Get yourself a Psychopack, SiGfever, and go nuts like the rest of us.
Progress ... Sleeved up the I/O ports for USB and HDAudio ... and it works. Love it when a plan comes together.
Now, on to the fan controller.
Printable View
Get yourself a Psychopack, SiGfever, and go nuts like the rest of us.
Progress ... Sleeved up the I/O ports for USB and HDAudio ... and it works. Love it when a plan comes together.
Now, on to the fan controller.
shazza, tell me how you like the lamptron controller, oh, and be sure to blow up megaton(if your a woman, you can use ladykiller perk to seduce Mr. Burke) :D
You should really try an Aquaero!Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
+1 on the Psychopack but get two, one is never enough!Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Looks like we have matching front I/O panels!
I looked at probably 50 of them and I settled on
that same one. It's nice and simple and thank god
it doesn't have a card reader! I never use all the
slots those things come with.
I should have it hooked up in a little while ... will let you know how it is. I can't blow up Megaton -- I'm too nice :DQuote:
Originally Posted by just a noob
I have a black face plate on order ... if I like it, I'll pick up the control unit.Quote:
Originally Posted by theseeker
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...68_P2TcD-S.jpg
Yep ... I already snipped the firewire. I have a USB card reader, and also one in my monitor, so no need for all that junk.Quote:
Originally Posted by armeniandave
You should have told me you needed a black face plate, I only have 26 of them!Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Nowwww you tell me. (Course, how could you know, if I never asked).
I still have a lot of Aqua accessories in original bags. I sold the big stuff but I have all types of face plates in stainless, silver and black.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
BTW, it never hurts to ask!
hey shazza, if you want to be cruel and sadistic in fallout 3, build a dart gun, leg crippling fun!(sorry for off topic) and if you haven't already used the fan controller, can you tell me if it eventually makes your fans kind of pulse(got san aces, want a decent fan controller :S)?
Do you have a Multiswitch faceplate in black?Quote:
Originally Posted by theseeker
Shazza you will love the Aquaero. I wish that I had bought one years ago.
Aquaero FTW! hehe
Shazza, please take some pictures of the Ek 285 blocks when you get them in. New rule: 5 picture minimum per update. ;)
Keep up the good work Shazza.
:ROTF:Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueAqua
Especially with her photography skills. :up:
You guys are sooo funny :rofl: I have been working on photography for just the past year, never really much interested before. BUT ... we had a trip booked to the Arctic, and I couldn't be on a ship with photo nerds for 2 weeks without trying to learn. Still much to learn, especially with indoor lighting and product photography. I've posted a few of the bear shots ... here are a few more from the trip:Quote:
Originally Posted by SiGfever
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/3...89_AJ8tE-M.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/3...10_RZt8H-M.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/3...39_QCnWi-M.jpg
and ... my sincere apologies to those who don't appreciate a bit of OT in a work log - I won't do it again!!!
So now - back to the work log.
I can report that my Lamptron FC-2 fan controller .................................................. .................................................. ...... officially SUCKS.
Very disappointing. I like the look of it ... really a nice match to the case. I like the idea of 6 controls with up to 45W loads (maybe that's the problem ... it's built for too much). I like the way the blue LED displays -- not knock your eyes out bright like the Sunbeam.
BUT ... I got the squealing pig syndrome. It's NOT really all that loud, but it makes a whining noise anytime other than when it's at full. So, virtually useless for running fans at mid levels. I will be able to use it, since I run the exhaust and a few other fans at full. But, I am disappointed. Not so much that I paid for it and it doesn't do the job ... but because I like it and wish it didn't make the crazy noise.
my vote goes out to the sunbeam rheobuss extreme. :up:
http://www.jab-tech.com/Sunbeam-Rheo...k-pr-4090.html
like a high pitch whine?? something comping from a resistor or a cap?Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Beautiful photos Shazza. It's too bad good fan controllers are so hard to find. It always seems like some variable just isn't right.
I am very happy with the Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme, 30W per channel is tough to beat. The CrystalFontz CFA-635 has a max of 1.5 Amp per channel (4 channels), meaning 18W max versus the Sunbeam at 2.5 Amps per channel (6 channels). I use both, the Sunbeam for my main rig and the CrystalFontz for the test bench.
