Custom Project: Black Silverstone TJ-10

First for a little bit of background: I've been involved with PCs for the past 8 yrs and I work at a computer store (not a high performance store). About 1-2yrs ago I decided to build a computer and it was a complete success. I finally decided to perform a much needed overhaul of my computer which I started in December when EVGA offered the 680i to 780i step-up to the older and newer 680i owners. During the seemingly endless wait I started to get into light modding which soon manifested itself into an obsessive hobby.

I'm completely overhauling my computer I wanted to do something "different" that hasn't been done a million times like water cooling the TJ07 (granted, some of them look amazing). The case I choose was the TJ10 which I really like the look of. As far as mods go I’ve already started painting parts black and sound proofing. I wasn’t sure what I should do for loop order but this is my plan (see pic below).

More Pictures Soon!

Current/On Order Hardware:
Case:
Silverstone ESA Edition TJ10B-WESA
Silverstone RadSupport09
Silverstone Aluminum 5.25 inches to 3.5 inches Bay Converter Kit
A.C. Ryan Acrylpanel(tm) Mirror 2
Bitspower X-Station Power Extension I
3A Link Sound Absorption Mats

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz @ 3.6GHz (Slacker)
CPU Cooler: Swiftech Apogee GTX (Copper Top)

Motherboard: EVGA NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI
Motherboard Cooler: EK Acetal 780i Northbridge Water Block, EnzoTech SLF-1, ViperJohn 780i Mosfet Heatsink Kit

Memory: CORSAIR 4GB XMS2 DOMINATOR (4x1GB) DDR2 800
Memory Cooler: CORSAIR CMXAF1 Fans

Graphics: EVGA GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB
Graphics Cooler: EK-FC9800 GX2 SLI - Nickel-Plated

Storage: 4x 150GB Western Digital Raptor X (Raid 0+1)

PSU: Gigabyte 800Watt ODIN GT

Case Fans: 6x 120mm Scythe SFF21E S-FLEX, A.C. Ryan Blackfire4 Kameleon (Special Edition) UV LEDFan - 120mm- Sleeved Silverstone RL-FX121 Case Fan

Lights: A.C. Ryan TWIN Overboost Dual 12" CCFL UV Lights, Sunbeam Tech Dual 12" UV CCD Light Kit

Radiator: Black Ice GT Stealth 240, Black Ice GT Stealth 120

Reservoir: EK-Multioption RES 150 Rev 2, EK Multioption RES Bottom Rev.2

Pump: Swiftech MCP655 12 VDC Pump MCP655-B

Tubing: 13FT - Tygon 1/2" ID (5/8" OD) Tubing with Koolance Tubing Spring Wrap, Black

Fittings:
Bitspower Ultimate G 1/4 Thread 1/2" ID x 5/8" OD Compression Fitting
Bitspower Dual G1/4" High Flow Fitting - Male to Male Thread
Bitspower Multi-Transfer Base (Coupler)
Bitspower G1/4" Stop Fitting with O-ring
Koolance Swiveling Angle Fitting (Low Profile)
Koolance Nozzle Body, Brass

Coolant: Feser One Non Conductive Cooling Fluid - 1000 ml - UV Black

Monitor:
Gateway - 24" Widescreen Flat-Panel TFT-LCD HD Monitor FHD2400
Olevia 37" LCD HDTV LT37HVS

Pictures!

Reserved for updates

Subscribed.

Subscribed as well

where cd-rom will be if u want 120x1 there?

looks like he planning to put the rad on it's "back" so to give space for a dvd fan control etc..
edit...maybe just 1 5.25" device

The 120mm radiator will be mounted horizontally in the 5.25 bays. I’m now having issues where the radiator is too long.

Just put a tripple in the top if you can. easier and cheaper (plus better cooling)

I just dont have the room but i did try a PA120.3 and it was too thick.

sounds like a good project look forward to updates

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben549

I just dont have the room but i did try a PA120.3 and it was too thick.

