Project Thief - CaseLabs TX10-D Dual Workstation/Gaming Build - Gulftown and SB-E

[stren]

While I've been busy working on this, my sponsors have been busy with new products. Detroit Thermo has come out with a new block called the "sniper", it's a tiny bit more restrictive but is supposed to have better temps:



I'm hoping to do an apples to apples comparison with the rasa/raystorm/ek hf supreme/5Noz/Sniper

Also Monsoon Free came out with some sexy new rotary fittings:



Including a special version with optional end plugs:

Yes the other version has Light Ports that let you install several different types of plugs. An LED plug that has super bright 15 degree LED's that make your tube glow sort of like a fiber optic cable or neon tube. A temp probe plug. A shorty version of the silver bullets, and of course our standard Monsoon plug. The plugs are available in all 10 Monsoon colors. The Light Port Rotaries will sell for a buck or two more depending on where resellers price them.

Actually the LED plugs don't come in the two color form shown below, but you get the idea.

Excited to use these, but it gives me more decisions to make as to which color to use lol.


Quick update on my project:

While I was procrastinating sleeving/custom wire harnesses for the power supply I figured I'd work on getting the radiators up and running for the gaming rig - I mounted the AP16s to the 140mm adapters:



Then got ready to resolder and sleve:



First time sleeving so did a pretty uneven job:



Decided to move that to the back side of the radiator and now that I had my system down, did a much better job on the front side:



Both sides done, but still awaitng fan headers:



Mounted back in the case:

[manofthem]

Those are some sexy Monsoon fittings!

Looking great!

[Aquinus]

The pictures just keep getting better and better. No disappointment here. I just wish I had one, and when I say "one" I mean the entire thing.

[stren]

Thanks


Been slow on the updates because work has been kicking my behind. Anyway the 580 3gb cards came in. I know some of you may say why not get 680's (or even 670's), well these were a lot cheaper (awesome 2nd hand deal) and will perform plenty well enough to max out 2560x1600 @ 60Hz. With my 480's I never had a problem running out of processing power, but I did run out of vram, so I think these will be plenty until I upgrade the monitors Once I upgrade then I'm sure I can justify a few GK110s



As you can see two of the backplates are 480 ones:



So I had to switch the cards around so that the 580 one was at the bottom of the stack. I had to take them apart anyway to check for nickel problems and gunk. I'd be more concerned if I wasn't suspecting that I'll change GPUs again before the build is finished. Here they are rearranged and plugged in:



The 120 radiator is for the motherboard only loop:



I'm still working out how to route the tubing for optimal performance without making it look like a mess - should I come out the side or go out the top?





Although the board has two loops on it, it will really look like it has three as there will be a 560 rad in between the cpu and gpu:



Motherboard loop routed with temporary fittings - I thought this would look better. I don't really like the way it looks - too busy and crowded, I need to work out a way to keep the tube out the way more. Maybe a memory block would help:

[Sinzia]

I don't know how I missed this worklog- In4Sub!

[stren]

Ok so a quick recap -not much had been done the last few weeks as I was busy with work and then went on a brief vacation. Now I'm back the build will continue, however I'll also be doing various things in between including a review of Rich Chomiczewski aka Spotswood's new tech station. I'll also be doing a CPU waterblock round up which will include:

DT Sniper
DT 5Noz
EK Supremacy
EK Supreme HF
XSPC Raystorm
XSPC Rasa
MIPS Iceforce HF

Thanks to DT, EK and Indigo Xtreme for sponsoring the blocks and TIM, thanks to Rich for sponsoring the tech station which will be used as the test bench :thumb::thumb:

So without further ado, let's get back to some pictures

The tech station arrived from Rich in a fairly small box:



However there was still plenty of room for packing:



The case comes "mostly" assembled, here's the motherboard tray:



that mounts above the base which includes mounts for DVD drives, HDs and SSDs:



Here's the rest of the frame:



And all the screws and accessories, interestingly Rich includes an allen driver, as well as an allen key, and a torx key also



The frame makes use of extruded aluminum with a pattern that makes it easy to use screws and bolts/nuts to easily customize the setup. Here's one vertical strut getting slid onto the base:



There is then a hole allowing that screw to be tightened. Before you know it all 4 are up:



You can then add some feet:



Then attach the PCI card support to the motherboard tray and then attach both to the frame:



Then the PSU can be attached with two small plates:



Although this is solid enough for benching (and the PSU does not move), a 4 screw mount would be more solid if you were moving the case as there is potential for the PSU to bend those small plates. The hard drives, dvd and SSDs use small rubber grommets that get screwed into the base of each device:



You can then slide these on the same extruded frames which have pre drilled access holes to make it easy to swap them in and out:



More to come tomorrow!

