James’s Epic Build (Log)

[mithiral67]

James’s Epic Build (Log) Ft. Singularity Computers Spetre Case

Post 1 - General Summary of My Build Goal and Me Rambling
Post 2 - Complete listing of Parts and Tools (Reviews of parts in process) - http://www.overclockers.com/forums/...-Build-(Log)?p=8064322&viewfull=1#post8064322
Post 3 - Videos - http://www.overclockers.com/forums/...-Build-(Log)?p=8067010&viewfull=1#post8067010
Post 4 - Final Photos (Build not complete)

Summary:
I have never gone big on a pc build and never built for more than best bang for you buck builds. This build is the opposite. This build is mean to first be beautiful and second to crush anything i throw at it for years. (odds are I will upgrade video cards each time a new generage of XX80 TIs come out). This build doesnt make sense for my uses (gaming and light photo editing) but I hope to be something everyone enters my home spots and says, damn, that looks cool . . . you nerd


Long Winded Story of the Build
Hey all. I have been building PCs for about 20 years now. My builds have always been “best bang for your buck” builds with zero thought for looks other then trying to get a cool looking case. Over the summer, I was up for a new machine and decided to go big with a 1080ti and settled on the EVGA SC2 version. I quickly learned that graphics cards run a lot hotter and louder than before and really didn’t like the hover noise that they make when gaming. So, to find a quieter solution, I picked up one of EVGA’s hybrids and fell in love with the cool quiet running of water cooling . . . and I was bit by the water bug. While researching these I was exposed to the amazing custom watercooling culture and I am hooked. I both loved the beautiful machines that I saw as well as the the posts and videos that folks made while building them.

So, I decided to do the same. I want to build a beautiful monster gaming PC and I want to document my process to share with others to give back for all the great builds I got to enjoy seeing built. I will do that through photos (photography is a hobby) and through videos.

Some fun facts. I have never done a water loop before (and going to go with glass tubing), I have never done custom cables before, and I have never documented a process or shoot video before other than an iphone (focusing sucks on my canon 6d from what I can tell). So, I will be sharing my experiences with all of this as well. I hope to use this thread to document all parts, the process, and the results. I hope to add a post every few days as I work through the process. I am a public accountant and on the tail end of my busy season so please forgive my slower posts.

I am actually pretty far along with the getting parts process but I am missing my case, which is quoted at 4 weeks out. The computer is currently up and running as I wanted to ensure everything was stable before adding a water loop to it. Currently dealing with some BSOD with lightroom, ugh. But ideally it needs to be 100% before the waterloop goes on.







I hope every enjoys.


Cheers,

James

 

[trents]

Your "sneak preview" is an invalid attachment.

Tell us more about your plans for the water cooling system. Hard pipes or vinyl tubing? Settled on a pump, blocks, rad (or rads) and reservoir yet?

What will be the main use or uses of this system? Many of the components you have chosen are typically found on professional work stations rather than gaming rigs.

 

[Blaylock]

This looks like a serious overkill gaming rig. I'm in!

Trents, he mentioned he plans on using glass tubes so he'll be hardlining this one.

 

[trents]

But if he's building it for gaming having 64 gb of RAM will not improve performance and may hurt overclocking.

And wouldn't an 8700k be a better choice for gaming than a 7820k since it will overclock better and games won't even use all those cores in a 7820k? Now I realize that the 7820k will be no slouch in gaming but why spend so much for a motherboard and a CPU that aren't quite as good a choice for the expressed purpose?

 

[Blaylock]

Honestly there will be no reason to over clock either of those CPU's for gaming. He wouldn't even use 32Gbs of ram while gaming, and a single 1080ti is all that would be needed for 1440 @ 144htz. This is a true overkill build. Plain and simple.

 

[Daleon]

Yeah for that much GPU I would go with 2 of those monitors.
Definitely would have dropped one of the 32GB kits and went with a 1TB 960 along with a 4-6TB 7200.

 

[Woomack]

The only situation when I need more than 12GB RAM is when I run two games at the same time. More than 32GB won't be used for a long time. Better get stronger CPU or larger monitor/s.

 

[mithiral67]

Hey, thanks for the replies. Yes, this is an overkill build. I updated the first post with my info on my goals. Its more than just a PC for gaming, I am trying to make a conversation piece like art for my den.

The double TIs are pointless and money spent better elsewhere, but for 4k gaming it will help and it fills the build out space wise.

The 64gig is 4 time what I need, but empty dimm slots are not aesthetically pleasing.

Yes, the 8700k is a better gaming cpu, but in the 4k gaming range the cpu is really out of the mix.

I went x299 because i literally wanted to frame the cpu with ram.

I will be buying a 4k monitor once they release one with 144hz refresh rate. I currently have 2 1440p, a 144hz and 70hz.

