V1000+II build photos! (56k get broadband, it's cheap now)

[BillytheImpaler]

To follow up on my two previous threads I'd like to show off my new kit. I was fed up with the noise level from the previous setup and I decided to get a new case and new CPU heatsinks. I decided on a Lian-Li V1000 Plus II and a pair of Swiftech MCX-VPros. With the old setup I was seeing MOSFET temps around 57C with CPU temps around 47C. Hopefully the new kit will help this out a little.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

The Heatsinks
In my zeal to start working I forgot to take photos of my old setup but you can use your imagination; a black generic steel case with a load of fans strapped to it.

This is not my photo but it is the same model mobo and the same stock Intel Wind Tunnel heatsinks.

I took them off along with the Intel mounting hardware as I'll be using Swiftech's mounting mechanism. I could re-use the stock mechanism but Swiftech's is a lot cleaner looking and I hope that it opens up a bit of airflow in the area. At first the old ones did not want to come off. Fearing that pulling too hard on them might rip them out of the socket, thus destroying my carefully-applied U-wire mods, I ran for the missus's hair dryer. 30 seconds of heating later both easily slid off and released. It was a lot dirtier under the heatsinks that I'd expected. When I first opened them up there was a load of dust caked around the socket.

A quick rubdown with acetone had the procs clean and ready for their new companions. Off to the new heatsinks!

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Here they are in all of their glory. They're quite heavy. Together I reckon they're over 1 kg.

Here's the bottom of one. The surface finish is excellent. It exceeds that of the IHSes with which they'll mate. Perhaps there'll be some lapping in my future.

I cracked open my new Arctic Cooling AF8s. These are the fans WJA recommended. So far I'm very impressed. I wired up a PSU and placed them atop the heatsinks to get an idea of what they'll sound like in use. I was not able to discern any sort of noise at all during operation. It certainly wasn't as loud as the PSU's 120mm low-noise fan. I'm well chuffed.

My only concern is that they won't have the power to push air through the heatsink's tightly packed tendrils(?). The old fans, though noisy, moved a ton of air and they were just up to the task of cooling the heavily overclocked processors. If it turns out that these fans are inadequate I'll have to get new ones and relegate these to cool the missus's case. That would be a shame because they look so trick.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Mounting the fans to the heatsinks was more of a chore than I anticipated. Both the fans and heatsinks came with mounting hardware. The fans came with the traditional fat coarse screws that every fan seems to use. I tried these first but discovered it to be unworkable because the screws did not fit through the hole in the mounting bracket.

I tried Swiftech's hardware next. It consists of those sort of expanding plugs that are becoming so common. This was not ideal either because the holes provided in the fans are not round. The rubber vibration-isolation system shares part of this hole so the plug does not make excellent contact. I ended up using this method because it seems to hold it in a fashion that is sturdy enough. I'll have to remember to check that the fans are seated whenever I open her up to dust, lest a fan jiggle loose and damage something.

In the photo I'm using a pair of scissors to push up on the plug so it can be seated properly before I expand it. Jamming them all in ended up leaving me with a healthy sized blister on my thumb and forefinger.

When I was done mounting the fans I placed a dollop of AS5 on each proc. The heatsinks each come with a tube of Ceramique but I didn't want to open them since I already have an open tube handy.

The mounting mechanism is relatively straightforward. The instructions are clear, well-written (shocking these days), and feature exploded illustrations that make it a snap to install properly. In short I threaded a standoff into a locknut on the back of the mobo, then threaded into each screws with springs that keep pressure on the heatsink. I think this is a lot more elegant than Intel's solution.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

The Case
I had been checking my tracking page at UPS’s web site like a fiend to discover, Monday afternoon, that my case had arrived. I rushed home from work and found her waiting for me.

The packaging isn’t the most impressive I’ve ever seen but it gets the job done. I busted it open and found the case surrounded in Styrofoam in a plastic bag with all the accessories inside. I briefly played with the panel release mechanism and got down to work.

Here she is as I pulled her out of the box. Ooh, shiny.

I dragged it over to my work area and got to work. I started by installing the standoffs. As I understand it this case used to use some sort of signature design standoffs. The example I have uses standard chrome plated (or perhaps zinc) steel standoffs that screw into the motherboard tray. I based the pattern on my old case that I still had nearby. I didn’t want to use the mobo at this point as it’s heavy to the point of being ungainly.

To get at the mobo tray underneath the CPU vent fan I had to unscrew the thumb screws that hold it in place. Perhaps I’m getting weak in my old age but for the life of me I couldn’t unscrew one of them. The problem was remedied with the only pliers I had handy.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

The design of the mobo is very crowded. Getting some of the screws into place was a matter of dropping the screw from as close as I could get my hand then trying to coax them in with the tip of my screwdriver. It took about twice as long as I expected.

Next I installed the PSU. My PSU is not modular so there are a lot of unused cables that I have to deal with. I was expecting the plain gray steel paint job to stand out against the swanky brushed aluminum but it’s not really that bad. I like it.

