[Smithcity]

This is my first build since 2008 and my first water-cooled computer. Half the ram in my current computer stopped running and I'm down to 4GB on an x64 machine and it is killing me! So time to build a new PC. In my previous builds I did extensive modding (painting, windows, etching, even did a pull out 5.25" screen). This time around I don't have the tools or patients. However, I will sleeve the PSU and do acrylic bending (but that requires patients you say....I know). Build will be black, red, white themed.

This computer will be used for multi-monitor gaming, video encoding, basic browsing / e-mail, and engineering simulations for my independent consulting (hence all the ram). I'll be running 6x monitors for productivity, I kind of have a multi-monitor sickness. I even have mobile USB monitors for my laptop when I'm on the road. The first step in recovery of any personal problem is indeed self-admission, but I don't think this will help me any, so why not fully indulge?!

The build's that inspired me are:
Jameswalt1's "900CSQ"
and
Managerman's "Bucket List"

Similar to Managerman's build, I don't have a fortune to spend on adapters/fittings, so I'll do as much acrylic bending as possible so as to avoid extra fittings.

One thing I plan on doing is noting all the tools / methods I use to sleeve, bend acrylic, or anything else I do. I know plenty of others have shown tutorials etc... but I always find it helpful seeing how 2-3 different people do things, so hopefully this log helps the next guy (or gal)!

I will have one big loop:
Res 1 --> Dual Pumps --> 240mm rad --> 480mm rad bottom --> GPU's via Bridge --> 480mm rad top --> Ram 1 , CPU , Ram 2 , Mobo --> Res 2 and back to Res 1.

I'm calling this build "TX-61"

Component List:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Main Components
CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K (6-core)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133
GPU: 2x Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB
Case: Corsair 900D
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2 1300W (fully modular)
HDD1: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" SATA III SSD (from previous build)
HDD2: Western Digital Green 2TB 3.5" SATA III HDD (from previous build)

Multi-Monitors
Monitors: 6x Dell UltraSharp U2713HM 27" Widescreen IPS Panels (2560 x 1440)
Monitor Stands: 3x Vivo Dual LCD Monitor Desk Stand/Mount (STAND-V002L)

Water Blocks
CPU: 1x EK Supremacy Universal CPU Liquid Cooling Block - Nickel CSQ
RAM: 2x EK Monarch Series X4 Ram Liquid Cooling Block - Nickel CSQ
4x EK-RAM Monarch Modules (2pcs)
Motherboard: EK ASUS Rampage IV Extreme Full Board Cooling Block Kit - Nickel CSQ
GPU: 2x EK Radeon R9-290X VGA Liquid Cooling Block - Nickel CSQ
2x EK R9-290X VGA Liquid Cooling RAM Backplate - Black
1x EK FC Bridge Triple Parallel CSQ
1x EK FC Bridge Blank Parallel CSQ (so I can upgrade to a 3rd card later)

Radiators
2x EK-CoolStream RAD XTX 480
1x EK-CoolStream RAD XTX 240

Pumps and Reservoirs
2x Swiftech MCP655-PWM
2x Bitspower D5 / MCP655 Pump Mod Kit - White
1x Bitspower Dual D5 Mod Top - Acrylic
Res 1: Bitspower Dual / Single D5 Top Upgrade Kit 250 - Clear
1x Bitspower G 1/4 Silver Shining Aqua-Pipe II
Res 2: EK Dual Bay SPIN Reservoir w/ Flow Meter - Acrylic CSQ

Fittings, Tubing, and Coolant
2x 10 pack PrimoChill 1/2" White Knurled Compression Fittings - White
1x 4 pack PrimoChill 1/2" White Knurled Compression Fittings - White
1x PrimoChill 1/2 OD Rigid Acrylic Tube - 12x 24"
2x PrimoChill 1/2 OD Rigid Acrylic Tube - 1x 36"
3x Mayhem Pastel Red - 250mL
1x Mayhem Deep Red Dye - 15mL
1x Mayhem Blue Dye - 15mL
6x Phobya G1/4" Seal Plug
1x Phobya Knurled Mini Valve (for drain system)
1x XSPC 3-Way T Adapter (for drain system)
2x XSPC G1/4" 5mm Male to Male Extender (for drain system)
3x Bitspower G 1/4" Temperature Sensor Stop Fitting

