New $500 H2O system- Got all the parts! (Pictures, Build soon)

Well, It had taken me a LONG time to finish this... But I'm finally done. (I Think) :D

I modded my Stacker back in early June:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=146735


Then Lapped my XP-90:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=147660


Then spent all my money on a box of liquid cooling goodies:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...p?p=2278796#21


I made some mistakes as I modded, And had to redo/replace a few pieces along the way. But Today, After 20 Hours of straight work through the night, I have finished it! :rocker:

the bad part: No pics of the case until my camera is charged all the way, The battery is already pretty shot. Until then, I have some results and a question:

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7348/superpiap0.png

Question: Coretemp says 28/41... Wtf? I've only used CT with C2D's prior to this, Does the chip monitor temps differently? I'm going to try to reseat the CPU block.

Just wait for the pics... She's a Beaute. ;)

Quote:

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Orignal Post:
Well, Im quite pleased that I will soon have reached my goal of $500; And will be ready to get myself my first personal h2o loop. I've built 3, repaired and maintained 2, But have never been able to afford one for myself.

Alas, After 2 months working at Safeway (Or as me and my co-workers like to say: "Slaveway; Ingredients for strife"), I'm finally ready to get in on it.

Now, The details...

My Goals:

-Silence is key, if not the most important. Personally, I think The DDCT-01 (Petras Top) would be quiet enough. I haven't checked the values, But I've been told its quieter then a D5, And those aren't too bad. Besides, I'm sure I could make a small insulated enclosure to house the pump. For fans... I could go for the Yate Loon D12SL's, But since my budget is $500, And the Scythe SFF21F S-FLEX is just as loud and pushes +16CFM more, I don't mind spending the extra $8/fan. I may end up just getting Scythe SFF21D S-FLEX's, Which push 33CFM... But run at a ridiculous 8.7dB :eek:

- Asthetics are important, But most of it will be achieved by some good 'ol handiwork with a jigsaw, And half a can of spraypaint. I'll talk about that later...

- Performance is of course important, But with all of the good compnents I'm looking at, I'm pretty sure I cant go wrong.


What I know:

There are only a few things I am certain of. Of these, Is the CPU block, Pump, Rad mounting, and Tubing.

The Radiator will be mounted in the Top of my Modded Stacker. This way, If I ever want to go Dual Loop, I'll just throw another 2x120 radiator in the front.

For hose clamping, I will eitehr be using Zip-ties (I've found some really good ones ;) ) or Breeze %100 stainless hose clamps. I chose the breeze clamps because they are very high quality, Full stainless, And the rotator shaft is much more compact then your typical zinc\steel clamps. I have 10 breeze clamps already on the way, Should be here in a few weeks.

I do know I will get a DTek Fusion... I'm sure not many people will argue against that ;) . I will also get the DDCT01.

Lastly, I want to order everything from Petra's. For one- I don't need to explain why I'd choose them over over sites. *Cough* Jab-tech *Cough*. Also, I can save $50 or so in shipping costs by doing a local pick up. Nifty, Eh?

Everything else, I'm unsure about.
So, without further Adieu, Here is my computer setup, And Proposed Parts List:

Computer:

A64 X2 4200+
Abit An8 SLI (I have a DFI board waiting to be installed)
2x Patriot 1Gb
Evga 7900GS 256Mb


Proposed List:
Dtek Fusion - $65
MCR 320 QP - $55
DDC w/ Petras Top - $100
Swiftekch Micro Res - $25
10' Tygon 7/16 - $30
3x S-Flex Fans - $42
5x Yate Loons - $20 (For Case, They will be 7v)
4x PTNuke - $10 (Extra)
4x Pentosin G11 $18 (Extra)
Swiftech MCW60 w/ Ramsinks - $60? *I don't know which block to get, I've only used Maze4 and MP-1)
Ramsinks - $20
DD Filport - $12

Total: $457
W/ Tax: Approx $495.84

Shipping: Local Pick Up :D



So that gets me to around my budget... Now I just need to ask the following:

-What GPU block should I get?
Decided to get the MCW60, Based on other builds ive read about, And suggestions in this thread

-I've been reading allot about the DDC 3.2/3.1's... Is there anything I should know? I'm assuming the 3.2 is a better choice.



