Blackwater X99 build log

[Bean86]

Probably not the most interesting build log ever but I had fun so far and thought might as well post what I got so done so far.

Introducing Blackwater: specs see here

I sold off my last system (i5 2500K, 16GB Ram, 256+512GB SSDs,2xTB HDDs Raid1) and started off with a Corsair 780T (the best I could get localy that would fit everything). This will change eventually as I don't like it very much - probably will go custom in a few years unless something that realy ticks all the boxes for me comes out by then. Really wanted something with a reverse motherboard tray or horizontal (although the later makes cases a bit too wide for my taste as it's sitting under my desk on tile floor).

As I've bougth a Synology NAS 2 years ago I decided to have only SSDs for this build. A Intel 750 400GB as system drive and for now recycled the 512GB SSD from the old system. Will get 2x 512GB 850EVOs in Raid 0 over X-Mas and gift my Crucial to a friend who's running out of space.

As temps in my office easily reach 25-30°C during summer I decided to go for a custom waterloop (first time watercooling, excluding AIOs) so I don't have to throttle back my overclock during the hotter season.

To keep things silent I went a bit overkill and managed to source 2x EK XTX 60mm thick 360 radiators from old stock and half a dozen Noctua Industrial Fans. A Primochill CTR2 D5 (variable edition from Watercool) enabled reservoir will take care of water circulation. I wanted to get the red tube to match the red rigid PETG tubing but it was always out of stock so I opted for a frosted one and will illuminate it with a red LED.

CPU and GPU waterblocks are from of Watercool and after sourcing some different screws I managed to use the stock EVGA backplate too

So to fit the rads in the case all HDD cages had to go as well as the 5.25" bays (the later took some effort as it was riveted in place). If I ever go custom case I would make it so I could fit the two rad next to each other at the front. The 780T is technically wide enough to accomodate that idea but the design tappers at the front, top and bottom so I couldn't make it work without major surgery.

Anyway enough typing on to pics

tl|dr: building a custom watercooled PS here some pictures

leak test after cleaning and flushing all the parts

next will be final assembly inside the case - wish me luck

[Bean86]

Build is done.

Turns out the leak test outside was a good idea. Fitted everything in the case and no leaks

Getting the air out was a challenge as this thing ways a ton and I should have thought about it while doing the design. Anyway it's done now. No on to stress testing and overclocking the thing.

I'll need to add a light to the Reservoir as it's a bit dark now

Here's a pic with flash:

The botttom fan is one that came with the case and will need replacing as it's too noisy compared to the rest.

For first time watercooling I'm pleased with the results - would I do certain things differentl, yes. Do I regret my decisions, not the least

Thanks for reading