Project: RainMaker (PC-343B w/ Horizontal Mobo and Triple Loops)

Sadly, I've been working on this project for almost a year, and I've realized, it will likely never be completely finished... there's always something else to be done.

Anyway, after a sufficiently long period of procrastination, I've finally got around to annotating some of the pics I took during the build for those of you who might be interested in seeing something a bit different with a Lian-Li PC-343B Cube Case.

The key unique mod I've made here is in converting the motherboard tray to a horizontal configuration.

Although the rest has largely been done before, there are a few other unique elements such as the pump mounting and overall number of water cooled components that may be of interest.

Many ideas were borrowed from others on this forum and elsewhere, so I give due credit to all concerned and thank you sincerely for the inspiration behind many of the design considerations in this project.

My key design goals when starting this project were:

• Build a chassis complete with cooling that would last several generations of electronics
• Build something that would stretch my capabilities as a hobby PC modder
• Build a completed system that was as good if not better than something a custom mod shop would build or a high-end system builder in terms of aesthetics, servicability, and modularity.
• Build a cooling system that would pass the XtremeSystems test of no-compromise performance
• Build a system that was challenging and agressive and could stand up to the scrutiny of my peers

Ultimately, your feedback will determine if I was successful in my goals.

March UPDATE: Post #3 now contains pics of the finished build (including SLI and PhysX with the laser cut top/rear panels).

April UPDATE: RainMaker has been featured on Million-Dollar-PC.com! :D

RAINMAKER FOR SALE! Link

Let's get to it...

Teaser of the Semi-Final Outcome

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker443.JPG

Essential Tools of the Trade

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker000.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker001.jpg

Chassis Frame

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker004.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker005.jpg

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker069.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker116.jpg

Motherboard Tray

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker073.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker074.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker080.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker085.jpg

Horizontal Motherboard

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker057.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker066.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker064.jpg

Cable Management

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker118.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker126.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker123.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker130.jpg

Powder Coating

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker179.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker183.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker194.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker171.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker175.jpg

Nickel Plating

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker277.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker284.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker278.jpg

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker280.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker281.jpg

Radiator Mounts

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker014.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker107.jpg

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker111.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker198.jpg

Radiator Pump Assemblies

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker229.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker197.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker226.jpg

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker381.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker249.jpg

More Build Pics...

SilentMaxx Watercooled PSU's

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker222.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker333.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker221.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker266.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker341.jpg

Lower Radiator Installation

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker269.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker272.jpg

Motherboard Cable Tray

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker233.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker276.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker349.jpg

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker357.jpg

Monitoring and Control

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker342.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker410.jpg

Water Cooling Prep

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker161.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker159.jpg

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker370.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker368.jpg

More Build Pics...

Initial Build (before SLI and PhysX)

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker417.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker401.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker389.JPG

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker404.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker392.JPG

Initial Build with Lighting

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker423.JPG

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker443.JPG

Adding SLI & PHysX

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker463.JPG

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker450.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker457.JPG

Laser Cut Top Panel

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker474.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker506.JPG

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http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker508.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker541.JPG

Laser Cut Rear Panel and Louver

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker478.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker445.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker509.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...inMaker504.JPG

Desktop Screen Shots

Note that these images are very large. I run a dual monitor setup with a Dell 30" 2560x1600 primary display and a Dell 2007 1600x1200 in portrait mode for a secondary display.

Data collected by Speedfan, Rivatuner, and the Aquaero's is displayed in the Samurize configs on the right hand side of the secondary display.

The Full Desktop...

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...full-thumb.jpg

The Secondary Display...

http://members.shaw.ca/rain.maker/bu...dary-thumb.jpg

Wallpaper compliments of AHiL

just looking at ur sig, you have a pa120.2 on the GTX's and a PA120.3, shouldn't it be the other way?

i would seriously chuck the pa120.3 on the GTX's.. and a pa120.2 should handle a q6600 quite easily

Patriote on his XETM Project has 2 GTX's on a PA120.2 and as i saw his temps are ok with 626Mhz\2000Mhz OC.

Link: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=160457

Another great 343B build! You guys are so talented. Thanks for sharing this one. It is unique.

Legendary build going on here, with excellent documentation! :up:

Thanks for the post virtualrain. You rig has a very unique look to it.

Keep up the good work. :cool:

Virtualrain raises the bar ! Amazing build and great project log dude ! I have a new one coming too and yours is inspiring for sure ! :up:

Very great build here... Gave me a few ideas for my own mod :)

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ;)

WOW VIRTUAL RAIN !!

i've been waiting for this for a long time :) hehehe

Looks like all your Hard work has paid off Looking forward to more updates

This going to be LEGENDARY

I think he has successfully grabbed our full attention! :yepp:

Builds Like This Make My Day!

I can tell this is going to blow me away!

Holy crap.

You may want to order the Alphacool reservoir sponges because you may have a hell of a time bleeding those reservoirs in that configuration.

Beautiful job.

After seeing the pics of your work I feel like ordering a skip and putting everything I've done so far in it, then take gardening as a hobby.

It looks amazing man. Great job.

:shocked: DAMN VR! That's just the sweetest 343 I've ever seen. Primo A++ work there. :up:

This is the most beautiful and creatiful 343b log Keep going men;)

wow... this is the best build log i've had the pleasure of reading! Keep up the stellar quality... can't wait for the next update.

really unbelievable :clap: :clap: :clap:

Wow beautiful so far.

That case looks promising... I'm considering starting a cube case build (either this or MM) and this is greatly helpful.

Keep up the posting! :P:

WOW! just WOW!

the mod is SWEET! the log is SWEET! the pix SWEET!

everything is just wicked man :up:

thnx for posting this

:clap: :clap:

This is going to be freakin awesome, i cant wait.

Excellent!

The nickel plating everywhere is amazing!

Very ambitious work. I am following this thread with immense interest.