I know there will be a lot of questions here on why I went so big when I didnt need to, but like all art, its not about the money.

Videos
Fan Overview

- - - Updated - - -

Here is a complete listing of parts so far. One of my pet peeves when looking up parts was folks not including what goes into the build. So, I tried to include everything including the kitchen sink.

Case
https://www.singularitycases.com/product/spectre/


Computer Hardware
CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X Processor https://amzn.to/2pURh61
Motherboard: ASUS ROG RAMPAGE VI EXTREME
RAM: G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3000MHz 8x8gigs https://amzn.to/2Gp9oqR
GPU Waterblock: Open
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 HYBRID https://amzn.to/2GJpWNK
HD: Samsung 960 Evo m.2 500GB and Samsung 970 EVO m.2 500gb.
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 1200 P2 https://amzn.to/2GN0qrb


Water Cooling
CPU Water Block: EKWB Asus Strix https://amzn.to/2GZTOTI
GPU Cover: EKWB EK-FC1080 GTX Ti Backplate, Nickel https://amzn.to/2Ik7MPY
Radiator 1: Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper 360mm http://www.performance-pcs.com/alphacool-nexxxos-ut60-full-copper-360mm.html
Radiator 2: Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper X-Flow 360mm http://www.performance-pcs.com/alphacool-nexxxos-ut60-full-copper-x-flow-360mm.html
Fans: 3x InWin Polaris RGB Aluminum Twin Pack Fan Kit https://amzn.to/2GpzBKh
Glass Tubing: 3 x Alphacool HardTube 16/11mm Borosilicate Glass - 60cm http://www.performance-pcs.com/alphacool-hardtube-16-11mm-borosilicate-glass-60cm.html
Pump: Aquacomputer D5 Pump Motor with PWM Input and Speed Signal. http://www.performance-pcs.com/aquacomputer-d5-pump-motor-with-pwm-input-and-speed-signal.html
Fluid: TBD


Fittings, all in Black Sparkling
50 x Bitspower G1/4" to Enhance Multi-Link Fitting for 16mm OD Rigid Tubing https://amzn.to/2pU3Azt
14 x Bitspower 90-Degree With Dual Inner G1/4" Extender https://amzn.to/2E7fWIV
5 x Bitspower G1/4" Male to Female Extender Fitting, 90° Rotary https://amzn.to/2EapPWi
3 x Bitspower G 1/4" Dual Rotary 90 Degree IG 1/4" Adapter http://www.performance-pcs.com/bits...kle-dual-rotary-90-degree-ig-1-4-adapter.html
12 x Bitspower Premium G1/4" Stop Fitting https://amzn.to/2Gs4CJ8
1 x Bitspower Dual IG1/4" Black Sparkle Triple Rotary Snake-Style Adapter http://www.performance-pcs.com/bits...parkle-triple-rotary-snake-style-adapter.html
2 x Bitspower Black Sparkle Dual Rotary Mini Valve With G1/4" Extender http://www.performance-pcs.com/bits...ual-rotary-mini-valve-with-g1-4-extender.html


Custom Sleeving from https://mod-one.com
MDPC-X Small XTC Sleeve - Lambo-Greeny, Blackest-Black, Shade-19, and Platinum-Grey
Wire: M1 Custom 2.4mm OD Black and White 16AWG
Cable Combs: OverkillPC's Knuckle Combs - 24pin x 5
OverkillPC's Knuckle Combs - 16pin x 10
OverkillPC's Knuckle Combs - 14pin x 5

Connectors and Pins from https://mainframecustom.com/ Not that I do not recommend mainframe. I attempted to return the combs and they never returned my emails.
Female ATX Terminal x200, 24pin ATX Female Connector x 1, 8pin EPS Female Connector x 3, 4pin EPS Female Connector x 1, 18pin Female Connector x 1, 10pin Female Connector x1, 6pin AUX Female Connector x2, 8pin PCI-E Female Connector x8, 4pin Power Female Connector x1, 4pin Power Male Connector x2, Sata Power Crimp Style Connector x1, Sata Power Push-In Style Connector x1, Sata Power Push-In Style End Cap x1

Water Cooling Tools:
Dremel 200-1/15 Two-Speed Rotary Tool Kit https://amzn.to/2GpeveP
Dremel Wheel https://amzn.to/2GJ0xnA
Sandpaper https://amzn.to/2GnSqx7
Glass Cutter https://amzn.to/2GJA7C8
Gloves https://amzn.to/2IjZhUO

Cable Sleeving Tools:
Molex Pin Remover https://amzn.to/2GqhlAc
Heat Gun https://amzn.to/2GpCz10
MultiMeter https://amzn.to/2JapruK
Wire Crimpers https://amzn.to/2pUu57R
Wire Strippers https://amzn.to/2pUyasK

Other
Brushed Metal Vynl Wrap https://amzn.to/2GHWp73

 

[Blaylock]

I'm looking forward to seeing it all come together Mithiral67!

