NZXT Build! Aqua S

[Retell]

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of updates. Very busy around here. Thought you guys would be interested in seeing what we I am currently working on :D
http://i.imgur.com/f9Gbx.jpg
Case :)
CPU Sandy Bridge i7
Motherboard Asus Maximus IV Extreme-Z
Ram 16Gb DDR3 Kingston HyperX
SSD 1120 GB Kingston HyperX
SSD 2120 GB Kingston HyperX
PSU Corsair 1200w
Graphics 1 Evga GTX 580
Graphics 2 Evga GTX 580
Graphics 3 Evga GTX 580
CPU Waterblock EK-Supreme HF - Full Copper
Chipset Waterblock EK-FB ASUS Max4 Extreme - Acetal
GPU Waterblock 1 Heatkiller GPU-X³ GTX 570 / 580 -Hole Edition
GPU Waterblock 2 Heatkiller GPU-X³ GTX 570 / 580 -Hole Edition
GPU Waterblock 3 Heatkiller GPU-X³ GTX 570 / 580 -Hole Edition
Ram Waterblock x4 Koolance Ram-33
Radiator 1 Watercool HTF4 3x140
Radiator 2 Black Ice GT Xtreme 280
Reservoir FrozenQ Flex Tank
Pump Koolance PMP-450S
Fans x15 NZXT FX-140


Pics! (http://nzxt.imgur.com/)

Updates:

09/12/11 - First GTX580 WB installed, not so fun when the instructions were in 100% German, but this thing is gorgeous! (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_1)
09/13/11 - Installed Ram blocks and I have to say I am SUPER disappoint. No manual included, only 1 thermal pad, EVERY block was scratch out of the box, there was CORROSION on the exterior, and paint run on two of the cards. SMH Koolance. (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_2)
09/20/11 - Got all the GPU waterblocks installed, Watercool really makes a gorgeous product! (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_3)
09/23/11 - CPU waterblock installed, fittings installed, put on GPU's to test fittings, had to reorder chipset waterblock. (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_4)
09/23/11 - Big update today! All waterblocks have been installed. It wasn't easy though. Yesterday we FINALLY got our EK full board block in, after weeks of waiting and reordering. I quickly discovered that this was going to be a pain to install, you need to use thermalpaste to stick the PVC stand offs to the huge block and hope they don't fall off when you place the block on to the board. Okay did that pretty well. Go to install the south bridge screws... Umm no threads on the block?! Very disapointed in the QC. Had to find my own screws that would self thread the block and stay in. Needless to say the whole installation process took like 6 hours. Ridiculous. We do have some good new though! The RAM is getting changed to Kingston HyperX and we will be using 2 HyperX drives in RAID! Enjoy the Pics :D (http://imgur.com/a/yxkJo)
09/23/11 - [URL="http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_8#tTPS6"]Today we got our goodies from Kingston, it was torture both physically and emotionally to rip those heat shields off the RAM, they were damn good looking. I drained the fluid and swapped out the RAM and increased my hatred of the quality on the Koolance Ram-33. After much deliberation, I decided to swap out the RAM-Chipset line for hard fittings, I believe they look better and are far easier to put back on after removal, as well as not pushing on the RAM. I also setup 2 Sentry Mixs to control the 8 fans on the radiators, which make going from airplane take off to crickets very easy. The SSDs were setup in RAID 0 and are hella fast. The rest of the day was spent doing the other stuff I am in charge of, as well as swearing under my breath for not being able to get passed 5ghz. I am working diligently in my personal time researching a solution and cannot wait to go back into work on Monday, have a great weekend everyone!]

[kciaccio]

I think you have enough radiator to keep my car cooled in Texas heat. lol

[trickson]

I HATE YOU !

Nice setup !

[AhokZYashA]

cant wait to see the build log.
subbed!

[JATownes]

I'm dying to know what model of case you are stuffing all of this into. Clearly an NZXT, but which one???

Definitely subbed for this build. Oh, and I am with Trickson on this one..."I HATE YOU"...and you have some bad ass gear there.

[AhokZYashA]

probably some new HPTX case from NZXT
if its true, gimme the Tempest EVO for free.
:D
lol

[Retell]

I can squash one rumor right now. It isn't an HPTX case, because you can bet your butt we would be doing the build with the mobo to take advantage of it. But it will be awesome. Thanks for subbing guys. :D

[Retell]

Update.

