![[H]ard|Forum](/styles/hardforum/xenforo/logo_dark.png){kind=logo}
smarenwolf
Weaksauce
- Joined
- May 7, 2018
- Messages
- 112
Hello [H],
I've been a silent reader on/off for a while now, and I thought my new project warrants a) a registration and b) asking you folks for help.
Just for completion's sake I'll fill out the sticky-questionaire, but it's mostly not applicable.
With that out of the way, onto more interesting things.
A few years ago (2, I think) I had to basically scrap my old computer. Silverstone SG05 with an i5 and a GTX 560.
Afterwards I moved to a normal mATX-build with, again, an i5 and a GTX 970, it currently lives in a Fractal Design Meshify C.
My financials have become better, and once other "larger" projects are done, I want to build a new rig.
As a Disclaimer: I know new hardware will come out (GTX 20xx or 11xx, new CPUs, etc) in the meantime. The actual hardware isn't that important for reasons explained further down below. I'm using "current tech" as an example - this would be the components I'd use if I'd built the system right now.
As I want to fulfill my tripple-monitor-desire, I will want to bump up my GPU power to, basically, the "highest, still somewhat rationally explainable", which for me means the GTX 1080 Ti, but not a Titan. An i7-8700K or a Ryzen 7 2700X, but not a Threadripper, etc.
I know from experience (the SG05) that small cases do have naturally some problems with heat dissipation... Even if cases have come along way (A4-SFX is thermically so much better designed than the SG05, without even having a thermodynamics-degree
)
Now, what I want more specifically:
I've looked at cases like Dan's A4-SFX, which I really adore. I'd prefer to use PicoPSUs, probably either 2 or the large 500W one from PicoBox with two external power supplies. This is, though, one of the topics where I'm the most unsure. I've seen the "Dynamo" Combo, but I don't even understand how that thing works/wires up with the components. The whole PicoPSU-thing is currently just stuff I don't understand >.<
Using a PicoPSU, I could free up the space used for the PSU to use for the pump and reservoir. I'd like to have everything internal, sans the radiator and it's fans. For that, I'd drill some holes on the backside of the case to mount two Quick-Connect/Disconnects as well as a header/Molex for the fans.
Both my own 3D-sketches as well as looking into internals from Dan's case and similar other folded designs show one probable problem. Given the pump being in front of the MoBo where the PSU would be, the pump-out would then go to the CPU (Line A), the CPU would go to the GPU (Line B) and the GPU would then go to the backside, to be connected with the Radiator-In (Line C).
Now, Line A has to, somehow, be able to pass around the RAM to reach the CPU. The question now is: Would there be enough space between RAM and case-bottom for a Hardline? Or would it fit better snaking the hardline around the top-edge of the RAM and then towards CPU?
If going above the RAM, will Line B have enough space to "get past" Line A on it's way to the GPU?
Line D would then technically be from Radiator zu reservoir/pump (either combo or just sequencially behind each other).
Any ideas/recommendations? Maybe people that have an A4-SFX and could take some measurements?
Cheers, smarenwolf
I've been a silent reader on/off for a while now, and I thought my new project warrants a) a registration and b) asking you folks for help.
Just for completion's sake I'll fill out the sticky-questionaire, but it's mostly not applicable.
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
Mostly Gaming, various titles (some CPU-demanding, other GPU-demanding). Usual other stuff (browsing, YouTube, etc), minor 3D-work.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)Probably and Yes
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?Budget is flexible, cost is not a driving factor, but I'm not stinkin' rich. Example: 1080 Ti's are expensive, but I wouldn't buy a 1600€ 1080 Ti for novelty factor.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?Germany, Northrhine-Westphalia; I would have something like "Saturn", "Mediamarkt" and other large stores here.
5. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).Every... *cough* Again, the budget is flexible.
6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.N/A, maybe my current SSD.
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.8th Gen Intel / Ryzen 7-Support, at least 1x M.2 slot, Wifi. Will probably use an ASUS ROG-Board, but I'm open for recommendations.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?Tripple monitor / VR gaming
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.As small as possible, no optical drive needed.
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?Comfortable enough, normal nonpower-tools are available, "normal" power tools can be bought (like an angle grinder, for example. A plasma cutter is a bit out of reach). Friend has a 3D-Printer.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care Quite important. But the only moving parts in the rig will probably be the wc-pump and one fan, so... That should be managable.
12. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?Semi-important. QDs will be a thing, but I don't need straps.
13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards Not... exactly... New rig will get a Win10-OS, currently still using Win7.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years? Next year most likely.
With that out of the way, onto more interesting things.
A few years ago (2, I think) I had to basically scrap my old computer. Silverstone SG05 with an i5 and a GTX 560.
Afterwards I moved to a normal mATX-build with, again, an i5 and a GTX 970, it currently lives in a Fractal Design Meshify C.
My financials have become better, and once other "larger" projects are done, I want to build a new rig.
As a Disclaimer: I know new hardware will come out (GTX 20xx or 11xx, new CPUs, etc) in the meantime. The actual hardware isn't that important for reasons explained further down below. I'm using "current tech" as an example - this would be the components I'd use if I'd built the system right now.
As I want to fulfill my tripple-monitor-desire, I will want to bump up my GPU power to, basically, the "highest, still somewhat rationally explainable", which for me means the GTX 1080 Ti, but not a Titan. An i7-8700K or a Ryzen 7 2700X, but not a Threadripper, etc.
I know from experience (the SG05) that small cases do have naturally some problems with heat dissipation... Even if cases have come along way (A4-SFX is thermically so much better designed than the SG05, without even having a thermodynamics-degree
)Now, what I want more specifically:
mITX-Board
- i7-8700K - watercooled
- 2x 16GB RAM
- 1x M.2 SSD around 250+ GB
GTX 1080 Ti - watercooled
1x SSD around 500+ GB
- i7-8700K - watercooled
- 2x 16GB RAM
- 1x M.2 SSD around 250+ GB
GTX 1080 Ti - watercooled
1x SSD around 500+ GB
I've looked at cases like Dan's A4-SFX, which I really adore. I'd prefer to use PicoPSUs, probably either 2 or the large 500W one from PicoBox with two external power supplies. This is, though, one of the topics where I'm the most unsure. I've seen the "Dynamo" Combo, but I don't even understand how that thing works/wires up with the components. The whole PicoPSU-thing is currently just stuff I don't understand >.<
Using a PicoPSU, I could free up the space used for the PSU to use for the pump and reservoir. I'd like to have everything internal, sans the radiator and it's fans. For that, I'd drill some holes on the backside of the case to mount two Quick-Connect/Disconnects as well as a header/Molex for the fans.
Both my own 3D-sketches as well as looking into internals from Dan's case and similar other folded designs show one probable problem. Given the pump being in front of the MoBo where the PSU would be, the pump-out would then go to the CPU (Line A), the CPU would go to the GPU (Line B) and the GPU would then go to the backside, to be connected with the Radiator-In (Line C).
Now, Line A has to, somehow, be able to pass around the RAM to reach the CPU. The question now is: Would there be enough space between RAM and case-bottom for a Hardline? Or would it fit better snaking the hardline around the top-edge of the RAM and then towards CPU?
If going above the RAM, will Line B have enough space to "get past" Line A on it's way to the GPU?
Line D would then technically be from Radiator zu reservoir/pump (either combo or just sequencially behind each other).
Any ideas/recommendations? Maybe people that have an A4-SFX and could take some measurements?
Cheers, smarenwolf
