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

*******************************************************
*******************************************************

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

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.

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 12:36

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

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 13:02

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

johnnyrotten665 · 27 Aug 2015 at 14:55

Quick pic of my main components (minus cpu)

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.

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.

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.

johnnyrotten665 · 31 Aug 2015 at 19:29

Thanks, I'm stuck now until the fittings come in from Monsoon though.

johnnyrotten665 · 31 Aug 2015 at 21:57

I could possibly be persuaded... I'll have a think tomorrow.

johnnyrotten665 · 1 Sep 2015 at 11:54

Planned tubing route

johnnyrotten665 · 1 Sep 2015 at 12:13

yeah, I realised Id overextended the bottom arrow after Id saved the image and I'm too lazy to change it...

johnnyrotten665 · 1 Sep 2015 at 23:42

rickyjb said:
good clean lines Should look great.

thoughts on loop maintenance/ plans to drain the system ?

eta on the fittings ?

Thanks, There's not a lot of spare space for a drainage port so it will probably be a case of draining most of it through the top of the res, although I have been trying to work out a way of getting a useable drain valve in there.

No idea on the fittings, spoke to ocuk this morning and Monsoon haven't given them an estimate yet.

johnnyrotten665 · 2 Sep 2015 at 14:11

Ordered the bits for a drainage port, reckon I can fit it in under the pump from the rear front rad port...

johnnyrotten665 · 7 Sep 2015 at 15:34

Quick update:

I realised there was no space to fill the res so 1 quick and dirty mod later...

Reckon I can fit a funnel in there...

johnnyrotten665 · 11 Sep 2015 at 23:15

Finally got an eta for the fittings.
Should be able to get the tubing done the week after next.

johnnyrotten665 · 23 Sep 2015 at 21:25

So I'm still waiting for the hardline fittings and bending kit from Monsoon, but I have received the fittings for the drain valve, so I went ahead and installed them.

The guys at OCUK tell me that the Monsoon stuff is due in anytime so I'm still hopeful that I'll be able to get the build completed (finally) by the end of next week.

johnnyrotten665 · 1 Oct 2015 at 09:42

I finally have all the parts and the tubing is underway. I'll try to get some pics up later today.