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Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Welcome!
I thought I would share a project I have been working on for a few years! Some of you may have seen it on other forums or somewhere else but now I have started the work log here as well. It is a fully custom chassis built and designed by me.
 
I have been a long time watcher of LinusTechTips on youtube but I never realized that this forum was here. Because of that I never got around to make a work log here for the whole progress only the last month or so of the build. Anyway I hope you will enjoy it! (Updated the pictures to the final ones and added videos!)
 
History behind the Project:
About 5 years ago I decided that I was going to water cool my computer. Back then I had a Antec P180, not exactly the perfect chassis for water cooling your components. I looked at a lot of different chassis but I was never really happy with any of them. So I started sketching on my own design. First they were really awful, but as time progressed I got better and better at drawing. Early drawings was in MS-paint. I then moved on to Google Sketchup and finally Autodesk Inventor. I have probably gone through about 30 different designs until I finally decided on this one. This was my first custom designed chassis and also my first ever water cooled computer! The basic goal was to design a very quiet high-performing system with a minimalistic and clean design.
 
Edit: Compiled all the Pictures and Videos in the first post.
 
Making of Model 01:



Final Result:


The "complete" work log is almost 500 pictures. Below is a compact 100 pics of the process and the final results. If you want ALL 500 pics check out this album: http://imgur.com/a/dTRqx 
(all text and info is included in pics! You will not miss a thing!)
 





















































 
 
 
FINAL PICTURES
 
                                                         
If you have any questions you can go ahead and post it here or via pm and I will always try to answer!
 
Edit: Changed the first post to a "final post" with all the pictures, videos, text etc.

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Hey Awesome people
 
I have now started building my "Golden Night" machine.. 
It's gonna be a Water cooled Corsair 750D with colour theme "black/gold"
This is my first ever watercooled build, so i'm very excited to get started with it
 
 
Here's a list of what i have so far for the build: 
 
 
Hardware: 
 
Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 750D 
CPU: Intel Core I7 4770K 3.5GHZ 8MB Haswell 
GPU: 2 x EVGA GeForce GTX 680 2048MB GDDR5 
PSU: Corsair RM Series RM850 850W 
Ram: Avexir Core Series GOLD - DDR3-1600, CL9 - 16 GB Kit
MOBO: ASUS Z87-PRO LGA 1150 Intel Z87 
OS SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120 GB 
Backup SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 1000GB 
 
 
Water cooling parts: 
 
CPU: EK-Supremacy Clean CSQ - Acetal 
GPU: 2 x EK-FC680 GTX+ - Acetal 
GPU Backplate: 2 x EK-FC680 GTX Backplate CSQ -  I Am thinking of getting Custom backplates in black, with Nvidia Claw in gold, and gold writing "GTX 680" (work in progress) 
Reservoir: EK-RES X3 250ml 
Reservoir Top: EK-RES X3 - Multiport TOP 
Pump: EK-D5 Vario X-TOP incl. Pump 
Rads: Magicool Slim Profile 2X140mm + XSPC EX360 3x120mm 
 
Fittings: 
Monsoon Adapter 45 Grad 19/13mm - gold 
Monsoon Adapter 45 Grad 19/13mm - black 
Monsoon Adapter 90 Grad 19/13mm - gold 
Monsoon Adapter 90 Grad 19/13mm - black 
Monsoon Push On fitting 19/13mm - black 
Monsoon Push On fitting 19/13mm - gold 
Monsoon Light Port 45° Rotary Angle Fitting - black - for temperatur sensor
Monsoon Premium G 1/4 Temperatur Sensor - gold 
Monsoon Standard Rotary Color Accent Disks - gold 
Monsoon Standard Rotary Color Accent Disks - black
 
 
Modding: 
Bitspower D5 / MCP655 Mod Kit - Gold Finish 
2 x 12" cold catodes in yellow, with black sleeved cables 
4 x BitFenix 6-Pin PCIe extension cable - sleeved Gold/Black 
6 x BitFenix 3-Pin PCIe extension cable - sleeved Gold/Black  
1 x BitFenix 24-Pin ATX extension cable - sleeved Gold/Black  
2 x BitFenix SATA 3 extension cable - sleeved Gold/Black 
 
Fans: 
3 x Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition High Airflow 120mm Fan 
3 x Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition High Airflow 140mm Fan 
3 x Corsair Air Series SP120 Performance Edition High Airflow 120mm Fan (Still awaiting these to arive)
Lamptron FC Touch Fan Controller (Still awaiting this to arive)
 
 
So anyways, LETS GET STARTED !!!
 
I will update with images as the build comes together
 

 
this is what i have so far, will update with more later when i start building
 
Started modding,, NEW IMAGES!
 

 
DONE BUILDING <3<3<3<3
 
Here's the images of the last build process + images of the finished build <3
 

 
Hope you like it,
Please comment!!

Amazing. I love the straight tubes using the 90 degree fittings as opposed to bending the tubes personally. Gives it a touch of a steam punk feel. Spectacular.

