First Custom Loop build

[RodneyPierce]

Hey guys, my first post here on the forum, and my first custom loop build.

 

(disregard the dates, I copied my post from another forum and just pasted it here.  I started the build on Wednesday.

 

Below is a list of components going into the build:

 

Fractal Designs Define S
i7-7700k
Asus Maximus IX Formula
G Skill TridentZ RGB 32GB 3600 16-16-16
EVGA 1080 ti FE
Samsung 850 Evo 500GB
Samsung 960 Evo NVMe 250GB
EVGA SuperNova 850+ Gold
Cable Mods ModMesh cable kit.

Water cooling will be as follows:

EK Supremacy Evo CPU Block
EK Titan X Full Cover GPU Block
EK Backing plate
EK Coolstream PE 360mm
EK Coolstream PE 240mm
EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 Pump

 

 

Started with the case.  First time working with a Fractal Designs case.  Not bad, but definitely thinner than Phanteks, and in my opinion a step below quality wise as well.  There were a couple things that I didnt like about the case right off the bat, so I set out to fix them.

The first was the top panel.  Its a nice looking case!  When you have the modular top panels in place.  Since I am using a top and front mounted rad, they have to be removed which leaves a pretty open, and IMHO ugly top.  So I decided to use the top panels, and just install stand off's for them to sit on as shown below:

 

 

 

Here are the top panels, I had to remove the little plastic lip so that they would stay hooked into the case on the front side, while the rear was lifted:

 

 

 

 

Then, I installed a standoff for the rear side of each panel to rest on:

 

 

[RodneyPierce]

Then I went about my issue with the front (still might move the dust filter to the outside instead of the inside.  Not sure if I like it better inside, or outside.

 

I decided that I wanted to mount the fans for the 240 rad in between the case and the front panel (to try and maximize the room I have inside of the chassis) but in doing so, it put the face of the fans very close to the back of the front panel.  So, I cut an opening and backed it with a magnetic dust filter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the radiator mounted up front.  Not sure if I want to run an extra intake fan above it or not.  Plan is to have one intake in the bottom, one exhaust in the back, then of course the top rad exhausting out the top of the case.

 

 

And that is where we rest for today.  Tomorrow the GPU arrives, and Ill try and get some more components mounted into the case.  Not sure yet how Im going to run all of the lines.  We shall figure that out as I mount things I guess.

[RodneyPierce]

OK, here is where I ended up today.  I had to move the 360 rad to the front, and the 240 to the top (I hope that doesnt matter?)  Simply because it wouldnt clear the water fitting on the MoBo.  As you can see, it now all clears.  My planned path is as follows (let me know if you would run it differently please)

 

360 rad > Pump > GPU > MoBo > 240 rad > CPU > 360 rad

 

I still plan to have an intake fan on the bottom, that pictured exhaust on the back, and likely another exhaust on the top, at the end of the 240 rad.

I also had to priority overnight some PWN fan extensions as I wasnt thinking clearly when ordering (ouch)

 

 

 

 

 

[RodneyPierce]

Alright, so this morning I got the 1080 ti torn down, gpu block and back plate installed.  Then got on to installing it and running the tubing!  I think it came out pretty well!

I also decided to cut out a larger area on the face of the case, and installed black aluminum window screen as a backer.  It's more transparent (negative) but allows much more flow and IMHO looks better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RodneyPierce]

Alright, had to change one fitting as it wouldn't clear the RAM sticks.  Installed a GPU support bracket from MNPCTech, put a string of Phanteks RGB LED's around the perimeter. Everything is buttoned up, last fans installed, power supply installed and cables ran/managed.  Filled up the loop and on to leak testing!!  Feels good man!

I will say, this will be the last mid tower that I choose to build in.  After doing my last 3 builds in full towers, I miss the room and ease of access to everything.

 

 

 

[airdeano]

great start, the lower fan on the floor should be turned around and an intake fan. the filter below will be very restrictive for an exhaust fan, plus it'll reduce the negative pressure you have in the chassis.

[RodneyPierce]

59 minutes ago, airdeano said:

great start, the lower fan on the floor should be turned around and an intake fan. the filter below will be very restrictive for an exhaust fan, plus it'll reduce the negative pressure you have in the chassis.

Very good catch!  It was meant to be an intake, not an exhaust.  I completely overlooked that.  I'll change that right now!  Thank you sir!

[RodneyPierce]

here are final assembled pictures.  With the top vents, and the larger front cut out.  I'm digging it!!

 

 

 

[RodneyPierce]

Well, didnt get what I wanted to done tonight.  But at least got the old monitors removed from my desk, new monitor mount installed and one of the new Asus monitors put up.  Also got the computer up on the desk, and got windows installed.  Ill mess with it some more in the morning, and hopefully see what she can do

Here are a few pictures of when it was cycling through the RGB colors.  Im not sure what color Ill settle on (likely white or cyan-ish color)

 

 

 

 

 

[Tarzan]

Really nice build :).

[hoaxy32]

Really nice build man, really impressive. I've also been thinking of doing my first custom water loop in my Thermaltake Core P3 but still have not bit the bullet yet and gone for it.

[DildorTheDecent]

You should try and see if you can get a single slot I/O bracket for the 1080Ti. 

 

Single slot 1080Ti would be great. 

 

Honestly don't think the support bracket is necessary though. Looks nice though. 

[RodneyPierce]

8 hours ago, DildorTheDecent said:

You should try and see if you can get a single slot I/O bracket for the 1080Ti. 

 

Single slot 1080Ti would be great. 

 

Honestly don't think the support bracket is necessary though. Looks nice though. 

Thank you!  I was a little worried about the weight of the card with the full cooler, so figured why not.  Plus, like you said it does look cool :). It actually raised the rear of the card about .25 inches to get it back level.

[RodneyPierce]

Here is what I ended up with for color.  I used white on the phanteks LED strip, and then cyan on the motherboard accents and did a fade on each ram stick from cyan to white.  Looks alright!  My keyboard and mouse are also colored cyan as well.  Ill get pictures of the whole desk after I get the second monitor hung today