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Akula

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  1. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Armada - Watercooled | Define R4 Titanium | EK Waterblocks | Completed - Final Photo's   
    Noiseblocker & Radiator
    Mounted the rear Noiseblocker PL-2 - I've also completed the custom cable & sleeving for that specific fan, I'll be using that as an exhaust fan while the others as push.
    I was test fitting the EK PE Radiator, as most would have found out, the Define R4 is not exactly designed for water-cooling, although they did make improvements with the mounting holes on the top, it's still not perfect.
     
    Very tight fit, but I've been able to fit a 38mm EK PE Radiator & 2 x 25mm Noiseblocker's in a push setup, all the while keeping the rear fan
     
    Don't mind the dust on the PE Radiator, I've had it out in the open for the past few weeks so it's collected it's fair share
    Still deciding on the origination of the radiator, depending on the tubing route will decide which side the ports will be mounted.
     

     

     
  2. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Armada - Watercooled | Define R4 Titanium | EK Waterblocks | Completed - Final Photo's   
    Define R4 Titanium
    Well it arrived yesterday in all it's glory
    Absolute love the clean lines of this case, sure it's a little bigger than i wanted, but unfortunately i did not have a mATX motherboard on hand for this specific build, or i would have gone back to the Define Mini.
     
    I've stripped the case down to near bare minimum, i won't be needing the hard-drive cages nor the stock fans.
    I've got plans to mount an EK PE Radiator up top and in the front, so i'll be replacing all stock fans with Noiseblocker's
     
    Installed the motherboard to test fit the EK Radiator's, sure enough they fit due to Fractal Design's improvement's with their mounting holes, note it is still off-center mounting for a thicker radiator due to the motherboard heatsink & RAM Clips.
     
    I'm waiting for my LC Sleeving, then i'll begin my long and horrible process of custom cables
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
  3. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Armada - Watercooled | Define R4 Titanium | EK Waterblocks | Completed - Final Photo's   
    Polished Capacitors
    Something that irritates me with Gigabyte motherboards, those silly blue capacitors, well a little 99% Alcohol solved that issue.
    Can't have a Titanium build with blue caps
     
    Ok that's enough of the motherboard, it's not that special
     

  4. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Armada - Watercooled | Define R4 Titanium | EK Waterblocks | Completed - Final Photo's   
    Gigabyte Z68X UD4-B3
    I've had this motherboard for some time now, clearly as this is one of the very first Sandy Bridge motherboards.
    I've chosen Sandy Bridge and particularly this motherboard due to it's reliability, My current 2600k has been a solid processor, I've had countless other newer generation processors and nothing comes close to my experience with Sandy Bridge.
     
    I wouldn't say the UD4 is the most appealing nor high end motherboard even for a Z68 Chipset, although at the time i was on a budget and this was my first choice, it's seen me through the years unscathed.
     
    I'm still undecided how i want to proceed with this log, considering taking off the UD4 heat-sinks and giving them a nice paint job.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
  5. Like
    Akula got a reaction from maddogl in Project Armada - Watercooled | Define R4 Titanium | EK Waterblocks | Completed - Final Photo's   
    Project ARMADA
     
    Index
    Gigabyte Mainboard - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1007333
    Define R4 - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1050429
    Fans & Radiator - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1050988
    Custom Cables - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1081853
    LC Teleios - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1111740
    EK Waterblocks - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1138980
    RAM & Sleeving - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1196368
    PrimoChill Tubing - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks/?p=1205067
    Corsair SP120's - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks-completed-final-photos/?p=1206175
    Bitspower Z Reservoir - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks-completed-final-photos/?p=1226919
    Completed - Final Photo's - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/73352-project-armada-watercooled-define-r4-titanium-ek-waterblocks-completed-final-photos/?p=1232131
     
    Completion

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Introduction
    My third LinusTechTips build-log, this particular log will be different to my past, documenting far greater throughout the building process hopefully bringing more people into the log to share ideas.
    May seem strange to start a new project when my previous Mercury build-log is not complete, but i assure you that log is coming to an end.
     
    Several months ago i bought myself the Fractal Design Mini, have to say it suited my own personality perfectly, simple, sleek and small.
    I've never been a person to throw colors at a build, normally resorting to dull colors, blacks greys and whites with a splash of color but for this particular log i feel like stepping outside the box a little.
     
