Sense and Sensibility [A Build Log]

[twwen2]

Sense and Sensibility

A Lian-Li V350 build log

Disclaimer:
This build log has absolutely nothing to do with Jane Austen. I hereby apologize to the fans of said author (you know who you are!), but I hope that you will find comfort and solace in whatever I can offer in the pages to come. I will not however, disclose to you yet the reasoning behind the naming convention used. I like some suspense…


*****
Preface:
I’ll be breaking this build log into several sections initially:

Part 1: An introduction to me (For those who are interested)
Part 2: Aims and Objectives
Part 3: System specifications and parts

I’ll handle the rest as it comes; hopefully we can keep it all neat and tidy

I profusely apologize in advance for the sheer volume of text to come; however I feel that it all should be included; as in my humble opinion it will add value immeasurable to the experience forthcoming (both for you and for me!)
That being said; if you couldn’t give a rats about me and my background, then skip Part 1 and go straight to Part 2. For the rest of you though; feel free to read on!

In the wonderful words of our very own crazy Peladon: "Thus and so"....


*****

[twwen2]

PART 1: An Introduction to me!

Let me (if you will) take the opportunity to fill you in with some background info about myslef

I think most people will agree that being a part of XtremeSystems is a rewarding and often awe-inspiring hobby (or sickness as some describe it!). There are so many talented and just plain nuts people here it’s hard not to be impressed sometimes. My time here has raised my expectations about hardware performance, project creativity, DIY modding and rig building.

My computer aspirations have risen over the years; in the beginning all I wanted was a “high-end” IBM. Then I got into the Dell XPS range. When I discovered Alienware, I thought I had found the holy grail of high-end computing or so to speak .

To be honest I actually can’t remember how I found XtremeSystems. But that’s beside the point, ‘cos I did and here we are! Here in the Asylum I was exposed to the wonderful world of overclocking. I have been like the proverbial sponge, absorbing as much information and advice as I can from all the wonderful residents here .

After high school I had earned enough of the good stuff to put together an air-cooled bang-for-buck rig, which has served me well (I’m cringing as I type that) for the past ~2yrs. The specifications of said rig are in my signature below. The experience taught me lots about BIOS settings, system stability (or lack of it) and unfortunately the beauty of the RMA process . Definitely a learning experience that I’m sure we all went through once upon a time…

Now we get to the good part! 

My first exposure to watercooling was reading a review of the Corsair Nautilus. That sparked my interest in this crazy hobby. As I delved further into the industry, I began to read reviews of custom WC kits, namely those made by Asetek and Swiftech. Since I joined, my time here at XtremeSystems has opened my eyes to the world of real DIY watercooling, and I can’t get enough of it! My friends don’t understand me; they think I’m crazy: “Water and electronics don’t go together man…” but I’m pleased to say it hasn’t curbed my enthusiasm in the slightest. The looks of disbelief I get when I tell them that I load at 30 deg C makes it all worthwhile.

The watercooling forum has always been my favourite room in the asylum . I have amassed a folder of saved web pages containing most of the WC builds done here over the past 2-3 years; it’s well over the 1GB mark for size. I like to go back and re-read through all the build logs, commandeering other people’s ideas and planning my next build. I’ve also created a huge gallery with all my favorite WC pics that I browse through when bored. Can I say (if you haven’t already decided) that I’m addicted?

I’ll quickly mention my favourite builds:

• Antec P180B Watercooling by lasse.j5 (one of the first builds that caught my eye here at XS)
• Project TJ07 by ladderman (probably the build I’ve re-read the most times)
• AndyM’s TJ07
• Project X-343B-WC by Mjassbong (purty colours!!! )
• Rainmaker by VirtualRain (some simply astounding modding)

And more recently:

• Home Wrecker, Day&Night by evil-98
• Lyl’s V1000 H20
• YAMMS MM H20 by dfo
• Horizontal 343B by Matias23
• Friedchicken’s Murderbox (indeed, all of Charles_h’s work!)

Great stuff guys!

The pros here have inspired me. I prefer not to name names cos I usually forget someone, but I’m going to anyway. Special mention goes to Cathar, Martin, Nikhsub1, Naekuh, Petra, mcoffey, I could go on there’s plenty more. You guys are great and we all appreciate your contribution to these forums. Can I just get all emotional and say that Cathar is my WC hero and I miss him <sniff>  That Storm G7 was gonna be a monster…

<OK pull yourself together already…>


Well, for the two or three people who haven’t fallen asleep yet; there you have the story of my life, well the computer-related bits anyway! <get it?? Wow I’m such a geek >
Don’t worry I do have a life…
I hope that’s given you an insight as to where I’m coming from.

