J-J-J-Jam it in. A preview of my upcoming build.

As those of you who saw pics of my case in the water case gallery already know, my current case is quite the function-over-form setup :p: ahh lets cut the c***, its damned uglya!! My setup (http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...age/index.html) needs a new home that is compact (I like small cases) but still big enough to fit my watercooling inside it. A while ago I read about one of lian-li's new[er] cases, the PC-A05B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112130), and really liked it's compact size and design (with the PSU in the front). After doing some thinking and sketches I think I found a way to make it work with my setup. I went ahead and bought the case about a week ago .... and a new swiftech MCR320 rad .... and a mcres res .... and some yate-loons .... and uhh some more tubing! i hate this hobby....

sidenote: Petra's Tech Shop for-the-win ;)

ANYHOW. This thread would not be complete without some pics of a test fitting for the radiator in the case after I removed the bottom "stand" for the PSU and the hard drive cage (see the newegg link pics for what it should look like internally). However before I go any further I wanted to mention what my main goal was in making this thread: From the measurements I got from other A05B owners (before I purchased this case) and from the measurements I have so far, the case (provided it is modified) can fit a full 3*120 radiator in it. I would dare say this one of the smallest cases that can do that measuring only 15"(h)*8.26"(w)*19.3''(d), making it only slightly larger (in volume) than my currently butchered Antec Super Lanboy. The main modification that needs to be done to make such a large radiator fit along the bottom is: move the PSU up to where the hard drive cage (and front exhaust fan) used to be. This will require some sort of new support to be placed in that location for the PSU to screw into. This does mean that the only real place left for a hard drive is in the 5.25" bays but since I only plan on using 1 internal drive, that does not concern me.

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_1.jpg

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_2.jpg

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_3.jpg

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_4.jpg

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_5.jpg

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_6.jpg

I will start another thread (in a diff section)(EDIT: scratch that, I'll just be using this thread as the worklog) once I start the real building. Some of the other things I have, for now, planned to do to this case:

(1) Paint insides flat black
(2) Cute sidepanel for window
(3) Add 2 black, spring loaded, recessed, steel speaker cabinet handles
(4) Add some green acrylic inside (as a radgrill maybe)
(5) Re-do the case feet so that they are both rubber and tall enough to allow the radiator to really breath
(6) Possibly add a top blow-hole (need to check strength of case after I add the handles before I really decide on this)

thats going to be a sqeeze which should make for an interesting build, cant wait for updates :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by p8ntslinger676

thats going to be a sqeeze which should make for an interesting build, cant wait for updates :D

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ya this sure makes it a project worth to watch

yah jam it all in, and don't forget to jam this thread with pictures.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by septim

yah jam it all in, and don't forget to jam this thread with pictures.

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was going to say the same thing..:toast: :woot: :clap:

hheheh the title sure was accurate.. what a small case, this should be a interesting project..

btw where the hell are you going to mount the PSU on that case ??? o
riginally it was on the front bottom.. correct isn't the rad in the way now???

lolz, lets wait for more pictures. how about wireless PSU, hehehe

This should be interesting. That's an awful tight case for a WC project. Good luck.

My first question is how you are going to mount the PSU when there's that radiator there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

The main modification that needs to be done to make such a large radiator fit along the bottom is: move the PSU up to where the hard drive cage (and front exhaust fan) used to be. This will require some sort of new support to be placed in that location for the PSU to screw into. This does mean that the only real place left for a hard drive is in the 5.25" bays but since I only plan on using 1 internal drive, that does not concern me.

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already answered in his post.

kuhla, you could probably add some supports like L bracket or triangle bracket, rivet to top panel and front and back to add strength.

Oh OK. Thank you.

This seems to be a great challenge for the work! ;)

Tuned...waiting for new pics :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by septim

kuhla, you could probably add some supports like L bracket or triangle bracket, rivet to top panel and front and back to add strength.

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So far without the HD rack the case is still fairly sturdy but I am still considering using brackets like you mentioned. I have to do a bit more cutting until I really decide on that.

I think I already mentioned this but my last case (Antec Super Lanboy) lost a LOT of it's strength once I took the HD rack out. In fact it got so bad that I was afraid of cutting anything else on the front of that case for fear it would collapse under the weight of the radiator. Then I started planning to re-do the front completely with whole new sheet of aluminum and then it just kind of spiraled out of control from there until it go to the point that I was practically going to be building a new case (which I hope to do someday), so I just gave up.

