A little GMC R3 Corona --> Watercooled!

[So_BAD]

Round 1:


Hello!

After more than a year without a desktop at home, only using only laptop, I decided to built one, even the Intel platform 775.
So, in short time I don't want to go i5 Core or Core i7 ...


To built I already have:



- Corsair HX 620W
- Asus P5E3 Deluxe WiFi AP @ N
- Quad Q8200
- 4GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz Corsair XMS3 DHX
- 1GB XFX GTS250 Core Edition
- 1x Seagate 7200.12 1TB
- DVD-RW Samsung 22x SH-S223
- Samsung 22" 2232BW


And I always preferred big cases. But this time I want to innovate and take the smallest and functional know.

I chose the GMC R3-Corona, because, besides finding it very nice, like your building. Infinitely more rigid and stable than any Generic "non Branded" cheap ATX case, I've ever met and he had seen.


To WC already have:


- Pump and DP-1200 AKA Danger Den CPX-Pro
- Reserv Swiftech MCREs Rev. 2
- RAD 240ST Magicool 240mm with fittings 3/8"
- Magicool CPU Block MC-BLOCK-CPU with fittings 3/8"
- GPU Block Thermaltake Aquarius II with fittings 3/8"
- LCD Thermaltake M5 Aquabay to measure temps Reserv
- 02 meters of Tygon hose 3/8"


Unlike other systems that have mounted, the WC system is NOT fit entirely inside the case.
I have tryied so hard but, I can not do that RAD 2400mm fit into there...
But I want to leave ONLY the RAD 240mm out.


You can see the proportion of this case in that image:





Complete fully by hardware (It's not my case yet):





The pump and reserv, will be at the bottom - the floor - the case. This will leave only room for the hoses pass between the side cover and only because the GTS250 is pretty long and dual slot, and will occupy much space. It will be tight even.

The major issue is where to draw the RAD. I like the top, because that RAD has almost the same length as the case would leave the RAD a little further back, to release the hose connectors free, so the hoses can go up to him.

Or, leave it in the back of the case, just below the space for the source. Also that RAD has almost that time. Well, there lie the greatest doubts.

Remarks:

1 - I want to put a block on VGA, I do not know a good, or what.

2 - Remember that I am not gamer or extreme overclocker, so WC for me is mainly silence and aesthetics.


Well, tomorrow I hope to make the first pictures and make a Worklog.



P.S.: sorry my poor, very poor english.

[XKaan]

Cool, looking forward to it.

[So_BAD]

Round 2:


My XFX GTS 250 1GB come today, but it was disappointing.

The VGA is 240mm long, almost the total internal length of the case. And as the P5E3 Deluxe WIFI, has the PCI-ex a little more to low, so it's may block a pump at bottom.

Large VGA and Dual Slot, to fit on small case.






With reserv in the vertical, it would not fit...






With reserv horizontally. Notice that I painted red a PCI slot of "dummy motherboard" to show at what point is the PCI-Ex Asus P5E3 Deluxe AP @ N.







Desired location for the RAD in the back:







Desired location for the RAD above:





If you have to book another place, I'm thinking a Swiftech MicRES that fits anywhere, is easy to fix.

Or it's below, that is made by a friend, in Brazil.






Or, last option, aside this VGA, and use a MSI 9500GT 512MB I have, which measures 165mm in length, there could usually assemble everything with it, would there still space: biggrin:.

On the fixing of the RAD (both the top and in back), I thought of using a solution like this:




Doubts are still many. Let's see how we decided, we'll see!

[So_BAD]

Round 3:

Continuing...

I decided: chose RAD at the top of the case.


RAD above, VGA in place with the pump just below.







RAD where it will ultimately have with the fans (provisional). In the picture lacks the spacer (being prepared) that will keep fans of the 50mm case. Or a mounting kit by Swiftech, i thinking about. Because I have no much time off.







The reserv already ordered a Swiftech McRES rev2, I've had one of these and is very practical.
It allows the setting of various forms. Besides being able to opt out of the water bottom, or side.

Diagram (crude!) I made to illustrate the toilet, your hoses, etc to book.







Today I worked a little on the case at lunch (or lunch ... hehehe).
I made several cuts, all in Jigsaws Bosch. I opened the window on the left side (I forgot to take pictures).
I wanted to put a 120mm fan at the rear. Lack of space 3 mm (width only).

But I would be strange, it would be left "parts" of the small panel back, as the 120mm fan would occupy more central area of the rear panel there. would require another MOD, covering the entire back panel (the location of the fan) with an acrylic, for example... did this in Chieftec CX-01 in 3 fans the right side, which cool the hard drives.

