BlueAqua's SuperProject: MurderMod TJ-07, MM UFO, V2000

[Mick64]

These projects are a lot of work, and time consuming. I really enjoy the planning and buying stuff I don't need part of it.

I totally agree! Wish I had more time (and funds) to build a machine in the big leagues!

[BlueAqua]

Some new updates.

I sleeved the 4 channel raid SATA cables, made a custom floppy power cord for my sound card and tried to clean up some of the wiring.

I also put a new piece of acrylic for the side window and installed the top two fans. I'm still waiting on the rest of my thumbscrews so I can complete this project. Hopefully that will be tomorrow. I also need to get some new pci slot covers too.

It really came together nicely and I really like it now. Thanks to ShoNuff for selling me the case, it's been a dream to work with.

The last picture is of it setup in it's home. I will have 4 computers there with cables going through the wall to the other side of the basement, that part is finished and has my 42" plasma and 3 other LCD's. The htpc is upstairs though.

I'll post some final pictures of it shortly, here are some from today.

[Mick64]

That's one sexy machine! Great work!

[turtletrax]

Amazing work....

simply gorgeous

[mpower1001]

Awesome work, would like to see the TJ07 when your finished, love that case.

[ShoNuff]

Nice pics too! Gotta love that blue...very purdy.

[BlueAqua]

Thanks guys. I've been working on the V2000 and that is kicking my ass. It's tough to take something what was modified for another project and turn it into something that looks good. My workshop is really beginning to get messy, stuff all over. I'll make some more progress tomorrow and post my results.

The TJ07 build will be last and I need to powdercoat in interior. I still need to find a place to do just a few pieces for me. Maybe another Ek 9800GX2 block too, but only if it's reasonable.

[skinnee]

Looking very good BA!

Let me know who you get to powdercoat for you, I've been looking for a place in the cities that does a good job at a decent price.

[BlueAqua]

Looking very good BA!

Let me know who you get to powdercoat for you, I've been looking for a place in the cities that does a good job at a decent price.

Will do. Maybe we could do some parts in the same batch and save a little. Then we could grab a beer and talk about our rigs...

Some more updates today. I decided to ditch the acrylic for the base, it's just too fragile and this aluminum here looks much more delightful. So I started cutting, drilling and this is what I have so far. I bought a stepped drill bit and that works amazing on holes. I highly recommend you pick one up.

I will paint this piece a high gloss black and shine it up, should look pretty nice.

I've decided to use some of my original Aqua Computer parts and do two loops. The Aqua Computer cooling will just cool the hard drives, pointless but I don't know what else to do with the hard drive coolers and their bays to keep them looking decent. So I'm going to place the Ek res in the middle and recessed down below the midplate, therefore having all of the plumbing for it below the midplate. The tubing from the hard drives will be smaller diameter tubing and will kind of go around the reservoir. I think I'll use blue and yellow color water for this, to kind of go with the logo and match the case.

Anyways, here is the progress so far on the V2000.

[BlueAqua]

A few updates.

I decided to discard the res idea. A T-line will be much easier and keep the clutter down. I also decided to stick with the black anodizing on the aluminum and cut another piece for the back instead of the black acrylic. I'm actually close to finishing this one up.

I'm also going to place some temperature sensors, 1 in the water and 1 in the basement of the case. I'll have the Aquero adjust fan speed as necessary to keep temperatures in check.

Here are some preview pics.

[HaCKs]

And my XSPC 9800GTX block:

I had the same blocks, and they leaked like MOFOS because QC at XSPC didn't check the O-ring. Before installing them, please take the top off and make sure the oring is 100% perfect before you get it installed and running and filled.

[skinnee]

Will do. Maybe we could do some parts in the same batch and save a little. Then we could grab a beer and talk about our rigs...

I'm a good 6 months from needing powdercoat...but in time we'll definitely grab that beer (soda for me).

[Utnorris]

Your builds look awesome. Nice job.

Utnorris

[Eddie3dfx]

So sick on many levels.
Love watching these builds. Love both of them!

[BlueAqua]

I'm a good 6 months from needing powdercoat...but in time we'll definitely grab that beer (soda for me).

Well that's still fine. If you ever want to meet up and have a little party let me know. Soda is fine with me too, just trying to sound cool.

Your builds look awesome. Nice job.

Utnorris

Thanks!! Always nice to get some appreciation.

So sick on many levels.
Love watching these builds. Love both of them!

I actually love watching them too. I get so much inspiration and motivation from looking at threads like this. I just hope somebody can enjoy mine too.

I had the same blocks, and they leaked like MOFOS because QC at XSPC didn't check the O-ring. Before installing them, please take the top off and make sure the oring is 100% perfect before you get it installed and running and filled.