[Aquinus]

What kind of WD drive is that? WD Black, or a RE series?

[stren]

Originally Posted by Aquinus

What kind of WD drive is that? WD Black, or a RE series?

Ah it's a spare RE4 250gb

[stren]

I also had ordered a crystalfontz setup so that I could monitor temps accurately, although the aquaero is more of a system, it doesn't support the dallas temp probes that can be calibrated to <0.1C accuracy. This setup should let me do that. The package arrived while I was away:



More packaging:



Taking it out of the bag - it's the 635 module with the 4 line LCD:



They'd pre fitted the SCAB module which enables the temp sensors to be hooked up:



Not quite sure what was with the stray spray paint:



Decided to mount it on the top of the test bench:



However the right side couldn't be screwed down so I added some support so I could at least push the buttons if needed:



The test bench came with extra extrusion pieces so you can add on extra devices, I decided to use my RD30 pump for the cpu block test:



I'd also ordered a King Instruments flow meter (similar to the one Martin uses):



It's more accurate and less restrictive than the impeller types. However it's large - here it is zip tied to the case next to the 400mm EK res:



And now the final setup waiting for the 2nd R4E/3930K to arrive:

[stren]

Time for a belated update:

I used the nice quick release thumb screws to remove the EX 560 radiator from the TX10. I used two extra pieces from the tech station to build a support beam for it:



Then used some of the accessories to grip it either side so it was stable, but yet also quick to remove:



Then the 2nd R4E board came in:



And a 2nd cpu:



Installed the motherboard - I learned I should loosen the standoffs from the tray a little as they holes have enough movement that the standoffs may be mispositioned. After screwing everything in I want back and tightened it. Then added the cpu:



Then some ram:



Then removed the ram in order to fit the DT 5Noz using the Sniper thumbnuts:



Then put the ram back in:



Added a gpu (9800 gt is enough for the cpu test) and that's it for now!

[Aquinus]

I used to have a G5, replaced it with a G500, that one died, and replaced it with another G500. I've been very happy with Logitech's top-end mice. Not because they sport a lot of features (which it really doesn't,) it just fits to my hand like a well worn glove. Should have stuck with Logitech.

Also the R4E is only a 8+3 VRM CPU power? I don't understand why everyone thinks that the RoG boards are amazing. I really dig 16 + 2 + 2 CPU power on the P9X79 Deluxe. The only thing I see from the R4E that is different (other than VRMs,) is that quad-fire and quad-sli are supported where on mine only 3-way is supported (despite the 4 PCI-E x16 slots) not that I'm going to be running 4 GPUs anytime soon.

[stren]

Originally Posted by Aquinus

I used to have a G5, replaced it with a G500, that one died, and replaced it with another G500. I've been very happy with Logitech's top-end mice. Not because they sport a lot of features (which it really doesn't,) it just fits to my hand like a well worn glove. Should have stuck with Logitech.

Also the R4E is only a 8+3 VRM CPU power? I don't understand why everyone thinks that the RoG boards are amazing. I really dig 16 + 2 + 2 CPU power on the P9X79 Deluxe. The only thing I see from the R4E that is different (other than VRMs,) is that quad-fire and quad-sli are supported where on mine only 3-way is supported (despite the 4 PCI-E x16 slots) not that I'm going to be running 4 GPUs anytime soon.

Yeah that's interesting. The difference is that the ROG is "Digi+ II" vs "Digi+". No one seems to know if this is anything more than marketing. I've heard that some of the new vrm designs require less phases though so who knows. They are both very good boards boards thgouh. In the past I've been disappointed by the regular asus boards when overclocking hard (I've had the p5pqpro, the p6t vanilla and p6t deluxe) while the ROG boards have always been more rock solid (R3E/R4E/M5G).

