Water cooling the Asus Maximus SE X38

[Fitseries3]

like mine in the pic......

all you need is 2 EK stubbies....
http://www.petrastechshop.com/ekhifig1th1o1.html

[zlojack]

Thanks dude!

I think I'm going to try that.

Will be a PITA to disarm the loop, but I suppose I could clamp the tubes.

[dogin]

I am only using one 8800GTX so won't have the same issue, but the stubbies would come in handy when I go that route. Here is my mobo getting ready for a leak test. Got my fingers crossed.
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[zlojack]

Nice dogin!

I see you've pretty much got the same stuff on there as I do.

How'd you find getting the Enzotech on the SB? (I think that's the Enzotech)

What kind of fan is that on the SB?

[Grimtas]

I used EK shorties for my x2 bridge. I need to take a closer pic though.

[dogin]

Nice dogin!

I see you've pretty much got the same stuff on there as I do.

How'd you find getting the Enzotech on the SB? (I think that's the Enzotech)

What kind of fan is that on the SB?

Yeah the EnZotech SLF-1 from chilled PC and it comes with the low profile fan. Cut off the outer end of the attachment points and then routed out the inner attachment hole so they lined up with the mobo holes. Squeezed the two ends closer together that were left after cutting the outer portion off. Also used thermal glue even though it looked like the pins were doing there job. Looks like I got a tight fit with EnZotech. Flushing the rad now so hopefully get the leak testing done this weekend (just need some free time).

Really like your set-up zlojack. Hope mine goes uneventful like yours with no leaks and the mobo still works???

[zlojack]

Yeah the EnZotech SLF-1 from chilled PC and it comes with the low profile fan. Cut off the outer end of the attachment points and then routed out the inner attachment hole so they lined up with the mobo holes. Squeezed the two ends closer together that were left after cutting the outer portion off. Also used thermal glue even though it looked like the pins were doing there job. Looks like I got a tight fit with EnZotech. Flushing the rad now so hopefully get the leak testing done this weekend (just need some free time).

Really like your set-up zlojack. Hope mine goes uneventful like yours with no leaks and the mobo still works???

Well so far I have one really small leak (like about 1 drop every 2 hours) from the interior rad's intake. I've tried to tighten the fitting and now I'm checking again.

I haven't powered back on yet...still leak testing. I didn't get a fan with my Enzotech, but I'm not sure if the SB needs it. My case also has a huge 25 CM side fan which will blow over the whole mobo (TT Armor).

[dogin]

Well so far I have one really small leak (like about 1 drop every 2 hours) from the interior rad's intake. I've tried to tighten the fitting and now I'm checking again.

I haven't powered back on yet...still leak testing. I didn't get a fan with my Enzotech, but I'm not sure if the SB needs it. My case also has a huge 25 CM side fan which will blow over the whole mobo (TT Armor).

Hope that fixes the leak. Yeah really don't need the SB fan. I didn't use my case 300mm cross flow fan as used the cross flow fan outer cover modded to mount my reservoir and hide fan power tree for the rad, hide mobo wiring etc. Going to use two 120mm fans on the case front to help the cool the rad in air that exhausts out the case top.

[zlojack]

Success! It's on and working...but... the CPU temps seem unreasonably high.

I'm getting 58 58 52 53 Prime95 Small FFTs across the 4 cores at 3.6 GHz with 1.26v on my QX9650.

I know the IHS is uneven on this CPU because I checked it when it was dismounted, but I was getting the same temps on AIR! I figured I'd get better temps on water under load. I'm a bit leery about lapping a $1K CPU....

Also, the SB is running hot...44 Degrees. I might need to put one of my 80mm fans blowing on it or else look at a block for it since I'm going to have to re-plumb the GPU loop to accomodate the side panel fan...

Anyway...anyone have any ideas on the CPU? Could it be that the TRUE backplate I used doesn't allow enough pressure?

I'm pretty sure I'm getting good flow and I've got 4 Scythe S-Flex 1200 RPM fans on that rad in push/pull....

Ambient is probably around 20-21 C.

Any ideas guys?

Here's a shot of the rig:

[neo_rtr]

the CPU temps seem unreasonably high.
Ambient is probably around 20-21 C.

If not misstaken you have a dualrad with CPU/NB and 2x Crossfire.
The VGA generate lot more heat that you think.
With 20-21C ambient you should get about 10C + idle. about!! 30 on your cpu.

The "on load" i think is about correct at 55C

I'm getting 58 58 52 53

It seems to me that your CPU is unleved. If it had been equal pressure from the cpu mount it should show something like 58 58 57 57 or similar. Seems one side is pressing more than the other-

[wreckwriter]

Great thread guys! I got a ton of info and ideas here.

My EK-NB S-MAX block should be in tomorrow. Haven't seen any instructions online anywhere so not sure what to expect as far as mounting it. I've read here about modifying the stock backplate but I'd rather not do that since the board hasn't been proven non-DOA yet. What's the stock mounting method for the EK-NB S-MAX?

Thanks!

[dogin]

Great thread guys! I got a ton of info and ideas here.

My EK-NB S-MAX block should be in tomorrow. Haven't seen any instructions online anywhere so not sure what to expect as far as mounting it. I've read here about modifying the stock backplate but I'd rather not do that since the board hasn't been proven non-DOA yet. What's the stock mounting method for the EK-NB S-MAX?

