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Powertosh i5 / Powermac G5 watercooled Hackintosh


perestrojka
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WCCor5c.jpg
 
 
So, I decided to finally put my hands on Powermac G5 case, and build my dream computer / cooling system.  For years i was trying to find used case on our local cragilist-a-like website, and pretty much there was no super deals.
 
And finally ! Few days ago, there it was, one ad got my attention, Powermac 7.3, with LCS, non functional ( LCS drained out all over the PPCs and PSU ), i was happy as hell smile.png, instantly got on my e-mail and started communication with seller, i was keeping my savings for situations like this biggrin.png
 
Aaand in less than 36hours,  here it is, DHL knocked on my door, yeeeeeeeeei smile.png
 
 
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LCS was of course malfunctioned, but no worries my friends! Pump is still functional... Great deal, considering only pump would cost me much more than i paid for delivery + item.
 
Jqkkvazl.jpg k0JLuJnl.jpg?1
 
 
 
So here it is, sweet little DDC guy smile.png
 
oW3I52zl.jpg  GgPSww6l.jpg
 
As i was talking with seller about our deal, i worked on 3d sketch for my project in the same time, and here it is.
 
Front
 
WvN9iFtl.jpg
 
Back
 
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Renders
 
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My dream is to build as quiet as possible, yet well cooled and re-usable case / cooling system that will fit to any motherboard / gpu / cpu configuration in future. 
 
So, what are these compartments inside of it ? Well, i had in mind to use only 3 fans to cool whole pc, and to achieve maximum airflow / cooling effect without any additional fans except these on water radiator. 
 
So in this build i will go with fanless PSU, 3 x 120 NoiseBlocker Bionic eLoop fans on pwm and i will try to make thermal zones, so fans can speed up individually if there is a problem with temperature arise in one of the compartments without need to speed up another 2 fans. Apple Powermac case is perfect for build like this, as his perforated front and back side are ideal for vertical radiator placement and it will enable me to do what i want. Also i think that build quality is well known, this thing is built like a tank biggrin.png
 
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* reserved *
 
-----------------------------------------
 
HW
 
* Other parts are still unknown *
RAM: Avexir Core A Type 
PSU: Silverstone Nightjar 520 
 
-----------------------------------------
 
LCS HW
 
Laing DDC-VC pump
Watercool HK CPU Rev. 3.0 LC
Watercool HEATKILLER® GPU-X3
EK-CoolStream PE 360 3 * 120 mm radiator ( 19FPI double fin ) 
Noiseblocker NB-eLoop B12-PS Bionic loop
EK-XTOP DDC - Acetal (Original CSQ) 
Alphacool tubing AlphaTube black
Monsoon 13/10mm (ID 3/8" OD 1/2") white fittings
IceModz cable managment - white, black and grey sleeve combination
 
-----------------------------------------

I decided to pull out all things from it, and leave the rest for tomorrow, but Battlefield 4 servers were swarmed with children that day, so i decided to take a closer look on LCS pump, and to see if that machinery is still working. 
 
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Ewwwww :sick:
 
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I had to clean that {censored} out biggrin.png
 
ea6s5Bpl.jpg ouWe5G6l.jpg
 
What the heck? What kind of Laing pump is this ? Well, it is DDC-VC, model with volumetric compensator biggrin.png
 
1ZwyTugl.jpg Ke2A3aPl.jpg

o6tEVVUl.jpg EZNEIY0l.jpg

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{censored} that got stuck inside pump, some debris, rust and who know what... I actually found something that was similar to pineapple chunks ( i don't want to know what that is xD  )
 
Uxrmxyul.jpg
 
Case is 90% cleaned out, I'am waiting for my Dremel tool to arrive to continue work on it ( old one wasn't in use for 6 years, and decided to die when i powered it on to do some cut-outs on that case  biggrin.png  )

UQfkzITl.jpg  BUrtDczl.jpg
 
And for the end of that night, random workplace pic, i was 50hours awake because of some other projects / work, and that was all for this night. Time to sleep biggrin.png
 