Radiator Cleaning
These are the parts I'm using to clean the radiators
6x XSPC 3/8" ID G1/4" Barbs
6x 1/2" OD Reusable Clamp
8ft 3/8" ID 1/2" OD flexible tubing
Distilled Water
Vinegar

Radiator / Case Fans
10x Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition
3x Corsair 120mm Fans (came with the 900D)
1x Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition

Misc. Components
3x ModMyToys 3-Pin Power Distribution PCB 5xWay Block
1x NZXT Sentry Mix 2 Fan Controller
1x NZXT Hue LED strip / controller
PlastX Polish (to polish the blocks)
Microfiber Cloths (to polish the blocks)

Quick Links:
Update 1: PSU Sleeving
Update 2: Receiving Parts (Case)

Update 2.1: All Main Components Are In!!
Update 2.2: Main Components Close-Up

Update 3: Water Cooling Parts Planning
Update 4: Painting Case Fans
Update 5: Test Fitting Components - To Lace Or Not To Lace?

Update 5.1: To Lace Or Not To Lace?
Update 6: Water Cooling Components Arrive
Update 7: Cleaning Radiators
Update 8: Acrylic Polishing
Update 9: 5.25" Bay Modifications
Update 10: Pumps / Motherboard / CPU Blocks Installed
Update 11: Ram / GPU Blocks Installed
Update 12: Acrylic Bending / Test Fitting
Update 13: Custom LED Lighting

 

[Smithcity]

[Reserved For Final Build Pictures]

 

[Smithcity]

Update 1: PSU Sleeving

First update for this build will be PSU sleeving. I decided to go with heat shrink-less paracord sleeving, red, white, and black. I had a hard time picking out a PSU as I've never sleeved or laced before and didn't want to deal with capacitors or double wires. I ultimately went with the EVGA SuperNOVA G2 1300 due to its price / performance (which left me with double wires and capacitors). I wrote a tutorial on how to sleeve with capacitors as I had not seen this done before which I won't repeat here. Alright, on to the pictures!

EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2



As promised I will do an over-view of the tools I use for any mods. For sleeving I used the following:
- Paracord
- Paracord Threading Tool (if you are doing paracord sleeving save yourself hassle and buy this)
- Lighter
- Flush Cutter
- Helping Hands
- Soldering Iron and Solder
- Xacto Knife
- Brush on Krazy Glue
- Multi-Meter
- Tape
- Heatgun
- Paperclip (for lacing)
- Wire stripper
- Invisible Thread
- 18AWG wire
- Female ATX Molex Terminal
- Lamptron Deluxe Modular 5-in-1 cable sleeving tool kit (to remove connector pins)
- 3/16" 3:1 Ratio Heat Shrink (I recommend this stuff, it is great quality, good price)
- Heatshrink Cutter (got to cut it all the same length!)
- Scissor to remove heat-shrink or sleeving when you mess up

I'm not going to go into to much detail on methodolgy here. I learned by watching Lutro0's amazing tutorials. So check his stuff out.




It is imperative that you make a wiring diagram before removing any pins from connectors!


Start by getting yourself a sleeving station:


The 24pin Motherboard Power Cable:




Double wire splicing:














Cable lacing with invisible thread using Frank's Lacing Method:



8-Pin VGA Power Cable (with capacitor):




4-pin Molex Power Cable:
The issue with this cable and the SATA Power cable for the G2 are the series connected additional power connectors. They are a pain to sleeve. The only alternative to making my own custom wires with crimped terminals, is to cut the wire between series connectors, threading sleeve with heat shrink, stripping the wire, soldering it together, shrinking the bare wire, then pull out the sleeve, super glue the ends then shrink the ends. This does leave you a slight bump under the sleeving where the heat shrink is used, but it isn't to noticeable. See pictures below:



















Final Sleeved Cables:









And a final photo to depict scale:


Finally, double check you put all the wires back in the correct pin order before using them. I tested each pin on every cable with the multi-meter at the end to verify voltages and found a couple incorrect wires I had to swap around.

