Martinm210
10-21-2008, 10:42 PM
I figured I'd finally do one of these, nothing to fancy from me though, I don't have nearly the patience most of the pros do here. My intent is testing function and easy changing out of parts.
First up...
THE CASE
I had to say goodbye to the TT Armor case, it's served me well for a couple of years now, but testing with it on it's side and having to cut a hold in the motherboard tray for waterblock testing was making me realize I like to tinker too much for a normal case. What I really wanted was something I could continuously change parts in and test on without taking a bunch of stuff apart every time. In addition I wanted somewhere to mount some large radiators...the torture rack fit my needs.
A special thanks to Andy here on XS for helping me out with this case...thanks!!:up:
FED-EX came at lightening speed as usual... and brought me this:
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog01.jpg
What do we have inside...?
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog02.jpg
To be continued...
10-22-08 Updates
Thanks guys!
Don't expect much for show and detail here, but I am really enjoying this new build...it's working our really well, much more tinker/testing friendly.
Ok..on with it:
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6766/worklog03eh2.jpg
The first thing I noticed is I was wrong about how these things are cut. The burn marks on the paper and smooth side finishing is obviously due to some sort of CNC guided lazer cutting machine. This is good news because lazer cutting the acrylic provides a stress free edge that is much better for crack prevention than machining the shape, plus it's very accurate. Anyhow, lazer cut it is...I don't even want to know how much one of those fine machines costs.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7098/worklog04rv3.jpg
Next I emptied out the accessory package, all the like bolts and nuts are all labeled and packaged individually. The printing on my lables was off a bit, but I figured it out soon enough, the part number 14 above was correct, but they are obviously not I-0 Shield screws...must have been a slip on the printer label feed. All of the screws and hardware is really high in quality.
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7809/worklog05ck9.jpg
And while I usually don't like reading instructions, this is one set that doesn't really require much reading. A very simple and concise diagram, in this case I need 9 each of the #13 screws to screw down the I/O shield.
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/9615/worklog06hn6.jpg
And here is a view of the screw nut system. Each of the T or corner type connections utilize this sort of nut/screw system where you slide a little nut in the slot and tighten the screw down. This ensures a nice metal nut threading and a good mass of material receiving the nut load, it's a very strong connection and more than a simple threaded screw hole.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7553/worklog07zy5.jpg
This is after step two, where you simply insert the nuts in the motherboard tray piece, match it up with the back and insert and tighten the screws. Most of the rest of the case pieces go together exactly like this, very simple and works well.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7114/worklog08up2.jpg
And about 30 minutes or so later, the empty case construction was done (standoffs and reset button, etc not yet installed). I like the fact that the motherboard tray is designed with large access holes and standoffs. So the motherboard does get mounted securely like any other normal case, but it has alot of ventilation and access so you can change out block back plates and things. I selected the "UV Green" motherboard tray option to fit with the green them I was after, but you can pick any color.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5650/worklog09yj0.jpg
Here is a better view top down looking into the empty case just begging for testing gear. It also comes with a variety of screws for mounting the hard drives, 3.5" drives, and 5.25" drives. Using only the supply drive holes, you can mount 2ea 5.25 drives, 2 ea 3.5" drives, and 4ea hard drives. I ended up only using two of the 5.25" drives, one for my DVD/CD burner and the other for my crystalfontz. Then I used one 3.5" drive for my internal multi card reader, and finally three hard drives. Two are raptor drives for my system and software sections and one larger storage drive for pictures and files. But this is assuming you only want to use the predrilled hole locations, later you'll see there is quite a bit of space between the hard drives, you could easily squeeze in two more if needed by either drilling your own mounting holes or making a hard drive cage to hold them. Overall I'm really happy with the options here. The most difficult part was figuring out what and how I wanted to mount and route everything.
I also happened to be browsing ebay a couple of weeks ago and stumbled upon these King Instruments flow meters. They are essentially the same model as my previous meter and the buy it now price was less than a 1/3rd normal price and so I had to swoop them up. I figured out pretty quickly that running my test flow meter in my CPU loop was a bit of a pain not having the meter handy to do other testing on the side. This way I can permanently fix the meters for each loop I have planned and still have on free for other stuff. Besides the "Twins" are also fitting of the "Twin 480 rad" theme I was working on...it'll make more sense when I get it together.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2668/worklog10my6.jpg
Oh boy, more testing toys...:D
10-25-08 Updates
A little quicky update.
