Shazza's Modest Mountain Mods Build

[shazza]

Just a few quick snaps ... in order to get some decent pics, I've got to set the lights up and that's a pain. Will try to get some better ones tomorrow.



Experimenting with my colors - I call this one "The Grandkids are gonna like this". I know most of you prefer more subtle loop colors, and I've got a few other color schemes in mind. But, for now ...






Almost a view of the Bitspower blocks:






Uni-sleeving the PCI-E connectors for 3 cards was not a good idea. I had no issue with the actual sleeving, but fitting it all in is a royal pain. Tried to arrange as much as possible to the front to minimize blocking air from the radiator. The window on this side panel is only half depth, so it will hide all the bottom stuff.






And, a bit of a view of the top of the cards:

[shazza]

Shazza,

Looking at your pics, it appears that the 285's do not have memory on the back side of the card. The 280's have memory on the back and it gets pretty warm.

Yep ... I was a little confused by the backplate question

I do believe EVGA is making a backplate for the 285, like the 295, but it is more decorative than functional. I actually like the look as is, particularly with the nickel blocks.

[dingdong555]

Shazza!

That looks AMAZING!

[just a noob]

green eh? i think i might have to steal that when i get around to a build

[theseeker]

Shazza,
That is an outstanding build! I love the colors and I am sure the kids will too.
Sorry about the backplate question. I failed to study the backside of the 285's.
Mine will be here Tuesday and I cannot wait. More pics please! Get out the lightbox and the lights we want to see more!!!
Beautiful pics!

[BlueAqua]

Great shots Shazza, that build is very sexy. Not many people here could pull that off the same way you did.

[shazza]

Thanks for the comments, dingdong, just a noob, the seeker, and Blue Aqua.



:

Blue Aqua is such a gentleman ... he PM'd me that I just might have my inlet/outlet switched on my GTZ. And, of course ... he is correct

This is quite funny, as I must have checked the installation instructions 6 times before installing. An easy enough fix, since it's easy to drain the CPU loop. At least I will be able to report what the differences are...

Thank you, Mr. Aqua.

[theseeker]

Thanks for the comments, dingdong, just a noob, the seeker, and Blue Aqua.



:

Blue Aqua is such a gentleman ... he PM'd me that I just might have my inlet/outlet switched on my GTZ. And, of course ... he is correct

This is quite funny, as I must have checked the installation instructions 6 times before installing. An easy enough fix, since it's easy to drain the CPU loop. At least I will be able to report what the differences are...

Thank you, Mr. Aqua.

BA has helped me many times and he is quite gracious! Not many people are nice enough to give away their secrets and help you along the way. The M|M folks are a blessing!

[Jhors2]

Man, this build is amazing, I've been following it for the last month or so and I love it!!! Can you get some full case pics and such?? Keep the PCB exposed on the 285s, I love it

[trfnj74]

Awsome

[shazza]

BA has helped me many times and he is quite gracious! Not many people are nice enough to give away their secrets and help you along the way. The M|M folks are a blessing!

Most definitely. The fact that I can still make a mistake like this is yet another sign that I am challenged when it comes to putting things together. SO, for all those new to this - take heart. If I can do it, anyone should be able to.

A few other goofs along the way -

1) Forgot to plug in the USB and HD Audio connectors for my front panel before installing the triple cards. A bit tricky, but managed to do it with a pair of needle nose pliers.

2) Screwed up sleeving the first additional PCI-E cable (the wires are all black on the spares ... got the ground and 12v reversed). Fortunately, I tested first (on my husband's computer, of course) - and was able to fix it and get the other ones right.

Is it any wonder my husband just shakes his head when he sees me start these projects

[SiGfever]

Fantastic shots as always. Please keep the pictures coming.

[jpm804]

Fantastic shots as always. Please keep the pictures coming.

x2 ... even if you didnt setup the proper lighting. Also I think you did a great job organizing the PCI-e cable even though you had so many.



Also this pic reminds of the sentinels from the matrix

[shazza]

Man, this build is amazing, I've been following it for the last month or so and I love it!!! Can you get some full case pics and such?? Keep the PCB exposed on the 285s, I love it

Awsome

Fantastic shots as always. Please keep the pictures coming.

x2 ... even if you didnt setup the proper lighting. Also I think you did a great job organizing the PCI-e cable even though you had so many.

Also this pic reminds of the sentinels from the matrix

You guys are much too kind. I'm sure there are folks out there who don't care for the colors - and I'd like to hear your opinions as well. I love the one color builds in white, black, red, or blue that we've seen lately. Just wanted to try something a little different again.

There will be more pics, but I need a few days to enjoy my games ... in the midst of Fallout 3, Crysis, and Farcry 2. Also waiting for a few parts to arrive, so I will redo it when they arrive. Thanks again. I do appreciate the feedback (because my husband and friends just laugh at me).