Lastly, I would like to apologize for any errors in grammar or sentence structure. It's 4AM, I'm tired, And I still have a 3 hour movie to go watch... :p:
Good Night, And thank you!

---

Ditch the SFlex fans and just stick with Yates. I used to champion the SFlex fans until I got my hands on the Yates. The Yates are that much quieter. If you're looking for more airflow, check out Vapor's guide. I picked up 10 Sharkoon Golfballs and they've served me well.

Get a MCW60 and some ram sinks rather than the EK block. Your 7900 card is getting a little long in the tooth. Why pay $100 for a full cover card, when you'll probably end up two generations behind within the year. At least the MCW60 will let you reuse the block in the future.

For your pump, I'd go for the DDC 3.1 (or DDC-1 if you can find it) as it's the more silent of the two pumps. The only pump I've owned that's more silent than that is the d-tek db-1. However, the DDC outperforms that thing by a significant margin.

Other than that, your list looks good. Just buy 1 bottle of Pentosin and 1 bottle of PT nuke. You won't need 4x of each.

For the GPU : MWC60 w/ SMC8800 Cooling Kit (40$, and they come with 13 MC14 Ramsinks and 4 MC21 Ramsinks).

Rad and Pump look fine. Id trust a D5 over a DDC, specially the newer DDC3.2's.

You could also go with Masterkleer tubing, if you exceeding budget, they ain't half bad, and for 30$ you could get 50 feet of Masterkleer. Lol.

Everything else looks fine!

Get Hoseclamps btw!.

lolz ranker, you must have bought ppc's whole stock of golfballs 2k...

Everything looks great! Post lots of pics and hope your pump doesnt die!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ranker

Ditch the SFlex fans and just stick with Yates. I used to champion the SFlex fans until I got my hands on the Yates. The Yates are that much quieter. If you're looking for more airflow, check out Vapor's guide. I picked up 10 Sharkoon Golfballs and they've served me well.

Get a MCW60 and some ram sinks rather than the EK block. Your 7900 card is getting a little long in the tooth. Why pay $100 for a full cover card, when you'll probably end up two generations behind within the year. At least the MCW60 will let you reuse the block in the future.

For your pump, I'd go for the DDC 3.1 (or DDC-1 if you can find it) as it's the more silent of the two pumps. The only pump I've owned that's more silent than that is the d-tek db-1. However, the DDC outperforms that thing by a significant margin.

Other than that, your list looks good. Just buy 1 bottle of Pentosin and 1 bottle of PT nuke. You won't need 4x of each.

---

I'll take your word on the fans, I've yet to use any Yates, But I've had my fair share of Scythe fans. I loved em, So these Yates better be good! :D

About the GPU block... Yeah, I figured that. I may end up getting an 8800GTX soon, Just to hold me off for awhile (Get DX10, start saving up for new CPU/Mobo/Mem).

For the Pump- I'm going to try and get some more input on whether the 18w version is really necessary, I know there are plenty of DDC Gurus around here that would know.

And the Pentoisn $ PTNuke; Yes, It's allot. I'm only buying a ton so I never have to worry about it If I bleed my system, add a new block, Etc. It's only $23 more to get what is likely a lifetime's supply of additives (For this loop at least).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ad1tya

For the GPU : MWC60 w/ SMC8800 Cooling Kit (40$, and they come with 13 MC14 Ramsinks and 4 MC21 Ramsinks).

Rad and Pump look fine. Id trust a D5 over a DDC, specially the newer DDC3.2's.

