[Project]: Big Bro' Prodigy (E-ATX Prodigy mod)

[nikkokick]

Happy birthday

 

Thanks mate! Here's an update!

 

 

UPDATE!

 

Modification of the front panel - 24/05 -2013

UPDATE 24/4 - 2013

 

Hi all!

 

Hope you’re all doing great!

I got a package on the 22nd of May that consisted of some mesh for my build.

 

I was planning to release a big update where I use all the mesh I’ve gotten but after last night, when I did some working on this project, I was so happy about the results that I couldn’t resist to share it with you now!

 

So here it is!

Made a change on the front panel. I love the look of steel and mesh so I pretty much had to

 

Get ready!

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As most of you know the black version of the Prodigy has some kind of mesh in the front panel.

 

Because I love the look and color of steel and mesh I thought that I should modify the front panel so suit my needs. I was lucky that my father, who provided me with the mesh, could make some custom cuts.

Here’s the original front panel (which I have scratched a bit) and my 1mm steel mesh on the side.

 

I remove the “mesh” of the Prodigy. It’s pretty thin and light, nothing fancy, but it works

 

Test mounting what is to be done!

 

I mark the spots where I will use the rivet gun. I had to drill up the holes a little bit with a 2mm drill. No problems doing that tho

 

I did the same with the front panel. I marked where I wanted the mounting holes and I then drilled in the plastic front panel.

 

The front panel with 4 drilled holes - one in each corner.

 

And here’s the rivet gun! I’m very excited to see the results.

 

The new modified front panel with real 1mm thick steel mesh! All that is left to do is mount it!

 

And here’s the final result! I was so satisfied with the results that I’ll give you a double sized image, haha! I think it turned out great and looks amazingly good, as I love the look of steel and mesh. I like the industrial feeling

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This was, as I said, a small update because I couldn’t resist to share it!

 

I got a few more mesh-parts than what I used in this project, I wonder what I will use those for?

 

Hope you liked this update (even if you don’t like mesh), hehe

 

I’d love to hear what you think about it!

Thanks for following this log

 

Take care!

Best Regards

Nikkop

[Baudouin]

Well done, nice industrial effect, very Apple genuine look.

[nikkokick]

Well done, nice industrial effect, very Apple genuine look.

Sorry for my late reply:

 

Thanks a bunch! Yeah I love the industrial look

A Hackintosh system in this case, once it's done wouldn't be too bad, aye?

 

However, here's a message for all of you!:

 

I just wanted to let you know that I've made the next modification/moment for the next update. The only thing that's left with that update is the selection and fix of all the pictures and the writing of the update (it actually takes quite some time! )

 

I'm at the moment at my family's house in another town and I couldn't bring my whole computer there, unfortunately.

However, I managed to fit my beloved Big Bro' Prodigy inside the baggage! I had to remove all the rivets but I managed to get it down, haha.

 

But as I said, the modification is done. All I need to do now is to write the update and such stuff which takes some time. I hope I can get it done by this week

 

Hope you want to see some more updates!

 

Thanks in advance

Best Regards

nikkop

[Baudouin]

Just one think. Why not put the Apple logo in the front of the case ? This will be more genuine. 

Lucky for you, your case is not cylinder, otherwise you could be in trouble by mimicking the new Macpro .   

[nikkokick]

Just one think. Why not put the Apple logo in the front of the case ? This will be more genuine. 

Lucky for you, your case is not cylinder, otherwise you could be in trouble by mimicking the new Macpro .   

Haha, I considered it first but then I chose not to. Who knows what the future holds?

 

Yeah abut that cylinder design, it looks like {censored} to be honest. Doesn't feel lika Apple at all. Why would you want a computer formed as a cylinder? Come on Apple, haha

[Baudouin]

It's like a Cube with round edges. The roundness remind me the curves of the G3 and G4 MacIntosh .

[nikkokick]

It's like a Cube with round edges. The roundness remind me the curves of the G3 and G4 MacIntosh .

Both yes or no in my opinion. It doesn't say Apple at all, but when you mentioned the G3 and G4...

I'm not sure about it, let's see what they do about it

 

However, here's an update from me!

 

 

UPDAAAAAAATE!  

