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Toxic Envi - 1st Place at QuakeCon 2014

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It is time again for another build and the Corsair 900D case looks like a nice challenge. My last build (QuakeCon 800D) was a pleasure to create and I am proud of what I was able to accomplish.

 

I love the quality of the Corsair Obsidian series and the 900D is their premiere flagship case. I am looking forward to modding the case and powdercoating the exterior surfaces to suite my theme.

 

The theme I decided to go with is based on my favorite graphics card company - NVIDIA. The color scheme will be their company colors of green and black. There will be an illuminated claw logo inside the case just below the 5.25" bays.

 

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Now let's get started with the components...

 

Main Components:


  • Case: Corsair Obsidian 900D
  • CPU: Intel i7 4930K Ivy Bridge-E
  • Motherboard: ASUS Rampage IV Black Edition
  • Memory: 32GB Corsair Dominator Platinum 2133Mhz (8x4GB)
  • GPU: 2 x EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti Superclocked in SLI
  • SSD1: 240GB ASUS RAIDR Express
  • SSD2: 360GB Corsair Force GS SATA III
  • SSD3: 360GB Corsair Force GS SATA III
  • PSU: Corsair AX1200 Modular

 

Watercooling Components:


  • CPU Block: EK Supremacy Clean - Acetal
  • Motherboard Block: EK-FB Kit ASUS R4BE - Acetal
  • GPU Block: 2 x EK-FC780 GTX Ti - Acetal
  • GPU Backplate: 2 x EK-FC780 GTX Ti Backplate - Black
  • Pump: EK D5 X-Top Pump Top w/D5 Vario
  • Radiators: 2 x EK Coolstream 480 PE Quad 120mm
  • Reservoir: Aqualis Pro w/LED Holder - Nano Coated
  • Fittings (Upper): 20 x Primochill Rigid Revolver Compression
  • Tubing (Upper): EK-ZMT 3/8" ID x 5/8" OD
  • Fittings (Lower): Assorted Bitspower G1/4 Compression, 3/8" ID x 5/8" OD
  • Tubing (Lower): Primochill 1/2" OD Rigid PETG - Clear

 

Miscellaneous Components:


  • RGB Controller: NZXT Hue
  • Fan Controller: ASUS Front Base
  • Fan - Radiator: 14 x Corsair SP120 High Performance 120mm
  • Fan - Front: 2 x Corsair AF120 Quiet Edition 120mm
  • Fan - Rear: Corsair AF140 Quiet Edition 140mm
  • PWM Splitters: 2 x Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter
  • Sleeving: MDPC Toxic Green and Black

 

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I will keep this build log updated as the assembly commences and it starts to take shape.

 

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UPDATE: This build was built for the Classic Case Mod contest at QuakeCon 2014 and it won 1st place!

 

 

oLyxNlp.jpg

 

aRDz1pl.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Here is the new Corsair Obsidian 900D case fresh from delivery...

 

CVnIyqJ.jpg

 

This is an extremely large product! The case alone weighs in at 41 pounds when it is empty. I can't help but wonder the final weight of the build once it is loaded with all the components.

 

Here is the unit out of the box.

 

6CqtDaQ.jpg

 

The flat black color scheme is alright, but I can't wait to start getting some color into this thing!

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Received the ASUS Rampage IV Black Edition (R4BE) motherboard and love the new black color scheme!

 

Here is the box unopened and ready for action.

 

6Y1Ih1U.jpg

 

The new design is top-notch and I almost feel bad about modifying it. I especially love the new heatsink shroud that is placed over the I/O panel. No way am I losing that!

 

ygkqx4d.jpg

 

I have the R4BE motherboard laid out and ready for it's operation. The Intel i7 4930K CPU, EK Supremacy Clean CPU block and EK full board R4BE kit are ready and waiting.

 

FjdkPQM.jpg

 

This is the new EK-FB Kit ASUS R4BE full board water block kit designed for this board.

 

QU2pYL6.jpg

 

It was very easy to remove the existing R4BE heatsinks. This is the Mosfet heatsink with the shroud connected.

 

5aFROzK.jpg

 

Here is a shot of the Southbridge heatsink.

 

UK4Ri9i.jpg

 

Now that the heatsinks are removed, it is time to install the i7 4930K CPU.

 

jqZN5dY.jpg

 

I removed the I/O cover shroud and connected it back over the I/O connections. Here are all the new heatsinks installed.

 

eoTiURK.jpg

 

Close-up of the Southbridge area.