You could also go with Masterkleer tubing, if you exceeding budget, they ain't half bad, and for 30$ you could get 50 feet of Masterkleer. Lol.

Everything else looks fine!

Get Hoseclamps btw!.

---

I like the SMC8800 Kit, Mainly because It could be easily passed along to a 8800 series, Which is what I'll likely be getting later. Unless the 8900xx Series kicks some serious tail and doesnt cost too much more... Meh.

I've only used D5's until now, And the failure rate of the DDC's isnt that bad- I ought to be more concerned about an earthquake, Given my location ;) . So I'll be sticking with the DDC; And if it fails, Duck and Cover!

Yeah, I dont know about the tubing. I've always used either Tygon, Or whatever generic stuff it is they sell at Orchard Supply. Again, Since I'm investing a large sum of money into this, I don't mind the extra $25. Either way, I'll have to remove that annoying lettering.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sick_g4m3r

Everything looks great! Post lots of pics and hope your pump doesn't die!

---

I sure hope it doesn't! :eek:


Thanks guys, I should order it soon... Maybe tonight, Maybe tomorrow, Hopefully I'll pick it all up tomorrow.

I'll have to wait a week to start working on it, Gonna be a 50 Hour work week next week; So when I am free, I wont feel like working on my computer... :coffee:. Now I just need to get a new job so I can make enough for a new Mobo/CPU/Mem... :yepp:

If anyone has any other suggestions, Please let me know!

:cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kevinbo03

I'll take your word on the fans, I've yet to use any Yates, But I've had my fair share of Scythe fans. I loved em, So these Yates better be good! :D

About the GPU block... Yeah, I figured that. I may end up getting an 8800GTX soon, Just to hold me off for awhile (Get DX10, start saving up for new CPU/Mobo/Mem).

For the Pump- I'm going to try and get some more input on whether the 18w version is really necessary, I know there are plenty of DDC Gurus around here that would know.

---

DDC 9W will serve you fine if you're after silence rather than pure pumping power for the theoretically lowest possible temps.

Quote:

---

And the Pentoisn $ PTNuke; Yes, It's allot. I'm only buying a ton so I never have to worry about it If I bleed my system, add a new block, Etc. It's only $23 more to get what is likely a lifetime's supply of additives (For this loop at least).

---

Heck, you won't even need that much. PT nuke is applied only 1-3 drops at a time and the bottle can probably last 20-25 rebuilds. The Pentosin is usually only mixed in at a maximum of a 10-1 ratio and even at that rate, I only found myself using 1/5 of the bottle each flush. I've since ditched it altogether as I no longer use any mixed metals.

Ok... Just 2 of each then! :p:


Just found out that the Swiftech MC8800 SMC Kit will be out of stock until Monday, SO I think I'll just get the MCW60 Ramsink combo.

^^ Your going to need 13 Ramsinks for a 8800. 12 for RAM and 1 for the NVIO Chip.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kevinbo03

Ok... Just 2 of each then! :p:


Just found out that the Swiftech MC8800 SMC Kit will be out of stock until Monday, SO I think I'll just get the MCW60 Ramsink combo.

---

That won't be enough to cover everything. You'll need the vreg heat sinks and a few more of the MC14 sinks. You can just buy an extra pack of those.

I don't have a 8800 Yet, When I do I'll just buy the additional heatsinks (I should buy one is a few months at most).

For now I'll be cooling my 7900GS.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/17/basicideays4.png


I'm, thinking I'm going to go with this layout, Maybe shorten the long tubes a little bit.

Uh...wtf man?

The micro res will have the barbs towards the bottom...and you should have it face toward the back of the case..

Secondly, the res FEEDS into the pump, otherwise you will kill your pump.

Your res should be before the inlet of your pump. Personally, I would avoid the unnecessary tubing and just have it go across the case.

I know the barbs are lower on the Res, I just didn't feel like fixing my work of art. :p: And all that stuff will be BEHIND the drive bay frame.

