I spent about four hours last night mounting the second EK X2 waterblock and getting it installed. Mounting the block is simple enough; albeit, time consuming because of all the mosfets that need thermal tape cut to size.

The other three hours of time were spent with several failed attempts to get both monster cards with all that Tygon to fit in the case. Mother of god that was a huge PITA. I've never had to modify my basic case setup for an installation up until now. Two of the exhaust fans had to be removed at the top of the case. Two reasons: one is that the cards are two close in proximity to one another to allow connection through in-line barbs: the barbs literally overlap - they don't clear. Second: all Tygon has to be run from opposing sides of the cards or else the tubing blocks the path of the other card. I tried three or four different configurations to find one that works. I finally found a solution, but took forever.

I'm leak -*test*-('")ing at the moment. So far, so good. Both cards installed; all temps nice and low. Until Everest UE releases an update, I can't use it to monitor GPU temp.

There's scant room in the case for more additions -- or reason for additions. I found a small nook for one upgrade in anticipation of FW. Guess what's in the box. Here is the way it was received from the shipper -- and the unique packaging.

I was going to slap you in the face with a velvet glove and challenge you to a 3dmark01 duel but after seeing that 'cold sak' package I'm having 2nd thoughts now..

Is it one of those dry ice packs you put on your head when you have a headache or something..

Go on tell us what it is eh....

Sorry, guys, wasn't trying to be coquettish. I got side tracked getting the Neb back online. She booted up fine with the new card and plumbing in place. Sure wish they would release those crossfire drivers. Yesterday.

I can't take credit for the new addition, as it was our favorite Aussie's suggestion as an alternative to the good Professor's suggestion of I-RAM.

I do take credit for research the SSD drives pretty extensively in my quest for the very fas-*test*-('") available. I believe I found it, but at a price (don't ask).

Here's a Maximum PC review: Mtron MSD-S25032

Read speed: 100 MB/s. Write Speed: 80 MB/s

The 32GB drive is big enough to run the OS and benchmarks from. It should add a few points to PCMark05 -- maybe a few other benches. Thought it was worth a go.



The guy did an amazing job of packing the drive for shipping. Don't ask me why he used the insulated paper sack, but I thought it ironic and humorous, given all the LN2 talk.

Zowie! I see they've "come down" to QX price levels. Fast little suckers!!

Jeez Louise.. thats over $1000 for a 32G drive... More expensive than my phase change unit...

You know what... I was gonna guess it was either an I-RAM or an SSD.. But damn it that 'cold sak' packaging threw me right off eh.. Now imagine 2 of those in RAID0..

I want one.... This shoudl help your Geekbench score as I do believe it has a HDD component in the -*test*-('"), that being said, I'm against the inclusion of geekbench in this years FW. Just making my position clear in the beginning so I can say 'I told you so' when its over...

I heard that Samsung is planning on mass producing SSD's soon which should cut costs considerably for the average consumer.

Looks like (thankfully) Geekbench only -*test*-('")s the proc and mem, since I don't really want to spring for an SSD.

http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/

I re-read that H.I.S. driver post, Jason, and you do have to install VISTA to get the claimed crossfire release. I'm going to wait for the March 8.3 x-fire release, since I'm doubting whether that driver is really a good x-fire driver. However, if you wanna prove me wrong ... .

I looked at a 64GB Samsung disk that was the same cost as the 32GB Mtron. Problem is that the speeds are a fraction of the Mtron's at 60 mb/s read, 40 mb/s write. Same with Super Talent's SSD's, yet they run higher in cost. Little rhyme or reason in pricing, but Mtron produces the fas-*test*-('") SSD's out there. Many of the SSD's are promoted as fast, but run slower than a Raptor.

Very nice Jason!!! FWs aside, you should absolutely love the quickness of that drive. Lets see, SSD for the OS, and 4 raptors in raid 0 for the rest. Oh my!

That thing is going to boot up in seconds.

Thanks guys, I think it will be a nice performance boost; although probably won't impact the FW scores much one way or the other.

I've been hitting the mod stuff on the two rigs pretty hard these past two weeks, so am taking a day off. I'll install the SSD tomorrow and post an update.

Take two - you've been working really hard there, bud.

Don't get burned out early. Take your time and enjoy.