CM690 XSPC RASA 750 RS 240

[G-Dubs]

From the outset I want to say unlike my other projects I'm not planning any mods to this chassis (not yet anyway).

I want to keep things as stock as possible.

That said, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to resist the urge as the build progresses.

I'm planning to review this case as I go along with the build, and bring my final thoughts together at the end. I know there have been many many reviews of this case, and that it has a well respected place in the community, however most reviews are written by people who aren't actually building it or using it. As I am building into it and will be using it I hope my little missive may be able to add something.

All build logs should start with a Kit list so here goes.

CM690 II Advanced in black with window
XSPX Rasa 750 RS240
Intel i7 920 @4.2
Asus P6-T Deluxe V2
Patriot 6 GB
Antec truepower New 750 PSU
GPU to be confirmed.

Most of the hardware has come out of my Black ops Skelly build and although strictly speaking a generation old it's still mighty fine kit and clocks to 4.2 on air so may well go higher with the water (depending on how brave i'm feeling)

Stage 1 The strip down. (Afternoon of 26.03.11)

Let the Strip down commence

Sides and front panel removed

Top removed (this took some working out)

Lower HDD rack removed.

Some general photos of case detail etc.

Beer stops play. The strip down complete A beer to reward myself and to help cushion the verbal blows I know i'm going to get when my wife gets back from town and sees the state of the kitchen

Thoughts on the case so far then, well it's reputation appears deserved, it is well built and well put together. Whether it's metal or plastic everything feels sturdy (with the possible exception of the HDD rack tool less mount flappy door things which feel a bit flimsy)

The case comes apart easily with minimal need to refer to the instructions. I did find it quite hard to work out how to release the clips to remove the top section, and also to actually remove the clips once I'd worked out where they were and how to do it.

There is real attention to detail in this case, a feeling that the project team wouldn't let it go out to market until it was "just right"

Now all i've got to do is put it back together...now where did I put all those screws I took out????

next stage is to work out how to mount the RASA kit and to mock up a loop to see where everything is going to go.

Also thinking of using compressions rather than the barbs the kit comes with. Only a few quid more.

 

[G-Dubs]

cheers for the support guys, always nice to get off to a good start.

The Mozart build will be starting sson, however my good lady has put her foot down and insisted that I "Mod the bathroom" first. I think this is her way of saying new shower, sink, tiles etc.

Wasn't intending to do too much to this case but already thinking of deviating away from stock with the cooling.

So need help with a few decisions here. I was originally planning to use the XSPC kit in it's vanilla form, (barbs and tubing the lot) but you know how it goes, you get started and you get a few ideas. I should say there's absolutely nothing wrong with the XSPC kit, it's great, it's just I can't help looking inside a case and thinking Mmmmm...I wonder what it would look like if I did...

Option 1
Stay with the XSPC kit exactly as it is, chrome barbs with black retainer clips, clear tubing.

Option 2
Black tubing with the above

Option 3
Black tubing but change to black compressions

Option 4
Black tubing but change to chrome compressions

Option 5
White tubing and black or chrome compressions.

If I go for option 5 do i stay with black braid or go for white braiding???

All suggestions appreciated.

 

[G-Dubs]

Dubs although i think your reviews/logs are brilliant i think your forgetting something, something HUGE that you should be doing so stop fu%^ing about and get on with the Mozart

As for this case stay stock...then you can review the kit and the case, believe me its not worth spending 30 to change the colour of your barbs (and black tubing's already been done in my build )

Getting real mixed messages here Sayso..Are you saying I should be getting on with something else

Meanwhile a few picks of test fitting for Rad and res.

I've spent most of the afternoon staring into the case and trying to visualise the tubing route.

my wife commented that I never look that longingly at her

(feel free to insert your joke about tubing routes and beautiful chassis)

Please note i've left the protective cover on the front of the reservoir

Rad mount is only for test fit, I'm probably going to have the fans that come with the XSPC as pull on top of the rad, and the Air penetrators I reviewed as push inside the case.

Lighting is going to be predominantly Blue but that's fine with me. I know Blue has been done a lot, in fact so much that it's almost retro now.

 

[G-Dubs]

The rad can be as easily mounted at the bottom as it can at the top. I went for top because it maks the loop neater and because it's less prone to sucking indust up there. The arguments for putting it at the botton are good though as it makes filling easier (res becomes highest point in loop) and the air that comes is cooler. Really just personal preference though.

 

[G-Dubs]

thanks for the feed back guys. i'm pretty much at the point of deciding whether to go stock on the fitings or go for compressions. If I do, in first place is black EK compressions and black tubing. second place is black compressions and white tubing with white braid (done too often?)

 

[G-Dubs]

I was really considering the cm690 on my last build it looks great, keep up the good work.

