Corsair Spec 01 to Corsair 540 ATX

zack1667

zack1667

zack1667

Associate
Joined
8 Aug 2014
Posts
105
Location
United Kingdom


New Case = More Space

So it was time to change my case as I wanted more space, I needed something the same height but a bit more width and the 540 was the one for me, for those interested here is a side by side of both cases so you can get a better idea of what they look like:

u8RPHtvl.jpg

It's a shame to see it go by my components would have soon outgrown the Spec 01, however the spec 01 is a cheap and nice case for a first time builder and has been great in the time I've owned it:

FcWVZeml.jpg

So it was time to do the fun part of removing all my components and transferring them into the new case:

bX0QOJvl.jpg

QgeQPqhl.jpg

One feature I liked about the 540 was that at the bottom of the case it has two built in HDD bays with Sata cables built in for your convenience and it also keeps them out of the way and nice and tidy:

HKLfdopl.jpg

Something I didn't like was that my fan controller is sitting at a completely different angle on its side now, which I know isn't the end of the world but was quite awkward to get the screws in, which resorted in me using a couple of cable ties :P

emOVs5sl.jpg

The second chamber is great for hiding mess and if you have a fan controller and lots of fiddly cables, particularly if you have a fully cabled PSU. The rubber cable holes are excellent for keeping the main chamber cable tidy. I plan to eventually scrap my RM750 default cables and by some Corsair or Cable Mod braided cables to tidy up a bit.

KXpJPhhl.jpg

So here is the build without my card in, I have kept one of the AF140's that come with the case in to use as an exhaust until I get paid and I can replace that with a Be Quiet Silent Wings 2 140 then the case should run pretty much silent with my other fans.

gXfRqj3l.jpg

And from another angle:

WQ4dk6nl.jpg

Here it is with all cables and everything wired in and working:

R5nM55jl.jpg

It just about fits under my desk!

cEztZEcl.jpg

And here is a pic of the full PC under the desk, as you can see I am a big fan of Corsair and a bit of a fanboy :D

BiO4EYtl.jpg

Just in case anyone is interested,

Specifications below:
  • Corsair 540 ATX Case
  • MSI 970 Gamer Motherboard (AM3+)
  • Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600MHz (Fast enough for me!)
  • WD Green 1TB Storage HDD
  • WD Blue 500GB Storage HDD
  • 60GB Corsair Force SSD (OS)
  • 120GB SanDisk SSD (Game Storage)
  • NZXT Fan Controller
  • Corsair RM750 PSU
  • AMD FX6300 (Overclocked @ 4.10GHz)
  • XFX R9 290X 4GB Graphics Card
  • ASUS 28" HD Monitor
  • Corsair Raptor Gaming Mouse
  • Madcatz FREQ 5 Headset
  • MadCatz S.T.R.I.K.E.3 Gaming Keyboard

Future Plans/Projects:
  • Installing a Corsair HG10 on my R9 290X
  • Braided PSU cables (Red)
  • LED Lights (Red)
  • Installing a Corsair H75 for my HG10 on my Card on a push/pull

Thanks for reading.
 
Ajaxx said:
is there a reason why you have your psu fan not facing the case intake?
Click to expand...

Damn was hoping you wouldn't notice!

Basically if I place it with the Fan facing towards me the power unit on the back doesn't look right to me, seems the fan never runs anyways it don't see it doing much harm. Unless you guys think otherwise?

so it basically looks like this but the logo (RM750) is upside down and really annoying me:

lLVQezOl.jpg
 
Last edited:
Relentless81 said:
You have the same intake fans that I have on my 540 Air in the same config, I have a 140MM BeQuiet exhaust too, the standard fans are so noisy

Dont bother with an exhaust in the roof at the front, it seems to exhaust the air from the intakes and raised my VRM temps but one at the rear is ok
Click to expand...

Thanks that's quite useful to know, I'm always flapping about my air intakes and exhausts, Yeah placed my order for my BeQuiet Silent Wings 2 140, should be getting it soon!
 
