IceDragon -built by AVA Direct

J

jdbrown_82

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 24, 2007
Messages
322
I am currently working with Misha From AVA Direct on this system. I will be purchasing in later July.
below is what I will from now on refer to as the "Ice Dragon".

Case-
Silverstone Technology TJ07 Silver Aluminum Super Tower with Custom Window


-mods to the case-
window cut into top of the case.

*click the pics to see full size*

I am a Huge Fan of Dragons, so after i recieve the system i will have the case painted with a big Cold looking blue Dragon coming over the top or on the side. the inside of the case will be painted blue by AVA Direct.
here is one of the pictures that gave me the idea.



Main Specs:

EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 1KW-SR 1000 Watt PSU
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 Kentsfield 2.93ghz x4mb L2 Cache lga 775 processor white box
Lite-ON Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model SHD-16S1S-05
Lite-ON 20x DVD-R DVD Burner w/Lightscribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06
Western Digital Raptor X WD1500AHFDRTL 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
EVGA 768-P2-N837-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768mb 384-bit gddr3 pci express x16 ko hdcp video card
EVGA 768-P2-N837-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768mb 384-bit gddr3 pci express x16 ko hdcp video card


Custom Order Liquid Cooling Parts

Swiftech Apogee GTX CPU Waterblock

EK-RES150 Multi-Option Reservoir

Laing DDC w/ Petra'sTech DDCT-01s Top Combo

Thermochill PA120.3

Swiftech STEALTH VGA Waterblock -x2 SLI



Misc Mods

Acrylic Power Supply Cover -Neon Blue UV

120mm Rubber Fan Silencer

Blue Illuminated Bulgin Vandal Switch - Ring Illumination

Vantec PSU Vibration Dampener Kit

OCZ XTC Memory Cooler

x4 OCZ Ram Sink IV Memory Chip Heat Sink (silver)

CardKeeper for x2 SLI 8800 gtx video cards

(x2 SLI 8800 GTX vid cards)Swiftech MCW8800 M21: black anodized aluminum M14: Forged C110 copper Heatsinks only



-jdbrown_82
 
The case is modded by PerformancePCs.
Last time I ask them if they could replace the meshes with windows for me they said it's not possible. :(
 
yes i know, misha is asking them for me. that sucks if they cant then. i was hoping so. if not i may go with another case or some other idea...keeping with the dragon theme.
 
jdbrown_82 said:
yes i know, misha is asking them for me. that sucks if they cant then. i was hoping so. if not i may go with another case or some other idea...keeping with the dragon theme.
Click to expand...

which case are you considering to be the alternative?
 
not sure , probably the tj07 or tj09. i really like the coolmaster 830 though, and i hope i can stick with it.

right now i am trying to pick out the water blocks, and pump.
 
Is there really a need for 2 Raptop X's, especially if there not gonna be put into RAID? Also you should really be running the 64 bit version of Vista with 4 gig of memory.
 
no but i want them anyways..speed ! i did think about using the 64 bit version but nothing really supports it right now so i may upgrade later.
none of those parts are finally anyways, just close. ill probably switch to a different brand of ram as well. the dominator isnt to reliable.
 
jdbrown_82 said:
no but i want them anyways..speed ! i did think about using the 64 bit version but nothing really supports it right now so i may upgrade later.
none of those parts are finally anyways, just close. ill probably switch to a different brand of ram as well. the dominator isnt to reliable.
Click to expand...

32 bit OSs cannot address more than 3.2GB of memory. I believe Vista 32 bit has the same limitation.

Consider either XP 32 bit or Vista 64 bit. 32 bit Vista seems to be a halfway house with few benefits. You get the compatibility and driver penalties of Vista, but without the 64 bit gains.
 
hmm you make some really good points. im going to ask misha about this as well.
right now im more worried about finding the water cooling parts. none the less thanks for the tips.
 
My suggestion would be:

Apogee GTX $75
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator $135
6 x Yate Loon Mid-speed 120mm fans $20
2 x Swiftech Stealth GPU WB $220
EK Multi-option reservoir $55
2 x Laing DDC /w Petra's custom Delrin top. $200
 
Change the ram. DDR-800 dominator's suck. OCZ Flex-XLC would be a better fit with what you have... (Watercooling+Overclocking)

Also, alternative cases you should REALLY consider are the Lian Li V2000 and V2100
 
0mega said:
Change the ram. DDR-800 dominator's suck. OCZ Flex-XLC would be a better fit with what you have... (Watercooling+Overclocking)

Also, alternative cases you should REALLY consider are the Lian Li V2000 and V2100
Click to expand...