 

Modification of the top - 16/06 -2013

UPDATE 16/06 - 2013

 

YOYO WHATSUP!

Hope you're all good

Here's an update from me about how I modified the top of the case. I did some sawing to change the looks and the function of it and I even mounted another piece of mesh, just like the front panel.

Why and what I did is to be seen below, so let's go!

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Here's the case with the mesh on top for test-mounting. This is how I want it to be attached.

 

So I get some help from my beloved tools I drill holes in both the mesh and in the top panel of the case

 

The rivets look like small cute antennas on the case, haha Right before they are being struck into the case.

 

So the mesh is in place! I like having the mesh on more than one place, so I try to use it where it can be used for a function and where it looks good

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Since I've now attached the mesh I think it has to surve some kind of purpose, why would I otherwise place it there? (other from the looks, haha)

I can't nor want to use the original 2x 120mm fan mounting in the top so I'm getting rid of it. I think that stuff you don't use and doesn't fill a purpose, get rid of it!

Since I drilled out all the rivets to be able to transport the case in my suitcase the case is in a couple of pieces However, here's the top and the rear panel.

 

So here I've put some tape on where and what to saw.  Have you figured out yet what and why?

I was of course forced to remove the mesh I recently attached, to be able to saw. What a waste of rivets, haha  

 

So let's get some work done!

 

So what I wanted to saw is now done.

The edges are still rough and not fixed. I'll fix them all later on when I grind all of the edges from the cutting. This will of course be done once I'm done with all the sawing/cutting

 

And here's the reason why I did the cut! I, of course, wanted to be able to mount a couple of fans in the top. I'll use a minimum of 2x 120mmm fans, perhaps larger if I can get them in

 

After I did the modification above I thought that the hole I did was a little too small. Sure, the space was enough for what I wanted to use it for, but I didn't think it was particulary nice that you could see the traces of the original top.

So I placed some new tape of what and where I want to cut

 

This time my dad got an idea of using an angle grinder instead. A new friend of mine I can tell you, it worked amazingly good.

 

And here's how the new hole turned out. I myself think that the hole is better this way as you don't see any trace of how it looked before. Anyway this ain't entirely done. I will even out/smooth the edges, grind them and then paint the top. It's now rough cut to show what it will look like, but there's little work left with that

 

Test-mounted and it looks good if you ask me! The positive thing is that I can mount fans in the top, which I will of course do  

And you can barely see the hole thru the mesh, wonderful

Also that is plays along great in color and structure with the mesh I put in the front and the back. I will have some mesh on/inside the case so that a big part of the case is covered

t

______________________________________________________________

 

So that was about the top! As I mentioned it's rough cut and I will even the edges out, grind and paint the case. Even if the top won't be visible under the mesh it's a good feeling knowing that it's done in a proper and good way

I've already started on the next update so it will be out in a while

 

Please do not hesitate to comment or ask questions, I get happy when people respond

 

Thank you for reading and following!

 

Best Regards

Nikkop

[necrophagous]

Man this is cool

[nikkokick]

Man this is cool

Thanks a bunch!

 

Check below for a new update!

 

 

UPDAAAAAAATE!  

 

Even more mesh! and AquaTuning is sponsoring - 10/07 -2013

UPDATE 10/07 - 2013

 

HIP HOPP TO THE TOP!

 

Hope you're all doing great!

I just got home from a 2 week vacation and I'm ready to share this update with you! I thought I'd get it out sooner than this but I didn't have the time required and who doesn't want to enoy their vacation while it lasts?

This update will be about something that's not new but still wonderful - even more mesh! I can't get enough of it and it will cover my build quite much. I'll let the pictures and text below talk for themselves so be sure to enjoy it!

BUT!

Something have happened that will have a huge influence on this mod. That is that I've got a new collaboration partner named AquaTuning!

AquaTuning is a web-store featuring water cooling components with a huge range of nice and great products. They are based in Germany but have multiple language-choices on their site. They do send with UPS and the package is delivered to your door within days

AquaTuning joins me as a collaboration partner and supplies me with a complete water cooling system for Big Bro' Prodigy. This will definately raise the awesome-factor of my project a lot. It will be very interesting and exciting to work with water as I've never done that before

 

Below you see a couple of pictures of the package and a picture of the products themselves:

The products will be unboxed and photographed in the next update and I will show every product on it's own  

 

This will be the first complete water cooling system I've ever installed so it will be fun to learn something new, at the same time as it will look completely awesome (hopefully )

Here's the picture! I'll only give you a few as a start, more to come in the next update

 

The package I've been waiting for and been thrilled about! 

