[Build Log] Watercooled Silverstone SG04 mATX Gaming Rig

Table of Contents:

• Introduction - Below
• Requirements
• Batch of Parts 1 - Radiator
• Fitment and Planning 1
• Batch of Parts 2 - Reservoir
• Flow Plan 1
• Batch of Parts 3 - HD7970
• Batch of Parts 4 - Komodo Waterblock
• Komodo Installation
• Batch of Parts 5 - Res/Rad/Pump/CPU Block
• Fitment - Reservoir

Helly everybody, I am new here and wanted to share what I am working on at the moment. I've always been a fan of cramming as much horsepower as possible into a small and quiet computer. My previous computer was built in a Silverstone SG03, which I liked better than the SG04, but it didn't have enough room for the cards I wanted.

This is a combination of a completed build, and a build-in-progress. The computer is currently running with the following:

• SilverStone SG04 Small Form Factor
• Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z Micro-ATX Motherboard
• Antec 750 High Current Pro Modular PSU
• Intel i7 2600k CPU
• 16 GB DDR3
• 2 X eVGA GeForce GTX 560

For anyone not familiar with the SG04 case:


Can for some size reference, the case isn't tiny, I find it perfectly sized for the equipment I need:


Interior of the case, I sold my hard drives recently and tossed that laptop drive in there to get the system running:


View from the front:


Here you can see the heatsink for the CPU better, the CPU is cooled by the PSU fan and vented out the back:



Snug fit for the 560's, but they get enough airflow as long as I don't overclock them. Overclocking results in temps approaching 100c:


The cooling for the case consists of two rubber ultra-silent fans:

Edited by RuleOfSines - 5/28/12 at 11:03am

Now you can see what I am working with, so on to the what and the why. As for why, pretty much just because I thought it would be a fun challenge. I used to build my computers in giant Thermaltake cases laden with as many fans as I could fit in there. Over time I got tired of the amount of space they consumed, the noise, and the clumsiness when moving them around. I experimented with a SilverStone SG03 case and passively cooled system to see if I could build something powerful enough to keep me happy, with minimal impact. Happily I did, and I used that computer for three years before building this one. This current PC is basically just a ramped up version of that build, similar cooling methods that I had gained confidence in from my prior build, and a better motherboard with SLI. The first time I build this though, I screwed up. I had started with MSI TwinFrozr II 560's, which do not vent out the rear. The result was they stewed in their own heats and couldn't maintain an acceptable temp. I had forgotten to take that into account initially and switched over to the eVGA cards in there now.

So the next step, is going to be one or two GTX680s using watercooling. I decided to use GTX680s due to their relatively low power use, cost, temps, and size. They should just fit inside this case and allow me to maintain my front intake fans. Plus, finally being able to use Surround with a single GPU is a bonus. I had been considering switching to ATI for that option until the 680 was released.

So as you can see, not a whole lot of room to work with here, and I am very picky about how everything needs to go. The point of the project is the project itself, so I won't be taking the easiest, or perhaps even the best route

My requirements:

• NO external cooling components
  • Radiators can't be hanging off
  • Reservoir needs to be within/part of the case
  • tubing needs to remain entirely inside the case
• Computer needs to be movable without handling it like fine china
  • Getting it all in there is no good if everything is within an inch of its life
  • I don't often lan, but I would like to be able to pick this up, transport it, and not have it fall apart at the destination
• Operating temps only have to be within reasonable limits, extreme cooling is not the goal
• CPU may remain air-cooled, it is silent and within acceptable temp ranges at all times
  • As mentioned, the build is for the sake of the build. If I get temps similar to air-cooling, then so be it
• Quiet: The scream of small GPU fans needs to go away
  • I hate fans smaller than 120mm, hate them.
• Safe and maintainable
  • Easy to fill
  • Thoughtful handling of possible leaks

Edited by RuleOfSines - 3/31/12 at 12:40pm

That'll be getting a home as the build goes on I have to mount a pump down there so the drive is going to end up wherever space is left. Perhaps up above the power supply.

Thanks for the interest! I like seeing what other people are working on and sharing the stuff I am creating, great place to get ideas.

Just took these:

After browsing some of what the guys in the SFF forum have done, I'm reluctant to call this case tiny, even though it is rather small One of the big reasons I chose this case is the support for a full-size powersupply. I was doubly picky about choosing a powersupply since it also functions as the CPU fan, so I wanted the largest fan I could get on a good modular power supply.

I am considering, once I am at the end, shortening up the cables and making my own for better routing.