ASUS X99 Deluxe, ASUS ARES III, 1.2TB Intel 750 SSD... Need I say more?

davido_labido

New member
Well, this is going to be a bit of a strange build log! I contacted ASUS for another build I am about to do, and they actually asked if I could do them something a bit special instead.

I cant show you the case. It's NDA and I wont be able to post pics until it is actually announced, however, I will say it is VERY sexy. As far as i know, i'm the only person in the UK with one and probably one of only a few in the world that has seen it! EXCITED!

Even though i can't show the case, I wanted to just post some things as and when im doing them so that i can keep a bit of a log and then at the end il show the expanded versions of the pictures so you can see how it relates in the case. Hopefully it will work haha.

So, I received a rather nice parcel today...

In this parcel is the main focal point of this build, the beautiful ASUS X99 deluxe. I was looking at these when they were released and I'm rather glad I have the chance to get my hands on one! Thanks ASUS!

3xwW6YTl.jpg


Out of the box we can get a better look of the Mobo.

EVDN6bOl.jpg


w6JUl9wl.jpg


vVxI14tl.jpg


This board actually has some extra pins, which allows for more POWER!

GkYPN5xl.jpg


BUTTONS!

Zp1nrXjl.jpg


On board sound... I have never used a sound card (I know I know) so im always interested to see if i can tell the difference between motherboard sounds... lets see!

gGXlnG4l.jpg


Another thing that I think any "enthusiast" would like to get their hands on is the ASUS ARES III lets face it, it's a beast. Well, ASUS again decided it was Xmas come early and sent me one <3!!!

I cant even tell you how excited I was when I was opening this!

Hspd6hil.jpg


It has a case... A CASE!!!! I just wanted to handcuff this to my wrist... chuck on a suit and feel awesome for a few hours...

lgVClYvl.jpg


Opening the case let me to this... Apologies for the fingerprints, i got a little excited and started to have a look, then forgot to wipe them off lol

663oiyOl.jpg


Oh lord. This is what £1200 (ish) buys you. So So So sexy. Obviously the waterblock is made by one of my other sponsors, EKWB, so its awesome to be able to use both so easily.

PXsYgPal.jpg


Hnnnnnnnng

aqHyEUZl.jpg


If you didn't know, there are only 500 of these cards made. I have number 14 :D

7srFIARl.jpg


This is the backplate, you can see my rub marks (oooops) but yeah, its rather sexy looking!

9kVidM0l.jpg


So, Power, most cards have a 6+8 pin.. or an 8+8 pin cable right? Not this one. 3 8 pin or go home!

WpoAjXBl.jpg


nom nom nom. I bet this will even play Minecraft!

8NEKoTGl.jpg


Another special item that was in the package was this 1.2TB Intel 750 SSD This is crazy fast.

XLHtddSl.jpg


hmmmm taaasty.

C6iybtOl.jpg


So, this is far faster than any other SSD ive ever seen tbh... the first thing i noticed was this... Yup, thats right, RIP sata cable! we have a new standard.

vLKg2fUl.jpg


The other end of the cable this SSD connects to looks like this.

kHAdXMyl.jpg


This then plugs into this little M2 card, so you can use it in either the motherboard directly (the ASUS X99 Deluxe has a M2 slot) or if your board doesn't have one you can get adapters that fit into your 1x pci-e slot.

IZxyeZgl.jpg


This is the Asus Hyper M.2 PCI-e adapter.

TTuZ3Qql.jpg


So, thats all for now, I'm waiting on a few packages still before I can really make a start, but I think we can all agree, this is gonna be a beast!
 
3 words... Holy Fucking Shit! :eek:

Awesome build, love it already! I'm subbed! - Keep em' updates coming! :D
 
Can you overclock those SSDs?

In all honesty, I have no idea. I don't think it will be needed tbh haha

3 words... Holy Fucking Shit! :eek:

Awesome build, love it already! I'm subbed! - Keep em' updates coming! :D

Will do! Thank you very much!

Jeebus! Talk about a powerful rig!!! Subbed!

Thank you sir!


So another day and another parcel. this was shipped super fast from my friends at EKWB. They supported me for my BitFenix Pandora build and they were happy to help me out again with this build too!! Thanks very much EK!!

hOQIdm4.jpg



So, opening the box I got all of this inside... Lots of goodies!!

ek_1.jpg


This time I went with my favorite pump, the D5 with a clear top.

ek_2.jpg


I do much prefer these to the DDC, even though the DDC is the only close contender.

ek_6.jpg


I just hope that the clear block suits the build, im sure it will!

ek_8.jpg


I was super impressed with the radiators I had from EK last time, so i had the same again... just a few more :D


ek_13.jpg


This time I went with a 360, a 240 and a 120. Bearing in mind the case i am using is NDA and hasn't been announced yet. There is no information available about it anywhere on the internet, no pictures, nothing. So I had to use a bit of judgment and the slithers of information I could find. Luckily a day after ordering the watercooling. I managed to get a spec sheet for the case and all of them will fit.... and more if needed ;)

ek_16.jpg


I do love how this series looks.

