Scratch: Project: H2GO -video added 11/6/09- - Overclock.net

Rick Arter · 3 Weeks Ago

Project H2GO

external water cooling enclosure build log

Introduction
Hello everyone I am back with yet another custom project. This time it will be an external water cooling enclosure. The main purpose is to build a sleek, silent, and effective LCS system that can be swapped from rig to rig if needed. This is in a way a rebirth as well since the frame of the enclosure is my old tech station prototype.

H2O Loop Components List(updated 11/7/09)
Pump- Swiftech MCP655 custom mount
Radiators- 2 x 240mm with custom mounts
Reservoir- Undecided
Tubing- Undecided 1/2-inch
PSU- Micro ATX 250W modded with TT 80mm
Fan Controller- Sunbeam Reobus
Fans- 8x Yate Loon 120mm x 25mm High-Speed with shrouds
Fittings- Bitspower or DangerDen 1/2-inch
Water Block- XSPC Delta V3 maybe
Quick-Connects- Undecided suggestions welcome

Materials List
3/4" and 1" straight aluminum
90 degree angle aluminum
1/2" and 3/4" wood
self tapping machine screws
shelf liner
sound dampener material
sheet metal

Tool List
Dremel tool
Electric drill
Jigsaw
Hand file
Screwdrivers
Hammer
Table saw

Rick Arter · 3 Weeks Ago

Here is what I am starting with not much but at least the main frame is already built. It is very sturdy and has plenty of room for H2O parts. I also like the look of it will create panels to cover 3 sides with all plumbing going through back side. I have a few other things not shown in the pics like sheetmetal and all the tools I will need a long the way.

The top will be modified so the hole will not be visible.

I started to mod the PSU today by opening it up, cleaning it, and swapping fans. The new fan should run more efficient and it will be adjustable via fan controller or resistor. Other mods are improve cables and cover outside with something to look better not paint to lazy for that.

Here is a link to the PSU: http://www.impactcomputers.com/atx-1956d-b2.html

Rick Arter · 3 Weeks Ago

Got some mock ups and work done nothing special. This will be a super budget project so don't expect sleeved wires and such.

I will be covering the PSU cables with straight black electrical tape. It gives a industrial type look like under the hood of cars. Not same stuff but I wont have heat build up like that. The PSU is fully completed unless I change fans which I do not want to I tested the TT it ran great. Not as loud as expected at 12v might be able to run it right off the PSU. Need to figure out the fan controller issue thinking the Sunbeam reobus if I can afford it on top of the other expenses.

Before I removed the top I measured out a new piece of shelf liner for it.

Removed the lid almost a necessity until everything is bolted down.

I am almost out of shelf liner need to pick some up next week. Project might be slow for a while good thing theirs no painting just some cutting. Need to choose between sheetmetal or these steel pc side panel for the walls. Got a sheetmetal side rough cut now check it out all cut with shears. I am going to use shelf liner for the outside covering to the sheetmetal sides. So it will be all black with the aluminum rails showing. Should look sweet and the insides and floor and the underside of top will have sound deadner in it. Will moock it up to show my theory.

HAFenvy · 3 Weeks Ago

I know this is on a budget but I had a thought for the ability to go from rig to rig with water cooling would be quick disconnects on the loop side. That way, you wouldn't have to drain it to swap it off to another system. Disconnect, the loop seals because of the quick disconnect, connect to the new rig and you might have a bubble or two but not a complete refill. Just a random thought