Project: City of Light

Hi, everyone, I have a new project here.

It will be called City of Light (more explanation on the name later).

This mod's "canvas" will be a Lian Li V2100 (old school style) which I acquired new for around USD 200. Thankfully it doesn't have the "Plus" package which I probably would've thrown out anyway. Also it only has the sound insulation on one panel, which is a 'plus' to me since I'll be cutting on it and won't have to tear it all off!
Here's some links if you want to see what it looks like...though I imagine most of you are familiar with it:
http://www.gideontech.com/content/articles/286/1
http://www.firingsquad.com/hw/4317/L...ll_Tower_Case/


City of Light will feature dual WC loops, silent operation, and a killer motherboard cover. I might throw in some home-built or modified waterblocks, too.

This is a long term mod. I'll work on it most weekends but rarely during the week. I've already done some work, so my first several updates should be pretty regular. Please don't ever hesitate to ask questions or to make comments or give criticism. The interactive aspect is the whole reason I'm doing this log!

It will focus equally on aesthetics, performance, and silence.

I'm not a gamer, and this is not a gaming rig. It will primarily be used for playing with crypto, doing a lot of photo processing, and general office stuff.

Being 'green' is kindof important to me, so where possible I want to use recycleable, ROHS compliant parts, avoid toxic coolants and paints (and have a toddler so it's safer that way). I will not cut a bunch of holes in the case b/c I will use it again; I learned from my previous Project Headrush...I mutilated that case and it's pretty much worthless for other configurations now.

Components:
Core i7 920
3GB Corsair DDR3
undecided Mobo
undecided GPU(s)
undecided SSD

Cooling:
Loop1:
Thermochill PA120.2
D5
undecided CPU block
Swissflow meter
Loop2:
undecided pump
full mobo cooling
gpu block(s)
koolance flow meter
BI Stealth 120.1
BI 80.2
possibly another Stealth 120.1

Planning on putting the PA 120.2 on the floor, a 120.1 in the front, the 80.2 in the back, and the optional other 120.1 up on the mobo tray:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...caseradloc.jpg

Previous mods:
Project Headrush - still ongoing. Honestly, I never really finished it and plan to 'refurbish' and finish it after City of Light. Here's an older pic (still in progress):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...7550Medium.jpg

And a shot of my top shroud:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...7548Medium.jpg

Macbook Carbon - I finished this last winter. It's a homemade carbon fiber shell I made for my Apple Macbook.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2577.jpg

Alrighty, I hope you all enjoy the ride! :)

Stripping (not that kind)
I mainly used a run of the mill cordless drill for drilling out the rivets to free the case from most if its internal 'stuff'. I got some spiffy drill bits for Father's day 2007 (thanks Cam!):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2688.jpg

For the times when the drill can't cut it, I got a great attachment combo for my dremel: the Dremel chuck and right-angle adapter. That made drilling out the rest of the rivets a breeze!
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2687.jpg

Here's the fruits of my labor:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2690.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2692.jpg

I also took out the center divider, but not the drive supports. Sorry, I forgot to snap an 'after picture of that' :(

I'll have another update for you soon.

ETA on next update is Tuesday 1/27.

Front light
How many times have you had to turn on the light in your room/office, just to figure out which DVD to put in a drive or which way a memory card goes in? I wanted to fix that. So here we go.

IMHO this case is perfect for what I want to do, which is add a little light that lights the front of the case from above, so I can see what I'm doing but it doesn't shine in my eyes and stuff. The V2100 has the 'bars' at the top and bottom of the front that hold and support the big, heavy front door.

So, I removed the top bar and inspected it. It was ideal for my plan since it was hollow and the bottom was not too thick.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2756.jpg

I then got a piece of clear scrap acrylic, cut three strips, and glued them together. I wanted to 'frost' the part where the light would be coming out, and tried a bunch of grits of sandpaper, finally deciding on 800.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2748.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2749.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2755.jpg

After measuring and marking the center and where I wanted the 'window' for the light to pass through the top bar, I drilled two holes (can't remember what size), and two mounting holes, one on either side, and countersunk for M3 tapered head screws. Then I just dremeled out the middle.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2759.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2760.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2762.jpg

Then I took two LED's and flattened off the rounded bottoms with my dremel.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2747.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2754.jpg

With this bit - I don't know what it is called:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2753.jpg

I then soldered one cathode to one anode, and then wires to each side. Drilled holes in the top of the 'lens', and wired it up with a resistor.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2745.jpg

Wired up and ready to be screwed back on:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2768.jpg

And then for the test:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2769.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1/IMG_2771.jpg

I REALLY like the effect:shocked:; this is something I've been wanting to have for a while! What do you guys think? :welcome:to leave comments!