    I'm still going over this log in my head so changes to the components and design will fluctuate.
    A large portion of the components within the log will be of an older generation, i intend to use my leftover components rather than sell them.
     
    Please note this is not going to be a build-log where you should expect to see the highest end components, some of my choices may seem odd or unusual but I'm trying to keep my wallet intact throughout this log as much as possible.
     
    Vision & Color Scheme
    I'm still tossing up how i want to plan this build, i have plenty of water-cooling components that can be salvaged for this build and i have plenty of ideas for Air Cooling.
     
    Well, I've made my decision, Water is it. I have so much spare water-cooling components it just seemed right, not to mention i enjoy the silence you get from water-cooling.
    I've decided to integrate Aqua into this build, aside from the typical Grey & Blacks i believe the Aqua element will provide a nice bold & striking contrast color, especially in the EK Solid Tubing.
     
    Main Components
    Fractal Design R4 Titanium Gigabyte Z68X UD4-B3 Intel 1155 2600k Corsair Dominator GT 2133 (4x4GB) Silverstone Strider 1200w Gold Samsung 840 Pro (256GB) Gigabyte GTX Titan OC Watercooling Components
    EKWB Supremacy Full Nickel Clean CSQ Waterblock EKWB Monarch Acetal Waterblock EBWB Titan SE Acetal & Nickel Clean CSQ Waterblock EBWB 2 x 240mm PE Radiator Laing D5 Vario Pump (Spare) Bitspower 150ml Z-Reservoir & Upgrade Kit Fittings & Tubing
    EK-CSQ Nickel Compression Fitting x 4 EK-CSQ Black Compression Fitting x 8 PrimoChill Advanced LRT 3/8 x 1/2 Clear PrimoChill "Blue" Dye & Distilled Water Extras
    16AWG 2.3mm Custom Cables  LC Teleios Sleeving (Aqua, Light Grey & Black) Closing
    So just to advise everyone considering following this log, the updates will be slow, but detailed. I have limited time throughout the week up until Christmas, so time spent on this build will be minimal.
    I'm looking forward to creating a build that can inspire others to reuse components all the while creating something beautiful.
     
    Stay tuned.
  6. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Completed
    Filled the loop yesterday with next to no issues, came up rather nice if you ask me
    Slow filling process due to the pump/res configuration but that's fine the air will bleed out eventually.
     
    Overall I'm rather happy with the build, could use improvements and more time but it's good enough for me.
     
    Onto the next build..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
  7. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Third time lucky?
    Here is another attempt at tubing this up, adding the second radiator made the tubing route impossible at the bottom unless i done some form of magic, so i decided to reroute the radiator inlet/outlet ports to the top.
    I've also changed the tubing from some of the blocks to give a better flow to the build.
     
    Take note this is just a mock up tubing route, I'll decide my final design & cut appropriate lengths tonight prior to filling.
     
    I'll be swapping the pump around so the Inlet/Outlet ports are on the other side, in which i'll route my Radiator & GPU Outlet to these ports.
     
    Oh And don't worry, there is no Kink in the tube, it's just the angle
     

  8. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Titan Installation
    Install the graphics card waterblock, one of my pet peeves is cutting all those thermal pads for the memory chips, shame the Titan has 16 of them
    Overall I'm stoked with the result, i think the block looks excellent within the Mercury S3, and will look even better with Coolant
     
    As you can see the majority of the build is black, but with the Polished Plexiglass you'll see massive amounts of red once filled
     
    One thing i wasn't happy about was the tubing route from Radiator to GPU - I had to use Bitspower Crystal Link, which i personally hate using, i prefer curved lines rather than straight lines..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
  9. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    RAM & Secondary Tubing Route
    Quite a large update today compared to normal, well actually it should be larger if everything went right today..
    So i bought myself a cheap graphics card so i could mount my waterblock on the Titan, but the card arrived dead, so i'll have to go through the process to get another one
     
    Decided id pull the trigger and buy myself the EK Monarch RAM Waterblock - Good choice i think, adds extra detail to the tubing route once completed in my opinion.
    This is the basic tubing route i intend to go with, i'll still have to spend a bit of time perfectly the tubing lengths once the build is nearing completion.
     
