[Build log] Black and White

Warchild

Active member
So since my desk build never reached fruition I decided to return to my trusted 900D case.

For those interested you can find the old build here.

http://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?t=68070

Anyway, I obtained a nice simple desktop and some electronic legs that is a god send in my long painting sessions. Original plan was to transfer my desk build over to this but the dimensions were off and rather than start from scratch i figured I would return to my 900D.

The legs are outstanding and useful :)

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Some components were sold such as motherboard, cpu and memory so I have been using "placeholder parts" until my other pieces arrive.

Just to give an example of the horror I have right now.

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Spec:

CPU: Intel 4790k
Memory: TBD
Motherboard: ASUS Z97 Mark S
Storage: Samsung 850Pro 512gb, 840Pro 256gb
GPU: Nvidia reference 980Ti, SLI
PSU: Seasonic 850W ultra quiet

Cooling:

Res: EK X3 200mm Res with white top and bottom
Pump: 2x MCP35X with EK Clear acrylic pump top, Swiftech heatsinks
Radiator: EK Coolstream 480 PE, Coolstream 360PE
Fans: TBD
Fittings: Assorted Bitspower deluxe white
CPU Block: EK Supremacy EVO
GPU: EK FC Titan X clear acrylic blocks
 
That desk looks the go. My back/hamstrings/neck all kill after long sessions. Especially since I sit at a PC all day at work as well.
 
First package has arrived direct from Bitspower. Nothing quite like receiving something straight from the manufacturer.

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After opening up, here is what I have to begin with. My Loop will be as simple as possible so I hope I actually have enough. If not I need to be careful not to make my second order too much considering how many tempting products they have.

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My photography skills, really are sub par so please forgive me. I know how you guys crave good quality build logs, but I make do with what I have.

and yes, as you can see, I just had to purchase another Sabertooth Mark S board. I am really in love with this series, not just for the colour but for the quality every revision and chipset that is released.

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And of course, I had to pick up the SSD before it went out of stock again. These things seem to sell like hot cakes here.

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Yet another sweet package has arrived. This time from my good friend Cold Zero. I have made the panels myself in the past and while they worked, they didn't have that professional finish most expect.

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And what a sweet package it was. The contents so neatly wrapped up and compact.

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I didn't really know where to start. But I suppose I have to try and begin somewhere. After lots of unwrapping, I finally separated the components.

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What we have here is:-

Full length midplate

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Full length Motherboard backboard
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Rear exhaust panel.
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And my favourite piece right now.

Audio backplate for my STX card
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First things first, I need to get my case all cleaned up. Way too much dust built up for my liking.

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This case is going in the shower with some natural oil cleaner.

But before I even start with this, I need to remove the 5.25inch bay in order to be able to install the motherboard tray at a later date.

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After numerous, rivets are removed, I finally managed to pry the cage out of the way.

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With the last unused part of my case removed, I can finally strip it and scrub it down in the shower. "Crystal" floor cleaner is a great product to use on virtually anything, and is a natural substance. (Very useful for new tatoos that need care for the first few days ;) )

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After cleaning I began running some test fits of each new piece that will be installed in the interior.

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And with all three combined. It reminds me of the LD V8 PC cases which are also outstanding cases, but very pricey

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Only one last piece of plexi left to install, and that was on the sound card. Since I am trying not to go over the top with white, I decided to leave the sound card itself black just to break up the colour scheme a little more.

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I really do love the "aztec" style logo on this card, and what Coldzero did with the backplate was just great professional quality.

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Since the test fit was nice, I installed all the panel with the provided M3 screws. I really do love the attention to detail on these panels. It helps give a nice balance between black and white colouring.

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So now with the panels in place firmly, it's time to add the motherboard in.

I wish ASUS would continue the theme with the Z170 series. But I guess limited edition is limited edition. :)

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Motherboard installed, but I noticed there was less than 1mm clearance with the motherboard tray and the back plate armour on the sabertooth.

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It took a little trial and error but eventually I managed to shuffle it in place. I even added the STX card in to check out the looks.

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With the motherboard attached, I figured I might as well put the CPU block in. In case you wonder why there are no picures, It's because my skills in photography aren't the best, so I might as well leave it out. Besides, I suppose everyone is used to seeing the same pictures of a CPU and block ^_^

What I wanted to do first though is delid the CPU. It's something I always do even if the benefits are minimal. If anything, my last 4790k shaved off 15C from the load temp by delidding and using CLU TIM.