Why should he watercool the ram? That's going to make the loop more restrictive than it already is. It's not worth the effort. Air cooling is plenty for the mem. Get the Dominator Airflow memory cooler which is all you need. ;)
 
from what i have been reading the dominator memory isnt very reliable. very fast but not reliable.

im not interested in water cooing the memory. i want the inside to be clean and have good air flow. i water cool the mem that just adds more tubing. how about the kingston hyper x memory . is that any good ? i have 2 gig of kingston 512mb ddr pc3200 in my alienware right now
(4-5 year old pc).

also someone in the water cooling section told me to check out the aquacomputer waterblocks. they do look cool. i have been looking at the Swiftech apogee GTX alot. i have read good things about it...are they true ?
 
go for the new evga 680i black pearl :)
its comes with a cpu block too btw.
and with a system like that, i'd recomend faster ram.
 
k00lance said:
Why should he watercool the ram? That's going to make the loop more restrictive than it already is. It's not worth the effort. Air cooling is plenty for the mem. Get the Dominator Airflow memory cooler which is all you need. ;)
Click to expand...

No it isn't. the Air cooler doesn't get over the fact that the dominator DDR2800's suck. Elpida chips IIRC, which are junky according to everything ive seen from the memory forum :)

And the XLC's are literally just 90 degree bends... and the way Misha sets them up in a loop is a 4 way splitter to the inlets from one 1/2" tube, to all the sticks, then a another 4 way splitter connecting it back in to the loops... the pressure drop isn't going to be anything to worry about compared to the other watercooled hardware going in to this... Id be surprised if Misha doesn't set it up as a dual loop... He DEFINITELY knows what he's doing when it comes to watercooling (Or whoever works the watercooling rigs)
 
yes he does..misha knows his stuff! im currently looking for different memory, as i dont feel to comfortable getting the dominator memory.

i am keeping in touch threw emails back and forth to misha. he is working with me on this system. it should be a real a$$ kicker when its done..(soon as i order the darn thing, lol)
 
0mega said:
No it isn't. the Air cooler doesn't get over the fact that the dominator DDR2800's suck. Elpida chips IIRC, which are junky according to everything ive seen from the memory forum :)

And the XLC's are literally just 90 degree bends... and the way Misha sets them up in a loop is a 4 way splitter to the inlets from one 1/2" tube, to all the sticks, then a another 4 way splitter connecting it back in to the loops... the pressure drop isn't going to be anything to worry about compared to the other watercooled hardware going in to this... Id be surprised if Misha doesn't set it up as a dual loop... He DEFINITELY knows what he's doing when it comes to watercooling (Or whoever works the watercooling rigs)
Click to expand...

I didn't say mention anything about the Corsair mem. Yes, he should stay away from the dom. 6400 and buy something like Crucial PC8500/G.Skill HZ. They are all D9 confirmed.

XLC's are literally just 90 degree bends... and the way Misha sets them up in a loop is a 4 way splitter to the inlets from one 1/2" tube
Click to expand...

That says all. A water cooler's nightmare come true. 90 degree angles and 4 way splitters.
This issue was discussed over XS years ago. All you need is an active fan. Setting up WC for mem will only make things worse. I'll leave it at that. ;)

what about the drive bay Pump(s)/reservoirs ?
here is the Koolance Reservoir & Pump, 1kW Series - Silver
Click to expand...

I like koolance, but you should stay away from it.
There are better things your money can buy.

Corsair Dominator Airflow memory cooler
Pump
Radiator
Reservoir

My 2c. ;)
 
im still searching aroud for a few of the parts.

what do you guys think of aquacomputer, how about this waterblock?

Aquacomputer Cuplex XT
 
Excellent block providing you use either an Aquastream pump OC'd to 70+ Hz or use a DDC. They are coming out with a G 1/4 version very soon. Where are you located?
 
I am in The USA, in Missouri.

im having a hard time picking out some of these parts. i dont know everything about water cooling...but im learning.

as far as the water block goes, i want one that looks and performs good. i do really like the look of that cuplex xt though.
 
If you're going to get the AC block, then I suggest you use parts from AC.
What exactly are you looking to get from water cooling? The performance? or is it the bling factor?
AC looks awesome while keeping certain performance level, but if you're looking for a serious performance WC system, then the Apogee GTX along with the parts I mentioned earlier is the way to go.
 
Read project Blue-Zilla there below you if you want to see a real jazzed out deal from AVA.
That guy water cooled everything but the doors.
Too bad it arrived at his house FUBAR'ed from shipping.

