Project "Panther MK2 LIQUID ITX"

CivilDrone

CivilDrone

CivilDrone

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As you probably aware, I am slightly obsessed with itx builds :)
As of yet I was only able to push the limits with the traditional air cooling, such as this project:
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18692651

I've decided to take it up a notch and do a custom WC loop in a small ITX case
My first WC loop in a confined space.. :D

For this project I've decided to use some of the bits from an earlier project:
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18712845

And here what became of it!

Case was the:https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cougar-qbx-mini-itx-cube-chassis-black-ca-013-cu.html

All the plastic shielding was stripped, top and front. Bottom had to stay in order to retain the filtering. 80mm mesh added to the front:


When it came to choose a res/pump I've decided to go for:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/laing-18w-ddc-pump-12v-ddc-1t-plus-wc-047-ac.html
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-ddc-heatsink-housing-black-wc-484-ek.html
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/bitspower-ddc-mini-water-tank-wc-306-bp.html
Problem was finding a space for it and so I did. Had to drill a few holes and it became a very snug fit:



GPU used was GTX 980 along with this block:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-fc980-gtx-acetal-wc-652-ek.html
As there was no room in the case I had to flip it up and secure somehow:
Drilled 2 holes to bolt it to the case. Also cutouts for the HDMI and DVI


Ziptie to support the other side of the card


Pci-e ribbon cable to flip the card up


The overview. single rad on top dual rad bottom


Also Filtered


End result


Guys please do comment/suggest as feedback is most appreciated. As mentioned first ever WC build don't be harsh!

Other MISC items used are akasa apache fans, phobia 90 degree fittings, monsoon fittings, mayhems pre-mixed liquid and tubing
 
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Looking good. Glad the PCI-E ribbon worked out. Shame the GPU block isn't acrylic topped so you can see the purple coolant through it - but I guess it's a moot point without a side window. Well, you know what your next mod can be now :D
 
In regards to the PCI-e ribbon, is it possible to shorten it somehow? or buy half the length, as too much slack now. Cant find it anywhere, just the size ive got
I did want transparent block but solid @ £30 was too good to miss :)
I wont be able to window the case as I need air to escape, currently both fans/rads are sucking air in and letting it out through the mesh
Managed to try and OC the card a little:
core +250
ram +350


Not really sure how good that is as always had 970's

Would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Canedd for all the help and support given
 
You're very welcome. Glad it's all come together so well!

Not sure on OC'ing the GFX as last time I looked into it was for a 580 and I decided that for about 3 fps gain, I wouldn't bother.

If you can find a shorter ribbon that would be best. If not, you may find that the PCI-E socket (or the blade) is an IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) which is essentially forks on the end of the pins that cut through the insulation on the ribbon and straddle the wire to make contact. In theory it's possible to take it off, move it back up the wire and push it in again. I say in theory because unless you have some horrendously expensive crimp tool (that you'll use once) you have to line it up carefully and push it in with a drift and sone waterpump pliers. It's not a nice solution but it is possible if careful. I did it for the 24 pin ribbon I used recently but I think PCI-E is going to have more pins and hence be harder.

The other thing you could do is fold the cable to take up the slack. If it's anything like the old IDE ribbons you used to get, you can make some quite severe folds without killing it. Couple of folds and something to hold it flat would make it tidy.
 
Looks good to me - not that I'm an expert. A standard air cooled 980 Ti runs at 50 odd when idle. Under water it's around 50 gaming IIRC. My 6700K will hit 70 under gaming and it's fine. I need more rad space...but mainly for smugness than necessity :D
 
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