Soaring Raven

ApocalypsePony · May 16, 2017

Hi All

So I built this rig to fly.... Literally.

Found out unexpectedly I would be moving to Austria late 2015. So decided to build something small and take it with me as it was cheaper opposed to shipping or building a rig locally in Europe. The GPU support clip was also a reason behind this case (proof it can survive checked luggage).

Went for a black and grey scheme (with an added dash of red that came later). A 12cm Bitfenix LED strip behind the GPU.

Went for the EVGA 960 SSC AXC+ 4gb as it was the more affordable option at the time and could not fork out the extra $200 for the 970. That being said I hope to purchase the new EVGA 1070 ICX when it is available later this month (if the wife lets me).

Specs as follows:

i5 6600K

Z170 Stinger

Silverstone SFX-L 500W PSU

GTX 960 2.0+ ssc 4gb

FIRECUDA 2TB SSD/HDD

128gb SSD for OS

Dominator Platinum 3000 16gb

Noctua cooler with Redux fan

Build is almost completely silent when idle, All in all really fun to build in. Also considering adding a white LED on the CPU side and go for a light side dark side theme.

-CPU IDLE 28c -CPU LOAD 55c when overclocked to 4.0 with temps max 60c -GPU IDLE 33c -GPU LOAD 74c mild overclock of 40 to core and 250 to memory

Notes:

It took three attempts till I was happy with cable management and internal appearance, which I'm sure I could continue to improve. -SSD/HDD covers are simply left over cardboard that came with some figures, cut to size to hide the back of the HDD and give it a cleaner look. -Shout out to robbiejmsn for the original idea behind the led strip and also Zapfhahn for your inspirational cable management.

Cons: -Just dust build up on the CPU thought nothing an air compressor can not fix. -EVGA Z170 stinger had poor usb header and sata placement and no M.2 SSD, that being said has been a solid board.

Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read. constructive criticism, ideas welcome.

Edit: added additional short red SATA cables to reduce clutter though I'm not sure if like the look so please leave your thoughts. Also contemplating taking off the case swag even though it's internal and you cant see it.