EVGA themed skylake build.

[Nexmo]

Here i will be documenting the process of my sub 500$ custom loop skylake build

Specs:

6700k(delided w/ conductonaut)

Gtx 980

Z170 ftw

Evga 750 g1

16gb lpx 2400

D5 vario

Enthoo EVOLV

256gb m.2 sandisk 

3x140mm phanteks front intake fans

3x120mm corsair top intake fans

1 120mm nzxt aer rgb exhaust.

 

Monitors are acer g257hu 25" 1440p OCd to 85hz

Logitech g933 g602 g410

 

 

It started with me getting a z170 classified K and a z170 ftw motherboard about 8 months ago for $60, the classy k had no bent pins, but wouldn't post. The FTW had bent pins, I corrected and worked fine. I took the classy VRM heatsink and put it on the FTW.

 

COME Christmas time, I got a ryzen 7 1700x, so I pulled the 6700k from my main rig. I now had a cpu for the ftw board.

 

I had been watching eBay for a cheap Phanteks enthoo EVOLV for months, and finally found one for 120 shipped "new, open box" (lol) when I received it, the USPS guy quipped that it was broken, and then drove off... one side panel shattered and scratched the aluminum pieces, a bent foot and broken screws... a quote from phanteks on replacement parts was over what I paid for the case, so I got a full refund, and a free case! (There was clear buildup of dust on all fans and obvious use, also)Cleaned it up as much as I could, removed lower hdd cage, and started searching for loop parts.

 

The Loop

I ordered 12 fittings off ebay, $30 for 12 revolver style 16mm fittings. "Olike" I have 0 complaints for the price. A few of the aluminum shrouds are rough on the inner edge and could mar the tubing, filed them down prior. 

 

Next I started with a 360mm ek rad, poorly painted white. And a copper supremacy EVO, together were $65. 

 

The res, a company called Sys-cooling(ebay) was asking 39 for it, offered 16 and they accepted. Sent me the res very quickly, and as soon as I got it, trying to remove the preinstalled barb fittings, the brass inserts broke. They sent a replacement within 3 days. Exact same issue. No refund but 2 neat looking reservoirs for 16$ a liberal ammount of epoxy later and they're good. 

 

Subsequently ordered a 240mm rad from the same company. $35, No complaints

 

I found a gtx 980 hydro copper for $220, arrived wrapped in Wal-Mart bags and no antistatic...(rip) but it works fine. 

 

$19 for 4 meters of thermaltake 16mm PETG

 

PSU I had from a lot I picked up dirt cheap I value it at $10, EVGA 750 g1 fully modular.

Nzxt hue, +1 120mm aer fan and multiple other case fans in the same lot. (32gb of ram and 2 256gb m.2 were in this lot too, I valued the 16gb and 1ssd used in this build at $40)

 

Lastly a D5 Strong I got brand new for 45$ 

Subsequently was too loud for me so I got a used D5 vario for 40 with a new alphacool top, put that on the strong and sold the set for 90$. 5$ profit 

 

I used John Guest fittings and a mix of 3/8 and 1/4 inch line in the basement to the pump. Modified and epoxied 2 fittings into the pump top that came with the strong.

 

I painted the rads with hammered rustoleum grey.

 

I intend to mod the front and top panel for more airflow, the front currently has.1/4 inch spacers to push it out a bit. (I've bought no replacement parts, I cut a panel to cover the back out of plexi I had lying around)

 

I absolutely love the way it turned out, and intend to never really upgrade it, I'll build other systems and keep this around.

(I liked it so much I built a "matching" htpc in an evolv shift, look for my other build logs coming soon^tm)

 

More detailed pics to come in responses?

Throw me some name suggestions for this thing!

 

 

[Nexmo]

Here's some of the case carnage. 

[Damascus]

Very nice!

[Nexmo]

Thanks man! It's my favorite case and one of my favorite gpus aesthetically, and I think I nailed it with the paint and bends at least for my tastes and budget.

[This kid builds pc]

EVGA boards always look the nicest man. You sure that's sub 500 tho?

[Nexmo]

1 hour ago, This kid builds pc said:

EVGA boards always look the nicest man. You sure that's sub 500 tho?

Came out to about 490 by my count. Just the tower not monitors or peripherals

[This kid builds pc]

16 hours ago, Nexmo said:

Came out to about 490 by my count. Just the tower not monitors or peripherals

Did you not add in the value of the 6700k since you already had it?

[Nexmo]

19 hours ago, This kid builds pc said:

Did you not add in the value of the 6700k since you already had it?

Correct! For this build i reused a 6700k that was given to me in a previous build that was "DOA", company ended up sending my friend another tower, and never requested a return on the one that wouldnt boot(Crazy!). He gave it to me and I salvaged all but the mobo(and he had kept the 1080 from it)

[Nexmo]

Added a 3rd monitor to the setup. Loving it still.