Corsair Nautilus 500 Mod (Easy)
Just finished modding a Nautilus 500 and wanted to share since I saw some commenting on them and modding them. This is a simple mod and took at total of 5 hrs. I could have finished quicker but - I was just relaxing and enjoying the day.
Parts list for the Mod:
Xchanger 120 http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=23556
3/8" fittings http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=21263
Scythe Ultra Kaze 3000 http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=22540
Chrome 120mm grill http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...roducts_id=249
Mini Shroud 120mm http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=3511
Permatex Black Silicone http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/peblsiadse.html
Black Rubber Feet (2") from Lowes (Couldn't find link but here is similar)
http://www.starglass.com/products.html
http://www.starglass.com/images/Rubb...r%20Bridge.jpg
I started by removing the rubber feet under the stock Nautilus. There you will a total of 4 screws that holds the upper housing to the lower housing.
Then unplugged the fan power cable.
I then fought like crazy to remove those Nutty Hose Clamps - Dont know what to call them other than a Pain in the Arse.
The Aluminum Rad is held in place by some kind of epoxy. *(Thank Goodness the preform plastic was smooth or this would be a paint to remove.) Simply pry with a screw driver and the walls of the Nautilus are so smooth to allow the epoxy to break free.
This is what you will have when done.
Next I took my Beautifully Packaged Xchanger 120 out and traced a generic outline of the rad on the bottom of the housing.
I dremeled about an 1/8" away from my trace line and filed up to it, to ensure a tight fit. (A lot of time goes into this - for looks, even though no one will see the bottom but you.)
Not done filing but you at least get the picture - not going to kill you or bore you with multiple filing shots.
Next I dry fit the 90* elbows and Rad into the Nautilus. I pretty much pushed it all the way to rest on the plywood. I did this so that I could dry fit the top with a Ultra Kaze 120x38 (3000 = 133cfm) fan and check for clearance.
Well after that, I could clearly see that there was NO WAY that the fan and Rad were even remotely close to fitting. So I ordered a simple 120mm shroud and traced it out on the top of the Nautilus. *** Note that the shroud has a 1/8" lip and dremel again about an 1/8" from the line and file to the needed size.
Next I went ahead and installed the Fan in a PULL CONFIG and replaced the close knit mesh guard that was stock with a normal wire grill. (The air will be pulled from the bottom and exhausting at the top of the unit.)
I dry fitted the top again, and note that the Rad is still just sitting on the plywood. Once it was fit into position, I slid the Rad up until it was bottoming out against the top of the housing. I then tacked it on with some hot melt glue - in four corners. I flipped it over and made sure it was level. (Rad was same height all the way around)
Once I had it where it was going, I then painted 2 "L" angle brackets and then attached them to the Rad and Housing. This secures the Rad in place.
I then installed another wire grill on the bottom since the Rad is extended about 1/4" past the housing.
I then used Black Silicone Permatex to seal the Xchanger so that there were no air voids. Where it crosses through the housing. This will prevent any air not coming through the rad. (You dont want the cool air to go around it, but through it.)
****DOH just realized I dont have a clean pic of it siliconed and am too lazy to take another pic....
I then installed some simple 2" black rubber feet I picked up from Lowes. They took the shape of the square feet nicely.
OK - Now it is done and if anyone knows where I can get an Feser Xchanger Sticker from, please let me know. I want to attach it right before the logo for Nautilus 500.
Leak testing Now for about 9 hours. No issues what so ever! I noticed when I took it apart that the Green LED was point straight down - so I remounted it pointing directly into the res and now it is BRIGHT as HECK!
I really dont know what I will use this on yet.... my sons really want me to cool their xbox 360 with it, but my honey's computer could use it for a cpu only loop as well. Oh well - I just enjoy modding and dont know what I will do with it.
Please post some feed back if you enjoyed the read or hated it - this is my first tutorial of sorts!
L8R,
RoB
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Originally Posted by Chruschef in regards to Thermaltake water cooling
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