The Left Handed Build

[piggin23]

Hi All

I have been doing a new build to replace my previous build The 'STY' for some time now.

http://forums.hexus.net/chassis-syst...sty-4-4-a.html

Unfortunately I am barely literate & prefer to show you picture instead of lots of words.

So to start with the hardware.

So a large brown box turned up





In the box was my nice new graphic card.







The accessories





And another packet was also delivered.




I like the new EK packaging, it gives a quality feel to the product.
And the symbol reminds me of Transformers







Inside the box was all the fittings etc. (poor picture, sorry)








and a backing plate




One last look before we get naked

I tested the card to make sure there was no problems.

Just hope this will work again




I followed the instructions that were inside the box & removed the backing plate.









GPU retention brackets removed.







A quick look at the naked card.





I then followed the instructions and gave everything a good clean.
The thermal pads were then fitted as per diagram







Rear of card cleaned, thermal pads fitted and rear plate attached.
Now to see if I have not just created a £500 paper weight.

[piggin23]

All fitted back on the DFI board in the STY







All piped up and ready to be overclocked.
I overclocked this card with MSI Afterburner
The card now runs without any problems @
Core Clock @ 970 Mhz
Memory Clock @ 1200 Mhz
all at a very reasonable 1.2volts

I have to say that the fitting of the EK block was very easy and keeps everything cool & quiet.

[piggin23]

So for the new build I decided to purchase a new motherboard (as some of you may remember as I asked lots of questions about what to purchase)

So a nice bag turned up from SCAN




In the bag was the new Rampage 3 (I have had this for some time & was from the first batch into the UK)





So a quick un-boxing





The packaging is very good and shows off the board.







Now for a quick look at all the accessories.





Also had another package from SCAN





And inside, there was a full motherboard water block from EK





The box held a fitting kit & comprehensive instructions.





I decide to pick the Acetal+Nickel version to match my new graphics card





So one last look before I brake something




Motherboard stripped down as per instructions and everything cleaned.





Thermal pads cut to size and fitted.







All fitted with no problems (just followed the instructions) and looking very nice





I decided to do a little recycling and reuse my Swiftech Apogee XT Extreme from my previous build as its a very good block.
(If funds allow later, I will purchase an EK block)

After removing it from my DFI motherboard I found this





This was with only distilled water + a silver coil





So after a good clean, the block was refitted





So to fit my new toy, I had to rip the heart out of the 'STY'

[piggin23]

And then finally the motherboard was fitted back into Ths 'STY'




Everything was then piped up with new XSPC 7/16" ID - 5/8" OD White Hose, fat boy fittings & Koolance Hose Clamp from ChilledPc





The air was then removed from the system and everything fired up first time with no problems.





I am very happy with my new motherboard & the EK water block.

[Pob255]

What was wrong with the DFI? or was the change just for water cooling the chipset?

One of these days I will have the money to water cool, probably as it's just replaced with something else knowing me

[piggin23]

What was wrong with the DFI? or was the change just for water cooling the chipset?

There was no problem with the DFI, I just wanted to push my chip further.
As for water cooling, the DFI had water cooling on the motherboard also.

[Ulti]

I do love that motherboard. One day when I can actually afford those type of things I'll be getting them definitely, but as I'm only 18 it'll be a lot of days later.

[Englander]

Very nice pictures indeed! I always enjoy your threads

[piggin23]

I do love that motherboard. One day when I can actually afford those type of things I'll be getting them definitely, but as I'm only 18 it'll be a lot of days later.

I found when I was 18 (long time ago now), I was always skint (better things to spend my money on).
You just have to be patient.

Very nice pictures indeed! I always enjoy your threads

Thanks, just hope you are not disappointed with this one.
I have taken hundreds of pictures and it can not be classed as a 'standard build'

[Englander]

Thanks, just hope you are not disappointed with this one.

Not at all, it's always interesting to see the very highest end kit being put together and in your case with such aesthetically pleasing results

[pollaxe]

Very nice - I'm envious!
I've got a number of Corsair H50s but water cooling still scares me!!

[piggin23]

Not at all, it's always interesting to see the very highest end kit being put together and in your case with such aesthetically pleasing results

Will have to do my best then and not let you down.

Very nice - I'm envious!
I've got a number of Corsair H50s but water cooling still scares me!!

I was always taught that electrics and water do not mix but when you get into it there is no turning back

[piggin23]

The Rampage 3 is a great motherboard but the on-board sound is not the best.
So another bag turned up




This time with a nice new sound card.





A quick look at the card & the accessories





Then a closer look @ the ASUS Xonar DX in all its glory





Due to the new motherboard having SATA 3, another packet turned up.





The brand new crucial C300 SSD 64GB for my operating system






Also purchased the Akasa 2.5" mounting bracket for the new drive.





A closer look @ the mounting bracket.





Drive all mounted up and ready to have Windows 7 installed.




So sorted for sounds, and a new SSD (if Mrs Piggin found out what I have spent)

[piggin23]

This update is dedicated to Olly_K who helped me in the selection process.
Thanks Olly over @ ChilledPc

I decided that I needed some new RAM to help with my overclocking on my new motherboard.







After a few chats with Olly, I (we) decided on some Corsair Dominator GT, DDR3 - 6GB (3x2GB) , PC3-14900 (1866), CMT6GX3M3A1866C9





Good overclocking RAM & it looks good in the Rampage motherboard.







The Corsair kit also comes with a double fan unit to fit over the sticks.







So now there will be no holding me back on the overclock

[piggin23]

For this new build I wanted to go supper cool on the water system.

So the wallet came out once more.





The rad is a Black Ice SR-1 480




I also called in to see the good people @ ChilledPc & re-leaved them of a few fans
The fans are 120mm YateLoon D12SM x 38mm










I also picked up some of ChilledPc's dense weave braid & heat shrink




And then got to work on the new fans

Fans all set out on the rad, with the cables trimmed down.




Cables cut to length & stripped back (sorry about the pictures but Mrs Piggin had the good camera)







Cables twisted together & soldered.




Also went to the pound shop & purchased some clamps (yes they are a pound). So no more trips to the burns unit when using heat shrink.



And finally the finished product



Will up load more pictures later today and give an explanation why this build has been called " The Left Handed Build" for the moment

[pollaxe]

Looking good but by the number of fans(!) I now suspect you're actually building some kind of watercooled hovercraft!