[Build log] Project LiquiSTORM

[Drixen]

For those who conquer, triumph is instilled. For those who plateau, unhappiness awaits. It's never flat, it's always soaring. Our builds are never finished. A Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV mATX gets a whole new life...

Welcome to the build log of LiquiSTORM.

 

Click here for Titan Rig Amazon store

Thanks to TITAN RIG for the awesome customer service and providing the parts for LiquiSTORM. 

 

To begin, lets analyze what we currently have installed in its configuration at time of posting.

Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV mATX case
EVGA X99 Micro (alpha)
Intel 5820k
16GB Hyper X Fury 2666 DDR4
EVGA GTX 980 (1980kr)
Silverstone 760W Platinum PSU
1 Corsair Force GS 240GB SDD
1 Seagate Barracuda 7200 1TB HDD (retiring)
Corsair H100iGTX (returned-defective)


Q: So, Drixen..it seems like we have a solid build already. Why the change? What justifies going from an AIO kit to a whole custom loop?
A: I have been, and always will be a hardcore PC enthusiast where I love to vision and create builds. Simply put, I can never be "finished", I want to test my abilities and appreciate my dedication. I want to take something that already has character and refine it. I want to be as close to a perfect not-so-over-the-top daily driver PC. This is why I have transitioned to LiquiSTORM; something I already know that is tried and proven, yet wanting to be morphed into a more refined PC. That's why in the name LiquiSTORM- liquid is unearthed. We are going custom loop!

So now that we have some solid background on this machine, what's next? What do we have on its way? When?
Purchased from amazon.com
Date to assemble: August 23rd

XSPC Raystorm CPU block
XSPC GPU block full cover w/ backplate
XSPC EX240 radiator for CPU
XSPC EX140 radiator for GPU
XSPC Photon 170 res/D5 pump combo
XSPC Black chrome compression fittings
XSPC Clear 7/16 ID 5/8 OD tubing
(2) Noctua NFP12's
(2) Noctua NFA14's
Primochill ICE fluid

With all of this on its way, I ensure that this thread will not disappoint. I will document the teardown, and introduce the rebuilding stage as I progress..and it can be found right here. I hope that you all enjoy, so follow along and let's get this started!

[Rhoug]

Good luck mate, i'll follow this too! (:

 

(Upload lots of pictures step-by-step, that way we can tell you what you may do better, or tell yuo "Thats perfect that way")

 

 

GOOD LUCK!

[Drixen]

Thanks guys! Appreciate it. This rebuild will be a blast..can't wait! I will most definitely be updating this as I go. Already 2 things I might want to change out are my radiators. Specifically change out to the AlphaCool ST30 240 and ST30 280. I am no noob to water cooling, but I thought I'd give XSPC a try with their radiators. I know XSPC is brass/copper, where AlphaCool is 100% copper. I've used AlphaCool every water cooling build I've done before, so I feel like I made a bad move because I'm a brand loyalist, lol. Takes on radiator choice?

[Drixen]

i'm going alphacool for project hydra, so i'm all for it

Well, being an AlphaCool loyalist, I just think I'm reacting negatively because of my brand switch choice. However, being more technical..XSPC's EX rads are 4-6mm taller than AlphaCool's ST rads providing more surface area. What's your take on this? Would that be noticeable by a degree or two, or would it be simply a matter of choice/preference in brand?

[Drixen]

Definitely more cooling with it being taller, thanks. I figured it'd have some performance effect. However, I really love the idea and knowing I have a full copper radiator..which is a huge benefit. I may go with AlphaCool, if I have this much concern its better to satisfy my taste buds now lol.

[Drixen]

Update: I have decided to keep with XSPC for their radiators. My current 280mm + 240mm will be perfectly optimized for the current configuration and even if I go SLI in the future.

With computers, it's always more time efficient and cost saving to get everything you need the first time in case of future upgrading.

[Drixen]

Sounds cool I'm in

Thanks Burner! I can't wait for my water cool gear to arrive..excited.

[Drixen]

Update #1

 

Parts come in tomorrow, installation will take full flight on Sunday August 23rd. Tomorrow I will be putting on the GPU waterblock and securing location of the res/pump.

 

In these pictures I am taking off panels, removing 200mm front fan for better access for front 240mm radiator and planning where to place my res/pump combo. The pictures below show the PC in its current configuration. It's an extremely well running rig.. with water cooling it'll be even better!

