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[Build Log] Lemon Sugar - Watercooled TJ07

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68NGR

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Discussion starter · #1 ·


Hello all, and welcome to my new Build Log; Lemon Sugar. Named to reflect both the nature and appearance of this Build.. Bitter Sweet and... Yellow and White
happysmiley.gif


Below is a breakdown of current components, and things I plan on changing (Red is yet to Purchase);

COMPONENTS

Case: Silverstone TJ07
PSU: CoolerMaster 850watt Modular Power Supply
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z97X-UD5H Black Edition
CPU: Intel i7 4790k
Ram: Kingston Hyper X 32gb
GPU: Gigabyte Windforce Edition GTX970 in SLI
SSD: Kingston 240gb SSD
Additional Storage: 4TB WD Black
Cables: Custom
Lighting: CableMod Magnetic LED Strip - White

WATERCOOLING COMPONENTS

CPU Block: EK Supremacy EVO White
GPU Block: EK-FC970 GTX WF3 w/ Backplates
Reservoir/Pump: EK-XRes 250 D5 Vario
Radiators: XSPC RX240 and RX480
Fittings: XSPC Black Nickel Compression Fittings w/ misc EK Black Nickel Fittings
Tubing: PrimoChill Advanced LRT Tubing
Coolant: EK EKoolant Pastel Yellow
Fans: Thermaltake Riing 120mm Yellow Fans

This idea has been more of an Evolution - I had purchased a second system a few months ago that I intended to use as my HTPC.. My original vision was to have this next to my old Windows XP Gaming PC I have in the Living Room, so wanted that old beige classic look. This was my 'Clementine Build', listed earlier this year on these Forums.

Now the PC I bought actually came in the TJ07.. a Case I had been searching for for a very long time. Considering the price I paid for the whole Computer, the Case was a steal.

I hadn't originally planned to do anything with the TJ07, as I was 'satisfied' with my current PC, and it was too big to have in the Living Room, so I originally planned to sell it.. however as it sat quietly in the corner while I worked on Clementine, I began to really like how simple and elegant it was.. and so decided that I would transfer my Gaming PC into it. I LOVE the all-aluminium cases (my Windows XP Gaming PC is in a CoolerMaster ATC-210C), so was keen to get it back on the desk.

Now just before I pulled my current Rig apart to transfer into the TJ07, Clementine was damaged quite badly while moving some furniture, so I decided to bin that build. The old parts from Clementine (my original HTPC Build) are now in my old Gaming Rig case, and my original Rig is now in the TJ07.. HAPPY DAYS!

.......Or is it.

Here is my TJ07 as it sits right now..


It doesn't function as well as I want - in that there is still too much going on. I knew as soon as I started to put it together that it wasn't going to go the way I wanted it. Primary concern is the lack of room for a radiator in the top (although I find the solution quite attractive.. I don't want it to stay that way for long).

So.. during the quick build process and some research, I have developed my ideas to fulfill my vision.

Unfortunately I don't have the skill to render anything, so you mind-readers out there will have the upper hand for the moment. For those that can't read minds, a basic description of my vision is as follows;

EXTERIOR
- ColdZero Top Window
- ColdZero Side Window
- CaseLabs 240 Radiator Mount
- White

INTERIOR
- Removal of 5.25 Bays
- Custom Rear Plate (Between Motherboard and the front of the Case)
- Custom Mid Plate
- Custom Drive Cage
- White

I will use aluminium anywhere I can get away with it, and plan to keep the modular nature of the original case.

The Yellow Infusion will mostly come from the Custom Loop, with subtle interior/exterior highlights. Lighting will be at a minimum as White + Yellow is bright enough.

I look forward to bringing you all my progress, and hearing/chasing any opinions or assistance I will undoubtedly need!

-SixBanger
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Afternoon modders!

Progress has been made as far as decisions go. Firstly, I have decided to go completely smooth exterior, so I will be sealing the front and top completely (no top vent, and no front bays).

As far as cooling goes, I want to go 2x 480 rads down the bottom, so will need to relocate the power supply to the front. Considering I won't be running any drives, and there will still be room to mount HDDs / SSDs up the top, this shouldn't pose a massive problem.

I've been pondering the Watercooling Loop before I commit to purchasing the remainder of the hardware, and was after some advice. Below are 3 options that I see as possibilities;


1. Separate CPU and GPU Loops.
- Loop 1: Reservoir/Pump 1 - Radiator 1 - GPU 1 - GPU 2 - Reservoir/Pump 1
- Loop 2: Reservoir/Pump 2 - Radiator 2 - CPU - Reservoir/Pump 2


2. Separate CPU and GPU Loops v.2
- Loop 1: Reservoir/Pump 1 - Radiator 1 - GPU 1 - GPU 2 - Reservoir/Pump 1
- Loop 2: Reservoir/Pump 2 - Radiator 2 - CPU - Reservoir/Pump 2


3. Single Shared Loop.
- Loop 1: Reservoir/Pump - Radiator 1 - Radiator 2 - GPU 1 - GPU 2 - CPU - Reservoir/Pump

I'm currently favoring Option #2 as far as aesthetics go, but not sure if it would perform as well as Option #1. Option #3 works as far as simplicity goes, and would fit a lot better being only one Reservoir/Pump.