 

I open the package up and see that everything is well packed and compact. I didn't think all would be able to fit in this box even tho' it does weight some, haha

 

And here's a picture of all the products I've been supplied with! What I've been supplied with in the package and for this build can be seen in the list below:

The products;

GUMMI BEARS!: Thanks for the candy!

CPU-Block: Alphacool NexXxoS XP³ Light - Black Chrome Edition

Radiator: 2x Alphacool NexXxos ST30 240mm

Reservoir: Alphacool HF 38 Cape Cyclen 250

Pump: Laing DDC-pump 12V DDC-1T

Pump-top: Alphacool Laing DDC Acetal top

Pump-mounting: Phobya Universal monterirng för pumpar (Eheim, Magicool, Laing) & Alphacool Laing ljuddämpningskit (Velcro matta + 60x60mm isolering)

Fan grills: Phobya Blende Dual (240) - Hole Series - Black & Phobya radiator grill single (140) HEXX - black

 

As you may see it's not a 100% complete water coolig system yet. What is missing is connections/fittings and some kind of tubing. The fittings are needed on every component in the loop and the tube is of course there to transport the liquid The reason I haven't gotten any yet is because I don't know what will suit the best. I will find out once I've installed all components and thereafter order the fittings and tubing as I want it to be perfect

 

That was what I had to show for the moment regarding the new collaboration partner AquaTuning and the products that will be inside this project. Can you imagine a complete water cooling system inside the Big Bro' Prodigy? I can and I like the imagination of it!

Where everything will be mounted, how it will look and stuff a like will of course be shown later on when the time has come. I have quite a few ideas in my head that I need to try

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Let's continue with the case-mod itself that will be about nothing less than even more mesh! (which makes me happy as I love it)

Here's the botton of the case itself where all the contacts will be reached. I have earlier sawn out some holes for the I/O- and PCI-contact and the PSU a like. I did this before I got the idea that I'd like to use the mesh I've gotten my hands on.

 

Now at a later stage I've made the decision that I want this bottom part to be covered with nothing less than mesh, as well

I try to get the mesh piece inside but I notice that there's two raised parts in the tray (marked with red arrows) that will create some problem as the level won't be straight and smooth.

 

This is how I want it to look once it's done. With mesh on the inside of the case and then the motherboard tray and I/O on top of it

 

I could make two things at the same time - Put in even more mesh and remove those tiny "boulders", so I started masking it up and called upon my tools  

 

I sawn a huge part of the bottom tray away - where I earlier had made holes for all the contacts. I will later on make the same holes in this mesh so I can reach all the contacts The hole thing about  this was that I wanted to have visible mesh on the inside.

 

The rear/back part that I earlier cut some mesh for was to be fixed as well. Since I will have a covering mesh even in the back I had to get rid of what's there original, as the fan-mounting, holes and such stuff.

I mark what is to be sawn and I then saw the parts away, quite some parts got off

 

What is remain to do on these is to make all the cuts smoother and maybe paint the parts so you don't see any scracthes or proof that it has been sawn/modified - even tho the mesh will cove that up quite good

 

Since both the top, bottom and rear/back and the front have gotten a mesh-makeover I thought it was time to puzzle up the case to see what it looks like We've seen the parts a lone but not togheter as a case so it's time!

I myself think that it looks extremely wonderful and I'm very pleased with the result

 

The inside:

 

Seen from behind:

 

And last but definately not least, seen from the front! Both with and without the motherboard I/O-tray. Looks very nice with the mesh and the contrast it makes to the black of the rest of the case

______________________________________________________________

 

It feels like the modification of the case itself is starting to somehow come to an end and look good!

What remains to be done is to saw the holes in the bottom-tray to allow the contacts to be reachable and then attach all the mesh-parts with rivets and stuff a like. After the modification of the case itself is done there will of course be other moments I will work with, such as sleeving the PSU, mounting and constructing the water cooling loop etcetc.

