Hecate 2 - Watercooled Ncase M1 Build

[NannerBeans]

So I mean’t to write this build log a while ago but got busy and didn’t. So now I am upgrading my PC again and it’s going to be pretty much the most power you can pack in this small of a case so I felt obligated to get back to it. This first post is pretty much mostly pictures of builds in my Ncase M1 which has changed a bit since I got it.
 
The original specs were:
Ncase M1
Intel G3258
Noctua NH-L12 cooler
Gigabyte Z97N-Wifi
1x8GB Corsair Vengeance 1866MHz
Gigabyte GTX 780 Ghz
2x 128GB Samsung 840 Pro in RAID 0
2x WD 3TB in RAID 1
Silverstone ST45SF-G
Noiseblocker fans
 

 

Click on image for bigger picture. 

Click on image for bigger picture. 

  

 

Since then, I have swapped out the GTX 780 for a GTX 580 for a while until the 900 series came out and I picked up a gtx 780 ti for cheap. I have also swapped out the 840 pros for a single 512GB Crucial MX100 drive. Now I am moving to a Swifttech H220 with an EK full cover block for the 780 ti to have full water cooling and will be using some Scythe Gentle Typhoons on the radiator. Also have a 4770k coming in tomorrow. Will update this post with these changes at a later time.

 

Update 11/23/14: Looks like I'm going to need to get a new pump since I accidentally ran this one dry. Most likely moving to full custom loop but it has been put on hold until I can source a pump/res combo and a cpu block. I have decided though to put the 2x8GB kit of G.Skill ram I have into this build and I have also bought a Silverstone SX600-G as well. Will be updated most likely over Winter break.  

[NannerBeans]

So here are the final specs of my machine. I finally got this nailed down and the final pieces are coming in the mail soon. 

 

Ncase M1
Intel i7 4770k OC to 4.4 Ghz
Custom loop with a Koolance 370SI cpu waterblock, EK FC780 ti gpu waterblock and backplate, a Swiftech MCP655 pump with an Ek-Res 100 top and res combo, an Alphacool ST30 240mm rad, and a combination of Bitspower and Koolance fittings. 
Gigabyte Z97N-Wifi
2x8GB G. Skill Sniper 2400Mhz
MSI gtx 780 ti
Crucial MX100 512GB
2x WD 3TB (1 Green and 1 Red)
Silverstone SX600-G
Gentle Typhoon 120mm fans

 

 

Here's an update on how it's going so far. I've switched out the cpu, psu, and RAM and running a stock Intel cooler for now until I got my water cooling in which will be coming in about 2 weeks. Did some cable managing and it looks very nice if I say so myself. Will document the water cooling process more as this build log is mostly about that. Don't mind that ugly sata cable hanging out haha. Haven't moved my HDD yet. 

 

  

 

Click on image for bigger picture. 

 

 

[NannerBeans]

First step was to get the cpu cooler installed. I unfortunately forgot to take pictures until I already had this done and also had my pump/res mounted. Got that done by using the screws and nuts provided by EK and using the fan grill holes as mounts. I used the bottom one just because it was the strongest and I was worried about bending the fairly thin metal. I then ziptied it at the top so the weight would be distributed evenly. 

 

 

Next I installed the gpu waterblock on my gtx 780 ti. I actually had to run out to the hardware store since my block didn't come with washers. Ended up using some fiber ones since they didn't sell plastic washers. 

 

 

I had to relocate the 3TB WD drive to the bottom of the case. It looks better down there anyway. 

 

 

Then I installed my gpu and started with the tubing runs. Also installed my rad at the top of the case. The case wasn't designed for this but I decided to mod it for this so that I can put the glass on the side. 

 

 

At this point, I realized I forgot to put in my Noctua 92mm redux fan in at the bottom on the case so that gave me some trouble since my gpu was already in and I wasn't removing the tubing that is already installed. I eventually got it in. Fan filter was just taped on since it's on the bottom and not seen anyway. 

 

 

I then relocated my ssd to the front and hooked it up. Cable management is pretty bad right here but it doesn't really matter since it won't be seen. There was no way to make it any better anyway. The case is just too small. 

 

 

Forgot one of the tubes so went back and did that. Also some close ups of the watercooling. 

 

 

Temporarily, I cut up this foam that came with my 240mm radiator gasket and filled in the holes at the top where the panel used to be. I have some brushed black metallic vinyl wrap ordered and will be getting something cut to that shape and vinyl wrapping it. Will most likely be some kind of wood. 

 

 

Here is the loop being finished up. The cables are still fairly messy and I'll be getting to that soon. 

 

 

When that's finally done, I filled and bled the loop. I did find a leak since one of the fittings on the rad wasn't tight. It was fairly minor though. Overall it went fairly well. 

 

 

Andddd it posts! Always a good sign. Looks like idle temp is 27 degrees. 

 

 

Finalizing cable management here. This is about the best I could do. I did have some custom cables ordered but I realized I would never be able to install them so I cancelled my order. Icemodz was great as I had no trouble with them whatsoever. The price was really good too so if anyone wants custom cables, definitely check them out. 

 

 

Here is the finished product until I can get that glass in

 

 

 

 

[NannerBeans]

Here's a teaser. Look what I got. This will be the final part of the build. This build will be done in next few days. 

 

[NannerBeans]

Looks like the cpu can OC to 4.4GHz at 1.248V. I had it set to 1.23V in the BIOS but it goes up to 1.248V. Not sure why but I'm fine with the voltage as long as it's under 1.25V. That's what the previous owner of this cpu was able to OC it to so I'm confident that this is stable. I will run a stress test overnight to be sure though. Temps are good as well. It hits 70 but usually doesn't go over that. You can see part of my background here

 

I was able to OC the gpu to 1310 on the core before it started artifacting. From what I've seen, this is just slightly above average for a 780 ti. 

 

[Unilision]

Looks like the cpu can OC to 4.4GHz at 1.248V. I had it set to 1.23V in the BIOS but it goes up to 1.248V. Not sure why but I'm fine with the voltage as long as it's under 1.25V. That's what the previous owner of this cpu was able to OC it to so I'm confident that this is stable. I will run a stress test overnight to be sure though. Temps are good as well. It hits 70 but usually doesn't go over that. You can see part of my background here

That wallpaper 10/10

Congrats

[NannerBeans]

That wallpaper 10/10

Congrats

Haha thanks I quite like it too.

[NannerBeans]

So a few updates. I ended up ordering the custom cables anyway because I need to drain my loop and flush it a few times. It has a hint of blue most likely from the rad still being a bit dirty. I also have some Mayhems pastel coolant on order and a NZXT LED strip.