*****
The next section will cover my aims and objectives for this project.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention – I’ll also explain the reasoning behind the naming of this build. There’s method in the madness. Somewhere…


*****

[twwen2]

PART 2: Aims and Objectives

I’d just like to begin by saying that this build is full of compromises, so please do not think me a hypocrite. Let me explain…

Sense and Sensibility. I find that by spending so much time on XtremeSystems I get can a bit carried away by the hardware I see others working with. For instance, person X (aka Naekuh, but he’s just the first of many that spring to mind) builds a rig with a $1000+ quadcore, Tri-SLi (or quad X-Fire), six raptors in RAID 0 and a 1200W PSU (don’t even mention skulltrail), and I start thinking “I have to have that. Anything less will not be sufficient” when all I really use my PC for is Uni work, movies, photos and the occasional game. Having said that I do run a 20” Widescreen at 1680x1050 and play some taxing games like WiC and CoH, so I do need some reasonable processing power. But the key word there is reasonable. Sense and Sensibility.

So; in this build will attempt to buy hardware that meets my needs, with some reasonable headroom and future-proofing of course!

Here are my aims for the project:

• Must be quiet, near silent if possible. I currently run a CM 650W Extreme PSU with the fan stuck at 100% rpm. Before I went WC, I used to have a Zalman 9500 on the CPU, sounded like a jet sometimes. The HD4870 sounds like a hair-dryer!
• Must be stable. I’ve had some nightmares with my current rig, most of which can be traced back to the nVidia 650i chipset . Stupid thing won’t run two dimms of RAM, so I’m stuck with 1GB. It doesn’t play nice with ATi cards either…
• Must be cool. It can get warm down here in OZ, especially in the summer where it can get to the mid 30’s indoors (no AC for me ). The WC will help here.
• Will have watercooling: But of course . This is where I depart completely from the build theme, but I couldn’t care less, after all this is XS isn’t it!

*****
In my next post I will outline the details of the rig with regards to

• Parts/specs and purchases
• WC loop configuration

And i promise i'll put some pictures up, cos i know your all about to lynch me for making you read all this text!

Edit: Here's a sneak peak!



*****

[turtletrax]

And i promise i'll put some pictures up, cos i know your all about to lynch me for making you read all this text!
[/B]
*****

QFT

Seriously tho, I cant wait to see it

[twwen2]

PART 3: System Specs and Parts
Ok let’s get down and dirty with the nitty gritty details and specs!

Core Specs:

Case: Lian Li V350 mATX cube
PSU: Corsair HX620
Processor: Intel E8600
Motherboard: DFI JR-P45 T2Rs
RAM: 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair Dominator DDR2 1066MHz
Graphics: ATi HD4870 512MB
HDD: 640GB WD6400AAKS
Optical: Pioneer SATA DVDRW
OS: Vista Home Premium 64bit

• Case: Recently I got all psyched up about Charles_h’s TJ07 MurderMod builds (check ‘em out here – it’s gotta be the most impressive build I’ve ever seen: http://www.xtremesystems.org/Forums/...d.php?t=187306), but eventually realized I couldn’t afford to spend $600+ on a case. I love the Lian Li 343B cube, but can’t afford that either (shipping to OZ is $180 min). I’m not overly enchanted by the MM range, bit too industrial for my tastes but functional none-the-less (again shipping brings these to around $600). So I was left with a bit of a dilemma, a rather big one actually. For me, the case is the part that really needs to be right, after all it’s the part that I have to look at 24/7. So I needed a solution.
That solution came in the form of some timely inspiration from evilvision and his SG-02 SFF build. No longer did I have to splash out on Nehalem (which I don’t need) just to fill a big case (which wouldn’t fit anywhere in my room); I could have great-quality components in a compact package that would meet my needs for a good year or three to come. I started looking at SFF cases, and decided on the V350, the most refined of the offerings. First up some pics of the exterior:











And now a few with the side panels starting to come off










I will have my work cut out for me trying to fit everything in there, but with the PA120.3 (and possibly the res & pump too) mounted outside the case I’m almost certain I can pull it off. Wish me luck!


• CPU: Intel’s recent E8600, complete in its E0 stepping glory! These things have been doing some insane clocks; I can’t wait to see how this one goes!





