Project Blueboy - Lian Li V2000

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08-03-2010, 09:39 AM
JeffyB

Project Blueboy - Lian Li V2000

This is my first go at water cooling so go easy on me :)

This started with me wanting a new case as i was getting fed up with the limitations of my old case but rapidly grew into a much bigger project. After looking at many builds I picked up a second hand Lian Li V2000 that had already been powdercoated. It's a huge case full of potential, perfect for what i wanted to do. I quickly rehoused my components and was very happy with the case.

Current spec
Intel i7 920 d0
Asus P6T Deluxe v2
6gb G skill Pi Silver
2x Asus 5770
256gb Kingston ssd snvp325
1.5tb Samsung eco green
Samsung SH-B083L/RSBP
Corsair hx620
Titan Fenrir
Dell 2407 ao4

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/9301/wc3p.jpg

I wanted to have a virtually silent system while still maintaining a good overclock. Having read about as much as i think my brain could take about watercooling I eventually came up with these parts and took the plunge. I saved some money and picked the cpu block, pump and res up from another forum :)

Heatkiller 3.0 cu
d5 vario
hwlabs sr-1 420
ek multi 250
4xTFC ½id ¾od 45 rotary
8xTFC ½id ¾od compression fittings
3m ½ id ¾ od Primochill LRT blue
3xYate Loon D14SL-124UB
4xYate Loon D12SL-124UB
Scythe Kaze Master
Silver kill coil
Distilled water

and soon a big box arrived :D
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9889/wc1vz.jpg

I didn't have alot of time on my first night so i worked on converting the front drive bays to take my hard drives so the lower compartment would be free for the rad, pump and psu.

Lian LI ssd mount
http://a.imageshack.us/img844/279/wc6.jpg
kaze master fitted and hooked up to some exhaust fans
http://a.imageshack.us/img101/5715/wc7x.jpg
The primochill hose has a fantastic colour
http://a.imageshack.us/img688/6994/hose.jpg
hose, fans and cables under uv. I love blue if you hadn't noticed
http://a.imageshack.us/img843/8269/wc4.jpg

I started to familiarise myself with the components, was really nice to actually learn about something new after years of pc components. The sr1 is extremely well made and has a deeper shroud on the side opposite to the inlets.
http://a.imageshack.us/img833/583/rad1.jpg
mocked up with some fans and fittings (fans would be on the other side)
http://a.imageshack.us/img820/1896/rad3.jpg
140mm and 120mm fan comparrison
http://a.imageshack.us/img651/2070/rad2.jpg

Propperly mocked up the rad
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/5695/rad5.jpg
Rad looked like it was sitting too low for my cutout
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/5797/rad7.jpg
I put a couple of 25mm thick fans under the rad and that lined it up perfectly, will need some extruded steel/aluminium for this.
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/2644/rad8.jpg

On Sunday evening i had my first free evening and set out to get the plumbing done. The cpu block and fittings were reasuringly heavy.
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/9343/fittings.jpg
Mobo stripped down and block fitted.
http://a.imageshack.us/img828/227/mobo1.jpg
Fitted the res, leaving enough room for cards much longer than my 5770's
http://a.imageshack.us/img818/5927/res1.jpg
Bolted the rad mount down in its tempary position.
http://a.imageshack.us/img828/4231/mount1s.jpg
The rad took 8 rinses before the water was clear, this was the first.
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/9984/flush1.jpg

So got it all in, was not as tricky as i thought. Slow and steady is the way and take plenty of breaks.
http://a.imageshack.us/img251/1112/testing1o.jpg
d5 vario
http://a.imageshack.us/img413/6028/pumpi.jpg
Leak testing
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/1571/testing2.jpg

Had to see it ll lit up :D

http://a.imageshack.us/img413/2758/testing6.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img230/9381/testing4.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img801/5302/testing3.jpg

Not completely finished but close. I still need to raise the rad, make a new psu plate and mesh the rad area but its done leak testing and i think i have done alright with my first loop :)

Also going to mod the led fans and add a switch to turn the led's off when i don't want them on. With the fans turned down on the controller the leds dim as well which i hadn't realised would happen but i quite like.

