Zeuligan

The whole concept when I started thinking about my custom PSU cover or secondary floor, were to mount the top of the pump above the floor and hide the pump under. Adding to that effect I wanted the reservoir next to it.
 
When I created my initial drawing I didn't have the pump measurements. It was very exciting to realise it was wider then I thought and had the same dimensions as the reservoir. It was time to cut the top floor and put my custom EKWB D5 pump and Aqualis XT 880 ml bracket to good use.
 

My original sketch that I used for planning and discussing the pros and cons of my mounting. It's not an optimal pump / reservoir placement, but it will work and it will stay true to my mod and my design theme.
 
 

 
Started to take measurements of the height of the bracket. Had an idea of securing the bracket with the rubber grommets included with the case, but those extra 2mm was enough to push the bracket into the floor. Might need to cut of part of the EKWB pump bracket in final fitting, but glad that I was on track. 
 
 

 
Measuring center and left most placement I can go without pushing the Aqualis XT 880 ml reservoir into the case front fans. Nervous to cut two giant holes in my floor, but this looked just right. Placement of the custom EKWB D5 and Aqualis bracket pretty much sorted it self, due to the case holes below, but I had some room to push the top floor 8mm.
 
 

 
A previous trip to the hardware store had secured a new drill measuring 80mm, same as both the pump and the Aqualis XT 880 reservoir. Well, 78mm for the pump to be precise, but a little room is needed. I sacrificed a piece of 5mm acrylic to do a test drill to ensure it would work and with a few stops to clean the drill and let the acrylic cool was all it took. Fastened the custom floor, now ready, and went to work to cut my two holes.
 
 

 
So happy with the result. Looks just as I had envisioned it almost 2 months ago when I started planning this build in my head. The fit was perfect and my previously crafted bracket even more perfect. Just one more thing to ensure, would the Aqualis XT 880 reservoir fit?
 
 

 
Like a glove My top floor piece or PSU cover as I originally called it, was finally done. Still some work to do to glue the floor to the previously crafted custom PSU Cover front side that will eventually cover my Corsair RM1000i PSU and EKWB D5 pump.
 
 

 
The height of the top floor combined with the bracket was just perfect. Happy when measurements are correct and you get to see the result of an idea. I'm extremely happy at this point. Only one thing left to do and that is to combine this top part with the side part and then final finish.
 
 

 
At this point I haven't been able to secure real acrylic cement in Sweden. Superglue had to due and not worried as the piece isn't going to be transparent, but it's on my shopping list. Added weights to get as good bond as possible and sat down to wait for it to set. 
 
 

 
Glued and done! Now the shape of my floor is more visible. Made sure from start it would be as tight fit as possible. Also added two channels for cables and ventilation matching the case bottom motherboard bracket.
 
 

 
Made a cardboard / paper motherboard just to secure size, height and placement of the motherboard. Final finish and last mounting adjustments coming in next update...

Also felt that i need to mention how impressive that acrylic work was. This build is super complex and I'm loving keeping an eye on it.

@Zeuligan love it. I'm really excited to see end result. Really cool project.

Thank you very much for your kind words and support. First mod, so always extra special to get positive feedback. Tyvm <3

It is finally time for me to start my first modding project, feels very exciting. I have spent many months reading forums and reviews trying to decide on what case to base my build on. That case decision outlines all other hardware, specially my custom water loop components as the case defines the dimensions available. To make the project even more exciting and challenging I decided to not only do my first mod, but also to build my very first water cooled computer and go all in with full loop and hard lines. I hope I can inspire someone with this build, but happy as I finally found my passion – building and modding computers.

Basic concept
I wanted to create a computer that could pass only for a piece of furniture. First idea was to convert a 300mm wide kitchen cabinet that is part of my location built gaming desk, but abandoned that idea early. Instead the concept of a Scandinavian inspired design theme that would work as a design piece inspired by a furniture was born. Black, white and grey quickly formed the colour theme and strict and clean lines with light surfaces formed around the Scandinavian theme. Light wood was out of the loop from start
 
This foundation has formed all my choices when picking components as well. Keep true to the theme, colours and concept. This theme also made it easy not to jump on the RGB train. This is an unsponsored project, except from my amazing girlfriend, that is my biggest sponsor.
 
Sponsors
I want to thank my sponsor that joined mid this project - be quiet!
I'm both humble and proud. Thank you so much for your trust!

 
Hardware
Case: Be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 black
Motherboard: ASUS Z270 ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO
Processor: Intel Core i7 7700K 4,2GHz Socket 1151
Ram: G.Skill Trident Z Black/White DDR4 PC25600/3200MHz CL16 4x8GB
PSU: be quiet! Dark Power Pro 11
GPU: ASUS GTX 1080 Ti Founders edition
3M di-noc carbon fiber, black and white
 
Water cooling components
Radiator: Hardwarelabs Black Ice Nemesis Radiator GTS 420 X-Flow
CPU waterblock: EKWB EK-FB ASUS M9H Monoblock – Nickel
GPU waterblock: EKWB EK-FC1080 GTX Ti – Nickel
Pump: EKWB EK-XTOP Revo D5 PWM plexi
Reservoir: Aquacomputer aqualis PRO 880 ml with nano coating and LED holder
Fans for radiator: 3 x be quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM 140mm
Fans for chassi: 4 x be quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM 140mm
Fan for PSU cover: 1 x be quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM 140mm
Fittings: Alphacool Eiszapfen 13mm HardTube compression fitting G1/4 deep black
Pass through fittings: EKWB 13/10mm G1/4 black
Tube: Alphacool HardTube 13/10mm PETG clear 80cm
 
Product images
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Oliver the modder dog
He will be joining me through the project. He is very meticulous about sniffing, drewling and adding fur on all components and surfaces. Very friendly and helpful!
 