AWESOME idea with the lighting! Really! Goota love ingenuity... if i had that sort of problem i would probably end up using tape and a book light in some absurd manner :D


Now get back to work and show us more :D

My first real computer case I bought like 5 years ago had a similar lighting thingy.

It was the Aspire X-Infinity case and it had two upwards and 2 downwards firing blue led's on the front.

And before anyone asks, yes that's where the user name came from. Kinda lucky it worked out that way, LianLi.comptech just doesn't roll off the tongue the same way.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by headala

ETA on next update is Tuesday 1/27.

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I think I know which MB you will be using......

THIS?!:eek::eek::eek:

Could you take more pictures of your light in daylight? I don't quite see how it only lights the panel but not the front.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by barfastic

AWESOME idea with the lighting! Really! Goota love ingenuity...

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Thanks! Hope to have some more to show soon!:hrhr:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aspire.comptech

My first real computer case I bought like 5 years ago had a similar lighting thingy.
It was the Aspire X-Infinity case and it had two upwards and 2 downwards firing blue led's on the front.

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Cool...but I don't know why they don't do it more? It seems like it would be really useful to me :shrug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theseeker

I think I know which MB you will be using......

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Yeah, baby, yeah! The mothership has landed...:pimp:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by exe163

Could you take more pictures of your light in daylight? I don't quite see how it only lights the panel but not the front.

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I'm sorry, I don't have any more pics of it and I already packed it away until 'final assembly'. Could elaborate more on your question? I'd like to give you an answer. :stick:

Thanks for your interest, guys!

Nice idea on the light. Love the detail your putting into this.

Thanks, Shazza, I appreciate it! ;)

Send me one of those light kits and I will give you a big discount on your next purchase.:ROTF:

Wow, that light is verrrry cool. I use one of these

Also, I'm trying to work out how to mount my W/C in my V1000, which is similar design internally just craploads smaller. I'll be watching to get some ideas! :D

Wow that light looks awesome!!

thats some sweet lighting effect!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theseeker

Send me one of those light kits and I will give you a big discount on your next purchase.:ROTF:

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Hehe, thanks. Though I've seen your skillz, and they're probably better than mine! :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by downforce

Wow, that light is verrrry cool. I use one of these

Also, I'm trying to work out how to mount my W/C in my V1000, which is similar design internally just craploads smaller. I'll be watching to get some ideas! :D

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Great, I hope you get some good ideas from little ole me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hotwaxisbad

Wow that light looks awesome!!

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Thank you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by upsidedown

thats some sweet lighting effect!

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Thank you!

Hi, what a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in NC! I hope you all are having a great day.

I have had several request for a worklog on my Macbook Carbon alluded to in the introduction. :stick: Unfortunately I don't have enough progress pictures to do a full log so this Mini-log will have to do.

I first came upon this idea when I was sitting in May 2007 in a Systematic Theology class (divine illumination!) and noticing how my little white Macbook looked...um...what's the politically correct word for it? :sofa:Froo-froo? Effeminate? Anyway, it's not a sleek sexy black notebook (only if you give Apple an extra $200).

It's also prone to scratches, which I hate anything I have being scratched up (The Seeker called me anal...I guess I am).

Other things I was thinking about that are relevant: it's more or less geometrically the same top and bottom, it has very limited ports, I never use the DVD drive, and all the cooling vents are in one place on the back.

All of these things, taken together, convinced me that it was an ideal candidate for a hard shell. And it can only be Carbon Fiber.:cool:

In researching, I learned how much of a pain (and danger) CF can be to work with. The shards/splinters/dust can easily get in your skin/eyes/lungs/nose/ears, and sometimes have to be surgically removed. Someone even told me that they cause cancer! I thought...wow, sounds like something fun to work with! :eek:

So, I have NO experience (except helping a friend re-fiberglass the inside of his boat in college) in composites. I did a bit of research. And I decided to try.