I've got a 5870 coming to replace my 5770's, think its pointless watercooling such cool and quiet cards but i'd like to free up the top slots. Will more than like get the ek-fc5870 acetal and nickel for it and add it to the loop.

http://a.imageshack.us/img835/477/inside2u.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img440/5602/exterior1.jpg

Hope you liked my first watercooled build, i know it won't be my last :)
08-03-2010, 02:52 PM
dreamaxx

Quote:

So got it all in, was not as tricky as i thought. Slow and steady is the way and take plenty of breaks.

Just like losing your virginity!!

Looks good, I will be doing a V2000 build soonish too :)
08-03-2010, 05:35 PM
Philwong

How about putting your GPUs on water?

Phil
08-03-2010, 05:52 PM
JeffyB

I have a 5870 coming tomorrow that im going to add to the loop, will use an Ek fc5870 acetal and nickel :)
08-03-2010, 10:09 PM
Philwong

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffyB

I have a 5870 coming tomorrow that im going to add to the loop, will use an Ek fc5870 acetal and nickel :)

Nice! Watch your VRM temp closely, it can go quite high without a good contact.

Phil
08-03-2010, 10:30 PM
h20xide

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamaxx

Just like losing your virginity!!

Looks good, I will be doing a V2000 build soonish too :)

Best call Ive heard dreamaxx make :p:
Looking good mate, LED fans not my cuppa though
08-04-2010, 01:47 AM
JeffyB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philwong

Nice! Watch your VRM temp closely, it can go quite high without a good contact.Phil

Thanks it's info like this that will really help me :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by h20xide

Looking good mate, LED fans not my cuppa though

I'm going to mod the led fans so i can switch the led's off :)
08-05-2010, 06:37 AM
JeffyB

My 5870 turned up, had forgotten quite how big they are.
http://a.imageshack.us/img823/7526/graphics1.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img830/1561/graphics3.jpg

Have decided on the the Ek fc5870 acetal and nickel for it.
http://a.imageshack.us/img820/6272/fc5870.jpg
08-09-2010, 05:40 AM
mpower1001

Did you cut the side panel yourself?
08-11-2010, 04:37 AM
JeffyB

The case came with the side panels cut, i bought it from another forum member here in the uk. Fitted the ek gpu block, was a bit fiddly especially getting the plastic off of the thermal pads.
http://a.imageshack.us/img840/5319/gpu7.jpg
I have a nickel backplate coming for it
http://a.imageshack.us/img819/5528/backplate1.jpg
After i got the ek gpu block i had a change of heart and decidided i really wanted the ek supreme full nickel. It really is a beautiful block and you can fit 3/4od compressions on it no problems :D
http://a.imageshack.us/img443/6195/eksup1.jpg
Base is immaculate.
http://a.imageshack.us/img713/4927/eksup2.jpg
The retetion bracket was not as simple as the hk and sticks up more but i dont care the block is awesome.
http://a.imageshack.us/img840/3977/eksup3.jpg
08-11-2010, 07:28 AM
JeffyB

Have been a busy bee, the backplate is really nice and fitted easily. It is so much more rigid than the stock ati one. Added a fair bit of weight to an already hefty card. Picture has a bit of aftershot because i left the lights on, its actually full nickel.
http://a.imageshack.us/img816/8893/backplate2.jpg
Shows fingerprints so easily, time to don the latex gloves!
http://a.imageshack.us/img831/9236/backplate3.jpg
Still deciding on how to route one of my tubes but this is the basic route. I may add the other rotary to the cpu block.
http://a.imageshack.us/img834/5866/built1.jpg
Close up
http://a.imageshack.us/img818/9062/built3.jpg
Bleading and leak testing next.
08-11-2010, 08:55 AM
mpower1001

Those EK nickel blocks look awesome, I really like your build...coming along nicely :up:
08-11-2010, 09:01 AM
JeffyB

Thanks, i'm really pleased with how it's gone so far being my first water loop.
08-11-2010, 10:58 AM
JeffyB

Not quite finished but couldn't resist some more pictures :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img251/2529/built6.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img837/5189/built8.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img835/5913/built9.jpg
08-27-2010, 09:16 AM
JeffyB

