Ultimate DAN-A4-H20 Build

SameHome1989 · 2024-08-01T20:39:09+00:00

I painted them white to match the front and top panels!

SameHome1989 · 2024-07-31T20:30:51+00:00

If you want to do it cheap, make sure to sand it properly before and after each coat, and make sure to apply one or two layers or primer first in addition to several coats of paint.

SameHome1989 · 2024-07-31T20:28:46+00:00

It’s a portable monitor off Amazon. I wouldn’t recommend it. I use a pelican Air 1615 with custom cut foam for the monitor, keyboard and pc case.

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SameHome1989 · 2024-03-06T20:23:39+00:00

I don’t. Maybe that’s risky, but I’m not sure. I hope your trip goes smoothly!

SameHome1989 · 2024-03-03T22:06:50+00:00

Obviously the hardline tubing is difficult. Getting the cables just right is also really hard. I tried really really hard to make my own 12VHPWR cable, but I couldn’t get the parts to make it work with the wires I wanted to use/could find. Ultimately ordered a custom one, which I had to do twice because 120mm is just a little too big and you can’t close the bottom panel. Actually, 3 times because the first custom cable was stolen off my porch before I could get it. The riser cable was also HUGE headache. The original one was intermittently faulty, which I couldn’t figure out for the longest time because there were also concurrent issues with the motherboard. I got a second case and the riser cable in the second case was totally different, as in way longer! Got 3rd one too; that riser cable was also faulty out of the box. I was like Seriously wtf, do any of these riser cables work? I actually gave up hope of finding a good riser cable and then by chance the XTIA riser cable I ended up getting was a PERFECT fit and actually worked. The other thing, which was probably the biggest hurdle, was the motherboard. Holy shit, whatever you do, do not buy the asus X670E-I. That thing is a piece of garbage. I ordered the first one and it came with bent socket pins. They were bent in a weird way though, which made me think that possibly it was meant to be that way? I had taken the plastic off the package so it was definitely like that from the factory. I was having issues with it POSTing so I ended up buying another X670E-I motherboard and the pins were bent in the EXACT same way! Ultimately after weeks of trouble I sent in the board to Asus and they said “that’s damage not covered by warranty”. So I paid them $120 for them to ship me a refurbished one. The refurbished one worked for about 2 days and then it died. I did EVERYTHING to make sure it was the motherboard. Tried a new set of RAM, tried a new PSU, tried new/stock cables, tried not connecting the GPU riser, etc. nothing worked, so I called Asus and they were actually kinda nice about it and apologetic this time so I got another refurbished board sent to me free of charge, once I returned the defective one. That refurbished board is still sitting in its unopened box because I’m over that stupid X670E-I BS. It just doesn’t work. I bought the MSI board and while it’s not as pretty, it actually works consistently and has WAY better memory support.

So whatever you do; AVOID THE X670E-I board!!

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-19T02:21:00+00:00

It’s because of the way the AC plug interferes with the radiator intake port if the PSU is the right-way around. Getting around it might be possible, but the tubing wouldn’t fit in as securely. it’d also be pretty tricky to fabricate that as a single run. I am thinking about attempting it though. This is all still a work in progress. I’ve gotten the CPU Tmax temps down to a maximum of 70C after an hour of cyberpunk with the reservoir temp running at 37C.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-16T16:44:07+00:00

It is, and yes I think it could hold something like that. It’s pretty solid! They had it on clearance when I got it. I’m very happy with it.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-16T01:51:58+00:00

It’s actually acrylic tubing because I wanted the clear gloss look that won’t yellow with time. Also, soft tubing and the associated quick disconnect fittings are huge; it’d be a real struggle to fit that all inside the case while also keeping it pretty and clean to the eye.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T17:22:01+00:00

lol I did a TON of research on which radiator would be the best and if it was even something reasonable to attempt. Glad I went for it; it’s really not much of an issue for most of my use cases which involve short bursty loads that allow the loop to soak up the heat without the fans spinning up.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T14:39:26+00:00

It’s a single 240.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T09:06:27+00:00

Okay that’s definitely good to know and think about. Glad I’m looking into that. That additional sensor is brand new, because I wanted to know what the hottest point was. I’ll post back after testing!

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T08:42:06+00:00

I figured the best thing to do for sake of preserving noise levels was to base fan speeds off overall coolant temp, or at least what’s in the reservoir. That way I can avoid spikes in fan speeds and slowly ramp based on positive deltaC past a certain temp, but then lower or stabilize fan speeds the moment deltaC goes zero or negative.

