Gaming in tight spaces - MAX11Lv3

[miahallen]

*** Pictures of the completed project ***

[Blog] Gaming in Tight Spaces…..mini-ITX (featuring Gigabyte, Silverstone, and Prolimatech)
About a year ago, I started a project I dubbed "Gaming in Tight Spaces", where I set about building a powerful gaming rig on a minimal budget based on the mini-ITX platform. The system was a huge success, and the feedback I recived was very positive, apparently lots of users were interested in downsizing their system's physical footprint, without sacrificing power.

Gaming in Tight Spaces v2.0 – MAX11L (featuring Corsair and Gigabyte)
A few months later, I found that the first version, while nice, wasn't extreme enough to satisfiy my developing vision for the project. So I started a major rebuild, where I really pushed the system to a new level of performance with a quad core CPU and GTX 480 graphics card with MAX11L.

The term MAX11L refers to my goal of cramming as much stuff as possible into 11 liters in volume. The SG05 case used in the projects is 10.78L. But I ran into a major hurdle with the 2nd version, the GTX 480 needed too much power, and the Silverstone ST450SF 450W PSU was not up to the task (which many of you warned me about). Not only that, but I found the 300W stock PSU was a better quality unit, capable of driving the system even better with the HD 5870 graphics card installed. However, without a full size PSU, it didn't seem there was a way to effectively run a power hungery card like the 480.

But the wheels didn't stop turning, and I've retained my desire to push the concept to the real extremes, which brings us to today.

MAX11Lv3

I really wanted to get two things done in the same space as before, I wanted to be able to use a high power graphics card, and I wanted to water cool the CPU & GPU. This means that the most difficult part of this build will be making everything fit, and it will require a lot of modding/fabrication.

However, I did not have the funding availible to complete the project, and if this was going to happen, I needed assistance.

So, I'm very pleased to announce that Silverstone liked my work on round 1 and 2, and have agreed to supply another case for the project, thanks Silverstone

But, that wasn't enough. So when a friend of mine asked if I would build him a small gaming machine, I asked if he would be interested in sponsoring this build which would be his when we finish. He agreed with one condition...that he be involved in the build process. How could I refuse? Besides building modding, and overclocking, I also really enjoy sharing my passion for computers with others. So Norbert and I will be working on this project together.

Here is the parts list:

• Silverstone SG06
• ASRock Z68M-ITX/HT
• Intel Core i7 2600K
• Corsair Vengence LP DDR3-1600
• PNY GTX 580
• Nexus NX-6000 Rev.3 630W PSU
• Intel 160GB X25M G2
• 300GB Western Digital Velociraptor (without the "Ice Pack")
• LITE-ON slim slot load DVD-R/RW
• Scythe Gental Typhoon "AP-15" fans
• Bitfenix multi-sleeved cables

Water cooling parts:

• Magicool Pro Slim 2x120mm radiator
• Swiftech Apogee XT REV 2
• Swiftech MCP35X pump
• Tecnofront Nano reservior
• Bitspower Black Freezer GTX 580 waterblock
• Bitspower fittings
• 1/4" Coolit Norprene tubing with Koolance hose clamps
• Distilled water & PT Nuke

And here is a gallery of the components before we get started.
The SG06 broken down.





The ASRock Z68 motherboard.


The Intel Core i7 CPU


Corsair Vengence LP memory.


The Nexus NX-6000 PSU, this PSU was selected due to its non-standard 125mm depth. Most ATX PSUs at 150mm or longer.



The PNY GTX 580.



The Intel 160GB X25M SSD.



The LITE-ON optical drive.



The Scythe fans.



The Bitfenix sleeved cables.




The Magicool Pro Slim radiator.



The Swiftech CPU water block.



The Swiftech pump.



The Tecnofront Nano reservior.



The Bitspower GPU waterblock.



The Bitspower fittings, CoolIT tubing, and Koolance clamps.

[miahallen]

I knew right away that making all of these components fit into the SG05/06 chassis was not going to be easy. In fact, in the default layout, I think it'd basically be impossible. So I knew we'd have to get creative.

I started by unriviting the top braces from the chassis.



They are important for structural rigidity, but they were the wrong shape to accomidate the 90 degree layout desired without heavy modification. So I decided I would make the motherboard tray & radiator mounts double at replacements for these removed braces.

Using 3mm thick black acrylic, we cut it down to size.



Then using an acrylic bending rig, we heated up the plates at either end...



Then bent up each end.





Measures up perfectly to the cross braces I removed earlier.



Next we tapped holes to mount the motherboard on one side.





Obviously, the stock rear panel isn't going to work either. So we cut it out.











Here is the result.



At this point, both new side panels have been cut, the opposite side will be used to mount the radiator. Both panels will be attached to the chassis with the original mounting points, although we have not decided whether to rivet or screw them in (any opinions?).

We have a guy from OCN lazer cutting some acrylic to replace the rear panel at this time.
Much, much more to come, stay tuned

[EnJoY]

Oh my god it's back!!!!

Can't wait to see more Miah!

[Neuromancer]

Interesting miah.

I would not get the back panel cut just yet though as the 580 will not fit in the current configuration (unless you intend to use risers)

[miahallen]

It'll fit

[Neuromancer]

It'll fit

looking forward to it

I considered possibilities including modding the card. So riser is my only choice. cant wait to see your pics

[miahallen]

The GPU WB will not be fully internal

[miahallen]

Today we mounted the GPU water block. The BitsPower block is very unique, it has its in/output situated on the edge (instead of the faces) of the block.



Next we traced and cut a water block template...





...and applied that to the bottom of the case.



Then Mr Dremel got busy.



Notched the front panel as well to allow for the extra 3-4mm of clearance needed for this GPU.





We also cut out the rear panel for the I/O area, but I missed taking an after shot of it.



Next we took the opposite side plexi wall and cut it up for the radiator mounting.





Mounted up and ready to go in.



I also drilled holes and tapped the plexi trays to allow them to mount as stressed members in the case. So they will become part of the chassis for rigidity.





That's it for now, over the next week, I'm hoping to fined enough time to rewire the PSU and replace its fan, then I can move onto putting everything together.

[Neuromancer]

Wow

Insanity man

very creative

[miahallen]

I swapped fans in the PSU





And rewired the PSU...







...with custom length cables.



Then mounted the fans & PSU cover to the radiator.







Then attempted to test fit all the major components...











The only issue with the first test fit was an edge I need to cut a bit further on marked here.



That's it for today

[The Duke]

lol that is awesome miah!!

loving this so far!

[miahallen]

So, today I wired up some LEDs



Then stuck them into the GPU block





Then turned them on





I also realized, that this BitsPower T connector I ordered was a bit taller than I expected. But I really wanted to use it here so I could have a drain on the bottom.



So, to make space, my PSU had to go under the knife....errr, I mean....Dremel





Then it was time to work on test fitting everything again. This time, if things work out....I'm hoping it'll also be the last time.





Looking good so far.















You're starting to see the final layout here, and I even have some of the tubing run. Here are some shots of the drain valve on the bottom.





Also, I cut a hole in the optical drive tray for filling the loop





But I still have to mount the pump, reservoir, and the SSD & HDD. So I've got a bit left to do. Here is a sneak peak of what's next

[The Duke]

that LED gpu block looks sweet!!

[miahallen]

Sorry for the delays peoples...I was out of town last week. But not to worry, I've got a big update coming soon

[wez]

Interesting little build you got going, looking good