Help the newbie with his build!!

[Talonman]

Thanks!! I am having some fun building from scratch, and selecting my parts. I will be glad to see what my system will look like when I finally get it all put togeather.

I wonder if it will have Spidey Senses? Sorry .... Im tired today.

Rest assured, pictures of my WaterKeg will be posted, along with a full range of temps on everything I can figure out how to display.

Heck, you guy's and gal's can help me figure some of it out!!

Should I be installing any extra temperature sensors that are handy, but don't come stock on the Maximus?

I have the EK CPU backplate in route too. Do I need to put black tape on the side that makes contact with the mobo, or am I good to go?

[Talonman]

Update: My WaterKegIII Xtreme will be shipping to me this week.

Thanks again Seth!

He didn't want to give me any false illusions, and made me aware that he had a few to go in front of me, when I initially contacted him. He also has a regular full time job too. I made it clear to him that I didn't care how long it took, and that I was willing to wait. No other 'all in one' external cooler was going to do for me. I still havent baught my GPU, so the Keg should be here in plenty of time for the party!!

Thanks again Seth for making the best cooler this man could find.

[GunterFalstaff]

excuse my ignorance of water coolants, but why do you like that one in particular of all the rest? im interested because im looking into getting a water cooled system soon and im not sure where to start,

[Talonman]

Well my quest began looking for an all in one type cooling solution that would make the hookup for me as easy as possible, but still be made with quality parts. This is not as easy as one might think. I also, hate buying junk. This is my first water cooled PC, so I was keeping ease of instalation in mind. I should also mention I wanted to cool externally too, right from the beginning. I was trying to avoid having my rad inside my case.

I bumped into these units:
The ZALMAN ZM-RESERATOR-XB BLACK RESERATOR XT COMPLETE WATER COOLING KIT: http://www.svc.com/zm-reserator-xb.html

And this one: Exos-2 LX, Black: http://www.koolance.com/water-coolin...roducts_id=375

With my newbie eyes, I initially thought they looked pritty good. So then I started posting around like most of us internet rats do, and found out 2 things.

1) Koolance all in one units have poor performance.

2) The THERMOCHILL PA 120.3 RAD is the top dog of cooling.
(It's construction is made from Brass and Copper, so you don't do a dirty, and mix Aluminum in the same water loop with your Copper water blocks.)
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ad.php?t=75873
"Thermochill PA120.X (120.1, 120.2, 120.3) - 80 to 120 USD - Described as the new king of cool, I highly reccomend these rads. They are pretty much the perfect radiator.. High cooling capacity while optimized for low noise fans.. Not much more you can ask for in a radiator. I should note that as of writing this there has not been any test data presented, but from calculations provided by Cathar, these radiators should not fail to live up to their name".

Then I found the WaterKegIII page, and read about the Xtreme version, and the fact it uses the THERMOCHILL PA 120.3 RAD. Everything then changed for me...
Neither of thoes units had near the quality of parts that the Keg has, nor do they look near as nice.
People also were telling me my temps would be much lower using the WaterKegIII Xtreme, over the other 2 units I was considering.

Have you seen the Xtreme? It is such a beauty!: http://www.externalpccooling.net/Page6.html
Space is not an issue for me, as my old Oak desk has a matching credenza on the right hand side. Just perfect for setting an external cooler on, like the Keg!
I also favor a unit that sits next to my PC, rather then attached to it's top or back.

The D5 pump that the Keg uses, is also known to be a strong, quality unit. It also has also been one of the most reliable pumps on the market for years, or so I hear...
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ad.php?t=41495
"MCP655 (D5) - This is the newly released laing pump that offers a considerable improvement over the previous D4. (April 2005 release date). Some of the imrpovements include reduced noise (D4 has a horrible whinning noise, though some say it is not noticeable), input all the way up to 24volts so you can overvolt it ALOT without voiding the warranty.(NOTE: Anything above ~12.8volts does not net more performance but rather just increases heat output and is not suggested to be overvolted above 12.8volts) The other feature that is noteable is the adjustable dial on the back of the pump that allows you to adjust the speed of the pump down when maximum performance is not needed. The power consumption of this pump is 24 watts and heatt dump is reported to be 18watts like the DDC-2. The maximum head pressure is 13.8 feet and maximum flow is 5.2gpm. The price is 75 dollars".

You can find it here for more stats: http://www.petrastechshop.com/lad5smcin12v.html

When I found Seth's page, and confirmed he was indeed using all quality parts, I knew my quest was over! To me it was the promised land of external coolers. No other cooler was even in the same league as this custom built solution in my opinion!!

