Resolved.

[exilelrrp]

Because the artic hybrid is designed to fit a range of cards, it's a little fiddly to fit - and you are paying for all thebits and pieces to fit many cards

better value for equal performance is purchasing a set of RAM and VRM heatsinks, a 92 mm fan, an Antec 620/920 etc all-in-one cooler and a bracket from DWood at overclock.net

The end result is the same, but the cost is lower.

see example below

http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=1639174&mpage=1&print=true

Yeah I know about Dwood & seen his work, I see lots of positive results on custom cooling with the Corsair H series! which is not bad for about $100 compare to about $1000

 

[kickmic]

Yeah I know about Dwood & seen his work, I see lots of positive results on custom cooling with the Corsair H series! which is not bad for about $100 compare to about $1000

Water cooling custom loops are superior in performance which I guess justifies the higher cost. However, for me the objection to them is downtime should a component fail. I use my PC for work, so being able to keep PC downtime to a minimum is crucial.

I'm looking forward to the Eisberg product from CoolerMaster - custom loop that comes pre-filled - meaning you should be able to disconnect and reconnect it very quickly

But yeah - back to topic - the performance of a ALC for GPU's is awesome, and the DWood bracket is great value

 

[exilelrrp]

Water cooling custom loops are superior in performance which I guess justifies the higher cost. However, for me the objection to them is downtime should a component fail. I use my PC for work, so being able to keep PC downtime to a minimum is crucial.

I'm looking forward to the Eisberg product from CoolerMaster - custom loop that comes pre-filled - meaning you should be able to disconnect and reconnect it very quickly

But yeah - back to topic - the performance of a ALC for GPU's is awesome, and the DWood bracket is great value

I'm also waiting for Cooler Master Eisberg! Its about time, they say it will be available sometime in November! & yes it will be more customizable!

 

[silent-circuit]

A single loop watercooling setup isn't anywhere near $500.

GPU Block (universal type) - $50
RAMsinks - $15-20
pump - $50-75
radiator - $50-100 (depends on size)
tubing - $20
fittings - $30

I got $250-325 depending on radiator size and pump type. It's be easy to get that down to $200 or less by buying some parts used.

Also don't understand the comment about downtime due to failure -- your downtime will be just as long with an integrated loop product, unless you keep a spare on hand. This doesn't seem likely.

 

[kickmic]

I got $250-325 depending on radiator size and pump type. It's be easy to get that down to $200 or less by buying some parts used.

Also don't understand the comment about downtime due to failure -- your downtime will be just as long with an integrated loop product, unless you keep a spare on hand. This doesn't seem likely.

Cheers, thanks for that - are you saying once your custom loop is fitted - say you need to remove/change a GPU, or motherboard; can you remove the custom cooler as a "1-piece" item - like the ALC's - and simply reconnect again when you have your new component in place?

Whenever I have something fail - I just bang in a new one as quickly as possible (okay, not yet a GPU, motherboard or CPU), and follow up the RMA afterwards

EDIT: The ALC's are under $100 so much cheaper than custom (although the Arctic Cooling Hybrid is $149 in Australia - but a DWood bracket and Antec H20 620 cooler as alternative is under $100)

 

[FaRKle0079]

Cheers, thanks for that - are you saying once your custom loop is fitted - say you need to remove/change a GPU, or motherboard; can you remove the custom cooler as a "1-piece" item - like the ALC's - and simply reconnect again when you have your new component in place?

With quick disconnects you can (although for me I'd have to take out both GPUs first). I don't see how that's much more difficult than having to take out the GPU card AND radiator though with a self-contained unit.

 

[exilelrrp]

With quick disconnects you can (although for me I'd have to take out both GPUs first). I don't see how that's much more difficult than having to take out the GPU card AND radiator though with a self-contained unit.

Thats where the Cooler Master Eisberg! comes into play!

 

[kickmic]

Make your cable worries go away with these:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...able_Clip_-_Black_C-C12-BN.html?tl=g12c34s806

Screw them in the back of the mobo in the unused mobo screw holes. Order about 15-20. My old FT02 build was painless with those. You still need to put some thought into spreading out the cables, but it was so easy with these, all it took was time.

Also, buy plenty of Sata Power extention cords.

here is mine using extra sata power cables and the wire saddles - work a treat! (also grabbed some flexi conduit for the F-Panel cables)

 

[Pneumonicbrute]

The Artic Cooling Hybrid GPU cooler is worth the money. Full load i sit at 58c cpu 52c. Much better then the old GPU stock cooler which was around 88-90c full load.

 

[exilelrrp]

The Artic Cooling Hybrid GPU cooler is worth the money. Full load i sit at 58c cpu 52c. Much better then the old GPU stock cooler which was around 88-90c full load.

