Mountain Mods Ascension triple quad questions

[Krowten-Dog]

Spec’ing my new box, I have a few questions. I have tried the search function, apologies in advance if I did a poor job of searching.

My last box (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...5&postcount=25) needs replacing.

Starting notes: Low sound level is priority one. Normal state will be photo editing, www, visio, etc., I expect to be able to run 7v to my fans in this state.
The ability to selectively ramp up noise when I desire either normal performance (games) or high performance (benching) is desired.

So without further ado I am off to my 2nd WC build and the resultant questions for you guys.

Final system WC’ed components, i7-930 + 2x SLI 480 GTX
WC Components:
3x XSPC RX480 rads
Pumps: TBD (more detail to follow)
Res: TBD (Question below)
Case: MM Ascension: see pics for details of CYO



I will be removing the 5.25 cage on the front right and replacing with a blank to ensure clearance for the rads on the right side.

My gut tells me that I will end up with two loops, so to that end:

I have narrowed pumps down to ddc or d5 (aftermarket tops either way) .. Thoughts?

I may want to add a motherboard full-block (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/ekevcl4ac.html) in the future.

With that in mind how would you split the rads? I am leaning toward assigning 2x 480 to SLI and the 1x 480 to CPU … If I were to add motherboard block later … which loop would be best to add it to?

Any advantage to a split path on the SLI loop (i.e., res-pump-T-480GTX-rad-T-res), so that 2nd SLI card doesn’t get heat wash from the 1st SLI card in the loop?

Any thoughts on Res model and location? (no 5.25 bays available)

Next, I am still struggling with airflow in the case .. and whether the RX480 likes air pushed or pulled if not sandwiched .. Thoughts?

I am leaning toward the evga 480gtx FTW (Single slot with full waterblock), other suggestions?

I can’t locate an example of a MM Ascension with triple quads … can you share any linkage on this?

Any experience using a BigNG with water temp probes for rad fan control?


TIA,
K-D

[UrbanSmooth]

Well, you really don't need all of those radiators to start. However, it is similar to my upgrade, putting three GTX 480s on two 360 rads and the CPU and mobo block on a single 360.

[nitromullet]

If I was putting that much rad into an Ascension I'd probably go 4x 120.3 instead if 3 x 120.4. I'd go with the Trinity front and Horizon rear panels. You end up with the same amount of rad and optical drive space, but it would be a lot easier to set up.

[randomhro]

The bigNG is great for controlling your fans with the temp in the res. If you go that route then this little guy will be your best friend. Monitoring water temps with the sensors they give you is a miserable experience. It took me a while to tweak my temp curves to where I wanted them but now that they're setup I won't go back to a fan controller with a knob.

Also, I have the EK Multi-option Advanced v2 250mm res and it's pretty accommodating placement-wise.

[trn]

If I was putting that much rad into an Ascension I'd probably go 4x 120.3 instead if 3 x 120.4. I'd go with the Trinity front and Horizon rear panels. You end up with the same amount of rad and optical drive space, but it would be a lot easier to set up.

+1, rads in the front and back will be easier too deal with and you don't have to wait for custom panels.

[Krowten-Dog]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Any guidance on push vs pull for the RX480?

[UrbanSmooth]

Push/pull with shrouds, if you can. Carve up some case fans and use the frames as shrouds, or get the Technofront Airbox.

[Krowten-Dog]

If I was only putting fans on one side of rad ... is push or pull better?

I have continued searching for answers, and I have found the answer to this one I asked .... I think

Any advantage to a split path on the SLI loop (i.e., res-pump-T-480GTX-rad-T-res), so that 2nd SLI card doesn’t get heat wash from the 1st SLI card in the loop?

Looks like PiLsY has provided some input on this thread here:

Thread: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=255138
Post #40: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...9&postcount=40