Project AZISAI: i7-7700K | GTX 1080 | MasterCase Pro 3 | EK Water Cooling (Complete!)

[MdX MaxX]

Project AZISAI: Kaby Lake mATX Custom Water Cooled Build

 

Hello LTT Forum!

 

So I built my first desktop back in 2011, and that trusty 2600K/560-Ti rig has served me well through all of my five years of college and then some (though I admittedly haven't done much PC gaming in the past year or so).  But now that I've achieved independent adult status and am making a decent salary, it's about time I finally step it up and build myself a high-end machine.  I want it to seamlessly run modern titles at 2560x1440 with high refresh rates and be sexy and silent while doing it, so I'm going with the top-of-the-line hardware, custom water cooling, and a color-neutral theme with RGB lighting everywhere!

 

I'll be doing this build in parts, just because I won't have all the money at once.  Here are the components lists, with the stuff that's arrived or that I'm carrying over from my current PC in green:

 

 

Part 1: Tower

CPU: Intel Core i7-7700K

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 (until water cooling happens)

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z270G Gaming

Memory: 32GB (4x8GB) G.Skill TridentZ RGB DDR4-3200

Storage (OS): Samsung 950 Pro 256GB M.2

Storage (Data): Samsung 850 Evo 1TB

GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW

Chassis: Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 3 (w/ Tempered Glass side panel)

PSU: Corsair AX860i

PSU Cables: CableMod ModFlex Sleeved Cables (white)

120mm Fans: 4x Noctua NF-F12 LinusTechTips Special Edition (w/ white Noctua Chromax accents)

140mm Fans: 1x Noctua NF-A14 LinusTechTips Special Edition (w/ white Noctua Chromax accents)

Lighting: CableMod WideBeam Magnetic RGB Strips

 

Part 2: Peripherals

Monitor: Dell S2716DGR

Keyboard: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum (Cherry MX Brown)

Mouse: Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum

 

Part 3: Water Cooling

CPU Block: EK Supremacy EVO (Full Nickel)

GPU Block: EK FC1080 GTX FTW (Acetal+Nickel, Nickel Backplate)

Pump/Reservoir: EK RES X3 140 Revo D5 PWM

Fittings: EK ACF (Black Nickel)

Radiators: 2x EK CoolStream SE 240

Tubing: EK DuraClear 3/8" ID 5/8" OD

Coolant: EK Ekoolant Pastel White

 

 

I'm glad I stocked up on the beautiful Linus edition Noctuas back in April.  Finally they'll be put to good use!

 

So as soon as the Kaby Lake Desktop parts hit, I'll be placing my orders for the tower.  CES can't come soon enough!

 

Stay tuned for updates!

[Str8f4c3]

Super Excited to see how this pans out! Also really excited for CES and hopefully some 1080ti stuff!

[KrZaj]

subbed!

[MdX MaxX]

First up, the MasterCase Pro 3!  (all the photos are from my One M8's potato camera, sorry for that lol)

 

Spoiler

 

Some disassembly to explore the case and ditch some pieces I won't be using.

 

I'm glad I went with the 3 over the 5, the compact size is quite nice.  It's actually not much smaller than my ATX midtower CM Storm Enforcer (it's a bit taller even), but it uses the space much more effectively for sure.  The Enforcer has abysmal water cooling support, with only a rear 120 rad supported natively.

 

I've ordered most of the tower and parts should show up throughout the week!  By next weekend I should have everything save for the memory (hopefully that releases within the next two weeks) and the cablemod stuff (waiting for the motherboard so I can use the 20% off coupon).  Also waiting for the tempered glass side panel to show up on the US CM Store because I definitely want in on that trend!

 

More photos to come!

[EmoChipmonk]

Im curious how the Dark Rock pro 3 can handle the temps of the I7 7700k as im planning on getting the same and overclocking. Since its so new now and i would prefer to get the parts i need when i have the money. I hear the I7 7700k has some thermal problems on retail chips on an OC and stock so if you would post thermals when you have it assembled that would be awesome.

