HP Pavilion Revamp: Plan B

[GuruMeditationError]

This thread is getting weirder and weirder. lol.

 

I know, I actually live in the twilight zone. :shrug:

[Poohy14]

Nice, are you doing a build log on it? Also, why are you going with a low profile cooler?(just curious)

Nah,not going to do a build log. I might end up changing cases in the future too a smaller case but not sure, just want a kinda smallish cooler since I have no idea where this build is going. But I guess I will decide on a cooler when I go to order one in a few months. Might even go with a Cooler Master GeminII M4. But Like I said, I'm not too sure. Lots of choices to choose from.

[QueenDemetria]

Hey everyone, I have a huge update for this project, I've been hard at work today(lol, not really). So I experimented with my two Athlon 620's and both of them OC about the same(so about 3.5Ghz while staying around 1.4v). My Phenom X2 560 OC's like a boss, but I wasn't able to unlock it(well, with a reasonable voltage), so I'm not going to use the Phenom(however I might get a confirmed unlocked one from Craigslist). I'm holding off on the Athlon 640 since I might use it for my next build(because I need a high clockspeed AM3 processor and I can't OC), but I haven't completely ruled it out yet. I'm planning on changing out the HDD LED tomorrow since I'll have heat shrink tube by the time I get out of school. Also, I have finally decided what CPU cooler I am going to use between the Cooler Master Hyper TX3 and ZEROtherm BTF90 Butterfly:

Neither...

Yep that's right, but this is where this project gets even better. Basically, I didn't expect this this system to work the first time I threw it together, yet it did. The “tiny” TX3 was able to keep all of my OC'd processors under 45c, which is surprising(kudos to Cooler Master I guess). I hate saying this, but other than the botchery, this project has actually been boring for me. So, what will I do to remedy this? Well, I think its time to put my processor under liquid. For those that didn't know, one of the pumps died in my Phantom rig. Instead of replacing the pump like a normal person, I've decided that its finally time to upgrade and “de-ghetto” my Phantom, but I will use most of the parts from it and cram them into this tiny HP. I will for sure use the 120mm radiator and HD 7770 since it it already has a waterblock installed on it, but I'm still deciding what CPU waterblock, pump, and reservoir to use. Also, due to the nasty crap growing in the Phantoms cooling system, I won't be filling the HP with water. I'm going to use this as an opportunity to experiment with oil cooling, so stay tuned .

 

And if you are wondering: “Is this why its called Plan B?” Well, its not what I had in mind lol.

[Mujteba]

 

-snip

Lol did you even plan the loop for 'Phantom'? It looks so messy 

[QueenDemetria]

Lol did you even plan the loop for 'Phantom'? It looks so messy 

Lol, I did about 5 minutes of planning my runs, but I was going for function . To be fair though, my build did improve over time:

[AlexStriz]

 

Hey everyone, I have a huge update for this project, I've been hard at work today(lol, not really). So I experimented with my two Athlon 620's and both of them OC about the same(so about 3.5Ghz while staying around 1.4v). My Phenom X2 560 OC's like a boss, but I wasn't able to unlock it(well, with a reasonable voltage), so I'm not going to use the Phenom(however I might get a confirmed unlocked one from Craigslist). I'm holding off on the Athlon 640 since I might use it for my next build(because I need a high clockspeed AM3 processor and I can't OC), but I haven't completely ruled it out yet. I'm planning on changing out the HDD LED tomorrow since I'll have heat shrink tube by the time I get out of school. Also, I have finally decided what CPU cooler I am going to use between the Cooler Master Hyper TX3 and ZEROtherm BTF90 Butterfly:

Neither...

Yep that's right, but this is where this project gets even better. Basically, I didn't expect this this system to work the first time I threw it together, yet it did. The “tiny” TX3 was able to keep all of my OC'd processors under 45c, which is surprising(kudos to Cooler Master I guess). I hate saying this, but other than the botchery, this project has actually been boring for me. So, what will I do to remedy this? Well, I think its time to put my processor under liquid. For those that didn't know, one of the pumps died in my Phantom rig. Instead of replacing the pump like a normal person, I've decided that its finally time to upgrade and “de-ghetto” my Phantom, but I will use most of the parts from it and cram them into this tiny HP. I will for sure use the 120mm radiator and HD 7770 since it it already has a waterblock installed on it, but I'm still deciding what CPU waterblock, pump, and reservoir to use. Also, due to the nasty crap growing in the Phantoms cooling system, I won't be filling the HP with water. I'm going to use this as an opportunity to experiment with oil cooling, so stay tuned .