My original ideas and my final procedure turned out to be quite different, so bear with me. :fact:

My plan was to basically cover the computer in wrinkle-free plastic wrap (like for your leftovers Christmas dinner), and fiberglass it (with the CF), twice. Then trim the two halves and voila! Wasn't that easy though.

I did get several layers of wrinkle free plastic wrap around it, and then fiberglassed it with some medium fiberglass batting, in two layers, as a test. All that stuff came from home depot. After it cured, I discovered that my MB had a weird smell and some of the plastic had deteriorated. Doh! can't do that again.

So, I thought about how I could do it without using the computer as a mold. I thought about using MDF and building a replica, and then fiberglassing that with the CF, but it would take too much work. I didn't have a ton of time to work on it, and had limited tools.

Then I noticed my 'test' fiberglass shell that I made. An idea was born. :hrhr:

I orderd some big bottles of urethane rubber used for making molds, some carbon fiber cloth, some wax spray, and some sheeting used like plastic wrap to make the finish smooth.

I took that urethane rubber, and dumped it into my fiberglass mold (after spraying it with copious amounts of wax). Then I put a cardboard box into the rubber to take up some space. After it cured, I had a pretty good mold made from rubber.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2602.jpg

Once the mold was finished, I could resume my original plan: I sprayed the mold with the wax, then stretched carbon cloth over the mold and taped it down to the sides of the box. Mixing my two part epoxy resin well, I tried to avoid bubbles as much as possible and the poured it on to the cloth. I found some spatulas at the dollar store and used them to work the epoxy into the carbon. Then I covered it with the release film. And now for the secret weapon: I used a block and tackle to carefully lower a garbage bag full of water onto the release film. This squeezed out most of the bubbles.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2601.jpg


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2580.jpg

I made two layers, and after it cured it seemed plenty strong. So, I did it again (another one of two layers) so I had two halves. I then had to dremel down the edges a little to test fit them onto the notebook, and then once on the notebook (and some spacers inserted inside to allow for the attachment material) I needed to mark off from the inside exactly how far down I needed to trim. I mainly used a dremel on a drill press for this.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2574.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2578.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2583.jpg

I realized after the trimming that in a couple of places the two layers of carbon (especially in the taller bottom half) weren't joined well. So, superglue and clothespins to the rescue! :rocker:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2590.jpg

Overall I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. CF looks unbelievable, even when done by a n00b like me :rocker::

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2575.jpg

I ended up attaching the top with double-sided tape, and the bottom with velcro.

I then needed to make holes for the ports I use the most. I cut out notches on the back for the cooling vents, and holes for the power plug, front LED, and IR receiver. I mainly transfer files over my home network, and backup over that too, so I don't often need the USB/FW ports. I never use the DVD drive. So, just a couple of holes.

Marking off:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2633.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2634.jpg

Drilling and filing:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2638.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2639.jpg

One thing that I hate is advertising for companies. Therefore, I'm not a big fan of the lit-up apple in the middle of the lid. So, I decided to make a window and show something else through it:
Measuring:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2612.jpg

Finding a coin for a stencil:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2618.jpg

Transferring to paper:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2624.jpg

Drilled and cut (didn't want to dremel because of the dangerous dust/shards around my toddler):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2627.jpg

Sanded (a little wet):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2629.jpg

Finished:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_9826.jpg

I put metal foil tape along the front edge to keep from sticking CF into my wrists:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2643.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...n/IMG_2644.jpg

And we're done. Again, i apologize that the pictures are kind of hit and miss. I was on a tight schedule and have probably lost some of them. I hope you enjoyed it! I'll resume City of Light in the next update. Thanks for reading!

Very creative thinking!

more pics to do the lappy justice!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobbylite

more pics to do the lappy justice!

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Yes we need soem more pics :)

Thanks, Seeker! Did you see that you're mentioned in the 4th paragraph, right below the 'sofa' smiley?

Bobbylite and Swale, I'll take more pics tomorrow and post 'em.

