Project Nighthawk

[mark.snyder3]

Here is my first attempt at ever creating a truly custom PC. I have built computers in the past but never cared what they looked like.

 

I called this "Project Nighthawk" because I felt this case resembled the F117 Nighthawk fighter plane. Thus why I went with a Black, White and carbon themed build. 

 

Let me know what you guys think.

 

Components:

Mobo: AsRock Z77-Pro4

CPU: Intel 2570K Overclocked to 4.2Ghz

Ram: 16GB G-Skill RipJaw 1333

GPU: 2x AMD 7770 Overclocked Editions in Crossfire

Hard Drives:   Intel 520 Series 180GB SSD (Boot)

                      Seagate Momentus 750GB Hybrid Drive (Storage)

                      Seagate Barracuda 1TB  (Raid 1 backup)

PSU: Rocketfish 1000W max (900W constant) 80plus silver modular power supply

ROM: LG Blu-ray/DVD/CD Burner

Case: Zalman Z11+ HF1

CPU Cooler: Antec Kholer 620

Ram Cooling: Akust Ram Heat Spreaders (Just to match the theme of the build)

Case Fans: 3x NZXT 120mm White LED fans. (1 Front Intake, 2 Top Exhaust)

                   1x NZXT 120mm White fans (H2O cooler)

 

 

Modifications:

Custom White LED light in Power switch

Painted all PCI Slot covers White. (Including the ones on the GPU's)

Painted all front bay covers white. (Including LG Blu-ray Drive)

Painted Hard Drive Toolless retention plate White.

Carbon Fiber Vinyl added to Graphics cards, PSU, and CPU Heatsink

Individually Sleeved all PSU Cables and Cathode Light.

Painted 2.5" Hard Drive sleds and Cathode power inverter black.

 

Carbon Fiber on the graphics cards

Some of the custom paint work

Replacing the stock RAM heat spreaders with Akust ones to match the build

Got rid of the stock red LED in the power switch and added a white one to match the build.

Razer Lycosa Keyboard and Logitech MX Performance Mouse both covered in Carbon Fiber to match the build. (Haven't figured out how to switch the back light in the keyboard to white yet)

[joelthezombie15]

I take it you like carbon fiber? It looks really cool.

[mark.snyder3]

I do like carbon fiber but it also kind of fit with my "Stealth Fighter" theme for the build.  I tried not to over do it.

[extremescouter]

The carbon fiber looks really cool, and the build in general looks amazing!

[mark.snyder3]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[Nit3Rid3R]

Looks alright, the motherboard isn't very appealing to my eyes. 

[itslegendddd]

I think the only keyboard that Razer makes that can change back light color is the Razer Anansi might be wrong about that though. Otherwise awesome build where you get the carbon fiber wrap at?

[mark.snyder3]

There are tons of places online where you can get it from.  Just google 3M Carbon fiber vinyl.  I don't remember where I had ordered it from exactly.

 

As for the mobo. I too wasn't a huge fan of the brown PCB, but it had the black heat sinks that stand out more and was in my price range at the time.

[Ps_domingo]

why not paint the rear IO shield white as well? :)

Also a bit more Cable Management maybe? :) 

Great color coordination man! I like the Carbon Fiber. :> 

[mark.snyder3]

I agree I should have.  By the time I thought about it though, already had a lot of the stuff installed.  Yes I know thats an excuse. I guess I just got lazy and tired of not having a PC. unfortunately the case doesn't have the best space for cable management.  I'm thinking of creating some sort of plate though that will cover some of it.  Just haven't figured out the best way to do so yet.

[mark.snyder3]

Also a question to you guys out there.  What would you be willing to spend for this rig?  I'm looking at selling it so I can build a new system.  Yes I get bored easily and am looking to do something with my summer.  Especially with the new Intel chips coming out and new GTX 780.

[Brissinger6]

I like the carbon finishes, especially on your mouse and keyboard!

Does it change the grip of your mouse?

[mark.snyder3]

No not really.  If anything it gave it a texture which I actually prefer.

[mmnnmmyum]

Are those the pure cadence in the picture or the pure flows?

[mark.snyder3]

lol Not a question I thought I would get on this post but they are the pure cadence.  Although those are what I wear for races, my everyday run shoe is the pure flow.

[mark.snyder3]

Are those the pure cadence in the picture or the pure flows?

lol Not a question I thought I would get on this post but they are the pure cadence.  Although those are what I wear for races, my everyday run shoe is the pure flow.

[Theblasphemouscoffee]

Why does everyone else make there Z11 look better than mine. anyways nice build

Love the carbon fiber

[mmnnmmyum]

lol Not a question I thought I would get on this post but they are the pure cadence.  Although those are what I wear for races, my everyday run shoe is the pure flow.

haha sorry man. I work at a running shoe store and looking at running shoes and figuring out what they are is a disease for me

[Nicktrance]

love the carbon fiber and white touches :D

[mark.snyder3]

Thanks guys! Means a lot that you guys like it.

[notenoughtv]

Put a carbon fiber sticker on the Crossfire bridge

[That Norwegian Guy]

24 pin cable looks a bit disorderly, right now the prime suspect in taking this build from awesome down to good. I must commend you on the choice of case. I think it's a super crap case, but in this particular build it's just brilliant.

[mark.snyder3]

24 pin cable looks a bit disorderly, right now the prime suspect in taking this build from awesome down to good. I must commend you on the choice of case. I think it's a super crap case, but in this particular build it's just brilliant.

The 24 pin is well done but just the way the cables sit the colors don't stay in order.  Looking at maybe getting a cable stay to get it to line up better.  As for the case, I love the look of it, but as far a functionality, it's got some nice features but also quite a few headaches.

[mark.snyder3]

Any ideas out there for my next theme'd build?

[mark.snyder3]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190852120863?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649