[Build Log] Project Inkling - In Win (Finished)

[TekRed]

 

 

 

Big thanks to Bitspower for supporting this project!

 

Finally finished up with classes and found time to take some pictures of the supplies Bitspower sent for Project Inkling. Hopefully now that I have some time I will be able to update more frequently. I was tinkering one night while working on school work and sleeved the pump cables before I got a chance to take photos, I really like the quality of the sleeving Bitspower sent. The radiator, pump/res combo, waterblocks and fittings are all top quality and would highly recommend them, and not just saying that because they are my sponsor lol.

 

 

[TekRed]

I was able to find time to paint the radiator and pump. I also made a custom name badge for the radiator out of 3mm acrylic and this it turned out great and fits the theme nicely. In order to get the logo and name perfect I actually purchased a vinyl cutting machine since I could not find anyone here in japan that made custom decals. I placed the decals on, then painted the backside the color I wanted the logos, then painted the top white with the splatter effect, then removed the decals to reveal the nice logos. I will be re making a few things with this style now that I have the vinyl cutter. I will be making a new backplate for the 1080, as well as a new plates for inside the case that will be illuminated. I will also be cutting a window in the front of the case and maybe repainting it as well. The loop will have custom neon green pastel coolant to give it the appearance of ink, and I think will make this build stand out. I am really loving these two colors on the white, looking forward to seeing the final product. Stayed tuned more updates to come and thanks for looking.

 

[Christophe Corazza]

Looking good @TekRed 

 

Out of curiosity, how do you actually create the splash effect with the neon green and pink paint. Any specific technique? Since this looks way better than I would assume one can achieve by simply taking a brush and flicking it to the case/radiator/etc.

[TekRed]

54 minutes ago, Christophe Corazza said:

Looking good @TekRed 

 

Out of curiosity, how do you actually create the splash effect with the neon green and pink paint. Any specific technique? Since this looks way better than I would assume one can achieve by simply taking a brush and flicking it to the case/radiator/etc.

Lol I actually just use my finger and flick it on. Not as easy as it looks to get good results but I've had a lot of practice. And thank you, there's still a lot of work to be done yet I hope the finish product will be unique 

[Christophe Corazza]

42 minutes ago, TekRed said:

Lol I actually just use my finger and flick it on. Not as easy as it looks to get good results but I've had a lot of practice. And thank you, there's still a lot of work to be done yet I hope the finish product will be unique 

 

Your finger?!?! 

I mean... the results don't lie: it works and looks great 

 

If you keep up what you're doing, I'm certain that it'll be amazing.

[TekRed]

22 minutes ago, Christophe Corazza said:

 

Your finger?!?! 

I mean... the results don't lie: it works and looks great 

 

If you keep up what you're doing, I'm certain that it'll be amazing.

Lol thanks, I just find it's easier to control where the paint goes although it does make my hand quite messy ? 

[TekRed]

Ok so quick update, I have torn everything down and getting the cpu and gpu ready for the waterblock. I am out of thermal paste right now so I will pick some up tomorrow and finish installing the blocks. I have test fitted the threadripper waterblock by Bitspower and I fits great, it is also a huge block. Before I disassembled everything I did a quick test fit of the radiator and pump/res to make sure my top mounted fitting would clear the fans, and it does beautifully. Luckily I am watercooling the 1080 since one of the fan blades broke off by hitting the cable comb lol I won't have an issue with the waterblock on it so that's good. As you can see from the photo I will also be installing 4 yes 4 fans on the top of the In Win 303c which is only designed for 3. I really am trying to do things I have yet to be seen done on this chassis. Also you may have noticed but I did add another set of 32gb g.skill trindentz just to fill up the empty ram slots, 64gb is a bit overkill for my needs but it's purely for cosmetic purposes only ?. In my initial post I said I would not be doing anything major to the case but I lied, I will be cutting the front open and installing an acrylic window that will be illuminate from the inside, and you will be able to see the reservoir perfectly from the front. I will also be repainting the case as I didn't like how the splatter turned out plus the paint on there now won't flow well with the new window. I don't have my camera with me so camera phone photos will have to do. Hope everyone enjoys the build so far, this is where it starts to get interesting so stayed tuned ?

[TekRed]

And it's time for another update! 

Got off early today because it was dangerously hot, so had some time to mod the case while I wait on the wife to get home with my thermal paste. 

 

First I got rid of all the old paint with a scrapper, sandpaper, and a lot of elbow grease lol. 

 

Then masked it up with several layers of masking tape, as for my setup where my res is located and how the tubes will be run I carefully planned the best design that will showcase the loop and flow with the case. I made my measurements and drew the window as well as my cut lines, always best to give yourself some space from the final mark in case something messes up

 

Then I carefully rough cut out the window

 

After that I took my sanding wheel and files to get it perfect

 

 

Then I removed the tape andsanded the whole case again to prep it for paint. I then took it inside and cleaned it. I then placed my fans, radiator, pump and reservoir inside to check how it will look through the window and I believe it turned out well. 