Confession!: I nearly went AMD on this build. It was one of those things where head triumphed over heart in the end (thankfully). My heart said “AMD CPUs are far more elegant, the design makes sense and the lack of NB means one less heat-producing component (and thus one less water block)”. However sense and sensibility prevailed in the end, my head chiming in with a decisive “Deep down you know that Intel is the better option. You will be able to clock that Penryn sky-high, there’s no comparison once 4GHz+ is reached. Stop being silly and invest in the better solution”. Head = 1, heart = nil.

• Mobo: The baby DFI P45 has been pounding it’s bigger brothers for FSB clocks, it’s cracked 685MHz FSB here recently and seems to do 500MHz FSB on quads regularly. For an mATX board it’s packed to the gills with goodies, most noticeable being the full-scale P45 chipset. A 4-phase hybrid PWM, solid caps all round and 2 PCI-E slots all make for one little mobo with a big punch! I’ll be WC’ing the CPU, NB and GPU; more pics on that later. First some nekkid shots



The pure white box promises many good things!





Just look at that CPU socket area. Exquisite!





*****
That's all for today. Next up is the WC gear, but i need my daylight for photography so the next section will go up tomorow hopefully. Stay tuned for more pics and even more text!

Get ready for some serious EK lovin!



*****

[CedricFP]

Can't wait to see the finished project.

[Dangals]

Nice

A very well put together log so far which has engaged my interest - I definitely want to see how this all plays out.

Keep up the good work

[emuexport]

Excellent Work.

Love your worklog structure so far! Puts mine to shame!

Great pics. I will have to invest in learning how to take better pics with my camera as yours are smokin'

sub'd

emu

[MomijiTMO]

All you need are some links and you'll have a novel!


It's good to see what you went with. I'm interested to know how you set up your loop and what modding shall be done. Now get to it

[pcaddict]

Good project for now, love that dfi mobo.

[Arni]

Nice font ;D
I need more!

[evil-98]

nice! brother..

nice choose in all hardware and especially like the case

let see some progress!

edit:

did you get a backplate for the supreme? you should the board is very thin it bends extremely easily

[elite.ire]

i like it, cant wait for more

[twwen2]

Nice

A very well put together log so far which has engaged my interest - I definitely want to see how this all plays out.

Keep up the good work

Thanks Dangals, it's good to see a few Aussies here!

Excellent Work.

Love your worklog structure so far! Puts mine to shame!

Great pics. I will have to invest in learning how to take better pics with my camera as yours are smokin'

sub'd

emu

To tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; I'm actually using a P.O.S. HP 4.1MP point & shoot. Without any decent light it can't take a good pic to save it's life. That's why all my photography is done outdoors. And usually in good sunlight.

I'm relieved that you guys like the pics, i really can't afford a DSLR at this stage.

nice! brother..

nice choose in all hardware and especially like the case

let see some progress!

edit:

did you get a backplate for the supreme? you should the board is very thin it bends extremely easily

Yeah i've got the backplate on order. Actually i ordered it from Flabbergast over a month ago, and there's no sign of it so far. FB had a change of ownership, and it's taking some time for orders to be processed and new stock to be ordered...

Nice font ;D
I need more!

Good project for now, love that dfi mobo.

Looking forward to this build...

i like it, cant wait for more

Thanks guys, your support makes this all worthwhile

[IanY]

Jane Austen... A-U-S-T-E-N ... not Jane Austin lol

Just kidding my good man

Beautiful build... looking forward to all of it

[charles_h]

This worklog needs a mascot!

When will we find out the meaning behind the name?

Will the Hero's epic struggle against the tyranny of evil (not our evil-98) come in act 2 or 3?

I can't wait to find out how it all ends!!!!!!!1

[barfastic]

subscribed
seems like you got ahead with your v350 build... where as i went to buy my parts, and as a man, and as man who changes his mind easily i changed my whole idea and ordered some very different parts.... hehehe. cant wait till i see what you do and what the outcome is!

[Pellepel]

Nice I kept reading I want to see more

[twwen2]

Jane Austen... A-U-S-T-E-N ... not Jane Austin lol

Just kidding my good man

Beautiful build... looking forward to all of it

Arrgh! I mis-spelt it! Oh noes, let me go and change it!

This worklog needs a mascot!

When will we find out the meaning behind the name?

Will the Hero's epic struggle against the tyranny of evil (not our evil-98) come in act 2 or 3?