No experience with the Lamptron to draw from. :(
Beautiful pictures as usual, we like OT when we get to see more of your photography skills. :clap:Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
This could be on the cover of National Geographic. :up:
Im glad you were the guinne pig:D. I was gonig to try one out but now I wont, Im sorry it didnt work out for. I going to talk with Gary at sidewinder about the Superflower or the rebranded Akasa lead time. If its going to a long time Im going order the Akasa from a place in the UK that has good rating. I know that Gary said there are not PWM fan controllers which is way the squeal like pigs as he explained.
I second that Shazza. That pic is AWESOME! I like your work too BTW. :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by SiGfever
O-K young Lady, we need our pic fix. :)
Those are some awesome pics. When I went on an Alaskin crusie the only camera was my parents crappy point and shoot, which took could barely take 2 pictures every minute. So i don't have any awesome pictures.
Oh, and nice work so far and awesome pictures! :up:
Shazza
Gary@Sidewinder now has the Akasa Four Channel Fan Control Pro AK-FC-03
in stock, It is not a PWM fan controller so it will not make fan squeal or click. The only drawback I can see is the 17watts per channel but its not an issue for me. I will be running 2 San Aces on each channel.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...lPro-AK-FC.jpg
i would take out the Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme leds and put your own or mix of colors
thats something i would perfer
Thirded!Quote:
Originally Posted by ShoNuff
beautiful shots Shazza. :yepp:
Thanks, guys. Glad you liked my OT diversion.
Re the fan controller ... the buzz on the Lamptron was a dull whining noise, but I could hear it over the fans. My husband is going to help me put resistors in line with the LEDs on the Sunbeam rheobus. That should work to help cut down the brightness. I'm fine with the stock color of blue for on, red for off.
Sorry, no pics for a few days, as I'm traveling this week. Good news is, the GTX 285 waterblocks should have arrived by the time I get home, so more work next week.
u ditched the HD4870x2?
They are taking a temporary vacation ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by NaeKuh
LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by shazza
i wish i could put mine into retirement.
the difference between a GTX295 i dont see the merit.
NaeKuh,Quote:
Originally Posted by NaeKuh
I believe Shazza is going with 2x285 cards which basically blow away the ATI solution, at least currently. My friends that own the ATI cards have been very disappointed with them mainly due to poor driver support and poor overclocking results. When I last had my 285's running in max resolution (25x16) on H20 they absolutely smoked everything I threw at them.
Personally, I have never been a fan of a single "dual card solution." Just my two cents. nVIDIA owns the dual or tri card setup for the immediate future.
I can't really say the ATI cards were not good performers. I didn't see much improvement when I added the second one, but the main reason I went with the 285s is I put the 260s in my other rig, and had more fun with OCing -- probably also due to familiarity with nVidia products.
With the 285s, I don't have any complaints at all. Performance in Fallout 3 (my current gaming diversion) is excellent at 2560x1600 with max settings. Better than I had with the 4870X2 - but I'm not ruling out user error or driver issues.
The ATI cards will ultimately find a good home, so no need to feel sorry for them. Also ... I picked the 285s cause I was a little leery of the 295 - but so far people seem to be enjoying them as well.
Shazza,Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
I am a rebel, you on the other hand are always politically correct!
Wow, Shazza, I just found this and you're already on the second iteration! I can't believe I didn't know this was here...well, don't worry, I'm Subscribed now. Keep up the good work.
Regarding your pics: They are beautiful! My wife and I went on our honeymoon to Alaska, and I rented an L series 400mm 2.8 IS (my wife called it "our new ball and chain" because it came in it's own little suitcase). Got some great otter, walrus, and glacier pics with it; maybe they're almost as good as yours! We'll have to have a show-n-tell sometime!
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-295-preview/7
Shows the X2 is just tad bit off a 295GTX @ 1920X1200 resoltion.
Since i am running 2 in xfire, the only solution comparable would be GTX295 in sli.
However i am getting a 975 and rebuilding to haruhi b4 i change gpu sectors. :X
Shazza uses 2500x1600 as I do with max settings. In that case 2x285's beat the single card solution. In 1920x1200 you do not notice as much of a difference.Quote:
Originally Posted by NaeKuh
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3498&p=3
Yeah, im not at 30 inch yet. Also seeker, im running 2 HD4870X2's. So my only solution for an upgrade is 2 GTX295 :rofl:Quote:
Originally Posted by theseeker
I wanted to wait for the new 120hz monitors to become a bit more mainstream b4 i went 30's.
