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Smo's Ever-Changing Build [NZXT Switch 810, i7 2600k, 2x MSI 7970s, ASUS P8P67 Pro, Crucial SSD, Corsair AX1200 PSU]

19K views 114 replies 33 participants last post by  Smo 
#1 ·
====================================================================================================
The (Almost) Finished Product
====================================================================================================

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====================================================================================================
Build Log Links
====================================================================================================

- Initial build pictures and documentation.
- Modifying my sleeved extensions.
- PSU off for RMA.
- Corsair AX1200 Arrival, Unboxing and Installation.
- GTX 590 Sold and 7970s Ordered.
- 2x MSI 7970s Arrived.
- 7970s Unboxed, Pictured & Installed.
- 7970 Crossfire - Overclocking and Benchmarking.
- 5.4GHz 2600k Ordered & Crucial M4 SSD Arrival.
- Tear Down for New Case.
- Building a Commisioned Rig.
- NZXT Switch - Return to Sender.

====================================================================================================
Where it Began
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I recently decided that I wanted a mid/high end gaming PC and so bought a machine with the following spec pre-built;

- CoolerMaster Elite 330 Case
- Sandybridge i5 2500k Processor
- ASUS P8P67 Pro Motherboard
- 8GB Elixir DDR3 RAM @ 1333MHz
- AMD Radeon HD6950 2GB GPU
- 2TB Hitachi HDD
- ToPower ATX 750W PSU

This picture was taken after I did some cable management (not an easy feat in the CME330!);

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As per my first ever post here;

http://www.overclock.net/13844039-post419.html

You can see the changes that I have already made. It's a nice little system, plays Crysis fully maxed with the Rygel texture mod, natural mod and level 6 CCC custom config at a minimum of 31fps, so I was happy with that!

However... by trade I am a QA Technician at a game development company in the UK and we were fortunate enough to receive an early build of Battlefield 3 to have a quick go on, which smashed my confidence in my current PC (irony, lol). Namely I am now after more gaming performance to ensure that I can max out (or at least damn near) BF3 in November. In this interest I have set out a spec list in my mind and have set the plan in motion.

Thanks to the kind help of CircuitFreak, PapaSmurf and BadWrench I was advised on some things to change regarding my plans for the future. Due to my ignorance I instantly jumped on the 'keep things cool, buy more fans' bandwagon, but they showed me the error of my ways.

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The Realisation
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Bearing in mind that I'm completely rebuilding this machine with the end goal of playing BF3 maxed out, it was apparent that the CME330 had to go. There was no way it would be able to control the temperatures involved with the graphics card I planned on using (being the EVGA GTX 590). The 590 vents hot air back into the case, which is why my attention was drawn to the Silverstone Raven RV02-EW, being that it will easily handle the airflow with it's ingenius 90 degree motherboard rotation. The HD 6950 2GB card wouldn't be up to the job either. While a very capable card and the huge potential or unlocking/crossfire I decided that I would be better off with the 590 in terms of future proofing (I plan to run Quad-SLi eventually, perhaps before BF3 release if funds permit). Lastly, I decided that while I'm at it, I'm going all out, so to match my case I wanted a white PSU to go in and some MDPC-X sleeve on every cable inside.

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What I've Got
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So after realising what had to be done, I got to making myself poor. Sat next to me right now is a Raven RV02-EW (the model with the revised AP181 fans);

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28/6/11 - Pictures added of the RV02-EW on request of SKl. I apologies for my mediocre photography skills! Below;

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The eagle-eyed of you will have noticed that I have rotated one of the AP181s 90 degrees to aid in my cable management scheme, which will hide the wires of all three fans via the PSU. I've also swapped the 'hot-swap' HDD bay to be closer to the motherboard in order to hide some more wires there too.

And an NZXT Hale90 Gold 850W Modular PSU;

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Apologies for the pink towel and baby toys - the Mrs would surely end me if I scratched her table
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====================================================================================================
Final Thoughts
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I'm extremely anal about things like cable management so I am going to strive to make this build as clean cut and efficient as possible. I've made some small changes to the interior of the RV02 already, and have plans to incorporate my Lian-Li 5.25" cooler into it as a feed for the Antec Kuhler.