Installing the ATX connector was a real bear. The socket is located between the CPUs and the I/O shield thus making it impossible for me to reach with my fingers. In most cases I can slide the PSU out for more clearance here but with this case I had to use a butter knife to push it down once I’d dangled it into proper position. God help me when I need to squeeze the connector’s wee clip to remove it next time I need to take the PSU out.

The ATX wires are in contact with the base of the top (bottom?) heatsink. I hope this won’t be a problem.

I slapped the side panel on it to see how it was looking. Not too shabby, I think.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Researching this case, I discovered that IDE cables were not usually long enough to reach from the ports at the upper end of the mobo. I decided it was finally time to make the jump to SATA for this rig. I picked up a Seagate 7200.10 320 GiB hard disk and a Lite-On SATA DVD-RW.

I’ve seen many on these boards discussing the color of the glue on the bottom of the Seagate drives as an indicator of hard disk quietness. Is this a good one or a bad one?

I ran the cables around the back of the 5.25” racks as to hide them from the view of the window. This photo shows this loop as being rather empty. As it is now that I’m done I don’t think I could fit another wire. The power cables are all but invisible.

To provide sufficient cooling for my mobo’s very hot voltage regulator bank Yewen convinced me to get the Lian-Li EX-33A adaptor. It’s a device that fits into 3 5.25” bays and allows one to rack mount 3 3.5” hard disks. I don’t plan on using this to hold any disks. I’m just using it for its 120mm fan and filter that blow directly into the area that needs the attention. I chose this over other bay fan adaptors because the design and finish perfectly match the Lian-Li’s finish.

After installing the optical drive and the EX-33 I went to install the remaining bay cover for the empty bay. To my horror I discovered it didn’t fit. I loosened all the screws for all the mounted devices and manhandled it until everything was flush.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

It looks good now but there is significant pressure at the contact points between the faceplates. Close tolerances my ass!

My cable management was going so well until the SATA cables barged in! I think I might shell out for extra long 90-degree cables to remedy this situation.

That’s the end folks. I’ve got it sitting next to me installing my OSes. It’s very quiet, especially considering the wind tunnel that used to be there. I’m very happy with my purchase. Watch this thread for updates on temperatures and general thoughts. If anybody wants to see any particular part of the build I’d be glad to take more photos. Thanks for reading!

 

[hp7909]

Nice

What's the system spec if you don't mind me asking?

EDIT: Does the Lian-Li EX-33A fit all Lian-Li cases in particular PC-7?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

The EX-33 and EX-34, as far as I can tell by examining it, will fit any case with 3 5.25" drive bays. The A version is silver aluminum like I have. The B version is anodized black. I have no doubt that it would fit a PC-7.

My system spec is as follows:
Dual Prestonia core Xeons
2 x 1 GiB OCZ DDR 5000 dual channel kit
Asus PC-DL Deluxe motherboard
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320 GB HDD
ATi X850 XT PE (flashed from Pro) with AC Silencer
Swiftech MCX-VPro heatsinks

 

[mishima]

Looks very nice, you certainly did a good job with the cable management. I like threads like this with images of new builds into cases and installations should be more of them

 

[Dreamcaster]

Looks really good, I have the black version of the same case. What temps are you getting with the new heatsinks?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

After a night with all procs maxed out, as they always are, I found the CPUs to be at 40 and 41 degrees respectively. The voltage regulators were at 50 degrees, a significant drop from the numbers I observed in the first post.

 

[caeteez]

Do you use this setup as a server?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Do you use this setup as a server?

Not as a dedicated server, no. It's my main desktop/workstation/gaming machine.

Looks very nice, you certainly did a good job with the cable management. I like threads like this with images of new builds into cases and installations should be more of them

I too wish more people did it. Having to take photos of your work means you'll do a less half-arsed job.

 

[artaxerxes]

I have exactly the same case set up - V1000 +II with the Lian-Li EX-33A. Smooth fitting for me - though I wanted it higher. The position you have pictures is the only way it will go alas.

Stunning case - completely wannabe PowerMac

 

[Fr0dders]

do all the plus cases come with the windowed side panel ?

i thought you had to buy them separately ?

 

[PinkFloyd]

Nice job mate. How much did you pay for those heatsinks.
I'm fed up with the noise from the stock ones on my Xeons+Asus PCH-dl setup!
They make my whole case resonate and i can feel the vibration through the floor

I am looking into watercooling mine as a learning experience though, will be sure to make a worklog when I do

 

[BillytheImpaler]

do all the plus cases come with the windowed side panel ?

From the US-based store I bought it from it was an extra $5 for the windowed side panel. I decided to get it as I think that's a good deal. I was hoping they'd include both so I could sell one at auction. Alas they only included the windowed panel.

Nice job mate. How much did you pay for those heatsinks.
I'm fed up with the noise from the stock ones on my Xeons+Asus PCH-dl setup!
They make my whole case resonate and i can feel the vibration through the floor )

I got them for $54 each plus another $6 for each fan. They're very very quiet and I'm quite impressed.

When I get home from work tonight I'll take some more photos of the completed build.

 

[Yewen]

Good to see my idea worked then.

Was not 100% sure as you know when I recommended that to you if it would be totally suitable (no real experience with server gear) but it seems to have done the job nicely, glad you like it and it looks ace I must say!