It is finally time for me to start my first modding project, feels very exciting. I have spent many months reading forums and reviews trying to decide on what case to base my build on. That case decision outlines all other hardware, specially my custom water loop components as the case defines the dimensions available. To make the project even more exciting and challenging I decided to not only do my first mod, but also to build my very first water cooled computer and go all in with full loop and hard lines. I hope I can inspire someone with this build, but happy as I finally found my passion – building and modding computers.

Basic concept
I wanted to create a computer that could pass only for a piece of furniture. First idea was to convert a 300mm wide kitchen cabinet that is part of my location built gaming desk, but abandoned that idea early. Instead the concept of a Scandinavian inspired design theme that would work as a design piece inspired by a furniture was born. Black, white and grey quickly formed the colour theme and strict and clean lines with light surfaces formed around the Scandinavian theme. Light wood was out of the loop from start
 
This foundation has formed all my choices when picking components as well. Keep true to the theme, colours and concept. This theme also made it easy not to jump on the RGB train. This is an unsponsored project, except from my amazing girlfriend, that is my biggest sponsor.
 
Sponsors
I want to thank my sponsor that joined mid this project - be quiet!
I'm both humble and proud. Thank you so much for your trust!

 
Hardware
Case: Be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 black
Motherboard: ASUS Z270 ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO
Processor: Intel Core i7 7700K 4,2GHz Socket 1151
Ram: G.Skill Trident Z Black/White DDR4 PC25600/3200MHz CL16 4x8GB
PSU: be quiet! Dark Power Pro 11
GPU: ASUS GTX 1080 Ti Founders edition
3M di-noc carbon fiber, black and white
 
Water cooling components
Radiator: Hardwarelabs Black Ice Nemesis Radiator GTS 420 X-Flow
CPU waterblock: EKWB EK-FB ASUS M9H Monoblock – Nickel
GPU waterblock: EKWB EK-FC1080 GTX Ti – Nickel
Pump: EKWB EK-XTOP Revo D5 PWM plexi
Reservoir: Aquacomputer aqualis PRO 880 ml with nano coating and LED holder
Fans for radiator: 3 x be quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM 140mm
Fans for chassi: 4 x be quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM 140mm
Fan for PSU cover: 1 x be quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM 140mm
Fittings: Alphacool Eiszapfen 13mm HardTube compression fitting G1/4 deep black
Pass through fittings: EKWB 13/10mm G1/4 black
Tube: Alphacool HardTube 13/10mm PETG clear 80cm
 
Product images
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Oliver the modder dog
He will be joining me through the project. He is very meticulous about sniffing, drewling and adding fur on all components and surfaces. Very friendly and helpful!
 

Before building something, start to disassemble 
For me it’s almost scary how satisfying it is to receive new packages and components. With that in mind the feeling was maxed out when DHL called and said my new Be Quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 had arrived. I ran home like a moose on fire in a fashion that would probably have made even Goofy jealous, ears flapping and legs rolling. This time was right, let’s modding begin.
 

 
Aluminium panels separated from their siblings, family drama



 
Door and front panel without front dust filter mounted

 
Already when I started to disassemble the case I could feel the quality and the renowned modularity. Most of the panels, brackets are mounted with screws and clips making it feel like a modders dream. No need for a Dremel modding this case. It is easy to unmount, change, add and deduct as you feel. Could even mirror the entire case making either right or left desk placement possible Very impressive!
 
The inner frame almost fully striped. Only the top IO panel and top 5,25” bay are still in place in this picture. But fastened by screws, so they were removed fast after taking this picture. Even the HDD drive ladder visible in the back right of the case is fasted with screws. But it adds a lot of case rigidity so if you plan to remove it, I would recommend adding other structural construction.

 
Backside of the inner case. No, that cable management will not work, but nice with both fan and LED hub included.

 
Here will should add lots of radiator estate and fans when done Top case has room for a 420 Radiator.

 
Continued disassemble until all parts removable without brute force was removed.

 

 

 

 

Before building something, start to disassemble 
For me it’s almost scary how satisfying it is to receive new packages and components. With that in mind the feeling was maxed out when DHL called and said my new Be Quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 had arrived. I ran home like a moose on fire in a fashion that would probably have made even Goofy jealous, ears flapping and legs rolling. This time was right, let’s modding begin.
 

 
Aluminium panels separated from their siblings, family drama



 
Door and front panel without front dust filter mounted

 
Already when I started to disassemble the case I could feel the quality and the renowned modularity. Most of the panels, brackets are mounted with screws and clips making it feel like a modders dream. No need for a Dremel modding this case. It is easy to unmount, change, add and deduct as you feel. Could even mirror the entire case making either right or left desk placement possible Very impressive!
 
The inner frame almost fully striped. Only the top IO panel and top 5,25” bay are still in place in this picture. But fastened by screws, so they were removed fast after taking this picture. Even the HDD drive ladder visible in the back right of the case is fasted with screws. But it adds a lot of case rigidity so if you plan to remove it, I would recommend adding other structural construction.

 
Backside of the inner case. No, that cable management will not work, but nice with both fan and LED hub included.

 
Here will should add lots of radiator estate and fans when done Top case has room for a 420 Radiator.

 
Continued disassemble until all parts removable without brute force was removed.