Im running dual 24's and you know the price when it comes with duals. So SLI is not an option for me yet, because i do use the second monitor for gaming.
Yep, as I said, the 285s are going great guns on the 30" (Dell 3008).
As an aside, my favorite monitor is the 27" Dell - running at 1920x1200. The size of the monitor does not overwhelm me, and I actually like the slightly larger pixel size - I went with the GTX 260s in SLI for the 27" system, which is plenty (see, I am budget conscious, contrary to what this worklog might leave you to believe :p: ). I have to run the 30" at 1920x1200 for text, cause my eyes are very old. No problem with scaling that I've noticed.
I've got a wide variety of Widescreens that I use for console gaming - and will eventually hook up my computer to the 71" Samsung DLP as well, just for kicks.
One of my next projects will be a HTPC build for my 60" Kuro (non-elite - still thinking about that budget) setup in Florida:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...38_3qg36-S.jpg
The thin cabinet on the wall is for DVDs and games:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...71_N7MfK-S.jpg
The backyard:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...20_TYHHa-S.jpg
A regular vistitor:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...62_hGmsJ-S.jpg
I know ... too much information, but I'm bored :)
i love your pictures tho.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
if only i could take pictures like that, snipe skinnee and xilikon would be much happier people.
:rofl:
wow shaz, what kind of bird is that?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SNiiPE_DoGG
That's a Blue Heron. The backyard is a swamp, so lots of birds and a few alligators too. Obviously, this is Florida, not Arizona :rofl:
cool, its very colorful for a blue heron, the ones we have in Maine where I sail my catamaran in the summer are very pale in coloration so I was a bit confused.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
shazza,
Love the wood in your ceiling. Very beautiful place you have there.
Shazza: Congrats for a stunning home setup :D
What a stunning room Shazza - right out of the pages of Architectural Digest!
The only thing missing is the custom built, in-wall 8 foot South American biotope aquarium! :yepp:
Ok, now I'm projecting. :)
Amazing room Shazza! But you're missing the PC room!
I bet there is lots of midges there too!
Shazza, where do you get that ? i've been looking something like it, just unlucky to find one :shrug:, it really fit with my taste, simple and black anodized especially the way it can be close :up:..is it for 3.5 or 5.25 bay shazza ?Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
thx...
Thanks for the compliments on the house, folks. I don't usually post pics like that, but I have a couple of computer-related projects in the works involving the TV area.
@ SiGfever - the wood in the ceiling is pecky cedar. We recently redid the upstairs into a family room/home theater combo, and the wood was my husband's idea. I wasn't sure, but it came out nice.
@ Nils - thank you, but I think your "dining room" murderMod showcase arena has us all beat.
@ Charles - funny you mentioned the aquarium, as it was something my husband wanted, just not feasible since we aren't here full time.
@ dingdong - My den is behind the glass doors in the second pic ... it's setup with surround speakers for the PC. I've got a project underway in Arizona that will give me a dedicated PC / Gaming room. My husband is tired of me taking over the den we share there. You're right - lots of nasty little bugs here, which is why the outside is screened in:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...00_Z96HK-S.jpg
@ anubis_is_evil - Here is a link to the I/O port bay accessory. Got it from Performance PCs. Mine is 5.25", I believe it may also come in a 3.5" version.
Quote:
Originally Posted by anubis_is_evil
I found a place where it is quite a bit cheaper than the link I posted above (although I've never used PCTOYS before):
http://www.pctoys.com/840556088516.html
Shazza,
I love your backyard!
Okay ... back on track here. A quick look at the nickel EK GTX 285 block ... I like :up: Took these shots as the sun was setting, I'll try to get some better ones on the weekend:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...26_BukJa-L.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...48_PHSHq-L.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...24_MjxHm-L.jpg
I have my work cut out for me this weekend. Guess my busy social schedule will have to be put on hold once again :p:
That's one great looking block.
Nice. I'm getting the exact same blocks!! Those look way nicer than expected.