I'll be doing some more fitting tonight with actual hardware (so no gaming :() inside the case. I'll post some pics of that so you can all see what I am planning to do. I'll probably have to suspend the PSU with string since I don't have a mount for it yet :D I don't know if I will get to any real cutting started until probably friday afternoon :(

First off let me apologize for the atrocious file sizes of the pictures below. I had to save them with Microsoft's photo program (on my mom's laptop right now) which seems to saze all JPGs at maximum quality. I also had to boost the contrast/brightness in some of the pictures to bring out the details I wanted to mention. So overall not the most ideal pictures but they will do the job. Once I have my PC back up and running, I'll be back in Photoshop saving them to nice, small sizes.

So here are some pictures after my first day of actual test fitting. Everything is fitting just like I imagined (and planned) it would, perhaps even better than I thought. Like I said, the PSU at the moment is only attached with some string :p: The pump will most likely be placed beneath the PSU either (a) directly against the other side panel or (b) on a L-shaped plate attached to the bottom of the case. Using a plate would be the better in terms of reducing vibration and function (since it wouldn't hinder me taking off the other side panel whenever I want). However the pressure from the tubing would always keep the plate slightly bent unless I get thick-ish metal for the bracket. I'll have to think about it.

In terms of how I plan to run the loop, it will most likely run OUT of the pump > INTO the barb on the radiator closest to the motherboard > OUT of the barb farthest away from the motherboard > INTO the cpu block. This should minimize tangle/bends/required length. Anyone have any better ideas?

On a sidenote: I will at some point (hopefully soon) be replacing my PSU. This 430 watt Cooler Master is getting old. It doesn't even have a proper 6-pin PCIE much less one of the newer 8-pin PCIEs. I will measure sometime about how big of a powersupply I can get but it looks like I will have to stick to the smaller, more normal sized models out there. Meaning most (not all) modular psus are off the list.

Enough of this... time for some pics!!


In the picture below: You can see roughly how I am planning to place/fit everything.

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_7.jpg


In the picture below: I took an angle show how the radiator lines up with the case feet. It fits roughly between them. I am still not sure where I am exactly going to make the cutouts on the bottom but I want to decide soon so that this project keeps rolling and I don't lose momentum.

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_8.jpg


In the picture below: You can see how much clearence there is between the motherboard and the radiator. This particular amount of space turned out to be more than I thought it would be (and since it also worried me the most its an added bonus)! Its more than enough space to easily deal with putting in/taking out RAM.

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_9.jpg


In the picture below: You can see the front and roughly where I am going to have to cut to place the PSU. Part of the string/knot that is holding the PSU in place for this photo shoot is also visible, hehe. The PSU is far enough to the right of the case that it will not interfere with the on/off switch. Ignore the cable hanging out of the 3.5" bay (from when I stuffed the PSU wires in there), I should have moved it before the shot...

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JamITin_10.jpg


In the picture below: I wanted to take one more picture showing the clearance on either side of the radiator.

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JamITin_11.jpg

Tommorow is kind of tight so I probably won't have any more updates for this until Friday. By then I hope to have decided where to cut for both the PSU and the radiator and get started on that.

hmm you could always move said rad a little bit more away from mobo...
nice fit you have there.

so thats how the PSU gets installed to your case.. very creative :up:

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/...JJamITin_9.jpg

That is a nice shot, brings the geek out in me, I have this urge to turn it into my wallpaper :p:
*EDIT* OK I did it, now the wallpaper on my PC at work :D

So are you going to have the power cord of your PSU going in the front of your PC then? That is gonna be kinda weird. Also, the Corsair power supplies are normal size yet modular so they might be an option.

I have that case on my work PC. Its too big to be cool but not large enough to be obvious. Nice case though for what I stuffed in it on stock air. Its the fastest desktop in the office. O/C'd E6600 with a 7600GS Video card. I PWN everyone in Pivot Tables and VLookups.

hmm is it bring your own pc to work everyday there?

here its the usual group buy cheap servicable branded pc, which is $200 more expensive than assemble your own.
for that $200 more i'd have em buy better cpu air cooling than intel stock whine_rs...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by septim

hmm you could always move said rad a little bit more away from mobo.

