Project: Kandalf The Great

[cian1500ww]

Well after much consideration and debate I've decided to take the plunge and go for a dual loop system. Currently I have a Thermaltake Kandalf with a single loop cooling the CPU on a D-Tek Fuzion block. What I hope to do with this project is add in a second loop as well as modifying the original loopc:

Watercooling:

Aquacomputer AquagraFX Waterblock for my XFX 8800GT
EK NB 780i
EK SB 780i
EK Mosfets Part 1 & 2
2 x Laing DDC-1T with OcLabs XPres and OCLabs pump top
Black Ice GTS 240 Lite
EK Multi option Res 100 Rev. 2
D-Tek Fuzion V2
XSPC RS360


Hardware:

Thermaltake Kandalf LCS
XFX 780i
Intel E6550
XFX 8800GT
WD Raptor 74GB
Seagate Barracuda 320GB
Lite-On DVD-RW
Thermaltake Toughpower 700W Modular


I have all the hardware already in the system so its basically just a big upgrade to my current system rather than a full build.

I plan to blacken out the interior of the case, either with vinyl or paint.

I'll update this as I go along, all of the parts should be here by the end of next week.

Any opinions ???

[ward0]

nice startoff, better then the standart TT stuff :p why din't you buy a swiftech GTZ? Tests have showed that temps are better... and replacing that TT 360 rad, i can give you a Dutch link to guy a who did the same replacing it.

good luck with your build.

[atomic ferret]

I'm not sure what each of your loops would consist of. You said you have a cpu loop already, but you list a fuzion under your second loop. Also, I would do away with all Thermaltake water cooling hardware. I would build two new loops, one with your cpu with an mcr-220 rad and whatever pump you like, be it D5 or MCP350/355 with top. Then I would put your gpu and whatever motherboard blocks in another loop with an mcr-320 rad and another pump. The EK res's are nice, but a little pricey for my liking. If you want to use them you can for both loops, or you can go with a t-line which would be cheaper, or even a swiftech microres.

Otherwise, everything else seems good.

[cian1500ww]

I'm not sure what each of your loops would consist of. You said you have a cpu loop already, but you list a fuzion under your second loop. Also, I would do away with all Thermaltake water cooling hardware. I would build two new loops, one with your cpu with an mcr-220 rad and whatever pump you like, be it D5 or MCP350/355 with top. Then I would put your gpu and whatever motherboard blocks in another loop with an mcr-320 rad and another pump. The EK res's are nice, but a little pricey for my liking. If you want to use them you can for both loops, or you can go with a t-line which would be cheaper, or even a swiftech microres.

Otherwise, everything else seems good.
Sorry mate, should have made it clearer, I'll be using my current D-Tek Fuzion V2 in one loop, then all the other blocks will go in the other. Yeah I'm temted to get rid of the front rad but I'll need to do some research and see what rad would fit in the front door. I'll be using the EK res in the cpu loop and a t-line in the other loop.



nice startoff, better then the standart TT stuff :p why din't you buy a swiftech GTZ? Tests have showed that temps are better... and replacing that TT 360 rad, i can give you a Dutch link to guy a who did the same replacing it.

good luck with your build.
I had the D-Tel already and was more then happy with how it performed so I'm sticking with it. I'd appreciate that link and thanks for your kind comments :):)

[cian1500ww]

Anyone know would two of these pumps be ok rather than two of the dearer vario pumps ? Laing DDC-1T 12V Pro Pump with XSPC Delta Plexi Top

[IanY]

You would be best served by having two DDC 3.2 (aka Swiftech MCP355) pumps with XSPC tops. They provider better pumping pressure than the D5 Varios. XSPC also sells reservoir tops that perform superbly and save space.

I believe that the DDC-1T is the weaker 10 watt version, which can be solder modded to the DDC-1+ 18 watt pump (which is exactly the same as the DDC-3.2).

If you are good at soldering, then look at martinsliquidlab.com for instructions. Otherwise, spend the extra $10 and but the 18 watt version of the pump.

