- last edited on by
ROGBot
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It's time again for another build and the Corsair 900D case looks like a nice challenge.
My last build (QuakeCon 800D) was a pleasure to create and I am proud of what I was able to accomplish.
I love the quality of the Corsair Obsidian series and the 900D is their premiere flagship case. I am looking forward to modding the case and powdercoating the exterior surfaces to suite my theme.
The theme I decided to go with is based on my favorite graphics card company - NVIDIA. The color scheme will be their company colors of green and black. There will be an illuminated claw logo inside the case just below the 5.25" bays.
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Now let's get started with the components...
Main Components:
Watercooling Components:
Miscellaneous Components:
- Case: Corsair Obsidian 900D
- CPU: Intel i7 4930K Ivy Bridge-E
- Motherboard: ASUS Rampage IV Black Edition
- Memory: 32GB Corsair Dominator Platinum 2133Mhz (8x4GB)
- GPU: 2 x EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti Superclocked in SLI
- SSD1: 240GB ASUS RAIDR Express
- SSD2: 360GB Corsair Force GS SATA III
- SSD3: 360GB Corsair Force GS SATA III
- PSU: Corsair AX1200 Modular
Watercooling Components:
- CPU Block: EK Supremacy Clean - Acetal
- Motherboard Block: EK-FB Kit ASUS R4BE - Acetal
- GPU Block: 2 x EK-FC780 GTX Ti - Acetal
- GPU Backplate: 2 x EK-FC780 GTX Ti Backplate - Black
- Pump: EK D5 X-Top Pump Top w/D5 Vario
- Radiators: 2 x EK Coolstream 480 PE Quad 120mm
- Reservoir: Aqualis Pro w/LED Holder - Nano Coated
- Tubing (Lower): EK-ZMT 3/8" ID x 5/8" OD
- Fittings (Lower): Assorted Bitspower G1/4 Compression, 3/8" ID x 5/8" OD
- Tubing (Upper): Primochill 1/2" OD Rigid PETG - Clear
- Fittings (Upper): 20 x Primochill Rigid Revolver Compression
Miscellaneous Components:
- RGB Controller: NZXT Hue
- Fan Controller: ASUS Front Base
- Fan - Radiator: 14 x Corsair SP120 High Performance 120mm
- Fan - Front: 2 x Corsair AF120 Quiet Edition 120mm
- Fan - Rear: Corsair AF140 Quiet Edition 140mm
- PWM Splitters: 2 x Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter
- Sleeving: MDPC Toxic Green and Black
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I will keep this build log updated as the assembly commences and it starts to take shape.
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UPDATE: This build was built for the Classic Case Mod contest at QuakeCon 2014 and it won 1st place!
To cut down on all of the unused cable pass-through areas, I had a motherboard tray cover created. This will eliminate all the unnecessary openings so that a clean appearance is seen from the window.
Here is a shot of the motherboard tray with all the grommets removed.
This is the motherboard tray cover with the openings designed for the Rampage IV Black Edition. The two top openings are for the 8 fan cables that will be installed on the upper radiator.
Here is the cover installed. As you can see, all the empty pass-through areas between the motherboard and 5.25" bays are covered. This open area is where the reservoir will be mounted.
Here is a shot of the motherboard tray with all the grommets removed.
This is the motherboard tray cover with the openings designed for the Rampage IV Black Edition. The two top openings are for the 8 fan cables that will be installed on the upper radiator.
Here is the cover installed. As you can see, all the empty pass-through areas between the motherboard and 5.25" bays are covered. This open area is where the reservoir will be mounted.
This build will incorporate two 4x120mm (480) radiators. I selected the EK Coolstream 480 PE Quad due to their size and good performance.
Here is a shot of these beauties lined up.
The build quality is excellent and I love the radiator nameplate, even though it will never be seen.
Here is a shot of all 17 Corsair fans. Each 120mm fan box is a twin pack containing two fans each. The 140mm fan is a single unit.
Better shot of all these fans.
I painted the fan rings to match the build color scheme and replaced all the fan stickers with custom ones.
Here is a shot of the first four fans mounted on a radiator.
Here are all eight fans for the top radiator that will be in a push-pull configuration. You can see the difference in the front and rear fan stickers.
Here is a shot of these beauties lined up.
The build quality is excellent and I love the radiator nameplate, even though it will never be seen.
