Ballnut's Project: Information Overload- Featuring the Merlin SM8

I started researching computer building and watercooling a couple weeks ago, and it has indeed been a challenging undertaking. Reading through build logs from Reglar and cpachris (and many others in the community) is both exciting and mindblowing. As with anything, trying to process massive amounts of info in a short time frame is usually not an ideal environment for success, but despite knowing this, I will push ahead and create the best build I am capable of. I will use this thread as a springboard, and hopefully by the time we are done here, I will be well on my way to building my first ever watercooling rig.

As a little background, the only PC I have ever built is shown below.



It's an old Lian Li case with an X58 mobo, GTX 295, Gskill Ram, Arctic cooler, PC P&C 750W PSU, and Claro Halo soundcard

This is the depth of my experience with casebuilding. At the time I didn't really do any research, just threw it together and figured it out from there. However, watercooling and custom case design is a bit trickier of a beast it seems.

For further Viewing, I just moved into a new place, and don't have my office set up yet, so I am using the dining room table for my rig. Note the desktop connected via ethernet to the laptop since I don't have a wireless card installed.



Also, here is the workbench where I plan to do a lot of the build (in the garage). I would like to either coat the wood, or use some kind of cover or matting, so I have a clean surface to work on. Any suggestions with this? I guess I can also do the build inside, but I thought the workbench was cool.




Don't worry that this thread is a bit ugly. I will create a new thread in the build sections that polishes things up quite a bit.

Thanks to cpachris for the format below

Hardware List and Status:
Here is the legend. Green means I’ve already got it. Orange means its been ordered (yellow text isn’t real legible). Red means I’m still deciding/researching the item, or waiting because I don’t yet need the part. I’ll update this Hardware Status in the OP as things change:

Case

• CaseLabs Merlin SM8

Main Guts

• CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K
• Motherboard: Rampage Extreme iv
• GPU: 2x EVGA GTX 670’s Superclocked 4GB with backplate Even though I have these, it's still not set in stone. I am worried that the GTX 670 may not have enough processing power and limit me in some ways. When run in SLI, should I run into any issues? Do I need to go 3 way SLI? Obviously the Vram is overkill, but I did not even want to come close to coming up short on the graphics side. Any suggestions here much appreciated.
• Memory: 16 gb, Samsung 30nm (2x4GB)x2
• PSU: Seasonic X-1250

Storage

• Raid Controller: Do I need this?
• OS Drive: 2x 128 gb SSD Samsung 830 in Raid 0
• Extra Storage: 2x 128 gb SSD Vertex 4 Series
• Extra Storage: 2x 1TB WD external

Cooling

• Radiators: Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper 480mm
• Radiators: Alphacool NexXxoS Monsta 240
• Pumps: D5 vario or MP35X? or other? is this enough?
• Pump Top: ?? Do i need this?
• Reservoir: TBD? considering XSPC, not sure here
• Radiator Fans: Noiseblocker NB-eLoop B12-3 120mm x 25mm
• Case Fans: Noiseblocker NB-eLoop B12-3 120mm x 25mm
• CPU Waterblock: XSPC Raystorm
• GPU Waterblocks: 2x XSPC Razer GTX 670
• Motherboard Waterblocks: XSPC X79 Rampage IV WaterBlock Set - Copper Block Not sure if this block is too restrictive for just running one pump. Any other thoughts on other blocks?
• TIM: Indigo Extreme
• Tubing: Tygon Black 1/2" x 3/4" or ???
• Fittings: Monsoon Compression /Bitspower / Swiftech Lok? Not sure if I need extensions, or angled fittings, or what. I want all compression though, I do not even want to think about leaks.

Monitoring and Control

These are still all TBD, I have done no research here, but apparently I need this. Any suggestions much appreciated.

• Aquacomputer Aquaero 5 XT
• Aquacomputer PowerAdjust 2
• Sensors

Misc

• Monitor: BenqXL2420T, Dell U2311H
• Soundcard: TBD
• Sleeving: TBD
• Headphones: Sennheiser HD 598
• Blu-Ray/DVD Reader/Writer: LiteOn 12x

Edited by ballnuts - 10/19/12 at 3:26am

Well some parts came in today. I've had people kicking me in the nuts about the GTX 670 and saying I'm an idiot for not running the 7970's, but I guess my argument would be the option for tri-sli should I so please. The 3930k was packaged really poorly, and the packaging was a bit beat up, and the cpu out of place inside the box. Since I bought it for 569 from Amazon, I think I'm just going to return, since I can drive about 15 miles and pick one up from microcenter. The CPU is from batch #3205C083. Not sure if good or bad.

Definitely keeping the ram and the SSD's though




Also, I just realized I have no idea how to make my own brackets or wiring harnesses for fans. I pretty much crammed my way through physics 2, and never took an EE course. I have no idea how to do what this guy did, but it looks cool as ****. http://www.overclock.net/t/1312023/build-log-merlin-water-cooled-r-atx-sm8-w-pedestal-z77x-ud5h/40#post_18300380

I also updated my components list with a few things, gonna give the new noiseblocker fans a shot for kicks. Saving 2db yay! sure ill notice a diff .

Also, I would sure like some more suggestions on watercooling equipment and case selection/design. Should I move this thread into a more visible spot? I am truly getting overwhelmed reading through build logs. Those guys are much more capable than me, and they make it sound so easy. It's impossible for me to visualize what they can, so I often am lost and frustrated. I can't picture how certain case accessories will be used. I'm sure after I get the case, this will change, but without messing with it, it feels completely foreign. I am now trending away from the SM8, and looking at something closer to the M8 from what I've been reading.

If anyone can take a look at some of my undecided items, or incompatible selections, I would be most grateful!!
Edited by ballnuts - 10/17/12 at 1:53am

In this configuration, would a 240 Monsta Rad fit on bottom? I may have to front mount it in the flex bay, so it doesn't touch the GPU's, but I'm not sure. From what I'm calculating, a 480 UT60 up top with a 240 Monsta, should be enough cooling for this system. It just depresses me a little that I could fit a 420 and 240 in a Switch 810, so though I would never get that case, the functionality is similar. Now if I could go the monsta route, then having a monsta 240 and a full 480 would feel better.

Jim,



Here is the current config I have picked out for the SM8. I really don't have the tools or expertise necessary to do major modification work, so I will need things to work somewhat well out of the box. I am a bit confused about how there is a 120x4 mount at the bottom of the case, since I will be using a pedestal to house the rads. Also, I guess i dont understand the advantages of a drop in mount vs a mount that is already there. Do I need the side mounts for the pedestal as extras, or does it come with this? I suppose I will run 2x 480's in the pedestal, which will provide plenty of cooling for this system, yet also leave a ton of room if I do decide to run more. Honestly I am debating whether I should go with the 480 and 240 and just forego the pedestal. If I didn't run a rad up top, would I just get a solid top? I guess I'm also not sure about optimal placement of the case fans, or where they can even go.

Jim,

Just to clear things up for me, if you look at the shopping cart, you can see on the bottom chassis mount, it says 120x4. I know I will not mount a 480 there, since I would have the ped, but then I'm confused why I would still have the 120x4 mount on bottom. Do I need to get more accessories to cover this up? With the amount that all these accessories are costing me, is there a better case value besides the ST10? (A bit too skinny and tall for me). Is there anything in the cart I should get rid of that you can tell?