I can't wait to find out how it all ends!!!!!!!1

Mascot LOL! If you can find one i'll use it.

I already explained the name, it's in post 2, right at the start.

subscribed
seems like you got ahead with your v350 build... where as i went to buy my parts, and as a man, and as man who changes his mind easily i changed my whole idea and ordered some very different parts.... hehehe. cant wait till i see what you do and what the outcome is!

What you don't see is all the WC gear that is sitting around that won't be used, cos i've had an inspiration or decided to do something different!

[twwen2]

Ok, update time!

PART 4: The Watercooling gear

- EK Supreme
- EK FC-4870 Nickel
- DDC3.2 + Petra's Top
- Swiftech MCRES or EK Res 250/100
- PA120.3 w/Scythe S-FLEX F in pull
- Koolance 3/8in ID 1/2in OD Compressions
- 3/8in ID 1/2in OD: Primoflex Pro-LRT clear OR Feser One UV orange

• CPU Block: I’m using the supreme because I already own one. If I was buying a CPU clock now, I’d probably grab a Fusion V2 or GTZ because I’ll be running a 3-WB loop. But alas, the supreme will have to do. Don’t get me wrong, the block is amazing, i really like the look and it will be more than capable of cooling my parts. More on flow rates soon…
As some of the parts are still in use,

I'm uising some recycled pics from my current open-desk build. I hope you don't mind

Here's my Supreme in pieces. I've got an acetal top on the way, direct from Eddy himself!


And all put together:


Is it just me or does the base curve the wrong way?



• PA120.3: The King of Cool! It seems the obvious choice. <Shuuush!!! Who said 480GTX?!!! Show your face now if you dare!!!> . I like to run my S-Flex’s at 1000rpm, so I do think the PA is the right rad for the job . And besides, I already have one from my previous open-desk build. With the E8600, P45 NB and HD4870 all in the one loop I’ll be pushing at 350 watts under load, so hopefully the PA will still give some decent air-water deltas.

Just one quickie


• Fittings: I actually have two sets of compression fittings, both 3/8in ID. The Koolance ones are 1/2in OD, the BP’s are 5/8in OD. I have 10 feet of Pro-LRT tubing in both sizes. At this stage I’m gonna go the small-OD option, I think it’ll be better suited to the small case, but we’ll wait and see .


Now, here's a suspicious looking box! I wonder what could be inside...


Lots of plastic bags and tubing!

All the tubing is Primochill 3/8in ID. Closest is the Pro-LRT in 5/8in OD, middle is the yucky silicon 1/2in OD and furthest away is the replacement Pro-LRT in 1/2in OD. I'm sure you can make out the rest of the stuff well enough...


Now let me show you some special parts i have, and what i plan on doing with them:

As previously stated (if not bleedingly obvious), the PA will be mounted outside the case, most likely on the underside of my desk (I’ll have to rig up a bracket of sorts). I’m not sure yet whether the res & pump will fit inside, but at this stage that is my intention. To pass the tubes out the back of the case i bought this clever thing (from our favorite mfgr of course):

Also in the pic are some of the fittings i will be using in this build. Also made by koo....., you know who .





My original idea was to have two ball-valves on the PCI bracket, then two BP D-plugs, Thus forming a psuedo-quick-disconnect. Here's what it would have looked like:




But it got a bit long, and would extend too far out the back of the case for it to be practical, so i found another use for it instead... I call it the Kool-Power 3/8in OD handgun, check it out:


POW! Look out all WC gremlins!


Lol. Anyway so i had to change plans slightly. I switched thinking from disconnects to a drain valve. Now it look like this:





What do you guys reckon? Think it'll work?

This post is already far too long, so i'm gonna finish up and start another with pics of the wb's.

*****

[MomijiTMO]

LMAO. A gun. Take that Bitsy.

[Nate P.]

This looks like it's gonna be amazing. That is all.

[emoners]

very interesting...the same specs i'm actually thinking of doing next. can't wait to see more

[charles_h]

I already explained the name, it's in post 2, right at the start.

Ah man, I'm sorry!

I really need to learn to read.

When you said the reason would be revealed I figured you meant later in the build process, not later in the day.

[twwen2]

Ah man, I'm sorry!

I really need to learn to read.

When you said the reason would be revealed I figured you meant later in the build process, not later in the day.

Yeah well that was the plan, but i had most of the text ready to go, so there wasn't a delay of sorts.

Your assumption would have been correct had i not been so impatient.