[MdX MaxX]

12 hours ago, EmoChipmonk said:

Im curious how the Dark Rock pro 3 can handle the temps of the I7 7700k as im planning on getting the same and overclocking. Since its so new now and i would prefer to get the parts i need when i have the money. I hear the I7 7700k has some thermal problems on retail chips on an OC and stock so if you would post thermals when you have it assembled that would be awesome.

Oops, I have a Dark Rock 3, not the Pro lol.  Fixed the OP.

 

I likely won't even bother overclocking until I get the water loop going since it shouldn't be on air for too long. 

[EmoChipmonk]

If you could try just a small OC and post thermals without the OC that would be apreciated

[MdX MaxX]

On 1/9/2017 at 5:27 PM, EmoChipmonk said:

If you could try just a small OC and post thermals without the OC that would be apreciated

Sure, I can check that out.  Maybe I'll see how well ASUS's auto overclock thing works.

 

Got a whole bunch of goodies in the mail yesterday!

 

MicroATX is a fantastic form factor, I'm surprised it isn't nearly as popular as ATX honestly.

 

I'll be ditching the ACX cooler for a water block soon enough, but I can enjoy its beauty for a few weeks at least.

 

Goodbye mechanical storage, I won't miss you.

 

I realized that all the 120mm fans will be hidden behind radiators once I do the loop...oh well, I'll know the accents color match and that's all that matters .

 

Spoiler

Boo the box came all beat up I like using my boxes as decoration lol

Expensive as hell but the reviews all say it's the cream of the crop so

Sorry linus but the orange isn't quite gonna work in this build

I'm gonna have an extra fan lol I don't think I was set on MicroATX yet when I bought these

 

It'll all come together soon!  I'll have the 950 Pro in my hands tomorrow, I've placed my CableMod order, and I've pre-ordered the G.Skill TridentZ RGB modules on newegg.  The tower should be all good to go by the end of January!

 

Still crossing my fingers for that tempered glass side panel though...

 

This is gonna be one hell of an upgrade.

[EmoChipmonk]

Thanks. Parts got moved till Febuary so i now have time to find out weather or not i have made  a good decision or not for my plans

 

[MdX MaxX]

Way more storage speed than I could possibly take advantage of

[EmoChipmonk]

5 hours ago, MdX MaxX said:

Way more storage speed than I could possibly take advantage of

Over kill? : Yes
Sexy as Hell? : HELL YES.

The envy is real. Any thoughts on getting some WD red drives for long term storage (or getting a nas or somthing)

[MdX MaxX]

On 1/14/2017 at 1:40 AM, EmoChipmonk said:

Any thoughts on getting some WD red drives for long term storage (or getting a nas or somthing)

I don't have a very large media collection, so 1TB has been pretty okay for me.  Maybe at some point in the future I'll add a second storage drive.

 

So I'm almost ready to build this thing!  The TridentZ RGB memory just shipped out today, so that's all I'll need to get the system running.  My CableMod order is delayed unfortunately because they're moving, so that won't come in until late February, but that's no big deal as that's all purely aesthetics.

 

I also decided to hop up to the K95 RGB Platinum because why not lol.  It's a hefty pricetag but it's a keyboard that I'll keep using for as long as it works, so I imagine I'll get my money's worth.

 

While I wait for those, here's a little bonus:

 

I decided to buy into ASUS's 3D printing gimmick a little bit and get myself an IO cover.  It looks pretty good; I actually might decide to get another one later with the metallic plastic material since the motherboard has a whole lot of grey/silver going on and my water cooling components are going to have a lot of shiny nickel plating.

 

The memory should arrive this coming Tuesday, so stay tuned!

[EmoChipmonk]

4 hours ago, MdX MaxX said:

I don't have a very large media collection, so 1TB has been pretty okay for me.  Maybe at some point in the future I'll add a second storage drive.