The 18 watt DDC pumps are better than the D5 pumps, but the 10 watt versions are weaker and not a good substitute.

[cian1500ww]

I believe that the DDC-1T is the weaker 10 watt version, which can be solder modded to the DDC-1+ 18 watt pump (which is exactly the same as the DDC-3.2).

If you are good at soldering, then look at martinsliquidlab.com for instructions. Otherwise, spend the extra $10 and but the 18 watt version of the pump.

The 18 watt DDC pumps are better than the D5 pumps, but the 10 watt versions are weaker and not a good substitute.
I'm useless at soldering but I know someone who would be more than happy to solder the for me, don't suppose you could post the link for the guide can't seem to find it...............

[IanY]

Hang on till later tonight please. I'm using a phone to post and its difficult to browse till I get home.

[cian1500ww]

Hang on till later tonight please. I'm using a phone to post and its difficult to browse till I get home.
Thanks Ian :)

The case I'll be using is the Thermaltake Kandalf LCS:
http://www.thecoolingshop.com/images/prods/kandalflcs_blk3.gif

Would painting the inside or covering the inside in black improve the look of the internals as I'll be going with all UV lighting :confused::confused:

[IanY]

Alright Cian,

I'm hone now :)

Picture courtesy of MartinsLiquidLab.com, all rights belonging to MartinM
.
Here is the link. You'll have to scroll halfway down the page.

http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/Swiftech_Apogee_Drive_Review.html

The mod seems deceptively simple for someone skillful with the soldering iron. Not me, for sure lol :)

You know what? Its not worth it. Pay the extra $8 or so for the proper 18 watt DDC 3.2. Why take the hassle and the associated risks? (warranties will be immediately voided)

[cian1500ww]

I've decided to change a few things:
1. I'll be putting an XSPC RS360 Rad in the front door as according to their measurements it should fit perfectly.
2. I'll be using an OCLabs XPRes Laing DDC Reservoir Plexi Top for one of the pumps and an OCLabs XP Laing DDC Pump Top for the other. Can anyone tell me whether these fit the Laing DDC-1T ?

I also need your opinions on what colour of coolant to use, I have the case lit by two purple UV lights and I'm using all blue led 120mm case fans. What coolant colour would look best through clear tubing ??

[cian1500ww]

Alright Cian,

I'm hone now :)

Picture courtesy of MartinsLiquidLab.com, all rights belonging to MartinM
.
Here is the link. You'll have to scroll halfway down the page.

http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/Swiftech_Apogee_Drive_Review.html

The mod seems deceptively simple for someone skillful with the soldering iron. Not me, for sure lol :)

You know what? Its not worth it. Pay the extra $8 or so for the proper 18 watt DDC 3.2. Why take the hassle and the associated risks? (warranties will be immediately voided)
Thanks for that Ian, think I'll stick with the 10W version and use the saved money to get a OCLabs XP res top for one and a OCLabs XP pump top for the other.

[IanY]

You'll find the 10 watt version to be a small, reliable, very quiet and moderately powerful pump.

Good choices.

[anubis_is_evil]

can't wait to see work log done cian :up:

u now have very good watercooling setup right now, looking forward to it...especially the board..love that XFX board...to bad can't get XFX or eVGA board, back here in indonesia :(

when your Aqua vga WB arrive, really wanna look inside block :D

i'm also doing my case worklog...maybe a few days i will posted it :D..doing some major change to my case, for cable management :ROTF:

[cian1500ww]

You'll find the 10 watt version to be a small, reliable, very quiet and moderately powerful pump.

Good choices.
Thanks, Ian hope to get everything ordered today. I'm getting the full EK Acetal block set for the 780i from R3 and he has them modded and all so I shouldn't have any problems with them :D:D:D


can't wait to see work log done cian :up:

u now have very good watercooling setup right now, looking forward to it...especially the board..love that XFX board...to bad can't get XFX or eVGA board, back here in indonesia :(

when your Aqua vga WB arrive, really wanna look inside block :D

i'm also doing my case worklog...maybe a few days i will posted it :D..doing some major change to my case, for cable management :ROTF:
Thanks anubis, I hope to have some of the parts by Friday but that could be a bit ambitious. Yeah, the 780i is a beautiful board, well worth the money too. There'll be plenty of pics once I get started.

