[Build Log] MODZERO FORTY - HEX GEAR R40

[HackJoe]

[Build Log] MODZERO FORTY - HEX GEAR R40 (Finished 3rd Dec)



Hey Guys, I'm back with another slice of build log goodness. This time thanks to sponsorship from HEX GEAR and E22 I'm going to be building in the all new HEX GEAR R40. I'm over the moon to have been given the opportunity and can't wait to get stuck in.

So HEX GEAR provided me with the 'Black R40 Premium Micro ATX case' and a 'R40 accent pack' (reserve in black).

E22 sent me a world of modding supply goodies which I'll post once the photos are done.

Currently all hardware is being provided by me with 99% of the stuff all bought and ready to go. These are the current planned specs. Although these may change as the build progresses.

SPECS:

• Intel Core i7-2600K
• Silverstone Strider Plus 1000W
• R40 Premium Micro ATX case - Reverse Black on Black!
• ASUS ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z68 MATX
• KLEVV Genuine 2400mhz 16GB (4 x 4GB)
• Asus GeForce GTX 980 DirectCU II OC Strix

WC:

• EK Water Blocks EK-DDC 3.2 PWM
• EK Water Blocks EK-DDC Heatsink Housing - Black
• EK Water Blocks EK-Supremacy - Nickel
• EK Water Blocks EK-FC980 GTX Strix - Nickel
• EK Water Blocks EK-FC980 GTX Strix Backplate - Black
• EK Water Blocks EK-FC Terminal DUAL Parallel - Plexi
• DarkSide - Dual LP240 Extra Slim Radiator
• DarkSide - Dual LP360 Extra Slim Radiator
• Bitspower DDC Top - POM Version
• Bitspower Premium G1/4" Black Sparkle High Flow 1/2" Compression x12
• Bitspower BP-BS30R G1/4" Black Sparkle Rotary 30-Degree IG1/4" Extender
• Bitspower G 1/4" Black Sparkle Rotary 45 Degree IG 1/4" Adapter x6
• Bitspower G 1/4" Black Sparkle Rotary 90 Degree IG 1/4" Adapter x4
• Aqua Computer Aquatube Delrin Reservoir - black
• Tygon R6016 Neoprene Tubing (1/2 - 3/4) Tubing
• Mayhems X1 - Dark Red 1ltr x2

MISC:

• DarkSide - CONNECT Dimmable Rigid LED Strip White - 12" (30cm) x2
• BitFenix Spectre PRO 120mm Fan - All Black x5

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The HEXGEAR R40 case.


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The case is shipped flat packed requiring full assembly. The parts are very well packed with each component wrapped separately and all nuts/bolts bagged and labeled. The instructions are very clear making the build process a breeze and a pleasure.


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The design is well engineered and once assembled it's a unit! very solid! It's packs some weight which really adds to that premium fit and finish. The Hexgear guys should be really proud of themselves, their first case on the market and it's a goody. :rock:


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The 'Accent Packs' are simple to swap out and they are all you need if you want to flip the orientation. The case I went with ships with white front/rear accent panels and I opted for the black reverse pack. I built the case stock, then swapped them out.


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The case sits on two pieces of clear acrylic which make it appear as though it's floating (in the right light). You can also get rubber feet if that's more your thing. I'm hoping to have some lights escape the bottom of the case to amplify that look of levitation.


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I enjoyed how all the bolts are hex and it came with the tools you'll need. The little details really show off how much time and effort has been put into the design.


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I didn't get into the internals as I plan to touch on that as the build progresses. Plenty more photos over on the Imgur album if you want to check them out. Next update I'll show the parts E22 sent over. I don't think this will take me too long to complete. I'm busting to get my teeth into it so expect updates to come thick and fast.

Thanks for checking it out. Let me know what you think.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Excellent to see another build popping up. I'm in the process of doing one myself but don't see many floating about yet. I agree it's a well made case and well presented. Get cracking!

Whats your log called? I expect we'll see more and more R40 builds.

Oh I really like this case, so looking forward to seeing the build. Subbed

Thanks chap, I've got a little modding to do on the mount plate and the ever lengthy task of making the PSU cables planned this week.