 

So I'm almost ready to build this thing!  The TridentZ RGB memory just shipped out today, so that's all I'll need to get the system running.  My CableMod order is delayed unfortunately because they're moving, so that won't come in until late February, but that's no big deal as that's all purely aesthetics.

 

I also decided to hop up to the K95 RGB Platinum because why not lol.  It's a hefty pricetag but it's a keyboard that I'll keep using for as long as it works, so I imagine I'll get my money's worth.

 

While I wait for those, here's a little bonus:

 

I decided to buy into ASUS's 3D printing gimmick a little bit and get myself an IO cover.  It looks pretty good; I actually might decide to get another one later with the metallic plastic material since the motherboard has a whole lot of grey/silver going on and my water cooling components are going to have a lot of shiny nickel plating.

 

The memory should arrive this coming Tuesday, so stay tuned!

Wow thats not bad.so Why the strix and not the hero or somthing?

[MdX MaxX]

On 1/26/2017 at 11:59 PM, EmoChipmonk said:

Wow thats not bad.so Why the strix and not the hero or somthing?

I wanted MicroATX, and the Maximus IX Gene hasn't been announced yet, so this is the next best thing.

 

Also I'm changing up my monitor choice!  I was doing some last-minute research on the Dell S2716DGR, which has effectively the same specs as the ASUS PG278Q (2560x1440, 144Hz, G-Sync, TN).  I had looked at this monitor before, but what I didn't realize is that it can be had for $479.99 at Best Buy!  Even when you add sales tax it comes out to ~$519.99, which is a full 160 DOLLARS CHEAPER than the PG278QR on Newegg at $679.99.  No way I can justify dropping the extra cash on the ASUS display for essentially the same specs, especially with ASUS's quality control being more questionable according to product reviews.  So Dell it is!  And I can pick it up in store like tomorrow lol.

 

Less than two days until I get this build going!  Could be tomorrow if FedEx decides to be nice, it got scanned in Dallas last night...crossing my fingers haha.

 

Oh also, the tempered glass side panel went up on the Cooler Master Store!  (Only after I bugged them on their facebook page of course, heh)  So I should have that gorgeous addition to the build relatively soon!

[MdX MaxX]

Picked up the monitor last night.  Simple, classy design.  I'm a fan.

 

Spoiler

At long last I get to experience the wonders of adaptive refresh

 

 

And my patience has been rewarded!

 

 

All the functional pieces are ready to go!  Time to build.

 

 

And a bittersweet goodbye to my first machine, my trusty daily driver for five and a half years.

 

[MdX MaxX]

Oh this memory is beautiful

 

 

Time for the test boot

 

And it POSTs!

 

Gorgeous

 

Now to get it all in here

 

"Only" four fans for now

 

So sleek

 

In goes the boot drive

 

Now to put it all together

 

I'm gonna miss this cooler when I rip it off...wonder if there's a way to wire it up and control it externally...

 

Alright, time to get windows installed!

 

Stay tuned for more photos, I'll be getting tempered glass and peripherals really soon!  We'll see if the K95 RGB Platinum actually ships out soon, looks like stock is scarce...

 

Now to make my measurements and finalize the water cooling equipment!

[MdX MaxX]

Oh man here it is

 

 

Translucent Dark Green eh?

 

 

Well-packaged

 

 

Yesss

 

 

The slight green tint is there but it surely won't show when it's on the case

 

 

I like the mechanism, super easy, no screws to deal with

 

 

Oh god it's so beautiful

 

 

I am 100% on this bandwagon

 

 

In other news, I booted up Mirror's Edge Catalyst for a few minutes (I've been dying to play this) and it's so buttery smooth, I'm definitely a believer in G-Sync.  Time to get back into gaming!