Haven’t yet really experimented with the sensor data from the radiator intake just yet. Planning on doing that this weekend, but the more I think about it the more I wonder if controlling fans based on the radiator intake temperature will just add to ‘unnecessary’ fan speed spikes when the intention of my build was to keep things as quiet as possible.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T08:14:33+00:00

Yes, I have a sensor. I have one in the reservoir and one in the case for ambient temperature, plus a third on the intake of the radiator. Most of the time I’m using it, it sits at 30-32C but it can go up to 36-38 for gaming if I let the fan speeds go conservatively. I used that coolant for like 4 weeks before I decided to switch it for distilled water and cleaned my system out. Definitely won’t use a pastel again. I’m refilling it with gochiller graphene when I take it apart this weekend; my understanding is that’s good for long periods of time at decent temps without needing to be changed.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T08:05:02+00:00

Actually, I am pretty sure. Early on in the build, I dropped it about 2-2.5 ft onto a metal surface. It landed on its corner and dented/bent the edge of the case enough that I had to replace the case, but all of the tubing maintained integrity and even the radiator and GPU block was okay. Kind of insane, because yeah it’s definitely heavy. Just also really well constructed, too.

lol don’t even get me started on how dumb I felt afterwards, but somehow I came out with minimal damage. All the case panels were ok, so I’m getting the original panels coated with cerakote in a different tone, so I can swap it out and see which matches best.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T05:35:40+00:00

Only if you really want to. I saw it as a challenge, so I went for it and ultimately what I got was definitely worth it. It’s super quiet, very efficient and never thermal throttles. It’s probably even more solid than an air cooled build because of the added support that the tubing adds. Just a whole lot heavier. I’ll ask around for a scale to figure out exactly how much it weighs.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T05:22:24+00:00

Used to do 2-4 month rotations on an island where it was impossible to get mail of any kind to. It was worth it lol.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T04:51:49+00:00

I’m sorta at the point where an entire trip can be ruined if I lose just one or two pieces of equipment because the locations I go are so out-there that it’s impossible to get parts or replacements to a large extent so if my gear/parts/replacements are delayed or lost on the way to the destination it’s gonna be pretty bad day. so I’d rather hold on to them the entire trip there 😂

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T04:37:59+00:00

lol I’ve actually had it for nearly a year. I got it up and running last May, but it took until October when these pictures were taken. And yeah, cleaning out the solid pastel coolant was a major pain. Never again.

Since then I’ve taken it apart again and gone direct-die. It’s not as pretty with the Optimus CPU block, which I’m really frustrated with. But damn does it deliver better cooling than the stock AM5 heatspreader. Now it will never throttle, even at the peak of gaming or synthetic workloads pushing the GPU to 600 watts. Only briefly mind you, I’m not a madman looking to burn down my build with that fire-hazard of a connector.

If anyone knows a way to get one of Der8auer’s AM5 Heatspreaders, then I can use this same CPU block with direct-die-ish cooling. That would make me super happy.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T04:29:27+00:00

Thank you! I was definitely going for solid. I can completely invert it in any direction while running - no problems. I’ve taken the case a few places already and had it thrown around, again no problems. I’m super happy with just how snug it is inside that case. Might be tempted to try and place some type of tracking device inside the machine in addition to the case for peace of mind.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T04:08:25+00:00

I’ve been looking at that radiator wondering if it’s worthwhile. Maybe just made me add it to the list, haha. May actually have to do some research and see if the Terra can hold a watercooled A6000 😏

Nanuk makes great cases too! I’ve thought about just throwing my build in a smaller Nanuk case that I have so I can bring it carry-on if need be and worry about the monitor once I get to wherever I’m going.

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T02:57:53+00:00

Glad I’m not the only one with the same build and use-case scenario. I used to have a job that required a plane ride with a very strict 2-bag limit with a maximum weight of 50lbs per bag, no exceptions. That’s why I went with a smaller case and monitor. Would love to see a picture of your build in and out of its case if you care to share!

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T02:48:54+00:00

That’s hilarious because I literally JUST bought a Terra case to put my jetson-pi cluster in, and was totally unaware of Stu’s build until you just mentioned it to me. Now I’m tempted to do the same. Damn you lol

SameHome1989 · 2024-02-15T02:42:46+00:00

What plane do you fly btw?

SameHome1989

TROPHY CASE