Need some advice on whether I should paint the inside of the case black ??? Can't figure out what to do with it, I hate the bare alu look but would painting it black make it worse ??

[IanY]

Thanks, Ian hope to get everything ordered today. I'm getting the full EK Acetal block set for the 780i from R3 and he has them modded and all so I shouldn't have any problems with them :D:D:D

Be careful. The rest of the blocks in your computer may detect the lingering presence of RRR. Like XS forums, your blocks may go into gang-up-and-bash-RRR mode because of RRR's general repulsiveness. There may even be revolt and anarchy. :D :ROTF:

[cian1500ww]

Be careful. The rest of the blocks in your computer may detect the lingering presence of RRR. Like XS forums, your blocks may go into gang-up-and-bash-RRR mode because of RRR's general repulsiveness. There may even be revolt and anarchy. :D :ROTF:
Thanks for the warning, I'll be on the lookout :shock2:

[cian1500ww]

Managed to get the system drained out today. Camera was on charge so had to use the mobile:

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/4772/dsc00023bw7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/dsc00023bw7.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img78/dsc00023bw7.jpg/1/)

I hope to get the motherboard and graphics card stripped down and ready for the waterblocks, also want to strip the case down for spraying.

[cian1500ww]

Can anyone tell me what size of a thread is used on the OCLabs XPRes top for the DDC pump ?

[IanY]

G-1/4

[cian1500ww]

G-1/4
Is that the size of the thread where you put in the coolant ?

[IanY]

I hope you are not confused.

The pump top has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet in vertically on top and travels into the top center of the pump. The outlet is at the side.

G-1/4 size denotes the thread where a barb or compression fitting is screwed into the inlet. Dittos for the outlet.

G-1/4 in practical terms indicates that the opening of the inlet has a radius of 1/4 inch, and therefore a diameter of 1/2 inch. You would buy a barb that has a thread size of G-1/4 and a barb opening of either 1/2" ID or 3/8" ID.

[cian1500ww]

I hope you are not confused.

The pump top has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet in vertically on top and travels into the top center of the pump. The outlet is at the side.

G-1/4 size denotes the thread where a barb or compression fitting is screwed into the inlet. Dittos for the outlet.

G-1/4 in practical terms indicates that the opening of the inlet has a radius of 1/4 inch, and therefore a diameter of 1/2 inch. You would buy a barb that has a thread size of G-1/4 and a barb opening of either 1/2" ID or 3/8" ID.
Yeah I understand that grand but I'm on about the black threaded cap as you can see in the pic below:
http://specialtech.co.uk/spshop/files/detail/52067.gif

[IanY]

Sorry. No direct experience with OC Labs. Its not sold in America.

[cian1500ww]

Sorry. No direct experience with OC Labs. Its not sold in America.
Thanks anyway Ian.


Update:
Been busy today stripping down the case. I have it ready now for masking and sanding before the spraying. Bit of a tedious job stripping it down but I have to say the front door was the easiest to take off :rofl: It was only held on by 6 screws.
Most of the parts have been shipped out today and I should have them by Friday *fingers crossed*.
Anyways less talk,more pics:

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7189/sta70936ry3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/sta70936ry3.jpg/1/w768.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img384/sta70936ry3.jpg/1/)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6232/sta70937jd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/sta70937jd9.jpg/1/w1024.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img236/sta70937jd9.jpg/1/)

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/4215/sta70938dr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/sta70938dr9.jpg/1/w1024.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img61/sta70938dr9.jpg/1/)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1993/sta70940xs4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/sta70940xs4.jpg/1/w1024.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img146/sta70940xs4.jpg/1/)

[philbrown23]

I did the solder mod to my apogee drive thinie, real easy to do took bout 3 minutes including iron heat up time, imo theres no way to mess it up.