That's all I have for now. This is my first time sleeving / lacing and I think it turned out fairly decent. I will finish lacing once I have cables in place in the case.

I've ordered all the main hardware for the build, once it comes in I need to test all the components before moving on. Let me know what you think!

 

[Monty007]

Well done on the sleeving. I'm about to sleeve the same power supply. On what cables are the capacitors? 24 pin? Can you please take some pictures of the cables with the capacitors on it so I can see what you did? Please and thanks. Love the random weapons in your pics.

 

[Smithcity]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty007

Well done on the sleeving. I'm about to sleeve the same power supply. On what cables are the capacitors? 24 pin? Can you please take some pictures of the cables with the capacitors on it so I can see what you did? Please and thanks. Love the random weapons in your pics.

Thanks! Capacitors are on the 24pin motherboard connector and the 6+2pin VGA cables. There are pictures of both above. I'd suggest you take a detailed look at my Sleeving With Capacitors and "Stealth" Lacing tutorial. I describe the process step by step there.

In summary:
- Take a look at my pinout diagram in my tutorial. There are 3x capacitors on the 24pin cable:
Cap 220uF pin3 to pin1
Cap 220uF pin15 to pin4
Cap 220uF pin7 to pin10
However you will want to make your own pin diagram. I've seen at least 2 different pin diagrams for the G2, who knows, maybe there are 3 or 4 configurations.
- There is one 220uF capacitor on the 6+2pin VGA power cables. I sleeved it the same way I did for the 24pin connector in my tutorial.
- Make sure you get the polarity correct after sleeving when you plug back into the connector.
- The G2 has 16, 18, 22, and 20awg wires, make sure you note this in your pin diagram (as I did in mine), don't want to get them mixed up when you put the cable back together.

If my tutorial doesn't answer your questions let me know what you are struggling with and I'd be happy to give more details.

Glad you like the guns, but they are deliberate, you know, so people can get a sense of scale in the pictures. They are basically like a ruler!

 

[Smithcity]

Update 2: Receiving Parts (Case)

Parts are starting to come in. I know we've all seen the 900D, but this case truly is gigantic.




And a couple pictures for scale:

 

[Monty007]

Thanks for the advice on the sleeving. Love 900d builds. I have had a blast with mine. Man you have a lot of guns!

 

[Smithcity]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty007

Thanks for the advice on the sleeving. Love 900d builds. I have had a blast with mine. Man you have a lot of guns!

No problem on the seleving. I like your Leviathan - 900D build, your fan-splitter / PWM control issue doesn't look like fun :-(.

Stay tuned, more guns (items to depict scale) to come!

 

[managerman]

Thanks for the shout out! Subscribed!

-M

 

[Smithcity]

Update 2.1: All Main Components Are In!!
I have all the main components in! Case, ram, CPU, graphics cards, motherboard, and hdds (already had those).


And a picture for scale:


I'm excited to put everything together. I'll post close-up's as I unpack everything. Going to put the system together outside the case to test for stability and make sure nothing needs RMA. The CPU doesn't come with an air cooler, so I ordered a $15 heat sink just for this test before moving on to water cooling. I'm thinking I should also take some baseline benchmarks, then see how much overclocking I can get before moving to water for comparison down the line.

More to come, stay tuned.

 

[Monty007]

Looks awesome. Also more awesome guns!! Any sniper rifles? Barrett .50 cal?? For size reference purposes of course. My favourite gun.

 

[Smithcity]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty007

Looks awesome. Also more awesome guns!! Any sniper rifles? Barrett .50 cal?? For size reference purposes of course. My favourite gun.

Well, the revolver in the last photo of Update 1 (for scale) is a .50 cal handgun, the Smith & Wesson 500, I don't have a Barrett but it is on my list for acquisition. Doesn't mean I couldn't get my hands on one for scientific size reference later in the build, will see what I can do. There is another .50 cal that will be used for scale later on .

More pictures to come soon.

