L4N And The Watercooled MARS II, By L3P

Attributing the word 'unique' to L4N (or, LAN) feels like an understatement, even though it could be the dictionary definition. This is because you simply won't find another custom watercooled MARS II anywhere else. It was designed, cut and built from the ground up over several months, and while it forms the part of an equally good case mod - one that deserves recognition in its own right - it's hard not to focus on this one, significant achievement! If you're interested more about L3P's modding, you can also read our previous interview with him. You can also see the full build logs in the ROG modding forum. If you love this mod, follow the next project, Red Harbinger, on Facebook.

Starting Off With An Origen-ae HTPC Case

"...it was time to prepare my next build and I took the step to go for the Origen S21T HTPC case. Before I started in the world of modding and watercooling, I played a lot with HTPC's, Back then I fell in love with all the cases of Origen AE.  I wanted to build something that is easier to take to LANs then my previous build. I have also chosen this case because i didn't see it being modded [by others] much yet. [Despite the choice of case, this] won't become an HTPC, but a real watercooled gamer PC." [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Full Spec:

• Origen AE S21T Black

• ASUS ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z
• ASUS ROG MARS II 2DIS/3GD5 with custom fullcover POM/Copper/Alu waterblock by Mr3D & Quepee & L3p

• Intel Core i7 2600K
• Corsair Dominator GT 16GB 2133MHz CL9 Quad Kit DDR3
• 2x Corsair Force GT 180GB SSD
• Cooler Master Silent Pro M1000 (MDPC Color-X sleeved) PSU

• Koolance Reservoir/Pump/Controller RP-1000BK Black
• Koolance Heat Sink for PMP-400
• Koolance INS-FM17 Coolant Flow Meter & Adapter Board INS-FM17

• EK-CoolStream RAD XT (120)
• EK-CoolStream RAD XTC (140)
• EK-CoolStream RAD XTC (280)
• EK-Supreme HF - Acetal
• EK-DDC X-RES 100 - Acetal
• EK-MOSFET Max IV Gene - Acetal
• EK-Ekoolant Blood RED 2x

• 4x Enermax T.B. Vegas Duo UCTVD14A 140mm Fan - Blue/Red- 1500RPM
• Enermax T.B. Vegas Duo UCTVD12A 120mm Fan - Blue/Red- 1700RPM

• Lots of Bitspower Crystal links and Bitspower C48's
• Bitspower Rad and Fan Guards

• TteSports Challenger Ultimate Gaming Keyboard
• TteSports Shock One Gaming Headset
• TteSports Black Element Gaming Mouse
• TteSports Ladon Gaming Mouse Pad
• TteSports Battle Dragon Bag

Testing Out The LEDs

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVT51_OSA4g[/video]

Wiring Up The Cooler Master PSU

In red & black? ROG approved! [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Time To Cut Some Extra Fan Holes

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYf6q7XR5eo[/video]

Intel CPU Lapping

Protect the delicate bits on the bottom, then whip out the high-grit to make it shine. [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

It's GENE time!

[gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Watercooling the GENE

L3P got the very first VRM MOSFET block for the Maximus IV GENE-Z from EK - it was even customized! Nice! "I just had to compare the colours of the sleeving and mainboard. I'm very happy with it!" [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Introducing the MARS II

"While I was posting these pictures on Facebook I got an offer from Daniel | Mr3D to design an EKWB look-a-like fullcover block! Right after I posted Daniel wanted to do that, someone else offered to CNC mill it for me... Thanks a very lot both of you!" [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Designing The Waterblock

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D2nIykvnqc[/video]

Milling The Aluminum Top

[gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Laser Engraving The Case Window

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHLrE0Y1J7I[/video]

Milling The Waterblock

The 10.6KG copper block was cut to 6.4KG after the first milling, and then after the backside milling it was reduced further to 'only' 1.8KG! [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Nickel Plating

"Very glad I decided to nickelplate it. I have to say, all the tiny scratches that were already there are even more visible now in the right light. However I'm really satisfied!" [gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

L4N: The Final Build

[gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

The Final MARS II Block!

[gallery include="" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

At a recent ASUS event in Belgium  

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af8dAKQ-71s[/video]