This will be my second water-cooled computer and my first attempt at modding it from the stock case design.
 
The inspiration for the build is an annual gaming convention held in Dallas around the beginning of August. QuakeCon is North America's largest LAN party, the largest free LAN party in the world, and usually runs over a period of four days.
 

 
My first QuakeCon was in 2009 and I have been a regular attendee ever since. Every year they have several case mod contests segregated into 2 main categories: scratch-built and classic case mod. The scratch-built category is one built with no pre-existing structure, while the classic case mod is one where an off-the-shelf case is modified to some extent.
 
I thought that it would be fun to try my hand at entering the classic case mod contest.
 
I decided to show my love for this annual event by using the QuakeCon logo as my central build theme.



I will be using the Corsair Obsidian 800D for the case since the size and shape are conducive to a clean, organized build layout. The case is constructed of steel and aluminum throughout, which make it durable and ideal for powder-coating.

This will be my second build using the Corsair Obsidian 800D case and I am looking forward to getting away from the normal black color scheme and trying something more creative.

Equipment Hardware:

• Case: Corsair Obsidian 800D
• CPU: Intel i7 3930K
• Motherboard: ASUS Rampage IV Extreme
• RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance 1866Mhz DDR3 (8x4GB)
• SSD1: 240GB Corsair Force GT SATA III
• SSD2: 120GB Corsair Force GT SATA III
• HDD1: 1TB Seagate Barracuda
• HDD2: 1TB Seagate Barracuda
• GPU: (2) EVGA GeForce GTX 680 Superclocked Signature 2 in SLI
• PSU: Corsair AX1200 Modular
• Optical Drive: ASUS Internal Blu-Ray Burner
• Audio Controller: Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty

 
Cooling Equipment:

• CPU Block: XSPC Raystorm
• Motherboard Block: EK-FB Kit RE4
• GPU Block: (2) EVGA Hydro Copper for GTX 680
• GPU Backplate: (2) EVGA GTX 680 Backplate
• Reservoir: Koolance RP-452X2 Rev 2.0
• Pumps: (2) Koolance PMP-450S
• Radiator 1: XSPC EX480 Quad 120mm
• Radiator 2: XSPC EX240 Dual 120mm
• Radiator Grill 1: MNPC Tech Pro-Line 4x120mm '360' Slotted
• Radiator Grill 2/3: MNPC Tech Pro-Line 1x120mm '360' Slotted
• Fan Controller: Lamptron FC-5V2
• Fans: (12) Cougar CF-V12H Vortex 120mm, (2) Cougar CF-V14H Vortex 140mm
• Tubing: XSPC High Flex (UV Orange) (3/8" ID x 5/8" OD)
• Fittings: Bitspower G1/4 Black Compression, 3/8" ID x 5/8" OD
• Sleeving: MDPC Orange and Black
• LED Controller: Bitspower X-Station LED Power Hub

 
Completed case
 

I disassembled the 800D and went about modding the top panel to fit a 4x120mm radiator grill. The top panel is factory-designed for a 3x120mm radiator, so some extra cutting is necessary.
 
After covering the top panel in painter's tape, I used the frame of the MNPC radiator grill as a template and sketched where the fan cutouts needed to be.
 

 
As you can see, the template will be filling the majority of the top panel. I will be removing all of the recessed fan grill area and the entire forward section with the 3 recessed grooves.
 
After carefully measuring and laying out all the lines, it was time for my trusty dremel and jigsaw to get to work. Instead of merely cutting the entire inside section out, I decided to leave tabs where the fan screws were to help reinforce the rigidity of the top panel since so much of it was being removed.
 
The cuts went quickly and smoothly. Here is the top panel with the appropriate cutout completed.
 

In my first 800D build, I mounted the bottom radiator flat on the bottom. In this build I thought it would be more interesting to mount the radiator on edge. This would allow for better airflow circulation since I will be utilizing side panel ventilation cutouts. It also alleviates the need for cutting new ventilation areas in the bottom panel.
 
The first step was to see about where to position the radiator.
 

 
In order to keep the radiator from moving around once installed, I decided to physically secure it down to the bottom case panel with 4 bolts. This is an easy solution since the XSPC EX240 radiator uses a slim design. There is plenty of room between the radiator outer edges and fins for the bolt nuts to fit without physically coming into contact with the delicate fins.
 
Here is a photo of the radiator bottom with the four bolt holes drilled.
 

 
In this shot you can see the spacing between the radiator outer edges and fins. No problem putting a nut and bolt in there.
 

 
This method also makes it very easy to remove the radiator at a future time for cleaning.

The items came back from the powder coating shop right on time and look amazing.
 
Here is a shot of some of the exterior panels in the Vermilion color, along with some of the flat black interior panels.
 

 
Here you can see the original logo placed next to the front panel.
 

 
This is the left side panel with the window placed back in place and the MNPC Tech Pro-Line 1x120mm grill temporarily in place. The black is a perfect compliment / contrast to the vermilion color.
 

 
I mounted the front panel rear structure that included the hot swap bay frame and top power switch / cover to the front panel piece and installed the 5/25" bay covers to see how the color scheme would look in the front.
 

After about 30 minutes of slowly fitting the pieces together and riveting them in place with black rivets, the case is starting to look impressive in black and vermilion.
 
