nateman_doo

I am starting to get an idea, but these will not be inexpensive.  That whole chunk before you will be 100% Cu110.  Pure copper (99.9%)  I don't have the resources of real block makers, but I am far more open to suggestions, and customization.

 
Hmmm.. yeah, I was definietly thinking more like the voodoo block you made, with only part copper, so the black matches the other classy block.  I dont have the funds for 100% copper haha
 
This looks awesome though

yeh, cant wait to se the finished product on this though 

More updates:
 
O ring test:

 
Close up of the recesses for the caps:


 
Screw Placement:

 
Everything seems to be ok so far.

you can install a hard bridge by sliding it in from one side the arm needs to be thinner from the looks of it,cant tel really if it does tel its measured

The problem with attaching the bridge beforehand is that you have to deal with all of your cards at once, all with waterblocks while you try to install it into your computer.  There is no way to slide in a connector from the side if the blocks are already installed in a motherboard.  The back of the case or motherboard tray will be in the way.
 
Good luck doing that with a block that will be as heavy as this one.  You'll be lucky if your sli bridge or the sli connectors on your gpu's don't snap off from the excess weight.
 
The design would be significantly improved from a practicality point of view if you just chopped the arm off completely.  I can see how someone would say it looks good, but I wouldn't agree with them.

zoson

The problem with attaching the bridge beforehand is that you have to deal with all of your cards at once, all with waterblocks while you try to install it into your computer.  There is no way to slide in a connector from the side if the blocks are already installed in a motherboard.  The back of the case or motherboard tray will be in the way.

Good luck doing that with a block that will be as heavy as this one.  You'll be lucky if your sli bridge or the sli connectors on your gpu's don't snap off from the excess weight.

The design would be significantly improved from a practicality point of view if you just chopped the arm off completely.  I can see how someone would say it looks good, but I wouldn't agree with them.

I don't think I could have said it better then Q did.  But you get the idea.  It is mostly for looks, and also makes it easier to lift the card out? 

It wasn't designed for a purpose, only aesthetics.  That in itself is its purpose. 
That section of block wouldn't effect the cost since the material is sold in round numbers.  Just utilizing the extra to make the arm. 
 
It only hinders if you allow it too.  Q drew the conceived path of the SLI bridge.  Besides, how often does one mess with an SLI bridge?
 
As for the weight, the board will have a very sturdy foam rubber underneath it which will ensure minimal deflection.  There are solutions for every problem. 

nateman_doo

Started some metal cutting.  May be a bit premature, but there are some tool paths that are completed and require testing.


This is going to take hoouurrrsss to mill

Ever doze off while milling?

I know it won't fit, I tried it.  It needs less then a quarter inch to slide in.  Remember this project is for someone in particular and they like it, so it stays.  If they want it gone, its gone.  thnx

More updates:

 

 

This picture may not look like much, but you can see the reflection of the bit in the toolpaths.  Toolpaths are unavoidable in machining, but there are ways to make them less noticeable. 
 
The bottom of this block feels as smooth as glass.  A testament to the HOURS of painstaking tramming and leveling of the machine. 
 
 

After HOURS and HOURS of milling.. I have 50% of the aluminum prototype completed.  Still have the back to do, and the cover.
 
Not kidding about the hours either.  Look at the bottom of the screen, over 4 hours for a single run through the fins of this block with a 1/8 end mill removing 0.02" of material per pass.

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Yummy ;) cant wait to see the final product!

8 HOURS to machine the back of the card:

 
Place washers on the standoffs:

 
Place card down, and put screws with more washers:
 
 
Assembled:

 
 
Here is the SLI bridge.  Hopefully this puts that issue to rest:

Now to finish it up ;)