Project Evolution

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:15

So, I've been building computers in one form or another for about 20 years or so now and I've been saying that the next build will be watercooled for the last 3 builds...

So I finally took the plunge and bought myself the parts for a Skylake build and I even have most of the parts now. Just waiting for the cpu (should arrive today or tomorrow), fittings, sata cables, coolant and an ssd sled.

Components:

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX
Mobo: Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero
CPU: Intel i7 6700k
RAM: 32Gb G Skill Ripjaws V @ 2800Mhz
GPU: 2x Gigabyte GTX 980 Windforce 3 with ROG Sli bridge
PSU: Corsair RM850 with Cablemod individually sleeved cable kit
SSD: 2x Samsung 850 Evo 250Gb in RAID 0
Storage: 2x Samsung Spinpoint 2TB 2.5"

Watercooling loop:

Rads: Alphacool NexXxos ST30 280mm & 360mm
CPU Block: EK Supremacy Evo Nickel/Plexi
GPU Block: 2x EK FC980 GTX WF3 & Backplate
Pump/Res: XSPC D5 Photon 270
Fittings: Monsoon free centre hardline black
Tubing: Monsoon acrylic 16mm tubing
Fans: 2x Noctua NF-P14s redux & 3x Noctua NF-S12b redux

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Day One

Up to press I have only been able to do the test fits for the pump/res combo and the rads just to make sure everything fits.
I did discover however that I will have to remove the top section of the frame in order to install the 280mm rad... good job its attached with screws in the Evolv then...

The first test, I had to drill mounting holes as none of the pre-drilled holes fit the photon.

First test, wider view

The second test, this time I added in the rads and one of the top fans to make sure I had the correct clearances. The top rad will be rotated in the final config.

Second test, wider view

Deathjester · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:20

That's a really nice fit.

You probably could have saved yourself drilling the holes in the back panel with something like this:

Radiator mount

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:24

Don't think it would have worked with the photon. the mounting holes are at the top and the bottom of the fitted bracket so I wouldn't be able to fit 2 mounting plates to the case. Its also quite tight to the rad so I really don't think it would have fit if it was mounted direct to the rad.

Deathjester · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:30

johnnyrotten665 said:
Don't think it would have worked with the photon. the mounting holes are at the top and the bottom of the fitted bracket so I wouldn't be able to fit 2 mounting plates to the case. Its also quite tight to the rad so I really don't think it would have fit if it was mounted direct to the rad.

Ah right; I haven't really played with the XSPC Photon, I've used the EK ones and the Bitspower Multi-Z reservoirs.

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:36

Its really pretty... I'm glad I decided to pay the premium.

Deathjester · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:46

johnnyrotten665 said:
Its really pretty... I'm glad I decided to pay the premium.

Yeah it does look good.

ED209 · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:52

Looking good, liking the rads

From the pictures it looks like the ress is covering the front rad too much to attach the fans on to it unless they are going on the other side? my wc knowledge is not great so I maybe completely wrong lol

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 13:02

The fans will be on the other side of the rad.

Luggs · 27 Aug 2015 at 13:05

Nice component list and great choice of case! Can't wait to see more pics. Certainly a tight fit on res but is going to look sweet located there.

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 14:55

Quick pic of my main components (minus cpu)

tyler_jrb · 27 Aug 2015 at 18:04

Looks great, I like the tight fit on the res and I think it looks good like that. That Ripjaws V RAM also looks really good aswell

.

Luggs · 27 Aug 2015 at 21:24

that ram is mahoosive! bet you're itching to get it all opened up and installed

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 23:45

should be able to start installing tomorrow all being well. Then I'll just be waiting for fittings and an ssd mount.

faheemrazzaq · 28 Aug 2015 at 00:51

Good selection of components for this build. Looking forward to more updates. Best of luck

johnnyrotten665 · 28 Aug 2015 at 14:22

The next update should be up this evening.

johnnyrotten665 · 29 Aug 2015 at 00:38

Ok, so I changed my mind about editing the main post...

Day 2

Look what arrived this morning!

Obviously, as soon as this turned up I dug out my tools and tested my components...

CPU and RAM fitted successfully... no problems yet...

GPUs in, still going well...

Time to turn it on then I suppose...

Success!

All components tested and ok, so I moved on to the next stage fitting the waterblocks...

CPU done without problems...

Its a bugger to get the sink off these windforce cards... the secondary sink really didn't want to let go. But I beat it.

Getting the block on was significantly easier...

Forgot to read the backplate instructions before fitting the block though... out with the screws and redo from the start...

Lesson learned, the second card was much simpler.

All fitted now, just need to wait for fittings to do the tubing and we'll be away...

Nearly done shot.

Finished for the day now.

Teuton · 29 Aug 2015 at 01:34

Love that case, nice build!

johnnyrotten665 · 29 Aug 2015 at 13:26

I think I'm going to do some cable sewing to tidy up the atx and pci-e cables... or I might pick up some cable combs...

What's the best way to go do you think?

johnnyrotten665 · 30 Aug 2015 at 11:52

I decided to try cable sewing as a temporary thing to train the cables.

Trunkey · 31 Aug 2015 at 13:54

Good work!