Testing and Installing the water loop

Flushing the rads out with tap water. Finished up with de-ionised water. No vinegar







Mobo backplate in place and fittings for the EK waterblock being fitted.







Two PVC washers and a metal washer an finally a nut








The backplate with a backplate-shaped rubber washer








Stripping the EK CPU waterblock for cleaning








2 gaskets








The EK GPU waterblock after cleaning with iso-propyl alcohol








The XSPC res with barbs fitted








Testing the water loop overnight. Using an old PSU to power the pump. Components in roughly the same place as they will be in the box






Added an LED just so I know the loop is running. Once the pump was isolated with a gel pad and all the air bubbles removed, it was very hard to tell if it was running or not






Scary bit - ripping the stock cooler off the BFG 9800 GTX OCX. Came off surprisingly easily. When I removed it no sirens sounded and I didn't receive a visit from the BFG warranty police.
Lots of thermal crap on the heatsink




Several ccs of IPA later...cleaned to a mirror finish








Stock cooler that comes in the E8500 package - really nice. Shame I can't use it







CPU and cooler in place, along with video card and cooler








Installing the exhaust fans on top of the case. Rubber gaskets ensure a snug fit and will help reduce any fan noise







Where the pump will live, tucked away where the HD drive 4-in-3 cage should be. This has been moved up to accommodate the pump. I drilled 2 holes in the base of the case to secure the pump. Note the gel pad to cut down on pump noise. Pump vario control accessible through the front panel






Most of the water-cooling components fitted now. Just the RAM to aquify







All water-cooling components in place, except the RAM. The T-line still needs to be inserted







Cranked the fans up using the old PSU. More tomorrow...