[Build Log] Black Id

I started my current build a few months ago (when IB came out) but as it is still not entirely finished, I thought that maybe documenting what I plan on doing would help me get it finished sooner

Here are the current specs of the machine

Asrock Z77 Professional-M
i5 3570k + stock cooler
16GB Corsair Vengeance LP 1.35v
GTX 580 1.5GB reference card x2
Revodrive 3 X2 240GB (system)
Velociraptor 300GB x2 RAID 0 (games)
Seagate 3TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gbps (storage)
Corsair 700D
Corsair HX1000
Noiseblocker PK-3 x2
Samsung Bluray Drive
Steelseries 7G keyboard
Logitech G500 mouse

You should notice that some parts might be a bit outdated.
This is because I actually got a deal on a pre-owned computer and kept some of the parts while I sold/gave away others.
The reason I am using a stock cooler is because I am still waiting for some watercooling parts.

Watercooling components
XSPC Raystorm full copper
Watercool HeatKiller GPU-X3 for 580 noIHS Ni-Bl Edition x2 + backplates + single slot brackets
Alphacool Nexxxos UT60 360 + 6 Gentle Typhoon AP-15 120x25mm in push/pull
Alphacool Nexxxos UT60 140 + San Ace 140x38mm fan in push
FrozenQ Liquid Fusion dual bay res red helix
MCP35x pump
Lok-seal compression fittings
Tygon Norprene A-60-G Industrial Grade tubing + pearl anti-kink
Distilled water + biocide

Now, some pictures ! (forgive the bad pics, I only have my phone camera...)

Some of the components I bought new.


Some of the parts that came with the case


The case came with 4 GT AP-15 so I'll have to buy another 2.


Noiseblocker PK-3


Velociraptor 300GB



The case was in a pretty bad shape when I got it. Its previous owner never cleaned it, not even used a compressed air can once...
Note that this picture was taken AFTER I used up an entire compressed air can on it
I didn't take any picture before I cleaned it but it was really pretty bad...


The flash really reveals where the dust was located. I didn't notice after I took a look at my pictures, it was really showing.


Unfortunately for me, I only noticed it after I mounted the motherboard and some components


I wasn't satisfied so I took everything apart again and clean as much as possible. I even considered showering the case at some point but eventually, wasn't required.

After scrubing everything with a wet towel, it was much better.



PSU shots with the Noiseblocker PK-1 that came with the case. Eventually, it will be replaced with a San Ace 140x38mm (more on that later)



CPU and the stock cooler we all came to know and hate (even though in my case, it helps temporarily)



Motherboard package



And the motherboard itself. It just looks awesome ! I also considered the Asus Maximum V Gene back then but it didn't have a PS/2 port. After seeing the motherboard first hand, I don't regret buying Asrock





Corsair Memory




This is honestly the best looking memory I've ever seen. The picture just doesn't do it enough justice.
CPU was mounted as well.


Different angles



Back panel


Revodrive 3 X2 240GB goodness






Seagate Barracuda 3TB


This one made me chuckle. Yea I'm going to hell for this.


I really should have turned off the flash...
There's only one 580 mounted because the Revodrive wouldn't fit otherwise. However, with the single slot brackets and GPU waterblocks, that won't be a problem.



Alphacool Nexxxos UT60 360 radiator




I really like the fact that there are 6 in/out threads since I'm not exactly sure yet how it will be oriented inside the case.


Bleed/fill port


Indigo Xtreme TIM - Can't wait to test it with the Raystorm ! I will likely test several configurations, like replace the TIM under the IHS with some PK-1 and use the Indigo Xtreme on top of it.
I will eventually end up doing direct-to-die cooling as well (in which case, the IX won't be useful then)


The FrozenQ Liquid Dual Bay Reservoir. It looks awesome, it's just sad that it cannot be mounted inside my case without modding
I still don't know how I will mount it either....Any ideas ?