I have to say I have been very pleased with every aspect of the case so far. It's currently on the Kitchen table, and yesterday I noticed that all over the rear of the motherboard tray area are little raised areas with gaps behind them. What the heck are they I thought, why not make it smooth instead of all those little raised loop things. Then i twigged that they were there to anchor cable ties to when you're hiding all your wires around the back. nice touch and no need for sticky tape here. I should be able to make the rear as smart as the front.

So the case is on the Kitchen table, much to the annoyance of Mrs Dubs who is still insistent that she said I "Mod the Bathroom" before I do any more case modding projects.

Ah but I say, but this isn't a case modding project, this is a simple build.

Not the wisest thing to say perhaps and suffice to say the "discussion" went downhill from there to the point where I may have all modding rights removed for a short period if I'm not careful

I may have to go underground, think outside the box.

I know.....I could pretend I'm having an affair and actually be sneaking off for some clandestine nocturnal modding.

 

[G-Dubs]

Well a good day and a bad day.

Got a lot done on the case, but have had to change my plans a bit.

1st off a few pics of the progress (the good bit), bad bit at the end.


Decided to go with the stock kit in the end. I can always change it later if I want a change of scenery.

I always PTFE my fittings. PTFE is an active barrier, and the O ring is a passive barrier, but no reason not to have both.

Silverstone air penetrators on the Rad. and barbs fitted

Barbs fitted to the res

The i7 ready for....

The Rasa

Bit of a blob

Thought it all looked so pretty It deserved some nice shots.

Ok now the not so good bit. I was originally intending to have the Silverstones inside the case under the rad pushing air up and out through it, assisted by the fans that come with the case having a bit of a pull from the outside of the rad.

However....

There aint enough room inside to have fans pushing up and uot.

So a couple of options.

1 Just the silverstones as pull on the rad (they don't work at their best as extracts)

2 the silversones as push from the top down through the rad. this of course would be great as it would be cool air from outside the case being pushed over the rad, only problem is it's then entering the top of the case area. perhaps the rear case fan would be enough to remove the warm air, although I'm a bit worried about general air flow through if I do this.

3 find another fan to use as extract, either the fans that come with it or the orange Bitfenix I have

So what do you think guys?

 

[G-Dubs]

Thanks for all the great comments and feed back guys, and no worries re the little off topic debacle on the last page. It's actually all relevant and helpful

I have no idea what the verdict was but everyone seemed to friends afterwards.

Time for a bit of an update, and hopefully garner some good advice from you guys.

Been spending a few days staring at the case trying to visualise the loop and the options for fan placement and direction.

I've narrowed it down to a few options and would like to know which should be best. I've put my thoughts in on each also

Option 1
Top mounted rad with 2 fans on pull
rear case fan as intake to supply fresh cool air to rad
1 front fan on intake and 2 base fans on intake to give cross board airflow up and towards the rad.
pros, good cross board cooling
cons pull not as good as push

Option 2
Top mounted Rad with 2 fans on push
rear case on exhaust
front fan on intake and 2 base fans on intake to give cross board flow.
Pros
optimal cooling of rad with fans on push
cons possible turbulent air mid case may disrupt cross board flow.

Option 3
Bottom mounted rad with fans in push pull
top fans on exhaust
rear fan on exhaust
front fan on intake mounted higher to cool HDD and give cross board flow.
Pros.
best rad cooling solution
cons perhaps less cross board flow than other options
WC loop not as tidy looking (this is a biggy for me)

So what do you think guys?

If you've got a better idea here's a blank.

 

[G-Dubs]

Cheers for the responses guys.

Why not option 3??? surely it's getting best rad cooling

 

[G-Dubs]

First things first, thanks for all the support and comments received. I've finally decided on the loop layout and the fan orientation.

I've actually been busy on it most of today, and hadn't had chance to see the last few responses above. As much as I think the bottom Rad option is the best thermally I 'm going for option 2 as it is a tidier loop, and i'd rahter have a tider loop and maybe leese a few degrees.

As I say I've even been doing some actual work on the case as opposed to just staring at it and trying to visualise things.
Rather than reams of text I'm going to try to let the photos do the talking, with just a few comments from me here and there.

Top fans mounted, they will be cooling the rad on push. If it's a disaster it's no biggy to swap them around or swap them out for a different set.

First bit of the loop goes in (the clips will get tightened later)

Rest of the loop installed and clips tightened.

Front and base fans installed on intake

Using Bitfenix Spectre 120mm fans Black with Orange LEDs on the bottom.

Braided them of course, couldn't put them in looking like this

Also going to be installing this rather nice NZXT string LED.

PSU is the rather nice Antec Truepower 750. it's a semi modular design having all the major cables attached and the ability to add more if desired. Just got to work out what to do with all those wires

Stuff them round the back for now

The perfect crime (not)

Next up I'll be filling the loop and leak testing.

 

[G-Dubs]

Not so much garish as very thin. Most of what you can see is the wires under the braid. May re do some, or perhaps use extensions.