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Current status: 
 
* Waiting for Dremel tool delivery
* Waiting for some cash to buy remaining LCS parts / HW parts
* Waiting for sponsors to arrange parts sponsorships  ( Don't worry, i have this project 100% covered by myself, but sponsorships are always welcome smile.png )
 
 
P.S. Sorry for grammar mistakes, English isn't my native language ohmy.png
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Got some presents from: Monsoon / 3/8 - 1/2 White compression fittings

 


 

1pMnBdkl.jpg

 

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BlackNoise Technologies / three B12-PS PWM eLoop fans.

 


 

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- - - Updated - - -

 

Update:

 

So.. I've received packet from AquaTuning.de just few hours ago :)

 

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Phobya Nano Grease

 

tTfTvWxl.jpg

 

Phobya 2 component thermal glue / grease

 

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AlphaCool VRAM heatsinks

 

SGtXuGgl.jpg

 

Watercool Heatkiller GPU X3 core

 

SPiN1H9l.jpgheBftWcl.jpg

46TFd4el.jpg 

 

Watercool Heatkiller CPU LC 

 

vPRQCNpl.jpgJMtCsXhl.jpg

E7xFqBtl.jpg  

 

Monsoon fittings mounted on CPU block

 

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Monsoon fittings mounted on GPU block

 

MbHmzB7l.jpg

 

I had to put tubing, to see how this will look :D ( Alphacool 10/13 Black UV )

 

muC0fSWl.jpg

 

+

 

Got update from EK Waterblocks, they shipped packet to Croatia, I should get it tomorrow by end of the day ( CoolStream PE 360,  RES X2 - 100 Basic, XTOP DDC - Acetal (Original CSQ) ) 

 

And I'am still waiting on confirmation from Dremel ( Dremel 4200 )  ; SilverStone / XFX / SeaSonic ( Fanless PSU ) on parts sponsorship. 

 

 :D

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Update: 

 

Got parts from EKw

 

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I've decided to install res, as this will make process of filling much easier

 

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Double fin radiator :)

 

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2oHLb3Vl.jpgUYz3rXOl.jpg

 

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Case is dismantled and got shower room treatment for stain and oil removal. I used this opportunity to see how components will look inside of it, and also to try their placement on planned spots.

 

Zk4fR28l.jpgP3wiGVrl.jpg2tYky1gl.jpg

 

gNmEdbzl.jpgTU8aY0Rl.jpgxDRetoPl.jpg

 

Remember that case from the beginning, when i took DDC apart to clean it off, well, after closer look i saw that mbo tray is removable, so my current case won't be sacrificed as much as it needed to be.

 

4TpXAwtl.jpg

 

Also original holes and mount will be used to fix in place some of components like psu and radiator

 

QmYoCWfl.jpgct3dvSTl.jpgeJNCeZsl.jpg

 

I'll put diy mounting system in here, so i won't have problems later to dismantle something if needed.

 

cXkttwYl.jpgggeRn50l.jpg3kvZDgBl.jpg
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  • 3 weeks later...
Here we go, some minor updates.
 
Today i had in plan only to mount some heatsinks on VGA card.
 
1WR1rBgl.jpg
 
But DHL courier surprised me with Dremel tool, so i had to test it out :)
 
First thing to do was: cutting out excess material from optics cover, so i can fit it in and connect to the rest of the case with epoxy. 
 
sHrz2wyl.jpg
 
It isn't perfect cut, but enough for epoxy treatment. Piece is finished and ready for stage 2.
 
3uXPJokl.jpgFJsRTv2l.jpgovRyWm8l.jpg
 
MBO tray shared very same destiny as optics cover. I had to cut out excess material for fitting it inside the case.
 
vj2YRRtl.jpgTVD3qaEl.jpggFk0yF0l.jpg
 
After all, i've decided to use Chieftec's side panel, and put it to good use in this mod.
 
 
phjmrxAl.jpgLJrXCFOl.jpg 
 
dfWH8Awl.jpgOo8LQZSl.jpgnRno7q2l.jpg
 
 
Radiator mount is finished, i need to cut out middle part and some holes to hold everything in place.
 