Any feedback here would be helpful as I would like to begin ordering the remaining bits over the next few weeks.

- SixBanger
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by eastexas View Post

i like the dual res look
Click to expand...
Agreed - I do too..

.......UNFORTUNATELY.. I have done some measuring and dual reservoirs are not going to happen without changing more of the case than I want to.. therefore.. step forward the 4th Option;


4. Single Shared Loop v.2
- Loop 1: Reservoir/Pump - Radiator 1 - GPU 1 - GPU 2 - Radiator 2 - CPU - Reservoir/Pump

I did want to keep things relatively simple, however I LOOOOOVE the aesthetics of watercooling, so of course want to show it off where possible. I think I am more and more drawn to soft tubing over hard tubing.. and this 4th option suits itself nicely to soft tubing..

So.. unless there are any significant reasons this wouldn't/shouldn't work before I organise the last of the bits over the next few weeks.. #4 it is!

- SixBanger
 
#6 ·
you know... have you considered this:



-Drop one res.. since you dont have the room you said
-The GPU's in parallel as in the pic
-Flip the CPU block 90 degree and route the tubes horizontally towards/behind the res/drivecages (or route the tube/hose along the roof)

Then it only comes down to some smart routing out of sight... it doesnt matter if it gets ugly if it is hidden
smile.gif


Note: depending on the CPU and the block, it might even be beneficial to have the block turned 90 degrees
http://www.xtremerigs.net/categories/reviews/water-cooling/cpu-blocks/
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RnRollie View Post

you know... have you considered this:



-Drop one res.. since you dont have the room you said
-The GPU's in parallel as in the pic
-Flip the CPU block 90 degree and route the tubes horizontally towards/behind the res/drivecages (or route the tube/hose along the roof)

Then it only comes down to some smart routing out of sight... it doesnt matter if it gets ugly if it is hidden
smile.gif


Note: depending on the CPU and the block, it might even be beneficial to have the block turned 90 degrees
http://www.xtremerigs.net/categories/reviews/water-cooling/cpu-blocks/
Click to expand...
Interesting read on the CPU thing.. I might run some tests while the PC is out of the case and see if it makes a difference.

As for the Cooling Loop.. I had another crack at it to maintain the parallel loop look (you can thank me for the fantastic illustration later
thumb.gif
) ;



Would a single pump be sufficient for this? It looks basic enough but would the GPU's get enough flow set up this way? Am I right in thinking that the only time it would pose a problem is if the CPU was passed the GPU's and gravity wasn't forcing the water back down to the 2nd radiator?
 
#10 ·
yeah, D5 or DDC will have no problem with it..
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·


UPDATE - THE TEAR DOWN

As I've found the shop able to help me with the Fabrication of the new panels, I began tearing down the rig and transferring it all into my old Clementine chassis..


The Beginning


The End


The Result


All ready for AMAZING!

Will prepare the TJ07 as best I can this weekend prior to taking it down to the machine shop for measuring.. while I wait I can begin ordering the watercooling bits!

- SixBanger
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·


UPDATE - CABLE DESIGN

Afternoon all!

So today I spent the morning pulling the TJ07 down to its bare components ready for the machine shop for (what I'm calling) Stage 1. This includes the Uni-body Chassis, the Rear Supports, Midplate and Motherboard Tray. I discovered last night when test fitting with an old Quad Radiator I had that the fittings won't fit through the Midplate unless I had the pass-through fittings right in the middle.. which isn't going to look good at all. So I will actually move the Midplate further up to the base of the original window on the sidepanel. This will give an extra 20-30mm of room above the radiator for fittings.

What this means is that the original slides for the MB tray will need to be raised, and the rear plate for the MB Tray will need to be modified as well. This didn't bother me too much as I planned on a different one anyway,

I also decided on my Custom Cables;



If I get permission from the Machine Shop I'll try for some pictures while its in progress.. otherwise we'll all get to see the end product.

- SixBanger
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Hey guys!

Not a formal update - more myself throwing ideas around my head. I've been working with the shop helping with the aluminium work, as to an exterior concept that won't cost me hundreds of dollars. I have been playing with a few ideas over the last few days and come up with the following;



The horrible SketchUp image doesn't do much to portray the final outcome (totally jealous of you who can render!) but essentially the 2 external pieces are floating on a piece of yellow acrylic. I liked this for 2 reasons.. 1st it brings a little more yellow into the build.. and 2nd it still reminds me that the original case is a TJ07.. which I kinda like.

Thoughts??