The issue I have, is the majority of the hardware is sat in this machine I'm posting from. So once I start transferring the hardware I'll not want to stop until it's complete.

I'll tackle the mount plate first, share that in the log. Post the E22 supplies, then get cracking on the PSU.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Ah I can see that being a wee dilemma, so by the time you update us you'll be finished pretty much??

Haha, nah, I've got MOD04 to keep the logs up to date.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

UPDATE 1

E22 have supplied me with all the modding supplies I need to make new cables for the Silverstone ST1000 along with the BitFenix Spectre Pro fans and some other goodies.


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Fingers crossed I'll start the cables later in the week. E22 stock just about every connector type you'd need.


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Teleios Fusion R/B, I'll be using this on the main cables then Teleios black for things like the LEDs, Fans etc.


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18 AWG WIRE, they sent me 5 metres of the stuff.. which sounds loads.. but it sure doesnt look it. haha



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These are 3-pin fans so I intend to use a PWM switch and wire them all into that. I like how they have hexagons in the design. Currently thinking of using the 6th fan in the PSU and leaving the rear 120mm case mount empty.


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Stealth Combs Bumper Pack, should be plenty in there..


I'm hoping to get a lot done this week. I'll be modding the mount plate tomorrow, so that'll be the next update.

Thanks for checking it out.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

UPDATE 2

Quick update. this is the R40's mount plate. The case ships with the blank plate but HEX GEAR offer a number of factory cut options if you want them.

I did this with a hand drill, a Dremel cutting wheel and a few files. Think i need some new tools, haha..


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Top port will be swapped out with a 90' fitting and a fill port. Maybe the same on the bottom port for draining. I'll try the middle with an LED but I'm not to sure how well light penetrates the X1.0 Oil black.


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Time to put the blocks on the hardware and start fitting it into the case. Still need some RAM for this one. I've not pulled the trigger on the second 980 yet either, I can't make my mind up.. haha.

Thanks for checking it out.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Really looking forward to this being done, looks awesome.

Good fan choice. The hex pattern will match perfectly!

Thanks, I'm a little disappointed they aren't PWM but I've got a plan for that.

I'm liking the look of this build. Impressive to see what you can fit into that case. Just wondering why a DDC pump vs a D5 pump.

To be honest, I already had the EK DDC 3.2 PWM pump. So I rolled with it. Plus for the mount config I've used the D5 wouldn't have really worked out.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Lovely looking photos. Is the 980 definitely going to fit with the pump mounted there? I went full retard and mounted my pump up before checking clearance and it was a no go.

lol, I bet that upset you. There is plenty of clearance, the case is well thought out, that mounting plate is clear of even the longest GPUs.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Love this so far.

Question: that's an EK DDC pump with their DDC heatsink kit yet you fit a Bitspower pump top with no issues?

I know manufacturers say "can't be used with other people's kit or compatibility not guaranteed" to avoid RMAs and con you into buying their stuff, but I can't see how a mounting for heatsink and pump top couldn't be compatible with each other.

I'm looking at an XSPC top with EK pump and heatsink y'see

The DDC is the standard so all 'options' are based on that. You'll not have any problems as long as the parts you go with don't directly conflict with how they attach to the DDC. I preferred the EK DDC heat-sink over the BP version for its anti vibration mount. I preferred the BP pump top over the EK variant for it's cleaner design.

Hope that helps.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Not to be a pedant but it wasn't enough to clear my 290x Lightning which I didn't even think was a long card! I opted for the extra mounting bracket for a d5 pump as well but ended up just using the standard plate and drilling it out where I needed it.

Looking forward to more progress.

Haha, well that made me panic! I've fitted the GPU and luckily enough, it fit with some room (not much) to spare.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

UPDATE 3.0 - DARKSIDE RADS & ASUS GTX980 STRIX + EKWB BLOCK

Another update with MODZERO FORTY, the mounting plate from the last update is in the case and I've a pretty clear idea on how the loop with work now. So the rads and fans are going in and the blocks are going on.

I still hope to go SLI as the second card is still available but it's looking unlikely. My 14 week pup managed to steal a tub of grapes which ended up costing me nearly £200 to get sorted out (grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs). So the SLI budget has been blown. However, there is still time. Something may land on my lap, I can but hope.

