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FormD T1 - 9.5L with UNLIMITED space!! - 3950X+64GB Ram+2GPUs - TITAN V FULL watercooled+TITAN RTX!! Fill the void 2.0

wenyuax

Average Stuffer
Aug 16, 2020
60
60
What are your thoughts about 3080 FE vs Reference PCB for watercooling in the T1 case?

EK has teased some images of an FE block where the terminal sits on the end of the card in the V cutout.

On the other hand with the reference card we get a lot more space at the end of the card as well which might be easier to utilize when you dont have the terminal at the end of the card.
Say, if you want more space, in terms of volume, FE version is the best choice. However I saw the tear-down procedure of the FE card and I'm kind of hesitating. Seems like it's not easy to recover it if you want to sell it in the future (maybe for the big navi haha). Also, the reference card version is not that huge so I think reference is the fair bet.
 
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devolv

Trash Compacter
Feb 5, 2020
54
38
Thanks.

About the the bracket, he send me a STL file already. But he has his doubts whether it fits or not. So he asked me to send some pictures and measurements.

Did that happen with you?
Update. I got the bracket, there's definitely something wrong with it as the measurements are way off. The bracket does not sit in the recessed PCI-E T1 beam that's pictured in Fabio's build. I'm going to cut and mod this accordingly so I can get it to work. Busting out my Dremel.

It does come with the screw and that fits the threading to the T1. The bracket is too long however so it doesn't mate. Hence why I need to cut it.
 
Last edited:

altair0319

Cable Smoosher
Jun 5, 2020
11
3
@fabio This may sounds dump, but I really don't have any knowledge on it...
I was using a single type-c cable connecting rtx 2080 and a docking station, so that my case only has two cables, power and type-c. Now that Nvidia got rid of the virtual link port, if I go for 3000 series card, there's seems no chance for me to use the docking station since the type-c port on motherboard doesn't output video.
Is it possible to use the 8x8 pcie splitter here and instead putting another video card, install a type-c pcie card to make the single cable solution work? can it output video? Thanks a lot!
 

fabio

Shrink Ray Wielder
Original poster
Apr 6, 2016
1,885
4,325
@fabio This may sounds dump, but I really don't have any knowledge on it...
I was using a single type-c cable connecting rtx 2080 and a docking station, so that my case only has two cables, power and type-c. Now that Nvidia got rid of the virtual link port, if I go for 3000 series card, there's seems no chance for me to use the docking station since the type-c port on motherboard doesn't output video.
Is it possible to use the 8x8 pcie splitter here and instead putting another video card, install a type-c pcie card to make the single cable solution work? can it output video? Thanks a lot!
Why you don't just connect the screen to the display port and the dock to the motherboard USB-C? is just one more cable!
 
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devolv

Trash Compacter
Feb 5, 2020
54
38
@fabio This may sounds dump, but I really don't have any knowledge on it...
I was using a single type-c cable connecting rtx 2080 and a docking station, so that my case only has two cables, power and type-c. Now that Nvidia got rid of the virtual link port, if I go for 3000 series card, there's seems no chance for me to use the docking station since the type-c port on motherboard doesn't output video.
Is it possible to use the 8x8 pcie splitter here and instead putting another video card, install a type-c pcie card to make the single cable solution work? can it output video? Thanks a lot!
Seems like an awful a lot of work to do a full bifurcation + thunderbolt supported card just for the docking station.
 
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devolv

Trash Compacter
Feb 5, 2020
54
38
Say, if you want more space, in terms of volume, FE version is the best choice. However I saw the tear-down procedure of the FE card and I'm kind of hesitating. Seems like it's not easy to recover it if you want to sell it in the future (maybe for the big navi haha). Also, the reference card version is not that huge so I think reference is the fair bet.
In terms of teardowns, the 3080 FE seems to have a lot less screws compared to the old 2000 series FE cards. It's honestly a lot easier than before, to take off the metal screw plugs, GamersNexus has suggested using some neodymium magnets. There's also no tamper-proof-protection stickers on the screws which is great. Of course, if teardowns is not your thing, then of course do not attempt to.
 

M-jeri

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Feb 20, 2016
124
82
Update. I got the bracket, there's definitely something wrong with it as the measurements are way off. The bracket does not sit in the recessed PCI-E T1 beam that's pictured in Fabio's build. I'm going to cut and mod this accordingly so I can get it to work. Busting out my Dremel.

It does come with the screw and that fits the threading to the T1. The bracket is too long however so it doesn't mate. Hence why I need to cut it.

