Build Log – Corsair Obsidian 800D Liquid Cooled Dual Loop System

[Mr_Armageddon]

Here is the build log for my new system. It will be a liquid cooled PC with two loops. One for the CPU & Chipset, and one for the GPU (soon to be multiple GPUs). Housing the new build is the Corsair Obsidian 800D. This case is a monster, and I love the all black look, inside and out. I had to make a few minor modifications for the two loop system to work, but the mod went great, and I am pleased with the results.

Parts List:

• Case Corsair Obsidian 800D Full ATX
• Power Supply Corsair HX1000
• Motherbord EVGA X58 Classified
• CPU Intel i7 Core 920 @ 4.2GHz
• RAM 12GB Corsair Dominator @ 1600MHz
• GPU 1 (Nvidia 300 series in SLI once released) Currently - EVGA 8800 Ultra
• GPU 2 (Nvidia 300 series in SLI once released)
• GPU 3 EVGA 9800GT (Dedicated PhysX)
• Sound Card Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Edition
• Hard Drive 1 WD Velociraptor 150GB RAID0 (Operating System)
• Hard Drive 2 WD Velociraptor 150GB RAID0 (Operating System)
• Hard Drive 3 Seagate 500GB (User Files)
• Hard Drive 4 Seagate 1TB (Storage)
• Optical Drive Plextor Blu-Ray / DVD+R
• Fan Controller Scythe Kaze Server 5.25" 4 Channel Fan Controller / Temp Display
• Card Reader Silverstone FP35 housed in Lian Li 5.25” to 3.5” bay adapter

Loop 01 (Blue)

• Tubing PrimoFlex Pro LRT UV Blue Tubing -3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD (10ft)
• Coolant PrimoChill ICE Non-Conductive Water Cooling Coolant (32 oz.) - UV Blue
• Reservoir XSPC 5.25" Black Reservoir Bay w/ Blue LED
• Pump Swiftech MCP350 12 VDC Pump
• Radiator HardWare Labs GTX240
• CPU Block Swiftech GTZ
• MoBo Block EK-EVGA X58 Classified Full Board Waterblock
• Fittings Bitspower Compression Fitting-ID 3/8" OD 5/8" (x2)
• Fittings Bitspower Barb Fitting-ID 3/8" (x2)
• Fittings Bitspower G1/4 Dual Rotary 45-Degree Compression Fitting-ID 3/8" OD 5/8" (x4)
• Misc Parts Bitspower Acrylic T-Block, Bitspower Temp Sensor, Bitspower Male to Male G 1/4 Fitting
• Fans Cooler Master R4 120mm Blue LED Fan R4-L2R-20AC-GP (x3)

Loop 02 (Green)

• Tubing PrimoFlex Pro LRT UV Green Tubing -3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD (10ft)
• Coolant PrimoChill ICE Non-Conductive Water Cooling Coolant (32 oz.) - UV Green
• Reservoir XSPC 5.25" Black Reservoir Bay w/ Green LED
• Pump Swiftech MCP350 12 VDC Pump
• Radiator HardWare Labs X-Flow Extreme III
• GPU Block Thermaltake NG-4 (Will update the GPU blocks once the new 300 series cards arrive)
• Fittings Bitspower Compression Fitting-ID 3/8" OD 5/8" (x4)
• Fittings Bitspower Barb Fitting-ID 3/8" (x2)
• Fittings Bitspower G1/4 Dual Rotary 45-Degree Compression Fitting-ID 3/8" OD 5/8" (x2)
• Misc Parts Bitspower Acrylic T-Block, Bitspower Temp Sensor, Bitspower Male to Male G 1/4 Fitting
• Fans Cooler Master R4 120mm Blue LED Fan R4-L2R-20AC-GP (x2)

I will post the pictures within the build log, but will also add a link to a larger version of each picture if anyone would like to take a closer look at something.

The case arrived in excellent condition. I knew the dimensions, but was still amazed as to how big it was.


Build_01

In order to make it work for my dual loop idea, I had to modify the bottom of the case to accept a radiator. For a more detailed work log on adding a bottom radiator, go here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2470552...7622328385917/
In order to remove the bottom hard drive cage you must remove a total of 2 screws and 8 rivets. Two of the rivets must be replaced once the drive cage has been removed.