I could do with your help though - I'm still not 100% sure on what I want with regards to the colour scheme of my MDPC-X sleeve. I was thinking black, with every third sleeve being white, and white heatshrink. Any ideas?

Hopefully you'll agree that this should become a well-thought out and capable machine when it's built, and I hope to high hell it can play BF3 maxed, or I'll be forced to buy another GTX 590 (what a shame that would be
wink.gif
). But please, I am open to any and all constructive criticism, suggestions and ideas. I look forward to all your input.

More pics and updates coming soon
smile.gif
 
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18
#3 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by clickhere.exe;14005917
Sweet build! :O
Thanks, I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands dirty. As it's my first time building a PC I won't lie, I'm nervous. But I figure with the combined knowledge of the Overclock members, some patience and lots of coffee - I'll manage
biggrin.gif
 
#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by somebodysb2;14010114
You have BF3? I JELLY!

BTW: You should have gotten a 6990 (but very loud) or dual 580/6970. 590's like to blow up.
I don't have it - a build was sent to us for us to have a look at. I was turned off the 6990 due to the noise, like you say.

Thanks for the vote of confidence with the 590 though, lol. I figure I couldn't have bought one from a better company, so I'm sure they'll look after me. It comes with a lifetime warranty (provided you don't overclock it) so I'm not _too_ bothered, although don't get me wrong, I'd be a bit upset if it did blow up!
 
#6 ·
Wow, great build man!!
biggrin.gif

Personally, I like to keep ALL of my heatshrink black, even when using non-black sleeve. I feel it gives a more professional/clean look. A white and black scheme would look great in that case, maybe add a smal splash of color on a few wires to match your motherboard??
smile.gif
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by elykrab17;14010612
Wow, great build man!!
biggrin.gif

Personally, I like to keep ALL of my heatshrink black, even when using non-black sleeve. I feel it gives a more professional/clean look. A white and black scheme would look great in that case, maybe add a smal splash of color on a few wires to match your motherboard??
smile.gif
Thanks for the input - I've had a quick look in the sleeving threads and I think you may be right - black heatshrink does look good! I think the MDPC-X B-Magic colour is very nice but I need to decide in what order to do it. I love the look of the White sleeve too so might go for black, White and blue combined. Do you think it might be a bit too much though?
 
#8 ·
First post updated;

27/6/11 - Antec Kuhler H2O 920 ordered.
 
#9 ·
Another thing to get is a SSD (for OS and important apps) and maybe another HDD for fraps (thats even if you want to record your gameplay). I would recommend a Samsung F3 1TB drive. You should also get 3x replacement 120mm fans, I recommend Noctua, Deepcool UF-120, Xigamatek and Scythe Gentle Typhoon. The stock 120mm fans of the case and cooler just aren't good enough.
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by somebodysb2;14020268
Another thing to get is a SSD (for OS and important apps) and maybe another HDD for fraps (thats even if you want to record your gameplay). I would recommend a Samsung F3 1TB drive. You should also get 3x replacement 120mm fans, I recommend Noctua, Deepcool UF-120, Xigamatek and Scythe Gentle Typhoon. The stock 120mm fans of the case and cooler just aren't good enough.
I've considered an SSD, but in all fairness I'm not really bothered and am having a hard time justifying the cost. I may put some cash aside as and when, but for now I'm not really concerned. Another HDD is a good idea so thanks for that.

As for the fans - I have some Coolermaster Sickleflows - do you rate them at all?
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by SKl;14032212
odd case lol looks cools though,
more pics of case?
smile.gif
I'll get some taken after work tonight mate.
 
#13 ·
I got an email today to confirm that my EVGA GTX 590 CE has left NYC in the US and is on the way. Bonus! Although I got another email to say that my Kuhler 920 would be late due to a stock shortage
frown.gif


Two days and I can buy the sleeving and RAM. Then I can get started on tarting up the inside of my case, ready for the final build.

