Time to feature another system plucked from our forum community. This time RAID has chosen to honor us with his elaborate, high-end watercooled system. You should really take a look at this one, I doubt you've seen anything like it before!
HardwareLogic is always looking for new, interesting content to keep you (the readers) excited and coming back for more. After two years, we've gathered quite the group of forum members with a very unique range of systems. Our forum community has grown into a surprisingly informal, close-knit group of guys and gals who all get excited in one way or another about computers and technology. We start and carry on conversations about everything under the sun, but very rarely do we get a close look at the systems these people have put their heart and soul (and hard earned money) into building, maintaining, and modifying; that is why we are happy to bring you the HardwareLogic Spotlight System! This is your chance to stand in the spotlight and get a place on the front page to show off your pride and joy. For more information about what is involved with getting your rig featured, just register yourself in our forums (for free) and check out this thread.
RAID is another long time forum member who has always been happy to share his great photography skills with everyone in the forums. He takes pictures of everything from the best hardware to the worst embarrasments. The system we are featuring today has gone through what seems like constant upgrades since he first joined the forums almost one year ago. Now, his main computer features two independant watercooling loops strapped to a Danger Den Torture Rack and it looks like something you might find in a Star Wars movie!
Specifications:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
Asus Striker II Formula 780i
4GB Corsair Dominator 1066MHz
EVGA 8800 Ultra
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200.11
Danger Den Torture Rack
Lite On 20x DVD Burner w/ Lightscribe
Sytrin KuFormula SHF1 Ultra
Scythe Kaze Master Multi Function Controller
Cooling:
D-Tek Fuzion CPU block w/ Pro Mount and Quad Nozzle
Swiftech Stealth GPU block
(2) Thermochill PA120.3 triple radiators
(2) Swiftech MCP-655 D5 pumps
(2) EK Res400 Muli Option reservoirs Rev. 2 w/ Anti Cyclone
(6) Yate Loon D12SL-12 Fans
Tygon R-3400 1/2" ID 3/4" OD Tubing
Peripherals:
Dell 2707WFP 27" LCD Monitor
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 7000
Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speaker system
Canon 8600F Scanner
What are the primary uses of this system?
I mostly use it to play games, video editing, photo editing, school related tasks and surfing the vast internet for knowledge and entertainment. I also like to overclock and run benchmarks on the system. At the moment, I've got Supreme Commander, World in Conflict and Sins of a Solar Empire on heavy rotation.
How well does this system perform its duties (is it fast enough)?
I think it is a decent set up but it could always be faster. Once I find a stable overclock, I will push it a bit further and see if I can get a little bit more from my components. Running your components at stock speeds reminds me of driving the speed limit. Sure its safe and fast enough for most people but I find it a lot more fun to putting the pedal to metal and seeing what my parts can really do. You will be suprised at the untapped capability you can muster from your components at stock voltages. My system handles anything I throw at it and allows me to multi-task.
What is/are your favorite component(s) and why?
This is a tough question because I love them all! Recently I've had a lot of fun with water cooling because it allows me to be creative with the layout of the loop and with the choice of components. This current set up makes emptying, filling and bleeding the loops a breeze.
Was there any particular focus you had in mind when piecing this computer together?
I realized that tower style cases did not fit my constant tinkering habits so I wanted to get the system to sit on top of my desk and have easy access to the components. After Capper posted the review for the Danger Den Torture Rack, I instantly knew it was exactly what I was looking for. Since this was an open test bench, it had to be low noise so I went with low speed fans on the radiators.
If you had to give one (or two) pieces of advice to new users looking to build a similar system as yours, what would it be?
Stick with name brand components from companies that have a good reputation for reliability and good customer service. If that means paying a bit of a premium, I think its well worth it. Also, do your research before buying parts. Read reviews (specifically from HL) and ask lots of questions on the forums. You will want to make sure your components are compatible and will meet the expectations you have of them before placing the order.