Thanks!

You need a backplate so either have to mod the existing one or buy a custom from some one like Chilled PC. Mine has been leak testing for 12 hrs now and so far so good.
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[wreckwriter]

So the EK comes with no mounting system? Nothing like value for your money. Chilled PC is not a viable option, they are UK I believe. Guess I'll come up with something. Thanks for the reply.

[Xilikon]

I got a idea... It seems the original backplate have 4 threaded posts where you screw the heatpipe assembly. I'm wondering what is the threading so I could buy 4 bolts and reuse the same backplate ?

[wreckwriter]

I got a idea... It seems the original backplate have 4 threaded posts where you screw the heatpipe assembly. I'm wondering what is the threading so I could buy 4 bolts and reuse the same backplate ?

I had the same idea. Screws are very small, #4 or smaller (might be metric). I have no screw gauge small enough to get exact size, just have to compare I guess. Later today I will dig through my junk box and see if I have anything that will fit (either backplate or screws).

[Xilikon]

I think it's metric but since I don't see it (It's currently running in my box with stock cooling till I receive the new EK S-Max waterblock this week).

[wreckwriter]

I think it's metric but since I don't see it (It's currently running in my box with stock cooling till I receive the new EK S-Max waterblock this week).

Agreed, metric is most likely. Might even be able to use the same screws with washers but they pretty short so I'm thinking not. Someone here must have tried and I don't see it mentioned as an option so....

I'm thinking an old P4 backplate might be close. I probably even have stuff from the Celeron 300 days in my box.

[wreckwriter]

Hi!

I must admit that was our fault, because we did not double check the measures that I got from User on this forum, I think It was Pete.

What I can recommend is to drill the holes holes, so it would fit. (about 1mm each hole. We will have new tops made in one week, then we will send every end customer that has already bought the block new top with new o-ring, so he can replace it.

Sorry Guys, well fix that ASAP

This post is very worrisome. Were these blocks actually shipped to resellers with the incorrect tops? I ordered mine from Jab-Tech.com. Any way to know in advance if it will fit or not?

Edit- Answer from Jab-tech- > EK sent us all new tops for these blocks, you were also shipped the new top and
> a new O-Ring.

Big relief!

[BigGaroupa]

Success! It's on and working...but... the CPU temps seem unreasonably high.

I'm getting 58 58 52 53 Prime95 Small FFTs across the 4 cores at 3.6 GHz with 1.26v on my QX9650.

I know the IHS is uneven on this CPU because I checked it when it was dismounted, but I was getting the same temps on AIR! I figured I'd get better temps on water under load. I'm a bit leery about lapping a $1K CPU....

Also, the SB is running hot...44 Degrees. I might need to put one of my 80mm fans blowing on it or else look at a block for it since I'm going to have to re-plumb the GPU loop to accomodate the side panel fan...

Anyway...anyone have any ideas on the CPU? Could it be that the TRUE backplate I used doesn't allow enough pressure?

I'm pretty sure I'm getting good flow and I've got 4 Scythe S-Flex 1200 RPM fans on that rad in push/pull....

Ambient is probably around 20-21 C.

Any ideas guys?

Here's a shot of the rig:

Hay how did you mount your Swiftech micro-res?

I have the same case and same res, mine is just sitting on top of my CD-ROM at the moment.

[zlojack]

Hay how did you mount your Swiftech micro-res?

I have the same case and same res, mine is just sitting on top of my CD-ROM at the moment.

Stuck the velcro on the side and then stuck it to the inside of the HD bay area.

[dogin]

Still to soon to give all the results, but it Idles (CPU,GPU and NB) right around 30C. Pushed it a little before I had to leave for the day and very happy so far. The NB did not go over 33C on the initial testing (a lot more to do when I have time, but liquid cooling is the only way to go with this board. Will post back later with full results.

[zlojack]

Still to soon to give all the results, but it Idles (CPU,GPU and NB) right around 30C. Pushed it a little before I had to leave for the day and very happy so far. The NB did not go over 33C on the initial testing (a lot more to do when I have time, but liquid cooling is the only way to go with this board. Will post back later with full results.

What are your ambients?

Without that there's no context to your temps

Sounds like you've got some nice temps though!

[Talonman]

Wow guy's! I have been spending all my time in the videocard section, and checking various reviews....

Great posts have been made here....
Keep up the fine job!

Nice system too Zlojack!

[zlojack]

Wow guy's! I have been spending all my time in the videocard section, and checking various reviews....

Great posts have been made here....
Keep up the fine job!

Nice system too Zlojack!

Thanks! Did you finally score your GX2?

[dogin]

What are your ambients?

Without that there's no context to your temps

Sounds like you've got some nice temps though!

I will give all details when finish my OC'g and run the tests. A little short on time right now. Here are pics of finished system. The purple fluid comes out red with the flash, but you can see spots of real color in tubes. Still have to tighten PS wire bundle which runs out back behind mobo and comes back in under reservoir mount. Still have UV lights to install. Notice paranoia with drip tray. Putting a drain tube to an empty reservoir so if do get a leak it won't run on the floor (really to statisfy wife's concerns). Switch to a PCP&C 860W PS to give me more room with the fluid components. Also got the front window in so can see the windowed Raptors spinning.
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