kmp.cooling
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Build Update – Back from Summer Break Hi everyone, I’m finally back at work after the summer holidays (a bit later than expected this year ) and ready to continue with the Star Citizen–themed build. Liquid Metal Application I decided to apply Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra between the CPU and the cooler, which in this case is an EKWB liquid-cooled monoblock designed for this motherboard. It’s an extremely high-performance product, but not for everyone: tricky to spread, highly electrically conductive, and requires a steady hand and proper experience. My advice: if you’re curious to try it, make sure to research the pros and cons thoroughly before applying it! NVMe SSD Installation Already introduced in previous updates, it’s finally installed: a high-performance drive with 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds. A solid addition that will ensure the system is more than capable of handling both gaming and productivity without compromises. For now, I’ll leave you with the pictures: as always, they tell the story better than words. That’s all for this update — see you soon with more progress!
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[PROJECT UPDATE] CPU INSTALL & RAM SPONSOR SHOWCASE Today marks an important update on the assembly of the Star Citizen-themed build. I’ve installed the Ryzen 9 7950X3D into the AM5 socket, along with the Thermal Paste Guard, which ensures a clean and precise application of thermal paste while keeping the stock retention system in place. FOCUS: CORSAIR DOMINATOR TITANIUM RGB DDR5 The highlight of this update is without a doubt the RAM: I’ve installed the stunning CORSAIR DOMINATOR TITANIUM RGB DDR5 64GB (2×32GB) 6000MHz CL30, together with the Dominator Titanium Light Enhancement Kit, filling up all four DIMM slots. The result is incredibly clean and symmetrical, with an aesthetic impact that perfectly matches the RSI/UEE philosophy behind this mod. The Dominator Titanium modules are not just raw performance, but also premium design and build quality: sleek lines, refined finishes, and a fully customizable RGB lighting system through iCUE, which will play a key role in recreating the tech-military atmosphere of this project. For now, they’re installed in their standard configuration, but I’m already working on a custom personalization to make them a true core part of the Star Citizen concept. What do you think? Have you also fallen in love with these gorgeous RAM sticks like I did?
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Thank you for noticing the attention to detail. I really appreciate receiving any kind of feedback on the project: if you have observations or suggestions, feel free to share them. I always read everything with interest and value the exchange we can still have through platforms like this.
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[PROJECT UPDATE] FIRST SPONSOR – CORSAIR I’m truly excited to share a very important milestone for this Star Citizen-themed mod: today I welcome my first official sponsor, Corsair. It’s an incredible honor for me to collaborate with a brand I’ve been using and trusting for years, and now seeing it officially supporting this project feels amazing . HARDWARE RECEIVED CORSAIR DOMINATOR TITANIUM RGB DDR5 – 64GB (2×32GB) 6000MHz CL30 CORSAIR DOMINATOR TITANIUM – LIGHT ENHANCEMENT KIT Two components that, besides delivering outstanding performance, also stand out for their unique design and premium aesthetics — a perfect match with the RSI/UEE-inspired atmosphere I’m recreating in this build. WHY THIS IS SPECIAL The Dominator Titanium series represents the perfect balance between performance and design. The dynamic RGB lighting is fully customizable via iCUE, allowing me to create scenarios and atmospheres that echo the futuristic and technical look of the Star Citizen universe. Thanks to the Light Enhancement Kit, all DDR5 slots will be filled, ensuring a clean and symmetrical visual result — exactly what a detail-focused mod like this requires. CONCLUSIONS I couldn’t be happier: having Corsair on board is a huge motivation to push this project to the next level. A sincere thank you to Corsair for their trust and support This journey has just begun — stay tuned, there’s much more to come!