 

7cOXgkg.jpg

 

CPU and Mosfet blocks close-up.

 

RBej5cv.jpg

 

I just love the quality of the EK products! Here you can see an assortment of some of the products that will be used on this build.

 

w3E8W0g.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Received a delivery of memory this afternoon.

 

HHWK8yx.jpg

 

The shipment includes two sets of Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB (4x4GB) rated at 2133 MHz. That will allow me to fill all 8 memory slots for a total of 32GB of memory!

 

These modules are of high quality and just beg to be used.

 

C45KCWT.jpg

 

Here are the modules ready for installation in the R4BE motherboard. The black and chrome accent the motherboard color scheme perfectly!

 

DSDCmWD.jpg

 

Took about 2 minutes to snap the modules into place. Love the overall appearance they present.

 

GY3lEyW.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Time to disassemble the exterior panels for powder coating.

 

This is the window-side of the chassis with all panels removed.

 

8J1OANB.jpg

 

This is the right-side of the chassis.

 

7OduasH.jpg

 

Here are the front and rear supports, side lower panels, front plate, and top panel removed and ready.

 

SqvXliQ.jpg

 

These are the two large side panels.

 

UyAB27g.jpg

 

They are all at the powder coating shop and should be ready in a couple of days.

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Now that the case panels are off to the painters, I can finally get around to the graphic cards.

 

Here is a shot of both the EVGA 780Ti Superclocked video cards and their EK blocks / backplates.

 

WDmEfyj.jpg

 

Here are the cards out of the packaging and ready for their modifications.

 

kHsQwK7.jpg

 

Removing the old cooling assembly was very easy. I cleaned them up a bit and they are now ready for the next step.

 

szW8aRC.jpg

 

Here is a close-up of the GK110 chip.

 

4kWf8xX.jpg

 

The blocks went on smoothly with no problems at all.

 

RrpR6ri.jpg

 

Here is one of the backplates freshly installed.

 

Mhu9eZZ.jpg

 

I love the quality and workmanship of the EK backplate logos.

 

zaDJkDH.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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I have just picked up the exterior panels from the shop and the powder coating looks amazing!

 

The colors are fluorescent green and a semi-gloss black.

 

Here are the panels unwrapped and laid out.

 

fFwEYjQ.jpg

 

In this shot are the lower side, rear, front, and top panels. For the top panel I separated the metal assembly from the plastic filter for the powder coating process and this shot is when it was reassembled. The green really pops against the black filter.

 

4TQUjuj.jpg

 

Here are the left and right side panels.

 

YPPQlN7.jpg

 

Lastly, here are the front and rear frames that were done in a semi-gloss black.

 

aOj5MA9.jpg

 

Can't wait to start assembling it again!

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Started assembling the case back together and love the contrast of the black and green.

 

Here is a front shot without any of the side panels in place.

 

QwdO3gv.jpg

 

Now for a back of the case.

 

GaoaUPw.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Since the main braces were powder coated, the rubber pads had to be removed. These pads are held in place with adhesive transfer tape and are tricky to remove cleanly.

 

Here is a shot of the bottom with no rubber cushions in place.

 

4De9hFK.jpg

 

After thoroughly cleaning the rubber pads to remove all residue from the original factory adhesive, I used Scotch adhesive transfer tape (924) to reattach the rubber pads to factory specifications. 

 

Here are all four pads with the tape in place.

 

slT5NhR.jpg

 

Here is a shot of the pads reattached on the bottom of the main braces. The process was clean and they are back to factory appearance and durability.

 

eWGlxIq.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Now to mount the power supply...

 

Here is a shot of the Corsair AX1200 modular power supply. I have 3 of these units now and love their dependability and modular functionality.

 

kSOjejA.jpg

 

Mounting the unit took about 5 minutes. I oriented the fan to pull air in from the right hand side of the case.

 

UvUGyx9.jpg

 

Here is a shot of the back of the case with the power supply in the left lower bay. The black PSU case complements nicely with the other black accents.

 

v3WWjbL.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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To cut down on all of the unused cable pass-through areas, I had a motherboard tray cover created. This will eliminate all the unnecessary openings so that a clean appearance is seen from the window.

 

Here is a shot of the motherboard tray with all the grommets removed.

 

uajViFn.jpg

 

This is the motherboard tray cover with the openings designed for the Rampage IV Black Edition. The two top openings are for the 8 fan cables that will be installed on the upper radiator.

 

eT1UR66.jpg

 

Here is the cover installed. As you can see, all the empty pass-through areas between the motherboard and 5.25" bays are covered. This open area is where the reservoir will be mounted.

