "Out for Delivery", Cutless. I'll probably play around with them this evening but my monitor at home is dead (actually, it's just the power brick that is dead), so I won't be able to post anything until tomorrow.

[Cutless009]

cant wait man :up: just waitin on those results before I order the new stuff.

[Cutless009]

UPDATES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq6Nez94bPw

[BlueAqua]

Holy crap, that's a lot of fittings! lol Looking good so far but will having the fill port on the top panel make it a bit more difficult if you ever want to remove that panel?

Nice video update.

[Cutless009]

Beauty is never easy :up:

[Eddie3dfx]

UPDATES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq6Nez94bPw

Holey moley.. It's like a connectix system from bitspower.
Looks very nice in video. Great build :up:

[ScottAllyn]

Bah! The video hasn't been pushed out to the iPhone site yet and I still have no monitor - post some photos! :D

I tested my cloths/meshes this evening; I'll post some numbers from work tomorrow. The copper isn't actually as bad as I initially thought - at least not in terms of air flow. The first piece of copper mesh that I tested was *very* tarnished. The piece I tested tonight was shiny and clean... and only knocked down the air flow by about 40%. It created a hellacious amount of wind noise with the Ultra Kaze, tho... way more than the other meshes.

More tomorrow...

[ScottAllyn]

Here are the numbers from my quickie wire mesh and fan grill testing:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-data.png

...and a few photos of my crude little wind tunnel and the meshes/grills (click on 'em for larger images):

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/meshes-thmb.png (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/meshes.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-front-thmb.png (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-front.jpg)http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-rear-thmb.png (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/tunnel-rear.jpg)

For each mesh/grill, I noted the anemometer reading with the filter installed on the intake side of the wind tunnel and then again immediately after removing the filter. There's some turbulence inside the tunnel which caused my anemometer readings to bounce around a bit, so I just averaged out the numbers over a period of a few seconds and noted the before/after numbers for each mesh.

The main thing that I wanted to check with these meshes is their noise level with the Scythe S-Flex fans but figured that, since I actually have a little anemometer, I may as well check the air flow. Almost all of the meshes/grills are noisy when installed directly adjacent to the fan body, so I used an extra fan body as a shroud - made a world of difference, especially with the Ultra Kaze.

I'm probably going to go with the 43 x 43 mesh for my own case (mostly because I already have 12 feet of it). It's a tight enough weave that it should keep most of the pet fur and much of the dust from entering the case, yet it still allows for good airflow and won't create any extra wind noise in my setup. If I didn't already have all of that 43 x 43 mesh, I'd probably go with the 60 x 60 - it'll catch even more dust and still allows for decent air flow.

I think that copper mesh is too restrictive - even without looking at the numbers, you can just *feel* the difference at the end of the wind tunnel. With that weave as tight as it is, it won't take very long to build up an accumulation of dust and fur, which'll make the mesh even *more* restrictive - it'd probably require daily cleaning and I'm waaaay too lazy for that!

I'm sure there are flaws in my setup and test procedure but it told me what I needed to know - maybe it'll be useful to you guys. :)

Edit: Here's a close-up of some mesh swatches to show (more or less) their "transparency" level (Click the image to see *all* of the swatches in the full-size photo):

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-swatches-thmb.jpg (http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-swatches.jpg)

I didn't have any time to set that photo up, but it looks about right. The swatches are the first 10 meshes in the table above, in order from left to right, top to bottom.

[Cutless009]

Thats completely awesome scott, can you post a picture of each of the mesh's so I can get a feel for what they look like aesthetically as well please?

[Cutless009]

Soldered the second set of three fans together, one more to go!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/IMG_3414.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/IMG_3416.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z6/Cutless1/IMG_3415.jpg

[exe163]

Nice soldering and sleeving, planning to hook them to a single fan controller?

[exe163]

Here are the numbers from my quickie wire mesh and fan grill testing:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/mesh-data.png

...and a few photos of my crude little wind tunnel and the meshes/grills (click on 'em for larger images):


For each mesh/grill, I noted the anemometer reading with the filter installed on the intake side of the wind tunnel and then again immediately after removing the filter. There's some turbulence inside the tunnel which caused my anemometer readings to bounce around a bit, so I just averaged out the numbers over a period of a few seconds and noted the before/after numbers for each mesh.

The main thing that I wanted to check with these meshes is their noise level with the Scythe S-Flex fans but figured that, since I actually have a little anemometer, I may as well check the air flow. Almost all of the meshes/grills are noisy when installed directly adjacent to the fan body, so I used an extra fan body as a shroud - made a world of difference, especially with the Ultra Kaze.

I'm probably going to go with the 43 x 43 mesh for my own case (mostly because I already have 12 feet of it). It's a tight enough weave that it should keep most of the pet fur and much of the dust from entering the case, yet it still allows for good airflow and won't create any extra wind noise in my setup. If I didn't already have all of that 43 x 43 mesh, I'd probably go with the 60 x 60 - it'll catch even more dust and still allows for decent air flow.

I think that copper mesh is too restrictive - even without looking at the numbers, you can just *feel* the difference at the end of the wind tunnel. With that weave as tight as it is, it won't take very long to build up an accumulation of dust and fur, which'll make the mesh even *more* restrictive - it'd probably require daily cleaning and I'm waaaay too lazy for that!

I'm sure there are flaws in my setup and test procedure but it told me what I needed to know - maybe it'll be useful to you guys. :)

Very nice test. Just want to double check is a c ryan's filter unnoticable quiet?(thinking about low speed fans and a quiet set up).

[ScottAllyn]

Thats completely awesome scott, can you post a picture of each of the mesh's so I can get a feel for what they look like aesthetically as well please?

Done! I added them to the original post.


Very nice test. Just want to double check is a c ryan's filter unnoticable quiet?(thinking about low speed fans and a quiet set up).

That black A.C. Ryan filter is virtually silent with a low speed fan.

[emoners]

@ScottAllyn: nice test on the fans & the meshes.

[Cutless009]

Thanks a TON scott, just ordered up my mesh!

Prototype for front bay covers ordered and on its way from Ben, will be here monday. Final assembly under way!

[Cutless009]

More updates:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5RQh9lvenk

Should be some major updates next week, has to be finished by next week friday, maybe the following monday if some things pan out, but definitely must be done asap. Its getting close, this is final build right now, except Im trying to find a temp display that lets you hook up BP two-prong temp sensor stop-fittings to.

[upsidedown]

o.O its amazing what people fit into these MM cases

[exe163]

MM cases are really big, but I think tall and slim better than cube

[T_Flight]

Yep, for some people. I got one becasue of the ease of fitting stuff. I have the perfect place to set it though on top of small entertainment center like setup that's made for a stereo and the square TV's. Since my WS didn't fit on it the WS is on my desk, and the my Ext Ascension will stand proudly on top of that stack. I wanna get a picture of this place once I get it cleaned up. It's kinda embarrassing right now becasue this room is a disaster area. I have boxes, packing material, and stuff everywhere. Just a complete disaster. I'll post some pics in time. Might even give some guys here some ideas.

Anyhow, don't wanna clutter up Cutless' thread with my build. Just some suggestions. They ARE huge.

[Cutless009]

Very huge. In fact Im "downgrading" to a MM Tower next build just cuz this thing was such a beast to work on! Be nice to get back to a good ole case, reverse atx ftw, CANT WAIT!