Next to do: Cutting out back side for new IO panel.
 
Stay tuned ! :)

Radiator holder is finished :) I still need to take the old paint off and prepare it for paintjob + drill holes for radiator mount + glue some L holders with epoxy.
 
i5co1iLl.jpg
 
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So.. :) I've decided to do some minor work today to put this tool to good use.
 
Radiator panel holders have been cutted out from old psu case:
 
wpwGWhul.jpgOCUshzhl.jpg 
1mgC7ttl.jpg0w08Bxnl.jpg
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Few pictures of planned fixation to the panel:
 
yLKO4dSl.jpgBWRyMOLl.jpgDnnwGEWl.jpg
 
I also cutted out honeycomb mesh to use it in this project, i still don't know where this will be placed, and how; but i'am considering placing it somewhere near the pump, or to use it at top radiator panel mounting points.
 
qEKzijFl.jpggKioVPyl.jpg

Another day, another worklog update :) I was cutting out IO bracket from Chieftec ( pain in the ass #1 ) and a backplate hole for IO bracket on Powermac's case ( pain in the ass #2 )
 
Iet the pictures talk for themselves:
 
yaHwZxTl.jpgAq00LkVl.jpguC3v6srl.jpg
9RzHyUql.jpgJ2YQoAql.jpg 
 
IO bracket separated
 
c59Z4EVl.jpguNAbJ6Il.jpgXH3LjAPl.jpg
 
Pre-cutting measuring
 
nJHR06sl.jpgBCBe4Sdl.jpg
 
Done! :)
 
uPPSjxZl.jpggMDmjWnl.jpg
 
On this one you can see true power of Dremel tool if used correctly
 
YkmbGCHl.jpg
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  • 1 month later...

Hi, yeah, i'am currently posting at other forums much more than here, you can check it on this one:

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/312122-case-mod-powertosh-i5-powermac-g5-watercooled-hackintosh/


After i finally got OS X Yosemite working on my hw, gpu decided to die, so i'am waiting for gtx 980 and i5 K cpu. I 'll continue work with this Hackintosh in a week or so, and i hope that it will be finished by the end of May.

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Small update / tease :)


GTX 980 Phantom

DrUKAAMh.jpg

I5 4690K

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GPU is already installed for benching / testing on air :)

feA6SIdh.jpg


Currently i had GTX 760 Phantom from my mate who borrowed it to me, since HD7850 died because of VRM shorting ( too much vgpu / +50% power limit is bad for cheap vrm :D  ), and considering the fact that they advertise Phantom line as colder / quieter solution is absolute lie, they get hot as hell and noisy also, but i don't know, noise tolerance varies from person to person... :(  So.. i can't wait for vrm watercooling parts, so i can put this Maxwell beast under H20 and do some proper bios tweaking / overclocking :)

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  • 3 weeks later...
Today I've got sponsorship packet from Icemodz ( http://www.icemodz.com ). 
 
Ty Icemodz !
 
 
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Sleeving color scheme for 24/8/6 pin cables
 
EvPAg0Ml.png
 
Planned sata and molex color scheme
 
Sata: 3-1-1 ( white-black-white )
 
Molex: 2-1-1 ( white-black-white )

Yesterday i got some presents again, this time from DIYINHK.com.
 
I've ordered PWM Control 18W PCB for DDC pump ( http://www.diyinhk.com/shop/ddc-pump/41-laing-ddc-pump-18w-repair-pcb-wled-smd-soldered-mcp355.html ) because there is no need for the pump to run on max rpm 0/24, and i wanted to use benefits of Sabertooth 4-pin headers and ASUS's Thermal radar control. 
 
So, here it is:
 
Upgrade PCB kit with blue LEDs.
 