09/20/11 - Got all the GPU waterblocks installed, Watercool really makes a gorgeous product! (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_3)

[AhokZYashA]

so that will be an E-ATX case?
cant wait to see its finished

[Jegergrim]

I got blown away seeing 3x 580's, nice gear ;D

[satindemon4u]

subbed.
so much.

[adulaamin]

Very nice setup. Can't wait to see it all assembled and what case you'll be putting all of it on. :)

[bbmarley]

should have put warning tissue needed in thread title

[Retell]

Update! 09/23/11 - CPU waterblock installed, fittings installed, put on GPU's to test fittings, had to reorder chipset waterblock. (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_4)

http://i.imgur.com/KsREb.jpg

[Cold Storm]

Can't wait to see it in action for the fist time!

[SaiZo]

Them chromed RAM coolers looks amazing!

[Retell]

Update!

Big update today! All waterblocks have been installed. It wasn't easy though. Yesterday we FINALLY got our EK full board block in, after weeks of waiting and reordering. I quickly discovered that this was going to be a pain to install, you need to use thermalpaste to stick the PVC stand offs to the huge block and hope they don't fall off when you place the block on to the board. Okay did that pretty well. Go to install the south bridge screws... Umm no threads on the block?! Very disapointed in the QC. Had to find my own screws that would self thread the block and stay in. Needless to say the whole installation process took like 6 hours. Ridiculous. We do have some good new though! The RAM is getting changed to Kingston HyperX and we will be using 2 HyperX drives in RAID! Enjoy the Pics :D

http://i.imgur.com/6Cc1X.jpg

[JrRacinFan]

My mind is officially blown. that looks abso-freakin-lutely am-damn-azing.

[sneekypeet]

I gotta ask Retell... I remember cadaveca sending me a video link of a case a few months ago asking if I knew who made it. Looking a the video at that time, it seriously looked like a NZXT offering that had room for water cooling all over it. Might this be the "case :)"?

[Retell]

Can you PM me the link?

[s{orpion]

Gorgeous! truly pristine work! sooo looking forward to seeing this bad boy running ;)

tip: i would not advise sharing the hot water between CPU and Memory...
both generate a lot of heat... and neither will do well be cooled with hot water :p

[Retell]

Found your conversation. If you are talking about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqJQFfRlTqE&feature=feedlik

That is an exclusive case to iBuyPower. I believe we helped design it though.

*Cool fact, where that Erebus is being built is where the first picture of all the components were taken. That exact table.

@S{orpion, I understand your concern. I am going to start testing the loop tomorrow ;)

[sneekypeet]

Can you PM me the link?

you got it;)

[Retell]

I think I beat you to it ^^

[sneekypeet]

I think I beat you to it ^^

Exactly that one:) So not that case?

[Retell]

<3 Google.
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/converse.php?u=25138&u2=25188&page=2

[sneekypeet]

yeah that was 3 months ago, I'm still a bit surprised I remembered asking about it in emails:D

[dank1983man420]

You need a top notch case to put that beast of a system in. So you must be using this new beastly NZXT case........

http://img.techpowerup.org/110929/140b.jpg:eek:

[Retell]

This case will most certainly not be pink, I assure you.

[Damn_Smooth]

This case will most certainly not be pink, I assure you.

Any clues as to which case you'll be using yet?

[AhokZYashA]

@Retell : for that Phantom, im sure it will look much better if you use a lighter shade of pink.

[hhumas]

but u should take phenom black ....

[ERazer]

i wanna choke you :p

love the build! :toast:

[Retell]

I still at this time cannot tell you anything about the case, but I can say that it still hasn't shipped from overseas :(.

Today's Update!
System was brought to life. Fully hooked up, using interim RAM and SSD until I get the Kingston stuff tomorrow.

A few spec changes.

Corsair 1200w PSU instead of NZXT Hale90 1000w
Black Ice Xtreme 140 instead of Black Ice Xtreme 280
Pump change, cannot remember the model, will update tomorrow.
Not using 2600k :cool:


Starting it up went great, exactly 0 leaks and booted up perfectly. Considering using a second sequential pump. Overclocked to 5ghz using the ROG pre-selected voltage settings which burned in for 30 minutes without a problem and never broke 62C. This was my first experience with these new EFI touch BIOS, quite a new experience. My pretentious goal is 6ghz and if anyone has any tips or suggestions I'd love to hear them. No pics today, will add some tomorrow.