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Yea, I will probably end up shifting it farther away from the mobo. I will have to take out the case feet before I can do that since the ends of the rad kind of bump into them right now (see this pic for what I mean). I remember a long time ago seeing these nice rubber case feet being sold online that were being specially marketed as vibration absorbing. I'll have to take a look out for those. Or maybe some of those high-class looking speaker feet? As long as whatever I get is tall enough to let the rad really take in air....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SparkyJJO

http://www.gt-clan.net/kuhlas_stuff/pictures/JJJamITin_9.jpg
That is a nice shot, brings the geek out in me, I have this urge to turn it into my wallpaper :p: *EDIT* OK I did it, now the wallpaper on my PC at work :D

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Glad you like it :) Do you want the higher res version? I still have original from the camera.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SparkyJJO

So are you going to have the power cord of your PSU going in the front of your PC then? That is gonna be kinda weird. Also, the Corsair power supplies are normal size yet modular so they might be an option.

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Actually the case is designed to have the power cord running through the front panel already (see newegg pictures) I will just be moving it up a few inches.

Yea, as far as I know the Corsair HXs are the only modular PSUs that run normal sizes (150mm) but I would like to get a PSU with the new 8-pin PCIEs to be ready for the R600s (and G90s?). So far I have my eyes on 2 PSUs:

Enermax INFINITI 650
(SLI or Crossfire version makes no difference I think)
link = http://www.enermax.com.tw/english/pr...y.asp?listp=55
+ Is modular. Minor plus in my book.
+ Relatively short for a modular PSU at only 160mm (6.3").
+ Is 80 Plus efficient. Big plus in my book.
+ Performed very well in a recent review (link to review of 720w model)
- Expensive for the power it puts out.
- Finish is ok but not quite my ideal. I would prefer flat black.

Silverstone OP650
link = http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/op650/op650.html
+ Cheaper than above PSU.
+ Single 12v rail so no power balance worries.
+ Shorter, but only a little bit. 150mm (5.9") vs. 160mm (6.3")
+ "Looks" nicer with a simple, black look.
- Modular version is much longer at 180mm (7.1")

Septim, Yeah, Its the same here but I managed to expense it through my own department... and kick in a few bucks of my own in the end.

Kuhla, What kind of optical drive are you going to throw in there? I find the sony black doesnt look so good with the Lian Li.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chas_The_Man

Kuhla, What kind of optical drive are you going to throw in there? I find the sony black doesnt look so good with the Lian Li.

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I am currently using an NEC ND-3550A but eventually I will be buying one of these drives so that I can move to a IDE-less-all-SATA setup. I'll make a note about avoiding Sony. Thanks for the heads-up. I don't want to go NEC again even though they have a decent reputation and a loyal customer base (that routinely comes out with modded "faster" firmwares). My current drive is extremely loud when spinning up which hurts the quiet (not silent) setup I have/will be running. My friend has Lite-On and is pretty happy with it, but he bought it only for size reasons since I heard they are shorter than most drives.

*I’m using Resurrect on my worklog!*

Firstly let me apologize that all the below is being hosted on imageshack temporarily since I cannot access my FTP at the moment.

Admit it, you thought this project died! .... and well it kinda did. I have this really bad habit which makes even easy projects take a long time. The habit is called procrastination. You may have heard of it. ANYWHO. I did make a lot of progress the last few days and here is an update (with pictures).

The pictures below are somewhat far apart chronologically and one of them is just a picture of me overclocking my ram while I was sitting on aircooling for a while (threw that in just for fun).

What I have DONE so far:

* psu holes drilled and test fitted
* spacers used on psu screws so that with front power plug the front panel still can attach properly
* radiator opening was cut in bottom of case
* water loop was assembled
* water loop was leak tested
* main components and water loop were installed
* system was powered up

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/6...amitin1ag9.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9...amitin2oa8.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8...amitin3do1.jpg

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/8...amitin4do9.jpg

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/694...amitin5jk8.jpg

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3...amitin6od5.jpg

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/739...amitin7ps4.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2...amitin8rq8.jpg

Despite my original plans there are some much more pressing things that need to be taken care of before I can really continue with this project:

* wiring needs to be cleaned up badely
* proper case feet need to be installed so that radiator can breath
* a modular psu like a corsair 620hx would help save some space
* a proper mount for the pump needs to be fabricated since its just "hanging" now (as you saw in pics)
* either a 5.25" enclosure or suspension needs to be done with the hard drive since it very very loud right now since it is hard mounted in the 3.5" bay
* I kind of cobbled together my own way of mounting the cpu block so i need to do some overclocking and temperature monitoring to see if the block is sitting nicely and giving proper temps
* obvious stability testing to see if i broken anything despite all the manhandling of the hardware over the last few days/weeks

....once all the above is taken care of I'll go back to my original plans and see what I can do:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

Some of the other things I have, for now, planned to do to this case:

(1) Paint insides flat black
(2) Cute sidepanel for window
(3) Add 2 black, spring loaded, recessed, steel speaker cabinet handles
(4) Add some green acrylic inside (as a radgrill maybe)
(5) Re-do the case feet so that they are both rubber and tall enough to allow the radiator to really breath
(6) Possibly add a top blow-hole (need to check strength of case after I add the handles before I really decide on this)

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Have you closed the case or are you leaving it like this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

Have you closed the case or are you leaving it like this?