How much did the CF run you for that project? very cool idea.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by headala

Thanks, Seeker! Did you see that you're mentioned in the 4th paragraph, right below the 'sofa' smiley?

Bobbylite and Swale, I'll take more pics tomorrow and post 'em.

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I noticed and trust me, you get more picky the older you get. Keep it up!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AlucardCasull

How much did the CF run you for that project? very cool idea.

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The dry fabric cost me about $45 per yard, and I got two yards (I have almost a yard left over). Shipping will kill you though, because it comes wrapped around a heavy tube with another heavy tube around it. This keeps the CF from getting 'dented' or creased, which it is very susceptible to.

Also, if you order more than just a little bit of epoxy and urethane rubber, you get hit with a hazmat charge.

I'd estimate that this whole project cost me about $130, including screwups. That said, I've had countless people offer me as much as $150 to make them a set or buy mine. But it's too labor intensive and the quality isn't good enough for me to feel right about selling it to someone. I thought about trying to refine the process and sell them, but decided there are other things I would rather do with my time. :p:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theseeker

I noticed and trust me, you get more picky the older you get. Keep it up!

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Haha, maybe I can finish this project before I get super-anal. :rofl:

You're doing a great job! Continue!

The CF looks awesome, and like the lighting as well. But why not use some bigger rads for cooling? They're more cost-effective, and you can run some really silent fans with them. If you have the space for them, go for it, you won't regret it...

i really like the 'city of light' concept
very unique! :clap::clap::clap:

lets got some moar updates!
:up:

It look's great. It's another interesting WC mod. I'm waiting for more updates.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by norim_13

You're doing a great job! Continue!

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Thank you, sorry it hasn't been as regular as I intended.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gabe_CA

The CF looks awesome, and like the lighting as well. But why not use some bigger rads for cooling? They're more cost-effective, and you can run some really silent fans with them. If you have the space for them, go for it, you won't regret it...

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Yep, some bigger rads would probably be a good idea, but right now it is what it is. That may be in the cards for a future update, though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballzD33P

i really like the 'city of light' concept
very unique! :clap::clap::clap:

lets got some moar updates!
:up:

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Thanks, coming right up!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Borys

It look's great. It's another interesting WC mod. I'm waiting for more updates.

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Thank you, I'll have an update momentarily.

Okay, I'm so sorry I haven't updated this in a while. I appreciate those who have been :stick:'ing and :slapass:'ing me to get this going.

Here are some brief teasers for you all. I thought it would be fun to see if you can guess the parts...some are easy and some are probably pretty hard: :shrug::shrug: I have faith in you guys and your addiction to hardware!
:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

A:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0684.jpg

B:
Okay, the first one was a little hard, so here's another:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0683-2.jpg

C:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0700-2.jpg

D:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0702-2.jpg

E:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0706.jpg

F:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0709-2.jpg

G:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0710.jpg

H:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0712-2.jpg

I:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0724.jpg

:gay:
Ha, now isn't this fun?? I'll post the full pics tomorrow.

I guess nobody likes my little 'game'. :( :confused:

Okay, I'll try to update later tonight.

A: White and blue dimm slots. I'm guessing an EVGA X58 SLI board.
B: 3GB or 6GB of DDR3-1600, guessing 1.65v (Can barely see the 5 in the photo)
C: 3x GTX280?
D: GTX280?
E: Velociraptor heatsink
F: 90-degree SATA connector cable
G: Lots of heatshrink or possibly C-strip molding
H: Swish on the K of a delrin EK block
I: Core i7 Extreme Edition logo

enough game, show ur system in prospect :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Metric

A: White and blue dimm slots. I'm guessing an EVGA X58 SLI board.
B: 3GB or 6GB of DDR3-1600, guessing 1.65v (Can barely see the 5 in the photo)
C: 3x GTX280?
D: GTX280?
E: Velociraptor heatsink
F: 90-degree SATA connector cable
G: Lots of heatshrink or possibly C-strip molding
H: Swish on the K of a delrin EK block
I: Core i7 Extreme Edition logo

---

lol, that was cool.

I like your game, but I think I could get only 3-4 of them. Looking forward to some more updates.

