[Work Log] THMaximus - Case Labs TH10

Here is the official THMaximus - Case Labs TH10 build log. This is my very first water cooling build, not all decisions I have made may be the most optimal. Please let me know where I can improve! I am holding off running water through this for a couple weeks while I get more cables in and get some feedback from everyone.

The TH10 has been wonderful to work with. I haven't owned many cases (Lian Li, HAF 922) but this is a beautiful large case. I plan on getting an SR-2 equivalent next year but for now will keep the parts I have. I will also add a GPU loop next year if I really like this water cooling stuff after my initial experience with it.

I started this build back in June. I ended up having back surgery at the end of June so this got put off for a few months while I was down. I tried so hard to get it done before but I just had no idea what parts I needed until I came upon them. I spent quite a bit in shipping as a punishment for not knowing what I would need.

Here is my build log. As I go forward, I will update progress with a new post and link back to it from this post.

Main Parts

• Asus Rampage III Extreme
• Core I7 950
• 2 GTX 570
• 120 GB Corsair Force Series SSD
• Corsair 1200AX PSU

I have more HDD's to put in but they are just old ones and not worth mentioning. Will probably RAID them together and that's about it.

All photos can be seen in my album on Photobucket:

THMaximus Photo Album

Parts List

05/24/2011 - Case arrives at the door.



06/06/2011 - Finished tearing old computer apart and mounted MB.
06/08/2011 - Casters came in from Case Labs. Wow, this helped my back! Great addition to a case this large!
06/09/2011 - Attached the Swiftech Apogee XT-2 (Newb Alert, first time doing this, Nervous about this!)
06/20/2011 - Got fans in, and sleeved them all. Most parts in that I will need to get started.


06/26/2011 - Finished with the resorvior. Got the pumps installed, serial kit, and bleading kit.



06/28/2011 - Back Surgery (OUCH)

10/01/2011 - Back At It! Water Loop!


Future Additions that I might consider
Flow Meter
Fan / Pump controller
GPU Loop
Edited by SuperJeffe - 10/1/11 at 7:30pm

Working on my water loop today.

Main Parts
Koolance RP - 452X2
2 PMP-450 Pumps in serial configuration
Koolance QDC's
Bitspower 45 Degree fittings for CPU
Bitspower Compression Fittings

Loop
Res - Rad - CPU - Res

Drilled holes in the case to mount some QDC panel fittings and I think it turned out well.



Here is the loop so far:



The short run from the CPU to the QDC at the bottom I didn't like at first but it's wearing on me. I had to use the 45 degree fittings with the Apogee XT 2 since I am using the larger 3/4 inch tubing. It's a short run to the QDC at the bottom but I think it's ok....opinions??

Now, my concern is in the back side. Since the radiator is mounted at the top of the case, all the water has to be pushed up through the case to the radiator. Is this going to be a problem?



I need to add a quick disconnect between the CPU out and the reservoir. This way I can pull the MB tray out without taking everything off. I will probably do the same thing on the back side so I can take out the radiator if needed and to help with draining.

For draining....I am hoping that the quick disconnects are good enough??? I see some people use a T barb to pull this off but I think I will be ok. If I can hook up a QDC fitting on a piece of open tubing, then let the liquid run out....maybe??