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I've closed it. :) I'll take some new pictures tonight of how it is right now but here is a picture of my setup (where you can see the case is closed) -->> http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff..._myNEWdesk.jpg <<-- oh and I got a new desk :D

I haven't really finished modding it but I needed to take a breather (my eurotrip vacation helped) so that explains why I haven't updated this thread in a long time. My setup is not dead though!! I still plan on giving it some proper new feet, some cable sleeving (fans mostly), possibly a window and a few other things. I still need a proper mount for my T-line and pump which are just kind of hanging.

Right now its running good though :) everything is inside even with a tiny bit of room to spare. I have a new PSU (corsair 520hx) on the way which will help things look a lot cleaner inside.

Here is the pictures I promised earlier today.

Side looking-towards-the-back view.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_12.jpg

Side looking-towards-the-front view.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_13.jpg

The front with cover off. Yes that is blue masking tape which I put there to stop some of the warm PSU exhaust air from going back into the case. Eventually I'll make a metal plate to place there that will screw into the holes that were there originaly for the PSU bracket. Hopefully I can make the bracket into an L shape which I can also use mount the pump on.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_14.jpg

The other side. Here you can see the T-line (no res) and the pump sitting on top of a bottle of algaecide :ROTF:

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_15.jpg

...and a really crappy shot of the case feet (which are completly outside the case, it is just sitting on them, I am eventually getting whole new ones) and giant hole in the bottom of my case that you have actually seen in a previous picture in this worklog. The case sits about 1.5cm off the surface of the desk. I think it is getting enough air.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_16.jpg

One more, much clearer, picture of my current setup.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...up_7-17-07.jpg

EDIT : I just wanted to say that I know the cables are a bit messy looking but I bought a SATA dvdrom and a Corsair 520HX so those two things should help the inside of my case look much cleaner. When those arrive and I get them installed I'll take more pictures again :)

Yeah!!! WOOWOWOW! great job!!!

this guy should be banned for copying, right? actually show him a little respect. tell him I sent you!

sorry for the OT, this build is SICK!!!!

Nice, a full 360 rad in a case that size is really cool, you are to be congratualte on your work :p: The guys with full tower cases have it way to easy ;)

I like where you mounted the PSU, this is definately the ideal Lan Box in my opinion :D

GREAT job. I really was looking into this case but thought it was a tad to deep. However looking at small ATX cases there really aren't many that one can work with that are small.

I luv what you have done. Great again.

A few questions. If you don't mind! :)

Are those the original feet or did you add new ones? The case would have to be a certain height for air to actually come in through the bottom. Are the CPU and PSU the only exhaust you have?

I can't seem to see how the PSU is being held! It looks like something blue on the front of the PSU area.

I saw this post and a few ideas came into my head. I really like this case but the back front exhaust didn't fit well with me.

I don't WC so rads are out of the question! I would put at most 2 Loons on the bottom and if there was room one on top as hot air rises and most would probably be undervolted to &#37;v anyway. Need quiet! I would make all the fans exhaust that were in the case. PSU and front fan as well as the CPU area on. I also thought of making hole for a side fan so the Video Card area could get some air.

Anyway. Grat work once again!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I luv what you have done. Great again.

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Thanks, its done just yet though, I have more I want to do to it. Case feet, window, something on the top such as a top blowhole. I'm just slow at working with my rig :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

Are those the original feet or did you add new ones?

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Those are the original case feet, I just detached them and the case sits on top of them so if I were to lift up the case they would just sit there on the desk. When they are connected the case only sits about 1cm above the desk. With them sitting outside the case it raises the case to about 1.5cm above the desk. I couldn't reconnect them right now even if I wanted to because the radiator gets in the way of some of the holes where the feet used to slot into. Besides, I wouldn't want the case any lower than it is right now since....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

The case would have to be a certain height for air to actually come in through the bottom.

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Right, I plan to buy new feet and have the case sit about 2cm off the ground. I am currently looking at purchasing 2 sets of these feet and stack them to reach my desired height and look --> http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=21103

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

Are the CPU and PSU the only exhaust you have?

