Due to my evergrowing collection of hard drives, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a Lian Li VB-2000 Plus. I ordered it from xoxide.com and got in yesterday but couldn't mess with it due to the fact i had to help install some headlights. (sorry went offtopic lol) I know.. I know its another Lian Li..

Here's the box in came in. My GOD this thing was huge.


After the box was taken off.. packaging was very nice.. :eek2:


Wow.. the case is probably the cleanest.. well built i ever seen.. craftsmanship was just insane.. :sweat:


Let's take a quick peek inside shall we?.. Wow.... sexyness.. so much space.. *drools*.. :eek:


Just check out that rear end.. mhhhhhhhmm rofl..



Well.. next task.. move out of the old case to the new case lol.. technically I think I can stick my old case inside the new one lol..



Anyone got any suggestions for a dual 120mm radiator mount? I shall be brainstorming today lol..

Do you already own the rad? What model?

i have the thermaltake aqua tmg2.. any suggestions? I would go buy a new rad but I really don't want to spend more money.. :sad:

How thick is it?

Keep in mind you could always go back to air for a month or two until you can afford the right gear for such a nice case.

okay i take ur advice.. i'll hold off on swapping.. but wats the performance of a trip rad v.s. a double rad? and if you have any suggestions.. This is to cool cpu and chip set. Since i don't want to change rad's and etc.. lets go new rad lol.. later i think dan's gonna make me buy a whole lot of new stuff.:sad all good lets spend some money rofl..

Well a triple rad isn't necessary by any means, even a new one isn't. I was just thinking that there are some slimmer designs available that might let you fit it in the top of the case without interfering much with your board. I think UncleDavid may have done something similar but I don't recall for sure.

What are your ultimate goals for the system? Performance? Silence?

In any case, what I'd probably do is put it on the top of the case as far forward as you can.

Well for one thing, i really don't mind buying the new rad because the old rad is quite alot thicker then the new thermaltake design. I really don't want the rad to interfere with the motherboard.. But I rather have a balance for between the two. :eek:

Check this out:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1240/cas...ml?tl=g45#blank

Perhaps you can get some ideas from this.

Subscribed (and I'll add my $.02 later on )

wow 600 bucks for that mod rofl.. yeah that looks very clean i lose about 4 hardrive slots with that.. hmm.. i could live with that.. would the computer air temp drastically reduce peformance? or should i stick to outside ambient air?:eek2: i starting to think about the triple rad now lol..

lol awesome.. more dfi buddies gonna make me buy some more stuff lol.. i swear frozencpu.com xoxide.com svc.com are gonna love me this month..

Might want to add Petra's Tech Shop to that list as well as I might just talk you into a whole new H2O kit :nod: as I'm not fond of ThermalTake gear.

well since i got most of the diy yoda's in here of modding.. what do you all reccomend.. if i'm going to add a triple rad i'm definately getting a pump so i can do a t-tap fill port. I'm soo not going reservoir lol..

Probably go with 7/16" ID tubing on 1/2" barbs

I really like the LIANG D5 pump (aka Swiftech MCP-655); the other one I can recommend is the LIANG DDC with the Petra's Tech top.

in the radiator arena: Thermochill mackes the top performars, but they aren't cheap; on a budget I'd say either the HW Labs Black Ice GTX, Black Ice Extreme, Black Ice GTS or Swiftech Stealts (MCR-320). The Swiftech Stealth and BI GTS are lower profile than the Xtreme and GTX (i.e. not as thick); between the GTS and the Swiftech Stealth, when using lower flow fans the stealth does offer better performance.

The only brands i'll consider are: DangerDen, Swiftech, EK-Waterblocks, D-Tek, Thermochill, Hardware Labs, and LIANG

I'll vote against that...it's too much of a pain to work with for no gain in my opinion. Just get 1/2" ID Tygon and be done with it, the clamps work fine and the tubing is easy to route.

Before looking at specific brands check out the F/S section here, I know there was some good stuff for sale including a good pump - something you'd probably rather get here because a D5 or equivalent is not cheap.

The reason why 7/16" tubing is often used is that it provides a better seal on the barbs; just put the ends in some hot water to soften it up to allow the tubing to slip over the barbs. Also, oftentimes the 7/16" looks more elegant as the 1/2" can appear chunky

All in all it's a matter of personal preference; I have used both and my current rig is using 1/2" tubing with zip-ties in lieu of clamps.

