[Build log][Scratch][Sponsored] >>>>minimAl<<<< by Likwid Mods

[Likwid Mods 0]

 

 

 

 

 

First of all I'd like to thank Alphacool and Mayhems for supporting this project.
Special thanks to Adam from AD Modz, thanks to whom it all started!
 

 

 

I've been searching for a large and simple case that can fit two 60mm thick 480 rads. I haven't found one that would have a layout i like so i decided to make one myself. I'm much more of a diy guy than computer head so there is no render models of the build, thread won't be full of awesome professional pictures and it might be not very neat and organised.
Disappointment for most. I will, however, try my best to provide as much details and up to date info on what's being done.

Actual state of my pc(pretty much all hardware is going to be transfered to the new case):

Now the new case...
I wanted something simple, minimalistic but strong and big. Two 480 rads fitted without problems(push/pull possible on both) with an option of adding more rads if needed(don't think I`ll ever need). 
I love working with acrylic but acrylic only case wasn't an option since the size it big. Went with aluminium as it`s light and strong, acrylic will find it`s place as top/bottom/inside panels. 
Size of the case: 70cm x 60cm x 33cm

Components

i7 5820k
MSI x99 sli plus 
16 GB Crucial Ballistix
Nvidia GTX 1080
SuperFlower Leadex 750w gold
Samsung 850 evo 250gb SSD
WD 2tb SSHD

Watercool Heatkiller IV pro acryl
EK gtx1080 acetal block
2x Feser Xchanger 480 rad
Alphacool VPP755 pump with Watercool Heatkiller top
Aquacomputer Aquatube reservoir
Aquacomputer Aquaero 5 LT
8x Enermax Cluster Advance fan
3x AeroCool Dead Silence fan

Onto the project then:

assembled shell(incredibly sturdy while only 6 kg of weight)

cut top/bottom acrylic to size and drilled fan holes

and sanded. was going to paint the panels flat white but frosted effect looks very good, might leave it as is

in the case

and with a rad

I will be using Enermax Cluster fans for both rads but as case fans I wanted something a bit different(for a contrast), chose these as they are very quiet and push reasonable amount of air.
Painted white and sleeved

That's it for now, not much i know and it looks like nothing at this stage but gotta start somewhere.
Next step: motherboard/inside wall panel, holes for fans in front and i/o with pcie slots cutouts.
More pics and update soon.

 

 

28/08/17 update

 

[Cheapskate 49999839]

Looks good to me. Welcome to the zoo. 

[Likwid Mods 0]

update.

 

time for front panel fans(3x120mm), going through 4mm aluminium takes a LOT of time(and WD-40)

[Bill Owen 367]

hole saw fun.

[RcRon7 11]

I love watching scratch builds

Can't wait to see more.

[Likwid Mods 0]

all three holes done

 

 

now looking for some interesting but simple 360 grill, any ideas highly appreciated

[Bill Owen 367]

why not make your own 360 grill? ....you have the skills.

otherwise these are very simple, https://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-alphacool-ek-bitspower-hardwarelabs-heatkiller-liquid-cooling/360mm-mesh-pc-fan-and-radiator-grill.html

 

 

[Likwid Mods 0]

46 minutes ago, Bill Owen said:

why not make your own 360 grill? ....you have the skills.

otherwise these are very simple, https://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-alphacool-ek-bitspower-hardwarelabs-heatkiller-liquid-cooling/360mm-mesh-pc-fan-and-radiator-grill.html

 

it would take ridiculous amount of drilling and filing to make my own one and the effect is not guaranteed as all done by hand. the one you linked looks nice but I'm in The UK. Will look into shipping costs but I think it'd be too expensive. Thank you for your help and idea. 

[Cheapskate 49999839]

There's a million ways to do a fanguard. 

Buy a bunch of drawer handles

buy rods, make brackets to space them. you can even wrap them around the front/top/bottom.

Just add a cover plate with 1" spacers.

bore fan holes in the backplate of a big heatsink extrusion. 

custom plexi sculpt...

I drift off...

