[BUILD LOG] Project Tiny v1.0

[keyoke]

Greetings all,

It has been 6 years since i ventured into custom built rigs. Throughout these 6 years, I have been changing and playing with new hardware, cases, cpu coolers ranging from air to AIO WC like nobody business :s13:

 

I still remembered when i got my first AIO cooler (Corsair H70) from one of the bro in HWZ. Times have changed and now is the RGB era where RAMs, SSDs, PSUs, and even AIO CPU Coolers are RGB.

 

I have also been considering to start my journey in custom WC rigs couple of times, but stopped myself as the initial starting cost is quite high and requires lots of work and time.

However, I am unable to resist the poison (sad to say :s22:) and overhaul my entire rig to go with ITX form factor as space savings is my main concern as my fiance is moving in very soon.  

 

Lets kick off this build log with hardware selection of my rig.

Hardware Components:
Asus Z270i Strix w/ Intel I7 7700K
EVGA GTX 1080 Founders Edition
GSkill Trident Z RGB 2 x 8GB DDR4 2400MHz
Samsung PM961 OEM 512GB M.2 PCIE SSD
Corsair SF600 80+ Gold Power Supply

 

Case Selection:
Case selection is a very tough choice for me taking into consideration of the form factor, cooling performance and number of radiator it supports

I went with Lian Li PC-Q37 (Thanks to Corbell for bringing the case in for me) in the end as I love the looks of it despite that it is not the best case for custom loops

    

Hardware fitted in for temporary use:

 

[keyoke]

Watercooling Part Selection:

Aquacomputer Cuplex Kyros Nickel/Nickel
Bitspower GTX 1080 Reference Acrylic V1 RGB
EKWB XRES 100 D5
Harware Labs 240GTS U Flow Radiator x 2
Bitspower fittings and Drain Valvea
Bitspower PETG Tubing
Mayhem White Coolant
Scythe Gentle Typhoons 3K RPM
Scythe Kaze Jyuni Slim Fans 2K RPM

Custom sleeved cables

WC parts are ordered from Performance-PCs and Bitspower and fans are from Taobao

 

Update 2nd May 2017: Ordered WC Parts from Bitspower and Performance-PCs and delidded I7 7700K

Update 12th May 2017: WC Parts arrived at my doorstep, and also collected custom sleeved cables

[keyoke]

Update 15th May 2017: Mounted CPU Block and GPU Block

CPU Block looks surprisingly good on the motherboard

 

Today is a really sad day for me as GPU Block is a bit too wide causing the side panel unable to close. Cons of having a small case

 

Contacted Bitspower to purchase this to solve the problem:

 

Also the GPU block has some manufacturing error for 2 of the standoff holes which the standoffs cannot be screwed in:

 

Highlighted this issue with bitspower and they will be sending a replacement together with the VGA Multi direction link with no questions asked

 

Really great service from bitspower!

[keyoke]

Update 16th May 2017: Tried out bottom fans and bottom rad fitting:

Another cons of having small case. GPU Block too close to bottom rad with bottom slim fans

 

Current solutions:
1. Fit the slim fans at the bottom and custom cut PVC air filter and stuff it in between the ventilation holes at the bottom

2. Order PVC air filter and magnetic strip at taobao and customise the bottom air filter to cover the entire bottom of the case and fit slim/normal thickness fans at the bottom of the case. 

However, mounting of normal thickness fans will require slight clearance from the ground for airflow which can be solved by lifting the case off the ground for 5-10mm

[keyoke]

Update 18th May 2017: Bitspower shipment arrive for the VGA Multi Direction Link with replacement GPU Block

 

Bitspower VGA Multi Direction Link:

 

GPU Mounted with the water block: 

 

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH:

 

IT FITSSSSSSSS!!!!

[keyoke]

Update 22nd May 2017: Started WC components fitting, case and fan modding, and pipe bending

 

1. 10a.m - Started modding case for fitting a radiator at the bottom. Drilling job is very tough as there are ventilation holes at the bottom. Drill bit will slide around causing some severe scratches at the bottom of the case (luckily these scratches are covered by the bottom mounted fans

Result of the modding, the severe scratches are hidden under the fans :s13: :

 

2. 1p.m - Sprayed the top Gentle Typhoons 3K RPM fan blade white and lunch

 

3. 2p.m - Started reservoir/pump fitting. Drilled holes at the case, but drilled holes doesnt align with the mounting holes, took multiple attempts to enlarge the drilled holes and filing and managed to fit 3 screws in (instead of 4)

 

4. 3p.m - Started pipe bending and top rad fitting

Still incomplete. But below is a picture of the progress for the day.
Need to order a few more fittings from bitspower

[keyoke]

Update 26th May 2017: New Bitspower Fitting, and the build carries on

As mentioned in my previous post, there is a lack of 90 degree fitting to be used from CPU block to bottom radiator. And the build carries on

 

During the wait, my hoot from taobao arrive, which consist of PVC fan filter and magnetic strip for me to custom cut the bottom air filter so that i can fit a standard height 25mm fan at the bottom.

 

Also cut 8 pieces of 5mm thick rubber feets so that i can elevate the case a little for the bottom fans to take in air:

 

Finally, done with the customised bottom fan filter:

 

Fans changed to 1850RPM instead of the initial 3K RPM is the vibration it produce cause the whining sound when mounted on the bottom of the case even when i adjust the fan speed to 50%.

 

Also sprayed the 4 x Gentle Typhoons 1850RPM fan blade to white:

[keyoke]

Update 27th May 2017: Completed all pipe bending and proceed with filling of coolant and leak test:

Only 1 fan is fitted in due to the need to fill more coolant the following day as the air clears out in the loop

 

Update 28th May 2017: Completed leak test and fitted in the fan and NZXT Hue+:

Completed build without the NZXT Hue+

 

With NZXT Hue+:

[keyoke]

reserved for future updates

[keyoke]

reserved for future updates

[keyoke]

reserved for future updates

[keyoke]

reserved for future updates

[keyoke]

reserved for future updates

[keyoke]

Project Tiny completed on 28th May 2017!!! Thank you all for the time taken to read!