There is this thread too by another member that baught an empty case from Seth:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=157978
I have yet to see another 'all in one' unit that rivials the WaterKegIII Xtreme.

My selected options were as follows:
Case= Black
Mesh= Black
Fans= Yate Loons rated at 70.5cfm.
RAD housing= Metallic Silver for that two tone effect.
Lights= Blue CCFL's (Brighter than the UV light option)
And of cource Xtreme Edition = The THERMOCHILL PA 120.3 RAD option.

YateLoon 70.5cfm, and used with a PA120.3 and liq flow around 6lpm, would give approx 490w of Thermal Dissipation.

Seth makes sure the rad is correctly cleaned out before I receive the unit too. This is an important step, that if forgotton, has the potentiol to trash your loop with residue still left inside from the factory.

I have been issued a FED EX tracking number, on a Monday AM pickup from the WaterKegIII Corporate Headquarters, bound for Ohio!!
Gasp!! This thing is really heading my way...

[Buckeye]

I had looked at the Zalman unit also and was planning on getting that one until I ran into this thread. Nice thread there from Seth !

[Talonman]

No buyers remorse here....

Ya just have to get the unit you like best. It will be with you for years if made correctly!

I could have mabey saved $100.00 bucks getting a lesser unit, but why if I had the cash?

It is a fair bet that my 'home maid' case would not have been as nice as Seth's design?? LOL
Never mind the fact I don't have the skill, nor the tools to even make it.

I am not looking back! My selection has been made.

To me, the WaterKegIII Xtreme is the Harley-Davidson of the 'all in one' cooling solutions.

You pick your custom options, and have it built to your specs.

FedEX Update: Picked up on Dec 10, 2007 at 11:10 AM!! Weight 22.0 lbs Location GA, WaterKeg USA.
They have my Cooling Soultion in their hands right now.
This is funner than tracking Santa on his way in.
Update: Dec 10, 2007 7:21 PM Arrived at FedEx location KENNESAW, GA

BTW - This is the thread that has the latest and greatest info for cooling the Maximus using aftermarket blocks and sinks.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=162085 "Water cooling the Asus Maximus SE X38"
Check it out to see more Maximus cooling options selected by other members.

[Buckeye]

HAHA Nice Talon !!

Be sure to tip the FedEx guy if it arrives in one piece

I can feel pictures will be posted soon !

[Talonman]

Tip.... Heck, I'll give her a kiss! (I am an optimist!)

Still updating my tracking screen...
Dec 11, 2007 7:53 AM Left origin KENNESAW, GA
The Keg is probably up in the air? Fly baby fly!!

It has an Estimated delivery date of Dec 12, 2007.

I am getting my old credenza all reddid up best I can, as if for the arrivial of royalty.
The set was given to me as a door prize from work, when all the bosses received new upgraded office furnature years ago.
Being a PC nutt, I was all too happy to lug them both home. They weigh about 300 pounds each!

Reading this guide, I decided to take the filter advice: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ad.php?t=54331
I just ordered the 5 micron water filter from McMaster-Carr (Part number 4448K26), and (2) 3/8" NPT male fittings.
I plan on having the filter in my loop for a few days on my initial install, and during the leak testing.
It can't hurt, and I did order 4 extra filters too... Less than $40 bucks for everything including delivery.

[Talonman]

Dec 11, 2007 8:55 PM Arrived at FedEx location GROVE CITY, OH

OH...

IO...

OH...

IO...

Yeha man, now were talking. That is getting closer to my neck of the woods!!

Here is a review on the WaterKegIII: http://www.xtremesystems.com/modules...t&id=45&page=1

[Buckeye]

LOL Nice !

Nice thread with good pic's and descriptions, good find

What color finish did you order ?

[Talonman]

My selected options were as follows:
Case= Black
Mesh= Black
Fans= Yate Loons rated at 70.5cfm.
RAD= Metallic Silver for that two tone effect.
Lights= Blue CCFL's (Brighter than the UV light option)
And of cource Xtreme Edition = The THERMOCHILL PA 120.3 RAD option.

Dec 12, 2007 6:59 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery GROVEPORT, OH

The dogs just went nuts, and I ran to the door to find 2 Jehovah's Witnesses on WaterKegIII Xtreme delivery day.

What a major let down....

Dec 12, 2007 11:48 AM Delivered And I have to go to work now....
The Keg locked in the house!!

[Buckeye]

Hahaha !

[Dr.FuzzyBallz]

Nice build but maybe you should have waited for the new Intel Quadcore Xtreme that going to come out form what i have heard its fast really fast...