[sneekypeet]

cannot tell you anything about the case

Damn I hate not being in the loop, I'm off to see if I can figure it out:p

[Retell]

Haha Peet, I can safely say I do not believe you will be able to figure it out. :P

[Damn_Smooth]

Not using 2600k :cool:

Are you still using the same motherboard?

[sneekypeet]

Haha Peet, I can safely say I do not believe you will be able to figure it out. :P

*shakes fist* Guess I will have to wait for your pics then.

[Retell]

Are you still using the same motherboard?

Yes, I only have changed what is explicitly stated.

[AhokZYashA]

2700k?
duuude

[Retell]

Hey guys, need some help:
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2411985

[erocker]

I still at this time cannot tell you anything about the case, but I can say that it still hasn't shipped from overseas

Oooh, I hope I like it. I just picked up a Hale 1000W and I'm needing a new case soon. :)

[sneekypeet]

Well Retell, you are right, my contact came up short with any info:(

Can I sign a NDA and get in the loop?:roll:

[Retell]

We may be able to do something. It'll have to wait until next week :) Helping me would my 5ghz problem couldn't hurt your odds :P

[Retell]

Updates!

http://i.imgur.com/xgudF.jpg

09/29/11 - IT LIVES! Fully hooked up, using interim RAM and SSD until I get the Kingston stuff tomorrow. Starting it up went great, exactly 0 leaks and booted up perfectly. Considering using a second sequential pump. Overclocked to 5ghz using the ROG pre-selected voltage settings which burned in for 30 minutes without a problem and never broke 62C. This was my first experience with these new EFI touch BIOS, quite a new experience. My pretentious goal is 6ghz and if anyone has any tips or suggestions I'd love to hear them. Also forgive the mess, the pump is going to be mounted horizontally and I needed to make sure the res would fill in that orientation. (http://imgur.com/a/4YxYJ#RXhxE)

09/30/11 - Today we got our goodies from Kingston, it was torture both physically and emotionally to rip those heat shields off the RAM, they were damn good looking. I drained the fluid and swapped out the RAM and increased my hatred of the quality on the Koolance Ram-33. After much deliberation, I decided to swap out the RAM-Chipset line for hard fittings, I believe they look better and are far easier to put back on after removal, as well as not pushing on the RAM. I also setup 2 Sentry Mixs to control the 8 fans on the radiators, which make going from airplane take off to crickets very easy. The SSDs were setup in RAID 0 and are hella fast. The rest of the day was spent doing the other stuff I am in charge of, as well as swearing under my breath for not being able to get passed 5ghz. I am working diligently in my personal time researching a solution and cannot wait to go back into work on Monday, have a great weekend everyone! (http://nzxt.imgur.com/aqua_s_day_8#tTPS6)

[Prime]

what became of this build?

[Retell]

The build was completed. I am getting it show ready now. :) Should be public soon, we had a few delays.

[Retell]

It has been quite some time since the original Aqua S post. Well now I can finally begin to unveil it. This is actually the second build, it had already been built in a pre-production case for photography and for CES I decided to change a few things and move it into a final unit. :)



Below are the final specs:
Case :)
Intel i7 2700K
Asus Maximus IV Extreme-Z
16Gb DDR3 Kingston HyperX
120 GB Kingston HyperX
120 GB Kingston HyperX
NZXT HALE90 1000W
EVGA GTX 580
EVGA GTX 580
EVGA GTX 580
EK-Supreme HF - Full Copper
EK-FB ASUS Max4 Extreme - Plexi
Heatkiller GPU-X³ GTX 570 / 580 -Hole Edition
Heatkiller GPU-X³ GTX 570 / 580 -Hole Edition
Heatkiller GPU-X³ GTX 570 / 580 -Hole Edition
x4 Koolance Ram-33 Water Blocks
Watercool HTF4 3x140
Black Ice GT Xtreme 140
Pump Koolance PMP-450S with Reservoir
12X NZXT FX-140
2X NZXT Sentry Mix
3X NZXT White 2M LED
NZXT Cable Black Extensions on almost everything


More pics will follow on the first day of CES.
http://i.imgur.com/hbakT.jpg

[Damn_Smooth]

Can I have that when you're done with it? :laugh:

[Prime]

Glad I resurrectedthis, what ever that case is, it looks pretty boss :)

[Retell]

First 3DMark!
http://3dmark.com/3dmv/3787497

[Prime]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b364/mag18/IMAG0456.jpg
I see what you did there ;)

[Retell]

You are the first person to post this. I don't believe I know what it is, but you were the first to post it. ^.^

[Prime]

Hahaha Well it IS a magazine from the future... :P

I cant wait to see your both at CES :)

[Damn_Smooth]

Well, since we know about the case and everything, when do we get pics of the finished build?