 

gytnAk2.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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This build will incorporate two 4x120mm (480) radiators. I selected the EK Coolstream 480 PE Quad due to their size and good performance.

 

Here is a shot of these beauties lined up.

 

l0riKnK.jpg

 

D9anqlU.jpg

 

The build quality is excellent and I love the radiator nameplate, even though it will never be seen.

 

7Bq3pPA.jpg

 

5ZgUAti.jpg

 

Here is a shot of all 17 Corsair fans. Each 120mm fan box is a twin pack containing two fans each. The 140mm fan is a single unit.

 

3J7irG4.jpg

 

Better shot of all these fans.

 

ZZH3qHu.jpg

 

I painted the fan rings to match the build color scheme and replaced all the fan stickers with custom ones.

 

Here is a shot of the first four fans mounted on a radiator.

 

w9KP8tk.jpg

 

Here are all eight fans for the top radiator that will be in a push-pull configuration. You can see the difference in the front and rear fan stickers.

 

KaBjF50.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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I decided to utilize the Primochill Revolver fittings for this build. I chose the nickel plated brass color.

 

These can be purchased in 10-packs and come with a small wrench for tightening them down.

 

3EBV3wp.jpg

 

I will be needing at least two of these 10-packs to start.

 

5e7hOhd.jpg

 

Here is the motherboard with the temporary caps over the fitting openings.

 

zInjsQR.jpg

 

I installed six fittings around the CPU area (2 on CPU block, 2 on MOSFET/VRM block, 2 on southbridge block).

 

YcTGHnE.jpg

 

This is a close-up of the fittings on the CPU block.

 

TP3i6sr.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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I decided on the Aqualis reservoir (model 34040) that is made by Aquacomputer.

 

QnL2FFi.jpg

 

This reservoir is equipped with a borosilicate glass tube instead of acrylic. This material is scratch-resistant and very durable.

 

I went with the Pro version since it includes six 5mm LED holders and the inner glass is nano coated to reduce water beading.

 

Here is the reservoir and holder out of the box.

 

jaa7RhX.jpg

 

To disassemble you merely unscrew the top piece and the whole thing comes apart easily. There are 2 screws holding the bottom metal piece in place.

 

BmivQ36.jpg

 

The six LED holes can be seen in the bottom reservoir piece, towards the rear. All of the wiring must lay along a very narrow channel and fit through the opening on the front.

 

7OaQilw.jpg

 

I think six 5mm LED lights are overkill, so I am going with four. I selected two of the XSPC twin 5mm Green LED wiring kits.

 

zLqhT4q.jpg

 

I will work on getting these installed tomorrow and should hopefully have the reservoir mounted soon.

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Now to mount the reservoir on the motherboard tray cover...

 

I measured at least 3 times to ensure that I was centered in the appropriate area and that everything lined up behind the tray. In this shot I have tape marking the motherboard corners and fill hole for when the tray is removed for drilling. 

 

HxRQ6Tp.jpg

 

I used a step drill bit from Home Depot as this bit gradually increases the hole diameter without stressing the acrylic too much. The hole came out clean and perfect! I used a Bitspower pass-through fitting for connecting the top of the reservoir to provide more stability.

 

DBr3gJd.jpg

 

Here is the mounted reservoir all ready for fluid.

 

mpQf3nm.jpg

 

I screwed on the Primochill Revolver fittings and tested out the four 5mm LED lights to ensure everything is functional. Can't wait to see it with the waterfall effect!

 

Fu29KrS.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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For the pump I selected the EK D5 X-Top Pump Top w/D5 Vario.

 

kT7FhuM.jpg

 

I love how this pump is compact and yet offers increased hydraulic performance (up to 15%) compared to original Laing D5 vario pumps.

 

w8cPKJt.jpg

 

The clean design scheme matches perfectly with the other EK water blocks. It is a shame that no one will ever see this pump as it will be on the bottom covered by the mid-plate.

 

NoMefuQ.jpg

 

A side shot of the pump. The blue/black/yellow cables will be sleeved before installation.

 

VbKOrsa.jpg

 

Here is the pump ready for installation and all wiring sleeved in black MDPC-X material.

 

E2p4laO.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Finally completed installing all 8 fans in push-pull configuration on the upper radiator and mounting it into the case.

 

This is a view of the assembly from the top, although no one will see this as the top filter covers it completely.

 

2BXYwyd.jpg

 

Here is the view from the interior.