    Also made myself a Himuro Mini 2.5" mounting bracket and once again sprayed with Matte Black paint, fits nice and snug
     
    Finished sleeving all three of my current fans, two more to sleeve and route and then the fans are completed.
    Few things still required to finish this build, the installation of the Titan Waterblock & I still need to create my PCIE cables
     
    You might notice, I'm not much of a fan of too much color The red coolant & Plexiglass blocks will be more than enough once filled with EK Red Coolant.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
  10. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Mercury S3
    So i noticed i haven't really taken any photo's of the actual case throughout this build-log - Well these are the best progress/case shots i could come up, very dull outside so they may be a little darker.
    I opted for the 26mm top on this case due to the space between the radiator and motherboard, nothing do i hate more thank cramped components.
     
    Looking back, i should have bought the full side window on the left side for the showcase of the Himuro's, i may still do this but as of now i have both half windows.
     
    On another note, i intend to install the waterblock for my GTX Titan this weekend, and hopefully complete all the sleeving within this build, which will leave just the radiator & tubing to install.
    Fingers crossed.
     

     

     

     

     

     
  11. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Initial Tubing Routing
    Decided to upload a few photo's of my initial plans for routing my tubing, i personally like larger loops rather than smaller, so i don't mind having larger looping tubes within my build, even if it does restrict performance by an inch.
    I'll be installing my GTX Titan waterblock over the next few days and putting in within the system, should give people a better idea of the loop layout
     
    As you can see with the position of the 24-PIN i still need to train the wires, the reservoir is quite close due to the limited space between the radiator & motherboard tray so I'm not sure if I'll be able to get that 24-pin to match up with the 8-PIN EPS
    Overall I'm quite happy with this build, long way to go but it's been fun.
     
    I may even consider buying a Monarch RAM block, depending on my final tubing layout it's a high possibility
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
  12. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Polishing EK Waterblocks
    All my EK Waterblocks arrived today, was very eager to get underway with the polishing process, which is very easy to do. I'll list the requirements below.
    2000 Grit Wet & Dry Sandpaper Polishing Cloth (Microfiber) & Drying Cloth 10 Minutes worth of your time Meguiar's Ultimate Compound Polish (Other polisher's will work The process is very easy, first it's just a matter of removing the EK badge with a sharp knife so you don't sand the metal finish on the badge.
    I found wet-sanding the waterblocks was far more efficient, so id recommend personally.
     
    You'll need to void the warranty on the waterblock by removing the Nickel/Copper heat-spreader so the Plexi block is separate, this is required as i found to have a nice transparent effect on the back of the waterblock also.
    Wet Sand for 3-5 Minutes each side until you're happy with the result, rinse the block to get rid of any loose dust & material and begin polishing with whatever Polish you have chosen.
     
    After a few Sanding & Polishing attempts you should have a transparent block
     

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
  13. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    8Pin Sleeving
    Started my power supply sleeving on my 8Pin EPS cable last night, completed this morning, i was able to get a nice effect all throughout the cable, was a pain in the ass measuring each cable differently to account of the 275 degree bend from power supply to motherboard, but worth it in the end.
    I'll pick up the sleeving in a few hours when i can feel my fingers again =/
     
    Materials used listed below
    16AWG 2.3mm diameter Hookup Cable MDPC Black Sleeve MDPC ATX Terminals MDPC ATX Connectors I was too eager to start sleeving that i decided not to wait for LC Teleios sleeving =/
     

     

     
  14. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Reservoir & Pump
    So I've finally been able to manage to install my pump & reservoir combo, I chose the Bitspower setup due to the extra height of the Bitspower Z Reservoir.
    Personally i love it, i can tell straight away it's going to make cable management a nightmare down there as it's rather large but I'm up for the challange.
     
    I've modded my Laing D5 Pump power cable straight into the power supply rather than creating extra mess with a molex connection.
    Don't be fooled about the CPU block, that's getting swapped quick smart, as soon as my new Plexi blocks arrive i'll be getting to work on the polishing stage and then fitting it all up.
     
