Project Capella (Lian Li PC-P50R)

[Kibbler]

Gorgeous.
I must say, even though I am a Swiftech fan, I love these new EK supremes (I have one, check my sig (not trying to steal thread views, but I'd rather not post a picture in yours)).

Can't wait to see the white top and what it looks like on the board!

Btw, I can't find a component list.... And I have a strong suggestion for your backplate depending on what your platform is...

Thanks Wezly, I did consider the RED Supreme. But in the end, 1) I wanted to try out the HF version, and 2) I am a ROG loyalist and the Classified will probably not have a role in this build. I can't wait for white acetal tops to come around!

No component list? Yeah that's because there isn't one...yet. Like I mentioned I have vague directions in terms of hardware: Gulftown and DX11, but Gulftown is not available yet so there's no point buying a 5970 now when there could be something better around the corner when I'm ready to shop. I be playin' the wait and see game for now yo.

What's your input on the backplate?

Nice work on the rad!

How bout Black with a tinge of red?

Or Vice versa

Thanks Greg! Black/red huh...not sure I have the skill to pull that off to be honest though that would look pretty sick.

nice parts!

Thanks GK, you're damn handy with a can of paint and if geography allowed I'd probably pay you to do all the painting for me!

***

Primer'd. Again!

Two coats of primer done, lightly wet sanded with 1200 grit. Maybe it was the way I was spraying but I ended up with a very gritty surface. Sanding took care of that and now the sides are all yummy smooth. I'm a fan of Rustoleum, this primer is pretty solid stuff. Recommended.

I'm fixing to put on the color coat this weekend so please vote! Gloss red is leading ATM but I'm leaning towards gloss white for the novelty...time will tell.



I vunder if it will be raining...
Hitler...iz out of ze vay.
Time vill tell. Sooner or later...time vill tell.

[Arthur]

Primer'd. Again!

Two coats of primer done, lightly wet sanded with 1200 grit. Maybe it was the way I was spraying but I ended up with a very gritty surface. Sanding took care of that and now the sides are all yummy smooth. I'm a fan of Rustoleum, this primer is pretty solid stuff. Recommended.

I'm fixing to put on the color coat this weekend so please vote! Gloss red is leading ATM but I'm leaning towards gloss white for the novelty...time will tell.



I vunder if it will be raining...
Hitler...iz out of ze vay.
Time vill tell. Sooner or later...time vill tell.

I almost saw more than 30 rads which custom painted by now but this one is absolutely great. Clean and great work, this is it.

Congratulations @Kibbler, you did it very well.

Cant wait to see the different finished shots here.

So long,
Arthur

[aka_GK]

Isn't it beautifull in white?

Thanks GK, you're damn handy with a can of paint and if geography allowed I'd probably pay you to do all the painting for me!

No way Kibbler, with all respect to you, I don't want to deal with painting for atleast two weeks from now, today's run was enough for me

[Kibbler]

I almost saw more than 30 rads which custom painted by now but this one is absolutely great. Clean and great work, this is it.

Congratulations @Kibbler, you did it very well.

Cant wait to see the different finished shots here.

So long,
Arthur

Thanks a lot Arthur, I'm happy to hear (and it's my first rad job!)

My only regret is I had to remove the original paint. Of the rads I've handled (Swifty TC TFC) HWLabs have the best paint job in the market, hands down. It was a shame (and a chore) to remove it.

No way Kibbler, with all respect to you, I don't want to deal with painting for atleast two weeks from now, today's run was enough for me

It's much warmer here in Singapore I promise, it will be a lot easier. Plus I'm baking internet cookies and they smell great!

One internet cookie to whoever got the reference in my last post.

Graeme once the fresh cookie batch is ready I'll send you one via TCP/IP.

***

Gloss red still leading in the polls, gloss black catching up.

[CptDreadFlint]

Great shots of the EK block, Kibbs! My vote went to Gloss Black but did a double take on how well the white turned out.

Is that quote from C&C?

[Kibbler]

Is that quote from C&C?

Please make sure your TCP port 20 is open and your firewall is off temporarily to accept internet cookie transfer, thank you.

[closetredneck]

This worklog is worth viewing for the comedic commentary as much as it is for the innovation and great photos. Keep it up.