The RADS. Went with the Darkside LP range again, I needed <30mm rads to fit in the top and bottom chambers of the R40. I was impressed with the LP240's I used in MODZERO KIMKO and they are still priced really well here in the UK. Picked these up from MAYHEMS store.


DarkSide LP240 and LP360


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ASUS GTX 980 STRIX


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I normally go with reference cards as 9/10 I'll be watercooling, which makes getting a block all that much simplier. So this was the first non-ref GPU I've had in a while. I found a great deal, so sold my original GTX Titan (some kid on eBay got a bargain!) and picked up the strix.


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Under the giant cooler the PCB slims down and it's quite the PCB. Really like the custom 10-phase DIGI+ VRMs.


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I'm using the EK Water Blocks EK-FC980 GTX Strix - Nickel and Black backplate. I like the little strix logo.



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The block looks good, I don't intend to make use of the two LED ports. I did with MODZERO FOUR but as the coolant will be black, all the LEDs did was show off the mill paths in the plexi. The R40 has plenty of head space and as it'll be reverse the case lighting should do a good job lighting up the GPU.

So that's it for now. Sorry there are so many photos! I'll have mini update later in the week. I'm currently waiting on some last minute additional fittings from HighFlow and in the mean time I'll be starting my cables.

What do you think, make the push for SLI or leave it as it is? It's purely aesthetic value at this point. This build will mainly be used to work from.

Thanks for checking it out.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

UPDATE 4.0

Just a little update, the mounting plate, rads and fans are in the case.. we'll most of the hardware is now in the case as I'm working on the cables. But I took these shots after I shot the GPU at the end of last week, hadn't intended to use them (hence the finger marks all over the front of the R40) but I liked em, so here we are. haha


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I've got a couple ideas for the loop now, my initial thought (and I'll still try it) may be a little too 'busy' looking, so I have something I like more in mind. If I'm not happy with the loop using flex I'm ready with the hardline.


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This is my simple but effective break out studio setup.. The lights collapse simple enough into a protective soft bag and the backdrop just rolls up. the 'table' is just a length of old desktop that folds in half and I slide it under the sofa, the 'table legs' are storage containers that live in the cupboard on the right.

The build is progressing well, I've started making the cables but sure enough, I ran out of wire half way into the 24pin. With E22 moving headquarters this week, I can't really do much more until I resupply. All being well I'd like to get the cables done by this time next week.

Thanks for checking it out.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Lovely photos as usual. I think Colin is right, two gpu's does look better but it's also excessive. Single gpu can look a lot cleaner too sometimes so it depends on your tubing route.

Of course I'm biased, but go hardline!

Haha, your hardline skills are amazing! I'm in two minds about it. I know hardline is 'in' at the moment and I get why, it looks awesome! my last couple builds have been hardline, I have plenty of hardline for the job and just about enough fittings to do it well.

But I always saw this build with flexi in mind. I worry is, flexi can often look simple or sloppy and it's hard to really get that clean look. If I went SLI then my flexi loop in mind will look ace.

As is, I'm struggling to convince myself the second card is worth it *cough* cant afford it *cough*. As such the return tube from the GPU is where I'm getting unstuck. I've two options and I'm not sure I like either! ha.

I'll see where I'm at after I've finished the cables. Or if I can pull in a couple more sponsors (somehow).

LOL That workbench is Faaaaaaaaaaaar too tidy for a PC Builder..

Nice little project tho..

Haha, thats my office and I cant work in mess.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

UPDATE 5.0 - Cables & Fitted Hardware

It's been a while but progress has resumed. I grossly underestimated just how much wire/sleeve I'd need and so promptly ran out.. haha.

E22 were in the process of moving at the time so I put the project on hold and awaited a supply drop.


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So the loop is next, sadly it's looking like the second GPU is off the table (budget issues) which has messed with how I originally saw the loop being routed. Also KLEVV ram is harder to source here in the UK than an honest tory. So for now at least I'm making use of some RAM I had left over from MODZERO FOUR.


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I'll share photos of the cable management in the final shots, I'm pleased with how it's looking back there but seeing as I'll have to unplug most of it when I fill the loop (lost my old trusty PSU I use to run the pump when I'm filling) I'm hoping to improve it a little more.