Bit of an update, i got the fan hdd cage and some bezels to tidy up the front of the case
Single bay bezels
http://a.imageshack.us/img9/332/bezels1.jpg
Hard drive cage and bezel with fan
http://a.imageshack.us/img9/7029/hddcage1.jpg
back
http://a.imageshack.us/img9/7119/hddcage2.jpg
front removed to get to the stock fan
http://a.imageshack.us/img9/6301/hddcage3.jpg
Fan removed
http://a.imageshack.us/img828/4404/hddcage4.jpg
Blue fan fitted
http://a.imageshack.us/img828/5931/hddcage5.jpg
Lian Li sata 4 way sata cable
http://a.imageshack.us/img841/8806/sata1.jpg
Heres the hard drive caddys, they are really simple and sit on rubber grommets to reduce noise and vibration. They also have holes pre drilled for ssd's so no need for any convertors.
http://a.imageshack.us/img842/4214/hddcage6.jpg
Flip the hinged latch up
http://a.imageshack.us/img90/7664/hddcage7.jpg
and fit hard drive, simples
http://a.imageshack.us/img821/1544/hddcage8.jpg
Hard drive cabling
http://a.imageshack.us/img72/4362/hddcage9.jpg
Didn't take too long to get it all back together
http://a.imageshack.us/img842/8125/casei.jpg
I may alter the spacing of the bay fan yet, possibly a single bezel either side of the fan
http://a.imageshack.us/img641/4904/case2u.jpg
Just need my mesh for the rad cut out and to make my psu plate :)
08-31-2010, 06:07 AM
JeffyB

Got the time to do some dark shots, love doing these :D

http://a.imageshack.us/img823/1703/insidep.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img690/7360/lowerside.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img824/2909/top1m.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img840/2519/frontxc.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img836/7861/whole.jpg
08-31-2010, 06:16 AM
h20xide

Why so much airflow if your GPU and CPU are underwater? Should get rid of the case fans IMO and just leave the rad fans

HDDs don't really need air cooling
08-31-2010, 06:21 AM
JeffyB

I bought the case from another forum member who had a tripple in the roof. I didn't want to have my rad there so i put fans in to fill the gap, they run at 500rpm so are inaudible but just keep the rest of the pc (mobo) nice and cool. I wanted to add the front fan but it was out of stock so for a few pounds more i got the hdd cage version, which has quietened my hard drives more than the metal brackets thanks to the grommits on the cages. its also more compact than using the brackets allowing me more drives to be used in the bays.
08-31-2010, 06:28 AM
Movieman

Very nicely done!:up:
08-31-2010, 06:45 AM
George_o/c

Dude, well done! Especially since this is your first effort! :up:
08-31-2010, 11:45 AM
Oli4v

Now fix the psu plate and you're done.

Oh and are all of the 45° rotaries really necessairy ?

but overal al very well executed build ;)
08-31-2010, 01:16 PM
JeffyB

Hopefully meshing the rad cutout this week and should have time to fabricate the psu plate at work.

As for the rotaries, 3/4od compressions don't fit on an ek fc5870 or the res without them, the clearance is too small. I added them to the cpu block as they helped routing the tubing overall.

Thanks for your kind comments, i'm really pleased with the build :)
08-31-2010, 07:48 PM
h20xide

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffyB

As for the rotaries, 3/4od compressions don't fit on an ek fc5870

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4623/photo007w.jpg
09-01-2010, 12:10 AM
Johnny87au

Looking good mate, nice work!
09-01-2010, 01:27 AM
JeffyB

Quote:

Originally Posted by h20xide

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4623/photo007w.jpg

Put that block on the card itself and the pcb will be in the way of the compressions on that side of the block.
09-01-2010, 01:29 AM
h20xide

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffyB

Put that block on the card itself and the pcb will be in the way.

no it wont

http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/y...9/DSCF9270.jpg

yes those are 1/2 3/4 fittings
09-01-2010, 02:06 AM
JeffyB

I can assure you my compressions would not fit on the block, i had to put the build on hold as they simply did not clear the stock backplate.