 

[Smithcity]

Update 2.2: Main Components Close-Up

Went ahead and unpacked everything, here are all the goodies

2x Asus r9 290's:


2TB HDD and 500GB SSD:


CPU and dinky heat sink/fan for testing



64GB of PC2133 G.Skill ram! Plenty of space for ramdisk!:



Asus Rampage IV Extreme Motherboard:


Bench testing all the components to make sure nothing needs RMA:


And a necessary picture for scale:


Had an issue getting the system to boot. Turned out that despite spending time making wiring diagrams for the PSU cables as I sleeved...and despite testing voltages after putting all the cables together, I still had one set of wires swapped UGHHHH. A 3.3V wire and gnd were in the wrong spots.

Figured out which wires were wrong, corrected them, and proceeded to check the rest of the wires...again. Despite having those wires swapped, when I turned the system on the fans would turn for 1-2 seconds then the whole system just stopped. After correcting the mistake, it looks like everything is running great! Running through stability testing now.

 

[Smithcity]

Update 3: Water Cooling Parts Planning

This is my first water cooled build and I have put together a parts list I think will work, but would love feedback before I finalize and order everything.

A few caveats:
1. I decided to go with 1 big loop as opposed to 2 smaller loops. Reason: Easier to maintain and drain.
2. I'm doing dual series MCP655 pumps. This is overkill, but redundancy is good, so why not.
3. I have 2 reservoirs, I understand this is over-kill. I want them for aesthetics so they are staying. Plus (as I'm sure my brother would say)...more water = more better.
4. I'm cooling my ram. Yes, I know people think it is a waste to water cool ram as it "doesn't gain any performance". Well, the biggest reason I'm cooling the ram is aesthetics. Cooler ram should also = longer longevity. Lastly, during preliminary stress testing my ram got pretty hot (stock XMP clock speeds). I don't have a thermometer on them, but they were definitely hot to a touch, i.e. you'd burn your finger if you left it there to long. I think the ram will benefit from better cooling.
5. I'm cooling my motherboard. Again, I know people say this is a waste. Again, I'm doing it for 1. Aesthetics, and 2. quiet operation, the little south bridge fan can get loud and obnoxious.

Please take a look at my list and give me feedback / thoughts. Each item is numbered below to make it easy to see how it's configured in the diagram at the end. I'm hoping nothing is incompatible, but let me know if I have something wrong.

(1) CPU Block: EK Supremecy Universal CPU Liquid Cooler - Nickel
(2) Ram Block: 2x EK Monarch Series X4 Ram Liquid Cooling Block - Nickel CSQ
(3) Ram Module: 4x EK-RAM Monarch Module (2pcs)
(4) Motherboard Block: EK ASUS Rampage IV Extreme Full Board Cooling Block
(5) GPU Block: 2x EK Radeon R9-290X VGA Liquid Cooling Block
(6) GPU Backplate: 2x EK R9-290X VGA Liquid Cooling RAM Backplate
(7) 480mm Radiator: 2x EK-CoolStream RAD XTX 480
(8) 240mm Radiator: EK-CoolStream RAD XTX 240
(9) Pump: 2x Swiftech MCP655-PWM
(10) Pump Top: Bitspower Dual D5 Pump Top
(11) Reservoir 1: Bitspower Dual/ Single D5 Top 250
(12) Reservoir 2: 5.25" EK-Bay Spin Reservoir
(13) GPU Block Bridge: EK FC Bridge Dual Parallel CSQ
(14) Pump Mod: 2x Bitspower D5/MCP655 Black Sparkle Mod Kit
(15) Compression Fittings: 24x PrimoChill 1/2" White Knurled Fittings
(16) Acrylic Tubing: PrimoChilll 1/2" OD Rigid Acrylic Tube
(17) Coolant: Mayhem Pastel Red
(18) Temperature Sensors: Bitspower G1/4" Temp Sensor Stop Fitting
(19) Res 1 Pipe: Bitspower Aqua-Pipe II

Loop Order:
Res 1 (11)--> Dual Pumps (9) --> 240mm rad (8) --> 480mm rad bottom (7) --> GPU's via Bridge (13) --> 480mm rad top (7) --> Ram 1 (2), CPU (1), Ram 2 (2), Mobo (4) in whichever order makes sense once I build the loop --> Res 2 (12) and back to Res 1.