ek_20.jpg


and if you didnt already know what they were...

ek_21.jpg


Onto the CPU block and i went for this!

ek_24.jpg


This time i wanted to go for a clear block. I have never used a clear one, so thought it would be something a little different

ek_31.jpg


As with the D5, im hoping when it gets some nice fluid running through it, it will become more of fitting colour.

ek_33.jpg


If not, I can always just swap it out, I can use this for a different project, it does look rather nice!

ek_35.jpg


For the reservoir i went for a X3 250.

ek_37.jpg


This should be the perfect size for what i want to do.

ek_39.jpg


I couldnt decide between white or black, so EK sent me the white ends too :D

ek_41.jpg


Im going to use the EK-HD tubing again, it bent well last time and looked great and with the addition of the new EK-HDC Fittings, I think this build needed it.

ek_43.jpg


Did someone mention fittings?!

ek_44.jpg


I always under estimate how many angled fittings I need, so I usually just buy them as and when I need them, with OcUK next day delivery, I don't really have to worry or wait long.

ek_45.jpg


These fittings were huddling together for warmth...

ek_46.jpg


LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT RIGHT LEFT!

ek_49.jpg


The new white EK-HDC fittings are rather nice, the black chrome of the angled fittings and the white of these fittings will go together with the black of the radiators to create the perfect monochrome look.... i hope :D

ek_50.jpg


These are actually compression fittings for hard tubing. I need to send this build to Taiwan once its finished. I'm hoping that these will grip the tubing enough so that I can send it pre-filled.

LINE UP!!! AIM!!!!!

ek_55.jpg


FIRE!

ek_58.jpg


I would also like to invite you all to my Facebook and Twitter page!!! YES! Just click the little icons to get to the relevant pages, i will be giving some bits and bobs away on them at some point :D



Im just waiting on one other bunch of stuff then I can really get my teeth into this build. Looking at it, there wont actually be that much modding, the case is pretty much perfect as it is and everything fits the colour scheme... I will have to make some custom cables and do some little bits but it should be a really nice clean build!
 
Last edited:
So jelly right now. Those rads looks amazing ;)

Thanks bud, they certainly are very nice looking, they perform well too!!



So, my final sponsor received stock of the parts that I wanted and a day later I received them from Germany!

A huge thanks to Thermaltake for sponsoring this build with fans and PSU. Its much appreciated!

So, this is what they have sent me!! 6 of the new 120mm LED Riing fans, a 1050w ToughPower DPS G PSU and a nice little suprise, a blue switch Poseidon Z Keyboard!!!

Tt_1.jpg


So, lets jump straight in with the new 120mm Riing fans.

Tt_3.jpg


I saw the promo for these a little while back and then saw them at an event. I can honestly say they looked far better than I thought they would. So much so I have been waiting for a project I could use them in since.

Tt_2.jpg


The fans come with a nice set of goodies, including a cable that reduces the fan speed for quite use and a nice set of longer screws for rads

Tt_4.jpg
#

This is what its all about, that clear bit of plastic combined with the 4 LEDS make this fan glooooow.

Tt_5.jpg


Whilst i was clambering up the loft to find a spare PSU to show you the lights (i failed btw, you will have to wait) i fount a little Tt dude from an old event!! so, he started to help me.. He seems impressed with these fans.

Tt_6.jpg


Next up is a little gift from Tt. When we are at events, we always end up a the bar (after the reps have finished work i may add!!!!) and the last time we got onto talking about keyboards. I have never owned a blue switched keyboard and the rep obviously remembered. He sent me this :D

Tt_7.jpg


This is the new Poseidon Z and from the looks of it, they are very proud.. 5 year warranty!!??!

Tt_8.jpg


Tt dude is trying to get in on it...

Tt_9.jpg


The keys are rather nice, they are rounded for her pleasure ;)

Tt_10.jpg


Im not sure what this button does. i will look at the instructions later :P

Tt_11.jpg


The Poseidon Z comes with a blue backlight.... its purdy

Tt_12.jpg


Especially in the dark!

Tt_13.jpg


And finally the beast of a PSU

Tt_14.jpg


1050W of semi digital capacitor goodness.

Tt_15.jpg


inside the box we get a wrapped PSU and a large bag of cables.

Tt_16.jpg


as always, il be honest and say im not a huge fan of the black/gold/red colour scheme, but both the red and gold parts can be removed so its no issue.

Tt_17.jpg


as its fully modular, there are plenty of slots for your cables.

Tt_18.jpg


Again, the Tt Dude approves.

Tt_19.jpg


These are all the cables that are with the PSU

Tt_20.jpg


the Tt dude spotted this one...