Exactly as is pointed out at the bottom of the page in this review

http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=969&page=3

Maybe you didn't notice that i added the ek backplate at a later date? Wasn't going to drain the loop to remove a couple of rotaries.
09-01-2010, 02:15 AM
h20xide

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffyB

I can assure you my compressions would not fit on the block, i had to put the build on hold as they simply did not clear the stock backplate.

Exactly as is pointed out at the bottom of the page in this review

http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=969&page=3

Maybe you didn't notice that i added the ek backplate at a later date? Wasn't going to drain the loop to remove a couple of rotaries.

Okay, now I'm confused and worried..
09-01-2010, 02:38 AM
JeffyB

From memory i thought it was the pcb but it was the stock ati backplate blocking the compressions, it overhangs the pcb. I fitted rotaries so i could finish the loop. A week or so later i decided i wanted the ek back plate which doesn't block the compressions but i wasn't going to drain the loop to take the rotaries out.
09-01-2010, 02:44 AM
h20xide

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffyB

From memory i thought it was the pcb but it was the stock ati backplate blocking the compressions, it overhangs the pcb. I fitted rotaries so i could finish the loop. A week or so later i decided i wanted the ek back plate which doesn't block the compressions but i wasn't going to drain the loop to take the rotaries out.

Lmao, Phew!
I was talking about the EK backplate the whole time, couldn't care less about the stock backplate :up:

What a relief
09-02-2010, 08:10 AM
JeffyB

Little update, the mesh arrived, was only ordered yesterday. Needs to be cleaned up as it's still a bit greasy, and will prime and spray it when i get a chance. 3mm holes at 5mm centers.
http://a.imageshack.us/img521/1521/mesh2.jpg
Fits perfectly, will more than likely use a hot glue gun to fix this making it easy to remove should i want to.
http://a.imageshack.us/img196/74/mesh3.jpg
12-12-2010, 03:06 PM
jadawgis732

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffyB

http://a.imageshack.us/img843/8269/wc4.jpg

It's amazing that ISO 1600 there is still almost NO noise! That is a reallllllly great pic, the D90 is amazing!
11-01-2011, 06:22 AM
JeffyB

After many months good service i sold the 5870, replaced with a 6990 and a new AX850 psu, feel like a kid at christmas again :D
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9845/goodies.jpg
Heres the psu
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/2166/ax850.jpg
The 6990 is a huge card, dwarfs my 5870.
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1...omparisson.jpg
Picked up the second rad for the rebuild. Thermochill PA140.3, big thank you to Julian :)
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4706/pa1403.jpg
Opted for some Gelid wing 14 uv blue fans for the pa140.3. Quality is excellent with removable blades for easy cleaning, pre braided cable and suplied with rubber mounts, screws and a noise reduction cable.
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6080/gelid1.jpg
Frame is quite glossy and has the open corner design. Forgot to show the nosie reduction cable, it's basically a 3 pin cable about 15cm long
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5460/gelid2.jpg
Blades easily pop out
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1229/gelid3.jpg
Blade edge has a small lip that's designed to improve airflow and noise. the top side of the blade is smooth while the underside is slightly rough
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/1672/gelid4.jpg
Quick uv test
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1016/gelid5.jpg
Compared to the yate loon d14sl uv blue there are more blades (11 vs 7) that are closer together which should create more static pressure, the colour is also more vibrant.
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4272/gelid6.jpg
Testing on the sr1-420 with some phobya high density led flexlights.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8208/gelid7.jpg

Full spec
Nanoflux Bearing (NFB)
Optimized Winglet Fan Blades
Waterproof and Dustproof
Long Lifetime 100,000 hours
Rubber Fan Mounts
Fan Speed Control

Specification

Air Flow (CFM) 80.0
Bearing Nanoflux Bearing (NFB)
Cable Length (mm) 500
Connector 3 Pin Molex
Current (A) 0.35
Dimensions (mm) 140 x 140 x 25
Fan Speed (RPM) 1200
Noise Level (dBA) 12 - 26
Safety Approvals UL, CUL, CE, RoHS Compliant
Static Pressure (mmAq) 1.45
Voltage (V) 12
Accessories Four rubber fan mounts and fan speed controller
Weight (g) 119
Warranty 60 months