As below:







Thus, to avoid a hassle, which may need more time, which is scarce. Preferred to keep 2 fans 80mm even only removed the mesh.

Grills placed only for the photos, the screws will be others etc ...








Every case that I modified to date, installed wheels. As I always say, I like to functional changes. These wheels think they are always helpful. "On the Road": biggrin:!






Detail:
You are a source of testing equipment, which has the same length as the Zalman to be used. There will only be 1 HD more. See the final position of the pump as well.




I opened space for 92mm fan:

[So_BAD]

Round 4:

There has been some progress ...

My hacksaw in action (I haven't Dremel, opening a window on the right side.
I wanted to open a larger window yet, but there are details on the back of the side that could not cut because they are part of the trail that lay on the case.





I had set the location of the RAD, and was elected to the top.
I wanted to put the fittings facing the front of the case and the hoses going inside it, through holes for them.

But, where the hoses enter, it would be just where is the support for 2x drives, and move to the cables from the source.
Thus, the place was completely filled, and there is no other place to install the hard drives.
On the back of the case also tried the RAD. Several people suggested this place, inclusive.

But RAD is almost the same width as the case, so not to block the passage of cables on the back plate I/O, power etc. The RAD should be a least 150mm away from the back of the case.

I tried, but I thought it would be very strange visual and practical too. There would be no usual, the RAD there, either remove and install cables .... I gave up.

Assembled on site in short (missed finishing, parts cleaning, etc. ...)





Overview of the interior, with the fans installed, Rad site etc ...





More details of 2x fans 80mmm who acted as exhaust, along with the 120mm of the PSU.

Already sleeve all cables, to improve the visual / internal organization.





I still have problem to install my baybus, which is a Zalman MFC1 modified by me. I used it with my last 3 cases (large!).





But in this case small, is difficult to find a place for him. Maybe put in top roof a little ahead of the RAD. Thus it would be the cables hidden, not disturbing the visual.

I made a drawing (crude!) In the paint, only go to illustrate what he said:





Well, latter I want to find some time to reach solutions where to install baybus, what shall I do with the cables of a USB / Firewire Audio and front, and others more.

Hugs and thanks in advance!

[So_BAD]

Round 5:

I found some time and ready to finish the CASE.

Here now with the motherboard, VGA and memorys in place. Below are some photos, I await comments.



Details of the set screws of the CPU Block.





For the VGA mounted, and little space is left general.





RAD.





I found this area (the only empity area) to fit Baybus, not had many options.






For now, I will use the GPU block. To assist in the dissipation of memos, used this hetasink from Zalman, who had kept here is about 3 years at least. Only now had use :-).
I do not play anything, this will be used VGA ever IDLE. But I know it is always good to worry about temperatures.

Note also that this case has 4 fans (2x 80mm, 1x 92mm & 1x 120mm) including the PSU, but all are FANS. Will have no blowing cold air inside. Obviously with air coming out, there will be cold air coming in, but the case will have no fan blowing cold air.

I also want to put heatsinks on the MOSFET.

Ask for help "figure out" where they are, because I'm terrible at electronics. Searching on the Net, I found misinformation, images that do not correspond to the PCB. Only confused me more ...






Today I put the reservation in your place and decided what the direction of the hoses in the system;

PUMP> CPU> VGA> RAD> RESERV...

Now, just cut hose set to leave the system turned on, check for leaks, remove the bubbles etc..

Should have news soon!

[Caoder]

omg a thermal take block =( i dunno if u'll see any benefits with those blocks on there =( also when i was looking at one that i had bought as a total nub.. i didn't even DARE put it on my cards =(

go n get a swiftech mcw 60 PLZ >.<

also don't use the aquabay :/ it'll kill ur flow.

[So_BAD]

omg a thermal take block =( i dunno if u'll see any benefits with those blocks on there =( also when i was looking at one that i had bought as a total nub.. i didn't even DARE put it on my cards =(

go n get a swiftech mcw 60 PLZ >.<

also don't use the aquabay :/ it'll kill ur flow.

I don't uses this GTS250 without WC block, but searching on google, I see temps higehr than me.
By the way, to fit in GTS 250, I had to enlarge 2 holes in PCB, because the screws are some bulk that holes of PCB.

MCW60 is not compatible with GTS250, I search something about. The only block that are compatible with GTS250, was this one, because os your flex, fixation system.

In fact, I will use only LCD temps sensor, of Aquabay M5 kit.


Thanks for reply!

[So_BAD]

Round 6:

Well, finally I'm finish (bit more) the case.
But I could only mount the WC system, leaving the loop on a few hours to eliminate air bubbles, checking for leaks etc. I have not completed the installation of the operating system yet. I will try to finish soon.