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Yes, the weak PSU fan and the fan by the CPU are the only exhausts right now (not counting the fan on the video card). Its a lot of positive air pressure right now, I know, I plan on changing that. Currently its 3*120mm intake [vs] only 1.5*120mm exhaust.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I can't seem to see how the PSU is being held! It looks like something blue on the front of the PSU area.

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The blue stuff is just masking tape, the PSU isn't down there anymore. The PSU is where the hard drive rack used to be and is being held in by 4 screws + metal washers. Its not the best PSU mount in the world but it does the job and the metal its screwed into is thick enough that I doubt it will break/bend. Lian Li doesn't user super thin aluminum like on my Antec Super Lanboy.

The masking tape is there as a sort of band-aid solution to prevent some of the warm PSU exhaust air from cycling back into the case. I still have plenty of warm air leaking back in around the PSU because (1) the PSU is ressessed a tiny bit so that the front cover still sits flush with the case with the power plug sticking out and (2) the hole that was there before for the 120mm exhause is taller than the PSU.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I don't WC so rads are out of the question! I would put at most 2 Loons on the bottom and if there was room one on top as hot air rises and most would probably be undervolted to %v anyway.

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That totally sounds possible since there is at LEAST 30mm worth of space above and below the motherboard tray in this case. I almost want to say Lian Li was guessing some people would mode some fans/other-stuff on the top/bottom of the case and put in some space to work with before being worried about bothering the motherboard.

Thats a nice build :)

I like compact cases too...im getting tired of big things on my desk :p:

if it was a PA120.2 the PSU would fit nice in the "right" place?

Does the tubing have sufficient bend radius to put the pump right up on that vent next to the PCI slots? I'm thinkin ultra compact loop. Not sure where you would put the T-line or res but it could work.

Darn... is it alright with you if I were to copy your machine for a portable box?

OK thanks. I knew the blue tape was covering the hole! Sheesh not that blind! I just see blue areas where the holes on the PSU would be. Looks like 4 little blue areas!

Thanks. Performance PC is usually a lil more than other places. Probably cheaper for same or better stuff elsewhere.

<3 wat ya did!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OCFX

if it was a PA120.2 the PSU would fit nice in the "right" place?

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I think so but it would be a very tight squeeze and you would have to make sure the PSU is the "normal" length kind around 5.9" (150mm) because anything larger would definetly not fit. Also, a modular psu probably wouldn't work either because they would stick out around the middle of the PSU.

Tell you what, I have a Swiftech 220 radiator as well (that I am not using right now), I'll measure that tonight and see if it would fit if the PSU was in it's original position and post back here, possibly with a picture. I know it isn't quite the same dimensions as your P120.2 rad but its close enough I think.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chewbenator

Does the tubing have sufficient bend radius to put the pump right up on that vent next to the PCI slots? I'm thinkin ultra compact loop. Not sure where you would put the T-line or res but it could work.

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Bend radius wise I think it could be done. As for fitting on the vent area, I'll measure tonight and post back because I'm not sure that is wide enough for the pump. The picture below is kind of what you had in mind right?

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9131/loopmm8.jpg

That green stuff is a Y-fitting and the black/yellow stuff is a T-line.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IanY

Darn... is it alright with you if I were to copy your machine for a portable box?

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Go for it :D but if you start a thread about it or log it somewhere, let me know ;) I want to see if you hit any of the same problems I did and how you tackle them.

If it was me'd of had the PSU verticly, it would of made the case look bigger and better!

DDC could of mounted over a RAD, shorter hose as well, neater and everything!

I'm planning to do a WC PC7 i think it is! Now thats gonna be tight!

Really cool looking though dude

Yes that is exactly what I was thinking can't wait to hear if it would work.

@Chewbenator:

As you can see in the picture below, it does appear to be wide enough to fit the pump. That white thing is the vibration absorbing foam pad that comes with the DDC-2 and it has the same foot print (width wise) as the actual pump. I know its kinda hard to read the ruler too but you can see the vent area is about 6.5cm wide. The only problem I saw with installing it there is it will directly block your access to the screws that hold cards down so you would probably have to detach the pump each time you install/uninstall something in your expansion slots. Other than that, your idea looks totally possible :D

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_18.jpg

@OCFX:

See picture below. Oh man it looks like an insanely tight fit. If you (a) completely take out the rear 120mm fan or (b) mount it outside the case on the back then I would say it is definitely possible (although still a really tight). If you want to leave the rear 120mm fan installed your taking a serious gamble trying to keep the PSU in the stock position. Your only a few mm worth of wiggle room.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_19.jpg

So now I'm off to install my new stuff....