More to come :)
11-01-2011, 06:23 AM
JeffyB

Big thank you to Gregor at EK, came through with my block. Block is stunning!!! :eek::D:D
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8...90straight.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8...990angled1.jpg
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/4...990angled3.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/604/ek6990angled2.jpg

Here are the rads, on the left is the SR1-420 which will be for the cpu and on the right the Thermochill PA140.3 for the 6990.
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3028/rads1.jpg
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3861/rads2.jpg
The pa140.3 is slightly longer and thicker thant the sr1
http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/2285/rads3.jpg
Tools ready
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8310/toolsf.jpg
Positioning the first set of rad blocks, you can see where i had to power file the front of the case to fit the front rad in
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1337/radblocks1.jpg
Add rad stand
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5706/radblocks2.jpg
and second one finished, space at the rear is for the psu.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4161/radblocks4.jpg
11-01-2011, 06:23 AM
JeffyB

Started out by cutting the holes in the midplate using a 64mm hole cutter, the d5 body is about 60mm so it gives me a bit of play should i need it. I piloted the holes first with a 3mm bit then used the hole cutter
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1836/holecutter.jpg
First one done
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2797/holes1.jpg
and the second
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3793/holes2.jpg
Pumps in
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/210/holes3.jpg
fully mocked up
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6277/pumps1.jpg
Tubed up the cpu loop first as the sr1 rad is at the back, had to drop a fan on the rad though to route the tubing, doesn't seem to have afected my cpu temps much as it's getting decent airflow from the front rad anyway.. Using the pumps and res' like this helped keep the loops simpler, which was handy as i used around 3m of hose.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5969/cpuloop.jpg
Got the pa140.3 in and fitted the gelid wings using the suplied self tappers
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5215/build1.jpg
Here's the original loop, i went back to the drawing board as i wasn't happy with the tubing.
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9674/firstloop.jpg
Close up of the pumps
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9346/pumps2.jpg
11-01-2011, 06:24 AM
JeffyB

The fan on the 6990 was a pita to remove, the thermal tape was very sticky and made a worrying sound when when it finally came unstuck, everything was ok though. Stock thermal paste was very dry as well.

Naked 6990 with new thermal pads
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7002/6990r.jpg
Very pleased with the results
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3457/69902.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4959/69901.jpg

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8496/69903j.jpg
Fingerprints :P
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1499/69904.jpg
11-01-2011, 06:24 AM
JeffyB

Used a couple of 90 degree brackets to fix the pumps, thankfully not getting any case rattle from them.
http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/8186/pumpmounts.jpg
After some thinking i decided to change the loop slightly, drilling a couple of 25mm holes in the midplate to take the outlet pipes from the cpu and gpu to the rads.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7837/finalloop.jpg
Cpu filled
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9979/filling1.jpg
Probably the best moment for me was seeing the blue coolant hit the gpu block :cool:
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/3035/6990liquid.jpg
Filled loops under uv led flexlight, still alot of little bubbles left. The coolant has a slight viscosity to it, bit thicker than water.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/309/finalloop1.jpg
11-01-2011, 06:25 AM
JeffyB

Becasue of the res/pump position i had to mod my hard drive bays so i could use it vertically instead of horizontal.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3641/hdd2g.jpg
I decided to remove the fan as airflow was good in the bays anyway. I'm thinking of just all bezel for the front now and getting an external dvd drive.
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/4276/hdd3.jpg
11-01-2011, 06:25 AM
JeffyB

Fired up heaven and ran for around 50 minutes, the temperature difference compared to the stock cooler on the 6990 is pretty big. Stock fan idle was around 45 and at load it peaked at 86. Under water the cores hit maximums for 38 (gpu1) and 41 (gpu2). Cpu didn't go above 50 degrees not 100% usage though :)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7699/heaventemps.jpg
11-01-2011, 11:21 AM
JeffyB

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6246/6990uv1.jpg
11-06-2011, 09:04 AM
Beriphent

Great pictures! Lian Li should start making these cases again. Why did you go through the trouble of setting up two loops?
11-11-2011, 07:23 AM
JeffyB

I had a spare pump and res and just fancied giving it a go, may move back to a single loop but for know i quite like it.