[Aquinus]

Originally Posted by stren

Yeah that's interesting. The difference is that the ROG is "Digi+ II" vs "Digi+". No one seems to know if this is anything more than marketing. I've heard that some of the new vrm designs require less phases though so who knows. They are both very good boards boards thgouh. In the past I've been disappointed by the regular asus boards when overclocking hard (I've had the p5pqpro, the p6t vanilla and p6t deluxe) while the ROG boards have always been more rock solid (R3E/R4E/M5G).

I considered it, but after reading Dave's review on the board I fell in love. I almost went with the R4E though, to be honest. I also didn't have an eATX case and I would have had to replace my Antec 1200, which I wasn't quite prepared to do.

[stren]

Photo update:



Box was huge, almost as wide as a 560 rad! The dac/amp is large too, much bigger than it seemed from photos:



Deep too:



Time to get the test bench up and running:



The flow meter needed some barbs, I got these 1/2" brass barbs from home depot:



I forgot that with no o-ring, you need teflon tape, that would bite me later. Clamped it down:



Matching one for the bottom input port:



Hooked up the Iwaki RD30 pump fed directly from the 400mm reservoir:



I had the return come in the bottom and used the longest internal tube to direct the flow to the top of the res in order to help bleeding. Then connected the CPU:



Hooked up the rad, and ran out of clear tube, had to use some of the leftover pink:



Time to fill it up:



2.55GPM while bleeding with the Iwaki at 19V, at 29V it was pushing a smidge over 3.5GPM:



Ready to start overclocking:

[HammerON]

Nice update
Always enjoy your great pics too!!!

[phanbuey]

you should consider using push-pull on that rad... Some 140MM fans on the other side would really increase the dissipation (not that you really need with that much real estate, but it would help)

Looks really nice great photo work.

[stren]

Originally Posted by phanbuey

you should consider using push-pull on that rad... Some 140MM fans on the other side would really increase the dissipation (not that you really need with that much real estate, but it would help)

Looks really nice great photo work.

Don't worry - it is push/pull, you just can't see it well in the photos

[stren]

Alright - while I haven't made progress on the project, I have made progress on the CPU water block review. Here's how I did the temperature sensors (some of these photos are repeats but are included for completeness as a how-to guide):

For this I was following Rubidium's excellent guide with some modifications. His guide is a must read if you're planning to copy this.

Dallas one wire temperature sensors are much more accurate than the standard 2 wire thermistor type sensors that are used in current water temperature probes. However they need to be water proofed and mounted in the loop which means some work on my part.

So here's what I ordered - the temperature sensors and the crystalfontz USB interface- there are many options here, the one I chose was not the cheapest but gives a good amount of screen space:



The package came in:



In addition to the main screen display, you'll need a SCAB module that enables the sensor monitoring, plus a USB cable, plus the temperature sensors too.



Here's the break down of how to plug it in





We also needed some other parts to build the temperature sensors into, the bitspower rotary q fitting is very flexible but has more ports than you'll probably need so you'll need to order some stop fittings or a different t adapter:



Here's what I ordered from mcmaster-carr at the top and at the bottom is a sample order for enough parts for one temp sensor from sidewinder (I had some parts already so only ordered what I needed). If you clean the stainless steel syringe well you may be able to reuse it, I ordered two just in case. The parts arrived:



I ordered the brass metal brush, I probably should have ordered something else though - maybe a steel one? Eitherway it seems to have worked for me. Brass barbs make life easier because otherwise you have to remove the nickel plating from the fitting.



First off rough up the surface of the temperature sensor, I used 220 grit regular sand paper:



Then rough up the interior surface of the barb using the metal brush (fit it in a drill and spend a few minutes doing the old in and out). I also sanded the end of the barb and it's chamfer with 220 grit. I then cut some small neoprene washers to fit around the temp sensors and hold it centered in the barb:



I bought the smallest I could find from home depot. If you can find something that's a perfect fit (any rubber grommet or washer that fits would be fine) then it would be better. You want to make the fit as perfect as possible otherwise the glue will leak past and it could ruin all your efforts. Fit a 2nd washer to keep the wire centered at the back of the barb. Now we're going to mix up the glue. Get your glue mats together:



I found about a quarter of the 1.7oz size would fill 2-3 3cc syringes. One 3cc syringe's worth is probably enough for 2 fittings. I mixed it in a disposable plastic shot glass that I had laying around.