 

And if you are wondering: “Is this why its called Plan B?” Well, its not what I had in mind lol.

 

Ohhhhh, well this is an interesting turn of events

 

Usually most people would just push through the project, even if its boring. It's cool to see that you're not like other people Cant wait to see how this develops.

 

Wonder if you'll get bored of this and make a Plan C?

[QueenDemetria]

Let the fun begin

 

 

Ohhhhh, well this is an interesting turn of events

 

Usually most people would just push through the project, even if its boring. It's cool to see that you're not like other people Cant wait to see how this develops.

 

Wonder if you'll get bored of this and make a Plan C?

Lol, I just couldn't finish a computer if it was boring, and hopefully there isn't a Plan C. I never really finish my PC's, they are continuously being upgraded and messed with. I'll explain why this is my "Plan B" after I finish my project .

[flibberdipper]

Let the fun begin

 

 

 

Lol, I just couldn't finish a computer if it was boring, and hopefully there isn't a Plan C. I never really finish my PC's, they are continuously being upgraded and messed with. I'll explain why this is my "Plan B" after I finish my project .

What's with the random (seemingly 4K+ RPM and 40mm) fans?

[Frankie]

I'll explain why this is my "Plan B" after I finish my project .

 

I don't know what to think anymore. Mysterious B.

[QueenDemetria]

So umm.... This project isn't going to "take an hour" like I convinced my self it would lol. I just got out of school so I'll get back to work on it again, but I'm thinking its time to get my air compressor out. Anyways, here is where I am currently at:

When I planned this in my head, everything fit nicely and looked great, but now that I have the pieces in hand nothing is really fitting together nicely(And I killed my other pump, so now I have to use my stock D5 pump). My goal is to have everything internal, so I have to do a lot of thinking.

 

What's with the random (seemingly 4K+ RPM and 40mm) fans?

Lol, since I had to remove the original HDD cage I had to add HDD adapters to the 5.25" bays. They were just what I had:

But I don't have the fans plugged in. The fans are really loud, even at 5v lol. I plan to just leave the fans for now since they won't be visible and they don't get in the way, but it might be good to get some airflow some day(I'm thinking a single fan could replace them).

 

I don't know what to think anymore. Mysterious B.

Lol, its actually a pretty good story. I'll tell it once I finish this build

[Frankie]

Lol, its actually a pretty good story. I'll tell it once I finish this build

 

Damn, everything inside the case ? Good luck you gonna need it.

 

Okay, okay, I am intrigued.

[QueenDemetria]

The funny thing about today is that I had two machines that worked perfectly fine(despite having a broken pump), and now neither of them can run since they are incomplete lol. This is why I love custom PC building . Other than dismantling two machines though, the only things I was able to finish is changing out the HDD LED and installing the backplate for my CPU water block.

*Note* The LED fits in that black plastic thing. I just have it out so you can see it.

*Note* The Water block was installed to test fitment, I still have to apply thermal paste and clean out the block. And yes I know the fittings aren't the same size .

 

While I am running errands tomorrow I plan on stopping by Home Depot to get more fittings and any other junk I can find. I want to avoid using 1/2" tube since the stuff I have is nasty from being used previously and the stuff at Home depot is too hard to work with. @Frankie I still plan on installing everything in the case and I think I have just the trick for being able to do this . I just need to do some last minute planning before I do any more cutting.

 

Also if anybody is curious to the effects of using oil as coolant instead of water, so far the only thing I have noticed is that it makes the tubes stiff, but that's about it(so far, after 24 hrs.). Using it for a long term will be the true test though.

[Mujteba]

When I planned...