I would set it up like Kickmic, he has the GPU cooling setup neat & better air flow...Just an opinion

 

[kickmic]

Full load i sit at 58c cpu 52c. Much better then the old GPU stock cooler which was around 88-90c full load.

fascinated by your cpu rad mounting....
is this the result of trying other methods you weren't satisfied with?
are you suspending the rad just with two screws? and if so, how sturdy is it?

cheers

 

[Pneumonicbrute]

I’m using 2 corner bracers I purchased at home depot.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...3&langId=-1&keyword=corner+brac&storeId=10051

I took a mallet and bent them evenly to the angle I needed so I could accommodate this idea. As for sturdiness it takes about 20lbs of pressure to bend these brackets and the grill I mounted them to does not even bend a little. So it is stiff as a board for the most part.

This idea came from trial and error and thinking about how hot air works. I like the other guy’s idea but one concern is there is no direct vent for the GPU rads hot air. It hits the rom drive and hangs.... So i figured this to be one of the best way to do so. I will have to test his way and see which is best for temps. It is a really nice looking design tbh. Mine looks so blah XD.

What I have been thinking about doing is removing the HD caddy bay and then drilling a 120mm exhaust whole for the GPU radiator. This would be most effective cuz the gpu rad would have direct air intake then immediate exhaust not affecting other components. But it’s just an idea and I don’t think i want to damage my case.

And FYI for those of you who have PSU's that the fans are either going out or just down out right noisy I found a replacement fan for all 135mm-140mm. The corsair AF140 will work in all PSU's due to its ability to start operating at 3.2v which is must lower than most fans. Some Soldiering is possible tho. Just wanted to let peeps know .

 

[kickmic]

one concern is there is no direct vent for the GPU rads hot air. It hits the rom drive and hangs....

i was initially concerned with this, however the heat escaping from the top of the case is far more apparent than heat trying to escape the case when using the 6950's dual fan cooler

What I have been thinking about doing is removing the HD caddy bay and then drilling a 120mm exhaust whole for the GPU radiator. This would be most effective cuz the gpu rad would have direct air intake then immediate exhaust not affecting other components. But it’s just an idea and I don’t think i want to damage my case.

i don't want to mod my case either - and I couldn't get the rad to mount without a mod job in the hard drive area... but I have some (UN)Designs brackets coming so might free up options

I under-volted the Arctic pump just slightly and now the PC is really quiet

 

[exilelrrp]

I would go Kickmic's route if I get this style GPU cooling, I have no HD in drive bays as my SSD set up behind the case...I will just wait for Cooler Master Eisberg ...
But I strongly believe Corsair has something up their sleeves! since CoolIT partnered with Corsair awhile back & CoolIT had The Universal GPU Omni Cooling System
& they just completely paused production & selling it to the public!

This was the direction CoolIT was goin for until Corsair stepped in the scene, I believe Corsair will revive this project!

I know Zotac got their hands on a few & slapped their logo on it or mimicked the product...

 

[kickmic]

.......one concern is there is no direct vent for the GPU rads hot air. It hits the rom drive and hangs....

Exhaust vent starts 140mm in from front of case. By changing the ODD to Silverstone's slim drive and slot drive holder, the hot air has a virtually unrestricted path to the top of the case. To avoid vibrational noise, the rad and fans are now suspended using bracketing from (UN)designs.

 

[Pneumonicbrute]

Looks awesome with the new brackets man! Would you mind posting a link to where you got them from. Im thinking of possibly doing the same thing. Great idea.

 

[kickmic]

Looks awesome with the new brackets man! Would you mind posting a link to where you got them from. Im thinking of possibly doing the same thing. Great idea.

thanks! Really happy with the cooling performance PLUS the PC is SO QUIET now!

from Performance SideWinder Computers:

(UN)Designs Infinite Bracket

UN Designs Z2 Bracket Rev. 2 - for 120mm Fans


NOTE: if fitting to the FT02 the same as I did, the included screws are too big for the existing holes within the FT02 bays - you'll need to go for something smaller - just check your case holes with the bracket and grab something at your local hardware (suggest waiting for bracket to arrive as the existing holes in the FT02 vary, so work it out after you have lined up the bracket where you want it)

 

[exilelrrp]

Kickmic : Nice Fkn Job!...See that's what I'm talking about that's exactly the way to do it @ the same time with the clean look!!!

Thanx for the links!!!

 

[kickmic]

Kickmic : Nice Fkn Job!...See that's what I'm talking about that's exactly the way to do it @ the same time with the clean look!!!

heh... thanks for the very enthusiastic reply

contemplating trying the new AP182 fans (with ball bearings.... have AP181's running on lowest setting on fan controller > curious if the AP182's could run at a slightly higher RPM without an increase in noise???

