Copperhead Lian Li X79 Copper Pipe

[reeper250]

[Project] Copperhead

I've had this case for a while now and finally decided to use it.
This build will have copper pipe running through it instead of the 'standard' tubing. I have also got parts for a remote controller RGB lighting system.

Hardware

i7 3930k
ASUS Rampage IV Extreme
16GB G.Skill Ripjaws Z with Arctic RC coolers
Zotac GTX 680 4GB
Corsair HX1000

Stock Case





CF Wrapping









Wrapping (and spraying) Complete







Reservoir and Pump


















Fittings







RGB Controller




Mayhems




Copper Pipe











Configuration Option 1



Need some advice on radiators for my system.
I am going to cool my i7 3930k, and the GPU (7970 or GTX 590 plus GTX 580) and possibly the motherboard down the track.
At the moment I am thinking of just using the HWLabs Black Ice SR1 420mm but I also have a bunch of other radiators (in the garage) which I can add; HWLabs Black Ice Stealth 360, HWLabs Black Ice Stealth 240, XSPC RX240, and Swiftech MCRx20-XP 120
Would I be fine with the single 420 rad or should I add extra?

P.S. Sorry for the large chunk of pictures uploaded. I was working on this and didn't end up posting the build log until now.

 

[Mysterae]

Always good to see another build using copper rather than plastic tubing.

I can't answer your question regarding radiators, but I always work on the premise that more is better! Don't worry about lots of pictures, more the better really.

I'll give you a tip when working with copper tubing - push-fits are better as you can just push them in (obviously doh) but compression fittings will be a pain when it comes time to connect. Spanners etc, and the risk of slipping. Also, plan the routing carefully - copper doesn't flex anywhere near as much as the plastic tubing so it can be difficult to get them in place with your hardware.

By the way, good job on straightening out that copper tube!

 

[alpenwasser]

Need some advice on radiators for my system.
I am going to cool my i7 3930k, and the GPU (7970 or GTX 590 plus GTX 580) and possibly the motherboard down the track.
At the moment I am thinking of just using the HWLabs Black Ice SR1 420mm but I also have a bunch of other radiators (in the garage) which I can add; HWLabs Black Ice Stealth 360, HWLabs Black Ice Stealth 240, XSPC RX240, and Swiftech MCRx20-XP 120
Would I be fine with the single 420 rad or should I add extra?

P.S. Sorry for the large chunk of pictures uploaded. I was working on this and didn't end up posting the build log until now.

If you have the space for an extra rad and can make it look nice and tidy I don't think it
would be a bad idea.

But: I remember Linus doing a build with 2 x 590's and 1 x 990x with one 480 radiator (I
think). I don't know how high the fans were on that, but from the video the rig did not seem
all that loud, and he got pretty decent temps IIRC.

One 420 is about equivalent to one 480, so I think it would probably be feasible. Personally,
I'm a stickler for low noise, so I'd probably go for more radiators though. If you already have
the radiators, maybe you could put the loop together provisionally with some plastic tubing
and to some tests to see if you have to turn the fans up too much to get good temps?

Always good to see another build using copper rather than plastic tubing.

+1 for that!

Don't worry about lots of pictures, more the better really.

Also for that!

 

[reeper250]

I'll give you a tip when working with copper tubing - push-fits are better as you can just push them in (obviously doh) but compression fittings will be a pain when it comes time to connect. Spanners etc, and the risk of slipping. Also, plan the routing carefully - copper doesn't flex anywhere near as much as the plastic tubing so it can be difficult to get them in place with your hardware.

By the way, good job on straightening out that copper tube!

If you have the space for an extra rad and can make it look nice and tidy I don't think it would be a bad idea.

But: I remember Linus doing a build with 2 x 590's and 1 x 990x with one 480 radiator (I think). I don't know how high the fans were on that, but from the video the rig did not seem all that loud, and he got pretty decent temps IIRC.

One 420 is about equivalent to one 480, so I think it would probably be feasible. Personally, I'm a stickler for low noise, so I'd probably go for more radiators though. If you already have the radiators, maybe you could put the loop together provisionally with some plastic tubing and to some tests to see if you have to turn the fans up too much to get good temps?

Thanks for the feedback. If a build isn't quiet I'm not satisfied with it so I think I'll add the RX240 to the loop with the SR1 420. Both are thick rads with low FPI so it should be very quiet.

I am planning on using copper for all the visible sections (above the mid-plate), then standard tubing with compressions below the mid-plate for added flexibility.

It is a good idea about setting it up temporarily with standard tubing to test temperatures though.

Not sure if I should put the XSPC Raystorm CPU block in there or get something else.