Then take the plastic syringe, dip the end in and start sucking up the glue:



Stop when you have enough and wipe off the tip:



Attach the needle by screwing it on while pushing it in. Be careful to catch the glue that comes out while you do this:



Fill up around the temperature sensor slowly avoiding making any bubbles. You will want to fill up just above the edge of the fitting as the glue will shrink down a bit. As the glue will run you need to secure it so that it doesn't run out. I put mine loosely in a vice:



Here they are after drying for 24 hours:



You can see the glue is lower than the edge of the fitting. If your washer/grommet wasn't a good fit, a good amount of glue may have leaked past. If it's too low you can always top off later.



Now you're going to remove the grommet/washer and fill the other side of the fitting all the way to the top. Again take it slowly and avoid bubbles, keep going around and around the wires and try and keep the wires centered. Leave to dry in an upright position so that it doesn't run out the side:



All done:



You can then mount them in the bitspower q fitting:



I then added on my VL4N QDC's (along with g1/4 g3/8 adapters):



You can then add stop fittings and mount to your favorite waterblock and then leak test:



Looks kinda frankenstein, but hopefully the performance will be worthwhile :thumb:

I also made a video of the test setup here:

http://youtu.be/eO0ec6NLfa8

[ChaoticAtmosphere]

Originally Posted by stren

Looks kinda frankenstein, but hopefully the performance will be worthwhile

[PopcornMachine]

Originally Posted by stren

Looks kinda frankenstein, but hopefully the performance will be worthwhile

Can't wait until "It's alive!".

[puma99dk|]

i so luv seeing a Asus Xonar Essence One everytime i see one, i just only wish it wasn't that expensive as it is ._.

[Jizzler]

No recent updates. Probably busy... busy with a MERLIN PROTOTYPE??!!!??

Ok, probably not yet. But you'll tell us when they send you one, right?

[stren]

Originally Posted by PopcornMachine

Can't wait until "It's alive!".

Me too!!!

Originally Posted by puma99dk|

i so luv seeing a Asus Xonar Essence One everytime i see one, i just only wish it wasn't that expensive as it is ._.

Oh I love the E1, I didn't think it would be much better than the STX, but I really love it, plus it's ony a little more than two STX's anyway and I'll be plugging it into two machines so in that sense it's relatively affordable. It also frees up a slot to go Quad SLI. Of course I'd need a better monitor setup in order to justify a 4th card

Originally Posted by Jizzler

No recent updates. Probably busy... busy with a MERLIN PROTOTYPE??!!!??

Ok, probably not yet. But you'll tell us when they send you one, right?

Haha I'd love it if Jim sent me on - in fact the next build will be a mitx for the wife, but I think Jim will probably finish Merlin before I finish this build

Right now I'm being held up reviewing CPU waterblocks (15 of them!), then I have to finish the review of Spotswood's tech station, and then I can get back to this.

I still need to do some real time consuming stuff like custom wire harnesses before I can start on designing the waterfall reservoir prototypes

Oh and I have to not get fired from my job either

[stren]

I did get a little bit of time to work on the main build:



I decided to simplify my linux disk system. I had bene using a raid card, 4 ssds and 4 HDDs and now that large SSD prices were coming down it seemed like a good time to consolidate.

So I picked up a 512gb SSD to replace my 300 gigs worth made up of 4 drives:



As well as a 3TB drive to replace my 3x1TB drives



With linux drive if you're atuomatically mounting the drives then the order they get plugged in can matter. Going down to only 2 + an occasional backup makes life a lot easier when changing out motherboards.



I normally buy WD drives, but as they hadn't released a 7200rpm 3TB sata drive I went with Seagate



So I took out the side mount HDD system:



And started taking out drives:



The 512gb is actually smaller - 7mm tall while the older 128gb is 9mm:



Spare drives:



Nearly done:



And done - the right drives will be for the gaming rig - 128gb boot, 2x128gb raid 0 for games, 32gb SLC for swap. The left drives are 512gb for boot/home of linux workstation, 128 temporary ssd that was left hooked up to transfer files, 3TB backup drive and 1TB old file storage.



Now to sell the old stuff:

[Avelict]

Haha, lemme know what you want for those old drives!