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Phil Stanbridge

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Aesthetic Spec: Mach II (panaflow 120mm fans @ 7v), PC65 modified (chrome effect finish), Lian Li kit modified (chrome effect finish), Asetek Waterchilled' GPU (& possible Northbridge), blue display, blue cold cathodes.

System Spec: Undecided at present - likely to use a volt modded Asus P4C800-Deluxe (droop mod and vdimm to 3.3v) & the 3.0C SL6WK cpu.

Powercolor 9800XT (waterchilled'), 2x256MB PC3500 Corsair 1.1 BH5, Aerocool 550w PSU with blue neons, Samsung spinpoint 7200 HD (Sata), 54g wireless.

Primary Target: 4.3ghz stable & silent.

Secondary Target: 4.5ghz

18/04/04

The aim of this project is simple. To produce a Mach II powered rig that can run at 4ghz + virtually silent. I want to prove that it can be done. The problem with a lot of powerful systems is noise - take the Vapo LS for example - you have no choice but to run the fans @ 100% if you want to overclock your system. With this project I want to prove that you can run a phase-change system virtually silent (24/7) and still have a powerful overclocked pc. I want it aesthetically pleasing also, so I have decided this is a good project to introduce to you my new design - a chrome effect. Now I could have chromed the unit properly - but this chrome effect anodising is much more durable and will not chip or scuff like real chrome. This is important to me. There's nothing worse than replacing an optical drive for example and having part of the chrome "chip off" and ruin the effect.

I started out with a bog standard PC65 - I stripped the case down to the chassis and removed all the rivets. I've removed the HD cage and all the internals, including the speaker. I want to keep the speaker attached however, so I will replace it at a later date in a different position. I cut the aluminium for the Mach II and trim the edges with rubber. I drill the four holes for the 5mm screws. I remove the top panel. The first thing to go is the fans - The stock fans do a good job with cooling but they are noisy at full speed, and this project is primarily aimed at silent performance so I decide to swap the fans with Vantec Stealth 80mm silent ball-bearing fans.

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LianLi 65

Phil

Has that case been modded for the Mach II rig with the cut out? (with the black edging)

How stripped will it have to be to chrome up? You'll need sunglasses to USE the beast when its finished - or is it just to look at and listen to the silence? :rolleyes:

sw
 
Hi mate, yes I've already done the Mach II mods to the case - The panels are being anodised this week. Should be good. :)

I'm not anodising the chassis as such, purely the outer panels. To chrome up you need to make sure it's totally 100% alu and that it is totally clean and clear of any steel or plastic. It's a lot of work.
 
Here is the chassis with the new vantec stealth fans in place - I've just tested these with my 550w psu - they are surprisingly powerful and very very quiet, even at full pelt. I'm very pleased with these.

3.jpg
 
Airflow..

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1. The 120mm Sunon low-noise fan will be responsible for cooling the Thermochill 120.1 rad which will be mounted in the top panel. This can be run a 7v or 12v. The fan will blow cold air into the rad.

2. An 80mm Vantec fan expelling air from the system.

3. Two Vantec 80mm fans blowing cold air over the res which I will mount underneath the HD cage.
 
shiny pics

It looks great! Trouble with digital images is that really shiny stuff like chrome never looks quite realistic. Are you planning to keep this, Phil? You'll be able to hear the Mrs hollerin' you if it's TOO quiet!

Keep posting - if I see a Mach II GT b4 mine arrives I'll be dead jealous!

sw
 
I am planning on keeping this one but the chrome effect will be available as part of my "Extreme Machines" for those that are interested.

Here's another little update. I have placed the pump and res now - hopefully the 80mm chassis fan @ 12v will keep the res at less than ambient temps and the sunon fan will keep the rad nice and cool so I can expect temps not dis-similar from my Danger Den setup.

I've also braided my Bulgin "Bl00" switch which will take residence in the front fascia panel of the PC65.

7.jpg
 
I need to take into consideration which cathodes to use in this system. I need something that complements the chrome - obviously blue is the colour, but do I go for UV bright neons or standard blue cathodes.. Hmmm

6.jpg


Edit: Notice the Aerocool 550w psu there - it's cables are pre-braided in UV material so the UV cathodes might be a good option here.. But then they dont really glow like the others..
 
another little update..

I've started popping the periphs in now, just to give me some idea of space when I get the watercooling in. The only problem I will have is cable management - normally I route the cables from the psu up by the top panel - in this case I will have to be very tidy as the rad and 120mm fan will be in the way. It shouldnt pose too much of a problem though.

As you can see in this pic, I have two HD's installed, two optical drives, a floppy drive and the pump and res. I've opted for the Hydor L20 as this is powerful enough to pump enough water around for my GPU and Northbridge (if I need it) without vibrating too much - remember this is going to be a very quiet system.

8.jpg


I've also braided the USB cable and I've used cable wrap over the wires.
 
phil, have you thought about doing the wiring from the reverse side of the case ? I did this on a previous water cooling rig, basically ran the psu cables to terminal blocks on the side & behind motherboard, then wired peripherals through the drive cages, ends up much much neater & as long as you use thick enough wires from the PSU it is rock solid voltage wise..

Ive got pics of mine old one somewhere, Ill see if I can find them...

EDIT, found em..

I modified mine well after the build, if you do it at the beginning you can run the cables properly from the PSU & wiring will be pretty much comletely hidden (mine had it running at back as I couldn't be ****d ripping it apart..

4.JPG


from the front..

1.JPG


Plan it right at the start & the wiring can be almost completely hidden, you wont have the cable running across from PSU like mine did. Also for hard drives, reverse them so the wiring goes in from the front of the case..
 
ooh nice, but a bit overkill for this project to be honest. I'll be changing the components over regularly as well so I need it to be flexible.

I've spent some time cable managing and I'm quite happy with the results considering the amount of wires involved.

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I prefer the blue meself.

Looks quality although your giving me ideas on how to spend more of me money :( with the waterchill kit.
 
It's lovely and silent when its powered up. Three fans at 100% too. The only thing I will hear is the drives and the pump, and even they wont be very audible.
 
Pump

Why not have a goldfish tank in front of the window, then the pump noise would be appropriate? Sometimes if the PC is too quiet, you dont know if its doing owt!

tis nice though

sw
 
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