And what do you mean about the Res feeding into the pump? I have an entirely function and proven loop sitting across the room that runs:
Rad>Pump>CPU>GPU>Res>Rad

(BI Pro II > D5 > DD RBX > MP-1 > Swiftech Micro > BI Pro II)

Unless you aren't talking about order, But something else... :confused:

EDIT: Ahhh, You are talking about filling the system, I see. Yes, I see what you mean, Previously I would just spend lots of time shaking the whole loop to get the bubbles to escape, But your idea sounds easier.:p:

Just got to cash a paycheck tommorow, Then make the order.:D

I believe he is talking about making sure the pump is below the res so that the pump can be gravity fed.

Your Res, will have to be above the Pump. It will feed the Pump, through the wonders of Gravity.

Also, why do you want to Hide your tubing and your Pump etc?

IMHO, showing of your Tubing/Pump looks 1337(leet) :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kevinbo03

Besides, I'm sure I could make a small insulated enclosure to house the pump.

---

Erm...
as some say, the #1 reason for DDC failure is modded tops.
#2 would be overheating pumps.
That sound-isolating enclosure may also trap heat inside.

The res before the pump - the res is there to supply the pump with water and
have a minimal space for dilation. If you have your res elsewhere, the pump may
suck in air from a not properly bleeded loop.

I'll ask today when I pick it up. If they advise against it, I'll find another way.

Gonna place the order in a few minutes...

Ordered! :D

Name Code Qty Each Options
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-TEK FuZion Universal DTEKFUZION 1 64.99
CPU Waterblock - 1/2"
Swiftech MCRES-MICRO MCRES-MICRO 1 22.95 Additional Barbs = None
Hi-Flo Reservoir Re-Tap Top Port in 1/4'' BSPP = Yes
(+ 3.00)
Petra'sTech "PT_Nuke" NUKE-10 2 2.50
Concentrated Biocide
(10mL)
UV Reactive Pentosin G11 UVPG11-B4OZ 4 4.50
Coolant Additive (Blue) -
4oz.
Swiftech MCR-320 "Quiet MCR320-BLK 1 54.99 Barb Type = Black Nylon
Power" Series Radiator -
Black
120mm Yate Loon D12SL-12 FAN120YL-D12SL 8 3.99 Fan Screws = none
Case Fan - Black (47 CFM,
28 dBA)
Swiftech MCW60 GPU MCW60 1 59.99
Waterblock w/ MC14
Ramsinks
Danger Den Delrin DDDFP 1 11.95
FillPort
Danger Den Filling DDFS 1 2.25
Syringe
30mm Zinc-Plated Steel SWIFT-SCR-ZP 6 1.15
Swiftech MCR-QP Fan
Screws (Pack of 4)
D-Tek High-Flow Fitting G14DT12 14 2.30
(G 1/4" Thread, 1/2" OD)
7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Tygon 716-TYG 10 2.99
R-3603 Laboratory-Grade
Tubing
Laing DDC w/ Petra'sTech DDC-COMBO 1 99.95 Included Barbs = 1/2'' D-Tek
DDCT-01s Top Combo High-Flow
Pump = Laing DDC-3.1 (9W)
60mm Vantec Stealth Case FAN60VAN-STL 1 6.99
Fan (12 CFM/20 dBA)
Thermalright HR-05-SLI HR-05-SLI 1 22.95
"High Riser" Chipset
Cooler
ATX Molex Pin Remover TOOL-ATX 1 4.99
Swiftech SmartCoils 625 SmartCoils625 1 2.95
(for 5/8" OD Tubing) - UV
Ocean Blue
3" Petra'sTech Logo PT3-BLK 1 3.00
Appliqué - Gloss Black,
External Application
Subtotal 481.87
Shipping 0.00
Tax 39.75
Total 521.62

Just finished unwrapping all the Parts... Like Christmas all over again. :D


Some Pictures:


The Loot:
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3...0001tz2.th.jpg

7/16" Hose, Using all D-tek Barbs.
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8...0038rl3.th.jpg

The Barbs... Quoc said I bought most of what was left :cool:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7...0010ze4.th.jpg

Petra's top, Needs no introduction.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6...0011pb3.th.jpg

G11, PTnuke, And DD filling Syringe. Yes, I bought a lifetime supply.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4...0009od9.th.jpg

The pump assembled.
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4...0025mq5.th.jpg

D-tek Fusion
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3...0026ca0.th.jpg

DD Delrin fillport... Notice the plastic shaving left inside. Tisk Tisk, I've been hearing bad things about DangerDen's quality control lately.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4...0037tb1.th.jpg

The MCW60 w/ Ramsinks
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7...0033og4.th.jpg

MCR320
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9...0020ds8.th.jpg

HR-05 SLI
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8...0032ai7.th.jpg

MicroRes, Threaded fillport.
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/4...0031uw6.th.jpg

One 60mm Vantec stealth, And 8 Yate Loon slow speed fans.
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6...0017xe9.th.jpg


What is it with cats and boxes?
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9...0040yz9.th.jpg



And last but not least, An item unreleased by PetrasTech:

It's been in development for months; And has yet to be revealed to the public. I managed to get myself one, May I present...




The *Official* PTS...
Shell gas station directions:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/8...0019wn9.th.jpg
Patent Pending


Order yours today!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kevinbo03

And last but not least, An item unreleased by PetrasTech:

It's been in development for months; And has yet to be revealed to the public. I managed to get myself one, May I present...

The *Official* PTS...
Shell gas station directions:

---

/me want... how much?

:D

That was fast...

Gosh that looks aweosme CONGRATS

Party hats

:up:

What made you go with the DDC-3.2 ( I presume) over the D5

::::drol: woah!!!!!!!!

Gotta love petras

Just recieved my order from them today. Love the pen and the note. :up:
My only issue (my own fault), is that I thought that DD fittings would fit the MCW60 block, but they don't, so now I need to use plastic fittings with either the MCW60, or the Storm.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Vice

:up:

What made you go with the DDC-3.2 ( I presume) over the D5

---

I went with the DDC 3.1, Mainly for sound levels and performace. The DDC is a bit better, And allot quiter then the D5. I've used the D5 a few times before, And have nothing against it- I'm just going for silence. :up:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ColonelCain

Gotta love petras

Just recieved my order from them today. Love the pen and the note. :up:
My only issue (my own fault), is that I thought that DD fittings would fit the MCW60 block, but they don't, so now I need to use plastic fittings with either the MCW60, or the Storm.

---

Yeah, there was one thing they forgot in my order:

The Infamous Pen.

Meh, I have 6 I think. :p:

Anyways, I have 7 or 8 extra D-tek barbs, If you want I'd be more then happy to send you some... Just message me if you are interested. :up:



Testing the DDC:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7809/img0047nu6.jpg


Inside the radiator after cleaning:
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/1430/img0043ko7.jpg


On the left is the vinegar from cleaning, On teh right is the hot water:
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6154/img0046hs8.jpg


Note: I started cleaning the radiator with vinegar just as I always have, And decided to ask Petra if pumping vinegar through the DDC was ok. He advised against it, And furthermore suggested that I only use very hot water for the radiator. My suspicions were the same as his: That the blue tint in the vinegar is oxidized copper- Think the statue of liberty...

So It was too late, But I gave the radiator a second washing with Hot water, And as you can see, it removed that blackness that I was trying to flush out.

I made my design for the hole I'm going to cut in the case for the MCR320, I'll post pictures once I've started the work. :cool:

Ahhhh! I love the smell of new hardware in the morning!

Nice toys you got there m8!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Patriote

Ahhhh! I love the smell of new hardware in the morning!