 

[G-Dubs]

The loop's now full and leak testing has commenced, although I have to say I'm far from happy with my choice of coolant. Having thought long and hard about whether to use the tubing that came with it, and whether to use water or a coloured coolant I decided to stick with the stock clear tubing and use some Black coolant that I had purchased for a previous build and never used.
This stuff, sold as ICE BLACK although it is available in a range of other colours. If it did what it said on the bottle, and if the colour achieved was anything like the colour of the bottle I'd be happy.

Pretty Black I think you'll agree

NO IT'S NOT, ITS SMEGGING PALE BLUE, PURPLE AT BEST

I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!!!
Thinking of maybe using a dye bomb, but never used one before, do they work? any problems with them?

 

[G-Dubs]

Cheers for the advice. it can't possibly be any worse than this stuff so might give it a punt.

 

[G-Dubs]

Cheers matey, yeah it's coming out today. Just gonna undo the fill plug and turn the whole lot upside down.

Feeling inexorably drwan to orange dye, I can't help it, got a taste for black and orange with carboot and need another fix.

Don't want to get orange tubing so will go for orange dye.

Oh and thanks for the diagram. It's essentially what i've gone for but just 1 rad in the roof only. I can always upgrade later.

 

[G-Dubs]

Dubs the only dye ived heard good things about is Mayhems...and we both know you aren't going for orange tubing cos you cant source it

If you're thinking of the WC Skelly, it was yellow I couldn'd find (still looking though)

Drained that pale purple pee pee out of the loop today. did it over a bit of the lawn so we''ll see just how "eco friendly" it is won't we

I'm pretty much decided on orange dye, and think the mayhems looks the mutz but can't seem to find the orange. failing that what do you think about fessr orange???

 

[G-Dubs]

thanks for the heads up

 

[G-Dubs]

The Rasa really is nice bit of Kit, it just oozes quality at you.

Ah yes "project Modzart"...

Will be starting soon, however Mrs Dubs has insisted that the Bathroom and shower room must come first.

Looking forward to getting started on it though plus I have another old server case i'm hoping to mod the twangers off this summer.

 

[G-Dubs]

Any more updates? I am really digging this build because i plan to do the same in the near future.

Sorry for the delay with this. beenabit busy at work lately. should be able to get a bit more done this bank hol.

 

[G-Dubs]

Sorry for the delay in this build. Work has been a bit frantic and i've been having a bit of a contemplate about which direction to take it in.
Bit of activity over the bank hols has seen me start braiding the cables from the front IO and some of the SATAs.
I say some of the cables, as what I'm doing is braiding the bits that can be seen. as there's no point wasting braid on areas that are out of sight.

All the essential items for a good braiding session (yes the Beer is essential, it's thirsty work)

I found a handy dandy way of keeping the braid when not in use

Some of the cables do seem a bit unnecessarily long, in particular the sata cable

Unfortunately having made the decision to braid in black I've discovered my stock of braid is really low as is my heatshrink supply so may have to get some more in.
I've also drained the poor excuse for a black coolant from my loop and have replaced with distilled water. I may stay with clear water, or might at some dye later. (still thinking orange. or maybe white).
Either way a kill coil is on the shopping list.
I got this case from the great guys at removed by G-Dubs, and having worked with it for a few weeks now i've had time to properly appraise it, so thought i'd let you have the benefit of my thoughts so far. I will of course be giving my full report at the end

Build quality.
The panels are well painted, straight with few or no blemishes or marks to the finish.
The chrome is well applied with good thick coverage and again no marks or blemishes.
The case comes well packaged with a good selection of accessories.

Ease of use
The case is very easy to work on, it strips down very quickly allowing all the plastic components to be removed giving full access to all the cable routing at the rear of the case
There are plenty of cable tie retainers on the rear side of the mobo tray area (no need for sticky tape with this case).
Cable routing holes are well placed, although there could perhaps be better access to the top of the mobo area and perhaps into the drive bay areas.
The cable routing holes are spacious and easy to get plugs through howerver they are not covered by grommets.

Air Cooling options
The case comes with 1x140mm front, 1x 140mm top and 1x120 rear fans.
In total there is provision for 1x 140 front or 1x 120 front
2x 120 or 140 bottom
2x 120 or 140 top
1x 120 rear
1x 80 slim rear of mobo.
1x 120 side
Additional fan can be installed in the optional GPU support bracket.

Watercooling options
The case supports maximum
120.2 single thickness rad in the roof.
120.2 single thickness rad in the floor. To mount the floor rad necessitates the removal of the detachable HDD section, leaving 2 HDD bays.

Ok, i'd best hit the removed by G-Dubs shop and get me some bits and bobs sorted.

 

[G-Dubs]

Mine arrives on Wednesday cannot actually wait! Getting another 360 rad as well as a couple of gpu blocks, but keeping clear liquid as the sheer amount of blue LEDs on this case should provide le colour

Whre you putting the 360 rad?