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_17.jpg

....although I'm not looking too forward to some of the cable management I want to do.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_20.jpg

Here is an inside shot of the PSU area for those of you wondering how I had it attached.

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_21.jpg

Sorry for the double posting and the constant bumping of my thread but I just wanted to post a pic of the cleaner cabling and the new hardware installed :) I still think it could be cleaner but I didn't want to spend more time then I already had on it for now. Besides I already kind of cheated by using split convoluted tubing (you can see a tiny bit of it in the above pic on the PCI blower fan which dropped case temps by like 6C) instead of real sleeving :ROTF:

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...ls_7-20-07.jpg

thats an amazing loop!! what kinda temps?

Wow. I was skeptical when I saw what case you where using but you really managed to jam it all in.

Even before the new PSU you routed your cables very well considering you have very limited area to conceal them.. Now it looks great, very well done :up:

The tubing might actually look bette than sleeving. Looks nice! lol

I thnk that a top fan might have been e good idea. The blower works but they are a tad noisy.

btw the 520 is excellent!

I will be ordering my watercooling stuff this weekend and have seriously started considering this case instead of the PC-7B. I think I am going to go with the ultra short loop that I wanted to see if it would work in this thread. I am also going to mod my PSU with a single 120mm fan so that I can take advantage of the airflow characteristics of this case. Because of the small footprint of this case I will probably pick up some recessed case handles from MNPC. Thanks for this thread because it gave me several ideas for the all internal watercooling system I wanted. Because the dimensions worked out for this mod I will be able to put a 3x120 rad internally in a smaller case which is very nice.

I don't know if this is an original idea but I really like the way you positioned the PSU to make room for the rad. I also like the inverted-type of case since it's clever to have the PCI cards at the top so that they don't interfere with the rad or pump etc.

This kind of inverted case would make for a great showcase for those wanting to show off the GPU block, ie EK blocks which are regularly hidden in regular cases.

The only negative thing I see is that there isn't room for a second hard drive, but everything else looks great. Good work :)

Red is the line, Blue is T line, red line going up is a fill line!

DDC mounted over the rads, this will make it last longer and give active cooling!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ls_7-20-07.jpg

Small short loop.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pete

Red is the line, Blue is T line, red line going up is a fill line!

DDC mounted over the rads, this will make it last longer and give active cooling!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ls_7-20-07.jpg

Small short loop.

---

that 1d3a 1s pr3tty c00l but 1 dk ab0ut the pump s1tt1ng 0n th3 fans 1f y0u catch my dr1ft

if you want the shortest loop - this is what i recommend...

DDC directly connected to rad (pointing down with super short tubing or male to male solution).

then rad to block (dark blue)

Block back to the top of the DDC (light blue) with a T-line (red) that can be filled via a hole in the ventilation area:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sick_g4m3r

that 1d3a 1s pr3tty c00l but 1 dk ab0ut the pump s1tt1ng 0n th3 fans 1f y0u catch my dr1ft

---

WTF . . .we don't TXT (SMS) talk her fella. English is the only thing allowed. Please do so!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stormshadow

if you want the shortest loop - this is what i recommend...

DDC directly connected to rad (pointing down with super short tubing or male to male solution).

then rad to block (dark blue)

Block back to the top of the DDC (light blue) with a T-line (red) that can be filled via a hole in the ventilation area:

---

I agree there it is small. I was just inc 2 features from the DDC failing thing to the system to make it safer

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pete

WTF . . .we don't TXT (SMS) talk her fella. English is the only thing allowed. Please do so!

---

ROFLMAO :ROTF:

that 1d3a 1s pr3tty c00l but 1 dk ab0ut the pump s1tt1ng 0n th3 fans 1f y0u catch my dr1ft ========

that idea is pretty cool but i dont know about the pump sitting on the fans if you catch my drift

get it now? welcome to reality...:ROTF:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sick_g4m3r

ROFLMAO :ROTF:

that 1d3a 1s pr3tty c00l but 1 dk ab0ut the pump s1tt1ng 0n th3 fans 1f y0u catch my dr1ft ========

that idea is pretty cool but i dont know about the pump sitting on the fans if you catch my drift

get it now? welcome to reality...:ROTF:

---

THE RED PART YUP, ONLY REPLY YOU'LL GET OFF ME

Your version of reply

Ya red pt ya, oly re u gt off I

some news ???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ultimeus

some news ???