 

There's however one thing on the case that I have an awesome idea about that I think will be really good. However I don't want to reveal it quite yet, haha I first want to try it out and see if it fits and such stuff. As a teaser I can reveal that it will be about somehow modifying/replacing the top handles with something that will look better and suit my style in this build even more

 

Please do comment, ask or give suggestions! I get happy when people write

 

Thank you for reading and following,

Best Regards

Nikkop

[nikkokick]

 

UPDATE!  

 

Unboxing & Overview of the GIGABYTE GTX 780 OC - 06/08 -2013

 

UPDATE 06/08 - 2013

 

Hi there!

 

As you may have found out from the topic of this update is that GIGABYTE have supplied me with another great product. 

 

 

This product will really give this project that big extra touch, namely nothing less than a - GTX 780 OC (GV-N780OC-3GD) graphics card!

 

 

I'm very thankful and happy to have gotten the opportunity to feature this amazing GPU in my project and build and I think it will raise the awesome-factor even more!

 

So this update will be about the unboxing and an overview of the GPU that will take place in Big Bro' Prodigy. So for the moment what I'm pushing inside my poor (but lucky) Prodigy is an E-ATX motherboard (Z77X-UP7), a GTX 780, custom water loop with 2x 240rads + 25cm reservoir and more! Talk about compact

 

I have made an unboxing and overview video that I would ask you to check out (thank you in advance! ). 

I'm trying to create my own and new style in this video so please let me know what you think! Example the texts sliding in and such stuff.

I will however also put up pictures and additional text to support the pictures.

 

So let's go!

______________________________________________________________

 

Here's the unboxing and overview video uploaded on YouTube:

______________________________________________________________

 

Pictures and additional text:

 

Here's the box of the GIGABYTE GTX 780.

 

 

The content of the box:

•  
  

• GIGABYTE GTX 780
  

• 2x Molex to PCI adapters (6- and 8-pin) - in case you lack the cables from your power supply.
  

• DVD with softwares (Drivers, OC GURU II etc.etc.)
  

• Quick Quide - Useful if you are unsure how to install a graphics card.
  

 

 

Here's the beauty, the GTX 780 with the Windforce 3X 450W cooler. It performs as good as a GTX Titan but comes much cheaper, being a lot more "bang of the buck".

Example: In Sweden the GIGABYTE GTX 780 is 25% cheaper than the chepeast GTX Titan.

 

 

Dimensions of the card:

•  
  

• L = 292mm
  

• W = 129mm
  

• H = 43mm
  

 

The height of only 2x PCI-E slots enables SLI-configs

 

 

Since this is a factory overclocked graphics card the clock frequencies are higher than the regular GTX 780. It performs more or less like a GTX Titan thanks to the OC.

•  
  

• Core: 954Mhz - 11%~ higher than stock core.
  

• Boost: 1006Mhz - 12% higher than stock boost.
  

 

 

The brand new Windforce 3X 450W cooling solution consists of: 

•  
  

• "Triangle Cool" Technology (
  )
  

• 3x Ultra quiet fans - Quiet even under heavy load (yes I've tried it out myself! )
  

• Two massive heatsinks
  

• 6 copper heatpipes - 2x 8mm & 4x 6mm
  

• Able to dissipate 450W of heat.
  

 

 

 

Two nice things on the back of the graphics card.

•  
  

• "Anti-bend" mounting, a metal piece preventing the PCB from bending due to a heavy cooler. Not bad! (makes me feel safe )
  

• Black PCB! Finally black PCB on GIGABYTE cards, awesome for the color scheme - black goes with everything.
  

 

 

Video outputs:

•  
  

• Displayport
  

• HDMI
  

• Dual-link DVI-D
  

• Dual-link DVI-I
  

 

Four screens can be run on the same time on a single GPU! Also of course 120Hz screens and such.

 

 

Driven by two connectors.  6- & 8-pin.

 

 

Additional photos:

 

 

 

And finally up and running!

 

______________________________________________________________

 

Please do take a look at the video I've posted as I would appreciate that a lot! Also I explain it all better and in more detail than with the pictures and text - the photos and texts are complementary for the video in case you don't have the possibility to watch it.