 

8pYq5lc.jpg

 

The lower radiator assembly was easier since it involved only 4 fans.

 

FLGBstb.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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I decided to try out the 240GB ASUS Raidr Express. 

 

RAIDR Express is the world’s first and only PCIe-based SSD that features two BIOS chips and an onboard hardware flip switch, letting you alternate between legacy and UEFI modes.

 

mCVo5Js.jpg

 

The card itself is small and the appearance is a sleek red and black.

 

x2Mwk4d.jpg

 

The card even includes an attractive backplate to cover the PCB card.

 

kQL060h.jpg

 

Here the card is mounted on the motherboard between the two GTX 780 Ti video cards.

 

EUbGNVF.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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ASUS recently released the ROG Front Base Dual-Bay Gaming Panel and I will be using this for fan control and one-click overclocking. 

 

zaPU3XS.jpg

 

Here the unit is mounted in the front panel, along with the NZXT Hue. The bottom empty bay will be closed off with the 900D cover.

 

1iXGPya.jpg

 

I also installed a custom illuminated back plate created by ColdZero. It fills the empty space left when I removed the hard drive bays.

 

Lhy4dHS.jpg

 

With all of the hard drive bays removed, I decided to mount the SSD drives on the side of the 5.25" bay assembly. First, some holes had to be cut for the cables to pass through.

 

IFsRVS4.jpg

 

Both SSD units mounted cleanly and with minimal cables being seen.

 

ObIDpbS.jpg

 

To keep a clean appearance, I closed off the back of the 5.25" bay area so that all cabling is covered.

 

s1qNL01.jpg

 

I mounted the motherboard into the case to prepare for wiring and tubing configuration.

 

muRxSWw.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Here are the power cables before any sleeving is done. These are primarily the 24-pin main, 4-pin CPU, 8-pin CPU, and 4 PCI-E cables.

 

QWcbeEn.jpg

 

I am using the MDPC-X toxic green and black sleeving material. I really dislike heatshrink material since it is rather difficult to get them lined up correctly. For this build I decided to try the heatshrinkless method that was developed by LutroO and demonstrated in his videos. This was by far the easiest method to do and rather enjoyable too. It took me easily half the time to finish the 24-pin compared to the traditional heatshrink method.

 

I am using some of his stealth cable combs to help dress the cables.

 

Here is a shot of the 8-pin CPU power and 24-pin main power cables.

 

yfd72PC.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Made some more progress this week.

 

Reassembled the top filter with the powder coated cover and installed it back on the computer. I love the complementing colors!

 

enkMzVk.jpg

 

Here is another shot of lighted back cover piece with the NVIDIA logo.

 

JuAiJUx.jpg

 

Connected the top 8 PWM fans to the PWM splitter that will connect to the motherboard. You can see the reservoir fill port on the back of the motherboard tray.

 

x7yY4Ep.jpg

 

The ASUS ROG Front Base and NZXT Hue are just waiting to be powered up and used.

 

3dirXeA.jpg

 

The mid-plate shelf is ready and the pass-through ports drilled. I should be installing it this weekend.

 

H2YeTli.jpg

 

Here is the current state of the build.

 

ZlHFV8X.jpg

 

Close-up of the motherboard area with the sleeving installed. The heatshrink-less method is by far easier and faster than the conventional method. Love the end result!

 

DO2M9F7.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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I mounted the pump in the bottom compartment. You can just see the non-vibration foam pad I placed between the pump and the case bottom to minimize any pump vibration effects.

 

YWo7bHh.jpg

 

For the case bottom I decided to use EK-ZMT tubing since it will be hidden and the bends are difficult. Here is the tubing prior to any installations.

 

6h0Srfu.jpg

 

This tubing is very nice and solid. I highly recommend it!

 

I installed the second 8-way PWM splitter behind the pump. This splitter will be used to connect the lower 6 PWM fans to the motherboard.

 

dkVM2t3.jpg

 

I was also able to mount the mid-shelf in place and secure it. Cleanly hides the lower compartment with all the PSU cables and pump.

 

ebHnvko.jpg

 

Here is a shot with the lower side panel closed.

 

Du5QNOH.jpg

 

The tubing is completed for tonight! Here is a side shot of the pump with all the tubing connected. The section of tubing in the front left of the shot is a drain tube with shut off valve and stop fitting.

 

hYNLecZ.jpg

 

Front shot of lower tubing.

