El_Capitan's Xigmatek Elysium Build - Two Separate Loops 3930K + 2 HD 7970's all SSD build

I figure I'd put up my mini-worklog here since I used the Xigmatek Elysium for my 2nd rig upgrade.

First, I attached six spare NZXT fans in push/pull on a 120.3 radiator on the top with a used Swiftech MCR320-QP radiator I got for a really good deal. I also attached an 80mm fan on the top rear of the case where a PSU would go. All will be pushing outside the case, as the only intake I will have will be the side case 200mm fan. I also placed where my Blu-Ray Optical drive will go (using a standard DVD-RW drive as a placeholder). Above and below that will be two Dual Bay reservoirs that will have Swiftech MCP655-B pumps. It will take some maneuvering. On the back-side of the case, I attached a Scythe Slip Stream Slim SY1212SL12L 120mm fan to help cool the backside of the motherboard where the CPU will go.


Second, I took apart the HDD cages. I will be using 2 Crucial M4 512GB's in RAID 0. So, I plan to attach my Swiftech MCR220-QP attached to just one HDD cage, and not using the 2nd that comes with the case. It's pretty sturdy. On it are four Xigmatek fans.



I installed the first dual-bay reservoir after attaching the SSD's to the HDD cage, and then attaching the HDD cage to the dual radiator. I'm able to screw in the HDD cage to the case, but not the dual-bay reservoir. That is held in place by the front of the radiator (I had to put it in first). I also attached fan protectors on the outer fans.






In order to fit a dual-bay reservoir, I needed to remove some of the 5.25" holders. Instead of using a rotary tool, I just kept bending the holders with a wrench until it got a clean break.


I finally got time to put everything together. Still no Epic Maingear T1000, yet, I want to see how well this thing cools before I use it for comparison's sake. Everything but the tubing and fan connections are in place. I plan to use the 120.4 with push/pull Noctua NF-P12's at 7V's for the motherboard and graphics cards, and the 120.2 and 120.3 for just the CPU. One other problem I have left is the front panel needing to be modified in order to fit around the 120.2 radiator. I'll get to that part last.


I decided to use two colored tubes. Red tubing to indicate one loop that goes from the 120.4 radiator to my motherboard and graphics cards, and Blue tubing to indicate the other loop that's dedicated to just the CPU with both the 120.3 and 120.2 rads.


Finally closed my system up with my side panel.


Next up will be my finished front panel with a video of my setup while running!
[RESERVED]

However, it is up and running!

Currently the differences in cooling between my main rig and my 2nd rig:
Main Rig:
CPU: i7 3930K @4.8 GHz w/HT 1.350 Vcore BIOS 1404; 1.392V - 1.400V CPU-Z | Swiftech Apgoee HD 120.4 1/2 Push + Pull and a 120.1 Push + Pull (5v) Max 77C Prime95 (radiators shared with graphics cards)

Secondary Rig (Xigmatek Elysium)
CPU: i7 3930K @4.8 GHz w/HT 1.340 Vcore BIOS 1404; 1.376V - 1.384V CPU-Z | Swiftech Apogee HD 120.3 Push + Pull (12v) and a 120.2 Push + Pull (7v) Max 73C Prime95 (radiators dedicated to CPU only)
Edited by El_Capitan - 7/23/12 at 8:53am

Thanks. I like the case very much (especially at the $169.99 shipped price). I was debating about not having the radiator in the rear, but I like the fact that I could have some serious cooling with the case. You could theoretically fit four radiators of all different sizes if you wanted: 120.1 (bottom), 120.2 (front), 120.3 (top), 120.4 (rear)

I really have no gripes, except for one of the screws in the rear fan was stripped, so I had to tear out the fan (ruined the fan) and the stripped screw. Well, one gripe could be the drive bay screw-ins, but everything fit easily enough, and it's sturdy where they hold in place on their own. I kind of wish the front panel extended out a little further, as it may look a bit funny with the 120.2 rad in the front jutting out, but I'm okay with it. Other people can make their mods look better, but I just want a case with great options for watercooling while also fitting all the components I want.