[SiGfever]

You guys are much too kind. I'm sure there are folks out there who don't care for the colors - and I'd like to hear your opinions as well. I love the one color builds in white, black, red, or blue that we've seen lately. Just wanted to try something a little different again.

There will be more pics, but I need a few days to enjoy my games ... in the midst of Fallout 3, Crysis, and Farcry 2. Also waiting for a few parts to arrive, so I will redo it when they arrive. Thanks again. I do appreciate the feedback (because my husband and friends just laugh at me).

You are just ahead of their time.

[trfnj74]

Shazza
I love the three colors.... My next build will be tri color one for each loop. I would of do it on my current build with some Fesser tubing but I have the wrong size fittings.

You guys are much too kind. I'm sure there are folks out there who don't care for the colors - and I'd like to hear your opinions as well. I love the one color builds in white, black, red, or blue that we've seen lately. Just wanted to try something a little different again.

There will be more pics, but I need a few days to enjoy my games ... in the midst of Fallout 3, Crysis, and Farcry 2. Also waiting for a few parts to arrive, so I will redo it when they arrive. Thanks again. I do appreciate the feedback (because my husband and friends just laugh at me).

[theseeker]

Most definitely. The fact that I can still make a mistake like this is yet another sign that I am challenged when it comes to putting things together. SO, for all those new to this - take heart. If I can do it, anyone should be able to.

A few other goofs along the way -

1) Forgot to plug in the USB and HD Audio connectors for my front panel before installing the triple cards. A bit tricky, but managed to do it with a pair of needle nose pliers.

2) Screwed up sleeving the first additional PCI-E cable (the wires are all black on the spares ... got the ground and 12v reversed). Fortunately, I tested first (on my husband's computer, of course) - and was able to fix it and get the other ones right.

Is it any wonder my husband just shakes his head when he sees me start these projects

Shazza, You are a whoot! I love it and don't feel like the Lone Ranger. My wife does something similar.

[ILikeCosmosS]

hey shazza few minor questions
are those bp fittings black sparkle or shiny silver?
is that primochill red tubing? and if i use blue color liquid + blue tubing will it look good or just get clear tubing?
thx
FINISH IT!

[theseeker]

hey shazza few minor questions
are those bp fittings black sparkle or shiny silver?
is that primochill red tubing? and if i use blue color liquid + blue tubing will it look good or just get clear tubing?
thx
FINISH IT!

They appear to be shiny silver and the tubing is probably tygon.

[ILikeCosmosS]

i thought tygon only makes black and clear tubing and silver?

[shazza]

The BP fittings are all shiny silver (bought before "True Silver" came out, thank goodness). The tubing is all Danger Den / Feser 3/8"ID x 5/8" OD.

Re blue coolant with the blue tubing ... I think it will look good. I'm just not sure if the colored coolant will look best with the colored tubing, or with clear tubing. If you hold on a week or two, you may see it in action here. I KNOW distilled is the best coolant, but I just have an itch for color.

And, about FINISHING IT -- I've finished it at least twice, and you can see where I am. So, give me a while. The process is as much fun as the end result. I don't envision this as my end rig. I hope to set this up as a 24/7 crunching system, possible doing double duty an HTPC - but more to come on that later.

[charles_h]

I've come out of my work hole to say one thing...

Shazza, you rule!

I've been keeping my nose down and plugging away like a good little worker bee... I came here on my break and was greeted with your bountiful offerings du jour which put a giant smile on my face. Thank you Shazza - keep up the great work!

p.s. don't tell Nils I got out.

[PradaG]

Shazza - I generally am one to stay away from colored tubes - BUT....when you have the perfect placement of 45's & 90's, & achieved tube flow that looks as good as yours does...the choice for multi color was a great one (& they are a natural color choice in the video world) also...nice job taming the tons-o-wires (by the PS/v-cards)- again..nice flow

[Alex Suraci]

Great job. I'm pending an Ascension build myself so it's nice seeing a similar build in action (especially with such nice hardware). I wish I could have the 5.25" bays up top, but looking at it from the side it looks like that'd be a very close call. Oh well.

[ILikeCosmosS]

The BP fittings are all shiny silver (bought before "True Silver" came out, thank goodness). The tubing is all Danger Den / Feser 3/8"ID x 5/8" OD.

Re blue coolant with the blue tubing ... I think it will look good. I'm just not sure if the colored coolant will look best with the colored tubing, or with clear tubing. If you hold on a week or two, you may see it in action here. I KNOW distilled is the best coolant, but I just have an itch for color.

And, about FINISHING IT -- I've finished it at least twice, and you can see where I am. So, give me a while. The process is as much fun as the end result. I don't envision this as my end rig. I hope to set this up as a 24/7 crunching system, possible doing double duty an HTPC - but more to come on that later.

i understand when i am going to build my computer i am going to take my time and enjoy it while it lasts
seems like shazza your a perfectionist just like me