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NEW UNIT ONBOARD: The CPU takes the stage Polaris' hardware is taking shape, and after unveiling the motherboard, it was time to introduce the beating heart of the system. In the first pictures, you can see an overview of the new arrival: the CPU in all its glory next to the ROG Crosshair X670E HERO previously showcased. Two components that together form a solid, balanced foundation, ready to push the Star Citizen-oriented experience I have in mind to its full potential. Details on the CPU & protection The following images focus more on the processor itself. You’ll notice the thermal paste guard applied — a small but important detail that will help keep things clean during the custom cooling system installation. This too is part of the precision work and attention to detail I’m trying to carry out step by step… although, I’ll admit, there’s always a bit of extra excitement every time I open a new box Polaris is heating up… in every sense. Stay tuned — the next phases will definitely be more “visible”… and maybe even a little surprising. Work in progress…
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ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X670E HERO "Built for those who dare." In a project like this, every component plays a specific role. But the motherboard isn’t just a base: it’s the neural core of the entire system. TECH SPECS (SUMMARY) Socket: AM5 – full support for Ryzen 7000 Chipset: X670E – AMD flagship platform RAM: DDR5 – up to 192GB OC Expansion: PCIe 5.0 – ready for next-gen GPU & SSDs VRM: 18+2 stages – ultra-stable power delivery Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, USB 10Gbps Aesthetics: stealth black, mirror inserts, clean RGB lines ROG TrueVolt, Q-Code, Debug LED – advanced build features FUNCTION IN THE MOD The Crosshair X670E Hero will be the logical and engineering brain of my Star Citizen-themed mod. It blends structural strength, electrical precision, and aesthetics aligned with the RSI design philosophy. With sharp edges, brushed finishes and a clean layout, it looks like it was built in an RSI engineering bay. It will serve as the command bridge, controlling, optimizing and monitoring every system process. UNBOXING & FIRST LOOK Photos show the full unboxing and first setup on the test bench. What stands out? The massive heatsinks, the clean PCB design and the weight of a true flagship. No visual mods planned at this stage... but never say never. "Some motherboards are sacred. Others? Temptation wins."
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NEW MODULE ON BOARD: Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 “Surgical precision for the Polaris audio command deck” After refining every aesthetic, functional, and engineering detail of my Star Citizen-themed mod, it was time to address one of the most sensitive — and often underestimated — areas of any system: sound processing. SELECTED SOUND CARD: Sound Blaster AE-9 The choice fell on a true flagship in its category: the Sound Blaster AE-9 by Creative. ESS SABRE 9038 DAC – supports DSD and PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz 129 dB dynamic range – studio-grade signal-to-noise ratio XAMP amplifier – discrete dual op-amp with separate power supply External control module – aluminum finish, with XLR + 48V phantom power 5.1 / 7.1 support – advanced surround, perfect for gaming too Advanced technologies – Scout Mode, CrystalVoice, Sound Core3D, DTS, Dolby A professional audio card disguised as PCIe, ready to serve both RSI pilots and the most demanding creators. ROLE IN THE MOD In my setup, it will be the core of audio management, delivering ultra-clean sound output for music, editing, gaming, and streaming. The design? A spacecraft in itself: brushed metal finish, sharp angles, geometric cuts… a look fully in line with the RSI aesthetic. PAIRED WITH iLoud Micro MONITORS Downstream, the AE-9 will work alongside the iLoud Micro monitors by IK Multimedia. Small in size, huge in detail: Flat frequency response Internal DSP for room correction Optimized bass reflex Balanced outputs and neutral profile A deadly combo of technical precision and compact design. Photos show the unboxing and first hands-on. For now, the AE-9 won’t be modded... but hey, never say never. Some surprises might land in future updates A LITTLE CONFESSION... Let’s be honest: Don’t let the technical presentation fool you: I got it because it made my heart race. I would’ve found some excuse to integrate it anyway. Stay tuned, pilots.
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IT'S OFFICIAL: MDPC-X MATERIALS HAVE ARRIVED The custom sleeving phase is ready to begin After a carefully planned wait, all the necessary components to create fully handmade custom-sleeved cables have finally arrived: • Original MDPC-X sleeves • Matching heatshrink tubing • High-quality inner wires • Pins and connectors • Full crimping toolkit This isn’t just a technical step. It’s a process where design, cleanliness, and functionality merge to create a structural element of the build. Each cable will be crafted by hand, with obsessive attention to: symmetry visual cleanliness curve direction internal space optimization The goal isn’t just “making it work.” The goal is for every cable to look like an integrated part of the RSI aesthetic — as if it came standard in a spacefaring module. With MDPC-X, every detail is a statement of precision. German precision, Italian heart, RSI pilot spirit.