Here is a shot of all 17 Corsair fans. Each 120mm fan box is a twin pack containing two fans each. The 140mm fan is a single unit.
Better shot of all these fans.
I painted the fan rings to match the build color scheme and replaced all the fan stickers with custom ones.
Here is a shot of the first four fans mounted on a radiator.
Here are all eight fans for the top radiator that will be in a push-pull configuration. You can see the difference in the front and rear fan stickers.
I decided to utilize the Primochill Revolver fittings for this build. I chose the nickel plated brass color.
These can be purchased in 10-packs and come with a small wrench for tightening them down.
I will be needing at least two of these 10-packs to start.
Here is the motherboard with the temporary caps over the fitting openings.
I installed six fittings around the CPU area (2 on CPU block, 2 on MOSFET/VRM block, 2 on southbridge block).
This is a close-up of the fittings on the CPU block.
These can be purchased in 10-packs and come with a small wrench for tightening them down.
I will be needing at least two of these 10-packs to start.
Here is the motherboard with the temporary caps over the fitting openings.
I installed six fittings around the CPU area (2 on CPU block, 2 on MOSFET/VRM block, 2 on southbridge block).
This is a close-up of the fittings on the CPU block.
I decided on the Aqualis reservoir (model 34040) that is made by Aquacomputer.
This reservoir is equipped with a borosilicate glass tube instead of acrylic. This material is scratch-resistant and very durable.
I went with the Pro version since it includes six 5mm LED holders and the inner glass is nano coated to reduce water beading.
Here is the reservoir and holder out of the box.
To disassemble you merely unscrew the top piece and the whole thing comes apart easily. There are 2 screws holding the bottom metal piece in place.
The six LED holes can be seen in the bottom reservoir piece, towards the rear. All of the wiring must lay along a very narrow channel and fit through the opening on the front.
I think six 5mm LED lights are overkill, so I am going with four. I selected two of the XSPC twin 5mm Green LED wiring kits.
I will work on getting these installed tomorrow and should hopefully have the reservoir mounted soon.
This reservoir is equipped with a borosilicate glass tube instead of acrylic. This material is scratch-resistant and very durable.
I went with the Pro version since it includes six 5mm LED holders and the inner glass is nano coated to reduce water beading.
Here is the reservoir and holder out of the box.
To disassemble you merely unscrew the top piece and the whole thing comes apart easily. There are 2 screws holding the bottom metal piece in place.
The six LED holes can be seen in the bottom reservoir piece, towards the rear. All of the wiring must lay along a very narrow channel and fit through the opening on the front.
I think six 5mm LED lights are overkill, so I am going with four. I selected two of the XSPC twin 5mm Green LED wiring kits.
I will work on getting these installed tomorrow and should hopefully have the reservoir mounted soon.
Now to mount the reservoir on the motherboard tray cover...
I measured at least 3 times to ensure that I was centered in the appropriate area and that everything lined up behind the tray. In this shot I have tape marking the motherboard corners and fill hole for when the tray is removed for drilling.
I used a step drill bit from Home Depot as this bit gradually increases the hole diameter without stressing the acrylic too much. The hole came out clean and perfect! I used a Bitspower pass-through fitting for connecting the top of the reservoir to provide more stability.
Here is the mounted reservoir all ready for fluid.
I screwed on the Primochill Revolver fittings and tested out the four 5mm LED lights to ensure everything is functional. Can't wait to see it with the waterfall effect!
I measured at least 3 times to ensure that I was centered in the appropriate area and that everything lined up behind the tray. In this shot I have tape marking the motherboard corners and fill hole for when the tray is removed for drilling.
I used a step drill bit from Home Depot as this bit gradually increases the hole diameter without stressing the acrylic too much. The hole came out clean and perfect! I used a Bitspower pass-through fitting for connecting the top of the reservoir to provide more stability.
Here is the mounted reservoir all ready for fluid.
I screwed on the Primochill Revolver fittings and tested out the four 5mm LED lights to ensure everything is functional. Can't wait to see it with the waterfall effect!
For the pump I selected the EK D5 X-Top Pump Top w/D5 Vario.
I love how this pump is compact and yet offers increased hydraulic performance (up to 15%) compared to original Laing D5 vario pumps.
The clean design scheme matches perfectly with the other EK water blocks. It is a shame that no one will ever see this pump as it will be on the bottom covered by the mid-plate.
A side shot of the pump. The blue/black/yellow cables will be sleeved before installation.
Here is the pump ready for installation and all wiring sleeved in black MDPC-X material.
I love how this pump is compact and yet offers increased hydraulic performance (up to 15%) compared to original Laing D5 vario pumps.
The clean design scheme matches perfectly with the other EK water blocks. It is a shame that no one will ever see this pump as it will be on the bottom covered by the mid-plate.
A side shot of the pump. The blue/black/yellow cables will be sleeved before installation.
Here is the pump ready for installation and all wiring sleeved in black MDPC-X material.
Finally completed installing all 8 fans in push-pull configuration on the upper radiator and mounting it into the case.
This is a view of the assembly from the top, although no one will see this as the top filter covers it completely.
Here is the view from the interior.
The lower radiator assembly was easier since it involved only 4 fans.
This is a view of the assembly from the top, although no one will see this as the top filter covers it completely.
Here is the view from the interior.
The lower radiator assembly was easier since it involved only 4 fans.
I decided to try out the 240GB ASUS Raidr Express.
RAIDR Express is the world’s first and only PCIe-based SSD that features two BIOS chips and an onboard hardware flip switch, letting you alternate between legacy and UEFI modes.
The card itself is small and the appearance is a sleek red and black.
The card even includes an attractive backplate to cover the PCB card.
Here the card is mounted on the motherboard between the two GTX 780 Ti video cards.
RAIDR Express is the world’s first and only PCIe-based SSD that features two BIOS chips and an onboard hardware flip switch, letting you alternate between legacy and UEFI modes.
The card itself is small and the appearance is a sleek red and black.
The card even includes an attractive backplate to cover the PCB card.
Here the card is mounted on the motherboard between the two GTX 780 Ti video cards.
ASUS recently released the ROG Front Base Dual-Bay Gaming Panel and I will be using this for fan control and one-click overclocking.
Here the unit is mounted in the front panel, along with the NZXT Hue. The bottom empty bay will be closed off with the 900D cover.
I also installed a custom illuminated back plate created by ColdZero. It fills the empty space left when I removed the hard drive bays.
With all of the hard drive bays removed, I decided to mount the SSD drives on the side of the 5.25" bay assembly. First, some holes had to be cut for the cables to pass through.
Both SSD units mounted cleanly and with minimal cables being seen.
To keep a clean appearance, I closed off the back of the 5.25" bay area so that all cabling is covered.
I mounted the motherboard into the case to prepare for wiring and tubing configuration.
Here the unit is mounted in the front panel, along with the NZXT Hue. The bottom empty bay will be closed off with the 900D cover.
I also installed a custom illuminated back plate created by ColdZero. It fills the empty space left when I removed the hard drive bays.
With all of the hard drive bays removed, I decided to mount the SSD drives on the side of the 5.25" bay assembly. First, some holes had to be cut for the cables to pass through.
Both SSD units mounted cleanly and with minimal cables being seen.
To keep a clean appearance, I closed off the back of the 5.25" bay area so that all cabling is covered.
I mounted the motherboard into the case to prepare for wiring and tubing configuration.
Here are the power cables before any sleeving is done. These are primarily the 24-pin main, 4-pin CPU, 8-pin CPU, and 4 PCI-E cables.
I am using the MDPC-X toxic green and black sleeving material. I really dislike heatshrink material since it is rather difficult to get them lined up correctly. For this build I decided to try the heatshrinkless method that was developed by LutroO and demonstrated in his videos. This was by far the easiest method to do and rather enjoyable too. It took me easily half the time to finish the 24-pin compared to the traditional heatshrink method.
I am using some of his stealth cable combs to help dress the cables.
Here is a shot of the 8-pin CPU power and 24-pin main power cables.
I am using the MDPC-X toxic green and black sleeving material. I really dislike heatshrink material since it is rather difficult to get them lined up correctly. For this build I decided to try the heatshrinkless method that was developed by LutroO and demonstrated in his videos. This was by far the easiest method to do and rather enjoyable too. It took me easily half the time to finish the 24-pin compared to the traditional heatshrink method.
I am using some of his stealth cable combs to help dress the cables.
Here is a shot of the 8-pin CPU power and 24-pin main power cables.