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System was flushed out and disassembled and pump is ready for her upgrade :)
 
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New PCB is slightly smaller than original one
 
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Old PCB dissasembled
 
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Stator coil 
 
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Old VS New PCB
 
fEnwIEel.jpg?1
 
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We can clearly see how far technology went in just 10 years, that single IC and a few diodes on new PCB are replacing bunch of ICs and semiconductors from the old PCB.
 
Also new PCB is made out of 4 layers, vs 2 layer on old one. This is a huge benefit in form of power delivery to the coils itself and it is more prone to pcb burnout due copper current limitation old boards had ( copper lines on the board were too small and too resistant, aka they were limiting max current that can flow into the coils, and when users placed those pumps into restrictive loops, stator demanded more and more current to maintain desired RPMs )
 
In that upgrade kit i've also received 4 blue LEDs and 2 SMD resistors, but as i don't own transparent top + i hate blue LEDs inside of a computer ( they are too much redneck-ish  :D ) i won't use them.
 
3m5FwTWl.jpg
 
R2 and R3 are locations for those 2 resistors, and D1,D2,D3 & D4 are places where you should solder LEDs if you wish. 
 
FgXy3bel.jpg
 
 
PCB contacts treated with solder for easier soldering of stator and power / control wires.
 
a0QypHrl.jpg
 
IMPnzZXl.jpg
 
 
Stator pulled out from pump's casing, i did this for easier wire preparation.
 
OPmXLxvl.jpg
 
 
Total of 6 coils with 2 wires, so i had to cut 6 exact wire pairs.
 
64t1vfOl.jpg
 
 
Preparation is the key of everything ( 85% preparation + 15% work = 100% of wanted result at the end ), so i stripped wire ends and treated them with tin.
 
5ttq4vLl.jpg
 
 
Extension wires connected with the stator wires.
 
eztJ4Rcl.jpg
 
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mnOPIqpl.jpg
 
Those tiny white blobs on wire junctions are small amounts of nail polish, i used it to isolate bare connections from shorting together once the stator is placed inside of his casing and connected with PCB.
 
* Unfortunately i was really excited to test out the pump, so i forgot to take pictures of wires soldered on pcb, but i will take them later before final steps and project completition. *
 
Cables are sleeved and connected, white one is for RPM signal and PWM control that is connecting to the MBO 4-pin header, and inside the black one are 12+ and GND wires that are connected to the PSU.
 
LAEQ6JSl.jpg
 
1FasGugl.jpg
 
cNneBEPl.jpg
 
 
 
 
So... you guys are probably asking yourself why on earth would someone do all this job if he had perfectly ok and 100% working device  ? 
 
Well, i like to do diy stuff and enhance electronic devices whenever i can, someone is playing soccer, someone is riding his bike, and to me this is my satisfaction and a way of relaxation :)
 
Ok ok, but if we put that aside, are there really benefits of this PCB ?
 
YES ! :) :)
 
Pump is now under Sabertooth's control
 
Ibji1eEl.jpg
 
Normally pump is working @ 850RPM
 
5VQGMLol.jpg
 
I've conected 4-pin header that is controling pump's RPMs with CPU thermal sensor, so whenever CPUs temp rises a bit, pump will also speed up, to keep more of the water flowing thru cpu block.
 
5Ptw6bel.jpg
 
Temp difference between 850 and 3900 RPM is cca 2 degrees of Celsius in idle and 4 in full load, BUT noise difference between min and max RPMs  :) that is hell of a improvement and it was worth of extra 20 GBP + 2 hours of "work" ( I say "work" because i do this for fun :3 )

So, I've finally catched some spare time and i can continue working on this case.
 
I/O bracket fixed in place with epoxy resin.
 
RcvoLvvl.jpg
 
hn7ieG6l.jpg
 
 
Original fan holes section removed.
 
ppbwv1ol.jpg
 
 
I decided to use original CPU cover plate because i can easily drill thru it, also i will drill holes around G5 logo, so letters will remain unpainted / original.
 