Not with the PSU of the system (HX 620W). I connected the WC system with a Cooler Master 350W, I have to spare. The memorys are also out.





Top view of the whole mess that turned the hoses on the case.





For the CPU Block. Note that there was still air in the Block and the system.





I used the higher output to put the temperature sensor, the LCD panel of the Thermaltake Aquarius II had. All finished, sleenvigs etc.. Only thing missing to complete the assembly during the coming weeks.





Connectors Thermaltake 3/8" but internally, the GPU Block, are 1/8". Should restrict too much.





In the previous post, was at ease with the MOSFET of the VGA, but could "identify them".
So are properly "cooled", using some heatsink had saved here, the Evercool.





Rear view of the hoses coming out of the case. Really love this type of arrangement, which left empity space.
Much better than if he had chosen to fix the RAD in the back, as I thought.
I have never used external RAD, before any form within the case. But in the case of Corona R3, it would be impossible!





Front, and detail of the opening I made for cables.




That's it for now.. work in, here.

Thanks!

[So_BAD]

Round 7:


About 99% of the project was completed, only a few details missing. I will finish ASAP.


Details of the small LCD, with water temps of the tank. Photos with and without flash:





Overview of the assembly, with everything in their proper place:





Left side, almost not shown in previous posts:





Baybus details, which ended up making a frame/bezel for it as I felt more aesthetic:





Magic to hide the cables to the maximum:





Still missing a cradle for the pump, because they're just foam.
I will change the VGA block, for a less restrictive (by Watercooling BR) because this has the Thermaltake fittings 1/8".

Hugs and thank you!

[the_dope_chaud]

I like how the case is very shallow, you rarely see cases with these dimensions, and its hardly ever seen in gaming builds or mods. Good going !

The parts you want to cool down are the vrms, indicated in pink on this 9800gtx, I couldn't find a 250gts pcb shot, its pretty much the same card anyways.




BTW, on the thermaltake block, I dont know if you know about TT wc gear, but I rather warn you now. MCW60 should fit, I dont know where or who told you otherwise.

[bundymania]

Nice build ! Reminds my on my GMC R2 "Toast" Setup

[So_BAD]

I like how the case is very shallow, you rarely see cases with these dimensions, and its hardly ever seen in gaming builds or mods. Good going !

The parts you want to cool down are the vrms, indicated in pink on this 9800gtx, I couldn't find a 250gts pcb shot, its pretty much the same card anyways.

BTW, on the thermaltake block, I dont know if you know about TT wc gear, but I rather warn you now. MCW60 should fit, I dont know where or who told you otherwise.

Thanks friend!

This true, this case is really short/small. But in the end, could made some improvements. I already find and put some heatsinks in VGA VRMs. Exaclly where is your pic.



I know about Tt blocks. I couldn't find GPU blocks that fit in GTS250 1GB. MCW60 is very nice, interest me. But GTS 250 isn't in your VGA compatible list, seeing at Tt website.
If you have any other blocks, are welcome.

Nice build ! Reminds my on my GMC R2 "Toast" Setup

I think that I was the first to put WC in this case...
Great job!

Do you has more pics, worklog etc... I'm very interested about, to change experiences. I would like to disasemble entire case, and put PSU in botton.
But many chages are necessary, I'm thinking about...

Thanks!

[bundymania]

I made a review from that case, so i installed the watercooling setup in there for demonstration purposes

http://extreme.pcgameshardware.de/an...-gehaeuse.html

[So_BAD]

I made a review from that case, so i installed the watercooling setup in there for demonstration purposes

http://extreme.pcgameshardware.de/an...-gehaeuse.html

Ah, ok!

I'm interested solutions to fix RAD external/internal, temps etc...

Best regards!

[the_dope_chaud]

its obvious that the gpu compatible list on swiftech's site is not really up to date, and I understand that, since the same mounting pattern has graced many generations on gpus, if you really wanted to find out, give gabe a ring or message him. (he's the swiftech guy)

Its not because its not on their list that it wont fit, my mcw60 has been on a 7600gt, 7900gt, 8800gt and now on 4870.

[So_BAD]

its obvious that the gpu compatible list on swiftech's site is not really up to date, and I understand that, since the same mounting pattern has graced many generations on gpus, if you really wanted to find out, give gabe a ring or message him. (he's the swiftech guy)

Its not because its not on their list that it wont fit, my mcw60 has been on a 7600gt, 7900gt, 8800gt and now on 4870.

Ok, understand. I hope that it fit.

I sent PM to gabe, thank you for attention, man!