- SixBanger
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fakeblood View Post

Not a bad idea. Will it be illuminated behind? Id maybe chop the 2.5 bay wider to match the 5.25 bays (if that makes sense)
Click to expand...
I did actually consider that! I was going to use the 2.5 bay as a drain port for the loop.. and separate it from the 5.25 bays.. still on the yellow plexi.. but I couldn't seem to get it right on paper..

Sort of like this;



How did you close off yours?
 
#16 ·
You don't want the drain port at the bottom of the case? Will make getting liquid out of the bottom rads way easier.

I just chopped the sides off of the 2.5 bay and then had some aluminum cut to fill the gap. Used JB Weld to fix it in place.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by fakeblood View Post

You don't want the drain port at the bottom of the case? Will make getting liquid out of the bottom rads way easier.

I just chopped the sides off of the 2.5 bay and then had some aluminum cut to fill the gap. Used JB Weld to fix it in place.
Click to expand...
Yeah I will have it coming out the back I'd say.. or have a floating tube in between the radiators. I was thinking aesthetically rather than logically to have it come out the front.

Interesting.. I have just had a re-read through your build log (again very nice BTW). Were you able to sand/shape the JB Weld? Was there any filler on the final product? I planned on powdercoating so conscious of the finish if it weren't perfectly flat. I'd be tempted to paint but didn't want to scratch it!

I even considered going back to a black powdercoat on the outside to help hide any joins.. but interested to get some feedback from you as yours looks great.

I do really like the idea of the acrylic on the outside.. but may limit this to the top.. and even see if I can come up with some way of using it as a grill so I can have more airflow.. I'm guessing this is normal in big builds where your mind wanders from its original path
tongue.gif
 
#18 ·
Yeah you can sand, drill and mould JB Weld. I did use filler the 2nd time round though as there were a few imperfections.

As for powder coating I did some looking online and some people have said you can't powder over JB Weld, while some people have said you can. If you do use it you'll probably have to ask the coaters what they think.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·


UPDATE - THE DEATH AND RE-BIRTH OF LEMON SUGAR

So a decision has been made.. and this time I have to stick to it as I've made a rather substantial financial commitment to get it started. I was down at the machine shop discussing what can and can't be done with the case, and we've decided that for what I want, the cost will exceed the return by a significant margin. I have peripherals that I need to invest in (namely X34 Predator.. eeeeeeepp!!) and I was trying to keep the TJ07 as a TJ07.. but changing too much if that makes sense..

SO.

New plan....

1. I am currently sourcing an original top grill - mine was butchered and I am struggling to find another one. Currently waiting to hear back on a solid lead. If it doesn't work out I'll go with my plexi idea above.
2. I have purchased a front radiator grill/mount solution to mount in the front bays. I don't want to give too much away here in case it doesn't work.. lol.
3. As a 240 radiator is now going in the front, I have resorted to 1x 420 radiator down the bottom.
4. Power Supply will keep its original mount in the basement.
5. Base plate will remain, however getting a new cover for it so it'll look like one solid piece.
6. Interior will definitely be powdercoated white.
7. Exterior will LIKELY be powdercoated white also... the Mrs is trying to convince me to keep it black.
8. Yellow is still the theme for the watercooling.
9. Custom cables are still intended.. I've just got to swallow my soul and fork out the $$
10. Side window is still in the air. I would like to recess it still.. and am confident this plan won't change.

Most of the changes are financially driven.. With Pascal approaching I would like to position myself for hardware upgrades in the next 12 months.. so Case Modding will be toned down a tad. Rest assured this will still look fantastic.. especially if my front radiator mount works as I picture it to work.. so stay subscribed if you remain keen to see this completed.. If MOTM is still on I'd be looking to have this finished for May/June!
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·


UPDATE - ORDERED!

I've gone through all my old watercooling bits yesterday so spent today sorting what I can and can't use in Lemon Sugar - Firstly I had an old 480 radiator.. can't recall what brand but it doesn't use G1/4 threads.. don't know if that means it's REALLY old or just an odd combination.

Either way it was a mess - scratched.. bent fins.. DUSTY. Cripes so much dust.

Spent today fixing that and I am extremely happy with the result;



The thickness MAYYYY be a concern, as the pass-through fittings can't be too far back otherwise it could foul on the motherboard or the GPU.. Either way initial test fits seem to be OK! Outside of the Radiator I was able to dig up some fittings the right size, the 240 rad from my old loop etc.

Also I got the new midplate back from the machine shop!



Now that I have the PC back AND I spent the time digging up my old bits.. I was able to order all the parts I'll need to finish the loop. So I've got all the remaining fittings (nearly 30 coming), the fluid, tubing, fans, and a new CPU Block.

My yet-to-be determined Front Radiator solution has landed in Sydney, so will be up here in QLD this week (!!) I've ordered the custom cables however yet to determine when I'll receive those. I'm worried this will hold up the build a fair bit.. but we'll see. I've seen this guys work so extremely happy to have him helping me out.. and he's an Aussie!

Right now though it's a waiting game for these bits to arrive.. but will post up further updates as they come up.. thanks for following so far!

-Nick
 
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