Overclocked Orange

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 20:16

Don't know why I have not posted about my build here before really?

Anyway, for those interested, I finally fitted all the waterblocks to my motherboard and am now only waiting on 3x Intel 80GB SSD's before this rig is completely finnished (honest).

This build can also be seen in Custom PC Magazine this month and my blog over @ their website.

Anyway, some pics & info:

I was also lucky enough to be the first person in the UK (or anywhere for that matter) to get hold of the new Bitspower AIX58NSE Black Freezer waterblock for the Asus Rampage II Extreme. However, I was not very happy with the rough nickel finnish, so I decided to do something about that…

Before

After

Fitted

I also fitted Bistpower MOFSET waterblocks and tidied up the hoses and made a few improvements…

I also swapped out my i7 940 for an i7 920 (D0 stepping) CPU… 4.20Ghz @ only 1.312V Prime/LinX stable!!

Finished…

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 20:30

Blackhawk47 said:
There was a thread about this in a GD on here a while ago about the BBC news doing an article on it. Is it true you blew up a few GTXs?

2 actually... however, it was not my fault. Basically, I had a Danger Den Tieton block crack overnight while the rig was benching! You can guess the rest. :mad:

I'm now using Aqua Computer blocks (sweet) and Fluorinert (100% non-conductive) as coolant. I have have zero problems since.

The BBC did me no favours IMHO, as the interview was really editied down. They accidentally made me look like a bit of a numpty I think. Anyway, glad watercooling got some decent press.

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 20:42

Sayso said:
howdy mr emulator

Hello matey.

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 20:58

Silenced said:
I saw you on the BBC, made you seem like a weird-o

Thanks very much! I know what you mean though... I cringe when I watch it.

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 22:04

Sayso said:
are you just running of a triple RAD?

Nope.

CPU loop = Laing DDC Ultra 18W pump/XSPC reservoir top - Swiftech GTZ Apogee - triple stealth rad + 3x Xigmatek fans.

GPU/Mobo loop = Laing DDC Ultra pump/XSPC reservoir top - 3x Aqua Computer GT200 waterblocks - Bitspower AIX58NSE waterblock - 2x Bitspower MOFSET waterblocks - 18W TFC Xchanger triple rad + 6x Xigmatek fans (push/pull config).

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 22:09

rjkoneill said:
where did the crazy fitting arrangement on your sli go? that looked amazing?

Well, I got so much grief over @ XtremeSystems for using "restrictive" 90's, so I changed the tops on the GPU blocks and sourced some tiny SLI fittings (only 10mm long). Looks nice and neat now anyway.

mremulator · 27 Apr 2009 at 22:23

Added a some more images.

For complete build process please check out my CPC blog.

mremulator · 28 Apr 2009 at 18:26

gary996 said:
Yeah what temps you geting on the Gcards. Especially the middle one

38C idle & 45C full load.

mremulator · 28 Apr 2009 at 22:04

LOL, I'm actually installing black SATA cables tomorrow when I fit my 3x Intel SSD's.

The existing cables are supposed to be "day-glo orange", however, look pink!

I had some black SATA cables that came with 2x XFX motherboards I purchased.

I'm also having the DVD-RW & Blu-Ray drives powder coated black to match the case internals. :-)

mremulator · 29 Apr 2009 at 18:20

DampCat said:
I'm sorry, but Aquacomputer make the most gorgeous blocks on the market. Everything they've created is just sex.

Irritating that they're so hard to get hold of.

Not really, just order direct.

mremulator · 29 Apr 2009 at 19:25

original.wood said:
i got to say MrEmulator i seen this article in CPC and about the 3rd time i've read it now, no idea you was on this forum, from the CPC article your case is different, you mentioned in the article the black stripes you had going along the sides of the case, they're not visible in the pictures on this forum, also the photo's from CPC i couldn't see your name above the 'Overclocked Orange' logo's.

anyway suffice to say, what a brilliant build

Must be "Clockwork Orange"... old mag & different build (not by me).

mremulator · 30 Apr 2009 at 11:01

original.wood said:
lol cant be its got your mug next to it its in June 09's mag lol, and upon closer inspection i dont know where i got the black stripes from lol and yeah in the pics i can see the MrEmulator logos on the windows just not clearly

Ok.. you got me.

It's the black stripe comment that confused me.

mremulator · 1 May 2009 at 18:29

The vast majority seem to like my build, however, it's not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine also. However, there are also the kind of people who will slate everything, however, could probably do no better if their life depended on it.

3x Intel 80GB SSD's going in this weekend (RAID0) BTW. :-)

mremulator · 15 May 2009 at 20:09

** Final Update - Finishing Touches/Upgrades **

Being a bit of a perfectionist, I decided to replace those horrid orange (pink) Akasa DayGlo SATA cables. I managed to find some rounded, black and short (30cm) SATA cables. They blend into the background and you can hardly see them... much neater.

The biggest upgrade so far is the installation of 3x Intel 80GB SSD drives. I was a little sceptical at first, however, the sheer performance boost of these three drives in RAID0 has simply blown me away!

Check out the ATTO I/O results below :cool:

I also ordered a StarTech.com backplane from the States for the SSD's. It holds up to 4x 2.5" HDD's in a single 5 1/4" bay! It's hot-swappable and lockable too. The quality, features and ease of installation of the make this a great addition to the case.

Finally, I wanted to replace the 3x ugly 5 1/4" drive bay blanking plates and add some active cooling for the Samsung F1's mounted behind.

I fitted a Scythe Kama-Bay and added another Xigmatek 120mm orange fan to match the rest of the case fans. I think the front of the case looks much better now!

Anyway, this build is finally finished, I honestly can't think of anything left to do now. Time to move on to my next build... case on it's way (Cosmos S) :-)

A couple of final benchies:

mremulator · 15 May 2009 at 20:49

Ducky Spud said:
That 2.5" drive holder you've got is great!! Best solution I think Ive seen for housing SSD's! Getting some beasty read times too, im impressed! But would hope to be for the cost of those 3 haha.

Can I ask about the fan controller you have? Is it a Sunbeam Rheobus? And how have you made it black, as in is it powder coated, sprayed etc. Looking at getting one myself but dont like all the writing and such on the front

You got it... sunbeam/powder coated glossy black.

mremulator · 15 May 2009 at 21:37

magick said:
Awesome build. One of the best i've ever seen.

Why did you go for the Intel SSD? The samsungs seem to have better specs?

You haven't read the Anandtech article have you?

In addition, I wanted Intel reliability, plus the fact they (Intel) obviously use their own controller.

Anyway, I'm happy.

mremulator · 16 May 2009 at 11:24

FaceplantSi said:
Welcome to the SSD club! They are seriously good aren't they. I love that backplane - might have to look into that myself.
I also put on black SATA's recently and they do just finish off the interior nicely.
And the front of the rig is much better now, looks very businesslike and yet still sleek.

Great work there that man!

Cheers all... appreciated.

mremulator · 18 May 2009 at 20:06

G-Dubs said:
Just had a look at the first pic at the start of this thread.
Please tell me the natural habitat of this fantasticly faultless fruit, this omnipitent omnipresent orange is not as it appears to be.....
UNDER A DESK!!!!

Yep.

mremulator · 20 May 2009 at 13:26

Spooter said:
Very nice build, should last you awhile?

Nope. Already planning my next build.

mremulator · 20 May 2009 at 13:27

Davy644 said:
I would guess you wont get much change out of 3 grand am i right

I wish.

HDD's and case alone cost that.