[QueenDemetria]

I has metal box:

This went to an old server or something. Don't really care, it needs a new life. Soo a few cuts later:

(insert pictures I forgot to take)

and presto, I now have a hacked apart box:

And I didn't do this for teh lolz either, look at this beaut:

I'm probably going to paint it black, not sure yet. Also pardon the mess on my table, I like to make big messes now that I can't get in trouble .

[Frankie]

What purpose does it have exactly, mounting the rad ? Nice clean cuts though

 

Finally I can type this, forum was acting up for me for the last half an hour or so.

[QueenDemetria]

What purpose does it have exactly, mounting the rad ? Nice clean cuts though

 

Finally I can type this, forum was acting up for me for the last half an hour or so.

Thanks . I built the cover to hold hold my pump and reservoir, but if the single 120mm radiator isn't enough then I'll have to mount another rad to it...somehow(lol). I'm hoping the single 120 rad will be enough, since the HD 7770 doesn't output much heat and neither does the Athlon(in fact, before I tore my PC apart I ran the CPU passive with the CM TX3. The temperatures were fine.).

 

And lol, right after I posted my pics the forum went down. I thought it was my internet going out again lol.

[Frankie]

Thanks . I built the cover to hold hold my pump and reservoir, but if the single 120mm radiator isn't enough then I'll have to mount another rad to it...somehow(lol). I'm hoping the single 120 rad will be enough, since the HD 7770 doesn't output much heat and neither does the Athlon(in fact, before I tore my PC apart I ran the CPU passive with the CM TX3. The temperatures were fine.).

 

And lol, right after I posted my pics the forum went down. I thought it was my internet going out again lol.

 

Sure, no problemo Yeah I was like cool B posted something new and then bam forum went to sh*t.

[QueenDemetria]

Shits getting real:

Its just a minor cut, don't worry but expect an update within the next few hours. Mechanically I want to have this finished tonight, but I'll have to wait 12ish hours for sealant to dry(sigh). Welp, off to work

[itsmyjobtoknow]

Shits getting real:

-SNIP-

Its just a minor cut, don't worry but expect an update within the next few hours. Mechanically I want to have this finished tonight, but I'll have to wait 12ish hours for sealant to dry(sigh). Welp, off to work

 

Ouch...well at least its just a "minor cut" as you claim

 

Reminds me of the time where I got a first degree burn from a heatgun when I was bending a tube for my loop...

[Mujteba]

Shits getting real:

Its just a minor cut, don't worry but expect an update within the next few hours. Mechanically I want to have this finished tonight, but I'll have to wait 12ish hours for sealant to dry(sigh). Welp, off to work

I got a pretty deep cut on my thumb this one time whilst stripping the insulation off wire. I made the stupid mistake of pointing the blade towards me which then slipped and the tip dug into my thumb.

 

Bled and throbbed for a few hours.

[MeepLikesToBuildPc's]

Ouch...well at least its just a "minor cut" as you claim

 

Reminds me of the time where I got a first degree burn from a heatgun when I was bending a tube for my loop...

Reminds me the moment when my technology teacher said to a pupil: "hey tom, could you check if the soldering iron is warm? "OK" he says. what he does? He grabs the whole iron by the metal piece. his hand 2nd degree burned completely

[QueenDemetria]

Great strides were made today... Lol. So the first hing I needed to do was fix my D5 pump. I still have the stock ugly top for mine and since I have gone well over my $0 budget, I needed to modify the top I have. I cut the stock barbs off for two reasons: 1, they are 1/2” and that's too big for most of my projects. And 2, I would need to use adapters to get the desired angles/sizes, which I just don't have space for. So, two cuts with the die grinder and I have only solved half of my problem.

Since I am borrowing tools from my Dad, I had just the thing to add threads to my hole(a tap I think?):

This pump would have been so much better if it would have com from the factory like this, but oh well. Also, why aren't pumps and taps in gyms? Doing two holes was quite the workout lol.

 

Moving on to the reservoir, I added Velcro pieces to keep my bracket from scratching the acrylic.

Sad thing is that I ended up cracking the reservoir while putting the fittings on, so at this point even if it does get a few scratches I won't care. I used zip ties to hold the reservoir on:

I should have used black zip ties, but oh well. I might paint that panel so I could change them eventually, but honestly I really don't want to redo this set up (you will see why towards the bottom of this post).