Also added the requested pictures of the RV02-EW to the first post.
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by GlockZoR IV;14038824
is looking good Smo,

Rest assured i think you should try out Delta Fans...

You will not be dissapoint, i think there are 3 for ÂŁ50 on ebay, but they are the ones that spin at 6k...

one of them can repressurise a scuba tank
biggrin.gif
Haha, sound good to me! They 180s?
 
#16 ·
Just had an email from Scan to say that my Kuhler 920 has arrived in stock and been dispatched. Should be with me tomorrow so expect a small photo update
biggrin.gif
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smo;14020864
I've considered an SSD, but in all fairness I'm not really bothered and am having a hard time justifying the cost. I may put some cash aside as and when, but for now I'm not really concerned. Another HDD is a good idea so thanks for that.

As for the fans - I have some Coolermaster Sickleflows - do you rate them at all?
Meh, I'm not a fan of CM fans (no pun intended), I would recommend Deepcool UF-120's.

EDIT: When running the 590, be sure to NOT install the drivers included with the disk, always download the latest drivers from EVGA or whatever. Or else if the 590 is pushed to a OC, it will go bang.
 
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by somebodysb2;14059196
Meh, I'm not a fan of CM fans (no pun intended), I would recommend Deepcool UF-120's.

EDIT: When running the 590, be sure to NOT install the drivers included with the disk, always download the latest drivers from EVGA or whatever. Or else if the 590 is pushed to a OC, it will go bang.
Thanks for the input - I've done loads of reading on the 590s and agree that the initial drivers released on disc are pants! Apparently (and this is according to an NVIDIA man) their voltage control was flawed on the original release. Scary!

In other news my Kuhler 920 arrived today so I'll get some photos taken when I get home (long shift at work, only 2 hours left though).

I've also had a small change of direction - rather than completely sleeve this PSU, I've bought black extensions for the moment. I've been advised that it won't be able to reliably handle 2xGTX 590s (which is the plan come November) and I see no good reason to void the warranty when I'm sure I will be able to sell it on.

For now I'll install as is with the extensions while I save for the second GPU, then go for something like a fully modular Corsair 1200W when the time is right.

RAM also ordered with a GSkill RAM cooler to boot. I'll update the main post with pictures etc. when it all arrives.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smo;14059519
Thanks for the input - I've done loads of reading on the 590s and agree that the initial drivers released on disc are pants! Apparently (and this is according to an NVIDIA man) their voltage control was flawed on the original release. Scary!

In other news my Kuhler 920 arrived today so I'll get some photos taken when I get home (long shift at work, only 2 hours left though).

I've also had a small change of direction - rather than completely sleeve this PSU, I've bought black extensions for the moment. I've been advised that it won't be able to reliably handle 2xGTX 590s (which is the plan come November) and I see no good reason to void the warranty when I'm sure I will be able to sell it on.

For now I'll install as is with the extensions while I save for the second GPU, then go for something like a fully modular Corsair 1200W when the time is right.

RAM also ordered with a GSkill RAM cooler to boot. I'll update the main post with pictures etc. when it all arrives.
I can guarantee you that a 590 will max out BF3, after all, the demo videos we have seen on youtube all run on a i7 920 & Single 580 max out capped @60 FPS.
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by somebodysb2;14059765
I can guarantee you that a 590 will max out BF3, after all, the demo videos we have seen on youtube all run on a i7 920 & Single 580 max out capped @60 FPS.
How interesting! I'll still chuck the money aside but will hold out for now - thanks for that.

No doubt I'll find something else that I need/want/don't need/want
smile.gif
 
#21 ·
As promised I've added some photos (more of my mediocre photography skills) to the first post.

Recently purchased products are;

- G.Skill Ripjaws X 8GB (2x4GB) RAM @ 1600MHz
- G.Skill Turbulence II RAM Cooler
- BitFenix Sleeved ATX Extension (Black)
- 2x BitFenix Sleeved 8-Pin Extension (Black)

I'm still waiting on the 590 to arrive. More updates as they come!
 