I think if it was me, I'd have Performance-PCs custom me a nice clean Lian-Li to put all that stuff in.

They did a real nice job for me on a 6070 Plus II and I just put in my stuff. I love the case and the simple lines of the design......just not a fan of the Cooler-Master.

Good luck with your project, rob a bank.:D
 
i hear ya on that, going to cost some $$. i have been getting a few comments about that case. what is it that people do not like about the coolmaster 830. i have never actually seen the case in person so i dont know. if it IS bad then i will pick another case.

i have posted a couple times in the bluezilla topic. his system is pretty rockn,but that does bite the big one how it arrived. im sure misha will take care of it though.

as for the watercooling. i do want the looks., but i guess i want both. well...not sure really. im not too big on overclocking. actually, i know how this is going to sound, but i would be ok if it wasnt even overclocked. not like its going to be slow if its not..lol !

im just trying to pick what would be reliable, and work good. also clean. i dont want as many hoses as alot of the others i have seen get. im trying to find, clear, blue, or silver parts. some told me that the aquacool was slow flow or something like that. i dont even know what that means..:eek: ....i just liked the way it looks..(at least im honest...)


i know thats a long read, but im just trying to get out what my goal is...so you guys are on the same page.
oh and thanks a LOTT guys. your really helping me, i know way more than i did a couple days ago. i been reading my butt off...haha :D


here is a picture of what i would like the interior to look like...somewhere along those lines anyways, but painted blue inside and all the other mods.



 
sorry for the double post, but here are the parts i was originally looking at. what do you think ??

Silverstone TJ09/TJ07 or Coolmaster 830 w/window (Silver) case

Alphacool Laing DDC-Pump 12V Ultra Water Tank

Swiftech Apogee GTX Extreme Performance Universal CPU Waterblock

ThermoChill PA120.3

(x2 SLI) EK High Performance Full Coverage Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX
OR (x2 SLI) Swiftech Stealth VGA waterblock(s)

Swiftech MCRES-MICRO™ Reservoir
 
I suggest you get the Stealth blocks to go with the Apogee. EK are nice alternative as well.
You must look at the whole set up as one. WC is all about balancing equipment.
Regarding reservoir, why don't you go with EK? Don't you like it?
If money is no concern, then you should definitely grab the EK IMHO. ;)
 
jdbrown_82 said:
I am in The USA, in Missouri.

im having a hard time picking out some of these parts. i dont know everything about water cooling...but im learning.

as far as the water block goes, i want one that looks and performs good. i do really like the look of that cuplex xt though.
Click to expand...

Where at in Mo are you located? If you're around the STL area I could give you a hand sometime, I'm just not a fan of plexi parts, they crack over time..............:eek:
 
jdbrown_82 said:
I am a Huge Fan of Dragons
Click to expand...

sketch_450.jpg
 
k00lance said:
I suggest you get the Stealth blocks to go with the Apogee. EK are nice alternative as well.
You must look at the whole set up as one. WC is all about balancing equipment.
Regarding reservoir, why don't you go with EK? Don't you like it?
If money is no concern, then you should definitely grab the EK IMHO. ;)
Click to expand...

no i just didnt know about them..lol ! im pretty much just going by what you guys tell me.

Bio-Hazard said:
Where at in Mo are you located? If you're around the STL area I could give you a hand sometime, I'm just not a fan of plexi parts, they crack over time..............:eek:
Click to expand...

i live almost 2 hours from cape giradeau, or about 3 hours from st. louis. in what they call the bootheel. and thanks for the tips i was going by what they look like, but if they crack i def dont want them.


burnin8r said:
sketch_450.jpg
Click to expand...

bwwwhahaha...real funny ! :D :)




what about that pump ^^^ is it any good or no ? and how does the sizes go. 1/4, 3/8 im confused. i want smaller tubing so its clean..or do you HAVE to get diff sizes. im such a noob..lol ! got to learn somehow...thanks again guys.
 
Bio-Hazard said:
I'm just not a fan of plexi parts, they crack over time..............:eek:
Click to expand...

What he really meant to say is that cheap poorly engineered Plexiglas parts crack. Aqua Computer block tops are very well engineered and use only BSPP threads. Using BSPP threads prevents the plexiglas tops from cracking as there is no lateral force applied like with a NPT or other tapered thread. The NPT fittings seal on the threads and the BSPP fittings seal on the flat surface of the block by way of an o-ring. Thus there is no way for a well designed BSPP fitted block to crack.

