[Build Log] --Torch GP -- a watercooled Asus ROG HTPC

Highlights


• Twin closed loop liquid coolers.
• Silent - PWM fans, silicone pins
• Positive pressure HTPC case with magnetic filters
• Custom ROG metal work by dWood



This thread will serve as a build log for a unique, water-cooled Republic of Gaming HTPC, the Torch GP. The intention is for Torch to become an understated sleeper that stays quiet during movies, but can throttle up during games. This is hopefully achieved by custom cutting an HTPC case and stuffing it with sweet-spot performance parts that are overclock friendly. As a rookie builder, it’s going to be tough to strike a balance between performance, design, and silence. But I’ve lurked long enough to be dangerous, and I know I can rely on this community’s advice. So, I’m open to all suggestions.

Parts list
Parts list (Click to show)


Silverstone specializes in high quality HTPC cases. While it’s a little long in the tooth now, the Lascala LC-13B is one of the few cases that has enough space to house the eATX Asus MIVE and water cooling components. While I initially had a full custom loop planned, I noticed that Silverstone's internals are accessed by removing the top panel. The top is also the most effective place to mount a radiator. So, the pre-built closed loop of the H100 seemed like the best option to ease opening and closing the case. The i5 2500K supplies the CPU power, while a Galaxy GTX 670 GC provides the GPU grunt. The 8GB of RAM is Ripjaw X, and on drive duty is a Crucial m4. The Seasonic x750 supplies more than enough steady power for the whole getup. The case was eBay, and the rest of the parts were scrounged from slickdeals.net. Total was under a grand.

How to flow

I’d like to believe that I had the whole thing mapped out, but after I had proudly gathered all the parts, I placed them in the case and had a moment of panic. The original design thread documented my apprehension. TLDR: airflow analysis paralysis. Eventually, StijnDP talked me into letting form follow function; exhausting the heat vertically out the top and pulling heat from the roofline - and blowing it out the back. I feel much better with this flow, but even now, this may change. There is a passive mesh above the GPU to allow heat to escape naturally, and it may be target for an antec 620 mod. The cool air is supplied by both sides. If I need even more airflow or a bit of flash to feed my geek ego, I can drop the front and let the BitFenix shine red as it pulls in an extra stream of cool air. This is the original design. Original design (Click to show) and this is the final design drawing I took to the shop.



In hindsight, less airflow might have sufficed. But why not strive for some design symmetry and keep the case aircool ready? Notice the odd 120mm x 20mm fan on the right? Anyone know of a 120mm x 20mm fan? Eventually I got tired of "planning to do" and I put the case under the knife.
Edited by Runamok81 - 12/1/12 at 8:54am

Modding the case

Gotta appreciate friend’s with power tools.
The shop (Click to show)
I have to thank Brock for all his help. Not too many people have every size of hole saw on a shelf, access to an air compressor and the experience with metalworking to confidently start cutting an expensive case.
Drilling the m5 screw holes (Click to show) The first 120mm hole cut! (Click to show)
One of the biggest lessons I learned during this process is that it takes a healthy amount of force and WD-40 to have a smooth go at cutting steel with a hole saw. Check the smoke coming from the holesaw in this video. Skip to 45s in. Video of hole saw cut (Click to show)
You can see part of the cleaning process below. Video of cleaning the edges (Click to show)
More photos of case mod. Machining the inside cuts (Click to show) Three new 120mm holes (Click to show) Top cover with holes (Click to show)
By the time we were done, we had cut all seven holes in the case. That’s gotta be a +1 for thermals, but I’m not so sure the Silverstone acoustical engineers would be proud.
Getting ready for paint. (Click to show) Taped off and scuffed with sandpaper (Click to show)

The paint of choice is 500° engine enamel. There may be better choices, but it turned out okay.

A few last minute case mods to clean up some rough edges and help with the noise isolation.


U channel trim around each of the holes. Cutting the trim at an angle would have prevented gaps, next time I suppose.
Edited by Runamok81 - 12/1/12 at 9:02am

Install

Dry run, test fitting the motherboard and PSU.


Fans going in...exhaust

BitFenix and Yate Loon intakes. (Click to show) Silverstone filters on all intakes. (Click to show) Top panel hanger and fan mesh. (Click to show)




...more on the way .....
Edited by Runamok81 - 9/23/12 at 7:03pm

Overclocking results

Best GPU Heaven benchmark run was 1377. That puts it in the top five GTX 670s of all time.

The card was running at 1372/3903 @ 1.21v
Edited by Runamok81 - 12/10/12 at 8:15pm

Reserved
Edited by Runamok81 - 9/23/12 at 7:04pm

thoughts?

Thanks, I've spent so much time on these forums oggling other peoples rigs. Its nice to have one to call my own.

I especially like the cougars. Great performers. There's nothing new I can say about them. I think they look better than AP15, they match or perform 95% of the AP15s, and I snagged them for a third of the price at $8 a pop. That's a no brainer. The best looker is probably the BitFenix Spectre pro.

The red led isn't too bright when on, and it matches the ROG theme.


Though the fan I appreciate is the most is the underdog Yate-Loon 120mm x 20m fan.

It has all the classic qualities of a yate, and is the best 120mm fan I can fit between the mobo and sidewall without sacrificing performance.

Here's a shot from the outside.

And a shot with the fan filter in place.