 

I also put in the orders for my EK parts!  Got a few things from performance-pcs just because of stock.  I decided to go with SE rads instead of the PEs just because space is a bit tight and I want to make my life easy, and 2 dual rads of any thickness are gonna perform great anyway.  Also went with the pump/res combo because it should be able to squeeze in there, though I bought a smaller tube with it just in case (again, just making life easy).

 

Mouse should arrive next week (also went with a Corsair MM300 mousepad) and I'm crossing my fingers that the keyboard will ship on Tuesday as newegg says it will lol, but we'll see.

 

Also this thing is so heavy already and it doesn't even have rads or water in it yet...how will I ever lift this thing haha.

 

More updates to come!

[MdX MaxX]

Mouse upgrade!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comfy, smooth, and precise, just as anyone would expect from a top of the line mouse.  Glides nicely on the mousepad.

 

So the Newegg release date went by for the K95 RGB Platinum (twice) and no updates on my preorder.  So I looked around to try to get it elsewhere and turns out it's in stock at Corsair's shop.  Ordered yesterday, shipped today.  Well forget you then Newegg lol.

 

Rads should get here tomorrow!  The rest of the water cooling and the CableMod order TBD.

[MdX MaxX]

My old CM Storm trigger was looking quite out of place next to everything else...time to fix that,

 

 

I'm finally all color-coordinated!

 

 

I really wish I had a quality camera now lol, the keyboard is truly beautiful especially once you get some tasteful lighting effects going.  I can't wait to see how vibrant the tower becomes with the CableMod LED strips!  (CableMod theoretically should be done with their move and start shipping orders out again this Friday, so hopefully the wait isn't much longer.)

 

All my EK parts should show up tomorrow as well!  I probably want to wait for my sleeved cables before putting together the whole loop, but maybe this weekend I'll go ahead and mount the reservoir, test fit things, and do some more detailed planning of the loop.

 

It's all coming together...

 

These boxes are works of art on their own

 

 

[EmoChipmonk]

Whats the plan for the air cooler after you water cool the thing?

[MdX MaxX]

2 hours ago, EmoChipmonk said:

Whats the plan for the air cooler after you water cool the thing?

It'll probably just sit in my closet with the rest of my old rig for now haha.  Not sure what I'm going to do with any of it since I doubt a bunch of Sandy Bridge era parts are going to sell for much.  It's always good to have a spare air cooler around anyway.

 

Also I highly doubt I'm going to try any overclocking on this air cooler.  My tube of MX-4 ran out and I didn't want to use the new paste just yet since it's a small amount, so I used a tube of some questionable quality paste from 6 years ago...probably not an ideal situation lol but at stock speeds it'll be fine until I get the loop going.

[MdX MaxX]

This weekend's gonna be fun...

 

[keavlar]

On 2/2/2017 at 10:30 PM, MdX MaxX said:

Spoiler

 

Oh this memory is beautiful

 

 

Time for the test boot

 

And it POSTs!

 

Gorgeous

 

Now to get it all in here

 

"Only" four fans for now

 

So sleek

 

In goes the boot drive

 

Now to put it all together

 

I'm gonna miss this cooler when I rip it off...wonder if there's a way to wire it up and control it externally...

 

Alright, time to get windows installed!

 

Stay tuned for more photos, I'll be getting tempered glass and peripherals really soon!  We'll see if the K95 RGB Platinum actually ships out soon, looks like stock is scarce...

 

Now to make my measurements and finalize the water cooling equipment!

 

 

Hey man, how did you get the Linustechtips fans?? Where can i order them? 

[MdX MaxX]

5 hours ago, keavlar said:

Hey man, how did you get the Linustechtips fans?? Where can i order them? 

I bought them during the second limited run back in April 2016.  It unfortunately doesn't look like they'll be available again.  To get a similar look you could go with Noctua IndustrialPPC fans, but they're supposedly a bit louder at the same RPMs. 

[MdX MaxX]

The CableMod order is finally here!  Time to wrap this build up this weekend!