 

OC92AiR.jpg

 

Purchased the Primochill Rigid Acrylic Bending Kit shown below. This kit includes some Acrylic Cleaner, cotton gloves, cleaning cloth and tubing insert.

 

rgLnNng.jpg

 

Was surprised to find that the tubing insert was hollow and not solid.

 

RaFMSXX.jpg

 

For accurate bends, I also got the Monsoon Hardline Pro Mandrel Kit - 3/8 x 1/2 (13mm). Now this is a very professional kit with some of the nicest tubing angles I have seen. It includes 45 degree, 90 degree, 180 degree and 360 degrees angles machined out of aluminum. The tubing insert in this kit is solid! 

 

iZa6erJ.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Wow! This was my first experience with working on acrylic and it was definitely tedious and demanding. I have done many builds using the flexible tubing and they were a breeze. A typical flexible tubing installation took only about an hour or two and it was done. No mess or confusion.

 

You must respect the PETG acrylic tubing and take your time if you want the result to come out decent. I spent the past two days measuring and bending the tubes for this build and learned a lot. I purchased eight 36" tubes for this project and ended up only using four of them. I only had a few 'mistakes' and they were short sections, so the waste wasn't all that bad.

 

Here is some shots of the tools I used for the cutting and bending of the tubing.

 

The Kawasaki heat gun was a dream to use; so quiet and it heats the material evenly. 

 

3cKEFhJ.jpg

 

I used a dremel to 'fine tune' some edges and smooth out some of the rough edges left after cutting.

 

eM1Q4DQ.jpg

 

For a smoother end, I used some sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood.

 

0iCQs0Z.jpg

 

To get inside the tubes, I used some good ole' pipe cleaners.

 

DhyKoMp.jpg

 

Here is that trusty dremel after a few tubes are completed. You can see some of the mistakes in the background.

 

wmq0hlC.jpg

 

Here are some of the fittings used to connect everything. Twenty of the Primochill Revolver fittings and a good assortment of Bitspower compression fittings.

 

bnt6olO.jpg

 

After two days, here is the result. I have a fan ring off and disconnected some wiring and memory during the installation.

 

4uwVfBy.jpg

 

Used a handy funnel for the filling process.

 

sWSEpqr.jpg

 

Now for the leak testing phase. Only the pump has power applied and it is whisper quiet!

 

Qee2zlq.jpg

 

You just cannot have too many paper towels in this phase.

 

kdRMGET.jpg

 

The only leak occurred in the first 30 seconds and it was on the reservoir. The bottom rubber gasket of the glass was not seated fully and a small amount of water leaked. Took about 15 minutes to disassemble and re-seat the gasket. Now fully watertight!

 

MERneBD.jpg

 

I will let the test continue for another 24 hours to ensure everything is fine. In the past 4 hours there has not been a single leak of any acrylic tubing or their fittings!

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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Well, it has been over 15 hours and not a single drop from any fittings or tubing!

 

I thought it was time to add a little color to the toxic green right side case panel and the front panel.

 

I used a high quality vinyl applique of the NVIDIA logo to match my theme.

 

Here the applique is being centered on the panel.

 

4cDramO.jpg

 

The vinyl backing slides easily off, while the applique remains firm.

 

FgwO2ys.jpg

 

Applique centered and ready for the case.

 

lNHflir.jpg

 

Now for the front panel. Without a small graphic at the bottom it looks too plain.

 

1HUMRs5.jpg

 

I created a smaller version to match where the Corsair logo was and centered it appropriately.

 

U0bnLQx.jpg

 

Here the magnetic side panel air filters have been re-installed.

 

hqRpkQZ.jpg

 

Here are some shots of the exterior with the new artwork.

 

E4pOltT.jpg

 

FdsTac8.jpg

 

TsgMmbF.jpg

 

HOq2Hjo.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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I have to agree with the majority and have come to dislike the bright red SSD cases. It really detracts from the overall black/green scheme.

 

I played with a few ideas and came up with one that does not void the manufacturer's warranty but still covers the red appearance.

 

I created some vinyl decals that completely cover the SSD but are removable if the drive fails. This keeps the warranty intact should I need to replace a faulty unit in the next 3 years.

 

Kgu4RSL.jpg

Monolithic 500D

Glorious PCMR

Apeiro - Fan Favorite Gigabyte Mod2Win 2016
BAWLS - 1st Place Dreamhack Austin 2016, 2nd Place QuakeCon 2016
Toxic Envi - 1st Place QuakeCon 2014
QuakeCon 800D - 1st Place QuakeCon 2012
Black and Blue 800D

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