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Is the limitation just the thickness? Use a thinner one

the rad brackets are problematic as well.

hm, i think u should come more 'conceptual' to this mod
for now ur approach is as minimal mod as possible imho
tj-10 is great case, load it at full)

This will be sweet!

I can't wait for updates.

Pictures Added!

nice pics

looks good so far

What is that piece on the back, between the Rad and the rear of the case?? My TJ09 does not have that

i love the pump wow i want to do that to mine now A+

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cptn Vortex

What is that piece on the back, between the Rad and the rear of the case?? My TJ09 does not have that

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No idea but this is a TJ10 not a TJ09

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cptn Vortex

What is that piece on the back, between the Rad and the rear of the case?? My TJ09 does not have that

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Its one of Silverstone’s Cross-flow fans which got a black paint job! ;) (I’m glad to hear it goes so well with the case.)

Amazing :up:

Thanks! As soon as my Ek 9800GX2 block shows up ill post some more updates. Does anyone have any comments about the loop order?

EVGA Nvidia 9800GX2 & EK Nickel Plated Water block

My own personal twist on the 9800GX2 Waterblocks!!!!.......Hopefully I'm the First!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben549

My own personal twist on the 9800GX2 Waterblocks!!!!.......Hopefully I'm the First!

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As far as I've seen, you are, great idea. Great looking computer project so far, subscribed as well :up:

Niceee work!!

Thanks for all the positive feedback! Just wait, the next updates will feature the 9800GX2 with compression fittings attached and wired with two red LED’s. I’m currently waiting for the second red LED to arrive and I still have to grind down the case so the compression fittings will fit.

Sorry for taking so long with these updates! I swear I’ve redesigned this loop 10 times but now I think I’m finally content with it......For now....

The new loop order will be:
Apogee GTX -> EK 150 Reservoir -> D5 -> 120 Radiator -> 9800GX2 Block -> 240 Radiator

In my loop I use Bitspower's 1/2 ID fittings and I need to use 4 of Koolance's elbow fittings, 3 of Bitspower's high flow male-male adapters, and 2 of Bitspower's high flow female-female couplers. How negatively will the elbows and couplers affect my flow? (I would use martins flow rate estimator but it doesn’t have most of my hardware) I would also like to add a drain right before the EK 9800GX2 Water block but I fear this would really hurt my flow.

In the near future I’m hoping to sell my EVGA 780i and 4GB of Corsair Dominator ram and buy a EVGA 790i FTW (assuming its ever released) and 4GB of good DDR3 ram (CAS 5 to 7).

A word of warning to anyone who plans to attempt the 9800GX2 case mod I did: The two holes on the back side of the card (the side facing the mobo) used for holding the two parts of the case together are positioned right over the Southbridge on the 780i. To secure the two sides of the case together I used as single zip tie; unfortunately the zip tie sticks out too far and interferes with my EnzoTech SLF-1 Southbridge cooler. I’m currently working on a solution for this issue.

More Pictures!!!

Wow, so so nice. I just got a 9800GX2 as well....I kinda want a block for it now.... What is that PSU baffle thing hanging off the back?

Its Silverstone’s Power supply acoustic cover. I removed the Silverstone logo and painted it black to match the case.

Here’s the link to it:
http://silverstonetek.com/products/p...=pp02&area=usa

Cooool

Man that looks great

Yea, I’m really happy with how it’s turning out. The pictures make the 9800GX2 block look orangish yellow when actually it looks dark red. Does anyone have any response regarding my question about using elbows and couplers and their effects on flow?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben549

Yea, I’m really happy with how it’s turning out. The pictures make the 9800GX2 block look orangish yellow when actually it looks dark red. Does anyone have any response regarding my question about using elbows and couplers and their effects on flow?

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The elbows definitely won't help the flow, but you have a powerful pump so you'll be fine.