 

So this graphics card beast will be in this project, how awesome isn't that?! I look forward to try it out and do some benchmarks, try the cooling solution out, overclock the card and stuff a like!

 

Anything specific you're wondering about let me know and I'll try to answer it!

 

I’d love to hear what you think about the video and what you think of the GTX 780 inside of the Big Bro' Prodigy!

 

Thanks in advance,

Best Regards

Nikkop

[nikkokick]

 

UPDAAAAAAATE!  

 

 

Cut holes for I/O and assembly - 24/09 -2013

 

UPDATE 24/09 - 2013

 

Hiya all!

 

Here I am with an update that shows that this project is starting to come along!

I have recently test-assembled a lot around this build to see what and where everything will fit the best and I think I have found those spots!

When that was done I decided to get the parts in place and I also thought that it was time for the motherboard tray to be attached to the case so I can reach all required I/O.

So I thought I'd show you what I've done. Let's go!

__________________________________________________________

 

I started by putting the motherboard tray in spot of where I want it. Since I wanted to have as much place as possible in front of the tray I put the tray as close as possible to the other side where the PSU is.

 

Since the mesh in the bottom of the case doesn't have any holes it would be pretty hard to connect to all the I/O ports so I decided to make some cut

 

Whe the motherboard tray was in place I started to mark where I wanted to do the cuts

.

 

After the markings were done with some masking tape I brought the dremel.

I bought a pair of new discs that manages to do the job nicely

 

Aaaand it's done! Took a while to get it done and the tool had to swet a little bit.

Here we can see how much I've cut and we see it does look like the shape of  regular rear/back case

 

I turn the case upside down to put the I/O-piece to see if it fits, and it does.

 

The question is; Does it fit and look good once the components are in pace? Let's find out!

 

 

 

I found this CD in a box at my mom's house (where I don't live any longer). T

his is a CD with 10 homemade tracks I made when I was about 10 years old. I even sold a couple of copies to teachers at my school very cheap, haha. One of the track's are named "Titanic", I wonder if it has a good "drop", lol!

 

It did look quite good with the motherboard tray and the components in place - I could reach all the ports from uder the case.

However, it's not everything that I need to be able to reach. The power supply cord is also going to be at the bottom, of course.

 

Masked I cut the piece off. I only cut a piece larg enough to be able to reach the required things.

Cutting more than this would affect the stability of the mesh.

 

 

I also realized I had to make the mesh a bit smaller. The reason is that it buckled due to being slightly wider than the inside of the case.

I solved this by cutting a little on each side of the mesh and it now fit's perfect!

 

 

 

Motherboard tray with components and the PSU in place! - nothing is mounted with any screws tho, it's only temporary in place.

 

 

I can't be satisfied with just letting it sit there without being mounted so I must mount it somehow with a screw or rivet.

I took a pen and started to mark where the holes of the tray was and where to put the screws. I also take the drill to make the holes big enough for a screw.

 

I then screw the mesh and the motherboard tray togheter to see what it looks like. I haven't put all the screws but it does look promising.

Also looks good inside the case

 

 

 

Now the motherboard tray is attached to the mesh but the mesh isn't attached to the csae! I of course have to fix that.

I drill holes in the case and then mount the mesh with the case with a screw, as you can see in the right corner (will be replaced with a rivet later on).

_________________________________________________________________

 

That was everything about this update! I was satisfied and I think it will be good in the end. I still have grinding and stuff a like to do which I will do when I'm done with all cuts.

With this update I also realized that the project is really beginning to take shape. As I've mentioned before about 80% of the time spent on this project is about planning and test-mounting it all. Since I have now decided where everything will fit I do not have very much left to do!

Another thing I realized was that I need to do a couple but small cuts here and there, for example cutting 5mm to be able to fit the radiator and stuff a like. I thought that I will collect all these small fixes in a larger update so they'll be easy to track.

After all the modification is done (so everything is assembled and in place) it will be time for the watercooling and the estethical part of the build.

 

As mentioned; It's starting to take shape and I look forward to be working with the water cooling soon which I think will be great in this build.

My goal is to be finished before the month of November. Let's see if I can make that deadline!