 

[mithiral67]

Thanks

Love the NASgul Build btw!!

 

[mithiral67]

I also like to build based on committee votes and I can be indecisive at times. cable colors. I love the color green, but never seen a green build I thought was a little to loud. So, i was thinking only green accents with a heavier metal look with greys, silvers, and blacks. I have primos vue sterling silver, but not loving the shade. I might try a green fluid, but figured i just need to order one of each that I want and see in person as color matching from the internet is rough. Here are the combos i have built do far on the cables.

 

[Blaylock]

Of the three I like the first one the most.

 

[mithiral67]

And now you have me thinking of selling off one of the tis and going vertical mount to fill the space. Would get me $800 back and save me cash when the 1180tis drop and not have to worry about slis issues.

 

[mithiral67]

Yea, i think i am going to sell a 1080ti and drop to one, going to have to change the title to James's uncommon build?

 

[caddi daddi]

uncommon??? still epic in my book.

I have A build in a thermaltake core P5 that hangs on the wall and I love the look of it.
just a few thoughts for you.
#1, get two or three friends to help you hang it if you wall mount it, I was amazed at how heavy and awkward these things get!!!!!
#2, figure your fill and drain ports so that you can get the work done in place. I have a secreted away a drain tube that I can just pull out of the bottom and dangle down the wall into a bucket.
#3, paint the wall behind the rig and about 6 inches out around it in gloss, it makes the wall easier to clean, with all the airflow from the rad intakes dust sticks to the wall and satin finish just can't take much cleaning.
#4, big, long lag screws for the wall mount.
#5, get the wall mounting done before you build, with everything around it, I moved mine three times, an inch this way, then an inch that way and all that wall repair sucked.........

 

[Soulcatcher668]

And now you have me thinking of selling off one of the tis and going vertical mount to fill the space. Would get me $800 back and save me cash when the 1180tis drop and not have to worry about slis issues.

Ummmm that will be over a year at best. I am hoping you did not fall for the 'Leaked 1180ti specs' on Wccftech.

 

[mithiral67]

uncommon??? still epic in my book.

I have A build in a thermaltake core P5 that hangs on the wall and I love the look of it.
just a few thoughts for you.
#1, get two or three friends to help you hang it if you wall mount it, I was amazed at how heavy and awkward these things get!!!!!
#2, figure your fill and drain ports so that you can get the work done in place. I have a secreted away a drain tube that I can just pull out of the bottom and dangle down the wall into a bucket.
#3, paint the wall behind the rig and about 6 inches out around it in gloss, it makes the wall easier to clean, with all the airflow from the rad intakes dust sticks to the wall and satin finish just can't take much cleaning.
#4, big, long lag screws for the wall mount.
#5, get the wall mounting done before you build, with everything around it, I moved mine three times, an inch this way, then an inch that way and all that wall repair sucked.........

I have been toying with a wall mount but being the back of the case is sexy too, not sure I want to hide on the wall. Thanks for the tips though.

Ummmm that will be over a year at best. I am hoping you did not fall for the 'Leaked 1180ti specs' on Wccftech.

Ha, no, i didnt fell for those, i would love for it to be true. I wanted for it to be true. There was 572 days between the 780ti and the 980ti and 647 days to the 1080ti. If history repeats for say 600days, we are talking Nov of 2018. Now, add a month or two for EVGA to release its big boy version and then for the water blocks to follow. I say a year is reasonable.

 

[mithiral67]

First video over viewing the fans. Its not well done, first time doing this so messed up a lot. I did the voice over with the video, but the audio was terrible so I tried to recording voice again and added after, so sometimes it doesnt align. Best I could do.

 

[maxfly]

it gets the point across, dont worry about it. its not bad for your first go round. those are some nice fans. i would keep the 1080ti and get a rgb led backplate for it. with the other 1080ti in front of it that would look sweet.

 

[mithiral67]

it gets the point across, dont worry about it. its not bad for your first go round. those are some nice fans. i would keep the 1080ti and get a rgb led backplate for it. with the other 1080ti in front of it that would look sweet.

Thanks

Sorry for no build yet. Some updates. Second PC is built so I can still survive without a computer when this is built.

I have decided to stick with dual gpus. I have a zotac sli bridge and I am not a fan on how it looked. So, i scavenged a heat sink off of my old z97 msi motherboard. Its a dark brushed metal which fits with the theme of my build, then took of some stickers and dremeled off some red paint and it looks pretty good.

Still making decisions on fluid color and if I should delid the 7820x.

I dont need the extra speed or cooler temps, but thought it would go with the overkill theme, thoughts?