New Corsair carbide build (ongoing)

Bluetac · February 29, 2016

Right then this build has been a long time coming and is the most expensive build i have ever undertaken, I have selected the parts and have them all here and the build is under way.

Components of for the build are as follows...

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2bVCsY

Case: Corsair Carbide 400c as seen in the coverage at CES 2015

Fans:140mm Corsair Air Series SP140 RED LED High Static X 6 ( x2 for the top 4 for the rad) Could have used AF for the top but didn't think about it until after i ordered them)

PSU: AX860i 80PLUS Platinum

Motherboard: RAMPAGE V EXTREME/U3.1 2011/V3

CPU: Core I7 5960x 8 core beast

Cooler: Hydro Series H110i GTX 280mm (more on this later)

Memory: Dominator Platinum 64GB kit (minus the add on fans as they don't fit the board if i have the GPU in slot 1) undecided as yet to use them or not)

Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2 SSD + 1 X 2TB western digital Red drive for storage (from my previous build)

GPU: Rog 980 GTX Matrix Platinum (from my previous build)

I have ran into an issue with the front fan filter as the case needs countersink screws at the front for the filter to be fitted but the radiator comes with pan heads

I have not ordered another pack of screws yet as i have contacted Corsair as to the compatibility issue within their own echo system, and they only pack os screws you can get from them are pan heads (at least that is my findings thus far) Should anyone know the actual thread type used i would be grateful as i could source my own.

I also have clearance issues with the ram coolers hence why they are not fitted, I did give it a go but you cant install a gpu into the top slot and i don't think the graphics card looked light in slot 3 but I may change my mind on that as i would like to tie them in with corsair link and change the colour to red.

By the way the gpu in the image is an old 9800gtx and is only to get the build up and running , my 980 is still in this rig until the build is finished.
Due to the length of the tubing on the H110I GTX I have had to cable tie it to the top fan to prevent it interfering with the door as it was fouling it, it works as is not noticeable.The PSU and basement cowl is every bit the nightmare it was said to be , just getting the rad in there was a mare but i am happy with the look once it was in, a nice fit and to over crowded.

Thoughts:

The case may not have been my best choice stepping down from a HAF-X but i do like the clean lines, should I need to burn a disc i have other builds in the house to do so on.

I may purchase some of the red sleeved cables but i cant justify the spend after spending so much already.

Disappointed with the sleeving on the front panel audio connector it should have been longer or all black wires should have been used.

May buy a 120 AF fan for the rear to help tie it in, the OEM one looks out of place lol.

This is how far i have got, (the gpu is not installed as i will need to remove it to install the remaining screws in the rad) Windows is installed as is my steam library, Eset endpoint av and outpost pro (while it still works) Office 365 and a few other programs I use.
Once i have the screw situation resolved i will be good to go, bench marks will follow.

You may recognize the mat it took a while to source i can tell you

verydogesuchwow · February 29, 2016

dude, this is sick

(though next time, I would use a fan like a venturi, SP/AF series are pretty bad given the price, hate to say)

nice build tho!

February 29, 2016

i need to change my pants

Imabigmac · February 29, 2016

I have the same case, and my front fan filter does the same thing yours appears to be doing (not sitting flush with the case. Are you using any washers on the screws?

Bluetac · March 1, 2016

I am using washers on the front of the case at the moment but i am going to replace those once i have sourced some more screws. I have not heard anything back from Corsair as yet but as the screws are 6/32 x 1.25 i am going to see if we have any at work (from what i have found out that size is a standard aircraft fastener so there may be some where i work) failing that i will order some on line.

As for the fans, i have similar series fans in my rocksmith build, they run silently and the temps are great even in the H440, I must admit that i was concerned at the minimal size of the air intakes under the roof of the case (as you can see in the picture) but i have never had any issues, even when recording videos.

I also have them in my server case (Thermaltake's Urban S71), my HAF-X and the wifes (Sharkoon buldozer)

Bluetac · March 20, 2016

update time i have the screws now so i have been able to close the front filter properly, have also (since taking the below picture) gone over the hex screws with a black sharpie , granted you wont see them but i would know they are there