 

Thank you for reading and following

Best regards

nikkop

[buoo]

nikkokicksuperhero

[nikkokick]

nikkokicksuperhero

 

Haha! Here's an update for you!

 

 

UPDATE 14/12 2013 - The case and it's parts are done

 

UPDATE 14/12 2013 - The case and it's parts are done

 

Hiya everyone!

 

Finally I've gotten the time to do an update! As I've mentioned the project is finished. However, this project log isn't yet so I'll update as soon as I have time!

 

I actually showcased this project on DreamHack, worlds largest LAN-party, so those who (mainly swedes) had the chance to see this project live in action!  

 

I apologize for the time it has taken for me to do this. A lot of stuff in school and very little time overall have led to me not being able to do these updates.

 

Today it will be about mounting of the case parts, motherboard tray and mesh. Also about the side panels, the front and stuff alike. Let's go!

 

Competition!

Would like to inform you that I've entered a competition with this mod. It's a competition that is being held by a modder and friend of mine - Johan Nyman @ MinimalisticPC.  This competition is a case mod/scratch build competition so check it out if you are interested in entering

______________________________________________________

 

A notice!

My last update was when I had the black Prodigy. I won a white Prodigy in a competition and I decided to use that instead as I thought it looked better. Therefor I won't document all steps from the start since I've already done so on the black one. I will continue from where I last stopped on the black case. 

 

The motherboard tray and the mesh

Here's where I ended the last time. I test mount the motherboard tray in the mesh and the mesh in the case. The

holes in the bottom are of course cut out to be able to reach all the ports.

 

The motherboard tray is mounted with screws. I wanted to get away from this as rivets makes it more strong and sturdier while they take up less space. That's why I had to remove the thread where the screws are set.

 

I then shot a rivet to try it out and I liked it. This led to that I mounted the whole motherboard tray with rivets and I also mounted the mesh in the case with rivets for stability. It's now rock solid!

 

The power supply

The mounting of the PSU was something I was wondering about how to do. I knew where it was going to sit (behind the motherboard tray) but I had no idea how to mount it.

 

I then remembered that my PSU has this rubber frame you can take off. I used this frame as a template of where the holes for the mounting should be set, a nice solution!

 

I then drilled the holes and used screws to mount the PSU. Works perfect!

 

The top and the mesh

I cut the hole in the top as I wanted it to be - a little difference from the black case where the hole was bigger. I realized I didn't need such a big hole so I made it smaller for stability.

 

The mesh is of course going to be attached to the top. This picture is a old one but it shows how the mesh is going to look while on the top.

 

However, I had a revolutionary thought of what I wanted to do with the top as it felt pretty empty. I took the mesh and marked a couple of holes. My dad came by with a tool that would make some big holes easily. I have no idea what the tool is called but it worked perfect.

 

I drilled some small holes so the tool could be used. The tool is then inserted in the hole and being used.

 

These are the results! The tool did an amazing job with cutting the holes and making them look good. The question is however, what will the holes be used for?! I will show you in the upcoming update! I promise, they have a very meaningful usage.

 

The side panels

One of the side panels is made the same way as the black one - a window with a edge. 

 

The other side panel is getting modified as well. I put it on my kitchen table and did a hole with my saw. It was pretty hard to line it up as I wanted but I finally managed to.

I then mounted a 240 fan grill for the radiator that is being put behind. Sexy!

 

The front

The front on the white and black Prodigy are actually quite different. The white Prodigy has a better front for me as I can fit my piece of mesh a lot better while it looks better at the same time. The holes on the left side I had to make for future mounting, you'll see why in the next update.

 

The empty case

This is what the case looks like while it's empty with only the motherboard tray and the mesh (not the top).

______________________________________________________________

 

To wrap it up:

It's very nice to have started on the project log again and to be able to finish it off soon enough and show you the final results! As you can see in this update the case itself and it's parts (sidepanels, front, etc.etc.) are done! What is left to do is all the mounting of the components as the motherboard (Z77X-UP7) and graphics card (GTX 780) from GIGABYTE, as well as the water cooling loop from Aquatuning.

 

The next update will be done soon. I promise you you won't have to wait for months!

Let me know what you think!

 

Thanks for following this project log!

Best Regards

Nikkop

[ValJr]

Great project, i'm looking forward to see completed.