 

[FaRKle0079]

heh... thanks for the very enthusiastic reply

contemplating trying the new AP182 fans (with ball bearings.... have AP181's running on lowest setting on fan controller > curious if the AP182's could run at a slightly higher RPM without an increase in noise???

What rpm do you run your AP181s at?

 

[cnyg]

how much room is there for cables with the top cover on? I'm considering this case, and will have 3 or 4 graphics cards connected to 8+ monitors. Can I fit 8 dvi cables with the top cover on routed to the back or is it better to go with a regular tower case?

 

[exilelrrp]

how much room is there for cables with the top cover on? I'm considering this case, and will have 3 or 4 graphics cards connected to 8+ monitors. Can I fit 8 dvi cables with the top cover on routed to the back or is it better to go with a regular tower case?

Yes it can be done, now it will be a tight fit for 4 GPU plus cables! I love the FT02!
But in my opinion with 3 - 4 GPU I would go with either :
1 - SilverStone TJ07
2 - The Corsair 800D
3 - Cooler Master Cosmos 2
There's lots more of course you just gotta do the research & let your eye's do the picking! good luck with that & post it on the forum...

 

[IdiotInCharge]

how much room is there for cables with the top cover on? I'm considering this case, and will have 3 or 4 graphics cards connected to 8+ monitors. Can I fit 8 dvi cables with the top cover on routed to the back or is it better to go with a regular tower case?

As posted above me, this case really isn't for you- primarily because it only has seven slots limiting it to three double-slot GPUs (or two if you want a slot between each, as you should), which you're going to want to keep each one cool.

 

[kickmic]

What rpm do you run your AP181s at?

I'm no longer using a fan controller with RPM feedback, but I am running the fans slower than the "LOW" setting (which is 700 RPM)... pretty sure when I was using a Scythe fan controller which displayed RPM - I had the fans at between 550-600 RPM

ideally, I would like more airflow without an increase in noise

 

[kickmic]

how much room is there for cables with the top cover on? I'm considering this case, and will have 3 or 4 graphics cards connected to 8+ monitors. Can I fit 8 dvi cables with the top cover on routed to the back or is it better to go with a regular tower case?

image below with 4 x DVI (2 of which have adaptors), and the top goes on easily, however there is little room for too much more.... but you would fit the cards and cables into the bigger brother case, the TJ11

 

[FaRKle0079]

I'm no longer using a fan controller with RPM feedback, but I am running the fans slower than the "LOW" setting (which is 700 RPM)... pretty sure when I was using a Scythe fan controller which displayed RPM - I had the fans at between 550-600 RPM

ideally, I would like more airflow without an increase in noise

The AP182 are not for you. If you already have a fan controller it's not worth it to get the AP182 (unless for looks). At low rpm (<700rpm) the AP181 has a smoother and more neutral sound while the AP182 sounds more growly due to the ball bearings.

 

[cnyg]

Thanks for all the answers! Right now I have a tj08-e for my home setup with 5 monitors.

At work I have another computer with a 4 monitor setup.

All these monitors will be used in a dj-setup for some visual effects, something like this:

The tj08-e will be replaced when my asus rive arrives, and this will be my home computer for my 5-monitor setup. I think the ft02 will be fine, I will probably purchase one new graphics card, and use some old cards to connect the rest of the monitors for the dj setup, can use a 1-slot card in the bottom of the board, and have the top cover removed for all the cables when connecting all those monitors. I've tried to find another case, but this seems to be the best choice for me who wants a case with great airflow, the ability to build a quiet system, and the most important thing: an appealing look

 

[exilelrrp]

Thanks for all the answers! Right now I have a tj08-e for my home setup with 5 monitors.

The tj08-e will be replaced when my asus rive arrives, and this will be my home computer for my 5-monitor setup. I think the ft02 will be fine, I will probably purchase one new graphics card, and use some old cards to connect the rest of the monitors for the dj setup, can use a 1-slot card in the bottom of the board, and have the top cover removed for all the cables when connecting all those monitors. I've tried to find another case, but this seems to be the best choice for me who wants a case with great airflow, the ability to build a quiet system, and the most important thing: an appealing look

I see the HP LP3065 30" LCD Monitor in the middle, I have it covered collecting dust I think I will sell it after looking @ this pic
I know the feeling when purchasin' a case ...But I'm a fan of SilverStone!

 

[IdiotInCharge]

and use some old cards to connect the rest of the monitors for the dj setup

Remember that HD4000 can output to three different monitors, with up to two on DVI/HDMI. As long as you don't need to play games on them, they're overkill- I use the HD3000 on my 2500k to power a pair of cheap LCDs to monitor stuff like Vent, ProCon, Battlelog and CPUz/GPUz/Speedfan if needed.

 

[Idef1x]

It has been a while since I last did any real posting on [H], but it's good to see, that the old FT02 thread is still alive Here is how my rig looks at the moment:

• I changed from dual DDC to a single D5 with the XSPC reservoir.
• I changed from 6950 CF to a single GTX 680 Lightning.
• I changed from red Masterkleer and distilled to clear Masterkleer with EK Blood Red.
• I got the Corsair sleeved black cables.

I know the images are of questionable quality, but that's the way it is until I buy a camera

 

[JayJapanB]

It has been a while since I last did any real posting on [H], but it's good to see, that the old FT02 thread is still alive Here is how my rig looks at the moment:

snip

• I changed from dual DDC to a single D5 with the XSPC reservoir.
• I changed from 6950 CF to a single GTX 680 Lightning.
• I changed from red Masterkleer and distilled to clear Masterkleer with EK Blood Red.
• I got the Corsair sleeved black cables.

I know the images are of questionable quality, but that's the way it is until I buy a camera

What are your temps?
Great looking rig by the way.

 

[Idef1x]

What are your temps?
Great looking rig by the way.

The temps are quite nice. The 3930k gets to about 65c with the fans on "low" and the D5 on "2". If I have the fans on "high", I believe I get like 3c lower. The 680 Lightning stays in the 40s during gaming and the highest I have seen it yet is 48c with Planetside 2 raping it And a quite substantial OC.

 

[exilelrrp]

It has been a while since I last did any real posting on [H], but it's good to see, that the old FT02 thread is still alive Here is how my rig looks at the moment:

• I changed from dual DDC to a single D5 with the XSPC reservoir.
• I changed from 6950 CF to a single GTX 680 Lightning.
• I changed from red Masterkleer and distilled to clear Masterkleer with EK Blood Red.
• I got the Corsair sleeved black cables.

I know the images are of questionable quality, but that's the way it is until I buy a camera

Its good enough I can see would be nice to see how you set this up!? I mean I see so many yet this one looks so simple, neat & does not look extreme expensive water cooling?...Can you let us know?...
I would like to see water cooling reservoir with pump setup in the bay drives, I see you cut the bottom cage out...I would do this!

 

[bamaland101]

Its good enough I can see would be nice to see how you set this up!? I mean I see so many yet this one looks so simple, neat & does not look extreme expensive water cooling?...Can you let us know?...
I would like to see water cooling reservoir with pump setup in the bay drives, I see you cut the bottom cage out...I would do this!

seems he has the pump leading to the rad which is run behind the mobo tray, then from rad to mosfet block then to cpu block then gpu and finally back to res/pump

 

[exilelrrp]

seems he has the pump leading to the rad which is run behind the mobo tray, then from rad to mosfet block then to cpu block then gpu and finally back to res/pump

I know that can be done but even with pic bright I still cant see the leading tube to the rad, its well hidden & I still will like to see the setup, I noticed not to many pictures out there when one does a tube behind FT02...Would be nice to see

 

[Mikesom]

another happy owner

 

[Segovax]

This thread is full of win. I had this case for a long time, it's really great to see how creative some people have gotten with it.

 

[Pneumonicbrute]

Well i got bored today and decided to drill into my case...... I repositioned the Artic cooling Rad for the GPU to the HD bay area and drilled a 120mm exhaust whole for it. I cut the HD bays bottom plate off to all optimal air flow.

Now gotta decided on a good 120 mm fan grill. I found this one. What do you guys think about it?

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Grill_-_Nautilus_-_Black.html?tl=g47c221s1604

 

[exilelrrp]

Well i got bored today and decided to drill into my case...... I repositioned the Artic cooling Rad for the GPU to the HD bay area and drilled a 120mm exhaust whole for it. I cut the HD bays bottom plate off to all optimal air flow.

Now gotta decided on a good 120 mm fan grill. I found this one. What do you guys think about it?

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Grill_-_Nautilus_-_Black.html?tl=g47c221s1604

Sick! WoW! Never thought goin' that route but Dam! great idea & yes that grill would be nice!...Do you have pictures of process!?

 

[Idef1x]

I know that can be done but even with pic bright I still cant see the leading tube to the rad, its well hidden & I still will like to see the setup, I noticed not to many pictures out there when one does a tube behind FT02...Would be nice to see

It's connected to the reservoir with a 45 degree fitting, and likewise with the radiator. I have used a few straps on the tubing to avoid it from kinking - just to be on the safe side.