I know his game but I cannot give it away.:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Metric

A: White and blue dimm slots. I'm guessing an EVGA X58 SLI board.
B: 3GB or 6GB of DDR3-1600, guessing 1.65v (Can barely see the 5 in the photo)
C: 3x GTX280?
D: GTX280?
E: Velociraptor heatsink
F: 90-degree SATA connector cable
G: Lots of heatshrink or possibly C-strip molding
H: Swish on the K of a delrin EK block
I: Core i7 Extreme Edition logo

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A: you're half right!
B: you're quite smart!
C: gosh, I wish!!
D: ditto
E: you're very smart!
F: you're smarter than me
G: maybe
H: you're a genius
I: I wish, again :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rioja

enough game, show ur system in prospect :)

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Okay, full pics coming soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NameTaken45

lol, that was cool.

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Yeah, I was impressed!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

I like your game, but I think I could get only 3-4 of them. Looking forward to some more updates.

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Thanks, Shazza!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theseeker

I know his game but I cannot give it away.:D

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Thanks for that, Rocky. You're a class act!

Thank you for participating and humoring me in my little game! :) I'll get to the full pics of the parts. Let me first say that almost all of these parts were acquired second-hand, and I got some amazing deals on them mostly from folks on this forum. I won't point them all out since I don't know if they want that, but you know who you are. Thank you so much!

First of all, my new mobo: Asus Rampage II Extreme (pictured here with my ram)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0679.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0684-2.jpg

I guess next is my ram: OCZ Platinum 1600 (3GB)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0694.jpg
Installed:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0680.jpg

Primary video card: EVGA GTX 8800 768
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0698.jpg

And its waterblock...wow I just love the beauty of precision-machined metal:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0712.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0714.jpg

Secondary video card: Asus Geforce 6200 LT
Note: I chose this card because it has a composite out, which I needed
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0701.jpg

OS HD: WD Raptor 74GB
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...IMG_0706-1.jpg

PSU: PCP&C 750 (got it for around $70 AR!!!)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0719.jpg

And of course, a Core i7 920 (new but a great deal!):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0726.jpg

Other bits and pieces:

Some nice right-angle SATA combo cables:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0707.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0709.jpg

And one of my favorite finds, an all-black rubber cable 24-pin ATX extension.! No Psychopack needed here, I'll just put on a black connector! (though I admit won't look the same) :woot:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0711.jpg

I'll try to update again ASAP!

Your are very welcome Alan!:D

exactly, my batch is 1 less than yours - 3841A579 with packdate 26\01
i wish it will be good proc's

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theseeker

Your are very welcome Alan!:D

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I'm enjoying the R2E!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rioja

exactly, my batch is 1 less than yours - 3841A579 with packdate 26\01
i wish it will be good proc's

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Yeah, I'm still figuring it all out but seems good so far. Good luck! :up:

This will be a quick post...just getting rid of the stock HSF and replacing the thermal paste on the heatpipe

Denatured alcohol: cleaner extrordinaire!
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0686.jpg

My new HSF: a Xigmatek 92mm: $14 after rebate, plus $10 for the 1366/775 promount....I needed something that's better than the stock HSF but not too big that I can't take it back to Asia in my suitcase; this is just temporary until I get the rig finished. Here it is after I mounted it:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0691.jpg

new paste. did I put enough on? I've never used one of these direct-touch ones before
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0690.jpg

removed the NB sink to replace their paste with MX-2
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0687.jpg

(also, I pulled the whole assembly off to replace the NB & SB paste, but forgot to take pics :doh:)

And lastly, I stole the DVD drive from my wife's laptop (just temporary). Took apart the drive, and low and behold underneath HP's proprietary connector is a SATA connector! :woot: So I'll use it for now and buy a proper DVD-R when I get back to Asia.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0717.jpg

Thanks for looking! Another update soon!

Hey, everyone, I have a quick update and tutorial for you! As some of you may know, I've set everything up temporarily to participate in the Xtremesystems Asus/NCIX Overclocking Competition. I say 'participate' and not 'compete' because I don't think I have much of a chance :shakes:, but it's good for the community to support these sponsored competitions. There is one way I CAN compete, though, and it's by having the most posts in my thread *here* when the competition finishes at the end of March. So come by and post away (even every day if you like)!!! ;)

Here's where I have everything set up (a WIP pic); it's in the upstairs den at my folks' house - we are staying with them for a while :shocked::
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0723.jpg

And here's my setup:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0729.jpg

During my base clock overclocking, I was noticing the NB/SB & QPI getting WAY too hot, so I decided to do something about it. Of course, I needed a fan, but since I don't have a case (my vidcards are even only supported by the PCI-E slot! Eek! :shocked:), there's nothing to support a fan.

