Tha Leviathan

Question...

Aesthetics...

I am contemplating purchasing the EK-FC 7970 CSQ blocks for my MSI HD 7950s. Luckily I have the GPU version built with the 7970 PCB, not the 7950 PCB. I am wondering if it is "worth it" to purchase new blocks and backplates for a set of "old" cards. Luckily if I want to upgrade in the future I believe the R9 270s utilize the same PCB. That kinda makes this purchase appealing if I want to upgrade to those GPUs in the future. The blocks are not cheap and allegedly in very low availability so I feel pressed to pull the trigger soon. I'm torn...what do you guys think?
 
You can't win them all...

This update hurts. It was bound to happen. Law of Averages I suppose. I received my first defective product. I purchased two EK-FC 7970 CSQ Nickel Plexi water blocks and the EK-FC Bridge DUAL Serial 3-Slot CSQ Plexi. I assembled them for a GPU-less water test: passed with flying colors. Next I began installing them on the GPUs. Wouldn't you know....The LAST screw to be installed...THE LAST SCREW OF ALL SCREWS...wouldn't catch a thread.

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Since all of the other screws are in I thought this can't be an alignment issue. Au contrair it is! However, a manufacturing defect.

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The hole is about 2mm off to the left. Fiddlesticks...

These EK products have unavoidable stickers that read: "ATTENTION!!!! Once this product has been opened, it is not returnable! Double check compatibility and sizing." This is discouraging due to it being no fault of my own.

As previously mentioned I have never returned anything computer related. I am not familiar with the "RMA Process" of any manufacturer. I have read dozens of horror stories though including paying for shipping both ways multiple times with no positive resolution reached. I'm slightly freaking out. Has anyone reading this returned product to EK? What was your experience? What should I do? I submitted a ticket on the EK website with the same pics I have here. I hope this gets resolved expeditiously. Thoughts?... :sad:
 
I had the same issue with my 7950's, and the NexXxos blocks, I found that with all the other screws, undo them all until they are barely in the thread, and then do them up one at a time the off one finally went in.
 
Have you tried slacking off all other screws slightly to check if you can get purchase on it?

Tbh that looks quite a way off, but it's worth a try
 
I had the same issue with my 7950's, and the NexXxos blocks, I found that with all the other screws, undo them all until they are barely in the thread, and then do them up one at a time the off one finally went in.

A thousand thanks to you sir. It worked. I don't know why; don't care! LOL My card is slightly bent by that hole, but nothing I'm worried about. I didn't hear any cracking or creaking while tightening the screws. This is awesome! I can order the back plates! ^_^ I am still interested to see what EK's response is to my ticket. At least now I know it will be a win-win situation. Thanks again.

Stay tuned...
 
GPU block update

EK told me that since I did not purchase the block through their website I have to go through the retailer [in this case E-tailer]. Contacted FrozenCPU. They contacted EK. I am approved for a replacement. Frozen CPU told me that if I send them the tracking number for the return they will cross-ship the replacement to save me wait time. Well, I sent the block back on 10.29.14 and emailed them the same day. They have not replied as of 11.02.14. The block should be there by 11.05.14. I have a feeling this "cross-shipping" isn't going to save me much wait time. Unless they overnight it to me which I doubt heavily. I'm sure they get hundreds of emails daily and mine is in there somewhere. It's the thought that counts though, right? ^_^ I am getting it replaced and that is the bottom line I wanted. :D

I should have some build updates by this weekend.

Stay tuned...
 
Very minuscule update...

Customized 2 Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 6Gb/s. I removed the OEM sticker and cut out the "240GB" part of it. Taped off the SSDs and painted the sticker section black. Applied the "240GB" sticker and boom.

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Tomorrow I'm going HAM on the case to get it finished sans final paint. I'm about to purchase my first house which will put this build on hiatus. Happy and sad...mixed emotions abound.

Stay tuned...
 
The Scratch Build Test Bench

I added a lil' more heft to my test bench. This will tide me over until my life calms down a peg or two to finish my build now affectionately titled "4-EVAH".

The photo quality is horrible because my friend the Sun decided not to show up today:
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I split the braiding on my 24-pin into two separate sections. I think it came out pretty sweet! Also barely visible is the memory that I have decided not to include in the loop. The heat spreaders for the Bitspower kit look good without the block.
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Some paint, re-braided the Corsairs PSU cables and slapped on another rad. Rather satisfied for the time being. The res pictured will be used in my final build along with the braided cables. The cables will add some pop to the inside of the rig for sure.

Stay tuned...
 
Will this build ever finish? :p

"I can't say how long it will take. I don't want to think about how long it will take. I will drive my self into a psychosis calculating the time frame for this." :banghead:

However, I'm shooting for May 2015
 
"I can't say how long it will take. I don't want to think about how long it will take. I will drive my self into a psychosis calculating the time frame for this." :banghead:

However, I'm shooting for May 2015

Can't wait ;)

Aim for May 10th it will be the most beautiful birthday present seeing this build finished :')
 
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