ABS/Tagan Black Pearl - evolution of a water-cooled rig

Whew ... today's task is setting up the 5850 water block:


The stock heatsink actually goes well with the Torture Rack setup:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...54_spT48-M.jpg





But, it's time for surgery:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...04_LLXa8-M.jpg




A close up of the EK block - you can see the milling marks, but don't have a heart attack - this is with a macro lens and the shadows showing the marks:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...56_XYjZL-M.jpg




One of the easier cards to identify which screws to remove ... 14 screws in total, counting the center bracket, which does not go back on - so 10 to put back:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...12_48oLn-M.jpg




The top is off ... and the thermal pads stayed nicely put on the stock heatsink - now I'll put this away in case I ever need it again
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...95_gxJ9z-M.jpg





And, a "Pro" hint (which means I have screwed this part up before :p:) - take all the screws that come out of the stock heatsink and put them somewhere safe. As mentioned previously, Sapphire was good about RMA'ing a dead card, as long as it was put back to stock condition:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...24_xLZ3f-M.jpg





An improvement from my previous EK FC blocks - some of the thermal pads are pre-cut:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...66_8Jen7-M.jpg





Thermal Pads on and MX-2 spread lightly on the GPU processor:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...38_Rw73R-M.jpg





This next part, I don't like. The EK instructions say the standoffs are "obligatory" or something like that. Yechhh - I will pay extra for standoffs made as part of the block. This is cheesy. Used some MX-2 to try to hold the plastic standoffs.
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...22_MgQCT-M.jpg





Hmmmnnnnnn ... I get a little bit of bowing on the top of the card when the middle screw is tightened all the way down (not over-tightened). And, a bit uncertain if all the thermal pads are making proper contact.
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...69_8PJMf-M.jpg




Oops, will have to get a pic of the whole block installed when I install it on the mobo.



I think this is my 11th EK water block (unfortunately, I misplaced my "Buy 10, Get 1 free" card) - as usual, it's very nice quality. The standoff issue bugs me - I should have checked with Eddy first to make sure I really needed to use them. Loosening the screw in the above pic just a bit straightens out the card. I'll see what happens when I install it.



Thanks for looking.



http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...35_ngH8W-M.jpg

Yea, I found out how much of a pain those standoffs can be when I installed my GTX295 block. It would also be nice if they could apply the thermal pads for you too. That is really time consuming cutting those out. :(

I thought the standoffs were pretty easy to work with, and as I have said before plastic standoffs are better from an engineering standpoint than metal ones due to the variable tolerances.

you can keep the screws on the heat sink itself .. just screw the x plate on there too xD .. less small containers looking to get lost...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by millertime359

Yea, I found out how much of a pain those standoffs can be when I installed my GTX295 block. It would also be nice if they could apply the thermal pads for you too. That is really time consuming cutting those out. :(

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I don't mind doing the thermal pads - I imagine they might slink off if they were pre-applied without glue. For the stand offs, I found putting the screws in the middle ones, then adjusting the edge ones with tweezers if need be worked ok.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SNiiPE_DoGG

I thought the standoffs were pretty easy to work with, and as I have said before plastic standoffs are better from an engineering standpoint than metal ones due to the variable tolerances.

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Glad you like 'em ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caoder

you can keep the screws on the heat sink itself .. just screw the x plate on there too xD .. less small containers looking to get lost...

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That would require two extra steps - screwing them in, and unscrewing them again if you want to use the stock heatsink :rofl: Seriously, that is a good idea. I'll put it all back in the original box for now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

I don't mind doing the thermal pads - I imagine they might slink off if they were pre-applied without glue. For the stand offs, I found putting the screws in the middle ones, then adjusting the edge ones with tweezers if need be worked ok.

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It seemed that the little dab of TIM on each standoff helped to hold them in place. I only had to adjust one outside standoff a little. It helps when you take your time doing it and have a flashlight nearby. :yepp:

Yep, I used TIM as well. Note - I didn't have much trouble getting them in place, just didn't like it :)



Here's the block mounted on the card:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...82_FbDJS-M.jpg





In its temporary home:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...24_9ahEq-M.jpg





It's always a good idea to install the stop plugs before leak testing :rofl::rofl::rofl:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...54_GndUF-M.jpg





Just playing...
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...02_NWwmN-M.jpg




Running OCCT now to get some comparison data to before LC.

that's one sexy lookin' wb :)

Do you buy new scissors and screwdriver kit to match color scheme everytime you start another project?
:rofl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by illidan

that's one sexy lookin' wb :)

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Thanks - it actually looks better than I thought it would - I've been hooked on acrylic blocks before this, but I like the acetal version.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aka_GK

Do you buy new scissors and screwdriver kit to match color scheme everytime you start another project?
:rofl:

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;) - nah, just so happens we have both blue and red stuff.

