Project synaps3

[synaps3]

Project synaps3

Alright. Welcome to the Project. I'll keep this worklog as updated as possible. If you have any questions of comments, feel free to reply to this thread, I'm open to new ideas, suggestions for the build, and willing to help if anyone needs tips for modding in general.

A special thanks to everyone at Overclocking Wiki.org. This build would not be remotely possible without them and their support.


First off, a bit about me (skip paragraph if you only care about the build):
My name is Dave, or synaps3 as most of you know me. I'm a 2nd-year Computer Engineer at Georgia Tech, but I have more experience with building computers than anyone I know. This is by no means my first build; I have made dozens over the years for many different people. I also have been working at the Research Institute at Georgia Tech for over a year doing IT work, so everything has become second-nature to me. I also love to build stuff (other than computers), which has lead to me becoming quite adept with tools, especially the Dremel. I'm still learning, and this build represents that. I am trying many new and unique things on it, I hope to surprise you, or at least inspire you, somewhere along this worklog. That being said, please enjoy this worklog as much as I am enjoying making the system itself.


I have needed a new computer for some time, having been living off a Dell Latitude X300. None of my other are game-worthy, and I sold my SN26P awhile back, because I was a bit short on money. But I miss my games, and obviously, it is hard to game on a laptop, especially a 12" one. I also multitask and code like crazy, and find myself often wishing I had more screens. So, I decided to build a new system. Something that will game great, look great, perform well, and overclock like no other.

To accomplish my goals, I have accumulated parts throughout the past few months. Here is what I have so far:

*e6300 in an Gigabyte GA965P-DS3 v3.0:

*2Gb of OCZ PC2 8500:

*eVGA 7800GT:
(Pic not available, in RMA)

*XClio 450BL:

*WD Caviar SATA 1200SE, and Lite-On SATA DVD Burner:

*Hauppauge TV Tuner, Creative Audigy:

*Sapphire Radeon 7000:

*Thermaltake Matrix, only slightly modded so far (pics later)

*4 LCDs: (pics not available, read on)
-32" LCD TV (720p)
-19" LCD (1280x1024)
-17" LCD (1280x1024)
-12" LCD (1024x768)

*Watercooling system
-DangerDen RBX block and DangerDen Maze4 Chipset block:

-DangerDen Maze5 GPU block and Liang D5 variable speed pump:

-HW Labs Black Ice Pro II Radiator:

-Cadillac DeVille Limousine Heatercore:

-1/2" ID Masterkleer Tubing (ordered)

-DangerDen Fillport (ordered)

*and a bunch of other crap, most of which will be a surprise and make this build unique.

So what needs changed? Well, first off, my video card sucks. It even died on me, just to anger me further. So it is currently being RMA'd. Once I get it back, it is going straight to Craigslist, and I am going to buy an eVGA 8800GTS. I also will be getting a waterblock for it.

I also need to get new monitors for more consistency. I'm going to get TWO Samsung 226BWs. I will probably buy them locally to be sure I get good panels. The 19" and 17" will be moved to other builds or sold, and the 12" will go on the side panel for LANs.

The watercooling loop also needs redone, as it is total shit. Here is the system's loop in its current glory, or lack thereof:

I realized then, that I was a complete idiot. I had made no method of draining the loop. So I clamped off a section of the tubing to try to control flow when I would attempt to cut the tubing. I then snipped it:

Unfortunately, the clamps didn't hold the loop, which was pressurized where I cut it. The coolant squirted out, spraying my face and upper body. I got b!tch-slapped by my own loop. What a wonderful start.

I finished draining the loop and took all the components out. They are all laying out on my desk, waiting for more tubing so I can redo the loop right, and put in a drainport.

Now that you have seen the case, I'll go ahead and tell you what I have modded so far. The case has had custom mounting holes cut for the radiator in the top, as well as a blowhole:

The side panel has a large, square hole in it perfectly sided for the heatercore. The drivecages (other than two) have been removed to make room for the heatercore and future mods:

The mesh 3.5" bays on the front were removed, and their plastic backing needs dremeled out too:

So, all of that and more up next. I'll be case modding and painting while I wait for parts. UPS is a bitch. Expect the next update today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday). For now, I sleep.

 

[tylerdustin2008]

Looks cool so far.

 

[synaps3]

Sorry it took so late for the update, I got stuck at work today, and had to help my younger brother with Java. He's not even remotely as good at coding as I am, and I often get frustrated with the lack of competence of his teachers. I mean, he hasn't even heard of recursion yet! Anyways, enough ranting, on to the update.

Today, I started mounting my 12.1" LCD on the left panel of the case. This is done so I don't have to lug my 32" LCD, or even any LCD, to LANs. I can just haul the Project with me, and be done with it.