---

Oh wow, I didn't know people were still interested in my build. I was surprised to see my thread bumped!

To answer your question: yes & no regarding new news. Since I last posted in this thread (7-20-2007) school has taken a lot of time. Every time I had a few days of "free" time I was too tired to actually work on my case and instead just gamed or did other stuff. A few weeks ago I moved everything into a Cooler Master Cosmos (pictures farther below) with plans to work on the Lian-Li and then move everything back. The last few weeks have been really tough though since I have had a lot of final projects and homework to get done as this semester ends. Next week is finals week so that one is pretty much a goner too. After that however I have over a month off for winter break between the semester (thank you CalState University system!) during which time I will work on my lian-li. I plan to finish and I will post all progress in this thread. On top of that promise, I have even more motivation to get the case up and running: I'm getting a new build. I already have a Q6600 (pic below) and memory (pic below). I plan to buy a motherboard soon and probably a 8800GT too. :D Now for some pics regarding what I have just all talked about...

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_21.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_22.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_23.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_24.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_25.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_26.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_27.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_28.JPG
http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_29.JPG

I was waiting for update since this summer.

I'm currently building a rig myself with this case. My objective is to show off everything outside and some mods like black inside uv plexi, etc.

Hope see an update soon

Alright, update time :) Only two pictures right now but possibly more before the end of today. The first picture below is pretty much just a mock up to see how things would be placed, etc. The second picture is after I had masking-taped and measured/drawn what I would need to drill and cut out. Now I'm going to grab some lunch and get cutting. The aluminum Lian Li chose for the top panel is like the side panels so it's thinner and thus easier to cut. Regardless I still plan to use the jigsaw, besides, I can't find my dremel :eek: :para:

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_30.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_31.JPG

What is that blue tape called? I need buy it before I start cutting :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Red Evil

What is that blue tape called? I need buy it before I start cutting :D

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It's masking tape. Frequently used for painting (so if you go to your local hardware store, look in the paint area). example link --> http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...090&lpage=none

Its just blue painter's tape. Its the same as masking tape, the beige stuff, but the adhesive on the other side of the tape isnt as strong on painter's tape, so you dont leave residue when you pull it off.

I did a lot of painting over the summer... must've gone through miles of the stuff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

Only two pictures right now but possibly more before the end of today.

---

Here they are:

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_32.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_33.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_34.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_35.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_36.JPG

how thick are those case handles? could you take a picture? thanks...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by septim

how thick are those case handles? could you take a picture? thanks...

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Sure. The handles measure about: 4.25in * 6.33in * 13/15in with about 1/3in being "submerged" into the case. The feel pretty tough. I purchased them from MNPCtech as well as my case feet:

Handles - http://www.mnpctech.com/BlackRecessedHandle.html

Feet - http://www.mnpctech.com/CaseFeet.html

Here are the pictures of the handle:

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_37.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_38.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_39.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_40.JPG

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...JamITin_41.JPG

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

Sure. The handles measure about: 4.25in * 6.33in * 13/15in with about 1/3in being "submerged" into the case. The feel pretty tough. I purchased them from MNPCtech as well as my case feet:

Handles - http://www.mnpctech.com/BlackRecessedHandle.html

---

:eek:
$25 for a pair of handles...are you out of your mind?

You could have gotten them so much cheaper. :shakes:
http://www.google.com/products?q=bla...-8&sa=N&tab=if

I couldn't even bring myself to check the feet...bet those could be had cheaper as well. :shrug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

:eek:
$25 for a pair of handles...are you out of your mind?

---

Sometimes. Yea, it is kind of a rip, I know. I feel bad about it now but I think I was having an attack of the "I-wants-it-now" when I purchased them

waterlogged is that a pair of handles for said amount or just 1?

looks like just one handle cost that much...

lucky for me mncptech doesnt accept int'l paypal payments...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kuhla

Sometimes. Yea, it is kind of a rip, I know. I feel bad about it now but I think I was having an attack of the "I-wants-it-now" when I purchased them

---

That was a trick question, Everyone here is out of their mind in some sense. :p:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by septim

waterlogged is that a pair of handles for said amount or just 1?

looks like just one handle cost that much...

lucky for me mncptech doesnt accept int'l paypal payments...

---

I can't speak for the first one but many of the fleabay ones are at least 1 pair. The $18 FB is for 2 pair which looks to be a very good deal for those.

This thing is taking forever!!! LOL Any updates?

I like those handles man, keep it up :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

This thing is taking forever!!! LOL Any updates?