I read your post back whenever and I checked my block out after you mentioned it. I didn't notice the O-ring misplaced at all but I'll keep a look out for it. Thanks

[BlueAqua]

I've been slaving away for hours now, I'm bleeding and I'm tired, but I've made good progress. I took a few pictures of my work area, damn is it a mess. I had it completely clean before I started this too. Some of the pictures aren't the greatest quality, just wanted to get some before I close up for the evening.

More pictures:

[skinnee]

Well that's still fine. If you ever want to meet up and have a little party let me know. Soda is fine with me too, just trying to sound cool.

You can booze it up all you want, I don't mind. I just quit hitting the sauce a few years ago, my body couldn't take it anymore.

[charles_h]

Awesome work BlueAqua!

I love the color of the coolant in your MM UFO. That blue is so rich looking.

I also must say that your tabby cat is gorgeous. She reminds me of a tabby I grew up with.


Looking forward to your TJ07 build.

[Eddie3dfx]

Aqua computer hardrive blocks + aquabay + ddc power + beautiful aqua pc grill + aqua double impact = pure sheer quality

[BlueAqua]

You can booze it up all you want, I don't mind. I just quit hitting the sauce a few years ago, my body couldn't take it anymore.

I'm not much of a drinker. I'd much rather be active doing something than drinking. There is a small Minneapolis lanparty on September 6th if you're interested. I went to one once and it was pretty fun.

Just out of curiosity, what do you plan on powder coating?

Awesome work BlueAqua!

I love the color of the coolant in your MM UFO. That blue is so rich looking.

I also must say that your tabby cat is gorgeous. She reminds me of a tabby I grew up with.


Looking forward to your TJ07 build.

Thanks Charles, means a lot coming from somebody with very high standards.

My cats are actually Bengals, a special breed of an Asian Leopard cat. They're really fun and a real part of our family. They don't like it when I go in the shop to work. Normally they're always hanging out with my wife and I, no matter what we do.

I'll try to make my TJ07 worthy of your appreciation too, don't worry. That one is going to take some time though.

Aqua computer hardrive blocks + aquabay + ddc power + beautiful aqua pc grill + aqua double impact = pure sheer quality

I have had a ton of Aqua Computer gear. I still have a bunch of random blocks/fittings/tubing and all kinds of spare parts. I've always loved their quality. I still haven't seen much that compares to AC. I really admired the AC Double Impact when I took it apart last week, just amazing really. I've pretty much given up on them now though, it's just a pain in the ass to get stuff in the States, and it's expensive. I had to be one of the first 10 or so in the US to really get much of their gear.

Don't forget the Aquaero too. It'll go in that last 5.25" bay slot that I have shown empty now. I have to fill the AC loop from that bay into the bay res. It's a huge pain in the ass, but it'll do. It'll be fun to set this one up again and get the Aquaero all configured. I'm not even sure what firmware it has or if it's even upgradable. I think it's an original out of their initial batch.

[RickCain]

I have had a ton of Aqua Computer gear. I still have a bunch of random blocks/fittings/tubing and all kinds of spare parts. I've always loved their quality. I still haven't seen much that compares to AC. I really admired the AC Double Impact when I took it apart last week, just amazing really. I've pretty much given up on them now though, it's just a pain in the ass to get stuff in the States, and it's expensive. I had to be one of the first 10 or so in the US to really get much of their gear.

Oh boy, you should see my drawer FULL of Aqua Computer gear! I must have enough to do four loops including hard drives and RAM

I agree it is WAY to hard and expensive to get their equipment into the USA. I swear they just don't care about the US market and are not willing to work in any distribution channels other than their own. Sharka has been burnt by them more than once and don't expect them to ever get another shipment.

BTW: Very nice builds you have going one!

[charles_h]

My cats are actually Bengals, a special breed of an Asian Leopard cat. They're really fun and a real part of our family. They don't like it when I go in the shop to work. Normally they're always hanging out with my wife and I, no matter what we do.

I love Bengals!

I thought I saw what looked like spots on her but figured it was just the angle of the photo. She looks like a beauty! I miss not having cats. It's funny really, when you have them they drive you batty but without them the place seams somewhat lacking. Pets sure add to the quality of life.

Except Siamese cats... and I say that as a former owner.


Sorry to be off topic.

[pcaddict]

AMAZING. *subs*

[.Logic]

Really nice work, subscribed also

[skinnee]

I'm not much of a drinker. I'd much rather be active doing something than drinking. There is a small Minneapolis lanparty on September 6th if you're interested. I went to one once and it was pretty fun.

Just out of curiosity, what do you plan on powder coating?

Wife and I are on vacation that week...I'll have to hit it up next time.

I want to powdercoat a Tt Armor case, I hate the shiny inside. Yes, its for the wifes machine.