You said your waiting for the next graphx card better than the 8800Ultra...

Well either you could get 2 3870's, or wait for SLI 9800GTX's!! what if they get the 3 cards working properly hmm...

Overall awesome pictures kick ass computer! Have fun with it your lucky!

[Talonman]

Thanks!! Still undecided on the GPU, but thanks for the input.

Here is a wide angle of my cool Ohio unfinished basemant (Built in 1917), and the resting location of the Keg.



Closer in on the Keg:





I might have to put the window toward the back? The hoses and power exit out the right side of the unit.

Due to me putting it on the right side of the computer, I am not sure if I should just run everything behind the keg, and keep it face forward, or have the rad facing foward, with power and hoses exiting toward my computer desk.

[Buckeye]

Nice Pic's !

Yes unit placement seems to be an issue. My comp is to my right so if I were to put the unit on top of the case the fans would be blowing on me.

[Talonman]

I still needed Vista Ultimate 64bit, I currently am running Vista 32bit Home Premium on my HP Pavilion.
I needed the 64bit version to be able to address my 4GB of memory + the GPU's memory too.

Apon posting for the cheepest way to get this version, Ebay was suggested by eToh. (Thanks buddy)

This was a good advice, as the lady on the phone at Microsoft wanted $399.00 to solve my problem.
She made it clear to me my OEM 32bit was no bargaining chip, as far as upgrading to 64 bit at a reduced cost goes.
I thought I could offer them my 32bit license to be decommishioned, and receive a discount price to upgrade. WRONG!!

I just baught it for $229.99 + $11.90 shipping = $241.89 (Full Retail version unopened)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Window...QQcmdZViewItem

The dude only had 5 positive feedback's, but no negitive ones. I hope he is a stand up guy and sends me the real deal...

$241.89 was a bit more than I wanted to spend on it, but it sure does beat the $399.00 Microsoft wanted for it!

Microsoft won't have to cutt the hounds loose on me eathier!! My copy will be legitimate.

[Buckeye]

I know it's crazy.

Back right before Vista was released I purchased a MSDN OS sub, the cost was something like $700 but all keys are worth 10 installs. It actually is a good buy if you build a lot.

[Talonman]

It is easy no not think about the cost of the OS when you buy a pre-made system that comes with the OS already installed.
When you build from scratch, that is when you realize how much an OS can cost...
$700.00 bucks is outrageous!

FYI - I did receive super service from McMaster-Carr again. My 5 micron filter was deliverd today.

By the way Buckeye, I live in Sunbury OH. (7 miles from Johnstown)

Are you my neighbor by any chance?

[Buckeye]

LOL no actually I am in Stockton, California.

I came up with the Buckeye name after encoding hundreds of old VHS/Beta Cleveland Browns Football tapes for a friend of mine who was born and raised in Ohio. He has been recording games all the way back to late 70's I think it was.

But I have been having a blast watching you build this new computer, you are doing a great job !

[Dr.FuzzyBallz]

Yea you got a pretty good deal on that Windows Vista, BTW dosent ebay have a system that if someone takes your money and dosent deliver the item ebay gives you the money back?

[Talonman]

LOL no actually I am in Stockton, California.

No problem, I was just checking if you could walk accrost the street, and give me a hand!!

Yea you got a pretty good deal on that Windows Vista, BTW dosent ebay have a system that if someone takes your money and dosent deliver the item ebay gives you the money back?

Thanks on the price, I think I did OK too.

I am not sure if I am protected or not. I joined PayPal to buy my EK NB block. This is only the second thing I have ever baught from ebay.

[Buckeye]

Yeah that would be great if we could. I pretty much have no one around here that does any kind of comp building.

I usually end up having to build my comps pretty fast so I have no down time from work. I like the way you are taking your time with your build and doing all the mods. Next time will be different tho as I will build a new machine and leave this one up and running.

oh btw. that MSDN sub includes all OS's and Server software, from Vista Home, Business, Ultimate, Enterprise versions and Win XP and all the other goodies they have like the Developer tools etc. plus anything new they come out with. It's a rather long list. Each one has a key that is worth 10 installs that are yours and do not expire if you let the sub run out.



HAHA ! from the archives... from a Beta tape, Cleveland vs Minnesota 12-14-1980

[Talonman]

I am a Cleveland fan too!!

[Arcanedeath]

I too am from Cleveland and are a Browns fan they even have a shot at the playoffs this year

[Buckeye]

Talon must be sleeping. Wake up Talon !

Pic's, Pic's