---

:rotf: You people keep bumping my thread since I never update it. It's taking forever, I know, and I feel sort of guilty about that. Sorry :(

First here is a bunch of pictures and then after that I'll explain the current situation. No wait, I have to explain a few things: The cable connecting the 3 Scythe SFF21Fs is a 7v hard-mod to keep the noise down (they are quiet now by my standards). The Kingwin hard drive rack looks weird on the back because it is ghetto modified to use a larger fan (40mm Scythe "Mini-Kaze"). Also the pictures aren't all in perfect chronological order so hopefully that doesn't throw anyone off.

Oh and FYI, I hate my camera. It just plain sucks at taking anything but sunny, outdoor pictures and even those look pretty washed out :mad:

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400029.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400030.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400035.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400036.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400037.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400038.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400039.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400040.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400002.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400003.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400005.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400016.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400017.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400021.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400022.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400024.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400025.jpg

http://www.tacinept.com/kuhlas_stuff...d/SV400026.jpg

Ok, here is the situation as it stands. *looks at what was the last thing(s) I said in this thread* Ok so I did end up getting the rest of my hardware and here is the quick basics:

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (G0, L737B292)
Mobo - DFI LANPARTY Dark P35-T2RS
Vcard - EVGA 512-P3-N801-A1 GeForce 8800GT 512MB
Mem - 2 x 2GB G.SKILL DDR2-1000 (F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ)
Hdrive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB
PSU - Corsair 520HX 520w power supply

At the time my lian-li case was still getting cut up for the handles so I couldn't install my new gear into that. Despite having a few cooler master cases laying around (cosmos, two stackers) I decided to break out an old antec case I got for free but had never used. It's in a few of the pictures above. It looked beige-tastic but it was on the smaller side (something I much prefer to a nicer looking but large case). Oh well, I wanted my new stuff up and running ASAP. My radiator wouldn't fit in the new case so I figured I would just use the stock intel heatsink + fan for now since it was just a temporary solution until I had my lian-li ready to go. I didn't think about what I would need to actually install the watercooling in the lian-li. A week or two went by, I went to a lan party, had fun with my new build, worked a little on my lian-li. The day finally came to move into the new case. I was about half-way into the install when I realized I had no backplate!! Well, damn. This meant I would have to order one which would take a week to ship to me at the minimum. Watercooling delayed again. So a week goes by and my thermalright backplate arrives along with some other goodies (I have a picture of what arrived above). At this point I discover that the thermalright backplate doesn't follow the nice 6-32 standardized(ish) threading, instead it's M3 (metric) if I remember right. So I have to head to the hardware store to get some screws. I buy the longest screws they have but they turn out to be too short. Faaaaaantastic. Wasted money and now I have to go hunting for a new solution. I tried jamming a 6-32 screw into the backplate hoping I could re-thread it by hand (stupid stupid idea, I know, I was angry at the time). That failed big time but I was able to undo the damage to the backplate although the screw I snapped in half was headed for the trash. So the stock intel hs+fan went back on. I didn't want the gaping hole on the bottom of the case to just be open so I installed the scythe fans with some zip-ties (somewhat visible in some of the pictres). Finding them a bit loud I made a 7v cable for them all to plug into. It worked great. I'm too embarrased of what happened to go into detail of what I did next but the short story (oh god pun) is that I was playing around with the multimeter, checking a few things on the motherboard, slipped and made a connection. Boom. Short happens and computer turns off. Fast forward past all the praying and troubleshooting --> The only thing that I think died was the motherboard that I sent off to RMA about a week ago. I'm waiting (and hoping) on a replacement that I hope will get to me soon. Data on the hard drive was corrupted but after formatting it there appears to be no lasting damage. I have done some very limited testing to the cpu, memory and PSU which all appear OK. With the new computer totally out of commision (nothing happens without a motherboard eh?) I was computerless. I lasted a few days and went crazy so I had to get my old rig cobbled toghether so I would have something. These damn things are like crack, you get withdrawl symptoms! So right now I am using my old setup (most of the parts in the signature) but on my old cooler master PSU, thermalright heatsink and using the new 8800GT. So for right now this build is dead as I wait for a new motherboard and try to find somewhere to either get longer M3 screws or a different backplate that will work better for me. Oh and somewhere in the middle of all that I got the worst cold I think I've ever had and started a new semester *begin sarcasm* with some fun classes covering such topics as computer architecture, K-map minimization, memory devices, etc.*end sarcasm*

*big sigh* so ends a long post.