[Build Log] Every MM Counts - (Water Cooled A05-NB)

Photobucket for this build here (Additional pics located here):
http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/sarlindescent/New%20Computer%20A05NB/

Here is a link to my CarPC/Audio build. Not a lot of computer modding, but if anyone is interested.
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/148460-2008-honda-accord-coupe-lots-of-pics.html

So currently, I have a CM ATCS840. It's huge, loud, heavy, and has to go. So my goal of this is an inaudible (31db ambient noise level) Lian Li A05-NB. This computer is in my bedroom about 3.5ft from me and 6ft from my head when I sleep. As it currently stands, I can not sleep if I have the computer on, but I often have a need to do so.

To note, this is my first time case modding or water cooling.

Parts:
Type - Product

Components
CPU - I7 3770K
GFX - ASUS HD7970 DC2
Mobo - ASUS ROG Maximus V GENE Z77
RAM - Crucial Ballistx Elite 16GB (2x8GB)
SDD - Crucial M4 512GB

Case Parts
CASE - Lian Li A05NB
PSU - Kingwin LZP650
Case Fans - 3x Be Quiet Shadow Wing 120
Rad Fans - 3x GT-AP13
Fan Filter - 3x Lian Li PT-AF12-2B 120mm
Fan Filter (PSU) - Lian Li PT-AF14-2B 140mm
Fan Controller - Aquaero 5 LT w/ waterblock
Relay Board - Aquaero Multiswitch Relay Board
Case Feet - MNPCTech Billet Machined Aluminum Case Feet w/ Grooved Edges
Rad Grill - Aquacomputer mounting bracket for airplex modularity system 360

Water Cooling
Radiator 1 - Black Ice SR-1 360
Radiator 2 - Black Ice SR-1 120
Pump - Koolance PMP-450
Pump Kit - Bitspower Mod Kit - Matte Black
Reservoir - Aquacomputer Aquabox 5.25
CPU Block - XSPC Raystorm
GFX Block - EK-FC7970 DCII - Acetal
Hose - Primoflex Pro LRT 3/8 x 5/8
Fittings - Monsoon Matte Black 3/8 x 5/8 Compression
Fitting (Other) - Bitspower
Flowmeter - Flow sensor "high flow" G1/4 for aquaero
Water Temp Sensor - Aquacomputer Temperature Sensor - Inner/Outer Thread G1/4
Inline Filter (temporary) - Koolance Inline Coolant Filter, 0.27mm
Fluid - Distilled Water / Silver Kill Coilx2

Other
Thermal Compound - Artic Cooling MX-2
Thermal Pads - TBD
Slot Cover - Lamptron Slot Protectors (Black)
Ram Cooler - Kingston Hyperx Ram Cooling Fan - Black
Cable Extensions - DIY w/ MDPC Sleeving
Pump Decoupler - Shoggy Sandwich
Power Switch - 22mm delrin with white ring LED
Reset Switch - 16mm delrin with white dot LED

Mods:
1) Fit all components above in the case....
2) Case painted - Matte White Exterior / Matte Black Interior Done
3) Flip PSU to pull from the bottom and cut a hole in the case to allow airflow Done
4) Add a case fan to the bottom Done
5) Mod top to fit a 360 rad and fill the hole left from stock i/o panel. Done
6) Move power plug so that SR1 120 will fit on rear Done
7) Add false wall off 3.5 bay down to PSU. This will hide cables and be the mounting plate for the aquaero 5 LT Need to do
8) All screws replaced with thumbscrews Done
9) Add a drain port for easy maintenance Done
10) Add 4x PSU fan filters Done
11) Make the layout look clean In Progress
12) Add an acrylic window spanning most of the side panel. Done
13) Remove HDD cage - Done
14) Add LEDs controlled through the aquaero relay board In Progress
15) Add vandal switches for power and reset Done
16) Sound damper case Done

Notes:
1) I have an external USB optical drive since I rarely use dvds.
2) The intended airflow is positive pressure with 2 case fans + 120 rad fan running intakes and 360 rad fans running exhausts in pull. Reversed flow for aesthetics

Other/TBD:
1) I currently have an Asus Xonar STX and a Schiit Bifrost for DACs. Not sure which I want to keep for this build yet. They are feeding a Schiit Valhalla which I will be keeping. Bifrost/Valhalla setup is staying
2) Make a headphone stand for at least my Sennheiser HD650s and AKG Q701s. May add a spot for the Grados or may sell them. Done
3) May add a Bitspower Flow Indicator (BP-FI-CLBKMBK) - Clear/Black/Matte Black Could never get this to stop leaking




...50 updates later and I think I got everything
Edited by Kazimir - 12/7/12 at 1:35pm

[Reserved for final pictures]
Edited by Kazimir - 4/6/12 at 5:33pm

[Reserved for final pictures]
Edited by Kazimir - 4/6/12 at 5:33pm

Here are some of the starting pics. Sorry for the phone pics. Plan on borrowing a camera for the finals.

A05 vs ATCS840




Fans galore (Using whichever work best depending on vertical or horizontal mount)


New tools


New Desk:


The concept:

This shows the RX360 Rev2. I am actually selling that and replacing with a SR-1 360. The 10 or so mm gain in length is necessary for what I plan on.




Original Vision




New Vision:




Aquaero 5 LT will be mounted to a bare Lian Li 5.25 cover




I may buy 2 more poweradjusts just to fill the spots............It looks so incomplete as is.




Top panel - Still need to decide, I have a Bitspower Radgrill and the displayed Aquacomputer grill. AC grill will be painted matte black if I keep that one.


The drilling begins!!!!!!

Edited by Kazimir - 4/6/12 at 6:01pm

Soooo........I went against all recommendations....

I received the new mobo today and wanted to work on the case. Only problem is I don't have a saw horse at the house or any spare lumber. So, got an old chair and went to clamp the case top to it.... Of course... the clamps didn't fit. Decided to man up, hold the top between my legs and start drilling. The results are pretty good.

These have not been filed yet.

Asus ROG Gene Z77


Cut Top








Case Fit Test -Unfortunately, don't have any mobo standoffs at the house, so couldn't put it in yet.



Sponge is getting dyed black



Why I Chose The Name...


Edited by Kazimir - 4/12/12 at 6:20pm

Why does time fly when I'm modding... Never have enough time to do everything I want.

Mobo mounted to mark off cable grommets.


Tape


Action shot


Finished product


Put a piece of aluminum sheet on the bottom of the top




Filling the hole




Led holes filled too


Prepping the window


Vitamins are multipurpose


Cutting


Finished


Drain Cut