Project BSG Scorpion Fleet Shipyards (Lian Li PC-A77B)

[eXa]

Im following this build! Very high quality, and BSG is awsome too

A couple thoughts:
The tubing between the gpu and cpu, i think it would be better to ditch the 45s and just use normal straight fittings.
Also, on the left pwm block. Move the connection to the mb block from the top to the bottom. then connect the rad on the top one without any 45s

This should, in my opinion, straighten/smoothen the flow by cutting down 45s without introducing the same with the tubing. It would also look abit cleaner.

[luke997]

Good news:
1) Controlling all 21 fans via ASUS Fan Xpert through mobo CPU PWM fan connector works perfectly

2) New GPUs are fine. I was a tad bit worried about DOA since I didn't test but Palit's QA is good

Stock vid on both is 1.013v and after couple hours I got rock solid stable stock voltage OC at:
865mhz core
2260 memory

I was shocked with the memory OC, this 256MB Elpida chips are awesome!
I couldn't get much past 2000mhz on my 480s!

Temps are:
21C idle
35C stock speed load
38C OC speed load
all this with fans 50C, 18C ambient

3) What's best, at roughly similar settings I get >400W less off the wall than with 3x480s!

Bad News:

Aquaero is dead.
No USB device neither so I'm going to order 5.0, hopefully will get one for tomorrow.

This ^^^

@luke997 Your project makes me want to buy a Lian Li A77B But sadly it was discontinued
BTW, why do you hide all that awesomeness behind the side panel ? Why not make a window and add some lights inside ?

Thanks

There is A77F available, similar case, dimensions are just a little bit different.

Epic build all around! I truly appreciate your attention to detail and you get a blue ribbon.
One question for you; how did you mount the acrylic to the 3-way SLI bridge? I am building a Tri-SLI rig and will be doing something similar.
Good luck with the upgrades.

Thanks!
I used regular UHU glue.

Im following this build! Very high quality, and BSG is awsome too

A couple thoughts:
The tubing between the gpu and cpu, i think it would be better to ditch the 45s and just use normal straight fittings.
Also, on the left pwm block. Move the connection to the mb block from the top to the bottom. then connect the rad on the top one without any 45s

This should, in my opinion, straighten/smoothen the flow by cutting down 45s without introducing the same with the tubing. It would also look abit cleaner.

Thanks, appreciate!

I see what you mean and it certainly would look better.
Unfortunately with the current components it's the only sensible way it could work - that's due to how the Primochill LRT tubing stiff is.
Even using more force than I really should I couldn't fit shorter/tighter bends so it'll have to stay that way.
Shame that there's no full cover block, it would make everything much easier and look better.

On a positive side, the 45s don't affect flow much so I'm not concerned about the efficiency.

[Tigris STI]

Glad to hear that GC's are fine Looks like Palit have greatly improved their QC - Some of my friends previously experienced problems with Palit products

There is A77F available, similar case, dimensions are just a little bit different.

Yeah, I know, but I don't like its front Although it is quite similar to A77B, the rounded sides on the latter look much better in my opinion

[luke997]

We have a new arrival - Aquaero 5 Pro



I think this calls for some painting - it will be back in black shortly!

[luke997]

Few coats of matte black later - matches the case nicely and looks much better:



Time to get it connected...

[luke997]

Time to wrap up V1.5 upgrade and draw conlusions:

1) GTX 580 3GB with EK-FC5X0 GW Acetal Nickel blocks in series
Result: Win

Better performance in 3DVS, higher AA available, almost 400W less power draw from the wall.

2) 2x Koolance PMP-450S (D5 Strong) 24V pumps with Koolance 12V-->24V converters
Result: Epic Fail

With 2 pump at full (24V, 6000RPM) speed I'm getting 165 l/h.
Comparing to previous 225l/h with 1 more GPU block (albeit in parallel and different design) doesn't look like an improvement, does it...
On top of that I have to run it at ~20V - 145 l/h - otherwise they are very noisy (vibrations)

3) 12GB (3x4GB) RAM - Corsair Dominators GT, 2000mhz @ CL9
Result 12GB RAM: Win
Result Dominator GT: Fail

12GB is win - no more page file, much better in Vegas.
Dominators GT are fail. Best they'll do is ~1930mhz at CL10 and that's with 1.35V QPI!
My previous Dominators did ~ 2003mhz @ CL9 with 1.31v QPI.
Maybe I got a bad batch - but as a high end product and price such should be quality and QA)

4) All fans controlled by single CPU header on the mobo (PWM signal only)
Result: Win

Works perfect, single setting in Asus Fan Xpert to controll all fans!


5) Back to EK res on the dual D5 top - this time 140mm.
Result: Win

Less bling more classy - plus easier to fill the loop


6) Additional water temp sensor on the inlet to second (top 360) rad
Result: Win

Obviously

7)Aquaero 5.0 Pro
Result: Epic Win

Not much to say - is there? Just an excellent controller
No PC software yet but you can do most of the stuff (not as easy though) through the panel.


What now? If you've been following the worklog - it's pretty easy to guess.

Version 1.6 rework on Friday/Saturday (while I still have the time).

Changes:
1) In: 3x DDC 3.25 - EK Dual Top V2 + EK Top V2
Out: 2x Koolance PMP-450S (D5 Strong) 24V pumps with Koolance 12V-->24V converters


Why? Obviously I won't live with 145l/h , and I've found this:
Skinee Labs EK 3x DDC

Which convinced me that combined head of 3xDDC 3.25 should at least get me back to 200-230l/h range.

[luke997]

Here's couple in-game benches before I change the pumps.

All in benchmarks run with:
Settings: Maximum
AA: 8x
Resolution: 6000x1080
Stereo: 3D

1) Mafia II
Average: 32.5
VRAM Usage: 1050

2) F1 2010
Average: 39
VRAM Usage: 2600

3) Just Cause 2 - Desert Sunrise
Average: 34
VRAM Usage: 1300

4) Dirt 2
Average: 53
VRAM Usage: 2200

All run @ my OC 24/7 settings, great results in my book - considering such high res in 3D - finally everything playable on max!

There are other great side effect to these 580s too:
- no more flicker in side monitors in 3D Surround (there was pulsing brightness change with 480s, not sure why, I could live with it but it was annoying)
- no more black textures in the distance in Mafia while driving