Not done with everything yet, but it is running with many to dos...
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog11.jpg
This is the workhorse data logger. Not much to it, I don't even usually use the LCD part, just the one wire sensor and logging capabilities. It is the Crystalfontz CFA-633, capable of running and logging up to 32 temperature sensors and 4 fans with PWM control.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog12.jpg
This is my current block configuration. EK supreme on the CPU and Danger Den MCP chipset blocks on the NB and SB. D-Tek Fuzion GFX on the video card. Tubing is all TFC, I figured I'd try some of the 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD tubing while I was at it, but I kind of like the looks of the larger tubing myself, so I'll probably switch out the smaller stuff in time. Also note that the 120mm fan on the right is PERFECT for the Ram. I can happily toss that noise dominator fan module, and use a nice quiet and powerful 120mm fan to keep the ram nice and cool.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog13.jpg
Another perspective with the twin "KINGS" in action, still bleeding the loops out.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog14.jpg
After "ALOT" of trying different things, I finally came up with this configuration for my dual quad radiatior setup. This one is the TFC 480ER, and I used two TFC shrouds to pull the radiator away a little and provide clearance for the third fan exhaust. I didn't have any more shrouds other than four, or I'd use one more at the very top too. Pump is just sitting freely for the time being, going to work on some bracket/shelfs for both the pumps and the flow meters to attach appropriately. I chose this configuration so I can easily change out pump and it's all easy to access and work on.
For rads, I'm running one TFC480 for the CPU loop and one HWlabs 480GTX for the GPU/Chipsets loop. Both are 15mm fan spacing, so they work out perfectly. If I could find a way to mount my second 480GTX, I'd do that too, but I figured two 480s has some nice symmetry to it and keeps it simple for me.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog15.jpg
My current configuration, twin 480 radiators and twin King flow meters were sort of part of my twin theme. That's about as far as aesthetics goes, it's meant to be a tech station and easy to work on and change out parts. I'm pretty happy with it.
I really like the Torture rack, it would be perfect if they made the sides a little wider for two side by side rads on both sides (can we say quad quad rads?..:eek:), and even better if it was taller to accept quad rads without having to use the shrouds for the third fan, but this works pretty well. I'm happy with it, still need to build a few odds and ends brackets and shelves for the flow meters and pumps, along with maybe some custom reservoir, but it's coming along.
First up...
THE CASE
I had to say goodbye to the TT Armor case, it's served me well for a couple of years now, but testing with it on it's side and having to cut a hold in the motherboard tray for waterblock testing was making me realize I like to tinker too much for a normal case. What I really wanted was something I could continuously change parts in and test on without taking a bunch of stuff apart every time. In addition I wanted somewhere to mount some large radiators...the torture rack fit my needs.
A special thanks to Andy here on XS for helping me out with this case...thanks!!:up:
FED-EX came at lightening speed as usual... and brought me this:
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog01.jpg
What do we have inside...?
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog02.jpg
To be continued...
10-22-08 Updates
Thanks guys!
Don't expect much for show and detail here, but I am really enjoying this new build...it's working our really well, much more tinker/testing friendly.
Ok..on with it:
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6766/worklog03eh2.jpg
The first thing I noticed is I was wrong about how these things are cut. The burn marks on the paper and smooth side finishing is obviously due to some sort of CNC guided lazer cutting machine. This is good news because lazer cutting the acrylic provides a stress free edge that is much better for crack prevention than machining the shape, plus it's very accurate. Anyhow, lazer cut it is...I don't even want to know how much one of those fine machines costs.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7098/worklog04rv3.jpg
Next I emptied out the accessory package, all the like bolts and nuts are all labeled and packaged individually. The printing on my lables was off a bit, but I figured it out soon enough, the part number 14 above was correct, but they are obviously not I-0 Shield screws...must have been a slip on the printer label feed. All of the screws and hardware is really high in quality.
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7809/worklog05ck9.jpg
And while I usually don't like reading instructions, this is one set that doesn't really require much reading. A very simple and concise diagram, in this case I need 9 each of the #13 screws to screw down the I/O shield.