Tt_21.jpg


after a closer look, we can see its a nifty USB cable that plugs into the PSU. This allows you to some nifty things from your mobile phohne which i'm not even going to try and explain , this website does it far better lol

http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002390

Tt_22.jpg


The build is going to be hard to show whilst the NDA is still live, but I am going to document it still and give you as many sneak peaks as I possibly can. The next job is cable braiding and spraying the PSU i think :)

Please give me a follow on the following social media accounts! I am going to be doing some little giveaways soon, and its far easier to do via these than it is over forums!!

https://twitter.com/davido_labido

https://www.facebook.com/davidolabidomods
 
All that gear and you're putting in a Thermaltake PSU?

I have to question your judgement there fella

If the NDA case is also Thermaltake... :( this will make me sad indeed
 
Ok I know TL have produced bad reliability components in the past but surely that can't last forever?

I've yet to see them prove otherwise. There's a reason we call them ThermalTacky around these parts.

I'd love to see Tom put that PSU on the tester and test the balls off it. I don't think it'd last long.
 
I've yet to see them prove otherwise. There's a reason we call them ThermalTacky around these parts.

I'd love to see Tom put that PSU on the tester and test the balls off it. I don't think it'd last long.

I'm all for testing too. And while I agree that their quality has been bad, this forum is the only one that really has a hatred towards the brand. I'm not backing them in any way, its just that surely at some point in time they go back to the drawing boards and at least produce something of decent standard.
 
this forum is the only one that really has a hatred towards the brand.

We have good taste, that helps ;)

I agree though, it would be nice to seem them pull some kind of phoenix stunt and really release something worthwhile, but when you get a rep like they do with us, it's very hard to come back from. OCZ SSD's being a prime example.
 
We have good taste, that helps ;)

I agree though, it would be nice to seem them pull some kind of phoenix stunt and really release something worthwhile, but when you get a rep like they do with us, it's very hard to come back from. OCZ SSD's being a prime example.

Perfect example. OCZ have admitted their brand has been tainted by bad rep and are so proud of their new SSD they have been giving them away and asking others to hammer the hell out of them on data read/write confident that there are no issues at all.
 
Jizzzzzzz

I will find a tissue haha

:drool::drool:Nice hardware :drool:

Thanks man :D

White motherboard!!!
+1 turns me on.
I love the storage devices :D cant wait for boot speeds test

You will like my next build too then!!

Warchild, SuB and MrKambo, I used to agree with you entirely, but I always give a brand a chance. As of late Thermaltake have been trying their hardest to get better and better and I am willing to have a go. If no one gave them a shot, we might miss an awesome product!



Well, i still cant show you the case i'm afraid, but it will be seen very soon!!! I have been working away as per usual, so progress is slow, however I need it finished by tomorrow night as its getting flown to Taiwan on Thursday EEEEEK!!

So, today i needed to sort out the extensions whilst I wait for the last 2 or 3 bits to arrive from OcUK and one of my friends who has helped me with a little idea for some branding.


So, lets start to do some wires!


As per usual, I am back to making all my wires from scratch, Im going to make extensions this time rather than a full set to save quite a lot of time and also because the PSU is quite hidden.


IMG_6754.jpg


So with this build, I am going to use white black and shade 19 which is a very dark grey unless a flash hits it (i tried to get some pics without the flash too to show you what it can look like)

IMG_6760.jpg


First job is to cut 24 wires for the GPUs. 2 different sizes of course so that they have a nice curve!

IMG_6763.jpg


Also, i cut 24 wires for the 24 pin!

IMG_6773.jpg


once they are crimped and sleeved, we get something like this!

IMG_6776.jpg


Its the first time I have ever sleeved 24 cables for a single PSU so it was a little different!


IMG_6777.jpg


once they are plugged in they look awesome imo

IMG_6782.jpg


It was nice to be able to do the 24 pin the exact same way as the GPU cables as well :D

IMG_7098.jpg


depending on which way you want the curve depends on which way you crimp the cables, some are crimped with the "flags" on the top of the cables, so that the clips of the connectors are on the top, and some are crimped with the "flags" on the bottom.

IMG_7104.jpg


Nom Nom Nom

IMG_7090.jpg



Oh, my processor turned up as well last week, I almost forgot ;)

bKJikxkl.jpg



As I mentioned, tomorrow is going to be a long day, got a the watercooling to finish off, some small case mods and some acrylic cutting to do to cover some of the bits i don't like. i have around 30 hours to get the whole thing done including testing the loop, software, checking everything is working OK and ensuring it survives the trip! Wish me luck :D

If you want to follow my progress tomorrow, I will be posting little snippits on facebook, as well as giving away a copy of the new Total War Attila game! check it out here:

https://www.facebook.com/davidolabidomods

On twitter i have a copy of Far Cry 4 to give away!

@davido_labido

I don't really have the time to play games at the moment, so I might as well share them when i get them!
 
Last edited:
WOW!! In love with that white motherboard and cabling!!
I can't wait to see the case that all of these goodies will be going into
 
Back
Top