[cian1500ww]

I did the solder mod to my apogee drive thinie, real easy to do took bout 3 minutes including iron heat up time, imo theres no way to mess it up.
Thats good to know, thanks mate. Next update in a while with some naked hardware pics :rofl:

[cian1500ww]

Huge update in the next few hours, have to go with a universal VGA block due to the type of 8800GT I have. More later.....................

[cian1500ww]

Today I got a delivery from specialtech.co.uk containing the following:
Laing DDC-1T 12V Pro Pump (10w)
OCLabs XPRes Laing DDC Reservoir Plexi Top - Transparent / UV Blue
OCLabs XP Laing DDC Pump Top - Clear
Black Ice® GTS-Lite 240 Black
EK Multioption Reservoir RES 100 Rev.2
XSPC High Quality 1/2" Tubing 20m
1/4" Specialtech Barb for 1/2" Tubing
Zinc Plated Worm Drive Hose Clip for 1/2" Tubing
Feser One UV Blue / Blue Coolant 1Lt
AC Ryan TWIN20 CCFL Light - 2 x 20cm UV
XSPC Radiator Black : RS360
Scythe Kama Meter Fan Controller 5.25" SCKM-1000

The OCLabs pump tops look great especially the res one. The case is about halfway through priming, hope to have finished spraying it by Sunday. And now the pics:
(BTW the pics aern't great quality because there all taken with a phne, unfortunately my camera keeps flattening every battery I put into it within a few minutes :(

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00024.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00025.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00026.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00027.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00028.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00029.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/DSC00030.jpg

[cian1500ww]

I've been reading up on the WCG and I've decided to put this rig crunching.

I plan on having the spraying finished tomorrow all going well.

[cian1500ww]

From the lack of pics in this update its quite obvious the spraying hasn't been finished. Ran out of paint on Sunday and nowhere was opened so I didn't get it finished. I won't have any more build updates for the rest of the week because I'm in college till Friday. I've ordered two inline temperature sensors as well as the D-Tek FuZion GFX, more barbs, 4 rotary fittings and a PCI bracket for tubing.I'll post up a digram of the loop and see what everyone thinks.

[cian1500ww]

Managed to get my hands on a second hand Q6600 today, it has the G0 stepping, anyone know how far these can be oc'ed ?

[Asgard_thor]

with LC'ing, in theory you could get a 3.6ghz, 400 x 9.
as long as its not a "bad" overclocking chip

[cian1500ww]

with LC'ing, in theory you could get a 3.6ghz, 400 x 9.
as long as its not a "bad" overclocking chip
Sweet, wonder if I could get more than that considering the brunt of the OC will be on the FSB and the mobo will be liquid cooled so maybe I could hit higher ? I had an E6550 2.3Ghz @ 3.4Ghz fully stable on the 780i previously so hopefully I'll be able to get a good OC.
Thanks.

[N19h7m4r3]

Build is looking very nice. Can't wait to see when it's done :D

[cian1500ww]

Build is looking very nice. Can't wait to see when it's done :D
Thanks mate !!!! :D

[Sparky]

with LC'ing, in theory you could get a 3.6ghz, 400 x 9.
as long as its not a "bad" overclocking chip

yeah.... I guess mine could count as a "bad" clocker, 3.2GHz at 1.45v :( Was at 3.45GHz but it got a bit grumpy all of a sudden so I backed down the speed a little.

[cian1500ww]

yeah.... I guess mine could count as a "bad" clocker, 3.2GHz at 1.45v :( Was at 3.45GHz but it got a bit grumpy all of a sudden so I backed down the speed a little.
Hope mine will be ok, does the G0 stepping make much difference ?

[cian1500ww]

Came home to three parcels sitting on my bed !!
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2576/dsc00033jv7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/dsc00033jv7.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img522/dsc00033jv7.jpg/1/)

Some sleeving,heatshrink and SWEETIES !!!!
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2273/dsc00034xs7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/dsc00034xs7.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img259/dsc00034xs7.jpg/1/)

And the complete EK Acetal motherboard cooling set:
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6983/dsc00036lf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/dsc00036lf8.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img253/dsc00036lf8.jpg/1/)

Should have more updates tomorrow.

