Project Jerry
Overview:
Build Log: #2
Project Name: Jerry
Type: Upgrade / Mod
Theme: Black, Grey and White
Usage: Backup Server
Goals: Lower CPU temperatures, Add more memory
Cooling: Upgrade to Custom Loop
Budget: $200
Hardware:
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth Z77
CPU: Intel i7 2700k
Current RAM: 8GB Corsair Veangeance (1x8GB) 1600MHz (@ 1333MHz)
Replacement RAM: 16GB Kingston HyperX FURY (4x4GB) 1333MHz
GPU: Onboard
PSU: Corsair CX650M
Boot Drive: Kingston 120GB SATA SSD
Storage Controller: PERC H710 (512 MB Cache)
Storage Array: RAID 5 (4x 1TB 7.2K HDD)
Chassis: iStarUSA D407P-4DE1BK Steel
Current AIO: Corsair H80 Hydro (from 2012)
Replacement CPU Block: EKWB EK-Supremacy Classic RGB, Intel CPU, Nickel/Plexi
Replacement Reservoir: EKWB EK-RES X3 110 Reservoir
Replacement Pump: EKWB EK-XTOP DDC 3.2 PWM Elite Plexi
Replacement Radiator: PrimoChill 120mm EximoSX Slim Radiator - TX Matte Black
Fittings: PrimoChill 1/2in RevolverSX (Sky White)
Tubing: PrimoChill 1/2 OD PETG
Coolant: EKWB EK-CryoFuel Solid (Premix) Cloud White
Fans: 2x Noctua NF-R8 (80mm Grey), 2x Noctua NF-S12B (120mm Grey)
Comments:
CPU idle temps are steady at around 60 C , and reach 75 C under load. I am hoping to drop idle temps by 20 C and load temps by 10 - 15 C.
RAM Upgrade to add more capacity
Fitting a (small) custom loop is going to require some engineering. Unfortunately I have very little know-how when it comes to case mods, so this is going to be a learning experience for me.
This week's project is a little different from the standard build logs. I will be modifying a server chassis, installing a small custom loop, and adding some extra RAM to help remedy some "problems" I am having on my backup "server". I say server, but really this machine is just my old desktop (or at least what has survived over the past 8 years) Jerry-built to fit in a 4U server chassis that was not designed to support a 120 mm radiator, hence the project name “Jerry”. I apologize in advance to those that do this sort of work professionally, this will probably turn out looking pretty special.
Most of my upgrade parts are left overs or unused parts from previous builds and upgrades. I only had to purchase the CPU block, Radiator, RAM, and a few fittings.
Here’s what we are working with. I previously “modified” the 5.25 bay by reversing it and drilling holes through the slot covers to mount the 120 mm radiator for the AIO. I want to remove these bays entirely to make room for some clean hard tubing runs. Currently, my OS drive sits inside that bay, so will have to get creative to find a way to mount it somewhere else, preferably closer to the board. I also want to try and cleanup all the loose cables. I was thinking about making a custom cover plate to mount on top of the runs so it looks as clean as possible, and utilize G 1/4 pass-through fittings and rubber grommets. As you can see, this mess of machine needs some love.
Additional ideas:
At first I was considering cutting up the 5.25 expansion bracket to mount the radiator, but decided to just cut some aluminum sheet into semi L brackets that the rad screws can push through to hold itself in place. After all, I’m not goin for professional, just practical. This should also help open up the chassis to fit the rad to drain runs below the custom cover.
Speaking of drains, I had an idea to remove the USB 2.0 front panel to fit a pass through for a drain valve on the exterior. That should make draining the system waaaaay easier, and I can just use a HUB in my rack to replace the front USB connections. I didn’t use it for anything other than a keyboard anyways.
CPU Block is in place, rotated 90 degrees so fittings line up better with planned runs.
Planning pump, radiator, and cover mount locations. I found some brackets in the plumbing department at Ace Hardware that should be able to serve both cable management and cover mounting purposes. I’ll just use magnets to secure the cover to the brackets.
She ain’t pretty but she gets the job done.
Hey… It works.
So far so good. All that is left is to install the RAM, do the cable runs, make the cover, and finish the tube runs. I am going to be using a solid white coolant, so will most likely end up swapping out the res caps with black.
Now THAT is how you mount a SATA SSD…
Not too bad lookin for something made in 2012..
Cables are secured, got my measurements for the custom cover.
I know.. could’ve done better. But this thing is going to be buried in a rack, so cut me some slack haha.
Runs are done, leaked tested and flushed with distilled water for 24 hours.
All done!
Not quite the temps I was hoping for, but atleast there was a drop. Under load the CPU sits around 59 C, so essentially I was able to swap previous idle temps for load temps. Idle I am sitting around 35 C.
That drain valve makes me chuckle, but it will come in handy soon!
That’s all I’ve got for you this time. Thank you for taking the time to check out this project, if you liked what you saw please consider sharing it with someone you think would enjoy it.
Until next time, friends!