Very nice blocks there :)
You seem to be enjoying yourself non-stop here :D
Wow! Great pics and one beautiful looking block you got there.
i was looking at ordering a 285 when i ordered my i7 rig, and this is making me regret it :rofl:
Quote:
Originally Posted by N19h7m4r3
Thanks, everyone. Glad you like the blocks ... they are very nice. And, yes N19h7m4r3 (that's a name and a half!) - I am enjoying myself immensely. I forgot how much fun this stuff is.
those could be some of the longest looking blocks ive seen in a while.
Hahaha sorry, just been using that name for over 10 years now :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Just call me Al :D
Far easier for everyone.
I myself can't wait to get my new mainboard and get cracking at my rig again.
I barely got a chance before misfortune hit me :mad:
Nice pictures Shazza :)
That block looks too long lol.
More stuff ...
I said I wasn't going to sleeve any more. I lied. Think I've got my heat shrinking down now - next time I can sneak the ends into the connector.
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...13_wFMQy-L.jpg
And I had the nerve to laugh at Rocky's gloves:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...85_hcwEc-S.jpg
The quest for neatness:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...61_78R4M-L.jpg
Arrived in a tattered box, but looks okay:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...20_DAJki-L.jpg
I wanna be like Dave:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...11_99G9b-L.jpg
And, just for Nils:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...71_PSENd-L.jpg
I'm thinking I might just exercise my woman's prerogative to keep on shopping and skip finishing this build :p:
Ouch. Looks like the cuts of a pin removal tool. :rofl:
Looks like some fun toys to play with and I don't think you'll ever be done sleeving... you're addicted. :)
Great pictures of your lovely house too.
wowz, i dont know whats prettier, those blocks or your pictures!
keep up the great work!
:clap::clap::clap:
ermmm, nothing lots of new stuff to look, take pictures and dream about :)
Shazza, what is that Bitspower device and how does it work? I'm most intrigued, as i have a feeling it'll come in handy soon...
Got a linky maybe?
I'm 99% sure about this, Shazza, correct me if I'm wrong please ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by twwen2
You plug in 2 molex's into that item, then it splits it into 8 more molex connectors, it also allows you to connect multiple fans to it, making it an "All in one" station kind of thing ;)
That's EXACTLY what I did with my current build. I could NOT stand dealing with those bright LED's, and...I wanted green, rather than blue...Quote:
Originally Posted by ILikeCosmosS
That's exactly what it is :DQuote:
Originally Posted by dingdong555
Somehow I missed the glove comment!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...n/DSC01504.jpg
They do help.
Nice sleeving, Shazza!
Found it, it's the Bitspower X-Station. There are other versions of it around that site too, just search Bitspower X-Station.Quote:
Originally Posted by twwen2
Yep, you guys got the right one - the Bitspower X-station. Comes in a 4 pin molex and the 8 pin version. I had the 4 pin Sunbeam version before, but it's a rather fugly beige, and only comes in the 4 pin setup, so not quite enough. I don't really need the fan connectors on the BP model, but these do make it easier to route your molex cables, especially when you have pumps, lights, fan controllers, etc.
Now ... off to mount the GPU water blocks and more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dingdong555
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex Suraci
Cheers all, that's a great help.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Keep the build coming too Shazza! :)
Hi all -- thanks for looking and the comments. Keeps me working!
I know I've about worn y'all out with odds and sods ... but here's a few pics to show I have actually been putting things together:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...24_9oWDa-L.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...69_Xxdzs-L.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...71_8ZRRj-L.jpg
Shazza,
Those EK blocks are gorgeous! I will definitely use the acrylic on my next build.
I will be curious to see how the chipset block performs. It is looking very good up to your usual standards!:up:
i gotta say thoes EK blocks do look very nice indeed, kinda wish id bought acrylic ones....there is always the next build i guess, i cant wait to see this build finished.
id like to see some gold plated EK blocks hahaha
The EK 285 blocks look larger than I originally thought, which is great! I must say the Evga board looks much much better with the new blocks on there.
Sharp shots Shazza.
You're a building maniac shazza...you go AWOL for a while, come back and do three different builds, yowza!
Did the BP mosfet block have a straight through inlet and outlet? The previous revision had a reducing diameter inlet and outlet which caused major pressure drop and restriction problems.
Man I need to learn how to take pictures.....Great photo work.....