For me the bracket fits snug and screw also fit fine. But feels like it bit too tall. I cannot screw down the panel that holds the cards. The holes don't line up. Minor issue though.
 

altair0319

Cable Smoosher
Jun 5, 2020
11
3
Why you don't just connect the screen to the display port and the dock to the motherboard USB-C? is just one more cable!
yeah that's more reasonable compared to all the effort. the major reason I want to have the thunderbolt is I use a portable type-c monitor when travelling and at home I have 2 monitors and VR, some quick plug and play setup would be nice, in this case I guess the efforts won't worth it.
 

altair0319

Cable Smoosher
Jun 5, 2020
11
3
Seems like an awful a lot of work to do a full bifurcation + thunderbolt supported card just for the docking station.
And I realized it won't work because my Strix X570 i doesn't have thunderbolt header, so no way to install a thunderbolt card. Only AMD motherboard will work for now is Asrock X570 Phantom.
 

fabio

Shrink Ray Wielder
Original poster
Apr 6, 2016
1,885
4,325
And I realized it won't work because my Strix X570 i doesn't have thunderbolt header, so no way to install a thunderbolt card. Only AMD motherboard will work for now is Asrock X570 Phantom.
My Gigabyte has in the BIOS one option that “ENABLE THUNDERBOLT WOTH BIFURCATION” option! ?
 
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blacksails

Minimal Tinkerer
New User
Aug 25, 2020
3
0
@fabio what bracket and screws are you using for mounting the fan infront of the cpu block/motherboard? I tried looking for something similar, but was a bit hard to find something.
 

M-jeri

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Feb 20, 2016
124
82

fabio

Shrink Ray Wielder
Original poster
Apr 6, 2016
1,885
4,325
It worked in my x570 Hero board.

I jumped the header. Restarted and installed drivers. The TB3 ports showed up. I did nothing in my BIOS.
Yes yes, I think I’m the BIOS we need to activate it to use it with the bifurcation riser!
 
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herbsorber

Efficiency Noob
Sep 23, 2020
6
1
And again, here we are!!

After 1 year and a half from my 2nd build (BTW, CHECK IT HERE if you didn't)
I've moved part of it with new addition in a smaller case:

THE FormD T1 !! This case is a small CNCed Aluminum jewel! I am so happy to got the possibility to be in the test shipping phase!

And for this I have to thanks the creator @Wahaha360 for all the incredible work he did in the last year to produce the T1!

It was a long journey to arrive at the "final build" so let's start from the beginning, shall we?

Here the full specs!! (UPDATED!!)

AMD Ryzen 3950X
Gigabyte Aorus X570 ITX
Corsair 2x32Gb 3600MHz C18-20-20-40
Nvidia Titan V (Watercooled)
EK-FC GPU Terminal Rotary 90
Nvidia Titan RTX
Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500GB (OS)
Samsung 970 Evo 2TB
Corsair SF750 PSU
Noctua F12 Chromax
Noctua A12x15 Chromax
Noctua NA-FC1 Fan PMW controller


C_Payne Bifurcation Riser x8/x8 1-Slot + 3D printed brackets
ADT.link 90 degrees Riser R33SL 25cm


Pslate DAN A4/GHOST S1 custom cables+my own custom cables

Alphacool Eisstation DC-LT 40 Reservoir + DC-LT 2600 Pump
Alphacool 1U ES DDC Reservoir Combo
EKWB DDC MX 3.1 PMW
EKWB Magnitude Acetal+Nickel CPU Block
EKWB SE240 Classic Radiator
EKWB Titan V GPU Block+Backplate
EKWB 90 degrees Torque fittings

Barrows Offset Fittings x2
EK-AF Angled 2x45 Fitting
Bitspower various extender
Alphacool TPV Metal fittings
+2 TPV 90 degrees fittings for the GPU
Alphacool TPV tubing 12,7/7,6

-

Of course, sad story of every SFF builder, the case is the last piece to arrive! But this was good to start to put together and test different configurations and parts.
But most important, to check the clearance between the different options that I will have.

The first idea for the waterloop was to use one of the two compact solution available in the market: the Swiftech Apogee Drive IIor the Alphacool Eisbaer LT Solo.



The first one use a more powerful and wide knowned DDC Pump (You can choose from different models, MX 310, 18W PMW)
The second one use a proprietary pump, the DC-LT, less powerful, but how you will see, is more than enough to run a single radiator of 240mm, ! CPU block and 1 GPU block!