[Wezly]

What's your input on the backplate?

Coolermaster V8 backplate for 1366.

It clears the integrated Intel backplate with the perfect amount so as not to touch the back of the case, plus it isn't uneven like you will most likely find out about the EK backplate. Those spacers were a nightmare for me....

Btw, I think the Classified supreme is a high flow, based on the description (deeper channels generally = more flow, and the midplate spreader looks the same, but I'll doublecheck). Not trying to re-sell you the block, the first suggestion was most likely a joke just because it looks so damn cool haha.

[aka_GK]

It's much warmer here in Singapore I promise, it will be a lot easier. Plus I'm baking internet cookies and they smell great!

I guess if I was in Singapore I would prefer to warm my butt instead of painting

just joking, tbh if I were near you I would be glad to take part in your build

[Kibbler]

This worklog is worth viewing for the comedic commentary as much as it is for the innovation and great photos. Keep it up.

They're the best kind of worklogs and I'm just trying to follow in the footsteps of others, thanks man.

Coolermaster V8 backplate for 1366.

It clears the integrated Intel backplate with the perfect amount so as not to touch the back of the case, plus it isn't uneven like you will most likely find out about the EK backplate. Those spacers were a nightmare for me....

Btw, I think the Classified supreme is a high flow, based on the description (deeper channels generally = more flow, and the midplate spreader looks the same, but I'll doublecheck). Not trying to re-sell you the block, the first suggestion was most likely a joke just because it looks so damn cool haha.

From what I can find the CM V8 backplate is the ubiquitous X-with-a-square-hole: Thermalright, Fuzion2, etc. I'm using an EK 775 blackplate now and I'm very pleased with it, so I'll give the EK stock plate a chance and if things don't work out I have your suggestion in mind. Thanks.

P.S. You're right I think the Classy Supreme is HF, I recall seeing that in the description somewhere.

just joking, tbh if I were near you I would be glad to take part in your build

And same for me if I were in Russia bro.

***

Painting continues

I'm bursting at the seams to show you my progress so far but I've decided to hold off until all the relevant parts are finished. Don't worry there are only a few...3 more parts to be exact? The 2nd coat on the rad is curing as I type, and when the time comes I think (hope) you will like what I've got to show you.

So it's implied that I've decided on the color. What color...?



Well let's say I have taken the poll results into consideration, pondered it some more on my own, and came to a conclusion.

All will be revealed in the coming week!

(btw the smiley is not a clue. Good God no I did not paint it green.)

(btbtw I don't know how to close the poll.)

[Wezly]

From what I can find the CM V8 backplate is the ubiquitous X-with-a-square-hole: Thermalright, Fuzion2, etc. I'm using an EK 775 blackplate now and I'm very pleased with it, so I'll give the EK stock plate a chance and if things don't work out I have your suggestion in mind. Thanks.

P.S. You're right I think the Classy Supreme is HF, I recall seeing that in the description somewhere.

Here's what I just posted in my worklog:

original links were broken:






As you can see, it straddles the intel integrated backplate due to the recessed area, and the triangle feet jawns are the only things that touch the board. Because they are insulated, they can be flat and touch the board directly.

I picked up an extra at micro center just in case I get another 1366 board. It's perfect.

Sorry for the "jawn" I'm lazy...

Sorry for the picture-jacking.

[shazza]

Danggggg ... been lurking, but time to post. Absolutely love the pic of the water shooting out of the new radiator discharge.

Can't wait to see what color you've chosen. And, I think you just made another sale for EK - that block is particularly nice!

[taters mcgee]

i say go with a matt red(if you haven't already painted it )

[Kibbler]

Danggggg ... been lurking, but time to post. Absolutely love the pic of the water shooting out of the new radiator discharge.

Can't wait to see what color you've chosen. And, I think you just made another sale for EK - that block is particularly nice!

Thanks Shazza glad to have you back!

i say go with a matt red(if you haven't already painted it )

Your suggestion noted and, well, since I've already made a decision and started painting, I can't promise anything . But I'll let the results speak for themselves soon enough.

***

(Non)-Update...nom-update?

Hours of sanding + painful thumbs/fingers later I realize I have a Dremel (actually a B&D RTX, but I say Dremel colloquially. Like Xerox. Kleenex.) and steel brush attachments.