[Retell]

http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/crafted_series/switch_810

Midway through the photo gallery :)

[entropy13]

So who did the black build? :p

[Retell]

Me as well, :P

[nleksan]

I hope you don't mind me resurrecting an old thread, I just had to say how much I bleeping love this build! I am trying to figure out how to fit the same kind of rig inside, although it will be a 3770K or hopefully a 3930K + Rampage IV Extreme. I am having difficulty with seeing how to get a 420mm radiator up top, though, without cutting (I really don't want to cut the case). I was hoping that you would be able to offer some assistance, via email/pm/whatever? You are clearly quite knowledgeable about this chassis, and I could use the help of a skillful builder such as yourself. Thanks!

[XNine]

I hope you don't mind me resurrecting an old thread, I just had to say how much I bleeping love this build! I am trying to figure out how to fit the same kind of rig inside, although it will be a 3770K or hopefully a 3930K + Rampage IV Extreme. I am having difficulty with seeing how to get a 420mm radiator up top, though, without cutting (I really don't want to cut the case). I was hoping that you would be able to offer some assistance, via email/pm/whatever? You are clearly quite knowledgeable about this chassis, and I could use the help of a skillful builder such as yourself. Thanks!


A 420 rad, as in 3 x 140? Depending on the Radiator used, you may not have to cut at all because the top does support 3 x 140 fans.

[Kantastic]

A 420 rad, as in 3 x 140? Depending on the Radiator used, you may not have to cut at all because the top does support 3 x 140 fans.

IIRC, 420 means 4x120.

[XNine]

IIRC, 420 means 4x120.

If that's the case, yeah, no, it's going to have to be modded. I get so confused with what people call radiators, some say one thing, some say another.

[Sinzia]

Pretty sure I'm going with the Switch 810 in black instead of this Xiggy Elysium, the build quality on the Xiggy is too sub-par for me.

[de.das.dude]

Me Gustsa

[theJesus]

IIRC, 420 means 4x120.
That would be 480mm. nleksan said 420mm. 3x140mm=420mm

[OnePostWonder]

ITT, Math.

[Kantastic]

That would be 480mm. nleksan said 420mm. 3x140mm=420mm

Not a math issue.

If I'm wrong, I blame Swiftech: http://www.xoxide.com/swiftech-mcr420-xp.html

[theJesus]

Not a math issue.

If I'm wrong, I blame Swiftech: http://www.xoxide.com/swiftech-mcr420-xp.html
I'll reiterate: nleksan said 420mm

[nleksan]

Haha, I did mean 420mm (3x140 fans). Sorry for the confusion! I am just trying to find a rad that matches the existing holes, allows for push/pull, has good performance, and doesn't require cutting the case... Apparently, that is hard to do! I have so far found that the HWLabs Black Ice 30fpi 30mm thick and one XSPC or Koolance model will work, but I don't know much about them?

[XNine]

I only have experience personally with the Black Ice rads. They're very good, some of them are a little bulky making them hard to put in certain spots. I've heard great things about XSPC rads, and they have those new crossflow rads out that are awesome!

[nleksan]

Based on clearance issues and wanting to go push/pull without cutting up my case, the 420mm Black Ice GTX Stealth (30fpi/30mm thick) Seems like an excellent radiator... Magicool, XSPC, and Koolance all have similar radiator models available for around the same price... I would be cooling my CPU only initially, but I will be adding a 670/680 not long after and eventually a 2nd (then 3rd) GPU to the loop. I anticipate adding either 2 single 140mm rads or a dual 140/120 once needed to facilitate the extra load, but I just want the most thermal headroom with the least hassle...
I would much rather over-rad than under-rad, and I don't mind 2000rpm fans or higher with a fan controller. I took a ton of measurements of rad mounting areas in the case today before it gets shipped back to Newegg for an undamaged one. Based on those measurements, I can fit a 45mm thick rad up top (max) in push/pull without having to go crazy with cutting and expensive fittings. I am thrown off by the fan mounting holes tho.


BTW, does nzxt sell parts (top/front) separately? I would like to be able to cut up the aforementioned pieces and add a bunch of metal mesh but I don't want to lose warranty and resale value if I don't have to. Having a second set would be very convenient!

[XNine]

We don't for the S810, but I can always see what I can do for you. PM me.