    I'm actually considering swapping this power supply over with my old 1200w Silverstone - Why 1200w? I love to overclock, and i have already bottle necked my 650w Silverstone while pushing the GTX Titan & 2600k to it's limits. Just a thought, all depends if the 1200w will fit as it's a 180mm power supply.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
  15. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Himuro Bracket
    Just finished constructing the 3.5" Himuro bracket that will be mounted in the bottom section of the Mercury S3, very easy bracket to construct & mount, it fit perfectly.
    Once again id like to give credit to this design to the owner of "MonsterITX" as this is the exactly same mounting style used within his own S3.
     
    In short the mounting bracket is attached to the Mercury S3, and then the Himuro is attached to the side of the bracket, which was ideal as i was not interested in modding this case.
    It's currently in the paint booth getting a coat of Matte Black.
     
    I'm waiting on an order from PerformancePCS in regards to my 2.5" Mini Himuro that i will use on the opposite side for my SSD.
     

     


     
     
     
  16. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Dominator's
    Quick photo of my Dominator's with their respective heat-spreader put back on, i used these Dimms in the Akula project so they were used underwater for the most part.
    Once again not much progress today, in fact this entire weekend next to nothing.
     
    I've decided that i will be using the Himuro 3.5" Cooler - I'll need to fabricate a mounting bracket to seamless tie into the case, without any modding required, I'll also be purchasing the Himuro Mini 2.5" Cooler and do the same for the SSD.
    Credit to "MonsterITX" - Longroadtrip @ OCN for the idea and inspiration for this part of the build, he has provided details on the mounting bracket which i intend to use within my own build.
     
    Originally i intended to use MDPC sleeving for this build, although I've decided to switch to Lutro's LC Sleeving - A far denser & easier sleeve to work with, especially considering i intend to go heatshrinkless with my cables, needless to say I'll now have to wait even longer for sleeving to start.
     
    I've been messing with my GTX Titan on my bench for the past few days while i wait for packages, this thing overclocks quite nicely, haven't came close to it's limits as yet due to the stock cooling it's currently using, although once under water i intend to push this card to it's limits.
    Recently i just ordered some of my final parts required for this build.
    Bitspower 150ml Upgrade Kit Bitspower V2 D5 Mod Top - Acetal Now i have my reason's why i chose Bitspower for my reservoir & pump, EK's X3 Reservoirs seem to be slightly wider yet smaller than the Bitspower equivalent, i test fitted the EK x3 150ml Res and it didn't look right, far too small for the build so I've chosen the Bitspower alternative and it looks perfect.
     

  17. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Himuro
    I almost forgot, i received my Himuro yesterday, originally i planed to use this at a feature in the build, i intended to install it in the lower section where the hard-drive's are normally mounted although I'm having second thoughts.
    I've seen a user do this exact thing before on OCN, but not sure how it will tie in with my build, not to mention id need to fabricate a mounting bracket, far to lazy for that..
     
    Regardless i thought id get some photo's up for you guys anyway
     

     

     
  18. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Peripherals
    Not much action happening with my build in the past 2 days, being the weekend means no packages arrive and the packages i require are the ones that move this build forward
    I've done a small mockup of my fan cable placement on the top radiator, reasonably happy with the result, could be a little neater.
     
    Thought it was a good time to perhaps upload a few snaps of my current peripherals that i use, i moved away from the Ducky Shine few months ago and landed my lands on the Corsair K70 Anodized Edition, at first i was a little disappointed with the lack of choice with the MX Keys but now I'm in love with Red's
    The mouse on the other hand has been fantastic from the start, for one of their "budget" mouses this is the best I've ever had.
    Corsair K70 Black Anodized Cheery Red Corsair M40 Raptor Corsair "Compact" M2200 Mousepad
     

  19. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    CSQ Fittings
    Just arrived a few EK CSQ Fittings - I already had plenty of use left over from my previous build but i was able to get these dirt cheap from a friend, so why not?
    Hopefully I'll start my wiring for the power supply tonight, I'll be using the heatshrink-less method which is more common nowadays, normally i would use heatshrink but i just don't have the time to ensure all lines are perfec this time round.
    Black 16AWG 1007 Hook up Wire MDPC Male Crimps MDPC Black Sleeving So up until Oct 18th when my waterblock shipment is expected i can't see too much happening with the build, which is a shame because i normally don't like to take extended breaks while building, sure sleeving is going to take some time but still..
     