[Baudouin]

Great, stay on the good tracks and hope to see the final shots next year.

[fantomas]

I think this is (will be) definitely the MacMod of the year 2014

 

[nikkokick]

Great project, i'm looking forward to see completed.

Thanks a lot! I'm sorry for my superlate reply

 

Great, stay on the good tracks and hope to see the final shots next year.

Thanks a bunch! Next year it is and it's coming together

 

I think this is (will be) definitely the MacMod of the year 2014

 

Thanks! Appreciate it a lot!

 

Sorry for my inactivity. My time is very limited and I barely have time to work with my project logs However, I'm happy that I'm at least able to finish it - better late then never!

Here's an update for you all!

 

 

UPDATE 10/02 2014 - Installation of the Water cooling from AquaTuning.

 

 

Hiya all!

 

Finally I've had time to make another update! I'm sorry for the time taken since last time. I've had the toughest time in my studies so far so my spare time do work on this project has been minimal, if not non-existing. Anyways, I'm now back on track and I will finish this project log before January 31st!

 

Let's get down to business!

 

Below will be a update containing pictures of the products I'm being supplied with by AquaTuning and how I then install them all. There's however one thing with the pictures. Since I was super stressed before the exhibition I attended to I didn't have time to take any photos back then. That said, I had to take all these pictures in reverse, when I was taking the parts off. Therefore it might look a little weird out of a chronological order but I guess you understand

 

The first part will be about which water cooling components I will use and the second part how I install them all

 

I want to thank AquaTuning a lot once again for the products provided. Without you this project and the outcome wouldn't be possible.

 

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The second package I receive from AquaTuning with a lot of good stuff!

 

Clear/transparent tubing from Masterkleer with a diameter of 16/10! Nice, thick edges that will look amazing with the coolant.

Masterkleer Slang PVC 16/10mm (3/8"ID) Klar 3,3m (10ft) "Retail Package"

 

Fittings, to attach the tubing to the different parts, with the diameter of 16/10 in different shapes.

 

8x 16/10mm compression fitting 90° revolvable G1/4 - knurled - matte black

 

3x 16/10mm compression fitting 45° revolvable G1/4 - knurled - matte black

 

2x 16/10mm compression fitting G1/4 - knurled - matte black

 

To be able to connect some things I had to get my hands on a pair of special fittings, with the same connector in both ends.

2x Alphacool HF L-connector 90° - G1/4 revolvable - 2x outer threads - Deep Black

 

This on as well to be able to connect to different parts.

Alphacool double nipple G1/4 outer thread to G1/4'' outer thread with O-ring - deep black

 

Fillports that's going to be used for something very special. Interesting!

6x Fillport black nickel - knurled - Universal

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Enough about fittings! Here's some more fun stuff.

 

High-performance CPU-block to cool the CPU. Package with the block, installation parts, thermal paste and instructions/manual.

Alphacool NexXxoS XP³ Light - Black Chrome - Edition

 

Reservoir/tank for the loop. I ordered a extra tube since of 15cm the one of 25cm was a little too long I realised. 

Alphacool HF 38 Cape Cyclen 250 + Alphacool Plexi Tube 60x150mm

 

Thin and great performing radiators. Only 30mm thick which will be perfect for this compact build.

2x Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper 240mm

 

Powerful and surprisingly quiet pump.. The size and orientation will be perfect for this build.

Laing DDC-pump 12V DDC-1T

 

"Top" for the pump that enables installation of fittings. It also improves the flow and sound-level, a nice extra thing

Alphacool Laing DDC Acetal top

 

Coolant of high quality. Looks like milk and I love it!

Mayhems Pastel - Ice White 1000ml

 

Mounting for a 240 radiator. I'll need it for one of the radiators and it will fit perfectly.

Phobya radiatorstöd - svart - Dual - 2x120mm

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Those were the products that I will use, supplied by AquaTuning.

 

Shall we take a look of how I installed it all?

 

The cPU-block in place. 

Very clean and stylish and it fits great with the looks since the copper-sticker blends well with the orange color of the motherboard

Alphacool NexXxoS XP³ Light - Black Chrome

 

The pump, Laing DDC with Alphacool's top installted with fittings, a double-sided G1/4 in the top and a 90c fitting as output. 

