[Build Log] -------- "MONOCHROME" --------

[Jameswalt1]

Welcome to my next build! This one has been kind of on the backburner for quite some time, as I've been waiting on the case. This will be a very clean promotional build for a new case from a new case manufacturer, of which I still can't disclose... yet, hence the "censored" area of the sponsor line up above.

I have the case in my possession and will show it as soon as I'm allowed (very soon) via photos and a video overview. The case itself is very clean, well made, and just oozes quality. I look forward to showing it off and doing this build with it.

Leading up to my ability to show the case I will of course, in my typical fashion, be photo-logging all of the other parts to be used in the build. This thing will be a powerhouse!



Main Components:
Motherboard: EVGA X99 Micro
CPU: Intel 5960x
Memory: G Skill DDR4 2400 32Gb
GPU: 2 x Nvidia Titan Z
PSU: EVGA 1600w G2
SSD: 3 x Intel 730 480Gb

Watercooling Components:
CPU Block: EK Supremacy Clean CSQ Nickel
GPU Blocks: 2 x EK Titan Z Nickel
Ram Blocks: EK Monarch Acetal + Nickel
Radiators: EK Coolstream PE 240mm + 360mm
Pump: UNDECIDED
Reservoir: UNDECIDED
Tube Fittings: Rocket Science 1/2 inch (12.7mm) tube fittings
Other Fittings (Misc): UNDECIDED
Tubing: Chrome/Nickel plated 1/2 inch (12.7mm) copper
Coolant: UNDECIDED

Other Components:
Fans: UNDECIDED
Cables: Ensourced Custom Sleeved Cables
Lighting: Darkside Connect LED strips

 

[Jameswalt1]

Thanks guys!

Can't wait for photos and see whats in store
Not too sure on the led strips thou will have to see how it pans out.

What's your doubt on the LED's?

 

[Jameswalt1]

Current parts collection! Some Titan Z pics inbound (and these Z pics are not a traditional photoshoot...)

 

[Jameswalt1]

TITAN ZZZZZZzzzzzz's!

 

[Jameswalt1]

^ Sorry but you need to resize those images.

Done, my bad

 

[Jameswalt1]

Will the copper tubing be nickel plated? This is going to be one mean build

Yes sir

Here's the G Skill DDR4 I'm going to use. I opted for the "value" labeled sticks so I didn't have to mess around with removing the heatsinks. I then mounted the amazing looking EK Monarch heatsinks which will allow me to attach the EK Monarch Ram waterblocks later. These EK heatsinks are seriously really nice quality, the machine work is top notch, plus the design in usual EK fashion is clean and modern.

 

[Jameswalt1]

Here are the Rocket Science fittings I'll be using for the build. They are, in my opinion, the best looking fittings for 1/2 inch tube. Here in the USA and also Australia (where the fittings are made) Imperial sizing is common for available copper tube, so these fittings hit the spot.

They are near identical to Bitspower C47's in terms of overall size. So, similar to that product these fittings leave a small footprint and fit flush with any other fitting adapter they might be connected to, unlike all other brands on the market whose 1/2 inch fittings are gigantic to the point of being just plain ugly.

I can't recommend enough. Keep in mind that the prices on the Rocket Science website are AUS dollars, not US dollars, so with the conversion they actually end up being only 6.50 a piece (I don't know the conversions off hand for the other countries this build log is posted). You can also use the code FASTFATE0105 for free shipping on orders over $50!

 

[Jameswalt1]

I'd like to know this too, your photography is great! I've been looking at a couple 400w studio lights with soft boxes and a 3x3m white/black backdrop. but if such results can be achieved with less I'd love to know how.

Looking forward to the case reveal. Can't be long now??

J.

Yeah I'll get a pic of my set up for photo's. the set up probably only costs like $300. Not including camera obviously.

I'm allowed to reveal the case on Friday at 6pm (your time) when the NDA lifts

 

[Jameswalt1]

Here's the awesome looking EVGA X99 Micro as well as my 5960x!

I've mentioned before that I'm a big fan of EVGA's new boards, as well as their bios' - and this board is no different. Rock solid piece. I've played with it to check the processor and was able to effortlessly overclock it to 4.6 on air using a pretty cheap cooler. Once on water I think this think will have even more legs

 

[Jameswalt1]

Here's the case!

From new manufacturer HEX GEAR (www.HEX-GEAR.COM) this is the R40, a premium mATX case. I made a lot of effort to do the case justice with my photos, and show that it truly is a high end piece of gear.