[cian1500ww]

Today I got the painting finished on the case and I managed to get all the waterblocks fixed on to the motherboard and I also got the D-Tek FuZion GFX mounted on the 8800GT:

XFX 780i-
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8090567.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8090568.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8090569.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8090570.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8090571.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100576.jpg

XFX 8800GT with the D-Tek FuZion V1-
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100572.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100574.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100573.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100575.jpg

Some of the parts I'll be using in the build:
Two temperature sensors:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100577.jpg

EK Multi-Option Res 100:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100579.jpg

Black Ice GTS 240 Lite with rotary fittings-
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100580.jpg

I'll be using this PCI bracket and two rotary fittings to carry the coolant out to the 240mm rad which will be on the back of the case:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100581.jpg

The two DDC pumps with OCLabs pump top and res top:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/cian1500ww/Computer%20Build%202008/P8100582.jpg

[cian1500ww]

Ok guys have a small update,

I spent the whole weekend working on the system and by Saturday evening the first loop (CPU) was finished. I poured in the coolant and got ready to leaktest, then disaster struck. The PCI bracket I was using to carry the pipes outside leaked like crazy so I had to drain the whole system. I removed the PCI bracket and decided to just widen the gap of the PCI slot to bring the pipes straight out to the 240 rad on the back. This carried me on into Sunday morning. Once I had that done I leak tested the loop and everything was perfect. So I cracked on and begun the second loop which was for the GPU, mosfets, NB & SB. Most of the loop was finished until I came to the radiator. The radiator was going to be mounted in the front door of the Kandalf but because the tubes were not very flexible the door wouldn't close properly. So at that stage I had to finish it up for the weekend as I had to be up at 6am the next morning. What I hope to do with the radiator is put it in the very front taking up all but 2 of my 5.25" drive bays. Not an ideal situation but its my only option for mounting it inside the case. So I will get back to work on it as soon as I get home on Friday.

To lighten the mood, here is a rather nice update ( well for me anyways :)) :

Crucial memory have agreed to sponsor the build :D:D

They are sending me on a part for the build which will be a surprise for you guys ;)

Thanks Crucial :):)
http://www.jupiter-2.com/Artwork/Art%20for%20shopping%20cart/Crucial%20logo.png

[N19h7m4r3]

Very nice, keep up the work. I'd love to see the build in person though. "Wink Wink" :P

How did you get sponsered? Just ask them?


Either way, good job!

[cian1500ww]

Very nice, keep up the work. I'd love to see the build in person though. "Wink Wink" :P

How did you get sponsered? Just ask them?


Either way, good job!
Yep, they were very nice :yepp:

Thanks :clap:

[N19h7m4r3]

Nice, I take it you got some free ram :)

[FrostyPanda]

Nice, I take it you got some free ram :)

SHHHHHHHHH! Itths a theecwitt!!!:ROTF:

[cian1500ww]

Nice, I take it you got some free ram :)
Ah but what RAM I wonder................:D:D

[FrostyPanda]

Ah but what RAM I wonder................:D:D

Well the nicest that they make for your board to my knowledge is PC2-8500. Perhaps 8gb of that :rolleyes:. You're gonna need an OS upgrade :shocked:

Plz check your PM's also........

[N19h7m4r3]

I wish I could get sponsored.

I define a broke college student.

Hell I'm even applying for Medical trials for cash :P

[cian1500ww]

Hi guys,
You're probably all wondering why there hasn't been any updates as of late, well I ran into a few snags.................
1. After I had completed the CPU loop I had to go back to college and when I came home after a week the OCLabs pump top had cracked and was leaking. So I had to drain that loop and RMA it.
2. To try and do something I completed the second loop and again I leak tested it and left it for a week until I came back from college and low and behold once again the OCLabs pump top Res had cracked in the exact same position as the other top did and was leaking. So I had to drain that loop and RMA it.
3. I had originally planned to mount the radiator in the front door but this wouldn't work due to the fact that the tubing was to stiff and wouldn't allow the door to close. Could my luck get any worse :( I was using a 5.25" hard drive caddy for holding my HD's and I decided to mount my radiator to this which meant I place the radiator running up the front of the case taking up all but 2 drive bays.
4. I also had to put a 90 degree connector on the fillport as the tubing coming down from it was blocking the DVD drive.