I must say that I prefered the GX2 block to be vissible, it's so pretty in it's own in nickel :) And I don't get the color of the block if you plan on using blue led fans ;) Elbows will harm your flow some, but most likely not enough to really hurt your performance ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by teko

I must say that I prefered the GX2 block to be vissible, it's so pretty in it's own in nickel :) And I don't get the color of the block if you plan on using blue led fans ;) Elbows will harm your flow some, but most likely not enough to really hurt your performance ;)

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I like the use of the GX2 cover myself, it makes it look much neater, especially where the power will be going. Cool little shroud too - and the red lighting gives the waterblock feature.

As for the elbows.. i dont think its going to be harmful either :)

very nice indeed

If you wanna make the Evga cover look alittle bit better on the side, u can remove the small evga sticker carefully and uncover this
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...5/IMG_0924.jpg
alittle hard to see, but it's the original geforce lettering intended to be there, looks better IMO

I was amazed I was able to mount the pump directly to the reservoir which is secured to the top by a DD Delrin fillport (Not pictured). I can finally continue with the build which I’ve been delaying because I hated having the pump in the bottom of the case. This layout is much more space efficient I might even be able to add another small loop if absolutely necessary for the 790i FTW.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by teko

I must say that I prefered the GX2 block to be vissible, it's so pretty in it's own in nickel :) And I don't get the color of the block if you plan on using blue led fans ;) Elbows will harm your flow some, but most likely not enough to really hurt your performance ;)

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Actually the amazing thing about this build is that every fan and light/LED can be independently controlled. This includes the blue fan which features independent 3 pin power connections for the fan and its LEDs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pvtdonuts

If you wanna make the Evga cover look alittle bit better on the side, u can remove the small evga sticker carefully and uncover this
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...5/IMG_0924.jpg
alittle hard to see, but it's the original geforce lettering intended to be there, looks better IMO

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WHAT?!?!?!?! NO WAY!!!! I had no idea that was under there; I can’t wait to remove that poorly applied EVGA sticker. (The stickers on the top and bottom will stay though)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben549

WHAT?!?!?!?! NO WAY!!!! I had no idea that was under there; I can’t wait to remove that poorly applied EVGA sticker. (The stickers on the top and bottom will stay though)

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:rofl:

Haha, glad I could help and yes it is poorly applied. Of every GX2 we had at work, pretty much all of the stickers were crooked; oh and btw the top and bottom stickers dont reveal any surprises...haha

Lol Yea, luckily I like the graphics on the top and bottom of the case. Getting that sticker off was a pain though as I almost removed a few of the letters but all is well as you can see in the picture!

I have now attached the SPDIF cable to the 9800GX2 and wired it to come out the back of the case. (See pictures)

I picked up two blue acrylic boxes at the sharper image store which was closing so I got them for $3 each……..I have no idea what I will use them for………maybe the CPU water block I’ve been designing…….

updates continued.....

nice work mate..

what did you do the ek block? looks bling

Quote:

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Originally Posted by disruptfam

nice work mate..

what did you do the ek block? looks bling

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Thanks but not a whole lot to be honest; added the nickel plated compression fittings, 2 red LED’s, dremeled the hell out of the case, wiped it with a microfiber cloth obsessively and that was about it! FYI the block came nickel plated.

so polished the block? i was talking about the ek chipset block :)

it looks like it got a coat of gloss black

OoOoOoOoh………..Yea it got painted….the obsessive/ anal-retentive way. So basically lapped to 2000 grit, buffed, 4 coats of gloss black, 4 more coats of clear coat, and then polished. Now I’m hoping to step up to the 790i FTW so all my efforts will have been for not. Either way it looks a lot better then it did when I received it with all the machining marks on top. You may have noticed that most of what I do is done in an obsessive/ anal-retentive way………..:D

Which of the 3 orientations pictured will have the best flow?
Incase anyone is wondering what part is actually being moved around in the pictures, it’s the male end of a Koolance shutoff nozzle.

