H440 Hero Redux

[RickPlaysWarr]

Hi

I have had my H440 build with a Maximus VII hero / 4790K / 16GB Mem just sitting since I build my new mITX system in the Caselabs Nova X2M case. The build log for that one is here: Caselabs X2M Build

I really love this case and the urge to mod it and install a full loop instead of the Corsair H105 got me thinking. I really don't like the HD Wall as it would obscure the front radiator and pump/res config I plan on installing. I also am going to be getting 2 new GPU for an SLI setup. I realize I could just leave the HD panel out and open up the whole area, yet I like the diagonal line of the panel as an accent item and I also want to place Darkside LED strips on the vertical section left over to light up the MB area. So I came up with a plan to mod it as shown below:

I drilled out the rivets on the HD wall and am in the process of modding it. I also have some red rivets that I might install instead of the standard black ones throughout the case.

The top cutout is getting better yet I still have more grinding and filing to go:

A closeup of an almost finished corner. I need to fine sand it once all the lines are strait and I am happy with the look

I realize now my jigsaw skills could have been better as I have had to do a lot of grinding and filing to get the edges of the top cutout close to final shape. I am also going to be enlarging the side window and replacing the plexi window with a glass one.

Would love to hear any suggestions on how to cut better for when I get to modding the side panel.

--Rick--

 

[Wraith]

Looks good so far dude, only thing I can think of is rough cut the sections and then its all elbow work from there on in with large flat files and sandpaper until you hit your marks. I always found grinders a bit messy for cutting and dremels require much practice to masterfully cut clean lines.

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Hi

I finished the filing of the panel, painted it and riveted the panel back in the H440. I am really happy on how it came out and how well it matches with the rest of the case.

Can't wait to get the rest of the WC parts and get started on the loop and modding the window panel.

 

[Doomslayer]

Can you say NZXT H440 Version 2.0 ^_^

Looks good what you have done was one of the reasons why i ended up not chosen the H440 cause of the drive bays i ended up going with Define S cause of how much of an open case it is.

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Quick update. Have some time today, so marked off the window size on the door. I hope I have time to go outside to cut it.

I cut and filed and sanded the expanded side panel cutout. Test fitting before I prep and paint. What size glass should go on the inside, and what is the best way to affix it to the inner surface?

Would love any other case mod ideas

Thank you

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Hi.

Just a quick update. I received my two Ethereal Res mounts from Singularity Computers today. They are anodized aluminum and the construction and finish is superb. Going to look awesome with my Primochil Res / Pump combo.

Hope I get some time to work on it this weekend

 

[Mizugetsu]

this has me super interested planning a down sizing and this case is a front runner but I need to see it watercooled

looking good so far

 

[wassupdoc]

Subbed! Nice work so far, keep it up

 

[TalllPaul]

Nice work so far

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Hi

I know its been a while, I had to put project on hold as I did not have funds for the GPUs and rest of the water-cooling parts. I have most everything in hand now and am working actively to get it finished.

Here is the front area with the 360 radiator and pump/res config in place. I used the Singularity Computers Ethereal mounts and they are fantastic. Billet Aluminum and extremely solid

I think of TTL and Orca a lot as it was a huge inspiration to me. I ended up using red anodized aluminum washers on all the radiator/fan mounts -- Thank you Tom

I made all the cables from scratch with a combination of Carbon Fiber and Italian Red sleeve. All the power except SATA cables is 16 gauge wire

There is a huge amount of wiring in a small space in this build. It has to be tidy to fit all the wiring in. Starting on the cable management for the 3 x Sata drives and front panel and 8-Pin EPS. I am using every port on the power supply but one, so each cable is custom length and should keep everything in order.

Starting on the Loop and getting as much done as I can before putting in the top 360 radiator. Trying to have exact lines and as efficient and short a loop as possible

I had to put the h105 back in to test the GPU's and it really looked ghetto, but the performance was fantastic

Next up is installing the blocks on the GPU's and getting the rest of the loop installed.

Here is what it looked like with the window panel on after the GPU testing. I really love the large window:

Sorry for the long delay. The build should get done soon. I really want to use it to try Deus Ex Mankind Divided and other graphically intense games.

I would love any comments or questions,

--Rick--

 

[Wraith]

:drool: as far as I'm concerned this is what NZXT should have done with the H440 to begin with, you've taken a poor airflow case and made it into an epic watercooling masterpiece. Props to you fella.

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

:drool: as far as I'm concerned this is what NZXT should have done with the H440 to begin with, you've taken a poor airflow case and made it into an epic watercooling masterpiece. Props to you fella.

Thank you so much, its getting there. I want to get the second 360 in by the weekend and get to leak testing. I wish I could have done it faster, but money thing held me back.

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

The MSI Gaming X GTX 1070 Cards are huge

I have the second 360 Radiator installed and love the look of the red aluminum washers

More of the Loop in place and the twin GTX 1070 Gaming X Cards in place for loop fitting and making the custom wiring

 

[tinytomlogan]

Loving the small details, that pleases me greatly!

My RRR rig is going in a H440, I still love that case and I think your take on it is spot on. What res mount is that?

 

[Damien c]

Those res mounts look like the ones Singularity Computers make but they are quite expensive.

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Loving the small details, that pleases me greatly!

My RRR rig is going in a H440, I still love that case and I think your take on it is spot on. What res mount is that?

Thank you Tom. They are Singularity Computers Ethereal mounts. They make them to fit any 120 or 140 res/fan for specifically for this configuration of mounting a res/pump combo to the res. They are milled out of billet aluminum. You will not need to worry about them breaking. Singularity Computers Ethereal

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Hi

Not much time to work on the rig today. I did manage to pipe the GPU loop interconnect and make one set of custom 16 AWG GPU cables. I like 16 gauge as it holds shape well. The Power supply compartment is going to be full. I am using every plug except for the second 8-pin EPS plug. Its going to be a challenge getting everything plugged in

 

[RickPlaysWarr]

Hi

I finally have all the fittings and I filled the loop with Primochill Sysprep solution and leak tested overnight. No leaks

Here is a link to short movie that I took of the loop this morning

Loop Running this morning

Really excited to get the wiring installed and the actual coolant.

I would love to hear any feedback.

 

[brooks93]

Really nice build.

What color of fluid are you going with?

 

[tinytomlogan]

Really looking forward to seeing this finished.

Hoping for some white LED's though