Build_02


Build_03


Build_04

Before adding the power supply, I applied some weather stripping material to the rails that will hold up the PSU to give a bit of cushion. I also used Vinyl Dye to make all the PSU cables jet black. I was planning on individually rel-sleeving all of the cables but decided against it after I tried on a test cable and realized how much of a pain in the @$$ it was. I also didn’t want the added bulk of the individual sleeves. Vinyl Dye is not paint. It gets absorbed into the cable sleeve and turns everything black. Looks great and is really easy to apply.


Build_05

Next step was to remove the stock cooling from the EVGA X58 Classified and install a full board block from EK. It’s a great match for the board, and temps on the VREGs and Chipset are MUCH lower than with stock cooling.


Build_06


Build_07

I decided to go with the Swiftech GTZ for my CPU block. I didn’t like the shiny chrome look of the mounting brackets so I spray painted them black to better match the rest of the components.


Build_08

Just to get an idea of what it looks like, I threw in the 12GB of Dominator RAM along with the Corsair RAM Cooler.


Build_09


Build_10

I am still waiting on a few parts to get in before I can go much farther in the build. I should have everything in a few days, and I will update the build log as I go.


Update - 9/29/2009 - Just found out that my tubing order from PrimoChill that was placed on Saturday, won't be shipped until tomorrow (Wednesday) due them being closed early this week. My fittings from Sidewinder Computers seem to have also been delayed as I have not yet received a shipping notification for an order also placed on Saturday. Shipping delays suck. I will try to get a few more pictures up soon, but I won't be able to finish now until this weekend (if all the parts arrive by then).


The EVGA X58 Classified is dwarfed by the size of the case. I love it.

Update - 10/01/09 - More Pics on Post #9

Update - 10/03/09 - Problem Solved - More Pics on Post # 20

Update - 10/04/09 - Finished!! Final Pics are Up, Post #28
.

[dingdong555]

Loving it! Can't wait to see what you do with the case.

Bigger pictures would be nice too

[damtachoa]

Oh man, Can you give me some money? You're rich, man. This gotta be $5K PC. Keep it up buddy.

[Mr_Armageddon]

Originally Posted by dingdong555

Loving it! Can't wait to see what you do with the case.

Bigger pictures would be nice too

Click on the link under each picture to launch a larger version of each one. For example the link under the first pic labled "Build_01".

Once the system gets farther along I will post larger pics directly to the thread. Thanks for your comments.

[Wezly]

Is it done yet???



I like it. I want that case now, I keep seeing build logs....

Can't wait for updates.

[pwnChoP]

very nice tell us is it done

[shazza]

It's looking great! I imagine you'll get more views and comments if you put this thread in the liquid cooling work log section (maybe a thread in this section with a link to the liquid cooling section as well?). Folks are hungry to see a water cooled Obsidian!

Let me know if you want it moved to that section.

[badboyze]

Its rocking bro! - i wanted to see the mod for mounting a 240mm rad at the bottom .. thanks man very nice worklog and i like the detailed instructions on the mod..i have a 240mm sitting waiting to get inside my obsidian
Looks really slick, MOAR pics!!

[Mr_Armageddon]

Still waiting on a few fittings to come in as well as my tubing for the second loop. While waiting I have dyed all the fan cables/extensions and such so they will be ready to add to the case as soon as the other parts arrive.

Here you can see the tape job covering all the connectors, in preparation for the vinyl dye. The pump is also wrapped up there on the right.

Click to View Larger Image

Here are all the fan extensions that plug into the fan controller, dyed jet black.

Click to View Larger Image

These are the Swiftech MCP350 pumps that I will be using for the two loops. In the back is my oldie but goodie EVGA 8800 Ultra, with a WC block. It has a crappy thermaltake block that I bought 2 years ago when I was new to Liquid Cooling and didn't know any better. It isn't that great looking, and it will restrict the flow of the loop, but it sure lowers those temps well. It is on its own loop right now so the flow restriction shouldn't be too much of a problem. I wasn't going to drop the money for a new block when I want to upgrade to the Nvidia 300 series Cards (with some nice EK WC Blocks) in a few months as soon as they are released.