    Painted the OCZ Vertex SSD in a "gloss" black although it's clearly turned into a matte black, which I'm quite happy with
     

     

  20. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Fans & Radiator's.
    Received my EK Radiator today, one of them at least, excellent looking radiator, something you don't normally see unless you go with something higher end like AC.
    Mounted the Noiseblocker PL-2 Fans on the 120/140.2 Drop In Mount - Excellent fit, now I'm working on some cable routing ideas for these fans.
     
    Luckily the motherboard has 4 Fan headers, so if i wanted i could run them all directly from the board, haven't done that in a while
     
    Last night i painted my OCZ Vertex cover Gloss Black - Finish came out rather well, surprisingly it didn't finish as Gloss but Matte which is the effect i was initially chasing, so i'll have that dry for a few hours and perhaps i may install it into the side mount.
     
    Anyway heres a few shots.
     

     

     

     

     


     
  21. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Arrival of the Titan.
    My GTX Titan arrived today along with the EK Backplate to match.
    I went with the Gigabyte GTX Titan Windforce Edition - I believe it's the highest factory clocked Titan expect for the Hydro Copper, don't quote me, comes with their aftermarket Windforce Cooler within the box, nice touch.
     
    Just an update with my waterblocks, initially i intended to do with Clean CSQ blocks, although personally I like the EK CSQ Circles on the original blocks, my only concern was the transparency of the blocks, well I've reached middle ground.
    I will be polishing each waterblock, wet sanding 1500/2000 Grit & Polishing, should give a very nice transparent look without sacrificing the CSQ circles.
     
    Was hoping for one of my EK Coolstream PE Radiator's to arrive today, but no luck, which means it will be here tomorrow, so i'll be able to mount the radiator & start mounting fans.
     

     

     
  22. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    The Main Board.
    I've completely reedited my photographs, really was not happy with the initial outcome, and some of the parts I've photographed at no longer part of this build-log so here's to updated photo's
    I'm looking for criticism/comments on my photographing & editing of the below photo's - I've picked up some tips from Paultan's video - Always loved his work.
     
    I'll continue to upload as much as i can, i know people hate logs full of walls of text and no photo's so i'll try and limit your notification spam as much as possible
     
    GTX Titan & Backplate arrives tomorrow, along with some 16AWG Wire so i can start on these power supply cables.
     

     

     

     

     

     
  23. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Mercury - Caselabs S3 | Watercooled | GTX Titan - Completed!   
    Project MERCURY
    Caselabs Mercury S3 - mITX Watercooled - Simplicity
     
    Index
    #1 - 4770k IHS Removal - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury/?p=818295
    #2 - ASUS Maximus IV Impact - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury/?p=833236
    #3 - Nvidia GTX Titan - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury/?p=838360
    #4 - Radiator & Fans - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=842895
    #5 - Fittings & SSD - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=849644
    #6 - Peripherals - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=857467
    #7 - Himuro - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=857564
    #8 - Himuro Mounting System - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=877824
    #9 - Reservoir & Pump - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=881798
    #10 - Polishing EK Waterblocks - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=907185
    #11 - Initial Tubing Route - https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=919997
    #12 - Mercury S3 Case - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=934144
    #13 - Secondary Tubing Route - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=966149
    #14 - Completed - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/56428-project-mercury-caselabs-s3-watercooled-gtx-titan/?p=1030532
     
    Completion - Scroll Down for the start of the log!
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Introduction
    Back with another build log, this time a different path, less is more with mITX and i intend to showcase that in its full glory.
    Caselabs has always had a soft spot with me, ever since i first bought the STH10, clean lines, modding friendly and extremely well designed, so when the Mercury S3 was announced some months ago i couldn't resist.
     
    Prodigy may have started the mITX craze, Caselabs has perfected it with the Mercury S3.
    Unfortunately due to size restraints, my previous build Akula V2 is now to be disassembled, it's just too big for my desk and is a dust magnet.
     
    This computer will mainly be used for light gaming, work related use & general use, so the components don't have to be top of the line yet i intend to recycle my used components as much as possible.
     
    Vision & Color Scheme
    With all my build's i strive for simplicity, less is more.
    Once again the build will be based around the components, the colors will be subtle, the components will be minimalistic.
     