Here are some examples of well made Plexiglas tops and I assume someone else will throw up some pics of the Alphacool tops as well.



23337.jpg




26005.jpg





24129_2.jpg





cpx-xt-a64-lg.gif





twinplex_pro_2_500.jpg
 
how about this then....(again, im perfectly fine with not overclocking, base it on that)

Swiftech Apogee GTX or Aquacomputer Cuplex XT cpu water block ?

these are the two i like the most. if one, why not the other. someone said something about the aq being slow flow or something, what does that mean. im still learning here..someone please explain it to me.

oh and what brand of memory, i keep reading and being told corsair is not to reliable.

And .....
how about this config? are either of the parts below any good ? from what i have read, im thinking so.

Alphacool Laing DDC-Pump 12v Ultra Water Tank


Aquacomputer Aquainlet resevoir
 
Any plexi part will crack over time, it's the nature of the beasr, you just never know when or where, and that's the word from a thermal design engineer (German by the way)...............:eek: Pleai is mainly used today for ease of manufactoring, to add bling, (sell more parts) and to increase their profit margin (cheap to buy and easy to tool with less wear and tear on the equipment).
 
Bio-Hazard said:
cheap to buy
Click to expand...

For sure...

AC is using original Plexiglas GS from Degussa (Röhm) which is very expensive, but therefore you get a top product with excellent attributes.
If you want to read some technical data: click

@jdbrown_82: the transparent aquainlet is not produced anymore :(
You will need some luck to find a shop wich has them in stock.
 
Just out of curiousity, if you're not overclocking, what's the point of watercooling?
 
i would say for the silence, but newer fan coolers etc are silent these days.
looks possibly?
if i was getting this pc, it would defo be overclocked!
 
Shoggy said:
For sure...

AC is using original Plexiglas GS from Degussa (Röhm) which is very expensive, but therefore you get a top product with excellent attributes.
If you want to read some technical data: click

@jdbrown_82: the transparent aquainlet is not produced anymore :(
You will need some luck to find a shop wich has them in stock.
Click to expand...

It's still plexi and cracks, I could care less how much they pay for it, plain and simple.:eek:
 
lol, not saying i wont get it overclocked. but yeah for the quiteness, and just for looks. same as the paint job. i love water too ! i have little water machines in my house.

i want to go all out this time on a machine, i want it to look awesome, im sure you guys know what im talkn about.
again i want the inside to be really clean though. i dont want wires all over. dont get me wrong i like how they look; but i dont want all those wires that others have sticking out with the wrap around it that ava direct uses. (if told to) ....like that resent one with the black case and white wire rapping. looks good but its to much sticking out. it makes the wires look huge.

so base your opinions, and advice on that would ya..now what do you think..now that you know my goal ?

i have been thinking about just going all aquacomputer in the vga waterblocks, how about that ? what if i did that and didnt even overclock ?

maybe i should be asking, how hot DOES the cpu waterblocks get anyways. i would they need to get realllllly hot to crack plexiglass?
 
Its not the heat per se......its heating and cooling over time......how hot do you think 50C is???? How about 74C????? Hold your hand right next to a blow dryer sometime. Heat and cold,expansion and contraction......sooner or later the plastic will fatigue and you've got a leak.

If you are really committed to water, so be it.
I just think if you arent going to overclock the shit out of the computer, its just like owning an aquarium......you're going to have to maintain it.........and all you do is look at the pretty colors.:D
 
hmm that does add some thought to my configuration. i have owned a few fish tanks myself..going to get a 55 gallon probably here sometime soon.

i was going to get it water cooled because i like the look of it, the quiteness, and the performance. however how necessary is watercooling. if i have the quad core 6800 extreme, 4 gig ram, x2 SLI 8800 video cards.even if i get the ultra versions, do i NEED to water cool it ?,...if i dont over clock ..?

right now i have an alienware pc, 2 gig ram, 3.2 pentium 4 processor, 5900 ultra video card and not water cooled. when i bought it water cooling was not as big a deal. i have gotten a little behind of this stuff. i do question, should i even water cool it then ? maybe i should just order all the fast parts how i want, and real good fans & etc.

what do you guys think ? it takes away from the project as far as eye candy, but hey if its not practical or its pointless for me then why do it. i dont doing benchmarking, or anything like that. im just going to surf the net and play games. waiting on crysis,and i play company of heroes, C&Conquer games, fear, stalker....all that stuff same as everyone else. i want it to run them on the highest settings..do i HAVE to, or NEED to watercool it ?

you all have built or purchased a computer system more resently then i have, what do you think ? ?
 
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