 

[Mgutierrez33]

GPU-wise I would just stick with the 7970 honestly. Less mess, less tubing, and probably better performance since running the other card as a physX card (I imagine that would have been the configuration?) would be minimally beneficial overall and just require more energy than is needed.

LOVE the look of this chassis as well. Simple, smooth and functional. Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out!

:beerchug:

 

[SuB]

Really, REALLY like how that case turned out.. nice work.

 

[sheroo]

I think you've got a nice mix between the amount of vinyl & paint. Are you going to polish the copper piping? I'm really interested to see how this turns out as well.

 

[Feronix]

Really, REALLY like how that case turned out.. nice work.

Agree, I love what you've done to it!

Can't wait to see how this build turns out

 

[alpenwasser]

Thanks for the feedback. If a build isn't quiet I'm not satisfied with it so I think I'll add the RX240 to the loop with the SR1 420. Both are thick rads with low FPI so it should be very quiet.

That sounds pretty reasonable I'd say.

Not sure if I should put the XSPC Raystorm CPU block in there or get something else.

Temp differences between CPU blocks are pretty small these days, although differences in
flow resistance are a bit higher. In the end I'd say go with the block you like the best based
on looks (I would recommend reading a review or two about your choice just to avoid any
major pitfalls though).

Personally I rather like the Raystorm (bought myself two copper ones for my SR-2 build), but
there's lots of other good choices out there (Aquacomputer's Kryos for example).

 

[alienware]

Lian Li take note. This is how your cases should be looking when people open the box.

 

[alpenwasser]

Lian Li take note. This is how your cases should be looking when people open the box.

I presume you're talking about the black internals?

+1 for that!

 

[reeper250]

Thanks all for your comments. I will be making a custom midplate when I get the time as well as extending the motherboard tray to mount the pump and run the cables behind. The additional part will be made of acrylic most likely and protrude slightly from the motherboard tray to give extra room for the cables. I have also found a Zotac GTX680 4GB (reference cooler) card for a very good price.

I do agree that Lian Li cases should have black interiors, they would be more attractive to consumers that way, especially those not willing to paint their cases.

Also, yes the tubing will be polished.

Which waterblock should I get for the 680?

 

[sheroo]

I like the first one.

 

[reeper250]

Well, I got a brand new Alphacool NexXxoS NVXP 680 block for only $60 including the backplate. Not sure if I'll use it, but we'll see.

 

[AquaMuscle]

Nice work on the case dude!

 

[Bartacus]

Love copper builds. I'm IN! Nice work on the CF wrap too. Doing the PCI bracket must have been a bit of a pain! That Alphacool block will do the job nicely (at least my 7950 one does). Nicely priced too. The only negative is it's not a full back plate, but that's a matter of opinion and aesthetics. I have a HeatKiller block for another 7950 that isn't installed yet, so I haven't been able to properly compare the 2, but I don't think you can go wrong either way. I've heard the Heatkillers do a better job of VRM cooling, but haven't confirmed that for myself.

Can't wait to see the piping!

 

[reeper250]

Love copper builds. I'm IN! Nice work on the CF wrap too. Doing the PCI bracket must have been a bit of a pain! That Alphacool block will do the job nicely (at least my 7950 one does). Nicely priced too. The only negative is it's not a full back plate, but that's a matter of opinion and aesthetics. I have a HeatKiller block for another 7950 that isn't installed yet, so I haven't been able to properly compare the 2, but I don't think you can go wrong either way. I've heard the Heatkillers do a better job of VRM cooling, but haven't confirmed that for myself.

Can't wait to see the piping!

I'll see how the Alphacool block/backplate looks, however I may just end up getting the Heatkiller black/backplate.

update 01-06-13/
Well, I now have two GTX 680 block, the Alphacool as well as the Heatkiller. I'll see which one I prefer when they arrive
Unfortunately they were sold out of the Heatkiller 680 backplate :/
Also I got a Lamptron FC9 controller and a Bitspower Summit EF Acrylic CPU block.
Oh right, I almost forgot to add that I received my Zotac GTX 680 4GB card!



update 05-06-13/





Waiting for the Heatkiller 680 backplate to come back in stock.
It will be partially carbon fiber wrapper like I did with my previous 7970 Heatkiller backplate.

So now I have to cut the side panel for the window and intake for the 420 rad. I may use the cut-off window section of aluminium to mod the front 5.25" bay section like I did with my Lian Li V1000 case.

 

[BPRSM]

Can't wait to see this done!

 

[JayCobs]

Copper? I'm game!

 

[wassupdoc]

Nice work so far! Keep it up!