Project Bloodfang - Case Labs Black and Red Build

[kindai]

So when putting in the bottom radiators the first time around there were some problems with getting them into possition with the acrylic tubing.

So decided to take the time to re-work this part.

Also found out, it was very hard to drain the radiators, so took the time also to add a drain port into the bottom.

Drilling into a £700 case is not the most pleasent of things to do!!

This setup allows for a few things.

It is the lowest part in the loops, so will allow for near complete drainage. The valve is used to keep the 2 loops seperate, and the large compression fitting is there as I will be connecting the second radiator by flexi-tube so I can pull it out if required without having to disconnect a while bunch of acrylic fittings.

The current "state of affairs"

 

[Mark This Day]

What do you think of your fans
They look nice in that case

 

[kindai]

What do you think of your fans
They look nice in that case

Amazing fans, very very quiet and shift so much air you wouldn't believe.

 

[Mark This Day]

I think they might suit my build more than my current fans might see if I can get hold of some

 

[kindai]

How many do you need? I have a few spare as I overordered due to only being able to get them in the US.

 

[Mark This Day]

Well i have a 900d so need a lot how many do you have mate

 

[kindai]

ill have a count when i tidy up

 

[Mark This Day]

Thanks much appreciated can't wait to see your finshed build

 

[kindai]

So while things were all in pieces, time for a mini upgrade also because, why not.

First up, swapping the two 290x's for two Titan Blacks

And why the hell not, lets upgrade from a 1200 watt Platinum rated PSU to a 1500 watt Titanium rated.

First things first, lets watercool those Titans.

And all fitted! Snug. If my calculations are correct, the pipework for the old cards should match up perfectly.

One of the main concerns with this is dust build up, I dont want to have to be opening the case up every week to clean it. So, enter new plan for stopping that!

Some polished perspex, cut to size to fit in the flex bays.

Perfect

The idea being, i'll run hidden air filters at the top and bottom of the flex bays, and blocking air from the front.

 

[deFiniLoGy]

Why don't you just get some Caselab's solid flex bay covers??

 

[kindai]

Why don't you just get some Caselab's solid flex bay covers??

Because I want the grill effect

 

[Baron C]

Superb build

 

[kindai]

So got a large part of the re-tubing done today.

First, new drain for the CPU loop. Much tidier and secure that the previous version:

Tubed up down to the drain port

The pipes running from the graphics cards had problems due to the length of the run and the relatively insecure fittings the other side of the case. So to fix this I rang up my main man Power again who fabricated me a plate which will replace the bottom fan hole slot, but then extends further along so I could place these bulkheads in to give the graphics card tubing a solid secure base to hold up against.

In place with the 2 compression fittings attached:

From the other side:

Flexi hose in place. Again, the reason for this is to make removal of the front radiator *considerably* easier, so if I need access to the back radiator, any of the fans or control boards I am able to whip it out quickly and easily without having to spend hours removing acrylic fittings and tube

First graphics card reconnected to the new secure fittings

Today I also had a special delivery from Mick at Mayhems with the long awaited Aurora 2 coolant. Thanks Mick! Picture of this to come soon.

Now im happy with the new pipework layout down below, I hope to finish that up tomorrow, apply a fix to the top pipework (similar thing, use bulkhead fittings to secure them) and all going well, have this rig up and running next week!

About time too

 

[Mark This Day]

It's looking great mate can't wait to see the finished article

 

[DJ_Bucho]

WOW! I think I'm actually lost for words. EPIC! Utterly superb build there mate, there's certainly been some investment in this, that's for sure, not only financially but also in man hours. It can't have been a quick job to get all of those tubes lined up perfectly, but the result is definitely worth it. This looks incredible. I can't wait to see it once it's fully finished.

 

[kindai]

Yay so we're almost there... again.

In recent photos you may have noticed the dust buildup. Unfortunately where I live is near a main bypass road and a lot of dust gets kicked up. So, to keep cleaning the inside of this case to a minimum when up and running, purchased some Demiflex Filters.

Magnetic section applied to the inlets:

And the removable filter attached:

Re worked the top to be cleaner and more secure with bulkhead fittings. Much better I think you'll agree:

Before:



After:

Shots from the underside:

Graphics loop back and assembled, more secure, tidier.

And a final shot of how things look at the moment:

Right now I have both loops filled with plain water running at full whack for 24 hours to test for leaks and clean everything out. Once done I can drain them down, and refill with the shiny aurora 2 coolant.

Not much left to go now!

 

[Pgreenwo]

Stunning job. Looking forward to seeing it filled with the A2. The GPU tubing looks outstanding.

 

[Aneskimo]

Great work with the tubing looks awesome mate

 

[kindai]

Mini update before the final push this week.

Wasn't happy with the cables on display. So decided to do some cable sewing. Used black fishing line oppsed to threads or laces.

 

[jimbaw]

very nice! I don't think I've got the patience to have a go at cable sewing but it definitely looks amazing!