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One thing for sure, for those who always wondered, or have used CLU in the past, im amazed at how many people use too much on the chip or IHS. What you see above is actually 3 times "too much", only 1/3 of it is needed, so the next photo gives you an idea how much I removed.

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Once I had the right amount, there was a beautiful thin layer of liquid metal on the die.
The lumps you can see below are actually small bubbles or air which I cleaned up but didn't show.

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While I was at it, decided install the GPU blocks and have a peak how the GTX980Ti looks with Pastel Green coolant and bitspower multilink fittings.

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It's a shame manufacturers couldn't design a waterblock that had the coolant flowing through the backplate as well as over the GPU etc.

Anyway, CPU block is ready, GPU blocks are done. Just need to install them. However, I am having a little difficulty deciding on my next plan of action.

Should I go with a single loop or dual loop? I must admit, seeing two reservoirs attached to the motherboard tray really do look the bees knees!

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I need to think about my loop before I continue any further. I'll try planning alternative loops for single and dual solutions during my lunch break tomorrow in work.
 
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While at work thinking of my loop I decided to brainstorm how I can attach the SSD disks to the case. Wasn't sure if I want them on show, or to hide them away.

I chose for the latter solution. So on the way home I picked up some M3 thread.

I figured, why not keep a nice secure and equal gap, so cut 25mm pieces

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Once cut, it's time to thread them up.

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One side done easily. However the other side was a pain because double ended thread, it'll screw in one end but the other requires the tread to be turned the opposite way undoing what you just screwed in...

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I managed it eventually.


Once satisfied, I mounted it to the back side of the case. Quite please with the result. I might have to cheat a little and paint the thread black, just to keep things uniform. I don't quite feel like taking it out again to spray it. All in all, I'm happy with the outcome.

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After much deliberation, I decided that I will go with a single loop, even if a dual res looked pleasing to the eye.

Spent yet another lunch break in work trying to come up with a nice loop while keeping the lower compartment clean. So my evening tonight is already planned :)

More pictures to follow.
 
Picked up a couple of EK Radiators. I usually go for the big mamma's aka the old XTX, but the always give me issues on clearance. So this time instead of going for the new XE series, I decided to stick with the PE.





As I said,

I went with a single loop this time. Who knows, if I don't feel happy, I can tear it down and start again.

Took the midplate out again ready for some drilling. This drill bit is a godsend for fast drilling of fillport holes.



Once marked out, it took a massive 30seconds to drill these too, for a perfect fit.









Once done, just had to pop it back in and brainstorm some more.

 
That is a LOT of white! Think it needs some more black :p

Yep I know, its a WIP. That is why I left the GPUs without a backplate, and also the back slots for pci cards too. Plus I'm hoping the fluid will break up the colouring a little bit. I noticed the Bitfenix fans are pretty poor, so I might put the AF120s back in, after spraying them black.

Anyone have experience with removing the fan blades on the corsair AF/SP fans? I tried last night and they are stuck fast, so I assume there is some kind of pin in place as opposed to the usual pop and lock feature on fans like Gelid.
 
This is coming along nicely, the green will look amazing! Maybe you can get some custom backplates from coldzero with a white/black/green colour scheme ^^
 
This is coming along nicely, the green will look amazing! Maybe you can get some custom backplates from coldzero with a white/black/green colour scheme ^^

Thanks,

I "wanted" to use the chinese font that you see on the back of the motherboard and have him engrave it onto a white backplate, but I am thinking of doing the opposite now and have him create a black backplate with the engraving in white. Just not sure how it will turn out.

I just noticed also, without even trying, the layout is looking similar to yours... Guess thats the drawback of coldzero's motherboard tray. All the pre cut holes are too tempting to use in the same way or at least the most logical way.
 
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Started on the loop assembly.

Spot the massive flaw in my layout right here. :mad:

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Picked up some clear terminals for the GPU blocks to replace them.

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I have never been one for using "stickers" but when I saw the back of the PSU, I though I had to have something there.

At least the decal supplied with the motherboard is a nice quality. Personally I think it turned out nice, but I am not keen on the text below it. I'll remove that so I am left with just the logo. Ignore the glossy part of the text. I just haven't removed the backing sheet yet.

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And yes... as you can see in the GPU loop above, the coolant will flow straight up into the CPU. There will be next to ZERO flow circling around the GPUs. Need to swap the inlet to the left side and then all is good.
 
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