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fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 19:05

Here we go, this is going to be my first proper build/modification that I have spend some good money on. Sure it isn't the highest of end systems out there, but it is fine for a good ol' Counter Strike: Source session and some film making.

So here we go, here is the case:

Changing the front fan to an Apache Black, will do the same for the back when Overclockers UK have more stock which should hopefully be soon.

I have also removed the hard drive cage as I am going to be using Intel SSD's.

I have a Blu-Ray drive to install, so here it is, plus a Lian Li modification kit to make it match the front of the case nicely.

Here comes the lovely Gigabyte z68 UD4, can you guess I am going for a black theme here? - Will be worth it as the side panel will eventually have a window.

Motherboard not fitted in yet, finding it hard to align the stand off screws with it.

So here we are so far, more to come, got some Intel SSD's and WD Black Hard Drive to put in and obviously the other bits too. Will update when more has been done!

fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 19:10

RJC said:
Looking good, just use a crow bar to position the motherboard

Yeah, I am too scared of breaking it.

fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 19:29

This is one of the babies that is going in there.

fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 20:30

The IO shield may need changing, not really the dark theme is it.

Backplate... Not sure what to do with the sticky part on the back side, might try and take that off and remove the stickiness off with thermal paste cleaner.

IC Diamond with a nice little cooler fitted, nice match to the case I think. Just need another Apache Black, one for the fan and one for the back of the case.

fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 20:57

rjkoneill said:
welcome to the intel elmcrest elite!

superb hardware choices too

gigabyte board looking sleek in there too. looking forward to seeing this in the flesh 5UB
always been a massive fan of this case

Thank you matey. I will make sure I bring it to the HQ in towards the end of the build.

GoogalyMoogaly said:
Is the front fan set to exhaust and the rear fan an intake?

Sure is.

fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 21:02

RJC said:
Got the board in and screwed down then

What CPU are you using, I'm probably being daft and missed it!

Yeah, I think I have missed a couple of screws, but will sort that soon. Having a break now and will do some more tomorrow evening.

The processor is the i5 2500k.

fiveub · 4 Jul 2011 at 22:05

What do you guys think I should do to the backplate?

Right I have peeled it off, and the sticky bit is still on the backplate, so I will rub some thermal remover on it to take it off.

fiveub · 5 Jul 2011 at 00:41

Thank you everyone for the feedback and comments.

fiveub · 5 Jul 2011 at 07:35

Trying to get 3 screws into the motherboard, they do not want to go in. I have no idea why, I have tried loosening the other screws but the motherboard still doesn't move.

fiveub · 5 Jul 2011 at 07:42

They are hardly off at all. But it seems like the screw manages to go in the hole of the board and the side of the stand off so it doesn't screw in.

fiveub · 5 Jul 2011 at 13:45

If I get some time tonight, I am going to try and finally get all screws in the motherboard, we will get there!

Remove the Lian Li sticker from the back of the case with Tim Cleaner, remove the double sided tape off the back of the CPU backplate, add 2 Akasa Apache Black fans, onto the CPU cooler and the back of the case, and then finally add the Western Digital 640GB Black (SATA 3).

I shall upload more photos as I go along.

fiveub · 5 Jul 2011 at 19:15

3 Apache Black Fans now!

A lovely Corsair AX 750w PSU.

fiveub · 6 Jul 2011 at 07:28

paradigm said:
I could probably cut out a sticker in black vinyl that would cover the IO plate up a treat.

I'll have a play tomorrow and drop one into OcUK next time I'm in (over the weekend most likely) if you like?

That sounds great, if you don't mind doing it that would be appreciated.

tidusjar said:
Just wondering why did you choose the Apache Black fans? Any reason?

They are good fans, they do not light up, and they are black to match the rest of the components.

fiveub · 8 Jul 2011 at 21:18

Fans are still the direction of coming in from the back and going out the front. Going to do a bit more of this tomorrow and will upload more photos.

fiveub · 9 Jul 2011 at 15:09

Removed the Lian Li sticker on the back and changed the fan guard to black.

fiveub · 9 Jul 2011 at 15:12

Reusing my 640gb SATA 3 Caviar Black Drive:

Fits nicely, also done some quick cable management on the Apache Fans.

fiveub · 9 Jul 2011 at 15:26

To keep on with the black theme, but also improve the case by having slight noise reduction, I have installed a dampening mat at the bottom which I think gives it a nice touch.

fiveub · 9 Jul 2011 at 15:33

Precut.

fiveub · 9 Jul 2011 at 15:43

I was lucky, I got the precut ones for the Xigmatek Asgard case and it fitted perfectly. The width of the case is pretty much the same to most cases though which is handy. - Trying to think what to do next, I don't want to put the memory or the graphics card in yet as I am currently using it in this system.

I think next is to get the PSU cables in and get them all hooked up.

fiveub · 11 Jul 2011 at 08:53

Was busy this Weekend, will be doing some more tonight.