This is a really enjoyable build log. Nice pics:up:
Cheers:)
Thanks guys ... the blocks do look good. Let's hope they work :eek:
Yep - got busy with work for a while, but I was still checking on you guys. This project just turned into a monster, but I'm enjoying it and it keeps me out of trouble.Quote:
Originally Posted by skinnee
Re the BP mosfet ... I dunno, guess I'd need to take it apart to figure that out. It and the NB are on their own loop, so I'll see how it does. Hopefully it will cool better than the cheap heatsink (felt like tin), and it does look better.
In their own loop...you'll be fine! :up:
If ya happen to be taking it apart, just have a look at the inlet/outlet. See if it goes straight down to the copper base or if there is a transition/smaller diameter opening before the copper base. I know you'll be taking it apart at some point, you change HW like Charles changes his clothes (Once a month).
Love it Shazza. Our computers are gonna be twins. I'm also running an EVGA X58 with BP blocks, BP fittings, and black tubing. BTW, how come you ended up going with the 285's instead of a 295 or 2x295's?
Will check out the BP block next time I take it apart, skinnee -- and hope to have some temp info today (maybe...).
@ranker - I was a bit skeptical about the 295s and wasn't patient enough to wait until the good reviews started coming. So far, the 285s have been handling everything fine, so I don't have the urge to change them - but I'd pick 295s if I was buying today. And, about that tubing color - I'm still deciding which way I'm going. When are we going to see an update on your build???? Soon, I hope.
i love the way those blocks look (v-card & board)....the way it covers the card looks like it was meant to be there all along - got to love EK :)
First 295 was DoA. Upon RMA, they "accidentally" sent me a 280GTX instead. So I'm waiting another week to get my 295 back up and running. Having nothing to do has been putting the hurt on my wallet as I've been buying random stuff in anticipation of another build. I just bought the duality back panel and i'm considering purchasing a pedestal to run two builds at the same time OR instead of the pedestal, maybe the monacle 24 thing that mccoffey is doing.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
We'll see it up shortly. I've just been so busy coupled with the string of bad luck on the RMA's.
shazza, tell me what you think of the bitspower thing, i'm gunna try one of these and see what i think of it. And if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing with all the lga 775 stuffs?
Sounds like you'll have another interesting build coming up, ranker. I was re-reading your worklog, and really like the extended U2-UFO.
@ just a noob: That connector should work fine, especially if you don't have a fan controller. I wanted a central connect point for my molex connectors, and the Bitspower board works great for that - although it's necessary to use female adapters for many of the plugs. I'll be passing my 775 stuff on to my brother. Still need to package up and RMA the Rampage Extreme board.
Just bits and pieces done today, not as much as I intended. Ended up napping the day away.
Even a picture taking, computer building, traveling the country Lady needs a break sometimes. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Ain't that the truth ... hard to keep up with all the young 'uns around here.Quote:
Originally Posted by SiGfever
Major progress in the last few days. Now have a working system :up::up::up:
Still lots of cable management to do (redo for the umpteenth time!!!)
Here's a sneak preview:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...34_QGRPu-L.jpg
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/photos/4...35_JHbup-L.jpg
:slobber::slobber::slobber:
Gosh, that's so beautiful. I'm such a geek engineer: beauty to me is precision machined metal bonded to high-performance microchips. :yepp:Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Give us more pics, Shazza!
O...M...G... :jawdrop:
Great Pics shazza, makes me want to Rob someone to pay for TRI Sli with EK Blocks :)
Love the pictures! The detail is astounding.
Call a Mod, Shazza is posting pr0n. :eek: :ROTF: :up:
+1 Yeah Shazza Stop showing pron u making me jealousQuote:
Originally Posted by SiGfever
Glad you guys like the pics. I'm so pleased that all is working. I've always wanted to do Tri-SLI. It's ridiculous overkill, and I am the first to admit it - but, I like it :p:
I hope to be posting pics this weekend, but have no idea how to deal with the excess cabling that comes with 3 x 285s. What a mess!!! You guys are going to :rofl: when I show the before pic.
Tri-SLI FTW! I'm considering doing the same but do you notice any difference between dual and tri SLI? The Ek 285 blocks are very beautiful and I just had to pick up a handful for myself. Great pictures shazza and keep them coming.
Your home setup is simply jawdropping :eek2::eek2::eek2:
hey shazza, did I ever mention that i happen to sleeve psu's for a block of gtx 285's? oh, and i beat fallout 3 this morning, the ending is amazing :D