Ajaxx said:
well its sorta there for a reason :p
and my psu fan ( pretty much thesame as yours) does kick in while gaming.
Click to expand...

Yeah I guess so,

Not a problem I may unscrew it and place it the other way just for peace of mind its just a shame the logo will be upside down is all, not that anyone will see it under my desk anyways :P
 
Relentless81 said:
I did a lot of messing with different fan configs before i settled on its current setup and yours will be exactly the same as mine when your fan arrives I even have a rad in exactly the same place

The rear fan will fit perfectly too, great fans these I recommend them when I can but they don't seem that popular for some reason
Click to expand...

The only reason I think they are un-popular is because a price based thing, these are high quality fans but are also on the pricey side (worth every penny if you ask me) Yeah I'm just wandering where to put my other radiator when I install my Corsair HG10 was thinking on the middle fan on the air intakes not sure yet still a lot of tinkering to be done.
 
More Amendments!



So I decided to make a few more changes to my system starting with my massively hot R9 290X Reference card. I wanted this to run much cooler so I have a bit of room for overclocking so I went out and bought a Corsair HG10 bracket and Corsair H75 cooler :D.

So here are the parts I'll be installing, let the fun begin!
XOTRWLvl.jpg

I bought some good old MX4 Artic Cooling thermal compound (Non-conductive) I've used this before on a few of my CPU's and its been solid. I also bought some Articlean thermal cleaner and surface purifier.

SmKAJaTl.jpg


So, one last look at my Card in its Factory form..

AwE06AYl.jpg

Time to get started, I unpacked the HG10 and H75 to check the components are intact, and they were. Unfortunately my original intentions were to use a H55 which I got a bent radiator with dents in it.. nice.

So faceplate off and we are down to the bare chips and VRM's of the card itself, as you can see I got quite lucky with cleaning the thermal residue off as most of it was on the faceplate of the card so easy peasy.

G7oQzNbl.jpg

So all cleaned up and ready to go into the HG10, stole some of my Mrs make up cotton wipes and earbuds to get the rest of the thermal residue off :D

0Q8hCSil.jpg

So the blower was put in first, all looking pretty cool actually

Ic1tvi7l.jpg


and the card is in

527f9bkl.jpg

I'll get some official Valley tests put up at some point to show how much cooler it runs but I can confirm at load it is 30 degrees cooler and idle 10 degrees cooler which is quite a bit if you think about it, probably would be more if you have a bit more cash to spend on a H100.

Couple of tips when doing this:

  • Ensure all Stickers are removed from the HG10 thermal pads, this is a MUST
  • Cotton Buds and a decent thermal alcohol remover
  • Take your time! its not a rush
  • Be very careful when removing the residue from the thermal pads, you don't want to damage any components

Next jobs:

  • RED LED Lights
  • Overclocking
  • Braided Cables For RM750
  • 140MM Be Quiet Silent Wings 2




 
lawrence281 said:
Damn, that is a really nice looking case...nice and compact..I've got an phanteks ethoo pro..and its way too big. I'm not sure what to do with it, tempted to get a new case entirely..maybe Fractal R5..or possibly what you have.

Unless anyone would be willing to help me out on ideas on mods/what to do with mine :P Will to splash out a bit of money haha
Click to expand...

Haha yeah, its hard to find a nice case for a decent price. I had to splash out a bit for this case :P
 
Yay LED Lights!

Moving quite fast with this build, too many updates.

So as in my post above, I wanted to install some LED lights and my final Be Quiet Silent Wings 2 (Exhaust) so..I did!

Parts ready to go in!

Oh56DLbl.jpg

Stock 140MM fan out

LOYKevUl.jpg

LED's and Be Quiet Silent Wings 2 140MM installed!

JklEipVl.jpg

5Ak5Kxpl.jpg

8oFQmWbl.jpg

Just the braided cables now!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom