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Blackstone said:
Yeah baby! 636,958 views on this thread. My most epic original post ever!
Click to expand...

Yes it's up there... :)

And to USMCGrunt & ranviper thanks for the Big-Ups... Greatly appreciated... This was my first PC/Mac Hak Pro build since I've been using and owning only Macs for 15+ years. I want to build another one. I actually found a Raven RV02 that is basically the same as the FT02 that I just picked up at Fry's. I actually thought the price was $143.97 (about $2.00 below cost) and then when I brought it to the register it only cost $101.36. They only have one more and it's still there. I do wish though that FT02 tower was a bit taller to fit the EVGA SR-2. I just love that Mobo and it would look amazing in this tower !!! Oh well... I'm very grateful for what I have anyway. Again, thanks for the compliments... Later... :)
 
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I skipped right over the FT02 and ordered a TJ11. Guess I can't hang with the cool FT02 people anymore.
 
SylarPowers said:
I skipped right over the FT02 and ordered a TJ11. Guess I can't hang with the cool FT02 people anymore.
Click to expand...

Although a very nice case, what's funny is, it still can't fit an EVGA SR-2. Silverstone though makes some great towers. At least the Corsair Obsidian 700D and 800D can fit them with some adjustments. I'm sure though that the TJ11 can be modded as well. Someone out there in another forum, said you'd be better off with a Mountain Mod (Pinnacle 24) Case, and after pricing one of these cases, it would cost more than the TJ11, so considering it's really at the right price range.

Again, I only wish the FT02 was a bit taller (about 5 inches taller) and kept the exact same setup, so the 3 or 4 Rad can go on the bottom floor (as in my current setup) and stick an SR-2 up in that joint... Oh well I can dream can't I...

Enjoy your TJ11 Sylar... Later, PNugg... :)
 
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Well I cancelled the TJ11 cus I got cold feet.

My third FT02 is on the way. I'll try and hang onto this one!
 
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SylarPowers said:
Well I cancelled the TJ11 cus I got cold feet.

My third FT02 is on the way. I'll try and hang onto this one!
Click to expand...

Good for you !!! Don't get me wrong, that is nice tower, but for a tower of that size for it NOT being able to fit the EVGA SR-2 as a standard feature is a bit puzzling. Only because if you're going to use an OTT (over the top) tower like that, then the same priced Mobo should be able to fit it. But again, I'm sure with some modding if you're looking to fit an SR-2 in there, it should work, but that's not what you're looking to do anyway... That's only something that I'm considering... You purchasing another FT02 is a wiser choice for what you're wanting to build...

IMHO, dual processing Mobos are really the way to go, and if a 12" x 9.5" (Standard ATX) that can be OC'd the same way a SR-2 can, then you CAN fit it in a unit like the TJ11. Heck that would even in the FT02 or pretty much any other PC case; which is what I would want anyway. If they created dual Xeon or i7 core mono, I'd be all over that. But only if you can OC it. As it stands now, that's not happening, because there's no Mobo out there that can do that.

On a somewhat related note, When it comes to the TJ11's design, it's good, but I really like the straight, sleek look of Maingear.com's & Falcon-NW.com's towers better (although their towers are really an interior Raven RV01). But I still think they still look sweet. Here's there web link; just select the "gallery" section to view their pics.

http://www.maingear.com/custom/desktops/quantumshift/index.php

http://www.falcon-nw.com/desktops/mach-v

Lastly, one of the main reasons why I also like the FT02 over most towers out there is because of it's size; it's Full-sized in it's length and Mid-sized in it height. It also one of the few towers of that size can can fit a dual Rad system (like what's currently in mine right now). Plus I just LOVE the 90 degree Mobo setup. Anyway, later... :)
 
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PunkNugget said:
Hey all,

Though I'd post my pics up here as well for everyone to see my FT02 Mac Hak Pro Build (Black Sheep of the Family) for Hackintoshes. I thought this was the best tower to choose for several reason (proper airflow being the main thing), but the design looks so much like a Mac Pro Tower. If you want all the details, just let me know and I'll give you all the details. This unit is pretty much filled to the hilt with some modding involved. Would appreciate any feedback. Later...



machakpro7.jpg

By punknugget at 2011-09-04
Click to expand...

What the blue tubes does? Tem just connected to the rad or what?
 
ModestMoo said:
What the blue tubes does? Tem just connected to the rad or what?
Click to expand...

The purple tubes are directly connected separately to the GA-X58A-UD7 Ver. 1 to cool down the Mobo. It's got it's own separate water cooling connectors that are already built right into the Mobo. It's basically the same exact Mobo as the UD9 but cost (at the time) about $250 less. That's why shortly after they created the UD7 Ver. 2 Mobo to lessen that functionality and reduce the Phase Coolers by only having 12 and not 24 (that's in the Ver. 1 Mobo). That was the main reason why no one was purchasing the UD9 Mobo. So if you want the BEST X58 Mobo out there, this is the one to get if you want the compatibility of using a Hackintosh. But get the Ver. 1 Mobo if you can still find one...

http://www.kakewalk.se.com

They have the best compatibility list if you want to use their setup install Kakewalk 4.0.4 for Lion OS X. Of course you can also use iBoot and MultiBeast from http://www.tonymacx86.com to install their setup. These are two different sites that use two different ways to install Mac OS X Lion 10.7. ;)
 
What TIM should I use in my new FT02 system? I want something easier to apply than GC-Extreme (too sticky to itself within moments, makes it hard to apply), non conductive, non corrosive, non curing, with great performance

Also, ill be squeezing in a H100. Sure, I could fit the H80 in there with less mounting issues, but a double rad mounted down below works too. I think the H100 will be more quiet down there than a h80 up above
 
Need help. I'm planning to add a fan controller to my FT02. Do I need to remove the air penetrator fans from the speed switches on top of the FT02? Thanks in advance.
 
SylarPowers said:
What TIM should I use in my new FT02 system? I want something easier to apply than GC-Extreme (too sticky to itself within moments, makes it hard to apply), non conductive, non corrosive, non curing, with great performance

Also, ill be squeezing in a H100. Sure, I could fit the H80 in there with less mounting issues, but a double rad mounted down below works too. I think the H100 will be more quiet down there than a h80 up above
Click to expand...

As mentioned before I just purchased the Raven RV01 (same setup as the FT02) so I can build another Mac Hak Pro. I also purchased the Corsair H100 for it. This will be an easy install because all you have to do is just read the FT02 manual and it already has brackets ready to place on top of the 180mm fans to place a 2 Rad like the H100.

I took it a step further and didn't even use the Rad brackets and just placed the Koolance 3 Rad on top of the bottom fans and it fits just right. I was also able to take it a step further and use a 120x12mm fan to squeeze right underneath 10.5" GTX 480 card. But since you just have a 2 Rad setup you won't have that issue, and you'll have enough space for a longer GPU.

Oh, about your TIM, I would honestly go with Enerdyne's Indigo Xtreme. It's a bit time consuming to install (about an hour to 90 min), but once done, you don't have to change that ETI (Engineered Thermal Interface) for another 2 years. Also, it's the BEST contact possible for your Core processor head and cooling plate (but make sure you're using a smooth cooling plate and not one showing heat pipes). Using a similar cooling plate that is flat; like the Koolance CPU-370 (water block), or Frio OCK (fan-type block) is what will work with the Indigo Xtreme.
 
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SylarPowers said:
What TIM should I use in my new FT02 system? I want something easier to apply than GC-Extreme (too sticky to itself within moments, makes it hard to apply), non conductive, non corrosive, non curing, with great performance

Also, ill be squeezing in a H100. Sure, I could fit the H80 in there with less mounting issues, but a double rad mounted down below works too. I think the H100 will be more quiet down there than a h80 up above
Click to expand...

I like Zalman STG-2 very good performance without any hassles of uber TIMs.
 
revjacob said:
Need help. I'm planning to add a fan controller to my FT02. Do I need to remove the air penetrator fans from the speed switches on top of the FT02? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

That depends on what type of fan controller you're going to use. I would call tech support at Silverstonetek and ask Pablo (the tech guy there; great person and very knowledgable). He should be able to guide you on what's best.

Me, I replaced my stock 700 RPM 180 mm fans that came with the FT02 with the better 700-1200 RPM 180 mm AP181 Channelling Fans. Of course I have them at the full 1,200 RPM for the best CFM pull needed for the 3 Rad (at 130 CFM, instead of the 80 CFM @ 700 RPM). BTW, the fan noise increase is not bothersome at all, but it depends on what you're looking for and what will work for you. Again, it's fantastic case...
 
I was thinking of using Noctua's TIM due to the fact that I will be doing the Mobo's and possibly the Video Card's heatsinks too. Last time I built a system, I was using GC-Extreme, and I grew weary of having that TIM stick to itself as I tried to spread it within what seemed like seconds. It only spreads nice for a moment then it starts peeling itself off if you try and spread it. Also, I like that the Noctua TIM has a bit more thickness, as I don't think that the heatsinks on the Mobo from my previous build were as smooth and tight fitting as the CPU area. I also Noticed that HardOCP still tests their CPUs with this TIM, so it can't be all that bad! I don't think its worth doing that crazy TIM where you have to work at it for two surface preps and put in all that time, the whole point of not using my go to GC-Extreme is because I want something easier and more suited for my builds. So what say you (guys) on the Noctua? What say you!!?? Sorry, I'm in a braveheart mood.
 
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I used to use Artic Silver, but used the Noctua stuff when it came with the NH14. I was very pleased with it. Then I saw the H test results and have no plans on using anything else.
 
OrAnGe said:
mbrian. I have a similar setup in the same case. I use to have an x58 system in there. With the new system I got rid of the old power supply and bought a Corsair ax850 like you have. The old PSU fit in there quite well. The Corsair AX850 pushes up against the fan/filter cut out so hard that it pops the filter off. What did you do to make it work?

It seems quite a bit louder than the old PSU too... maybe thats because its pushing up against the case so much.

I may return it anyways because it emits a high pitch electrical noise all the time.
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I removed the fan grille on the AX850 to make the PSU flush with the rear dust filter. (Used it to replace the shiny grille on the exhaust 120mm fan on top of the case.) I have the PSU mounting screws tightened all the way. Also, it's a good idea to tape up the area of the rear dust filter not covered by the PSU. Kapton tape works well for this.

My first AX850 had a relatively quiet, yet very annoying high-pitched load-dependent coil whine when I got it, The replacement didn't whine initially, but developed a super-loud randomly occurring non-load-dependent coil whine after a few months. I'm on my third PSU. The advantage of a modular PSU is that you can swap it out without redoing any cabling.


SylarPowers said:
So last time I ordered a FT02, I had to order Silverstone Factory Direct via SunDial Micro to ensure I obtained the new Air Penitraitor Fans. At this juncture, am I safe ordering via Amazan or Newegg, or should I still order from the source just to make sure....

What about the Non Window Black version? What is the chance Amazon has those with the Air Penitoraitor fans, and is the windowless one still black inside?
Click to expand...

I got my windowless FT02 from Amazon in January, it had AP181s already. The inside of the case is black.


revjacob said:
Need help. I'm planning to add a fan controller to my FT02. Do I need to remove the air penetrator fans from the speed switches on top of the FT02? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Keep the switches on high and just plug the fan headers into your controller.
 
I ordered the x850 from seasonic, pics seem to show the fan area is recessed, at least the pics at newegg.

I guess I will do some Noctua TIM this time.
 
Was about to blast Silverstone for not handling my RMA request but I just received an email from them that my fan should arrive tomorrow.

I had a 180mm crap out on me, the PCB under the sticker on the fan shorted or something, lots of black in there and the plug for it melted into the molex adapter. I asked about a replacement and was told to fill out an rma and attach an invoice of original purchase. I sent that off and didn't hear anything back for like a week or two. I sent a followup to ask what the status was for it yesterday and just received an email today, they mailed a new one off to me on the first of the month.

Communication is a bit lax but hey, they've taken care of me.
 
Just before I made my order, a fresh shipment of FT02's with AP181's an USB 3.0 arrived. It's a sign. :D
 
Hey guys I'm just about to join the Ft02 owners club.

However I do have one outstanding query that im hoping you guys could help me out with. Will this case accomodate the Thermaltake Frio cooler?

I have done some research and I have found in the manual that the max cpu cooler height supported is 165mm which happens to be exactly the same height as the Frio. Therefore technically it should fit, but im kind of doubtfull as even a 1mm difference will mean it wont fit.

Has anyone sucessfully installed a 165mm tall cooler into this case?
 
Placemat said:
Hey guys I'm just about to join the Ft02 owners club.

However I do have one outstanding query that im hoping you guys could help me out with. Will this case accomodate the Thermaltake Frio cooler?

I have done some research and I have found in the manual that the max cpu cooler height supported is 165mm which happens to be exactly the same height as the Frio. Therefore technically it should fit, but im kind of doubtfull as even a 1mm difference will mean it wont fit.

Has anyone sucessfully installed a 165mm tall cooler into this case?
Click to expand...

165mm should be fine, I've got a Thermalright Silver Arrow that is 163mm, and it's barely touching the foam with the heat pipe tips. If you get a windowed FT02, you'll have even more room. 170mm coolers like the Archon is where you get into trouble with windowless FT02, but they still fit into the windowed one.
 
Placemat said:
Hey guys I'm just about to join the Ft02 owners club.

However I do have one outstanding query that im hoping you guys could help me out with. Will this case accomodate the Thermaltake Frio cooler?

I have done some research and I have found in the manual that the max cpu cooler height supported is 165mm which happens to be exactly the same height as the Frio. Therefore technically it should fit, but im kind of doubtfull as even a 1mm difference will mean it wont fit.

Has anyone sucessfully installed a 165mm tall cooler into this case?
Click to expand...

My thoughts on this (and you may want to consider it), going the route of water-cooling is amazing. Now you don't have to do the overkill system that I put together, or what this other builder did here (really take the time to look through all the pages):

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1620762

(BTW - THIS MOD IS HOT !!!!!!!), but he's an MNPCTECH.com builder, of course his build is going to be AWESOME !!!

But that's not what we're talking about here. I was going to mention a great and yet simple solution. Get a Corsair H100. it's a 2 Rad all in one water-cooling system and it WORKS. Actually almost as good as mine. The system that I have; sure it's like a 650HP Edelbrock Chrome Engine, but I consider the H100 to be a performance (non-flashy) system; like a Porsche engine. They both work the same but look different. Just something to consider and the H100 is only $114.99 here:

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-hydro-h100-liquid-cpu-cooling-system/q/loc/101/221846370.html

Or if you're looking for a better price you can buy the H80 here for $97.69:

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-hyd...em/q/sellerid/20676510/loc/101/221846369.html

If you already have the Frio and can't return it, then at least enjoy the link on the TJ11 Carbon PC build !!! :D Later... PNugg....
 
Kisakuku said:
Archon beats H80 in thermal performance and is much quieter.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/corsair-h80_4.html

Archon cools marginally worse than H100, but is again much quieter.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/corsair-h100_6.html

Do not discount good air coolers.
Click to expand...

Hey Kisa,

I never said to "discount" (or disregard) air coolers, I said "...you may want to consider it..." I've been around long enough to know air coolers are good, I just was giving another suggestion... Later, PNugg... :cool:
 
Kisakuku cheers for the advice, I will go ahead with trying to fit my Frio inside the case. I have just picked up the windowed version of the FT02 so fingers crossed I should have enough clearance.

PunkNugget thanks for the info and links on WC. While that guys project is awesome, I personally don't have the time or patience to undertake a project like that (plus I would make a mess of it.) I did look into WC for my new build but I have no experience in installing such a system, so I think I will stick with air using the Frio (which is a pretty capable cooler.)

I have just had a sneak peak at my FT02-WB and I have to say it's one hell of a case. Despite of the massive stamp "MADE IN CHINA" on the insidie, the manufacturing quality seems to be excellent. Needless to say I can't wait to get some hardware inside it, although I'm holding off till the end of september before I purchase any parts.

My only quibble is the price! the new USB 3.0 model in the UK retails at £200 ($321!) but I guess you get what you pay for.
 
Placemat said:
My only quibble is the price! the new USB 3.0 model in the UK retails at £200 ($321!) but I guess you get what you pay for.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy the old USB 2.0 version and install the USB 3.0 kit yourself?
 
Placemat said:
Hey guys I'm just about to join the Ft02 owners club.

However I do have one outstanding query that im hoping you guys could help me out with. Will this case accomodate the Thermaltake Frio cooler?

I have done some research and I have found in the manual that the max cpu cooler height supported is 165mm which happens to be exactly the same height as the Frio. Therefore technically it should fit, but im kind of doubtfull as even a 1mm difference will mean it wont fit.

Has anyone sucessfully installed a 165mm tall cooler into this case?
Click to expand...

If you need something smaller Zalman Quiet tower has only 160mm
 
Placemat said:
Kisakuku cheers for the advice, I will go ahead with trying to fit my Frio inside the case. I have just picked up the windowed version of the FT02 so fingers crossed I should have enough clearance.

PunkNugget thanks for the info and links on WC. While that guys project is awesome, I personally don't have the time or patience to undertake a project like that (plus I would make a mess of it.) I did look into WC for my new build but I have no experience in installing such a system, so I think I will stick with air using the Frio (which is a pretty capable cooler.)

I have just had a sneak peak at my FT02-WB and I have to say it's one hell of a case. Despite of the massive stamp "MADE IN CHINA" on the insidie, the manufacturing quality seems to be excellent. Needless to say I can't wait to get some hardware inside it, although I'm holding off till the end of september before I purchase any parts.

My only quibble is the price! the new USB 3.0 model in the UK retails at £200 ($321!) but I guess you get what you pay for.
Click to expand...

First, thanks for Big-Ups on my system, Second, you mentioned - "I personally don't have the time or patience to undertake a project like that (plus I would make a mess of it.)"

I understand that you want to use your existing air cooler, and that's "cool" (get it), but I want to encourage you (or anybody else out there that is hesitant), that you DON'T have to worry about taking the time out of your busy schedule to do anything different than what you would do to install a fan cooler. It's basically the same. All you're doing it taking the all-in-one unit that is already filled and self-contained with coolant in it's own system and installing it in the unit, and with this particular tower you can just place it (with the included elevated brackets supplied with FT02) and screw it on the 180mm fans and put on the CPU block with the TIM of your choosing and your done. Just turn on the machine, no need to ever refill as their is none needed. Plus, the unit and it's backed by a 5 year warranty. How awesome is that? IMHO, I think it's great. No mess, no fuss...

Actually (as I mentioned before), knowing that they have the H100 out now I would (and did) go with this setup for my wife's Mac Hak Pro and using the FT02 - or should I say Raven RV01 (same tower setup) that I paid $101.36 for at Fry's.

Lastly, paying $321.00 is worth it considering that there is no other tower out there that will meet your needs and have the air flow you're looking for. Later, PNugg... ;)
 
My FT02 came in, sporting new upgraded HD Caddies. These can take SSDs right on the caddies themselves, I don't remember the old ones having that. Out of the three FT02s including this one, I don't think the HD Caddies are quite as snug fitting as my last one, but way better than my 1st Red Limited Edition FT02, whose HD Caddies just fell out under their own weight. These have some play, but stay seated.

The only real issue with the case is that the paint still chips a tiny bit at the corners on the steel parts, and the back part of the aluminum unibody where the wires comes out has a minute amount of wiggle play. I think I may be able to tighten that up with a screw driver, but I'm not sure.

Over all, way better than buying a TJ11, which might not be "perfect" either. Long term, I think I will buy a Cosmos II when that comes out and gift this FT02 to my Dad. I still like the FT02 a lot, but I really want some handles on top, and the Cosmos has room up top for the H100 Cooler. If I had bought the TJ11, I would feel like it was too expensive to ever leave it behind. Now I am free to not feel bad about trying new cases out. The one thing I like about the TJ11 is that every piece is Sandblasted Black Aluminum finish, which I feel will hold up better than the steel paint job on the FT02.

Also, I am thinking of returning my Asus Matrix 580. I hate the feel of that thing. It has slightly bent fins from the factory and the weight/size of this 3 slot card is more redonkulas in person than I thought on paper. Perhaps a different 580 or even a 6970.

So can I tighten that part I mentioned on the FT02? It's livable, but I would very much like to fix it.
 
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SylarPowers said:
My FT02 came in, sporting new upgraded HD Caddies. These can take SSDs right on the caddies themselves, I don't remember the old ones having that. Out of the three FT02s including this one, I don't think the HD Caddies are quite as snug fitting as my last one, but way better than my 1st Red Limited Edition FT02, whose HD Caddies just fell out under their own weight. These have some play, but stay seated.
Click to expand...

Mind posting a pic of the new caddies? I've removed all of 5 of mine in order to suspend my single HDD, but this still makes me curious.
 
I'll work on pics of those caddies. Also, I snagged this FT02 case for only $239 delivered with 6 months no interest, but no usb 3. No biggie for me, I have no usb gadgets to use yet. Perhaps when I do, I'll care more.
 
Perhaps I'm being too picky on that Asus 580 Matrix card. It may be a $70 restocking fee plus $15 to ship it back, if I can't talk them out of the restocking fee on Newegg, and it probably will be very quiet.... if unsightly big and while the fins are not perfect, they are in spec I guess, I see some review pics with the same fins bent, where the screws put pressure on them. What do u guys think, return? Keep?

I noted it has full size 3D enabled HDMI (I have a 3D HDTV too) and the new full size Displayport 1.2 spec, which I do like.

Also, the sound card choice has me perplexed. I'm looking at the Asus Xonar Essence STX or the Creative Labs HD Titanium cards. Can't pick, but the urge to do an Asus triple play on the Mobo/Video Card/Sound card is strong. Like a girl matching her outfits.
 
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SylarPowers said:
I'll work on pics of those caddies. Also, I snagged this FT02 case for only $239 delivered with 6 months no interest, but no usb 3. No biggie for me, I have no usb gadgets to use yet. Perhaps when I do, I'll care more.
Click to expand...

You know I'm really glad you got the FT02 as I was reading what you wrote kier the other day; asking if you should get the TJ11 or FT02. Again, for what you're building you will have MORE than what you need with the FT02. Again just look at my build. You will be just fine with this tower and be able to water cool or air cool what you want. Your air cooling block will work in alignment with the airflow of the 3 180 mm (push) and 120 mm (pull) fans. So you'll you'll be fine there; just hope it fits. You know I've seen others out there using a small vent to put between the top fan on an air cooler to the bottom part of the top 120 mm fan to assist in blowing the air out more directly, but I don't think that's necessary. You could try it to see if it drops your temp 1 or 2C.

Honestly the TJ11 (although not made standard) to fit an SR-2 Mobo SHOULD have been made standard for that board as the tower is big enough to fit it in there with some modding. I'm glad for the ability that Silverstone implemented by having everything available to take apart by using screws and NOT rivets. THANK YOU SILVERSTONE !!! I will be picking up the TJ11 to make this happen with an SR-2 Mobo and hope that my next build will be successful. Although I don't think it will look as good as Kier's build. Honestly, with the kind of build that he did, I would think he would have at least used a 980X instead of the 930. I say this because he did such an overkill sweet build.

Anyhoo, enjoy your tower... :) PNugg...
 
SylarPowers said:
Perhaps I'm being too picky on that Asus 580 Matrix card. It may be a $70 restocking fee plus $15 to ship it back, if I can't talk them out of the restocking fee on Newegg, and it probably will be very quiet.... if unsightly big and while the fins are not perfect, they are in spec I guess, I see some review pics with the same fins bent, where the screws put pressure on them. What do u guys think, return? Keep?

I noted it has full size 3D enabled HDMI (I have a 3D HDTV too) and the new full size Displayport 1.2 spec, which I do like.

Also, the sound card choice has me perplexed. I'm looking at the Asus Xonar Essence STX or the Creative Labs HD Titanium cards. Can't pick, but the urge to do an Asus triple play on the Mobo/Video Card/Sound card is strong. Like a girl matching her outfits.
Click to expand...

Don't accept no for an answer from Newegg. Do the web chat, insist that you haven't abused their return policy in the past, that you've spent a lot of money on their site, that you've consulted the manufacturer and they agree the item is defective (obtaining a case ID or at least direct contact info of a live person from Asus support helps), and request Newegg to waive the restocking fee and provide you with a pre-paid UPS label.

Asus's DirectCU II-based designs have a pretty good reputation for great cooling at low noise levels, so if you're not planning to SLI and don't want to deal with aftermarket coolers, a Matrix or a vanilla DirectCU II (which has fewer VRM phases and therefore a smaller PCB) are a good choice. I would just return the one you got from Newegg, and reorder from Amazon because their return policy is a lot better (no restocking fees, free shipping back for defective items).

I have the Essense ST (almost identical to STX) and it is an amazing card for music if you have head-fi.org-grade headphones. Titanium HD is a pretty good choice too, despite being a Creative card. Guru3D has some of the best in-depth sound card reviews, I would read these and decide for yourself:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-xonar-essence-stx-review/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-xonar-essence-st-deluxe-review/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/sound-blaster-xfi-titanium-hd-review/
You could also do some lurking at head-fi.org, but it might be dangerous to your wallet.
 
imag0168pi.jpg


Just wanted to show off my new watercooling in FT02. Since it was my first waterbuild, I am really quite pleased with the result.
 
Nice and clean build. How is XSPC dual bay laing reservoir, no problems with pump vibrations? Also a photo of front would be interesting, how well does it match to the case.
 
aerial- said:
Nice and clean build. How is XSPC dual bay laing reservoir, no problems with pump vibrations? Also a photo of front would be interesting, how well does it match to the case.
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Thanks a lot. The reservoir is actually quite nice. I really have no problem with vibrations or noise from the pump. I can upload a pic of it - the metal front matches perfectly, since the "sanding" is also vertcal, just as the 5.25" slots.
 
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