Click to View Larger Image

Here is what the CPU/Chipset loop will look like. I haven't mounted the top radiator yet, but you get the idea. You can see the two pumps sitting side by side behind the fan controller. Next bay up is the card reader. The two Reservoirs, and the Optical Drive.

Click to View Larger Image

Here is a pic of the front with all the bays installed.

Click to View Larger Image

Side shot with one loop partially installed, and all the PCIe / PCI slots filled with what I have. (1) Creative X-Fi Titanuim Fatal1ty Edition, (2) EVGA 8800 Ultra, (3) EVGA 9800GT (PhysX), (4) Wireless N Card.


I really hope the rest of my stuff comes in this weekend so I can finish. I will post updates as soon as the parts come in. Let me know what you think so far. Thanks for looking.
.

[Wezly]

Ahhh I am so excited. I want this finished MORE THAN YOU DO.

Looking really nice; it's quite clean even for being unfinished.

[Caoder]

^^;; flow killing thermaltake block but its alright since u have it on a diff loop.. keep it up i wanna see just how nice an obsidian is for WCing goodness

[Mr_Armageddon]

Originally Posted by Caoder

^^;; flow killing thermaltake block but its alright since u have it on a diff loop.. keep it up i wanna see just how nice an obsidian is for WCing goodness

Ya I have had that thermaltake block for over two years. I was new to Liquid Cooling and didn't know any better. But since I want to upgrade to the Nvidia 300 series cards when they arrive (and use some nice EK blocks), I wasn't going to spend money on a new block for an old gfx card. Plus, like you mentioned, its on its own loop so the flow restrictions shouldn't be much of an issue.

[Welshman666]

man this really is giving me ideas for my next build.(im prob getting this case also)

i was panning on doing something almost the EXACT same lol

ill try not to copy you too much lol

its looking superb man

[lzxhenry]

Wow... I love the case so much... it's so expensive in SG.. anyways, great job TS.. very detailed work log. Cheers!! Can't wait to see the build done...

[shazza]

Coming along very nicely! And, it makes perfect sense not to upgrade your GPU water block right now - just gives you that much more $$$ to put towards a new video card.

[Baulten]

Say, where did you get Vinyl Die? I was going to get some to paint all my fans red, but I could not find any at Wal-Mart, Lowe's, or any of the auto shops around here.

Other than that, it looks nice. I'll be adding a second 120.2 rad in the bottom of my case when I get a waterblock for my video card.

[Mr_Armageddon]

I have hit a snag. Today while taking lunch I rushed home to install the top 360 radiator. I am using a Black Ice X-Flow III. I attached the fans and got the radiator in place, only to realize that when mounted inside the 800D, X-Flow rads render the top 5.25in bay inoperable.

The barb sticking down from the rad will not allow you to use an optical drive in the top bay. There just isn't enough room to do it. I am currently using all 5 bays, so removing something and moving all the bays down 1 spot isn't an option.

I hope I can swap some bays around to make enough room to get it to work. If not, I may have to buy a new radiator that has both barbs on the same side of the rad. As soon as I get home from work I will get back to trying to find a solution.

[Baulten]

Switch the card reader and DVD burner, perhaps? That should give you enough room, I think.

[Mr_Armageddon]

Originally Posted by Baulten

Switch the card reader and DVD burner, perhaps? That should give you enough room, I think.

That is exactly what I plan on trying. Its gonna be tight, but I think it will work. I ran out of time during lunch and had to get back to work before I could verify that it would in fact work.

[Mr_Armageddon]

I was kind of freaking out when I ran into the issue with the barb from the radiator sticking out into the top 5.25in bay. I thought I had planed so meticulously, and this kind of mistake really pissed me off. Luckily, the fix wasn't too bad, and ended up only being a minor delay. I was able to move the card reader from the 4th bay down, up to the top bay, and put the optical drive in its place. Problem solved.

Here you can see where the barb was in the way and how far it made the optical drive stick out. No bueno.

Click to View Larger Image

Here is the fix by switching the card reader with the optical drive.

Click to View Larger Image

Here is a shot of the tubing I used for this build. PrimoFlex Pro LRT UV Tubing -3/8in. ID


I used two of these reservoirs, one for each loop. XSPC 5.25in Drive Bay Reservoir, Black face. They come stock with a blue LED, so on one of them I had to remove the blue LED and solder in a green one. These make for easy filling. Just slide it out of the computer a bit and fill via the fill port on the top of the res.