Lo32xoMl.jpg
 
Drill testing
 
wYSG82Ol.jpg
 
Okay, here we go :)
 
XcU0l13l.jpg
 
 
 
 
Steps remaining in this project:
 
* G5 plate drilling
* fixing imperfections on handmade cuts / drillouts / connections 
* psu cable sleeving 
* case sanding / primer coating / painting
 
ETA remaining: 2 weeks max. ( i hope :) )

Snippet for impatient ones :)
 
 
Cover perforation
 
u7o6ecTl.jpg
 
asXkPw8l.jpg
 
 
24pin cable sleeving
 
3i8aGk8l.jpg
 
 
 
 
Edit:
 
Just got CLU few mins ago :)
 
ok7Ciphl.jpg

So, morning was perfect for de-lid process :) 
 
Instead of razor blade method or vice and hammer method i used new method, my own :D 
 
Procedure is the same as razor blade method procedure, but instead of razor blade i used very thin plastic sheet i had from usb drive package. This plastic is perfect for this kind of work, thin, sharp and smooth. 
 
95ub3XDl.jpg
 
Liquid Ultra on die
 
IVE81Bsl.jpg
 
Liquid Ultra on IHS
 
ozIFV85l.jpg
 
With this i got more event temps across all cores 
 
qAptZ1Pl.jpg
 
 
Before de-lid, min / max core difference was 14 degrees Celsisus. 
 
 
Note: Currently CPU is cooled with box cooler / i did quick and poor Phobya Nano grease application, so we won't see the real results before i mount watercooling loop and put everything in case. But as far i'am satisfied with lower ΔT across all cores :)

Small update:
 
Front mesh( port holes are covered / perforated )
 
tIsjs4ul.jpg
 
Rear mesh ( fixed in place and perforated )
 
TnQFt1yl.jpg
 
Qte8u5rl.jpg

Hello Mr. Ive :D :D 
 
oB8P9Stl.jpg
 
UIdISWSl.jpg
 
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Moar picturezzz in day or two :)

Black cage
 
bKlnqrBl.jpg
 
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DS3jukKl.jpg
 
Side panel was sanded down after 1st primer layer, ( wet sanding - soapy water with P800 grit sanding paper )
 
VCXGbddl.jpg
 
G3Et3Yyl.jpg
 
"Mirror" finish :)
 
OtftYRil.jpg
 
Primer coating, 2nd layer
 
jwdtBkil.jpg
 
GZTXObkl.jpg
 
wiZuVrml.jpg
 
Musical motivation used during this work: 
 
:D
 
Edit: 
 
Few hours later, sidepanel was coated with black spray paint, and wet-sanded with P2000 paper.
 
Paint is in 60% mirror finish stage.
 
L3pLaTGl.jpg

Test assembly
 
BW0ROmYl.jpg
 
7o3Chwtl.jpg

Additional shots taken, i temporarely installed one LED white strip out of two, to see how this will look :)
 
vbLmRfNl.jpg
 
EK logo is painted, so reservoir holders aren't so dull and completely black
 
b3GpPPDl.jpg
 
Icemodz 24pin cable holder ( one of the plexy bits broke, because in few sleeves there are 2 wires going to the MBO connector )
 
zhCuefpl.jpg
 
These Monsoon fittings are absolutely gorgeus :)
 
Once again i would like to express my gratitude to sponsors who had faith in my work:
 
http://www.blacknoise.com - Noiseblocker - premium fan manufacturer 
http://www.icemodz.com - Icemodz - modding equipment, tools and accesories
http://www.monsooncooling.com - MonsooN- Premium watercooling accesories and tools
http://www.pcaxe.com - PCAXE - Regional E-zine and Youtube PC enthusiast community
 
and to all people who followed this project, got subscribed to my work log and got involved in via discussion and suggestions.
 
Status of this project is still in: Work in Progress, so stay tuned ;)
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