Nice job man.

Hi,
 
Update: Completed Pics
 
I would like to share my 2014 build log and hopefully get some feedback to improve my build. I'm a newbie builder. Since the hardtube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I thought it is easy, and I was wrong... hehe I tried...
 
Specs:
Case: Corsair: 900D (I chose this case 'coz I got it on sale and it has radiator mounts ready)
Motherboard: Maximus VI Formula (I chose this MoBo since it has waterblock already)
Processor: Intel 4770k
Memory: 16 GB Corsair Dominator Platinum (I chose this memory for aesthetics)
GPU: 2 x Saphire R9 290 (I got mine on sale before the R9 crisis, just didnt have time to complete the build)
PSU: Corsair AX1200 (From my old rig)
SSD: 240 GB Intel 530
HHD: 3 x 1TB for Raid 0
 
Watercooling:
Radiator 1: XSPC EX480 Quad 120mm
Radiator 2: EK Ultimate Performance CoolStream 480
GPU Waterblock: 2 x EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel
CPU Waterblock: EK-Supremacy - Full Nickel
Reservoir: XSPC Photon 270 Reservoir/D5 Vario Pump Combo
Fan: 8 x Corsair SP120 Quiet Edition
Fan: 4 x Corsair SP120 Performance Edition
Fan: 1 x Corsair AP140 Quiet Edition
Fan: 2 x Stock Corsair 900D Fans
Coolant: Mayhem Aurora Red
Tube: 4 x EK 12mm OD Solid Tube Set - Clear
Fittings: 8 x Bitspower Enhanced Dual 90-Degree Multi-Link Adapter
             6 x Bitspower G1/4 Thread 90-Degree Rotary Multi-Link Adapter
             8 x Bitspower G1/4 Enhanced Multi-Link Adapter
             2 x Bitspower G1/4 Thread 90-Degree Dual Rotary Adapter
             etc...
 
Others:
Cable Sleeve: Lutro0 Telios
Cable Sleeve: Corsair Individually Sleeve Cables
LED: eBay Strips
Fan Hub: 3 x ModMyToys 3-Pin Power Distribution PCB 5xWay Block
Acrylic: 3mm 18 x 18 Plexiglass
 
First set of items (I also order EVGA 750W PSU as I don't want to kill my current rig while i'm building):


 
As I'm waiting for my other stuffs to arrive (waiting for stock), I started working on the mid-plate with 3mm acrylic...




 
Stuffs starting to arrive...


 
Working with GPU waterblock...

 
Planning the loop...



 
Oh wait... am I using EK 16mm OD tube fitting? Since I'm very unsuccessful with bending tubes

(at least I can't get the right measurement and angle given all the tools I have except for the Monsoon Measuring Kit which is unfortunately been out-of-stock for the last 3 months).
 
So I decided to scrap the plan and and proceed to "Plan B", BitsPower fittings...

 
Bit short on Bitspower Enhanced Dual 90-Degree Multi-Link Adapter and I don't want to buy a piece and wait another week again, this project has been sitting here for too long now... I will do leak testing this weekend and hopefully finish the build. Unless you guys notice where the shortage that I'm talking about and suggested that I should follow the scheme of the build...

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Update time!
         
            Super mega photodump of perfectly sleeved PSU cables! This includes a custom molex from the guide that I posted earlier, and an awesomely long SATA power to reach the SSD's that will be hanging above the pump on the wall! My thanks to Mundi from Icemodz for the sleeving supplies, and Marie from Silverstone for sponsoring the Silverstone Strider ST-1200G PSU.          I had just the one good shot of the 24pin though, so I hope that it is enough for you guys   Have a nice one, and see you on the next update! Best regards, Justin "MetallicAcid" Ohlsen

UPDATE 1
 

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Update time!
         
          . Hey everybody I have a nice fat update for you!    Firstly, I would like to proudly announce that Icemodz.com has kindly sponsored me with all that I need to make my PSU wires niceand organised! Also, all of my lighting options have also been covered with their RGB LEDs, with remote control. I cannot wait to start using them! Lastly, I have all of my hard acrylic tubing needs covered               In other news, I have cut myself a hole for the window into the side panel. It took a few hours to complete over a period of three days, whenever I had a spare minute at work. Some of the corners have not been filed all the way down to where I had marked them and this is because I am waiting until I have the acrylic windows in my hands, and can make sure that the window fits without taking away too much of the aluminium. I don't want to have all this time put into the cutting and filing just to find out that the measurements that I gave to the CNC operator, and what I had filed do not match. Anyways, here are some glory shots!                           I love how this project is shaping up! There aren't so many things more that need to be done to this case. If I am to make a short list, it would look like this:   To make or modify: CNC Acrylic window for top of case. CNC Acrylic window for side panel. Drill midplate pass-through holes for hard tubing. Attach angled plate to midplate. Drill reservoir pass-through holes for hard tubing. Install new power button. Install front panel and fill all gaps with car-body repair. Powder coat everything.   To install: Cold Zero parts. Water cooling parts. PC components. LED lighting.             Well this is it from me for now guys! Next, I plan on doing some sanding on the case and setting the front plate in place, install the orange button, and glue another rail onto the angled plate so I can screw it onto the midplate. Thanks for reading!   Best regards, Justin "MetallicAcid" Ohlsen

Update time!