#22 ·
Apologies for the belated updates - work has been a bit of a nightmare! Anyway, on to business.

Firstly, my GTX 590 arrived from the States in record time;

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Shortly followed by the RAM, cooler and extension cables. Eager to start I threw everything on the dining table and set to work briefly putting the build together.

Motherboard (with RAM fitted [yes, in the wrong slots - I'm new to this, remember?
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]) and Kuhler mount fitted;

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Kuhler 920 and Lian-Li BZ BZ-502B fitted;

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'Finished';

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I must stress that at this point the build is not final - it was simply thrown together (with a bit of subconcious anally retentive cable management) while I made sure that everything works.

As some of you may be aware this is what happened the very first time that I turned it on (yes, I failed to turn on the plug
frown.gif
);

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dThE1v50YNw[/ame]

Turned out that the front and middle AP181s were hitting the shrouds. Shortly after this the middle fan snapped a blade off and jammed! Needless to say an RMA quickly ensued and my new fans arrived a couple of days later.

Also, the more eagle eyed of you will notice that the CPU_LED came on, and the computer shut down. Turned out that in my noobishness I had incorrectly located a 3-pin fan into a PWR fan port which was somehow interrupting the POST sequence.

I had a fan plugged into the red box below (don't do this on a P8P67 Pro
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);

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For those interested in the details - my help thread can be found here. It was during this issue that I was informed my RAM was in the wrong slots, so they were swapped back over.

So this is how my build is looking currently with the sleeved extensions fitted;

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Slightly artsy (pointless) photo;

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She's by no means finished - I plan to re-route the front (or rather, top in the Raven) cables as I'm not happy with their placement at the moment. I am also going to sleeve the rest of my visible cables and re-route the power to the GTX 590.

I'd also like to build a kind of PSU cover that will hide the cables dropping from it into the right-side of the case. I have a friend that make me something nice out of aluminium (I just pictured some USA members thinking '...out of what?') and get it powder coated to match the case.

For now that's where I am while I decide where the build is headed next. I'm currently selling my 2407WFP in favour of an ASUS 3D monitor, so I'm considering another 590 or perhaps even 2x 3GB 580s if I move on to surround gaming.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by flipfreak;14231476
nice. i was thinking of installing a fan in the 5.25 bays as well with the scythe bay rafter.

are u taking in the air from the case for the cpu cooler?
Thanks
smile.gif


Yes - the Kuhler feeds from the AP181 at the bottom of the case and exhausts out the top. I'm using Coolermaster Sickleflows at 1,000rpm with a Scythe fan controller. My i5 2500k is overclocked to 4.4GHz and never goes over 56c. I could push further but the sound level is just right for me.
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smo;14232785
Thanks
smile.gif


Yes - the Kuhler feeds from the AP181 at the bottom of the case and exhausts out the top. I'm using Coolermaster Sickleflows at 1,000rpm with a Scythe fan controller. My i5 2500k is overclocked to 4.4GHz and never goes over 56c. I could push further but the sound level is just right for me.
ic. didn't see the fc in your shots. i thought u didn't install anything in 5.25 bays.
smile.gif


was the original fans very loud at high rpms?

i am contemplating changing to the antec or corsair rads down the road but i am very happy with temps and noise level of my rig now.

i have been thinking of throwing in a fan at the 5.25 bays to cool my cards when i get another piece to run crossfire.
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by flipfreak;14234145
ic. didn't see the fc in your shots. i thought u didn't install anything in 5.25 bays.
smile.gif


was the original fans very loud at high rpms?

i am contemplating changing to the antec or corsair rads down the road but i am very happy with temps and noise level of my rig now.

i have been thinking of throwing in a fan at the 5.25 bays to cool my cards when i get another piece to run crossfire.
In the second to last photo you can see the fan controller mounted in the top bay.

Which fans are you referring to? The ones that came with the Kuhler? If so, they were fine, but I wanted a more ambient glow inside my case and had the Sickleflows laying around so threw them on - at first they were jammed at maximum speed (1800rpm IIRC) so were very loud!
 
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