Mounted the MCP35x pump on it



It required voiding the warranty on the pump. I was wondering how they could tell one removed the seal, if you do it carefully. Now I know


I bought a custom dust filter from Demciflex. It goes on top of the case and should prevent those AP-15 pulling too much dust.


The Norprene tubing. I really like the dark matte look. There are inscriptions on the tubing but nothing a black permanent marker cannot handle


I've read people say that it kinks very easily. Honestly, I didn't find that to be the case !

Edited by Gauvi - 7/4/12 at 10:03am

reserved

reserved

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I mentioned two San Ace 140x38mm in the first post and said I'd talk about it later.
I feel like they deserve their own post because, well, they are just awesome

I was initially looking for two 140x25mm fans with a good static pressure to go with the UT60 140 radiator that I plan on getting. It will go to the bottom of the case.
Several people recommended either the Akasa Viper or Bgears B-Blaster, which were very good choices. Delta fans were also an option but even though I am not too picky about noise, Delta fans are just too loud...

After some more research, I wanted this: San Ace 109P1412M101 140mm
Specs sheet from Sanyo Denki

As I live in Japan, I have access to Yahoo Auctions where there are some nice deals going on at times.
This is where I got a very nice deal on those two fans: $55 USD, shipping included !

The fans got delivered this Sunday.


The original owner bought them in May from Sanyo directly and paid full price for it ($110USD for both fans)
However, he made a mistake when ordering and got the 38mm while he wanted the 25mm version so he just sold them off on Yahoo Auctions for half the price


The plugs and screws that he added to the package since the fans come entirely naked from Sanyo.
His auction went unnoticed without anyone bidding on it for a whole month. I'm really glad I checked when I did.


The fans are just massive, solidly built, very good quality.



Manual in Japanese




Making sure the fans work as intended
I was really impressed by the CFM/noise ratio. They pack some good power without being loud.
One thing I noticed was that they make a sharp sound when they start up. Someone asked if they click when undervolted, I haven't tried yet (but will once I find some time to do it) but it is likely they will. Noise is not a major issue for me though as there's always music in the background or headphones on


Time to sleeve those cables !



I also bought the two AP-15 I was missing and sleeved the cables of all 4 fans.



The awkward moment when you go buy a hairdryer specifically for those heatshrinks...
Yea, I keep my hair short all the time so no need for a hairdryer


Fans sleeved and ready !


That's about it for the San Ace. I'll post some more once they are inside my case.
As previously said, one will go to the bottom of the case with the 140mm radiator, the second one will go to the back, as exhaust fan.

Thanks for reading !
Edited by Gauvi - 7/14/12 at 9:34am

Thanks !

Me crazy ? naaaaaahhhhh

Anyway, small update today. A sad one at that: I actually killed one my 580s while trying to remove the IHS

The victim


Crappy thermal paste...It was all thick and hard to remove. No wonder people are replacing the TIM as it should give much better temps !


Following some tips in the Geforce IHS removal thread, I first tried with this.


However, this didn't go anywhere. There's actually no way I could have 'cut' through the 'black glue' between the IHS to the GPU itself.
So I tried going for one edge with a thin screwdriver. I was very careful but eventually, still not careful enough

This picture was taken after I applied some TIM and plugged everything back to confirm that the scratch you see on the upper left actually killed the card or not.
A few other people also scratched their GPU until you could see copper, similar to what I did. However, theirs was still working so I was still slightly hopeful.


A closer look at the scratched area


Basically, the card still boots but doesn't display correctly on screen: lines and artifacts everywhere.
I tried with two different computers: same results...

So there you have it. I didn't pay full price for the card though: it came part of a bundle, in which the card cost me less than $100.

I am posting this so there's a record of it somewhere so other people know it can definitely happen.
I was entirely willing to do it despite knowing the risks. To anyone considering doing it as well: please think carefully, several times over and do not rush it.

Now, I have to find myself another card and try it again
Edited by Gauvi - 7/8/12 at 6:41am

hahaha your avatar makes the "WHAT" even more epic

Honestly, I wasn't sad or feeling like crying. More than anything, I was angry at myself for f*cking up