I know, I tried it and hated it. Next time I watercool I'm going 3/8" and using a reservoir.:angel:

Zip ties rock the world when it comes to fastening the tubing to the barbs. First time I did it I thought to myself I must be crazy. But they really work and they really work well.

I've used 7/16" MasterKleer before, but decided to use 1/2" Tygon 3603 (IIRC) on my last build. The tygon was so soft and supple I was getting somewhat, er I mean it was much easier to get on and off of the barbs, but it bends a lot more esily. Definitely glad I had some SmartCoils laying around.

I vote for a Swiftech of Hardware Labs (Black Ice) radiator, Laing D5 pump (or variant), and a good block. If you plan on having a lot of blocks in the loop (3 or more), I'd suggest getting a Danger Den MC-TDX since it will help more with flow rates. If you just plan on using a CPU block, then something like a D-tex Fuzion, EK Supreme or Even a Swiftech Storm would work well for you.

As for radiator placement, would you prefer an internal or external mount? I like the Lian Li's that have the rad installed in the panel between the mobo tray and the PSU/HDD cavity, but you lose drive space that way. A mount on the top would work as long as you don't have extra cards installed in the mobo that need space near the top of the case. The third option is to place a radiator externall off the back with a RadBox or the like, and you could even add a second rad (single 120mm) up front by the bottom intake fan.

And some more inspiration:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/ind...6a90e97c220d8b9

I suggest you don't cut up the HDD bays for the rad, that would be a shame considering you bought it for the extra HDD bays.

Okay.. you guys win lol.. New watercooling kit.. lol..


I was thinking about these, but I was was planning to get the reusable plastic clamps.. I was using the metal screw clamps but they were annoying as hell..


I want to keep the rad internally installed but I think if i was going to a single rad. I want to keep the hard drive bay's for later expansion.


LoL.. Rado.. you guys just did lol.. so lets the part chosing begin lol..


Yeah, After i thought about it I don't want to cut them because knowing me I will most likely add more hard drives..

Yeah, I decided to go with the one triple rad.. with 1/2 ID tubing.. I plan on cooling the cpu and chipset.. i think it should more then efficient.. I now most likely put it up on top since I would seriously like to keep the hard drive racks.. I was planning to put the hard pump assembly above the power supply if i can somehow make a support stand. I was looking at the rad cut for the mid tray section. I could half depth of the cut by sandwiching the rad on the bottom and the fans on top.. which makes a lost of one 5.5 bay and hopefully one set of 3.5 bays.. That and we so doing the danger den fill port.. i absolutely hated the resovoir refill way.. what you guys think?

:nod: Sweet :nod: and it didn't take much in terms of persuading :confused:


To get started on part selection; what hardware are you planning on cooling with it?

CPU and chipset, I think.



Like the ones DD sells? They work really well but are a SERIOUS pain to remove. Just so you're aware. I'd probably use them again anyways but be sure to get a bunch of extras.

Did you already pick up that DD block? Or did I talk you out of it? I don't even remember anymore...damn I'm old.

They really are a pain in the ass to remove



I've got at least 20 new ones here that I'm not going to be using, if you need them PM me.

Now I don't currently have a girlfriend its alot easier to buy something since i dont' have to justify why i bought it lol..
I'm going definately for the CPU.. I honestly don't quite see myself upgrading my computer for a couple of years and for some reason my chipset temps been rather high so i'm like hmm.. I always tend to change my video cards so I would probably won't watercool it anytime int he future.. so i'm leaning towards chipset.. unless dan talks me out of it lol.. or you talk me into it.. i currently have the evercool vga fan mod.



Still debating.. I missed one on the buy/sale thread for 20.. :sad: but still thinking.. good thing i didn't buy it yet cuz i think i'm gonna buy a COUPLE more things with that order rofl.. I was thinking of the plastic ones like dd sells..



Yea.. I probably get them from u if u not using them Let me figure out how many i need I'll Pm u wit the amount or something and i'll pay for thru paypal or something.. these will fit 1/2 ID right?:sweat:

Lol.. this just my luck.. when I want to purchase something nobody has anything instock.. you guys got any reccomendations on sites?