So, I made this (yeah, it's a really bad pic):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0742.jpg

I call it my "grizzly ghetto hanging flying freaking fan".

Just in case you're interested, I whipped up a tutorial for your viewing pleasure. With skill, hard work, endurance, a coat hangar, and 2 arduous minutes of your time, I'm sure you can triumph over adversity and build one yourself :D :rofl:

You need a coat hangar. Thin wire, no cardboard.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0749.jpg

Stretch out the bottom like so:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0750.jpg

Then bend the hook down so it's perpendicular to the plane of the 'loop' of the hangar:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0751.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0752.jpg

Then bend the 'loop' part of the hangar so it will fit over a bookend/side of your case/shelf, etc. It can bend over most anything. I did mine to fit over the back board of the desk like so (just a mockup so you can see):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0753.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0741.jpg

Then insert one mounting hole of the fan through the hook, and ziptie/twistie the diagonal hole to the body of the loop:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0754.jpg

Hang it over/on your shelf, adjust the height (and maybe spread out the loop a little for better support), plug it in, and you're done (the pic makes it look like it's touching the card, but it's not):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0755.jpg

Here are some parting shots (I know you guys like lots of pics!):
Good clearance:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0756.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0758.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0743.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0744.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0745.jpg

I really liked doing this since it's quick, easy, cheap, doesn't touch the computer at all (well wires maybe), and the coat hanger actually isolates the vibrations from the fan! :woot:

Do you like it? Hate it? Think I'm crazy? Post in my competition thread HERE!

Loving your fan-hanger! Will check out your competition thread.

Alan,
You are crazy my friend! Nice MB.:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by headala

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0743.jpg

---

I haven't built a new computer in awhile, but the soft blue glow off your fan on your motherboard is teasing me! I love the blue LED glow from new fans, too bad the glow dies as they age.

The hanger fan is sweet! Keep it coming.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by headala

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0711.jpg

I'll try to update again ASAP!

---

oh yeah, that do looks very good, but i guess it will be more awesome if the atx pin were also comes in black :up:

Here's another "ghetto home depot" mod. :D My air cooling was not cutting it for the OC'ing competition, so i had to go a bit more Xtreme. Now, most of my WC'ing stuff is over in Asia, so I really had to raid the closet and come up with some 'franken-cooling'.

Since I don't have my system mounted in a case (see above), I needed something to mount the rads in so that they won't flop around. Please be mindful that this is temporary, quick-and-dirty cooling and will not be permanent or even last much more than a couple of weeks!

First of all, my best helper with our primary victim: an old Dell Pentium 100.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0734.jpg

And my second best helper, Bear, the 10 year old 120 pound baby.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0736.jpg

And check out the vid card out of the Dell: An old Number Nine S3 Virge! Blast from the past!
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0735.jpg

Originally, I planned on just gutting the Dell and mounting everything in the empty case, but I found that there was too much existing structure inside. I was looking to do this in an hour or two on a Saturday afternoon, so i didn't have a ton of time to cut lots of holes, etc. So I was looking at the side panel, and had a moment of brilliance!
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0740.jpg

It has a metal plate (EMF shielding I guess) mounted to the heavy plastic panel. So, we decided to just make a bunch of U-shaped cuts facing each other, bend them up vertical, drill a hole in each, and mount the rads to that. It worked! Had to use a bunch of spare screws and washers to make it all fit together:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0760.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0761.jpg

And here it all is mounted on the panel: A TFC 120 rad with Slow speed Yate, a BI Stealth with a San Ace, a D5 pump with Detroit top, and the Dell 200 W PSU.
*Don't worry, he won't be playing with that San Ace when it's running*
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0747.jpg

It took forever to figure out how to jumper the Dell PSU with its proprietary wiring (no green and purple in the wrong spot!), but I eventually succeeded:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0746.jpg

And here it is, with its $5 for 10 feet Home Depot crappy tubing (super stiff and leaky on barbs). Also, BA sold me his GTZ for a good price (Thanks!).
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0774.jpg

I shoved the whole shebang into the shelf below my system on the desk:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0765.jpg

Again, this is only CPU and only temporary as I have a FC block for my 8800 GTX and a NB block in waiting.

