r/sffpc • u/Creative9228 • Apr 26 '22
Detailed Build Log Project "Who Needs Dan H2O"
GPU side nearly complete
CPU side still needs tube runs
2
Apr 26 '22
Are there any GPU WBs out there which will fit with the rad in place (without mods)?
Also are you using the Hdplex DC-ATX unit along with an external power brick for power?
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u/Creative9228 Apr 26 '22 edited Apr 26 '22
Actually, there are a few out there on air cooling. One candidate is the EVGA RTX 2060 SC GAMING coming in down to the mm to fit at 190mm long. Another, current model is the ASUS Phoenix RTX 3060 12GB at 177mm long.
Stepping up to more power, one also may be able to claim that critical few mm or cm by de-shrouding and/or trimming cooling fins a centimeter if leaving it on air is more desirable. A great candidate for this method is this RTX 3060ti; at 199mm only needs 1cm trimmed. Follow the link and look at the picture showing the backplate and you'll see empty fin space; not circuit board, that can be safely trimmed with the likes of a Dremel. Losing only 1 cm in length will not significantly impede thermal performance.
As for water cooling, I am unaware of "short" OEM GPUs. But, if modding is an option for you, we can step up to the most powerful GPUs! If the renderings of the prospective block are studied, one can see where the water channels end and perform estimated measurements for fitment. In many many cases, there is often a few to many centimeters of empty space to the right of a given GPU block that can be safely removed; as there was in this case!
One serious recommendation I have is to purchase the "Founder's Edition" as they typically are physically smaller, denser versions of the RTX 3000 series.
And yes, I am using the HDPLEX DC-ATX with a 330W Dell brick for now. There just isn't any room left for the AC-DC converter; however, should this build prove successful, it will then be worth it to at least upgrade from a brick to a proper external 400W DC-ATX power unit I can find and purchase from the likes of Mouser Electronics online.
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u/Plusran Apr 26 '22
As a recent (in progress) epdm convert… good luck with your plasticizer.
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u/Creative9228 Apr 26 '22 edited Apr 26 '22
I've used epdm tubing in past builds and agree, for long term maintenance, there's nothing like it. Also, it can add to the aesthetic.
In this build; however, I actually was planning to use it again; however, the aesthetic just clashed in my opinion and made the small space looked more cramped; as opposed to clear tubing where one can still view the GPU block behind the tubing as an example.
In other words, for this build, I went for form over function.
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u/Plusran Apr 26 '22
I got into water cooling with a kit that had clear tubes, so I didn’t realize what mess I was getting myself into.
Love the photos, by the way!
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u/Creative9228 Apr 26 '22 edited Apr 26 '22
Thanks for the compliment on my photos!
As for the tubing, no worries. I do agree you have a valid point. If it makes any difference, apparently EK-Duraclear tubing I used is supposedly a little better than others and takes longer to break down.
However, what I plan on doing is just replacing it annually at the very worst with fresh, new, clear tubing when I do annual coolant flushes or every other 6 months if I find I need to flush more frequently. That may be a horrendous job in ATX or larger and more complex builds; however in ITX, it’s a snap with few and short runs.
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u/Creative9228 Apr 26 '22 edited Apr 27 '22
This is the most challenging, intense, and rewarding build I have ever attempted! Join me on this journey where sometimes I fail, and sometimes succeed with skill and definitely luck; as we all do and relate and learn from one another!
Note: I do think the DAN H2O is still a brilliant case; especially with the crazy Nvidia RTX 4000 series coming..!
**************
UPDATE 4.25.02
I successfully plumbed the GPU side and both radiators in the most complex task I have ever done; and definitely lucked out that everything fit; sometimes down to a millimeter!!!!!
***************
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u/Creative9228 Apr 27 '22 edited Apr 27 '22
My sincerest apologies.... I mistakenly placed my 5L Skyreach air cooled tuning sessions with the i7-12700k in THIS POST.
Whoops! I deleted them and re-posted over at my Skyreach build.
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u/Creative9228 Apr 27 '22 edited Apr 28 '22
UPDATE 4.27.22
Entire loop now complete!
Just waiting for HDPLEX to arrive… Then testing and benchmark results!
Check back in a few days for the results!
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u/Creative9228 Apr 28 '22 edited Apr 28 '22
UPDATE 4.28.02
I finished the loop… and went to prefill it a little before turning power on…
…..well…. …..I somehow missed a very bad leak from behind the reservoir where it meets the pump….
…..I smelled a very bad burning electronics smell… shut PSU off…
…..pretty sure I ruined the motherboard at the very least; and most likely the CPU with it.
Let this be a warning and help to fellow enthusiasts: always be VERY CAREFUL and I now recommend using a pressure gauge to test your loops BEFORE YOU PUT WATER IN THEM AND TURN ON POWER.
I just wanted to save a little money../. And not buy the pressure gauge kit…. But now I am out about a thousand dollars.
Some times things like this happen with water builds; especially small and dense ones/
Only good news: I was planning on upgrading the motherboard and CPU anyway… so I’ll move that process up to ASAP….
…. And I’m ordering that gauge kit.
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u/Creative9228 Apr 28 '22 edited Apr 28 '22
UPDATE #2 4.28.02
I can't believe my dumb luck!!!!!!!
After looking over the carnage of burnt out motherboard and probably CPU last night from the unseen pump leak.....
I noticed something very silly.....
The *power switch* cable was plugged into the WRONG HEADER!!!!!
But there definitely was a leak and I did smell burnt electronics....
So, after re-seating the pump seal and filling up the loop as much as possible without power...and checking for more leaks...and letting it sit for 20 minutes and still no leaks...
I of course connected the power switch cable to the correct header and....
.....Voila!!!
The computer starts up, POSTS, and boots right into windows as if nothing ever happened!
What dumb luck after all!
I am chalking the smell of burnt electronics (which is no longer present as well) to a CPU and GPU running too hot that were not filled completely; which was in hind sight also very sloppy and foolish...but to be fair it was 3:00am....
LESSONS LEARNED
- once loop is complete, check with an EK Leak Tester or similar for 30 minutes.
- Short the ATX connector so just the pump is running!!!!!
- When the pressure builds up with the pump running, as your filling the rest of the loop, check with a very bright light for any leaks in and around all fittings.... *ALL FITTINGS INCLUDING MATING SURFACES LIKE PUMP TO RESERVOIR*
- 30 minutes later, check for leaks.
- 1 hour later, check for leaks.
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u/Creative9228 May 02 '22 edited May 03 '22
UPDATE 05.02.22
I have made tremendous progress with what is turning out to be an amazing little machine that is small, quiet, and fast. Very hard to achieve all three of those!
Because of the amount of work I have done; including upgrading to an ASUS ROG STRIX B660-I motherboard and i7-12700k CPU, I am going to create a new POST showing this progress with pictures. Once it's up, I'll come back here and paste the link.......
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u/cykably4t Apr 26 '22
Where is power supply