The sites I most highly recommend are www.petrastechshop.com www.jab-tech.com and www.dangerden.com

thanks rado..
What you thinka bout the Black Ice GT Stelath or the X-flow? I'm planning to order the rad and pump to begin the modding lol.. I'm liking the new danger den DD-CPX1 12V Pump but then again the swifttech mcp655 is looking sexy lol..

The Black Ice GTS is a pretty good radiator; and being low profile is good if you're short on space; I'd rank the Black I series in the following order GTX (best) > Xtreme > Pro > GTS

the primary difference between the regular radiators and their X-Flow namesake is that the regular ones have both inlet and outlet on one end of the rad and the X-Flow has the inlet and outlet on opposite ends, but performancewice there's no real difference. Here's a pic of a BIX3 alongside an X-Flow BIX3

I'm not sure how well the DD-CPX1 pump really performs; the ones I recommend are the D5 (MCP655) and the DDC with Petra's Tech top.

Black Ice GTS 360 & MCP655 Ordered.. lol.. :shake:

It's a great start!

:nod::nod::nod: SWEET :nod::nod::nod:

good gear; now get modding

Somebody had some templates, but I can't remember where. Anybody else remember?

Heck I may still have them on my HDD...

Thanks guys.. I really appreciate the advice and feedback.. i respect you guys alot so yah... .. All i have to do is wait til it comes in.. I'm just gonna use the lian li fans and other fans laying around to test fit til i figure out which ones i want and wat color scheme i'm using.. My friend's throwing a computer lan so at least i can get a couple of good runs with my desktop before i take her apart lol.. wish you guys can come to the lan party. then again you guys probably pwn me lol..

Might be linked in here...

http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showthread...=water+template

Otherwise I'd guess DD probably has some on their site.

I think the link I had was from modding.net, but the site's no longer available

GTS 360 mechanical drawing

RadGrillz 3x120 template

Another great source for water cooling gear is http://jab-tech.com/

Especially if you live in the midwest, south or southeast. Their service and shipment times are outstanding.

Already mentioned them

Yes, you did. Saw that up in post #28 after you brought it to my attention. Oh well, they needed another shameless plug anyway They are pretty outstanding.

In that case Petra's Tech Shop deserves another shameless plug as well :tooth:

hehe.. thanks for the links guys..



The lan party was awesome.. wish you guys could come.. when i got home.. look what i got in the mail.. muahahhaa...






Hmm.. should i go with 24" or 36" sata cables with this case?.. Does it affect performance if you flip the rad facing up on the top then having the fans underneath sucking down air v.s. having the fans on top and blowing air thru the radiator?

i got bored so i started sleeving something.. hopefully i can borrow some cutting tools this week.. :sweat:

Not much performance difference between having the fans push or pull air through the radiator; if you're mounting the rad to the roof of the case, then the fans should be set for exhaust.

You may only see a degree or two difference at the most. If the fans pull air into the case it would be slightly cooler that the air being exhausted from the case.

I have mine pulling cool air in from the top. When I test air coolers from time to time it interferes with "normal" airflow a bit, but when I'm on water the extra airflow on the memory, NB and CPU area is kinda nice.

wow.. after i did it.. i didn't realize how bad ass this thing looks lol... :eek2:

it's official.. i seriously miss my desktop.. haven't had time to post..:sweat:

here's a floppy to match the dvd burner lol.. still waiting for stuff..


its pretty messed up when you order something for someone and it comes in BEFORE UR STUFF.. >_<.. kinda cool it matches the mountain dew can lol..


Oh.. what is this..? box 2 came in.. woot..


the cpu block looks pretty sweet..


oh snaps.. box 3 came in.. yay!


Finally decided on the mounting site for the pump.. there she goes..


Radiator Clearance Test Mount.. yes.. cleared.. :sweat:


Fan Grill test fit.. damnit.. gotta modify the middle grill.. why i go with oversized laser cut grills.. >_<


Hmmm.. what should i do wit the rest of this....


Not bad.. i'm digging the carbonfiber clash with the motherboard lol..


Okay thats it for now.. tired as hell and off to bed i go..

Looking good. Can't wait to see the rest

thanks tski.. I got everything in and its up and running.. here's a quick pic of it atm.. I still need to cut the door for a window.. freak one of the damn yate loon fans went bad on me.. so i have to change it out whenever i run the uv lights.. Shoot me but i want to see the tubes glow lol..

Please resize those pics, they can't be taller than 600px.