Thanks in advance, any thoughts/feedback would be much appreciated! I'm mostly concerned about everything being compatible.

 

[ExactRawr]

Nice looking. Interest to see how it turns out

 

[Monty007]

I think it looks great! I would personally stay away from the bay res. I did the same thing myself in my first iteration of my loop and found it ruined the front fascia aesthetics but was also a pain to plumb into the loop. Bleeding the loop will also be hard. If you want you can just do 2 of the big EK reservoirs (400ML) one. Other than that I think it looks awesome!

One thing you have forgotten is the drain valve at the lowest point of the loop.

 

[Smithcity]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty007

I think it looks great! I would personally stay away from the bay res. I did the same thing myself in my first iteration of my loop and found it ruined the front fascia aesthetics but was also a pain to plumb into the loop. Bleeding the loop will also be hard. If you want you can just do 2 of the big EK reservoirs (400ML) one. Other than that I think it looks awesome!

One thing you have forgotten is the drain valve at the lowest point of the loop.

Thanks for the feedback. I think the front bay looks good, but if it turns out to muddy things up a bit I can always remove it. I heard other's say it is a pain to plumb / fill the bay res. I'll give it a shot and get rid of it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the reminder on the drain. I selected some parts but forgot to include them. I'll include them on my first post when I update it.

So everything looks compatible? Compatibility was my biggest concern.

 

[ExactRawr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithcity

Thanks for the feedback. I think the front bay looks good, but if it turns out to muddy things up a bit I can always remove it. I heard other's say it is a pain to plumb / fill the bay res. I'll give it a shot and get rid of it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the reminder on the drain. I selected some parts but forgot to include them. I'll include them on my first post when I update it.

So everything looks compatible? Compatibility was my biggest concern.

yeah I would definaley put a drain port down at the loops lowest point. I just used a couple of quick disconnects for mine at it worked a treat! I orginally did a soft tube config for mine, filled it and ran it for a day or two. Hated the aesthetics of the thing and decided to re-do it haha. The drain port really came in handy for this!

 

[Smithcity]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExactRawr

yeah I would definaley put a drain port down at the loops lowest point. I just used a couple of quick disconnects for mine at it worked a treat! I orginally did a soft tube config for mine, filled it and ran it for a day or two. Hated the aesthetics of the thing and decided to re-do it haha. The drain port really came in handy for this!

Definitely. I was thinking about using a valve and male to male extender on one of the bottom radiators. Plugging the other end of the valve when the system is running, then replacing the plug with a barb and flexible tubing for draining.

It's amazing how expensive these fittings are! They must be making a fortune on them.

 

[Smithcity]

Update 4: Painting Case Fans

Case fans came in! To stick with the white/red/black theme for the build, I decided I should paint the fan blades white and use the red rings with the Corsair AF/SP fans.




Tools for painting:
- Painters Tape
- White Spray Paint
- Cardboard (or paper) to place fans on while painting
- Napkins
- 2x Spoons (to disassemble fans)
- Rubbing Alcohol

To disassemble the fan I used two spoons on the back of the fan to pry the blades off. At this point I had already removed the corsair stickers. I believe there are other methods of disassembling the 120mm Corsair fans, but pulling them apart without cracking the the flimsy tabs holding the motor in place is difficult. The prying method worked well for me, but still had to be careful:








Use the painters tape to mask of the back of the fan:



Use the rubbing alcohol to clean any sticker residue or dirt off the fans before painting. Lay the fans out on cardboard, and paint away! I did two coats 2hrs apart on each side of the fans:






Lastly, put the fans back together:


Here is a test fit in the case, they brighten things up a bit:



And of course.....a before and after picture to depict scale. I even picked out a "scaled" item that matches! This helps better grasp an idea of the size of these massive fans:
(before)

(after)


That's it for now. I'm currently moving the main components over to the case for a test fit.