So, hopefully this will help me to get a competitive CPU OC for the competition!

What do you guys (and gal) think of my ghetto setup?!

A few last pics:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0768.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0776.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0777.jpg

the beast is alive :) - i like the "fan mod" - :up:

nice use of your workspace :D

That reminds me so much of how my computer is setup right now. I actually like it that way.....Why put in windows to view your computer when you can just put it on your desk?? :)

Alan,
Still waiting! We need an update..............:confused:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PradaG

the beast is alive :) - i like the "fan mod" - :up:

nice use of your workspace :D

---

Thanks! It's just temporary, but it gets the job done.

I'm still loving your build, and still can't figure out what the sleeved 'stick' is. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jhors2

That reminds me so much of how my computer is setup right now. I actually like it that way.....Why put in windows to view your computer when you can just put it on your desk?? :)

---

Haha, that's a good way of looking at it...until my toddler walks up. :rofl:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theseeker

Alan,
Still waiting! We need an update..............:confused:

---

Hold on, bro, coming in 10 minutes...but probably not the kind of update you're looking for! ;)

Hey, guys (and girl), just wanted to get a quick post in here to let you know what's going on. I got a new delivery on Tuesday afternoon, and so I haven't had much time:

Our 2nd child!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/dda0cbde.jpg

[I think my wife looks pretty good for having just been in labor!]

My wife went into labor Monday night while we were watching '24'. :rofl:
Our daughter was born Tuesday afternoon, 7lb 5oz...a good size. Not too small, but can still carry her like a football! :D

So, this means a couple of things:
1) I won't be updating (or really hanging out in here) much for the next couple of weeks. In fact, tonight is really my only night 'free' since I brought my son back to where we're living right now while my wife and daughter are still at the hospital. Sorry!

2) I've got to finish off my entry into the OC'ing competition tonight, since I probably won't get another chance. San Ace's @12V do not promote an environment suitable for infant slumber!

So, just 'cause I won't post here for a while doesn't mean I don't love all of you or I've given up this project. Just need to do what needs to be done for a couple of weeks until we get the new princess on a schedule, etc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by headala

And one of my favorite finds, an all-black rubber cable 24-pin ATX extension.! No Psychopack needed here, I'll just put on a black connector! (though I admit won't look the same) :woot:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/IMG_0711.jpg

---

Dayum, that is brilliant! Where did you get that?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by headala

Hey, guys (and girl), just wanted to get a quick post in here to let you know what's going on. I got a new delivery on Tuesday afternoon, and so I haven't had much time:

Our 2nd child!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...s/dda0cbde.jpg

[I think my wife looks pretty good for having just been in labor!]

My wife went into labor Monday night while we were watching '24'. :rofl:
Our daughter was born Tuesday afternoon, 7lb 5oz...a good size. Not too small, but can still carry her like a football! :D

So, this means a couple of things:
1) I won't be updating (or really hanging out in here) much for the next couple of weeks. In fact, tonight is really my only night 'free' since I brought my son back to where we're living right now while my wife and daughter are still at the hospital. Sorry!

2) I've got to finish off my entry into the OC'ing competition tonight, since I probably won't get another chance. San Ace's @12V do not promote an environment suitable for infant slumber!

So, just 'cause I won't post here for a while doesn't mean I don't love all of you or I've given up this project. Just need to do what needs to be done for a couple of weeks until we get the new princess on a schedule, etc.

---

Congratulations! and your wife and baby both look beautiful! :up:

Well let you get away with no rig updates this time ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by downforce

Wow, that light is verrrry cool. I use one of these

Also, I'm trying to work out how to mount my W/C in my V1000, which is similar design internally just craploads smaller. I'll be watching to get some ideas! :D

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hehe as I was reading this thread that was exactly what I was thinking. Headala you have cool modding skillz:up: Jokestar congrats, a beautiful wife and child :D