Nice toys you got there m8!

---

copy that soldier!

waiting for more pictures

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SaFrOuT

waiting for more pictures

---

After I finish eating ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kevinbo03

After I finish eating ;)

---

yes! pics!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sick_g4m3r

yes! pics!

---

I'm waiting too :)

Just a few pictures for now...


The Fusion and it's accesories:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6134/img0002vc1.jpg


The surface of the Block, Dissapointing IMO.
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3846/img0004mt5.jpg



Soooooo.............
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5395/img0005zr2.jpg


:D

Stay Tuned.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mcoffey

well congrats, you pretty much just negated the performance gain by lapping the block and removing the bow. There's no need to lap a block to that extent.

gl.

andyc

---

Sorry bud, The Bow is still there. As a matter of fact, It's just as bowed as it was before, Just allot shinier.

High grits, Eh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mcoffey

gl,

andyc

---

ty,

kevinb

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1904/img0007ql7.jpg
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7850/img0011yb5.jpg
^.0002" lapping plate

:rolleyes:

Fantastic job on lapping that block, especially not affecting the bow. From the first pic to the second, truly a big difference. KUDOS!

Thanks! More then anything it was polishing- One run with 2000 grit wet, Then Noxon 7, Then Polishing compound. Not a mirror finish, But much better.


A example of my "MC14 Ramsink = Hairdoo" comment.
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8...0018fv1.th.jpg

MCW60 Inards:
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6...0022gv0.th.jpg

HR-05 and accessories:
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2...0001mq8.th.jpg

Closeup:
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3...0003hg7.th.jpg

The HR-05 has atypical Thermalright Finish: CNC milled :(. I polished it a bit after this picture. May lap later.
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/2...0005fb6.th.jpg

I love Swifttech, Thanks to them I have enough plastic barbs and clamps for an entire loop. Thanks gabe! :p:
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5062/img0015qa0.th.jpg

Not to mention the ONLY block with a good finish was the Swiftech:
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6...0007an5.th.jpg

The Block:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6...0013oz9.th.jpg


Thats all for now. Going to start cutting tubes to their approx. lengths.

I do not want to sound rude, but why spend 500$ on water for a 4200+, even for a K8 they were expensive and slow... It is very easy now to get a really cheap Opteron 165/170/175 with a PRIME stepping that will do 3.1+ on water.

60$ 2gb 6400 ballistix
266$ Q6600
135$ DFI965

That should be your next upgrade ;)

Polishing compound on a waterblock? Adding an insulating layer to a waterblock? Doesn't seem like a great idea.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fhpchris

I do not want to sound rude, but why spend 500$ on water for a 4200+, even for a K8 they were expensive and slow... It is very easy now to get a really cheap Opteron 165/170/175 with a PRIME stepping that will do 3.1+ on water.

60$ 2gb 6400 ballistix
266$ Q6600
135$ DFI965

That should be your next upgrade ;)

---

That is my next upgrade ;)

Actually, Probably more like:
-Q6600 \ QX6700
-4Gb
-Some good motherboard...
-2x 500Gb Spinpoints.
-8800GTS


We'll see, I'll probably devote $1500-2000 to it. I just wanted to have some fun with this setup before I dump it for something new, And all the H20 gear will be moved over to the new system.

Now I just gotta work 8 50-hour weeks; And I'll be golden. :cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by [XC] DragonOrta

Polishing compound on a waterblock? Adding an insulating layer to a waterblock? Doesn't seem like a great idea.

---

All the remaining stuff comes off very easily... People always see Brasso, And freak out...

"ZOMG YOU ARE HURTN UR TEMPZ"

A few minutes of rubbing with an isopropyl soaked microfiber cloth gets anything off of the surface. Even if it doesn't get all of it, I've used the same method before on heatsinks and gotten some major gains in performance. I'm not expecting much, seeing as it's a water block. It was just my OCD/Love for shiny things. :shrug: :up:

Ok man, I am glad to hear you will be changing things around, but no way would I put an 8800 on the same rad as a QX6700, mine is crazy sensitive to temp changes and I have stronger fans....