I started by eying out the LCD size, checking to make sure I had a square with two L-bar things:

Next, I cut the plexi with a razor:

But, as with everything else, it needed a bit of finishing work because one of the two cuts didn't quite stay straight:

So I ripped out my trusty old dremel, and tore that sh!t up:

I immediately after sanded it, it will make flame polishing easier later:

Now, I was ready to cut the mount holes. Before I continue, let me explain to you my methods of fabrication. I have found, through years of building everything and anything, that measurement is total crap. I do much better with never measuring, and cutting in small increments until the piece is perfect. So, with the LCD, I refused to measure the holes out. Therefore, I carefully drilled pilot holes dead through the center of the mounting holes on the LCD, into the plexiglass. I do not, in ANY WAY recommend anyone else using my haphazard methods of fabrication. It is idiotic, especially if you lack experience... So here is me drilling the pilot holes in the plexi through the LCD mounts:

Of course, it turned out fine, and I proceeded to expand the holes to the desired diameter:

And then, I used the same method to transpose and drill the holes into the metal side panel itself:

Holes drilled:

Then, I needed to add holes for the cables coming out of the back of the panel, and clean up them with my rat tail file:

I used some screws and nuts I had lying around the workshop, and started to put them in place:

Screws in place, ready for the LCD:

Time to drop in the LCD:

And put the plexi over it:

mmm. Shiny. Still desperately needs cleaning and flame polishing though. I love how everything is a perfect fit, without me ever measuring. Nothing beats experience.

Here is a side view:

And a rear view to see where the circuitry will go:

And here is a preview of about where the circuitry will be mounted:

So that's all for now. I'll try to work on it again tomorrow, if I have time. I'm a bit busy though, so expect an update by Thursday or Friday. See y'all later.

 

[HAF72]

sweet, can't wait to see this mod to be done... subscribed

 

[Willsonman]

Lookin great there. Those LCD mods can be pain. Also, you are just a few hours from me, in G'boro NC. One of my professors is from GA and did his undergrad there at state.

 

[synaps3]

I'm at Georgia Tech, so I'm right near State. We actually stole an entire block of their buildings for housing next year. Apparently the government thinks we need it more. I don't live in the Tech-provided housing though (its overpriced, and annoying), so I am unaffected by the new complex.

The LCD has been easy so far actually. I hope it doesn't get hard, I've had enough setbacks already (before I started modding).

 

[craigbru]

I love LCD's in cases... I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[Willsonman]

Yeah, it looks to me like you have just a 12V connector so it used to have a power brick separate from the LCD before? Mine did not. I plug in a PSU cable.. transformer integrated and all. Its an old LCD but it works and was FREE

 

[synaps3]

I specifically picked an LCD that ran off 12vDC so that I could power it without the brick, from the PSU. I'm going to direct-solder most of the PSU wires, the LCD power included, for improved wire management...

 

[synaps3]

Well, things on this mod have changed quite a bit since the last update. I think this update may become the start of a very, very unique mod.

Originally, I planned on having a custom case, that looked badass and had many unique features (many of which haven't even been mentioned yet). But, then I realized that I had mounted the LCD upside down... It needs to be on the bottom, otherwise it looks a bit funny (or, at least it did in my opinion). Its positioning also would have made mounting the controller board and inverter board required for it awkward. It also would have made me very cramped on space for the additional two power supplies that will be de-cased and placed in here to run something very special... But I'll get to that later

So on to what I decided to change. Here is a pic of the LCD upside-down:

I got to thinking... I like BTX. BTX is good. It will allow me to flip the LCD to orient it the way I want it, AND allow it to stay on the right-side of my desk (so I don't have to move it to use the LCD).

And then I decided, this build is going to get BTX'd. But, there are some problems. For example, my huge heatercore is going to be smashed into the drive cages:

A closer view:

And they got removed:

To do the BTX swap, I need to take out the motherboard tray and back panel, and flip both, mounting them to the opposite side. I cut back the mobo tray first though. It is too long for the mobo and sticks out the back. I started removing its rivets:

Mobo tray removed:

Start cutting:

Done with cutting:

Now to remove the back, so that I can make this thing BTX:

Now flip and reinstall:

Install the mobo tray:

And a bit of an overview shot:

I'll cut a huge top window next. I always wanted a top window, but my drives and PSU were always in the way. I have more motivation than cosmetics though... Well, not really. But it will allow me to cover up some nasty holes that I made with a terrible drill bit:

Here's an overview of the top:

I taped it up and started cutting:

And this was the result:

A farther out view, showing my awesome crowbar helping add weight so the case doesn't move:

I still need to clean up the edges on that cut, and possibly use a bit of u-channel trim to cover a tiny slip-up I had. It's not noticeable, but I know its there, so it must die.

I'm working on the mod again tonight, I ran out of time and didn't get as far as I wanted to last night. Maybe there will be another update late tonight. It might not come until Saturday or Sunday though.

 

[FrEaKy]

dude that was a very nice job, I mean full on modding. I like it bro!