    Just like Akula V2, the build will incorporate Republic of Gamers products, which leaves me little choice but to follow to overdone red & black scheme.
    Watercooling will be done with primary EKWB products used from Project Akula with some new splashes of products just released.
     
    Mercury S3 Case
    One of the biggest selling points for Caselabs cases is the options when purchasing, these are the options/variations i chose.
    Matte Black Drop-in 120.2 Radiator Mount 36mm Ventilated Top Cover Left STB Window Right STB Window USB 3.0 Upgrade IO 120.2 Radiator Flexi-bay Upgrade Just a matter of shipping & waiting for it to arrive, sadly this thing cost me an arm & leg due to the shipping cost to Australia, worth it.
     
    Main Components
    Large portion of my components will come from previous builds, most from my Prodigy & Dimastech builds so my wallet won't be that much lighter in the end, i hope..
    Intel Socket 1150 4770k ASUS Maximus VI Impact Corsair Dominator GT 2133 Mhz (2x4Gb) OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS 240Gb Western Digital Caviar Red 2Gb Silverstone Strider 650W Gold ST65F-G Gigabyte GTX Titan OC Windforce Edition Himuro 3.5" HDD Cooler Himuro 2.5" HDD Cooler Cooling Components
    Lucky for me, most of my cooling components i already own, for most this is the expensive part.
    New products that have just been released from EKWB will be tested within this build, including their new PE radiator's, hopefully they will have their ROG Impact waterblocks released in time..
     
    On another note, i intend to delid the 4770k - I've done this process on the 3570k earlier and the temperatures were excellent, this time i will be going naked chip, so EK's Naked Ivy supports will be used.
    EKWB GTX Titan Nickel & Plexi CSQ Waterblock EKWB Supremacy Nickel & Plexi CSQ Waterblock Laing D5 & EKWB CSQ Acetal Pump Top Bitspower Z Type 150ml Reservoir EK CSQ Fittings Noiseblocker BlacksilentPro PL-2 x 4 EK CoolStream PE 240 x 2 PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 3/8in ID x 1/2in OD Tubing Clear EK Blood Red Coolant Extras
    16AWG Individually sleeved cables, MDPC Black Sleeving Delidding 4770k & Using EK Naked Ivy standoffs Polishing EK Plexiglass Waterblocks Fabricate 2 x Himuro mounting brackets  
    Closing
    Hopefully this will be a quicker build than my previous logs, I'm a perfectionist so these things take time unfortunately.
    In the coming weeks i expect to receive the Mercury S3, from there i will slowly incorporate the parts within the build.
     
    The biggest hurdle is always the sleeving, in such a tight build sleeving even the best power supplies can be tricky, lines are tough to hide so perfection is required when all eyes are on the cables.
    Stay tuned, I'm as eager as ever to begin and one day complete this build.
  24. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Akula - Dimastech Bench | Watercooled | Tri GTX 680   
    A k u l a  V 2 - Complete
     
    So throughout this build i have stuck by my guns and gone with what i felt was right with my highlighting of colors, throughout all my builds I've always gone with the approach, more black less color, well now that I've seen the finished result with the red coolant i could very well change my ways.
    The project is now complete, baring a few minor updates, little extra cable management down below & remounting the SSD, nothing big enough to halt the build.
     
    I had my concerns prior to filling the loop, the EK angle fittings felt a little off, but credits to EK, their fittings held up fantastic :)
    Couldn't be happier with the finished product, I'm sure it's not everyone's taste, but this sums me up perfectly :)
     
    Started pushing these 680's to their limit today, getting some excellent speeds and the temperatures are amazing.
     
    Thanks for the support throughout this build-log - your comments were very encouraging.
     
    Anyway here is what you have been waiting for, pictures :o
     

     
     

     
     


     

     

     

     

     


     
     
     
     
  25. Like
    Akula got a reaction from GhostWindGamer in Project Akula - Dimastech Bench | Watercooled | Tri GTX 680   
    Update : 26/06/2013
     
    Here's a few quick pictures of the cables installed, they are not trained yet but it's the rough idea. :)
     
    I've had to rethink my loop order, filling the res & feeding the coolant to the pump was going to be a complete pain and near impossible.
    Previously i had the Res>Dual Rads>Pump - Which would be ideal for my loop order, but it just won't work :(
     

     

     
     
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