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Build

2016 - Black, White, and Red Build Watercool Update

by alkaiser

41
25 Comments

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Part List View full price breakdown

Details

Date Published

Dec. 14, 2015

Date Built

Dec. 4, 2015

CPU Clock Rate

4.5GHz

CPU Temperature While Idle

27.0° C

CPU Temperature Under Load

61.0° C

GPU Core Clock Rate

1.38GHz

GPU Effective Memory Clock Rate

7.26GHz

GPU Temperature While Idle

26.0° C

GPU Temperature Under Load

40.0° C

Description

I added more memory, a GTX 980 Ti, and a custom hardline watercooling loop to my 2 year old build. I also changed the case to the Define S and used the Arc Midi R2 for another build. This is my 1st custom loop and my bends can definitely use a lot of work.

It currently runs all my games at 1440p like a champ, but I want to upgrade to an ultrawide 1440p G-sync monitor in the future when the prices come down a bit.

I'll have to add better pictures once I get access to a camera. I just took these photos really quickly to show my girlfriend why I disappeared for 2 days.

Part Reviews

Case

Fractal Design - Define S w/Window ATX Mid Tower Case

This is the best case I have ever used so far.

I love that the drive slots are located in the back (2 slots for SSDs and 3 for HDs). I have no use for a 5.25 bay drive, so having rails for radiator/pump support is very awesome. The window is a great size but the plastic is easily scratched. The only major issue I have is with the moduvent system. I wish they would have given a magnetic dust filter instead at the top. The cable management is made very easy with velcro straps in the back.

Power Supply

Corsair - 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

I've had this power supply for a couple of years now and it's been running most of the time. It has been flawless and fairly silent in hybrid mode. I have nothing bad to say about it at all. It fits my color scheme and it's fully modular.

Case Fan

EK - Vardar F2-120 52.0 CFM 120mm Fan

Perfect fan for radiators. It is a low RPM and silent fan, but it provides very good cooling. I can't say anything bad about them at all.

Mouse

Mionix - AVIOR 7000 Wired Optical Mouse

A great optical mouse for CS:GO. The ADNS-3310 sensor is the only sensor I will use. The coating has lasted pretty well for over a years worth of use. The buttons are just as nice as the day I received it as well. However, the braided cable is fraying at some points maybe due to my wood desk.

Comments Sorted by:

Corbindalllas 4 points 29 months ago

Good Build +1 and More pictures please. Nice Custom waterloop. +1

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klausfaerevaag 1 Build 2 points 29 months ago

looks great :D personally I would get some red, black and white extensions just to top it all off, but hats off to you, Sir!

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

Thanks :) It's currently in the plans to get some red, white, and gray extensions when I get more funds. I also have to sleeve the pump cables at the bottom as well.

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WandererOfTheSky 2 points 29 months ago

Absolutely gorgeous. I demand more pictures!

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cstorey987 1 Build 1 point 29 months ago

Its total crap! Wheres the blue? (merica)

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willbrud 1 point 29 months ago

On the part list, it says you bought two sets of 2x8GB, but one was $67 and the other was $144. I don't know if the prices were different for you, but that seems weird that you payed $75 more.

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

I originally built this PC 2 years ago when memory prices were high. I recently added 16gb more.

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willbrud 1 point 29 months ago

gotchya

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X99Intel 2 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

Why get the hybrid 980 ti if you were just going to watercool it?

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VGears 1 Build 1 point 29 months ago

I'm assuming 2 years ago the PC was not water cooled to the hybrid made sense. When you make a custom loop, Might as well include the GPU.

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

I bought it earlier with no intention of a custom loop, but plans change I guess. It was definitely not a practical decision at all.

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EdInk 11 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

What size tubing are you using?

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

10/12mm PETG

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EdInk 11 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

Cheers pal

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Ropota 1 point 29 months ago

cable combs, cable combs, cable combs. nice loop.

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jgperson 4 Builds 1 point 29 months ago

Builds Like this make me wish I had gone with rigid tubing. I just couldn't justify all new fittings and tubing when I already had my parts. VERY nice build. I like it a lot.

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johngerges582 1 point 29 months ago

Cable combs would be really nice here.

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hung12345678910 1 point 28 months ago

Awesome build! Does the wifi adapter work with windows 10?

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 28 months ago

Yup, works like a charm. There's also no need to download any drivers as well.

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lurchxe 1 Build 1 point 28 months ago

Great build!! For the record I'm going to rip off your loop pattern. I don't know why I didn't think of routing it that way.

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Creeper12345698 1 Build 1 point 28 months ago

Daaaaang! That hardline cooling though!

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GentlemanShark 1 Build 1 point 27 months ago

How do you like the headphones?

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 27 months ago

I've had the headphones for 2 years now and love them. I'm powering them with the Audioengine D1. You can find them on sale for around $120-130 every once in awhile and for that price, it is unbeatable. Some people say the treble can get overbearing, but I haven't found that to be case at all. I prefer open back headphones over closed for the soundstage that they provide and some cooling for the ears for all day listening.

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chatsidd 1 point 26 months ago

I'm coming to this build a little late but I'm going to build a custom loop and have had a really hard time planning it out and I think you just made that a whole lot easier, b/c I'm probably going to copy those hard-line bends. A big +1 to you for building such a great looking PC. Have fun with it!

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alkaiser submitter 2 Builds 1 point 26 months ago

I'm glad I can help :)

I got most of the inspiration for my loop layout from Paul's Hardware and Awesomesauce Network.

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