I like the twist with putting the stock cooler back on with the waterblock :D

Quick question though...can u still use the original fan and the waterblock? Now that would lead to ultimate cooling :shocked:

The less 90* bends you have in the system the better.

excellent ... and very fresh idea for your gpu block! 1st time seen anyone in the forum does this ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Helfarch

The less 90* bends you have in the system the better.

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So far I’m leaning towards the first orientation in the picture. There really isn’t a way to not have this be a 90 degree angle but as others have stated before: the D5 is a strong pump and should be able to handle it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Serpentarius

excellent ... and very fresh idea for your gpu block! 1st time seen anyone in the forum does this ...

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Yea I haven't seen many people use this much nickel in there builds either lol. I will probably stick with this design assuming it doesn’t interfere with the second loop I’m planning………woops! I wasn’t going to tell you about that yet;)

What I meant was one config there looks effectively like two 90* bends but I'm no expert on fluid dynamics.

I am stealing your idea for the GPU block, cause it looks so darn cool!! Kudos brother! (TJ09 as well!)

Lol go right ahead, I’m glad to be able to contribute! Just wait, I have quite a few more mods to take pictures of and many more in the works. (Some of which include a beverage chiller mod, 5.25” bay mods, ect.)

Looks amazing so far! I am very impressed.

Great pictures, what camera are you using? Really sweet looking build so far, looking forward to see it finish.

I shoot with a Nikon D80 (soon to be D300) and either an 18mm-200mm VR or a 50mm f1.8D.

d300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nice mate!!!

so expensive though

Quote:

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Originally Posted by disruptfam

d300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nice mate!!!

so expensive though

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True, but I get a discount and using a VR lens is like CHEATING!!!

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I need to get a DDC variant but I have a quick question; Petras sells a Laing DDC-3.2 (18W)/Swiftech MCP355 Inline 12V DC Pump but are all of the Swiftech MCP355’s the Laing DDC 3.2 variation? I’ve been reading around the forums and I see a lot of issues with this pump? Is this really a good choice?

So as you can see I changed my mind as far as the orientation of the drain. The way I figure it, once that small space fills with coolant it will act as just another side and inhibit the flow much less!

Other TJ09 and TJ10 owners may have noticed this; in the bottom of the case is the custom made cable hider. It blends in quite well if I might say so myself.

mcp355 laing ddc 3.2 same pump diff branding

nice drain

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spotswood

:shocked: Please get rid of those ugly green washers on the CPU block mounting studs/bolts.

I like the drain setup.

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they do serve a purpose mate and you cant really see them with the block on.

This is what I have so far for my second loop setup, any recommendations?

From Petras
Danger Den Acetal FillPort
Laing DDC-3.2 (18W)/Swiftech MCP355 Inline 12V DC Pump

From Performance-pcs
(I hate them with a passion and recommend against them!!!)
Magicool Extreme Slim Profile 1X120mm Radiator - Black
XSPC LCD Display Temperature Sensor - Red
LED - Pre-wired with Connectors - 5mm - Red
Bitspower G 1/4" Temperature Sensor Stop Fitting
*** NEW *** XSPC Laing DDC Stand - Black
*** NEW *** XSPC Premium Acrylic Reservoir for Laing DDC
*** NEW *** Koolance Nozzle Body, Brass [no nozzles]
*** NEW *** Koolance Swiveling Angle Fitting (Low Profile), Single
Bitspower Dual G1/4" High Flow Fitting - Male to Male Thread

whats the second loop cooling?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by disruptfam

whats the second loop cooling?

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The :rocker:EVGA 790i FTW:rocker:…….when it finally gets released!

Anything I missed for my second loop?

dont think so looks good

just the blocks

Cool! Um what blocks? As far as I know the FTW edition of the 790i is already water cooled……..