Also attached on a self-adhesive vibration-absorbing mat.

Laing DDC-pump 12V DDC-1T

 

This is the reason I needed that special fitting in the top of the pump!

I built a pump/res-combo myself where the pump will suck water from the reservoir. 

I think it looks great and is practical at the same time since it takes up less space than if installed separately and I can fit a big reservoir.

http://www.aquatuning.se/product_info.php/info/p6155_Alphacool-HF-38-Cape-Cyclen-150.html

 

I install the pump with some mounting I made myself, consisting of skrews, nuts and bricks that goes thru the case. A little hard to get on picture but I guess you understand.

 

The radiators, 2x 240mm which I know is overkill for a CPU but I mostly do it as a challenge to fit them both

Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper 240mm

 

Radiator #1 will be put in the front next to the motherboard.

It may look like the radiator is blocking all the ports of the motherboard but it isn't.

With a little modification of a few contacts from fans the connectors fit without problems. One of the PCI-E ports is unreachable, however since I only use 1x GPU and no other expansion cards it won't be a problem at all

 

Radiator #2 is attached to the radiator-mount and it's the one to be placed behind the motherboard tray.

The radiator.mount is needed so I can attach it in the front from the inside with help of rivets. It was pretty hard to get it inside but I finally managed.

 

Picture of the radiators, pump + res and fittings plus all fillports in the case are attached! As you can see there's a couple of fittings in the top of the case.

Have you started to understand what the holes in the mesh and the fillports are used for?

 

The fillports are used to attach the fittings to the mesh in the top. But why? Let's find out!

]http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag128/nikkoprojects/21_zps35196da5.jpg[/img]

 

On the top of the mesh there's now 6x 90c fittings!

 

And here you can see it with tubing. Yes, I've chosen to have tubing on the top of the case that will go thru all components!

The reason is first of all because I think it looks great, it suits the industrial feeling that I've given this mod. Second, it's actually practical as the tubes doesn't need to be inside of the case which would have been very narrow. I'm very satisfied with the outcome.

 

I won't reveal more than this about the water cooling yet! In the next update, which will be the very last where I show the final pictures, is where you will see it all togheter

Below are a few other installations that are essential, of course

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Installing the enormous GPU - GIGABYTE GTX 780 OC Windforce 3x 450W. It wasn't an easy task to be honest, haha. Took 10 minutes and a lot of brain- and muscle-power. It felt like I was playing Tetris with circles - impossible. However I managed to get it in, but damn it's tight!

 

The back of the motherboard tray with the radiator, SSD and power supply. A little messy with the cables since I didn't have the time to fix it perfectly before the exhibition, but as it's not seen with the side-panel on I didn't feel it was critical.

 

Since I've cut a hole for the grill where the original power-/reset buttons were I was in need to get a new button, of course. I did it with the help of this nice looking switch that I made a hole for in the mesh.

 

White 120mm Spectre Pro PWM-fans from BitFenix that was to be used for the exhibition. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get them in time, but here they are!

 

Sleeved extenders in different shapes and sizes from BitFenix.

http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/premium-modding/alchemy-cables/

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At last:

 

Once again it feels nice to have posted this update! The water cooling from AquaTuning was indeed very fun to install as it was an extreme task to accomplish. The hardest part was to find out how I was going to make it all work and in which order to install it - I didn't have too much spare place to use, haha. As I've said this project has been at least 80% planning and figuring stuff out while the rest has been the modification itself. A lot to think about before making that final cut!

 

The next update that will be released will be the last one of this project log, containing the final photos of the finished mod/product! That's why I don't want to reveal it all in this update, I want the last one to be a little special!

 

Thanks for following and supporting my project log. It's you, my readers, that makes me want to continue and finish this even tho there have been some tough times

 

Thanks for reading and supporting me.

Best regards

Nikkop

[Fabio1971]

Great job

Attention to detail

 

Fabio

[vbetts]

BitFenix has got me wanting to build a small rig now, and this projects wants me to build an awesome rig now... 

 

This is amazing!!!!! This should be posted on sites like Guru3d, Anandtech, even Tom's Hardware!(Not too much of a fan of Tom's, but oh well)