 

 

That soft tuning you see is my drain line in case anyone is wondering, this build will have hard tubing everywhere else. I still need to paint the case as well as make the acrylic panel for the window and panel next to the motherboard. Still much work to be done but it's getting closer. I also just ordered new mod mesh cables by @CableMod so I won't have to use extentions, I really love the quality of their cables. Hope everyone is enjoying this build so far, please leave feedback if you want I would love to know what you guys think. Until next time, happy modding

[TekRed]

Ok so the wife returned home with thermal paste and I was able to officially install the TR4 waterblock that I pictured in the previous update and I was able to install the waterblock on the gtx 1080. I opted to leave off the stock backplate as I plan on making a new one. Here's pics of the 1080. 

[CableMod]

@TekRed this is looking very unique already! Thank you for your support!

[TekRed]

6 hours ago, CableMod said:

@TekRed this is looking very unique already! Thank you for your support!

Thank you! 

[TekRed]

@stealth80 since I'm going with the 360 rad on bottom I found out its possible to fit 4 fans up top. Just thought you would find this interesting as someone who also uses this chassis

[TekRed]

Hello everyone, 

 

So I have finished painting everything, and recieved my cables from cablemod. So I was finally able to mount my radiator, pump, and reservoir. I switched out the black connectors for white ones when I got the cables and decided to leave off the cable combs as I feel it goes with the paint scheme better. I do not have the cpu cables hooked up as I didn't want the cpu heating up while I did the light test to make sure everything is hooked up. I also made brackets out of small C channel so I could mount the 4 fans up top without drilling the case. Everything fits perfect, almost too perfect as I don't have any extra room. I have started bending the tubes for the loop but I may change my mind a few times on the layout. Here are a few cell phone pics to show the progress so far. Hopefully I can have it leak tested finished and have the "ink" in it by the end of this week ? 

[Raspi454]

There needs to be more white PCBs besides the MSI tomahawk arctic, and mortar arctic.

[TekRed]

2 minutes ago, The Cheeto Bomb said:

There needs to be more white PCBs besides the MSI tomahawk arctic, and mortar arctic.

Couldn't agree more lol I didn't care about the mobo color on this build too much as most of it is covered up anyway

[Raspi454]

4 minutes ago, TekRed said:

Couldn't agree more lol I didn't care about the mobo color on this build too much as most of it is covered up anyway

I think it looks great! Also what color are you filling the loop with? Green? Pink?

[TekRed]

4 minutes ago, The Cheeto Bomb said:

I think it looks great! Also what color are you filling the loop with? Green? Pink?

Thanks, and Pastel green. Bitspower doesn't have pink. But I would like to try pink maybe next time. 

[Raspi454]

9 minutes ago, TekRed said:

Thanks, and Pastel green. Bitspower doesn't have pink. But I would like to try pink maybe next time. 

Is it opaque, or more of a  transparent liquid?

[TekRed]

Just now, The Cheeto Bomb said:

Is it opaque, or more of a  transparent liquid?

Opaque, it's supposed to mimic paint. Hopefully I can have it filled this weekend. Still trying to figure out the best design for the loop, I have plenty of tubing so I guess I'll just try until I like it. 

[Raspi454]

1 minute ago, TekRed said:

Opaque, it's supposed to mimic paint. Hopefully I can have it filled this weekend. Still trying to figure out the best design for the loop, I have plenty of tubing so I guess I'll just try until I like it. 

Always order a little more than you need when customizing!  ?

(Just in case)

[TekRed]

3 minutes ago, The Cheeto Bomb said:

Always order a little more than you need when customizing!  ?

(Just in case)

Exactly lol

[ad1das]

Woo hoo, no more manufacturer sticker! lol

[TekRed]

Quick update, 

 

Tubing is finally finished and ready for the leak test. Tried several different ways to run the loop and finally decided on a loop with semi symmetrical lines. Will be leak testing it tonight and if all goes well filling it up tomorrow ?

 

Oh yeah sorry for the mess lol havent had a chance to clean up yet 

[TekRed]

Leak testing is good so far, I decided to add some dye in it so I would be able to see the leaks better and because I wanted to see it with the green loop. It looks good with the transulant green but i will be using a pastel green in the final stage. Getting close to finishing this build and it has been fun. Let me know what you guys think ?

 

FYI: that is an alcohol wipe wrapped in the second pic so no assumptions lol I really need to clean up

 

[TekRed]

Leak test was good, flushed the loop and add the pastel coolant. Will be taking final photos tomorrow but just wanted to give everyone a sneak peak ?