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Fan Customization Update – Star Citizen Logo Decals (Stencil + plotter + custom design) Hi everyone, As part of my Star Citizen-themed build, I wanted to add a distinctive touch to the radiator fans by recreating the original game logo with a clean and precise finish. Goal: to produce either decals or stencils to apply to the fans—I'll later decide whether to leave them as stickers or use them as a guide for direct paint application. Work process: The logo was fully redrawn in CAD, carefully replicating the original symmetry and proportions. I used a Silhouette Cameo to cut the vinyl, manually tuning pressure and depth settings to get clean, tear-free edges. After a few tests, I produced a small batch of high-adhesion vinyl decals, optimized to fit perfectly on the fan diameter. Below are some shots showing the full process—from design to cutting to final decal production. Feedback is always welcome ✌
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Star Citizen Mod – Update 03 | SSD – Final Design Completed Just finished the final stage of work on the decorative SSD modules for the build. After cutting the last stencil layers using the plotter, I completed the paint job and all the final aesthetic details. Everything is reassembled: this is the definitive design, not a prototype or early version. Completed steps: Painted the central lion emblem, a direct reference to the Concierge program in Star Citizen. Used multi-layer stencils made with the plotter to ensure precise masking for each element. Applied a clean finish with acrylic paints, selected for their compatibility with matte black surfaces and clear protective coatings. Below are the finished pictures. I’m really curious to hear your thoughts: What do you think of the final result? What would you have done differently?
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Update #04 – RTX 4090 Backplate Completed Work on the Star Citizen-themed mod is progressing. In this update, I’ve finished painting and detailing the RTX 4090 backplate. Completed details: Painted the "Squadron 42" logo, a key reference to the single-player campaign of the game Added the Italian flag, a subtle personal touch within the design Finalized the overall backplate finish, now consistent with the build’s clean and technical look Result photos Feedback I’d love to hear your thoughts. Would you have done anything differently? Every comment or suggestion is appreciated—I'm putting great care into every detail. More updates coming soon!
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- rsi polaris
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Update #03 – Backplate and SSD Detail Painting Work continues with the painting of selected elements on the GPU backplate and decorative SSDs. In this step I refined: "Squadron 42" logo: Highlighted with a contrasting color, fully aligned with the build’s palette. Lion symbol: A key emblem of Star Citizen’s Concierge Program, reserved for high-tier backers, now featured on the SSDs. All elements were masked using plotter-cut stencils on ultra-thin vinyl, allowing for extremely precise airbrush application. Paints used were acrylic-based, selected specifically for matte black surfaces and to ensure compatibility with the upcoming clear coat layer. Color scheme: All tones were chosen to maintain consistency with the build’s visual identity, balancing highlight elements with clean, technical lines.
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Star Citizen Mod – Second Paint Phase: Level 2 Stencil and Blue Accents The work continues on the Star Citizen-inspired mod, entering the second paint phase, focused on applying the blue accent details using a custom-designed multi-layer stencil. This update highlights the outcome of the level 2 stencil production, a key step in defining the contrast and geometry of the visual design. The process demanded extreme precision — in several areas, the painted lines are less than half a millimeter thick, requiring careful execution during both masking and airbrushing. This blue layer completes the visual contrast of the mod, seamlessly integrating with the previously finished base coat. The images clearly showcase the result on two of the system’s most prominent components: The GPU, fully painted and masked through multiple passes The SSDs, treated as narrative-driven design elements inspired by RSI (Roberts Space Industries) Special attention was paid to the symmetry and visual consistency of the entire layout. Each component contributes to the graphic narrative of the mod, without compromising surface clarity or structural coherence.
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Painting Progress – Metallic Details Added Project: Star Citizen Mod – GPU Backplate Customization With the silhouette already completed in the previous step, this update focused on applying the first metallic grey highlights, laying the foundation for the multi-layered paint finish. Tasks completed: Removed main masking after base shape was finished Re-masked for targeted detailing Applied matte metallic grey spray paint to define outer panel structures Visual impact: This layer adds depth and contrast, emphasizing the industrial aesthetic of the Star Citizen universe through the interplay between matte black and metallic tones. Next steps: Application of colored details (blue, orange, white) Final protective clear coat
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First Layer Done! | Star Citizen Mod – RTX 4090 The first coat of paint has been applied to the backplate, using the stencils designed in AutoCAD. This was a delicate step, carried out with airbrush and precision masking, to begin bringing the Squadron 42 and Polaris-inspired design to life. The Italian flag proudly seals the work — a tribute to Made in Italy modding. In the upcoming stages, we’ll move forward with additional layers, shading, and final detailing. The project is progressing, and the vision is starting to take shape!