I still game on the crappiest computer I have, I have no idea why I must game on the lappy :|

Chances are I will add an MCR220 to the front of my case, Put the CPU / Motherboard lock on the 320, Video on the 220. or CPU on 220, GPU / Mobo on 320. Who knows...

Either way, I'm planning to devote another $400 max to cooling a few months after the Mobo/CPU/Mem/HDD upgrade. I figure:


-DDC w/ Top - $100
-MCR220 - $40
-8800 ram sinks $40
And then $120 for the Mofsets/chipset/Whatever.

Things may change by the time I get the new Mobo.


After that, I would upgrade my PSU, Then add another video card. If all goes as planned, I want to get this all done around December. Otherwise, Some parts will be too old to move forward. If I have a screamin fats computer around December, It will last me 2 years easily. In the past, I was always upgrading crap components. I'm going to try and avoid that. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fhpchris

It is very easy now to get a really cheap Opteron 165/170/175 with a PRIME stepping that will do 3.1+ on water.

---

Okay, where?

Great looking items. I need to get some money saved so i can cool my 8950GX2's when they come out.

Oh does anyone know how long it took Ek to come out with blocks for the 8800's?

Tyler

www.zipzoomfly.com has the Opteron 165 for $104 (free shipping). Newegg for $99. And they have the Opteron 175 for $153 (free shipping). Newegg for $149.

I picked up my Opteron 185 off of eBay for $205. I have had it to 3.26GHz stable. But I backed it off to 3GHz to reduce the voltage on it. As far as the price I paid for my Opteron 185, it took a while but I always find the auctions that end at times when most are in bed, usually between 2am & 5am CST. I seem to get good deals this way. I know eBay isn't the place to purchase cpus because people tests them for oc'ing, find that they aren't very good oc'ers, & sell them to try to get a stepping that will oc well. But I have been fortunate. Mainly because I look for sellers that seem to just be in the business for selling. High feedback rating and a few thousand transactions.

Got a little bit done yesterday and today; Even though I called in for a 16 hour shift at work :eek:. Made the mistake of partying after that... Bleh. :yawn2:


The Board I'll be using for a few months:
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/151/img0001rq3.jpg


With new heatsink:
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4833/img0005qq2.jpg


Stripping and cleaning my 7900GS:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4099/img0006lv6.jpg


Doing a Mock-up of the Ramsinks and MCW60:
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9973/img0013kr6.jpg



Ramsinks don't fit between the Barbs and the Memory.... Hm....
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/3526/img0014fk9.jpg



Thank for the idea Phelan! :up:
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5274/img0018kk3.jpg



Much better!
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3734/img0019ee1.jpg



Cutting the top of my case for the Radiator:
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/346/img0022yg7.jpg



Almost done making the cuts, Still have to file and sand the edges allot:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4029/img0023no2.jpg



I'm stilling not sure what I will use to cover the hole on top. I'll be thinking of ideas; Already got a few neat ones. ;)



For now, I set up my hardware on my desk, With The motherboard on standoff pins. Ghetto :)

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1520/img0025xt8.jpg


Sorry the all the blurriness, My camera has a poor focus, SO it usually takes 4 shots to get a good one. Normally I just take 4 shots, But I'm pretty lazy to day, Ss didn't go through the trouble. Also, my apologies for any poor spelling or grammar. :yawn2:

Now, It's almost 4 PM here... Time to take a refreshing nap. :D

looks good but that vantec "stealth" is far from quiet. I use it on my hr-05 and have to run it at half speed to be silent.

Yeah, I plugged it into an old PSU i jump start for testing stuff, And I was pretty disappointed. I'm going to try 7v, 5v later to see if it's quiet enough.