 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 

Hey modders and enthusiasts!
 
Just a nice and short update for you tonight. The paint is dry on the GPU shrouds, and I have screwed everything together. I can HIGHLY recommend to anyone that wants to personalize their PC that little more with painting their own GTX770/780/780ti/Titan/TitanBlack shroud! I am very pleased with how they turned out
 


 
 
 
And one more thing, I have sanded back the LEDs so they no longer shine green, but rather shine the stock white LED instead
 
What do you think? Hit or miss?
Best regards,
Justin "MetallicAcid" Ohlsen

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/135830-project-insomnia-build-log/?p=1806228
Description:  I'm a newbie builder. Since the hard-tube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I called this "Project Insomnia", successor of "Project Nightmare" (my old rig).
Picture URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-58439-0-04658000-1396935396_thumb.jpg

I love the metal chassis.  Call me a purist, or call me old, but plastic just feels cheap to me, and this phone looks to be just the opposite.  

You should get light bars for the dominator platinums from corsairs website.
Just google "Corsair dominator platinum lightbar upgrade kit" or something like that. It's $20 per two dimms, comes with blue and white, (so I'd recommend using the white)

Hi,
 
Update: Completed Pics
 
I would like to share my 2014 build log and hopefully get some feedback to improve my build. I'm a newbie builder. Since the hardtube became popular, I wanted to build one. I learned by watching RomeoKilo, Singularity Computers, and other builders out there in YouTube. I thought it is easy, and I was wrong... hehe I tried...
 
Specs:
Case: Corsair: 900D (I chose this case 'coz I got it on sale and it has radiator mounts ready)
Motherboard: Maximus VI Formula (I chose this MoBo since it has waterblock already)
Processor: Intel 4770k
Memory: 16 GB Corsair Dominator Platinum (I chose this memory for aesthetics)
GPU: 2 x Saphire R9 290 (I got mine on sale before the R9 crisis, just didnt have time to complete the build)
PSU: Corsair AX1200 (From my old rig)
SSD: 240 GB Intel 530
HHD: 3 x 1TB for Raid 0
 
Watercooling:
Radiator 1: XSPC EX480 Quad 120mm
Radiator 2: EK Ultimate Performance CoolStream 480
GPU Waterblock: 2 x EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel
CPU Waterblock: EK-Supremacy - Full Nickel
Reservoir: XSPC Photon 270 Reservoir/D5 Vario Pump Combo
Fan: 8 x Corsair SP120 Quiet Edition
Fan: 4 x Corsair SP120 Performance Edition
Fan: 1 x Corsair AP140 Quiet Edition
Fan: 2 x Stock Corsair 900D Fans
Coolant: Mayhem Aurora Red
Tube: 4 x EK 12mm OD Solid Tube Set - Clear
Fittings: 8 x Bitspower Enhanced Dual 90-Degree Multi-Link Adapter
             6 x Bitspower G1/4 Thread 90-Degree Rotary Multi-Link Adapter
             8 x Bitspower G1/4 Enhanced Multi-Link Adapter
             2 x Bitspower G1/4 Thread 90-Degree Dual Rotary Adapter
             etc...
 
Others:
Cable Sleeve: Lutro0 Telios
Cable Sleeve: Corsair Individually Sleeve Cables
LED: eBay Strips
Fan Hub: 3 x ModMyToys 3-Pin Power Distribution PCB 5xWay Block
Acrylic: 3mm 18 x 18 Plexiglass
 
First set of items (I also order EVGA 750W PSU as I don't want to kill my current rig while i'm building):


 
As I'm waiting for my other stuffs to arrive (waiting for stock), I started working on the mid-plate with 3mm acrylic...




 
Stuffs starting to arrive...


 
Working with GPU waterblock...

 
Planning the loop...



 
Oh wait... am I using EK 16mm OD tube fitting? Since I'm very unsuccessful with bending tubes

(at least I can't get the right measurement and angle given all the tools I have except for the Monsoon Measuring Kit which is unfortunately been out-of-stock for the last 3 months).
 
So I decided to scrap the plan and and proceed to "Plan B", BitsPower fittings...

 
Bit short on Bitspower Enhanced Dual 90-Degree Multi-Link Adapter and I don't want to buy a piece and wait another week again, this project has been sitting here for too long now... I will do leak testing this weekend and hopefully finish the build. Unless you guys notice where the shortage that I'm talking about and suggested that I should follow the scheme of the build...

I added the Mayhem's Aurora Red coolant... I'll probably add more red dye... Here's the finished product. (I didn't notice the Q-connector fell off LOL)

Good stuff, though I still think that the board looks silly in such a large case

great job!