Why didn't I realize this sooner.

Progress is slow but steady.
Rad: 2 coats cured, the finish is *mmmuah*! It's basically sitting pretty waiting for the other parts to get to the party. The clear-coat party that is.
Bits and pieces: 2 pieces stripped, prepped, and primed. 2 (or 3? I think 2) more to go, then painting all 4. Then off to the clear-coat party - fashionably late.

I am brewing a little something in the pump/res department that I think you will like, but it will take some time to sort out all the pieces, in addition to a bit of metalworking which I shall undertake tonight. I need 1 part from PPCS and THE ENEMY'S GATE IS DOWN!!11onebbq

Wait...no. I mean PPCS is down. And I can't place an order.

So...I do apologize for the immediate lack of photo-tacular splendidness. There's cool stuff I wanna show you guys but I am trying to stick to a mental schedule of how this log should be presented. Just sucks that the mental schedule sometimes gets held back by physical progress or lack thereof. I like how XionX2 (just as a 1st example that comes to mind, there are others) is Johnny on the spot with his updates and it's something I'm trying to work towards.

Please stick around, will have more in good time.

EDIT: @Wezly thanks for the photos, that looks like a well designed backplate and I'll look into it.

EDIT2: THE ENEMY'S GATE IS UP!!11oneomg. Placed my PPCS order which should arrive just about when the parts have finished curing.

[aka_GK]

oh, stop teasing us, show that beauty!

[kgtiger]

Looking good Kibbler, as per the norm with you, your high standard fo excellence is always a pleasure to watch.

I have finally voted, I know I have taken my sweet time with that, however I do feel a white rad with black fins would be a classy touch.
Then when I saw the freshly primed rad I was sold on it.

I must say I really do I love fresh cookie and I am looking forward to that.

Looking forward to your next update Kibbler.

[Kibbler]

Mod: Never Settle For Stock
Subtitle: Get ready for more euphemisms ho ho ho!

I said something about metalworking yeah? So now I wanna run through a quick 'n dirty mod I just did in the last hour or so. Very simple.

Actually that's a lie. In the past hour I was sitting here typing this update. Anywayz...

1) Here are UN Designs pump bracket V3 and Z3 bracket doing their best Brokeback Mountain impression. Yes they're "mounted" that way for a reason, and that reason is TEMPLATE. Templates are something that I feel are extremely important when working freehand without empirical measurements.


2) After 5 minutes with my Dremel/RTX and reinforced cutting disc.


3) After another 40 uncomfortable minutes with a bastard file to round down the end. The edges are not perfect and that's okay, I will sand down later when surface prepping before priming.


4) Removed from each other here's what the Z3 bracket looks like now. This is the piece I'm interested in.


5) Yes I know what it looks like and yes I know you're giggling...perv


6) Here's a collection of items that I used to "measure" before the next step. Measure in this case is a loose word. Voodoo is closer to the truth.


7) Mounted to each other again, but this time the position is offset a bit from before. Once again the V3 will act as a template, this time for bend radius.


8) Here's another angle for you to enjoy that hot bracket-on-bracket action.


***

Now please excuse me I need to get angry at something.
think george lucas nazis glenn beck starforce infinity ward fanbois heene family bin laden

HULK SMASH!

***

9) Sweet I bent the steel. RAW POWER!!11onewtf (not the best angle to see the bend, sorry)


10) Just need a bit of tweaking to get that perfect right angle...


11) There, just to give you an idea how it might look with a pump. It mounts to any two 120mm mounting holes without having to bolt together two separate brackets. I will use this in my final pump/res arrangement that will be revealed in due time.


***

@Capt Flint: I recall how your pumps are mounted to your rad and I think this mod might be good for your arrangement. I'm not sure what's your opinion but IMHO it would reduce the number of parts needed. The simpler the better eh?

Thanks for looking!

[aka_GK]

[Wezly]

Impressive. I cannot wait to see what's next.

Let me know if you want me to edit those pics out now....

[kgtiger]

Looks good but, Damm! Kibbler man you really nead to invest in a 5" grinder mate or atleast a 4".
40 uncomfortable minutes is 39 and a half minutes way to long champ.
A person of your skill need more power!!
Plus you get to spray red hot sparks at least 10+ feet, it's the perfect way to start a fire in the middle of winter.

