[Project] NZXT Tempest pushing the limits - Overclock.net

wolfy87 · 09-06-08

[Project]** NZXT Tempest pushing the limits **

>officially started 06. September 2008.<

Well after a longer period of time I`m getting new rig. This will be the first thread about my rig, and the first mod work log. I`ve seen them many on our forum, so I`m quite confident about it.
This will be the post with general info, about my configuration, some thoughts and pictures. But mainly it will handle some things about the case so I put it in this forum section.
I`ll try to update it frequently so please check these first three posts for more info how far I got.

This is my configuration:

Motherboard: Asus P5E3 Deluxe ( X38 )
CPU: Intel Pentium DualCore E5200, 2.50Ghz/ 2mb L2 cache
CPU cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 LED
Memory: Kingston DDR3 2*1Gb/ 1333Mhz - cl9 -temporary
Graphics: Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4850/ 512mb DDR3
HDD: WesternDigital AAJS 80GB - temporary
Case: NZXT Tempest
PSU: Thermaltake PurePower RX 600w

Future upgrades:

-Samsung T220 comming soon----DONE
-WesternDigital 640Gb AAKS hard drive---DONE
-new HSF---DONE
-2*2gb of 1600-1800Mhz memory, I`ll see what I can find
-maybe another HD 4850 soon, if I find some nice deal
-fan controller
-custom HD4850 cooler (TR V2 or similar)
-UV Blue Cable sleeves
-blu ray when it gets popular or needed
-some nice UV LEDs and cathodes
-high airflow intake, and silent exaust 120mm, and 140mm fans (Ultra Kaze, Noctua)

GOAL:

So, every case has it`s pros and cons, so the NZXT Tempest. The goal is to reduce it`s flaws by minimum, and make it great enviroment for some overclocked configuration. It will be mosty easthetic at first, but will be getting serious as the time passes.
I`m going for better aiflow, nice cool inner looks, nice cable management, I will probably get more ideas in the comming weeks.

The parts are down there, minimized:

wolfy87 · 09-06-08

>MODDING THE NZXT TEMPEST<

This will contain mod ideas, all the links for modifications, and some key photos. It is opened for all the questions and sugestions.

Future plans:

# 1st Mod, Part one: replace the led fan from side window and put it at the back of the case ~ DONE
(it will look better, it ruins the airflow, can`t really see much in there etc.)
# 1st Mod, Part two: remove the sponges in front of two 120mm fans for more fresh air inside ~ DONE
# Cable management -OFC
# cable sleeving, (some periferial cables like fan cables, cables from PWR/reset swithches etc)
# Paint Job - Inner room goes black!
# change case legs, get something bigger, more stable
# rotate the PSU so that it inhales fresh air from bottom (drilling jobs)
# point the air from upper front case fan, so it cooles memory
# adding one extra fan, at the bottom of the case, in front of PSU, so it inhales fresh air and blows to the top of the case
# -Optional- painting the exterior, when I get time, money, idea

Photo Ideas:

wolfy87 · 09-06-08

^Benchmarks and Overclock^

This will be the place related to all tests and overclocking concerning my configuration, with links to posts ofcourse.

Plans:
* Fix the HD 4850 fan rotation speed - DONE
* Test with all on default:
---3DMark06 and SuperPi--- DONE
* OC a bit and check the gains
* Get Vendetta 2 or some other good cooler --- DONE
* OC HD 4850 wo/with aftermarket cooler

Gaiin · 09-07-08

Hey Wolfy +Rep to you for picking the underdog

Just a quick observation, the PSU in the Tempest is spaced off the bottom approx 1cm by a metal bracket which will partially occlude any 140mm fan on the PSU.
I suggest that you remove this, cut a 140mm hole in the base of the case to line up and create a gasket between the base and the PSU to prevent vibration and air leakage.
Something like a thick O ring or expanded nitrile foam / Felt would work well.
Also bear in mind that you will be drawing dust and carpet fibre directly into you PSU which my not be good in the long run.

Good luck, I'll keep an eye on you!

wolfy87 · 09-07-08

thanks, gaiin,
I had that in my plans: # rotate the PSU so that it inhales fresh air from bottom (drilling jobs), it will be placed on my table (wood), and I will replace and put some better legs on the case, so dust won`t be the problem...

wolfy87 · 09-07-08

1st mod: Part One

Fan replacement

Ok, I was anxious to do something with my case, and couldn`t wait untill my CPU comes. So I decided to do some easy things for start. I know it is quite simple operation but it was fun and quite exciting and made me get to know Tempest a little better. (Excuse for bad language, english isn't my native, so fell free to correct me with any bad word, it will help me)

So I removed the fan from side panel, it will mess my airflow, better looks with LEDs at back of the case and make it harder to keep on eye on my HD 4850.

I removed black fan from back of the case easily, just unsrew it:

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After a while I figured out how to remove black plactic rivets. They are much like aluminium ones, just you can use them many times. To remove one, you just push the top of rivet, from insade of side panel, and it will fall out from the plastic part that is being streched (and therefore kept the fan hole tighthened).
I used old 8mm fan to imitate standof for plastic clips, and return mesh (without fan) on side window later.

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Screws, and nuts with rubber (no need to use washers between, but they are still on the picture):

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It is easier to insert all the srews, keep fan in place, and then screw them in. My dad was lying on bed, and couldn`t resist to help me.

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Cats, animals that are always there when you mod anything

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So, I wanted to make standofs from fan, and use some knife or technical saw, but my dad insisted on electric grinder:
*the plastic was to thick for black rivets, so we make them a bit thiner, and cut them off later on..

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standoffs and rivets:

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This is finished, nice see through inside, and the fan will glow nicely there:

Gaiin · 09-07-08

Hey Wolfy,

Can you tell me what the rated speed of the 140mm top fans are?

Mine are covered now and I can't take the top off easily to see because of the Radiator, it should be on the label in the middle.

Hopefully they are 1500rpm but I fear (for me at least) that they may be 1000rpm