Plans for my new rig...

[RxScram]

Hey all,
I've finally broken down and decided to build a new rig for myself. I'm using an Antec SOHO server tower, SX1030B, but I will be ripping out the supplied 300w PSU and installing 2 Antec 400 watt PSUs. I'm planning on putting a window in it, probably the majority of the side panel, but I was curious if anybody had any experience with this particular case.

I also am putting in a couple red neon light sticks, as well as thinking about wrapping a blue neon string around the top and around the drives, etc. The current plans for the case include installing a 5" by 12" radiator, on the top, with 4 80mm fans... what's the easiest way to put in the blowholes for that?

I currently plan on using all 7 of the installed fan spots, but am debating on whether or not to mod the other side of the case, to put in a few more... any suggestions?

Has anybody had any experience using round IDE cables? I'm going to try to use those exclusively... better airflow, and looks neater besides.

I'm also thinking about dying the water for the cooling unit... what color looks best in a red light environment?

Ok, I'll shut up now. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Diggrr]

To mount that radiator, or any radiator, I recommend not using zip ties to hold the fans tight to it. Build a shroud out of something. Cardboard, paneling wood, cake pans, whatever works for you. (I like using aluminum flashing from the hardware) You want a 1" gap between the fans and the radiator.
You can use caulk to hold the radiator in place, preferably a latex base. It's easier to remove, and there's no chemicals in it to attack the rad's metal.
If you have the fans between the radiator and the case, blowing out, this would probably give the best cooling results. You can have the rad in the middle, but you may sacrifice a degree or two.
You can use some nice window trim on the opening, and mount the rad/fan/shroud assembly just as you would a window.

For the round cables, if they need to be longer than 24", I've found that just folding ATA100 cables works better. Often you'll get small (sometimes large) data corruption errors, that's what the extra fourty wires are for, grounding interference away from the data cables. 24" inches seams to be the point where fully seperated wires (rounded cables) start messing up the data. I've used 39" ribon cables with excellent results. You can fold them in a "W" pattern and add split loom or tape to make them round.
I gave away my rounded cables, they were 'less expensive' and gave me errors at only 14" length. I now use the ribbon cables only, and found with carefull folding, I can route them behind the motherboard and up to the drives and back out. This actually would restrict aiflow less than rounded ones would, as there are no cables at all in the airpath.

Hope these tips help, hollar back if ya need anything else.

[donny_paycheck]

The SX10xx SOHO series is just about the best steel case you can get. It's got the most features, seconded only by the full tower version, the SX12xx. It's got two horizontal frame channels inside that are just wide enough for a cold cathode element. They're half way up and CC lights placed in them shine all over the inside of the case only indirectly, making a really cool effect. Antec has an interior pic right here (http://www.antec-inc.com/product/cases/sohoser.html) if you haven't already seen it. You can see the frame members that I'm talking about in the pic. I love the case. I cut out the grill punches for lower noise and better airflow and I put in 4 Sunon 80mm 50cfm fans and a 550w Enermax PSU. I can't think of a single thing I don't like about the case either. I have no room left in mine so if I was going to water cool then I'd need a bigger case or an external radiator and reservoir.

[CrystalMethod]

Green would look the best in a red light. You can add some anti-freeze to your water, to get it to turn green. I'm not sure if food coloring would give you a green that would show up well.

[RxScram]

Hmm, you're right. I guess I'll go and get the SX1200. More room is better, after all. I could have sworn that the SX10xx had more interior room... I guess that's the price I pay for being in a hurry. My 2 (maybe 3) psu's alone would take up too much room in that case.

What's the best way to paint the case? How many coats, and any special treatment required?

What affect does the antifreeze have on the water? I realize I'm going to have to make a tradeoff somewhere, between cooling performance and looks, but I have to be moderate. I'm already planning on using "water wetter" and DI water.

I have a generic "super case full tower" coming from IcomPZ. I'm not expecting much from that, but it may be usable. Doesn't even say the brand name, if any. Anybody have any experience with that tower from this reseller? I don't expect so, but I figured I'd ask just in case.

[dreadlord79]

RxScram, if you can hold off on the Antifreeze idea (which when mixed perfectly, would accually be good in your system to help cooling) I have a link at home where you can accually buy coloring specailly made for water cooling set-ups. I am at work right now and can't seem to find it!

[kronchev]

making the water black with the red enviroment would look really, really cool

[RxScram]

Dreadlord,

Thanks, appreciate it... no real hurry, I won't get the cooling system parts for another week.

[dreadlord79]

Sorry I couldn't get it to you yet, but I got an update to my system and it completely wiped me out! My system locked up so bad that I had to FDISK it and lost the link that I had. I will keep looking for you though. :)

[RxScram]

No problem... thanks for the feedback though.

I did end up buying the Antec SX1240 case... I figure, why not? Might as well get the biggest and best possible. Also ended up buying all my paint supplies today...can't wait to get started!

[dreadlord79]

I found it! It's a good thing that I save all of the e-mails I send. Chech out this link for Flourescent Coolant Dye:
http://www.caseetc.com/cgi-bin/caseetc/scan/sf=display/se=yes/se=Water%20Cooling/sf=category/se=Accessories/sf=sub_cat/ml=15/tf=sku

Hope this helps. :)