As I have not yet had the chance to play with a WC block and card and your an old hand at it, sorry I will change "old" to "pro" maybe just experienced is best.

Do you find the thermal pads to be better than TIM?

Does the thermal pads work as well as TIM?

Old --- most definitely :)


I just use whatever comes with the block - trusting that the manufacturer supplies what works best with their design. Some of the thermal pads are different thicknesses, so I wouldn't want to mess around with that.

Another first for me. Managed to find the brand new-never-been-used Rivet Gun I ordered quite some time ago:



http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...92_Dc2yS-M.jpg




Oh NO!!!! The green does not go with my color theme. But, a pleasant surprise awaited inside the case:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...34_a5YVH-M.jpg





My very first Rivet:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...19_rWtZ9-M.jpg



I dunno whether that's good or bad, but it holds tight, sits flush, and the Macro lens exaggerates the scratches. These will all be covered as well.

(and yes, I did get excited when I did my first rivet - my husband just rolls his eyes)

great :) are those mdpc-x rivets?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Oh NO!!!! The green does not go with my color theme. But, a pleasant surprise awaited inside the case:

<pic>

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Don't even tell that it was not intentional :rofl:

I've scrathed first one too, but managed to do second perfectly :)

Love that block Shaz and the rivet looks nice as well, definitely lacks the usual imperfections that one sees with machined rivets.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by illidan

great :) are those mdpc-x rivets?

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Thx - yes, MDPC-X rivets. I hesitated to say so at first, in case my application of them does not meet Nils' standards ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aka_GK

Don't even tell that it was not intentional :rofl:
I've scrathed first one too, but managed to do second perfectly :)

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:ROTF: Not intentional - got the rivet gun before even thinking of a black and red build. We'll see how I do with the next rivets.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Liderc

Love that block Shaz and the rivet looks nice as well, definitely lacks the usual imperfections that one sees with machined rivets.

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Thanks, Liderc. I'll see if I can continue to improve my riveting prowess ...

wait, that didn't come out quite right :p:

You know what I mean=P

Its pretty hard to not scratch them. They are nice rivets though. Just keep reapplying masking tape on your gun every few rivets.

Always facinating to see what you've got going on, Shaz.

On your side with those standoffs. I was about to use them as ammo for me pellet gun.

I'm interested to see where you're going with that black BP res you purchased. Love the look of it and did one of those impulse buys again.
I know its something you're not familiar with at all, in the least bit, no way.

oh and color coordination rules all life forms. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Liderc

You know what I mean=P

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:yepp: :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by millertime359

Its pretty hard to not scratch them. They are nice rivets though. Just keep reapplying masking tape on your gun every few rivets.

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OK ... can you clarify how/where to put masking tape on the gun (remember, I'm at first grade level here with anything having to do with tools)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint

...
I'm interested to see where you're going with that black BP res you purchased. Love the look of it and did one of those impulse buys again.
I know its something you're not familiar with at all, in the least bit, no way.

oh and color coordination rules all life forms. :D

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:cool: I'm not sure with the res ... I may have to save it for another build as I keep changing my mind on how to set up my loop. Originally it was going to be my lifesaver for the ugly stock mid-plate, but now I'm thinking I will just make a whole new mid-plate (the woman buys a sheet of aluminum, and thinks she's a metal fabricator :rofl::rofl::rofl:)

Would you take my apology please Shazza? I have been meaning to post in here for a good while. But every time, i am just blown away by the photos Epicness of this log.

But here i am reporting in. Keep it up, and keep them photos coming. This truly one of the joys of XS.

Would I be right Shazza, in saying that the riverts are counter sunk?

@ Bentleya - very kind of you, although I still have lots to learn about photography!

@kgtiger - yes, I believe those are the countersunk rivets. I have both, but since these go flush to the case, I assume I used the countersunk ones :rofl:

I really am in over my head here, but forging on...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

OK ... can you clarify how/where to put masking tape on the gun (remember, I'm at first grade level here with anything having to do with tools)

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Right over the tip. I found I had to change the tape out every 3 rivets.

Quick photo for ya. ;)

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/P1000535.jpg