No matter what angle you look at it from the case is flawlessly sculpted, to the point of looking almost like a render. It's the kind of tasfeful, well made piece that wouldn't look out of place in a high end Swedish furniture catalog, it just oozes class.

The case is made from steel and aluminum - and comes in black and white (mine being black here). The front and rear acrylic inserts come standard in black on the white case and white on the black case, but color accent packs will be available to order so you can customize the color combination of your case. In my pictures you can see the white acrylic inserts but my final build will actually use silver inserts.

There will also be other modular items available for order, for example in my pictures you can see a shot of 4 smaller rectangular metal pieces with different shaped cutouts in each one - these are modular reservoir/pump mounts that are interchangable on the interior wall of the case. There are a ton of possibilities in this regard, another one being an add-on piece that allows the case to be constructed in a reverse mATX form!

Case specs:
- Materials: Aluminium | Steel | Acrylic
– Colours Available: Black | White
– Dimensions(WxDxH): 241.5 x 483 x 415
– Motherboard form factor: mATX
– 3.5" Drives: 2
– 2.5" Drives: 3
– Cooling: 6 x 120mm (3 x top 1 x rear 2 x bottom)
– PCI Slots: 5
– Suitable for air or watercooling

CONTENTS
– Screws and fixings
– 1 x white / black or white / steel vandal switch
– Motherboard standoffs
– Instruction manual
– Hex keys
– 90deg IEC adapter
　

 

[Jameswalt1]

Here are the awesome EK Coolstream PE rads for the build!

 

[Jameswalt1]

The SSD's arrived! Looks like I accidently ordered 240Gb's, but oh well they're plenty

You can also see in the pics that I very easily converted the case to reverse mATX. Due to the modular nature of the Hex Gear case it's extremely easy to do.

 

[Jameswalt1]

Been a while since an update, been busy in real life

Here's the EK Supremacy CPU block and EK Monarch ram blocks I'll be using!

(No, not an EVO, I got this block before the EVO came out)

 

[Jameswalt1]

Is that board just the x99 version of the Z97 Stinger?

This is mATX though

Here's the EVGA 1600w G2 PSU I'll be using

 

[Jameswalt1]

Received another care package from Slovenia today...

Six of EKs new delicious Vardar fans. I opted for the all-black 3000rpm "FF5" series Vardar fans. Out of the box the FF5 version comes with red sleeving which is purty, but I'll be re-sleeving with something that matches the build more.

Really digging the clean aesthetic

 

[Jameswalt1]

Even though you said everything will be 'vanilla' for the build, I'd design something for the centre of those fans.

That's not out of the question

 

[Jameswalt1]

Here's the lovely EK pump/res combo I'll be using

 

[Jameswalt1]

The Titan Z's are all blocked up!

 

[Jameswalt1]

Thanks guys!

James, you have a real eye for design, your builds are always so harmonious. What type of car do you drive? (post a pic if you feel inclined)

Thanks. Currently I have a 2014 E350, Diamond White w/ Chestnut Brown interior

 

[Jameswalt1]

Stunning stuff, but you need to paint the edges of the Titan Z PCBs - that strip of green through the black blocks is setting my teeth on edge!

Also, are you planning on removing the text of the I/O shroud? EVGA X99 is now upside down since you've gone Inverted ATX

What can I say? When you work and photos are this close to perfection, it's only the extreme OCD perfectionist niggles that can be discussed.

What are you plating your copper tubing in when it's cut and bent?

Thanks! Nickel or Chrome.

Didn't even realise this was James Walt.......
Thought a new phenomenal "builder" was here.
Guess the name speaks for the build then.

Nice build there mate cards look amazing....

What a stunning build. You sir, are a gentleman, an artist and a scholar.

Thanks guys!
Sorry for the lack of updates, work is killing me right now. Plus my wife is supposed to be giving birth any day...


Here's a couple of quick verbal updates:

I ran into two small issues, in reverse ATX the Titan Z's sag like crazy - way more than my OCD can take, so I've switched to regular ATX - which to be honest looks better in this case, I can't pin point why but it just does. The other issue is that the EK rads are a little too thick to fit inside the rad chambers unless you don't slide the covers back on - which wont work. So DazMode/Darkside stepped up and has just shipped me a couple of their 27mm rads.

As soon as they arrive I will begin the tubing. Should be any day now.