ORDERED!!!!!!!

2 x Bitspower Dual G1/4" High Flow Fitting - Male to Male Thread
1 x *** NEW *** Koolance Swiveling Angle Fitting (Low Profile), Single
1 x XSPC LCD Display Temperature Sensor - Red
2 x LED - Pre-wired with Connectors - 5mm - Red
1 x Bitspower G 1/4" Temperature Sensor Stop Fitting
1 x *** NEW *** XSPC Laing DDC Stand - Black
1 x *** NEW *** XSPC Premium Acrylic Reservoir for Laing DDC
1 x *** NEW *** Koolance Nozzle Body, Brass [no nozzles]
1 x Magicool Pro Slim Profile 1X120mm Radiator - Black
1 x Terminal Crimped Wire - Male to Female ( 12" )
2 x Bitspower Premium D-Plug Set
2 x Bitspower Multi-Transfer Base (Coupler) - Set of 2
4 x Cord Clips 3/8" x 3/8" - Black
4 x Cord Clips 1/4" x 1/4" - Black
2 Danger Den Acetal FillPort
1 Laing DDC-3.2 (18W)/Swiftech MCP355 Inline 12V DC Pump
3 Neoprene Rubber Edge Trim ("C-Strip" Molding)
1 120mm Aluminum Fan Filter - Black
1 EK Anti-Cyclone Add-In
1 Feser View Active UV Dye (Black) 50mL
1 **Spring Cleaning** ASUS MOSFET Cooling Fan (two styles)

Cheap….No! Fun…..YES!!!!

pic of the ftw edtion please

Here's a link to the evga forums.

EVGA 790i FTW Sneak Peak
http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=341966&mpage=1&key=

Sorry for taking so long with these quick updates but I’ve been prepping for finals…….Not!

There will be another update within the next few days.

Picture #1
A shot of the top of the case with only the top two CCFL lights turned on. Please note that the design was not originally intended….but I’m going to pretend it was. ;)

Picture #2
Tapped the DDC Pump with XSPC Res Top and a Bitspower temperature probe.

Picture #3
Side panel with A.C. Ryan AcrylPanel Mirror2. The two way mirror keeps the case looking sleek and clean when the lights in the case are off and reveals everything when the lights are turned on.

Picture #4
The inner side of the panel has been soundproofed. The plastic has temporarily been left on so the acrylic panel doesn’t get damaged. The A.C. Ryan AcrylPanel Mirror2 on the front case panel still needs to be trimmed and a Silverstone LCD and two XSPC Temperature LCDs will be mounted behind it.

Picture #5
Corsair memory cooler with red UV reactive fans!

where do i fin d fans for ythe corsair memory cooler what size are they??

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4630/sex08ac5.gif

I'm loving it so far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yarden

where do i fin d fans for ythe corsair memory cooler what size are they??

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You can get them online at stores such as Performance-PCs (although I advise against them) and frozencpu. I used three ACE 40 x 20mm UV Glow Fan - Red in my mod.

very nice indeed!

After many failed designs I finally figured out the perfect way to mount one way glass in the 5.25” bays……. :D to bad I’m not going to tell you until I’m done with all of the bays.:D For now here are some more updates!

What causes that discoloration on copper blocks?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben549

After many failed designs I finally figured out the perfect way to mount one way glass in the 5.25” bays……. :D to bad I’m not going to tell you until I’m done with all of the bays.:D For now here are some more updates!

What causes that discoloration on copper blocks?

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simple ... just use double cellotape ... nowadays .. these adhesive comes with industrial grade (see natgeo)... it's not surprising if u stand on the acrylic and the still neatly attach on ur side panel ... some 2-tonne strength instant superglue can easier brought in ur local supermarket.


discoloration on copper shows the oxidization is in progress ... salty air, mild acidic air, or pipe water is suspected ...
u dun have to worry ... sooner or later .. ur block will have slight discoloration .. it's natural .. it wont affect ur temps that much ... maybe in nano deg celcius?

looks excellent mate!