Here is the guy that was giving me all the problems. The X-Flow design means that there is one port on each side of the radiator. That way you don't have to run tubing across the PC case. I though it would make for an easier install, but that proved not to be true because of the barb issue.
The fans are Cooler Master R4 120mm Blue LED Fan R4-L2R-20AC-GP. They push a lot of air, but can be a bit loud when maxed out. With the fan controller I have them at about 1,000RPM, and they are whisper quiet and still move plenty of air through the radiator. They do have blue LEDs but they are not very bright and give a soft blue glow to the inside of the case. I used 6-32 x 3/8" Socket Cap Head Screws to secure the fans to the radiator, and the radiator to the case.

Click to View Larger Image

These are the fan extensions cables that plug into the Scynth Kaze Server Fan Controller. I used vinyl dye to get them jet black. You can see them plugged in along with some of the temperature monitor cables.

Click to View Larger Image

For my liquid I went with PrimoChill PC-Ice non-conductive fluid. UV blue and UV green to match the colors of the tubing.

Click to View Larger Image

That's all for now. I will have pics up of the completed system hopefully by tonight.

[Caoder]

paint that optical drive cover .... stands out with all the black around it :/

[Mr_Armageddon]

It took around two weeks time, but it is finally done. Aside from the radiator issue mentioned earlier, things went pretty smooth.
Once everything was connected, I began to fill the loops and primed the pumps in preparation for the first power cycle. Everything went according to plan, and bleeding the loops of air went really fast. The XSPC Bay reservoirs claim a special design that allows the bleeding to go faster, and it seems they are correct.

Here is a shot of the two reservoirs right after I finished bleeding the loops.

Click to View Larger Image

Side shot of the system without it being powered on. Cable management was a dream on with this case. It still took some time to get everything exactly how I wanted, but the end result is the best I have ever had in a case.

Click to View Larger Image

Here is a front shot with the system powered on. The Reservoirs look really good with the LEDs shining behind them.

Click to View Larger Image

Diagonal shot while powered on.

Click to View Larger Image

Another side shot, this time while powered on.

Click to View Larger Image

Diagonal shot from the other side allowing you to see the reservoirs and pumps. I used more tubing than necessary on the GPU loop on the part where the GPU connects to the Radiator. I will be upgrading to the new Nvidia 300 series cards and will be using an SLI configuration, so I wanted to have enough room to mess around with the new install. I will cut to fit exactly when that time comes.

Click to View Larger Image

A side shot with the window in place and the UV cathodes turned on. I attached the cathodes to the windowed side panel. I had to splice the wires to make them long enough to be hidden well and also used the vinyl dye that I am so fond of to make them jet black.

Click to View Larger Image

The same shot with different lighting.

Click to View Larger Image

So far I am VERY pleased with this system. It is whisper quiet with all the fans running around 950RPM, and idle temps are excellent. I haven't had a chance to really stress anything for maximum heat, but at idle:
CPU @ 26c, Chipset @ 30c, VRM @ 38c, and the GPU @ 41c.
I will be pushing everyting to max overclocks sometime during the next week or so (my wife said I have been spending too much time on "Computer Stuff" this week, so I need to tone it down for a while). I will post stress temps as soon as I have them.

The final shot is of my entire set up. A Dell 24" Ultrasharp as the primary display, and two Dell 20" Ultrasharps in portrait for the secondary displays. I will eventually get a 30" for the primary, and then the secondary displays in portrait will match the 30" perfectly in height.

Next to the monitors is "Turambar", the Obsidian Obelisk. The case is HUGE! This build has been my most enjoyable to date, and the 800D is definitely the main contributing factor to that enjoyment. I will be changing parts out every few months as Enthusiasts do, but my guess is that this case will be with me for years to come.


Click to View Larger

[MaByBoI]

beautiful, i really wish i knew to use vinyl on my cables.. i went and sleeved em all. HUGE pain...looks amazing! well done!... i think you need a new vga cooler though

[millertime359]

Came out really nice.

[Xion X2]

Very nice job.. nice and clean.