 

[synaps3]

A note before I begin: I am changing hosts. All images WILL go down, only temporarily, until the new nameservers propogate. It shouldn't take too long, at most a day.

Some people have asked what will be replacing the rivets, so I went ahead and purchased the screws I will be using. Here is what they look like:

My cat, Pickles, wanted to help me out today. Too bad he doesn't know how to use a dremel

Once I got the cat to leave my case alone (he is basically the size of it, hes a big kitty), I got to work on removing the metal covering the rear exhaust:

Getting there...

Done:

Next, I went back and removed the front 3.5" bays that were shown in the first page of the log:

I hate cutting plastic. It sucks. At least all of this will be covered by a giant 5.25"x6" heatsink (don't ask, you'll find out what its for later), so people won't see the tiny imperfections from the dremel:

And then, I needed to cut back the metal:

I went ahead and cut and threw in the top window too:

That's it for now. But here is a few shots of progress, it's coming along nicely:

I didn't get around to mounting the boards for the LCD or any of the other boards that need mounted, as I am still figuring out a few things on this mod that involve PCBs that go on the plexi too. Expect another update soon, tomorrow or Monday.

 

[piako]

looks good =)

 

[mjn]

Nice

 

[bigjon32]

mm, i had that same idea about the mobo tray flipping but i was waiting to see some good pictures of somebody doing it, thank you. everything else is looking nice too, can't wait to see it done.

 

[rsgunter]

Beautiful work so far man! Don't worry about the WC woes, I had plenty and still am! I've lost like half a bottle of fluid XP because I'm a dumbass. No worries, I've done lots worse.

Keep it up!

 

[synaps3]

A quick update--

I'm sick. There were wildfires going on in South Georgia, and I think the smoke, or something else, messed me up. I've been having really bad headaches since Sunday, and they keep coming back. I shouldn't be out for too long, just wanted to explain the delay in update...

Some good news though, my package from Petra's Tech Shop arrived finally. It was late entirely because of UPS, Petra's shipped it like a champ, the same day I ordered. UPS somehow made it take over 10 days for it to arrive. Anyways, I'll see if I can do some work on the loop while I'm sick. Watercooling shouldn't take too much of my efforts

 

[synaps3]

Alright, sorry for the delay. I'm no longer sick, but I still can't make much progress. I have a test in Calc II on Thursday, and I had to clean my fishtank yesterday. Here is the fish, blame him for the lack of progress

I think he poops more than I do. Above is the tank after only 3 weeks! I only feed him one bloodworm a day too...

Anyways, to keep everyone entertained until I can get a real update, I'm going to go ahead and reveal one more of the "surprises" that are in this mod. For a long time, I have wondered how hard it would be to make a sub-ambient loop. Not any sub-ambient loop though. One using a 400w pelt. The pelt will run off two old power supplies that will provide the needed amperage to get 350w out of the pelt-- nearly 30a. I don't quite know how well it will work, as the power supplies are not identical, and may explode. So I will experiment with this system VERY carefully before I even try to put it in my rig. My goal, which may not be so far off, is 0C.

Enough with the talk though, on to the pics:

This is kinda a bottom-view, showing the block and the plexi enclosure that will basically act as a waterblock.

Side view

Top view. This shows just how massive the heatsink is. This really is a front view, rather than a top view, as it will be mounted like this:

I will mount the power supplies, which will be de-cased to the bare PCB, and stripped to only have a +12, ground, and pbin (the green on the ATX) wire. The +12's, grounds, and pbins will be connected, and the two power supplies will plug into the wall on a separate plug than the rest of the system (unlike the 12" LCD, which will be off the computer's power supply). The PCBs for the two power supplies will be mounted over the controller board for the LCD.

Here is me test-fitting a little bit:

Yay, tubing!

It fits.

Another view:

Not shown is the controller board for the LCD, which needs moved to allow the side panel to attach well. It is too tight now.

Since I have a test Thursday, I can't predict when I'll have another update. I'm going to be optimistic, and guess Friday, but who knows, it may come sooner or later than then. I can't order any more parts (the 8800 or the parts for the pelt loop) until I finally get a credit card. I applied a few days ago, hopefully Chase will respond soon...

 

[shadowlord]

very nice work so far.....

but unfortunately i think you could not use 2 psu's to power the pelt. they will simply switch of in best case but burn down in the other
your best bet is getting a power supply which could provide 30a alone.

 

[synaps3]

Why would that happen? I think I may hit some problems, but the power supplies are worthless, so it's worth a try at least.

If I were to need to get a PSU that outputs 30a, I would probably order a better PSU for the whole system and run everything off of that, then move the XClio PSU to the pelt...

 

[Arcygenical]

Why would that happen? I think I may hit some problems, but the power supplies are worthless, so it's worth a try at least.

If I were to need to get a PSU that outputs 30a, I would probably order a better PSU for the whole system and run everything off of that, then move the XClio PSU to the pelt...

Try them outside the case first

Peltiers are dangerous little guys!