Vega's Quad-SLI 3GB GTX580 sub-zero liquid cooled build

[l0ud_sil3nc3]

very nice build can't wait to see it finished

[Utnorris]

Just an update on the testing. Drew down 7-gallons worth of coolant to almost -30C in around ten minutes (no load besides pump) before I turned the compressor off. Starting about -15C the propylene glycol was slushing up. CPU block was really cold so I am thrilled.







I ran into another snag, which is the nature of the beast. The pressure of the liquid is making the side-walls of the tank bow out more than I expected. Bowing to a level I am uncomfortable with. This weekend I will have to take the tank out and reinforce it. Tons of work but I'd rather get it done right so it lasts a long time.

I am also going to have to super insulate all of the tubing. As you can see in the photo, even the Norprene tubing was sweating like a fat girl running after an ice-cream truck. My floor was covered in water from condensation.

That's funny.

[Callsign_Vega]

Made a small Crysis video clip using stock GPU clocks (for now). Average 50-70 FPS with some dips into the 40's with every setting maxed besides the shader slider on medium (Doesn't work at very high shader with current drivers and/or Quad-SLI for some reason). Video is 720p (recommend opening new window).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ4L7lSrWPg

[dinos22]

SICK

[Expat GriZ]

SICK

+1 .......w00t!!

[Callsign_Vega]

It should be fun seeing what my system can do once I get it chilled down. Just waiting now for my Aquaero 5 setup and EK GPU blocks to come in from Europe and the real fun begins.

[Callsign_Vega]

Just a few more updates. Re-installed tank and this is final configuration with filter:




Unit installed in window:




Tried to make this cooling solution not too obtrusive :




All of the heat and noise dumped outside, its actually pretty quiet inside:

[n00b 0f l337]

Just watch the compressor temperature, since you haven't changed the refrigerant, you are more then likely overloading it at least in the slightest. I would suggest putting a probe on the top of the compressor, don't let it over 95C.

[STEvil]

I'm going to bet you will have flow balance issues given the 3-way split "loop".

[Callsign_Vega]

Just watch the compressor temperature, since you haven't changed the refrigerant, you are more then likely overloading it at least in the slightest. I would suggest putting a probe on the top of the compressor, don't let it over 95C.

It uses R410A. Is that refrigerant not good for the temperatures I will be using? Thanks for the recommendation, I will add a temp sensor on the compressor. Is 95C a good cutoff to know if I am overloading it or not?

I'm going to bet you will have flow balance issues given the 3-way split "loop".

I think there will be some flow imbalances in parallel, but with the temperature of the coolant fairly low I don't think small differences should matter. Of course if one or more of the lines comes to a virtual standstill versus the other(s), of course that would be a huge problem. Hopefully with the PSI the RD-30 can put out, there shouldn't be a huge flow rate problem.


I will be adding a few more safety shutdowns to the system. The Aquaero 5 can handle 8 temp sensors. I was thinking one for each GPU, one for CPU, one for UD9 SB, one for NB, and one for the compressor. That way if any one of those sensors trip, the computer can be shutdown in hardware. I've also added a Aquaero liquid level sensor for the tank so if the fluid level drops, the computer can react.

Anyone else think of something I am missing?

[disturbed13]

an ounce of sanity?
i think you should loose another
i love it keep it up

[Red M]

One word - Jealous!!!

Looking forward to seeing what sort of clocks/performance your gunna get when you get it all wet

P.S. I love seeing a big block of GPUs like that makes a computer look like its got substance

[Callsign_Vega]

Found out that prolonged -30C combined with the liquid pressure makes for seepage over time outside the tank with the silicon I used. I ripped out the old tank and have to start from scratch. If anyone has any ideas on a insulated custom size tank materials that can withstand low temps and 7 gallons of water pressure, I am all ears! (I don't have a welder).

[disturbed13]

you cant sweat solder the leak closed?
all you would need is to know where the leak is
and a butane torch and some solder

[Callsign_Vega]

you cant sweat solder the leak closed?
all you would need is to know where the leak is
and a butane torch and some solder

No, the tank was not originally metal.

Playing around in Crysis 2 now that Quad-SLI is working:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etfK2moRRwo

[Johnny87au]

dude can u fix your pics, really anxious to see this, i mean 3x 3gb gpu's!? geeeeeeeee!

[Callsign_Vega]

Ah crap, stupid photobucket. I might switch to another free host that doesn't have bandwidth limits.

[disturbed13]

its too bad there isnt a way to upload photos on Xtremes servers

[tiro_uspsss]

Ah crap, stupid photobucket. I might switch to another free host that doesn't have bandwidth limits.

I personally use Microsoft SkyDrive - free & has never failed me

[hello im sean]

You're sneaky! You post more pics here then on OCN lol ill just follow both threads

[Wega52]

Will that unit be able to keep the water below zero, with all the heat that those cards and CPU will dump into it? I ran a water setup chilled by dice, and I couldnt keep the temps below zero on the CPU when it was under load.

[Callsign_Vega]

Will that unit be able to keep the water below zero, with all the heat that those cards and CPU will dump into it? I ran a water setup chilled by dice, and I couldnt keep the temps below zero on the CPU when it was under load.

I think there are too many variables to come up with an accurate estimate. I'll start off by running above the dew point, say around 15C and see how well the compressor holds up under full heat blast of the computer and see what computer temps are. Then work my way down the temp scale once everything is insulated.

[AMD_Freak]

very nice, Ft Rucker isn't that far from me, might be worth the trip to see it live once you complete it

[lilmanmgf]

Man that is looking great! Not sure how much I would want that bulky chiller hanging around my desk though.

[Callsign_Vega]

very nice, Ft Rucker isn't that far from me, might be worth the trip to see it live once you complete it

You in the panhandle?

Man that is looking great! Not sure how much I would want that bulky chiller hanging around my desk though.

I would hate that too. It's two rooms away.