So last weekend I got an XSPC DDC pump top which I must say was far better quality and put it into the CPU loop and left that leak testing. I'm hoping that when I go home this weekend that it hasn't cracked as well :( There should also be an XSPC Res Top at home to when I get back which will be used in the second loop.

Oh and Crucial's sponsorship arrived, so thanks to everyone from Crucial for that. I'll have pics up on Friday.

[N19h7m4r3]

Good choice on the XSPC tops, they're the best!

Also congrats on the ram from crucial, you're a lucky man!

Keep the updates coming.

[cian1500ww]

Good choice on the XSPC tops, they're the best!

Also congrats on the ram from crucial, you're a lucky man!

Keep the updates coming.
Thanks mate. The difference between the OCLabs and XSPC tops are unbelievable. I was surprised to see the top had cracked but I was astonished when the second one cracked. The XSPC tops are much more robust plus they don't have the thread for the outlet barb on the outside.

[N19h7m4r3]

I hope you get that build up and running, I can't wait to see the final product.

[cian1500ww]

I hope you get that build up and running, I can't wait to see the final product.
Cheers mate, if everything goes to plan this weekend then I should have it up and running :D:D

[N3it1]

I wish I could get sponsored.

I define a broke college student.

Hell I'm even applying for Medical trials for cash :P

well that is something alright! :rofl:

Nice build,not big fan of Thermaltake but i got a feeling in my guts this time its gonna be different!

[cian1500ww]

Nice build,not big fan of Thermaltake but i got a feeling in my guts this time its gonna be different!
Cheers mate, the only TT in this is the case unfortunately. Although I'm tempted to remove the Thermaltake badge but I don't have anything to replace it with :( Any ideas ?????? :D

[cian1500ww]

Disaster struck this weekend, my 8800GT went up in smoke about 5 mins after the system was booted up :( Rumour is Santa will be bringing me a GTX260 Core 216 :)

The rig is complete apart from that. Just have a temp card in the system for now. Have the Q6600 @ 2.7Ghz. I'll have some pics up next weekend. Its running nicely and thanks so much to Crucial for sponsoring me with 2GB of Crucial Ballistix Tracer RAM. Looks and performs absolutely wonderful in the system :)
http://www.mikhailtech.com/Reviewers/Peter_Kapas/Crucial/Crucial%20Ballistix%20Tracer/2x1GB%20DDR2-8500/Crucial.jpg

[N19h7m4r3]

Nice ram! I know what it's like to loose a card, my new PSU exploded taking out my 8800Ultra, BFG was kind enough to send me a new one and it was the OC'd version :)

Can't wait to see more pics of the build, and a new GTX? Nice :)

[cian1500ww]

Nice ram! I know what it's like to loose a card, my new PSU exploded taking out my 8800Ultra, BFG was kind enough to send me a new one and it was the OC'd version :)

Can't wait to see more pics of the build, and a new GTX? Nice :)
Cheers mate, mine just went up in smoke, found coolant hidden under the backplate which probably shorted it. I reckon the 260 is the best option for me plus I;ll go with EVGA and use step-up to upgrade to the new cards in January/February.

[cian1500ww]

My bloody 780i is giving me a lot of memory problems at the moment. I can only get it to boot up with an old stick of 512mb memory. Hopefully I'll get it sorted as I don't want to RMA it because it would take a few hours to drain all the loops remove all the blocks and prepare the board for returning.

[N19h7m4r3]

That's mad. Let's hope it gets sorted, you need to finish this sometime :P

[cian1500ww]

Hell yeah, really frickin annoying. Especially since I have a 260 coming :(