 

IMG_20150820_202441937

 

IMG_20150820_202421960

 

IMG_20150820_202535825

[Drixen]

Update #2

I ran into issues in planning for my pump/reservoir combo. After measuring and countless ideas, my configuration had to change a little. My parts list has been edited to reflect. Specifically, I had to go with a Photon 170 reservoir/D5 pump combo and 5 new fans had to be purchased; 3 Noctua NFP12's (1 rear case exhaust, 2 intake for 240mm rad) and 2 Noctua NFA14's (2 intake for 280mm rad). I can't wait for these fans.. I prefer raw performance over Show-Style appearance IMO. So keep tuned! A lot is changing for the better! The rig is still scheduled for upgrading/building on August 23rd. See you all here!

[Drixen]

Update #3

Received everything I need except res/pump and a 240mm radiator.

Received CPU block +GPU block

GPU backplate

280mm radiator

Two 2m clear tubing

10 compression fittings

Primochill ICE clear liquid

[Drixen]

XSPC does awesome stuff with their boxes. Well packaged and made.

[Drixen]

Sunday's progress: Install GPU block and prep two radiators (240mm top, 140mm front) and CPU block

 

Taking GTX 980 OEM cooler off. The EVGA reference GPU already had stock thermal pads and by the way the card was only used for 3 weeks prior to this, so reusing stock thermal pads was a no brainer.

 

I then cleaned the stock thermal compound off with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Clean as a mirror! 

 

Now I apply the supplied XSPC thermal compound to the GPU, doing a star pattern application. Note: doing the traditional pea-size application does NOT apply to GPU's.

 

With the full cover block installed, I then flipped it over revealing the back of the PCB, where I will now install the back plate. I have applied thermal pads to the correct areas where effective back plate cooling will occur on both the GPU itself and back plate.

 

Your finished product will look like this..

 

 

Prepping radiators and CPU block here..

[Drixen]

Tuesday's progress: Spent 5 hours at the Verizon store Monday, which made me not get anything done that night. However, on Tuesday I stared at my Photon 170 reservoir/D5 pump combo and came to conclusion that the case will NOT house the reservoir/pump combo inside the case. So, I did what I could and did an external application, where I screwed the res/pump to the rear exhaust fan port since I do not use an exhaust fan. Came out awesome! As you can see, the in/out leads come through the top pci-e bracket and form the loop from there. VERY sturdy, this thing is not going anywhere.

I decided to go ahead with installing my radiators and Noctua fans. **In the picture it shows only one 140mm fan in the front, there are two of them now**

And while I was at it, I went ahead and cut my tubing to length and put down paper towels in preparation for filling up the loop with liquid!

 

I then went ahead and began to fill my loop up with PrimoChill ICE clear, 900ml bottle. After power cycling the pump to fill the loop with liquid, I topped off the PrimoChill bottle and the installation was complete.

 

I followed up with a leak test that lasted 3 hours, and from there I deemed it success and removed the paper towels to reveal the completion..

 

[Drixen]

Update:

Here's a better look at how the front 140mm fans are mounted. Setup as intake- top is for 140mm radiator, bottom is for additional cooling (blows through the case over the GPU block and exits the vent holes in rear of case)

 

Here's a better look at how the top 120mm fans are mounted. Setup as intake for the 240mm radiator.

 

Random shot of the front w/ dust filter

[Drixen]

Update 2:

This is how the reservoir/pump combo is mounted on the rear of the case- I simply screwed in from the inside of the case vent holes, and screwed into the bracket. 

 

Looking down at the rear of the case- see the bracket mount and also the 2 hoses going into the pci-e bracket space into the PC. Left is the OUT to CPU, right is the IN to the reservoir.

 

A closer look at the input and output leads going into the case

[KRImSIN]

Nice!

[Drixen]

Nice!

Thank you sir! Get ready for screenshots, results are AWESOME!

[Zayzo]

Thank you sir! Get ready for screenshots, results are AWESOME!

I'm ready

[Drixen]

Here are idle temperatures at IDLE, currently the house is 74*F inside, A/C off and on- not much.

[Drixen]

Here is the system under load, for a minute. Wanted to provide quick stats, will be doing a legitimate stress test shortly. Enjoy the numbers

[colinreay]

Cool! Never have seen an external reservoir like this!

[Drixen]

Cool! Never have seen an external reservoir like this!

Thanks! It definitely isn't the first, but not very common. I actually prefer this now since filling/draining is a breeze.. so easy. No mess to worry about inside the case and overall, makes the rest of the loop VERY serviceable.

[Drixen]

Update: Tonight @ 10;37pm 

Results while idling Chrome with 6 browsers up, not bad...

[Drixen]

Just some updates:

Link to results- http://www.3dmark.com/fs/5821780

 

My Temps were excellent.. and just so everyone knows, this is at stock. I will be comparing this to my overclocks. So far, I am over clocking my GPU. Will be touching my CPU soon.

[Drixen]

I have a nice view ;-)