Actually the technique I used doesn’t require any tape or glue. They could however be used to permanently secure the Plexiglas……but then you can’t put anything behind it or easily take the acrylic off.

I suspected it was oxidization; I guess I can always re-sand it slightly if I get OCD about it. Are you sure the oxidation will have minimal effects on my temps?

I’m not sure if I like the colors of the fans, as well as the brightness of the UV CCFL’s…..What do you guys and gals think?

I’ve been debating whether or not to apply a clear coat over the one way acrylic because it’s very sensitive and cannot be fixed if it gets scratched. As you can tell I have a sort of love hate relationship with this product.

Thanks,
Ben

Awsome job, clean, good photos ...I like It!

It looks cool with the VGA cover on, but it was originally meant to channel airflow, so without the fan it will retain heat and may hurt memory/other chips temps. Awesome project nonetheless.

Well I tried to take your idea of putting the stock shroud back onto my 9800GX2 after I installed my DD block, and it definitely didnt go easy. There were just too many parts that didnt line up, there was no way it was staying together. Ah well! Yours is looking awesome!

Picture #1
I was cleaning the Southbridge today and I noticed it appears to be chipped; its not toast is it?

Picture #2
Apparently EVGA forgot to remove the sticker from the inside of the Southbridge heatsink……. I’m sure this is great for cooling!

Picture #3
Ahhhhhh, I love how natural light makes the colors appear the way they should!

Picture #1
The EK 780i Northbridge Water Block after sitting out for a week. Ohh well It should work just as well.

Picture #2
The Black Ice GT Stealth 240 and after ½ a gallon of distilled water it looks like this. I decided to stop flushing because it looked so clean.

Picture #3
The Black Ice GT Stealth 120 and after ½ a gallon of distilled water it looks like this. I decided to stop flushing because it looked so clean.

nice update look forward to more

excellent job man! :up:
cant wait for more

just to warn you.

Ive been playing with the koolance quick connects for while now.

And there quite restrictive. Im only using them on my GPU loop and drain plug/line, and had to keep them off the cpu loop.

You should take a look at the inside. There is no way that thing can be free flowing.


Anyhow sexy rig :up:

Keep it coming! :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NaeKuh

just to warn you.

Ive been playing with the koolance quick connects for while now.

And there quite restrictive. Im only using them on my GPU loop and drain plug/line, and had to keep them off the cpu loop.

You should take a look at the inside. There is no way that thing can be free flowing.


Anyhow sexy rig :up:

Keep it coming! :up:

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Lol I’m aware of how restrictive they are, which is why I’m only using them to drain the loop when needed.

Any Comments about the Chipped Southbridge chip?

The project has hit another snag; the XFI sound card sticks out too far. This of course prevents the DDC with XSPC Res Top from being placed on top of the PSU which was the plan. At this point I don't have a clue as to where I’m going to put it. I don't want to ditch my XFI if I can avoid it because the onboard sound is a POS. One option I’m considering is adding my DDC with XSPC Res Top to my sell list and getting an XSPC Bay Res with the pump built in. I know it would be a step down but it would be a lot easier and I might be able to hook it up to my existing fill port which would be cool.

Any recommendations?

Dont want to use a Swiftech MicroRES? T-Line?

I personally can’t stand T-lines (from an aesthetics point of view). I actually have an old Micro Res I will try out. I was also looking at the Ek Res Top but it’s not tapped the way I would have liked…….

Quote:

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http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&d=1211936833

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whats that card behind the soundcard?

WiFi?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oerekum

WiFi?

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Sure looks like it.

Yep, its one of D-Link’s Extreme N wireless cards.

Use some ketchup to clean off the copper oxidation.

Squirt some on, let it sit for about 10 min and rinse/wipe clean.