Thanks for checking it out.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Which KLEVV RAM kits were you looking at specifically? Google's bringing up a few hits for DDR3.

The build looks stunning, really nice job.

Edit: I re-read the first post and sent you a message on Trust.

Thanks for the message, I really got my hopes up as the price was good. but, just like Amazon they don't have the stock. They have ONE kit, I want 4 dimms. blegghhhhhH!!!!

That looks great!

Thanks.

Damn, really lovely build mate, attention to detail is awesome on the cables!

Thanks buddy. It's getting there. Just messing with some LED strips now, gonna start the loop tomorrow.

I love the Hexagon design, PC looking sick so far!!

Thanks, I'm really pleased with it.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

PROGRESS UPDATE

Unhappy with the loop and how the coolant looked in the Mayhems tubing I ordered a Darkside LPX 360 (crossflow) rad and some Tygon Neoprene 1/2' ID tube.

I fitted the new xflow rad and moved to the new tubing. I've redone the loop maybe 3-4 times now... I simply wasn't happy with the way it was looking. I had a BP flow indicator gathering dust, so I added it to the loop. At the pump RPM I'd set for normal workloads it wasn't spinning so up'd the pump speed a little and away it went. Then decided I didn't like the loop so drained it, tried again.

I'm finally happy with the loop but for whatever reason the flow indicator stops spinning shortly after the pump kicks in (I'm still bleeding the loop). I can't work out why as the flow rate is fine, I can see the tiny bubbles whizzing around.

So now, I'm looking at draining it again to remove the flow indicator, which is a shame. I know they are pointless really, but I like how they look and works well with the builds aesthetic.

Hmm..

J.

 

[HackJoe]

They're coming..



J.

 

[HackJoe]

UPDATE 6.0 - THE FINALE (ISH)

It's done, for now at least. The build has been running on my desktop for a few weeks. For one reason or another I wasn't happy with the original loop, so it's seen a few revisions. I went from the Mayhems Clear flexi with Mayhems Oil Black to Primochill LRT Onyx Black with Di-Water to Tygon Neoprene with di-water + Mayhems dark red dye.

I'm no photographer but do enjoy trying. I wanted to capture the build powered on with the way I have the LEDs set up. The two white Darkside strips are run quite dim as not to over power the Klevv RAM, they also cast a great shadow over the midwall (not that you can really tell from my photos... oops).


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I'm really glad I held out for the KLEVV RAM. Originally looking for the URBANE kit I really struggling to find enough stock in one place to fill all four dimms. In the end I was able to pick up the KLEVV GENUINE 4x4gb 2400mhz kit at a great price, SO glad I did. In the process I was sent some KLEVV URBANE by mistake. I'll certainly be putting that to good use soon*.

So it's finished, ish.. I'm in talks with a company that can make me two new all glass tinted side panels. If that ends up happening I'll break out the studio lights again and be sure to share.


I'm eager to get started on a new project, couple builds in the works. Hoping to reach out to possible new sponsors in the coming weeks to make them extra exciting.



This wouldn't have happened without the support of E22 and HEX GEAR, massive thankyou to those guys. Furthermore the help both Nate and Hans have provided during this process has been amazing. Thanks Guys.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

That's absolutely beautiful, very classy 10 thumbs up nevermind 2

Haha, awesome, thanks.

I love this build, so many components I have never seen used before, the tubing & ram in particular looks amazing. Stunning job mate!

Thanks fella, check out KLEVV all their RAM skus look great! I'm really happy with how the tubing turned out too. The neoprene has a great texture to it.

Unbelievable work, very nicely done.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to starting my next project in the new year.

Wow, I think I'm in love! Looking awesome mate, the matt black tubing really finishes it off, makes it look far more sinister

Thanks, I went through a few flex tube options before arriving at the Tygon. It was actually pOPe's idea to give it a go.

J.

 

[HackJoe]

Whats the tubing diameter and fittings manufacturer? Its looks great. You've managed to make flexi tubing look neat.

Bitspower Premium G1/4" Black Sparkle High Flow 1/2" Compression

Full specs are on page one buddy.

J.