[CptDreadFlint]

Seriously Kibbs...How do you come up with the things you do? That's ingenius!

After gently scrolling up and down several times, tilting my head left and right, hung upside down at one point, I finally got what you were doing.


So is this streamlined Z-Bracket manipulation situation copyrighted? I may try this.
This may even solve my 120mmx25 fan placement dilemma.

Was there a reason why you bent it that way and not that way? (I was pointing. Then I pointed in the opposite direction) lol.

[Kibbler]

Impressive. I cannot wait to see what's next.

Let me know if you want me to edit those pics out now....

Thanks Wezly. No need to cut out the pics, they are the natural course of the worklog and so they shall stay until eternity and fall of man and the heralds of angels take their fallen brothers and sisters to the domain of infi...

wait,

scratch that last part, it's ok just leave the pics.

Looks good but, Damm! Kibbler man you really nead to invest in a 5" grinder mate or atleast a 4".
40 uncomfortable minutes is 39 and a half minutes way to long champ.
A person of your skill need more power!!
Plus you get to spray red hot sparks at least 10+ feet, it's the perfect way to start a fire in the middle of winter.

What I should do is invest in a can of paint stripper or something. Dunk in, wait 12 hours, pull out. But I'm reading differing anecdotes on whether or not chemical strippers work on powdercoat. And I'm an eco kinda guy, I wouldn't know how to dispose of a can of TOXIC MUTATION SERUM!!! So until then, manual labor it is.

What I need are better wire brush attachments. The ones I have...suck. They wear down way too quickly, then fall apart leaving wire slivers all over the ground for my skin to conveniently pick up and bleed on later .

Seriously Kibbs...How do you come up with the things you do? That's ingenius!

After gently scrolling up and down several times, tilting my head left and right, hung upside down at one point, I finally got what you were doing.


So is this streamlined Z-Bracket manipulation situation copyrighted? I may try this.
This may even solve my 120mmx25 fan placement dilemma.

Was there a reason why you bent it that way and not that way? (I was pointing. Then I pointed in the opposite direction) lol.

LOL, thanks Capt . "Gently scrolling," that's hilarious Basically I spent a few hours thinking "why is there so much extra metal here? I don't want so much metal here! What can I cut away?"

As for copyright? I dunno but you should probably check with armeniandave as they're his brackets I'm mangling .

(btw I think he should sell this design too *hint hint nudge nudge*)

[kgtiger]

I hear you Kibbler, when it come to stripping paint and rust off metal, Twist Knot Wire Cup Brushs with the thread at the top are the best solution out there,
but you will still need a grinder. However these things really are brilliant.
But don't buy the cheep ones as they can fall apart easily, I feel they are a total wast of money and can be quite dangerous at times.
You can get some that can be use with a drill and there ok but they don't kick paint like this one does.
Oh and those wire needles want just be sitting on the ground any more, they will most likely be stuck in you, well not all of them but a few deffenitly will find you.
Full leather gloves, a leather apron is perfect but a tight fitting thick jumper is good enough and safty glasses are a must.
http://lusling2008.en.made-in-china....th-Thread.html

[Kibbler]

An observation on paint.

Rustoleum sprays are peculiar. I remember the can said 48 hours to cure but in my few weeks of experience, that only applies to the surface. It seems (and some bike/car/etc forum discussions agree) that the surface dries quickly but it can take a loooooooong time for the entire coat to fully cure and harden.

So what does that mean?

It means the surface might be dry to the touch after 48 hours, but be careful with it. A fingernail press can leave still leave a mark, especially if you sprayed a thicker coat. God forbid if you try to sand in this condition. Just under the surface the un-cured paint is a kinda gummy consistency. It's a nightmare.

Important lessons:
1) Light coats, long dry time in-between.
2) Be patient and give it time to cure, weeks at a time to be absolutely safe.

*Rustoleum primer seems to behave differently though. Cures quickly.

[kgtiger]

Your right Kibbler there is a big difference between paint being touch dry and paint being hard.
Paint may well be touch dry in 48hrs but will take as long as a full week at 20+ degrees to fully harded.
This is why a lot of painters and some aerosole paint cans have add hardeners to the paint to speed this up.