 

To put things into perspective, here is how tight I have designed this case:

The bottom of the pump barely clears the case, and there is hardly any room for the tubes.

This is how I mounted the pump though:

 I used zip ties and wire mounts(?)to hold it on. Sad thing is that two of the mounts have already come off, but it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

I almost had to drill a hole so I could reach the speed switch on the pump, but I went for the easy approach:P 

 

This is how I joined the pump and reservoir together:

 

To continue my trend of Home Depot parts, here is my water block with fittings installed:

Not pretty, but it will get the job done lol. It will be covered up anyways, so that's why wasn't too concerned bout its aesthetics.

 

Moving onto the GPU, here it is fully plumbed:

It used 1/4” tube while the rest of the system uses 3/8” tube, so that's why I had to use those ugly fittings. It beats having to use the adapters I made lol(look at my Phantom build if you want to see the adapters).

 

Basically at this point it was 2 more tubes and a whole lot of headache, but here are the results:

The panel doesn't come off as far as I wanted it to.

I think this is the tightest fit computer I have ever built. Between the non modular PSU and the cooling system I think I have used up every bit of space lol.

Best of all everything fits! The panel doesn't go in easy, but it fits and that's all what matters. This made my night seeing everything go together .

 

Another cool thing that I haven't shown off is the custom SATA cable I had made(I didn't make it). Since one of the SSD's is mounted up side down, I figured I should get a upside down cable to match it:

And that feeling when you get to say “worth it”:

 

I can't wait to see this thing run, I've spent too much time and money making a HP case “suck less” lol. I will let the sealant fully dry this time, since that's what made my lines in my Phantom cloudy(although this time I am using RTV instead of Loctite thread sealant). Will it leak? Will it overheat? You will soon find out

 

Also, if you are wondering: “Did doing all of this solve your boredom and was it worth decommissioning two machines?” Why yes it did, and it was totally worth it. I'm not sure if I would do it again ,but I'm glad I did it If I were to do this again, I would probably use my Dell Inspiron case since its a little roomier, but pushing the limits with a small HP case was fun. If the single radiator isn't enough, I'm not sure what I will do. Since I want to start my next build, I might just revert this back to air cooling, but it would be worth re-visiting in the future(either way we come out winning lol).

[Mujteba]

I can't wait to see this thing run, I've spent too much time and money making a HP case “suck less” lol. I will let the sealant fully dry this time, since that's what made my lines in my Phantom cloudy(although this time I am using RTV instead of Loctite thread sealant). Will it leak? Will it overheat? You will soon find out

 

Also, if you are wondering: “Did doing all of this solve your boredom and was it worth decommissioning two machines?” Why yes it did, and it was totally worth it. I'm not sure if I would do it again ,but I'm glad I did it If I were to do this again, I would probably use my Dell Inspiron case since its a little roomier, but pushing the limits with a small HP case was fun. If the single radiator isn't enough, I'm not sure what I will do. Since I want to start my next build, I might just revert this back to air cooling, but it would be worth re-visiting in the future(either way we come out winning lol).

 

I have to say this is a really exciting project to follow and hope it turns out excellent. Also just a suggestion to clear up the clutter, snip away any cables from the psu that you are not using and think you'll never use ever (of course just make sure the copper ends don't touch by insulating them). I know that feel with non-modular psus and their stiff bulky cables.

[Shotgun]

This is one nice project,Thats some really pro grade stuff you did there.Thread followed   :lol:

[Frankie]

That is actually pretty impressive, getting so much stuff in the small case. Crafty.  I am here so inappropriate commenting!

 

Shits getting real:

-snip-

Its just a minor cut, don't worry but expect an update within the next few hours. Mechanically I want to have this finished tonight, but I'll have to wait 12ish hours for sealant to dry(sigh). Welp, off to work

Appropriate Monty Python pic.

 

My favorite out of context section. You keep on giving B. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

I had just the thing to add threads to my hole(a tap I think?): - Yep a tap

Doing two holes was quite the workout lol.

doesn't go in easy, but it fits and that's all what matters. This made my night