(BTW: if you motherboard's fan header is powerful enough, you can rewire the DDC pump to have only one cable! In general the MX310, or the EKWB MX have a wattage of 10W and 6W, so almost every ITX board fan header can provide 1A, so should be completely fine. For the more powerful version, the 18W, you have to check IF there is any fan header that can supply 2A.)

Here just the rewired DDC with an heatsink mounted in the Apogee Drive II


So, the system on the motherboard has started to be tested!


I've wanted to go with a full Alphacool loop as you can see, but I was worried that the backplate for the Titan V that Alphacool provide was too thick to fit nicely in the case (I was right BTW).

But more I was watching the @optimumtech video, and at the builds that people where showing day by day on the main thread, more I was thinking that I could fit between the GPU and the front panel a pump, to have the possibilities to have a complete loop, choosing my favourite CPU block as well.

Looking day and night to which could be the possible solutions, I've ended to restrict the choice between to options just released by Alphacool:
The 1U DDC Reservoir and the Eisstation 40-DC-LT

Then, I've moved instead to an EKWB based system, and I was satisfied by the temporary look!


After a few days, I was still convinced by heart that a DDC could fit in it!


Keeping an eye also at the general look and to my curiosity, I've tried also a CPU block that from their website seems to "lower the temp of 7 degrees!!! Especially on Ryzen 3!!": the Optimus Foundation Block.
Well, it is a nice block, amazing mirror finishing of the baseplate, but seriously, nothing special. Zero difference from the EKWB Velocity, and just a weird mounting system without backplate and without spring, that caused the motherboard to bend crazily! Not anymore, sorry.


So, understanding for the COVID-19 serious situation but so impatient to have my build done, in a moment of impulsivity I've bought from a local reseller a Louqe Ghost, and put all the part in it, as I was imagining could work as well in the T1!

Pretty nice, isn't it?
You can see that at the end I went for a just released EKWB Magnitude CPU block. Seriously, the quality is way higher that the previous Velocity, and IMO even bette than the Optimus!
Is also a very low profile and low restrictive block, so even in the 3 Slots configuration it will fit withtall 90 Degrees fittings like my EKWB Torque!
BE CAREFUL, though. Because is an optimized block for the new Ryzen CPU,it is not possible this time to rotate it in a goofy (90 degrees) position!



But of course, just one one after I've finished this, HERE THE LOCAL POST UPDATE!!! The T1 is at the custom to be cleared. And 2 days later, here the baby!


And finally I can start to test the different components I thought could fit!

I know, the only official supported 240 rad is the one bundled with the Eisbaer Alphacool LT 240, but why not to try!
AND, IT FITS! The 27mm EKWB SE240 Classic, just fit with 2slim Noctua Chromax A12x15 fans! Do have as much clearance I could have, I didn't apply the included Noctua small rubber pad.
Every mm count in this case!
To mount properly the 240mm rad, one pair of "short" bracket are provided to screw only one fan. The other fan have to be put directly on the radiator, having them for one half cantilevering, but 100% solid, so, don't worry!


Because of that, also the cable length matter. Having the T1 the same layout of the DAN A4 and the Ghost S1, the cables from @pslate were working perfectly!
Only in the 2 slots GPU configuration, because the motherboard is a little far away from the PSU than in the other cases, the CPU EPS cable was 2 cm to short, but having all the necessaryat home, was super easy to do my custom one!


STILL, I was trying to fit the DDC :D (MAYBE it could work, but I think I have to file a bit the side of the 1U DDC Reservoir...)


Time to put all together!

I've chosen the tiny but powerful DC-LT pump, together with the Eisstation 40 DC-LT. It is a safe choice size-wise compared to the DDC one. I've tested it inside the Ghost, and it has given to me only positive results!




A bit more of detailed pictures to see how the tubing are routed in every tight space and the radiator in place!







There is also space for T fittings for an easier drain!


And FINALLY, here you are!








The PART 1 of my build log inside the T1 is complete!!

In the next days I will update the thread with the PART 2, where you can see how 2 GPUs can fit inside this wonderful case!!

And of course stress test, noise and temperatures!!

Thanks again to @Wahaha360 for the incredible job he has done, and for the continuous support he always give!

Cheers!!
So detailed and easy to follow log and sorta guidance as well. I'm looking to build the same as yours, quick question though:
1. Is getting 3700X better than 10600K/9700K? I'm looking for mainly gaming sections but also some photo/video editing (not all the time, but want to future-proof a little) pairing with the cpu (after figuring out which one) is rtx 3080, which leads to my second question.
2. is water block for RTX 3080 (both 3rd party and FE) yield enough room for DDC Reservior or the DC-LT one?
3. Is EKWB work better than alphacool?