[Likwid Mods 0]

another small update

 

after checking and considering many options for front 360 grill i decided to go with aluminium Aquacomputer grill as it will compose nicely with other aluminium accents in the case. Has got very simple and clean look too. Tried it on with the fans:

[Likwid Mods 0]

Got hold on an amazing deal today and picked a new lens for my camera. Messed with it a bit and took a few shots of hardware

 

[Likwid Mods 0]

case painted and put back together

 

 

quite happy with the result, looks very clean and exposed.
stay tuned for more

 

[Bill Owen 367]

awesome build, love the frosty tube look

[Likwid Mods 0]

test fit of led strips. 2x 50cm 8W each, the whole room got lit up, they generate quite a lot of heat and are too bright. Gotta find something dimmer and narrower beam of light as these spread too wide

 

[Likwid Mods 0]

received coolant from Mayhems, thx Mick:

 

 

[Cheapskate 49999839]

I swear the lighting pic makes your motherboard look even smaller. 

[Likwid Mods 0]

30 minutes ago, Cheapskate said:

I swear the lighting pic makes your motherboard look even smaller. 

I did consider getting a Matx board :D

Build should start getting serious next week, Alphacool gear should arrive in next couple of days so there will be much more interesting things to photograph and show.

[Likwid Mods 0]

received a huge parcel from Alphacool , some very sexy blocks and parts there, I love the fact that every single piece is nicely and securely packed, very excited to start building!

 

 

 

 

 

 

nest step: painting!

 

[Datulab 0]

I really love this build so far!

I'm currently working on a quite similar build myself. The CPU and Mobo combo is the same, I also just painted the mobo heat sinks, just like you (that was before I saw your build log) As the case I'm using the Corsair Crystal 570X which I painted all white (I started with the white version from Newegg) I will also 3d print a mobo cover to make it even more white (let me know if you are interested in the 3D files).

I'm really looking forward to how your build will turn out.

[Likwid Mods 0]

painted GPU block( if anyone wants to do the same and disassemble core block- don't!! The oring gasket thing under the cooling plate is level 25[1-10 scale]), looks very good, sorry for poor light pics, I will shot some more soon in daylight .

 

 

 

 

 

I did some sleeving for EPS cable, I must say new Alphacool Alphacord sleeving is very nice and soft in touch, I think i'd prefer it to be matt but let's wait and see how it looks in the case with all lighting.

 

 

again, pics don't really show much, very bad light (

 

 

 

[Likwid Mods 0]

After long debate and extensive reading i decided to go for NB eLoops B12-2. I didn't want PWM versions as many ppl report unpleasant pwm ticking noise when slowed down to low rpm. I am going to voltage regulate these, possibly 6-8V. Still not sure if Aquaero 6 can handle 8 of these without overheating( ca split them into two channels, 4 fans per channel, but does it change anything?). One thing I'm sure about; these are definitely the best looking fans available!

 

 

 

So i got this beauty!!

 

 

 

[Likwid Mods 0]

First 480 Monsta on board. Not without unplanned issues; because of multiport, the rad wouldn't sit flush on top/bottom panel - blanking plug sticks out so the only way to mount the rad is to drill holes for them plugs. If mounted on fans there's no problem but direct case/ panel mount is somehow complicated.

 

 

 

 

[Likwid Mods 0]

First tube in.
I am using Alphacool Eisrohr 13mm acrylic, quality of satin effect is quite good, the only thing is the tube can't be placed too close to heatgun nozzle as it gets glossy and transparent. When heated from at least 1 inch no problems whatsoever. Very good product, packed securely and individually boxed.

 

 

 

changed cpu block mount to white version too, not sure which one i liked more

 

 

stock black version:

 

 

custom fan extension cables

 

 

and a bit of reversed lens macro play

 

[CorbinKale 0]

Love the 'frosty' acrylic look. Perfect for this build. Very impressive, overall.

[Likwid Mods 0]

build is nearly finished now, a few minor things left to sort(mainly all wiring at the back).

Some pics I took last night, these are final shots before filling the loop up.