I placed the MNPC Tech 4x120mm radiator grill in place to see what the overall color scheme will look like.
 

 
Here is another angle from above and in the front slightly. You can see that the hot swap bay cover is in place and completes the front assembly.
 

 
One final shot showing the right panel with the MNPC Tech 1x120mm radiator grill mounted in place. Those black beefy grills perfectly accentuate the vermilion color.
 

Next up is the CPU, CPU water block, and memory.
 
For the CPU I selected the Intel i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 6-core processor rated at 3.2GHz (3.8GHz Turbo).
 

 
I picked the XSPC Raystorm CPU water block for the aesthetics and good reviews. The block mounted easily onto the LGA2011 assembly with a set of supplied posts that screw directly into the socket. Only took about 10 minutes to mount the whole assembly.
 

 
For memory, there was no other choice - the Corsair Vengeance memory modules are my favorites!
 
I went with two sets of the 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin Quad-Channel DDR3 SDRAM rated at 1866MHz. That brings the system specs to 32GB of quad-channel memory!
 

 
Here are all 8 modules firmly seated and ready for action!
 

I went with a Koolance RP-452X2 Rev. 2 Dual 5.25" Reservoir and two Koolance PMP-450S pumps.
 

 
I liked how the pumps are mounted and hidden on the rear of the reservoir itself. Saves me trying to find a place to mount 2 pumps. 
 

 
The reservoir is split into two separate compartments so that I can maintain a dual-loop system without having to install a second reservoir. The 2 compartments may be combined to act as a single reservoir if so desired.
 

 
The sides of the unit have notches to install LED lights that can be used to illuminate the interior of the reservoir. To keep the light from leaking out the sides of the unit, I placed black electrical tape over the clear acrylic edges of the reservoir. Now the light will not be seen in places not wanted.
 

The sleeving material selected was from MDPC-X. The quality and colors of the material are the best that I have seen. The owner, NILS, makes a graphic on the package of every order. Here is a shot of the graphic on my order.
 

 
This is the orange and black sleeving selected for this build.
 

 
The stock Corsair AX1200 modular power supply cables are not individually sleeved and in dire need of getting dressed up.
 

 
After about an hour of slowly trying my hand at cable sleeving, I was able to complete my first group. This is the 8-pin CPU connector. I still have to work on getting the heat shrink lengths uniform.
 

 
Here you can see the color scheme for the 24-pin motherboard connector.
 

 
It took nearly 3 days but the results are worth it. I sleeved all the cabling to be used in the build (including the SATA connections seen on the right).
 

Now that most of the electrical wire sleeving is done and the main components are installed, it is time to start configuring the water loops.
 
I absolutely love Bitspower compression fittings and for this build I selected the Matte Black color.
 
Here are the fittings all ready for installation.
 

 
For the tubing I purchased the XSPC High Flex Hose 3/8″ ID, 5/8″ OD in the Red / UV Orange color. The color of the tubing is very similar to the vermilion color of the case and in UV light the orange stands out nicely in the black interior.
 

 
I decided to start with the upper radiator. I ran the tubing from the rear port along the top and through the upper grommet so that it will pass behind the motherboard tray until it comes out again near the reservoir. I also ran the two upper CPU power cables over the top to help support the tubing and show off the sleeving.
 

 
Here you can see most of the CPU / Motherboard loop completed. On the right hand side you can see where the upper tubing comes out from behind the motherboard tray. It is just temporarily sitting on top of the video cards since the tubing has not been connected to the reservoir yet. You can just see the fittings on the rear of the reservoir on the right side.
 

 
Here is a section of the video loop with the connections on the two GTX 680 cards. You can see that the X-Fi card has been installed between the video cards.
 

 
The lower radiator tubing was tricky due to the very narrow space available and how short the tubing pieces were. Here you can see the upper tubing piece is only about an 2" long. I used two Bitspower G1/4" Female / Female Pass-Through Fittings in the tray for a more clean look. The crooked support on the right was only temporary and removed shortly after the photo was taken.
 

 
This is a front on look at the lower radiator connections. Nice and clean.
 

 
Both loops are completed and I am filling them with distilled water (w/ PT Nuke) for the leak testing phase. After 12 hours of running the system, no leaks were found.
 

The project is completed!
 
The illuminated PSU plate with the 'Quakecon' wording was received and installed. Here is a photo of the case interior with both loops filled and the power on.
 

 
Here is a closeup of the upper case interior.
 

 
With the camera flash turned off, you can better see the UV lighting effect.
 

 
A little farther out shot. You can definitely see how bright the 'Quakecon' panel is.
 

 
All panels are installed.
 

 
Side shot.
 

 
You can see how the 'Quakecon' wording is perfectly visible through the side panel window.
 

 
Right side panel.
 

 
Top MNPC Tech 4x120mm radiator grill.
 

 
Rear panel. You can see that removing the 140mm fan grill definitely makes the fan more visible and increases air flow.
 

 
Front panel.
 

That's an awesome build, congrats on the win!

Gorgeous build bro, grats on the win!

Congrats again on the win!!
 
Cool to see you on the forums, i met you at QuakeCon. Not sure if you remember but i had the White NZXT with the obnoxiously bright red lights! 

Sweet another 800D, so whats the next project? Just kidding. Excellent build, very nice

Wonderful job. Love the color that you picked out. Great job.