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/9615/worklog06hn6.jpg
And here is a view of the screw nut system. Each of the T or corner type connections utilize this sort of nut/screw system where you slide a little nut in the slot and tighten the screw down. This ensures a nice metal nut threading and a good mass of material receiving the nut load, it's a very strong connection and more than a simple threaded screw hole.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7553/worklog07zy5.jpg
This is after step two, where you simply insert the nuts in the motherboard tray piece, match it up with the back and insert and tighten the screws. Most of the rest of the case pieces go together exactly like this, very simple and works well.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7114/worklog08up2.jpg
And about 30 minutes or so later, the empty case construction was done (standoffs and reset button, etc not yet installed). I like the fact that the motherboard tray is designed with large access holes and standoffs. So the motherboard does get mounted securely like any other normal case, but it has alot of ventilation and access so you can change out block back plates and things. I selected the "UV Green" motherboard tray option to fit with the green them I was after, but you can pick any color.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5650/worklog09yj0.jpg
Here is a better view top down looking into the empty case just begging for testing gear. It also comes with a variety of screws for mounting the hard drives, 3.5" drives, and 5.25" drives. Using only the supply drive holes, you can mount 2ea 5.25 drives, 2 ea 3.5" drives, and 4ea hard drives. I ended up only using two of the 5.25" drives, one for my DVD/CD burner and the other for my crystalfontz. Then I used one 3.5" drive for my internal multi card reader, and finally three hard drives. Two are raptor drives for my system and software sections and one larger storage drive for pictures and files. But this is assuming you only want to use the predrilled hole locations, later you'll see there is quite a bit of space between the hard drives, you could easily squeeze in two more if needed by either drilling your own mounting holes or making a hard drive cage to hold them. Overall I'm really happy with the options here. The most difficult part was figuring out what and how I wanted to mount and route everything.
I also happened to be browsing ebay a couple of weeks ago and stumbled upon these King Instruments flow meters. They are essentially the same model as my previous meter and the buy it now price was less than a 1/3rd normal price and so I had to swoop them up. I figured out pretty quickly that running my test flow meter in my CPU loop was a bit of a pain not having the meter handy to do other testing on the side. This way I can permanently fix the meters for each loop I have planned and still have on free for other stuff. Besides the "Twins" are also fitting of the "Twin 480 rad" theme I was working on...it'll make more sense when I get it together.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2668/worklog10my6.jpg
Oh boy, more testing toys...:D
10-25-08 Updates
A little quicky update.
Not done with everything yet, but it is running with many to dos...
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog11.jpg
This is the workhorse data logger. Not much to it, I don't even usually use the LCD part, just the one wire sensor and logging capabilities. It is the Crystalfontz CFA-633, capable of running and logging up to 32 temperature sensors and 4 fans with PWM control.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog12.jpg
This is my current block configuration. EK supreme on the CPU and Danger Den MCP chipset blocks on the NB and SB. D-Tek Fuzion GFX on the video card. Tubing is all TFC, I figured I'd try some of the 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD tubing while I was at it, but I kind of like the looks of the larger tubing myself, so I'll probably switch out the smaller stuff in time. Also note that the 120mm fan on the right is PERFECT for the Ram. I can happily toss that noise dominator fan module, and use a nice quiet and powerful 120mm fan to keep the ram nice and cool.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog13.jpg
Another perspective with the twin "KINGS" in action, still bleeding the loops out.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog14.jpg
After "ALOT" of trying different things, I finally came up with this configuration for my dual quad radiatior setup. This one is the TFC 480ER, and I used two TFC shrouds to pull the radiator away a little and provide clearance for the third fan exhaust. I didn't have any more shrouds other than four, or I'd use one more at the very top too. Pump is just sitting freely for the time being, going to work on some bracket/shelfs for both the pumps and the flow meters to attach appropriately. I chose this configuration so I can easily change out pump and it's all easy to access and work on.
For rads, I'm running one TFC480 for the CPU loop and one HWlabs 480GTX for the GPU/Chipsets loop. Both are 15mm fan spacing, so they work out perfectly. If I could find a way to mount my second 480GTX, I'd do that too, but I figured two 480s has some nice symmetry to it and keeps it simple for me.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/Worklog15.jpg
My current configuration, twin 480 radiators and twin King flow meters were sort of part of my twin theme. That's about as far as aesthetics goes, it's meant to be a tech station and easy to work on and change out parts. I'm pretty happy with it.
I really like the Torture rack, it would be perfect if they made the sides a little wider for two side by side rads on both sides (can we say quad quad rads?..:eek:), and even better if it was taller to accept quad rads without having to use the shrouds for the third fan, but this works pretty well. I'm happy with it, still need to build a few odds and ends brackets and shelves for the flow meters and pumps, along with maybe some custom reservoir, but it's coming along.