So there is a way to run UE without spending a fortune on dewars and snapping your fingers off. But darn, AI has sworn off 'tweaks that aren't cheats'.

If any of you would like the technologically agile SO's take on the pre-, intra-, and post-operative mechanations, just ask.

In all seriousness: Not only was the "patient" (computer case) prepared for safe surgery (painters tape, too much Saran Wrap to be real, shope towels) but also the "surgeons" (read me and Jason). Eye protection (safety glasses), hearing protection (noise and frequency filtering headphones), and hand protection were used. Also, metal filaments were vaccumed at regular intervals, not only improving the efficacy of drilling but also the safety profile of the activities.

We're proud to say that the patient and both surgeons emerged from the operation unscathed, and we're all still talking to each other.

Marion ;-)))

Excellent - very glad to hear it Marion and Jason. Knew you'd pull through ok.

Now -- how are those post-sugery core temps? Have you gotten the patient's fever down below 40? And ... how are the temps when she's running hard on the treadmill?

We need to know whether a G0 quad brain transplant is worthwhile.

I just trusted my spectacles and then used Visine liberally to get the aluminum filings away from my pupils before they fell in and dug into my frontal lobe.

If any of you are thinking of drilling in/on/through your Lian-Li computer cases, may I offer my techologically based observations:

This case is described as "aluminum". I'd bet my two undergraduate physical sciences degrees that this is an aluminum composite, at least in some layers. I'm an analytical chemist and geochemist by training: translation, LOTS of laboratory equipment modifications that were pure kluge jobs. I've drilled aluminum blocks and braces, cut and drilled through machine cases, etc.: they were soft and easy to drill through. Neither bits nor drill [or operator, for that matter !;-)] got physically stressed or overheated. This operation was a different matter, at least until I/we changed tactics and bits.

In this operation, we used four separate bits; of these, I'd say two were truly optimal: one for drilling pilot holes and scoring the surface along pre-drawn guidelines, the other bit for following score line and drill/cutting.

Be careful: The painter's tape and adhesive can "smolder", especially in combination with aluminum (composite) filings and heat from the drilling. Also, good cross-ventilation is essential (I insisted). Were the filings very fine, I'd also have used a dust mask. Metal filings are nasty.

Any operational questions, just ask!
Marion ;-)

I agree. Cutting into a Lian Li is like cutting into a steel case. Maybe worse. I still hate taking the drill/saw to them as they really are beautifully made enclosures.

Temps have dropped 5C on both CPU (to 33C) and GPU (to 45C) following the Dremel two-step.

I had two of three fans running on the radiator prior to cutting the fan holes. Obviously, the fan holes help, but the Thermochill rads are designed to cool with minimum active cooling.

Also, prior to mounting the rad, I had the 120mm exhaust fan running, but not the two 80mm fans. Having those online also contributes to improved temps.

Bottom line, this radiator and block combination is a very effective one. As important, the Q6600 runs 10C cooler than the QX6700 and 6850. I think the chip's responsiveness to w-cooling and its native, cooler operating temps add up to a strong quad candidate for overclocking.

As soon as I've run benchmarks on water I'll post them. It will be a day or two before I get around to this, as my next project is to swap out three 7200 rpm HDD's for three Raptor drives (giving me four, total). With four matching drives, I will be able to run them all off the RAID card.

I agree. I wanted to install a rad up top but couldn't bring myself to cutting my Lian-Li.

Each of you that have made the cuts have done a maserful job and I applaud your talents.

Here are a few recent photos with face complete and lighting added (one UV LED strip to play off the UV purple ICE coolant). I crafted a reservoir mounting bracket using parts from a HDD isolation bracket. The 6" reservoir is hidden behind the drive bay panel. I'll add some night shots at a later date. All that remains is to do a little more cable management up top and install the trim and filters for two of the three radiator fans. With a monster PC P&C 1KW PSU mounted at the top of the case, there is only so much that can be done to hide cables.

WOW!!! That looks sharp! Nice job Jason.

Nice job Jason. That should be a real solid setup. Cant wait to see how it performs.

That thing is beautiful. Can't wait to see it breathe fire

You have my computer confused for my fiancee.

The trim and fan grills along with two SATA DVD-RW drives arrived today. While installing those I noticed that both connectors to the power button were about to break (one did), so I won't have bench marks posted until I get the new Bulgin power switch Tuesday from Performance PC.