Completed Thermaltake Level 10 GT Water Cooling build log

[Supergrover]

Looking good Steve though I dont like the "loose' tubing myself, I would have gone for a tighter/shorter loop.

But that is just my opinion.

[chrisk]

Looks good Steve. Yeah its a tough choice between a tight loop and flexibility. You don't want the tubing moving around too much, as you can accidentally loosen a connection to a barb, etc (I had a swivel connector that loosened when I moved stuff a bit).

As for powering the pump, I strongly suggest folks invest in this little device:
Cables to Go USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Drive Adapter Cables - CABLES TO GO - 30504
$40 at NCIX, but available at Canada Computers for less than $20:
Canada Computers | I/O Controllers, External Hub, Internal Bay Devices | Bytecc BT-200 USB 2.0 to IDE Adapter, Works with 2.5", 3.5" HDD and 5.25" CD/DVD Drive (BT-200)

This is a hard drive to USB converter. The kit comes with an IDE/SATA/Floppy connector cable, with a USB connector at the end. It also comes with a molex/SATA power cable for the hard drive, which will also power a pump....and it has a handy on-off switch to boot!

Here is a picture or two to illustrate:




Much cheaper than a PSU (unless you have an old PSU around), and you also have an adapter kit to use for diagnosing and recovering folks' hard drives.

[sswilson]

That looks like a handy device, and since it has an on/off switch, would be perfect for initial setup of a loop.

You folks won't get too much pushback from me WRT tight vrs loose loops. I much prefer a tight loop, and may shoot for one the next time I redo this loop, but this time I opted for ease of use, especially since I've no idea of how much a PITA a WC'd SLI rig is going to be.

[Birk]

That Sata power array you have in that case, Is there a part number for that in the manual? or does anyone know where I can get it? I dont see it listed on Tt's store.

[JD]

Originally Posted by Birk

That Sata power array you have in that case, Is there a part number for that in the manual? or does anyone know where I can get it? I dont see it listed on Tt's store.

You can easily make your own since SATA power connects basically just "push" into the cable...

[Birk]

Performance-PCs.com, ... sleeve it and they will come
Found one i think.

[JD]

Originally Posted by Birk

Performance-PCs.com, ... sleeve it and they will come
Found one i think.

You might need to pull off the connectors on that cable and move them accordingly to fit nicely. Every case uses different spacing between 3.5" bays.

[Birk]

I hope not, I'm really no good at that stuff especially seeing as i have difficulty seeing :( we shall see though! would sure make the cable managment nicer in my case.

[sswilson]

Bitfenix Alchemy Premium Sleeved 4PIN Male Molex to 4X SATA Power Cable Black 20CM - BitFenix - BFA-MSC-M4SA20KK-RP

These are essentially the same thing for $8 from NCIX.

NCIX.com - Canada's Premier Computer Store - Online PC Discount Store, Buy Computer Accessories

Here's a link to the search I used, there are a couple more in there of similar designs. Ideally, if you could find just the bare plugs you can purchase whatever colour wire you want and they just clip in place, it's a simple as that. (I'd check out places that sell sleeving products.... ;) ).

edit: 22hrs+ leaktesting... I think I'll stick a fork in it and call it done..... ;) The Res height came in exactly as I'd envisioned it... with the door on, and looking slightly down from the top, I can easily make out the "bubbling" water in order to verify a functioning loop. :)

[clshades]

Originally Posted by sswilson

I'm assuming that red thing is the resi. Can you not turn that thing upside down and shorten your tube runs? it looks like the run from the cpu to the resi will interfere with your video card.