Log SMALLEST ATX CASE : CERBERUS-X (Complete build log)

MarcParis

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Apr 1, 2016
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sure it does, but no stability issue yet..:)

After, extending pcie speed doesn't affect my gpu or nvme SSD as they are not reaching its nominal limit (16x for gpu and 4x nvme)..:D
 
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MarcParis

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Apr 1, 2016
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New update on Overclocking my R7 1700X and Flare-X Ram kit..:)

Thanks to Intel Burn Test v2.54, I managed to figure out that my R7 1700X can reach (stable) a frequency of 4014Mhz @1.525v vCore. I'm staying on this 1.525v because my watercooling setup is able to maintain cpu temperature under T° die of 70°C (Threshold before throttling and potential damage on long run).

Edit : Finally my R7 1700X is only stable @4000Mhz @1.525v...:)

Now I wanted to push my RAM harder on both CAS or frequency.

Thus I tried :
  • 4014Mhz on R7 1700X + RAM @3618Mhz Cas 16-16-18-36 @1.45v....but it failed :

  • 4013Mhz on R7 1700X + RAM @3514Mhz Cas 14-14-14-34 @1.45v....but it failed :

  • 4020Mhz on R7 1700X + RAM @3600Mhz Cas 16-16-18-36 @1.45v....BLACK SCREEN..:D
  • 4014Mhz on R7 1700X + RAM @3594Mhz Cas 16-16-18-36 @1.45v...VICTORY!
  • But second trial led to BLACK SCREEN after 9/10 runs...damnit.:) so close..:D
  • Finally I reduced R7 1700X to 4000Mhz @1.525v and set RAM @3600Mhz 16-16-18-36 @1.45v...and I got 2x10 runs stable :

I managed to achieve a stable RAM @3600 cas 16...:D

Globally I'm more than happy to reach 4000Mhz on R7 1700X and 3600Mhz 16-16-18-36 on RAM...AWESOME..:D

You can follow my performance on hwbot.org :
http://hwbot.org/user/marcparis/

PS : all this work with Intel Burn Test allowed me to push even further some benchmarks on Hwbot (1842 on Cinebench R15, HWbot x265 also..:))
 
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Phuncz

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May 9, 2015
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Well done ! I haven't even touched the CPU, my RAM is still stuck at DDR4-2933 (1466 MHz) regretably.
 

FoskcoRS5

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Jan 31, 2017
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Very nice build. The non-X is smaller, no?
My desktop is currently a full-tower, the CM MasterCase Pro 5, and the non-X is what I plan to get. When it goes into production.
Eventually.
IF it goes into production.

So I saw you doing WC and wanted to ask a few questions. Sorry if this goes on for a while. I have no custom WC experience and don't know how far I can push things in terms of OC overhead or space in the non-X case.

So essentially my internal parts are going to stay the same, except going from an AIO on the CPU and aircooled GPU to a full custom water loop, and replacing my efficient but hideous Antec EarthWatts non-modular 750W PSU to probably an SFX. With custom-length cables, obviously. My single 980ti might get upgraded to a 10-series, though at this rate we might see the 11-series released before we see Cerberus.

ANYWAY, the board is the ASUS Strix Z270G with some low-profile RAM, and I want to OC the 7700k to 5Ghz, and maybe push the GPU a little bit, hoping to get a little extra encoding performance. I also have a single-slot Elgato HD60 Pro for streaming/recording consoles. I also will have some difficulties with clearance in there since I have 2 3.5" drives (one for games and another for mass storage) and the boot drive is an M.2.

I know it's kind of making it harder for myself, but I really want the side-panel window on the bottom to show of the WC and RGBUV lighting with my channel logo as a UV-reactive decal, and then use the side mount as an intake for a rad so that in the future I could use RGB fans for some added bling.

In your opinion, would I be able to get the components to fit, and reach the performance I'm aiming for? And if so, do you have any specific advice for me?

I am running a Maximus VII Gene with a 4770k at 4.6 GHz in the Cerberus on an AIO. My thread hasn't had an update in some time as I plan on moving on to the very same parts you mention, once I have the funds put aside.
 
