Project: Black Ice

TheNoviceModder

TheNoviceModder

TheNoviceModder

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Hey everyone! Although I'm not that new to OCUK, I'm new to these forums so be gentle with me :')

This is my first post and I'd like to make it a great one, so here goes...

Welcome to Project 'Black Ice'. The case is a CM HAF 932 (original, not Black Edition) bought for OCUK way back in 2009 for my first custom build. Back then, I was young and naive, so only had free anti-virus and ignored most warning signs when downloading things. Two or three years later, it died and got stored under the bed. Until now. It's back!

This is how it looked with all the old gear back inside (didn't cable manage, for purposes of speed & no need, just to take a quick picture).
01TheBeginning_zps9843bc7f.jpg


Step 2: Install the new Mobo, RAM, PSU, GPU, CPU & H100i
02Step2_zps60299ccb.jpg


Step 3: Install the new AF120 white led rear exhaust, AF140 white led center intake booster and replace the stock H100i fans with two SP120's. Also turned the H100i around for better aesthetics.
04Step32_zps3d401e19.jpg


I have plans and ideas for a dual w/c loop, but due to the high cost, these ideas will stay as ideas for now. Although, I will post a picture later of what I have in mind if anyone's interested.
 
beasty6 said:
that looks really nice bud, did you paint the case yourself? it looks like it was originally black! :D

great work!
Click to expand...

Thanks man! Nah, I had it sprayed at a local car dealership/garage. Was sprayed matte black, so there's no protective lacquer, hence why there's a few chips here & there. Will go over them at some point though.
 
Okay so here's my rough plan for the dual wc loop. (Loops explained below!)
DualWCLoopPlan_zps329523ee.png

Loop one (the lighter grey of the two):
Res -> Pump -> CPU -> Rad -> Res

Loop two (the darker grey of the two):
Res -> In the top of the right RAM block -> Out the bottom, to the top of the left RAM block -> Out the bottom -> GPU -> RAD -> Res

The rad in loop two will be hidden under a false floor, which also hides the PSU and pumps. Both reservoirs will seamlessly 'sink' below the false floor, as will the tubes leading to and from each pump.

The tube going from the rad to res in loop two will go up through where the HHD cage and optical drive bays were, hidden from view as it would ruin the symmetry of the rest of the loop.

There's two res', the one visible is for loop one. The one for loop two would be next to it (behind it in this view).

The false floor will be translucent white & back lit, highlighting the chrome tubes.

Thoughts on how I could improve this plan without compromising the design?
 
Am i right in saying that in this instance a single loop would be perfectly adequate?

What a transformation though. Looking forward to seeing it underwater.
 
bradUK said:
Am i right in saying that in this instance a single loop would be perfectly adequate?

What a transformation though. Looking forward to seeing it underwater.
Click to expand...

Yeah, at first I'll install just one loop which will probably be 'loop two'. Although it's the more complex of the two loops, the cpu is already watercooled so it makes sense financially to soak the other parts first. With the ideal parts, I totted up the cost & it comes in to around £850-£900 for the full, dual loop!!
 
Am I wrong in saying that your RAM isn't configured for dual channel in this board if it's still seated as it is in the last pic? Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't sticks be in paired slots on either side of the cpu on x79? ie slot one on the left and slot one on the right?
 
implosiveturnip said:
Am I wrong in saying that your RAM isn't configured for dual channel in this board if it's still seated as it is in the last pic? Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't sticks be in paired slots on either side of the cpu on x79? ie slot one on the left and slot one on the right?
Click to expand...

I'm really not sure to be honest? When I installed them, I think I followed the mobo instructions. If anyone more familiar with the x79 system, feel free to chip in with your knowledge :)
 
RogerMesenseless said:
Looks fancy. Nice one! Personally, I'd stick with single loops as it's significantly cheaper and will hardly be different temperature wise.
Click to expand...

Cheers!

Really? Well, In that case I'll stick with one big loop and upgrade to this dual loop idea later on if I think it's worth it/it needs it. Time to come up with a new, single loop design...
 
RogerMesenseless said:
That honestly looks a bit cleaner, not to mention cheaper. Get a couple of other opinions as I'm no expert, but that's what I'd do.
Click to expand...

Yeah, tbh I prefer this single loop. Much simpler, less to go wrong & the symmetry is a lot better.

Everyone else's opinions & feedback is more than welcome! Also I'd love some more ideas of what else I could do to bring this old case into the present, or ever the future! :D
 
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