Dusk

First build in a decade. Aim was for gaming rig capable of 1440p/144Hz @ High Settings.

Was just going to upgrade core components (CPU, Mobo, GPU & RAM), but after doing this, it didn't seem right to keep my old (yet great, post-modified) case & an old desk from over 10 years ago. So plans changed, & the core upgrade turned into a full system/desk overhaul.

Performance was the main goal, but seeing many builds online, I took a liking to how certain use of RGB could turn the PC & desk into a cool (yet understated) featured area of the home.

For the record, I detest rainbow RGB. Watching many builders' channels on YouTube, I couldn't work out why so many used that cliche/messy lighting effect to promote their channel/rigs. I prefer subtle, ambient lighting myself.

The lighting theme for this setup was inspired by an accidental combination of two lights; the orange desk lamp + blue rear LED of the new monitor...The light purplish result made me think of a sunset, glowing over the late evening sky...

So as the build progressed, I wanted to focus on maintaining cooling performance whilst adding subtle RGB that reflected (sometimes literally) the above theme. Reflected as in the mini-theme between the mouse pad & keyboard - their lights are mirrored in both colour & fading effect from the point of 'collision', which ended up being a nice touch, complimenting the Orange/Blue/Violet theme across the desk, in the background & into the case.

I work with cables most days, so that aspect of the build wasn't neglected either - I try to keep cable ties to a minimum as I love my Velcro ties (felt side in, so as to not grate away at paracord & to make them easier to slide along cables to perfect spacing).

Very happy with performance-noise ratio. It's Winter here: 10 degree (Celsius) day. With the heater on (~17-20 degrees inside), CPU's Idly sitting at 32, GPU Edge/Hotspot at 32/34 respectively, & at 33dB. Under load, CPU is 68, GPU Edge/Hot Spot are 78/90, at 43dB.