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MarcParis

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Well done ! I haven't even touched the CPU, my RAM is still stuck at DDR4-2933 (1466 MHz) regretably.
Thanks...well to get ram to work, i've tweaked massively my bios..:)
Quick, quick, i want some photos..:)

I am running a Maximus VII Gene with a 4770k at 4.6 GHz in the Cerberus on an AIO. My thread hasn't had an update in some time as I plan on moving on to the very same parts you mention, once I have the funds put aside.
You mentionned some house to buy if i remember well...thus it's normal..:) i'm eager to see final result..:)
 
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MarcParis

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Yesterday I've tested my OC RAM @3600Mhz cas 16-16-18-36 @1.45v using included windows 10 tool (i guess it'sa customed version of memtest86..:)).

After settings to extended, active cache, 2 pass, my RAM was checked error-free..:D very useful tool..but a bit long to do.

ps : I also tried to OC my ram up to 3700+ frequency but I failed miserably..:D
 
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MarcParis

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Apr 1, 2016
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update 18th August 2017
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New update on hardware side of my setup.
Based on my last setup, CPU area of the case was missing a bit of air cooling to my taste. I could also add that it was not really pretty.


Thus I've decided to :
  • Replace rear Noctua NF-B9 Redux by Noctua NF-A9 PWM (to match color theme) + dust filter
  • Replace Side Noctua NF-A9x14 by its bigger brother Noctua NF-A12x15
  • Add new Noctua NF-A12x15 fan on top, in exhaust mode
I found final result gorgeous..:D Finally I'm getting used to Noctua Brown theme..:D





Currently I've setup NF-A12x15 fans at fixed 800rpm...but I'm thinking to switch to a fan curve following GPU temperature.
Same logic for rear NF-A9.

At last, I'm testing magnetic dust filter on SX800-lti


Forecasted change is to replace my sweet Gentle Typhon by new incoming Noctua NF-A12, presented on last computex 2017. They are promising, clearly inspired by Gentle Typhoon bigger motor...


Here is Imgur album

Wait & see..:D
 

MarcParis

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I'll continue with some videos and benchmarking.

Let's start with Rise of the Tomb Raider in 4K.
I've recorded settings and benchmark
I use shadowplay to record it, but it was a bit too taxing on performance as without it I'm reaching 65fps.


Do you have special request? Others games to prioritize?
 
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Tachy

Cable Smoosher
Aug 20, 2017
11
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Can you let me know if a 280mm radiator will fit in the front with an ATX PSU?
I think it won't work in the mATX version but with the extra height of the ATX version it might...
 

MarcParis

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Do you have any prefered 280mm radiator? I guess i will check for corsair h115i or nzxt x62.

Just as common constraint with cerberus, gpu length will be limited to 329mm minus (radiator + fan) thickness..except if you put fan on external (i will check if 15mm thick fan could be put outside)
 
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MarcParis

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Cerberus dimensions are 381 (h) x 170 (w) x 364 (l)mm..so both h115i or x62 280mm radiator should fit on front panel (with psu located on rear bracket) with no issue.

For fan on external front, even slim will have poor air intake. After slim fan could be used internally.
 

Tachy

Cable Smoosher
Aug 20, 2017
11
0
Thanks Marc. I've got another question - with a PSU mounted at the front, will a 180mm radiator fit on the side bracket above the CPU? 180x220x65mm
 

MarcParis

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Likely no...too big a 180mm rad.

If you want to custom watercool cpu and gpu, my advice will be to go on 240mm on bottom and 92mm (could be double row like Black ICE Nemesis M92GTX) on rear (external as there are cutout, just below fan)


Based on my current setup, it could be a nice & clean way to fully watercool both cpu and gpu..:D
 

Tachy

Cable Smoosher
Aug 20, 2017
11
0
Alright, I hadn't considered an external radiator, since I wanted a more portable option.
How come you've gone with slim Nocs on the side and top?
 

MarcParis

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Slim noctua, slim fans more generally, are mandatory on top. I tried to put some 25mm thick fan but it was touching vrm radiator.

On side panel, slim fan was recommended as 25mm thick fan is pushing a bit too hard on tubes. I tried 140mm/120mm 25mm but it was too tough for my tubing.

You can put a 140mm rad on side bracket you have a maximum clearance of around 142mm between side panel and cpu top.

You can also consider 240mm rad on bottom plus 140/120mm rad on side...however you need to define a pump/reservoir position. Maybe a d5 pump + horizontal reservoir or xspc ion on front panel.

Hey..there are combo of full watercooling that i was thinking..:)
 
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