Description

This is my first attempt at a fully water-cooled build. I wanted an ITX enclosure that could accommodate 2 x 360 rads in the smallest space possible. Since there was nothing off-the-shelf that could work, I set out with Parvum systems to design such a case. After a year or so of back and forth, this is the result.

I'm more focused on having a silent system, thus pushing the components to the limit is not my main concern. That being said, of-course I did push them to see what they could do:

8086k- 5.1Ghz @1.35v

2080 - 2.1GHz

...However, 5.1 gets hot at about 95C under a stress test. I run it at 4.5Ghz for a 60C max daily. Idle - 31C. I may de-lid it at some point for science.

I backed the GPU to 2Ghz for 42C @ max load. Idle - 27C. At this speed it is more than capable of driving all the games I play @ 75fps/max settings.

Fans idle @ 350rpm, and go up to about 700rpm when the system is under full load. Even at 700rpm the fans are barely audible. These Noctua NF-P12 fans are truly amazing coupled with the Black Ice 360s. Based on my research, these rads were the most efficient thin radiators... tho they are restrictive for liquid flow. The EK D5 pump is set at 40% (1900rpm) at idle and ramps up to about 60% (2800rpm) at max temps achieved.

This is an everything setup. From movies/music/gaming to work/photo editing/ video editing and plain old everyday browsing. I don't own a TV or anything else with a screen/speakers besides my phone, so this setup is where I am everyday.

You might notice the large speakers flanking the setup (Q-Acoustics 3050s) and an amplifier under the monitor (Cambridge CXA80). I'm a part-time audiophile and this setup serves as the source of my system. I live in an apartment complex so couldn't go too overkill with the audio less I want to get evicted... (no sub) :-(. But, fwiw, This little system is sublime for anyone wanting a bit more than "computer speakers".

Desk is the Ikea Karlby/Alex hack. Chair is the noble Epic.

Any further info you would like to know, just ask! :-)

Thanks for looking! Have a great day!

Part Reviews

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Comments

  • 9 months ago
  • 18 points

I made an account just to up vote your build.

  • 9 months ago
  • 6 points

Haha... this made my day. Thank you very much Jhard

  • 9 months ago
  • 4 points

Wow. That color scheme is amazing!!!!

  • 9 months ago
  • 4 points

In before the feature. Get this submitted to Room tour project or setup wars! +1

  • 9 months ago
  • 3 points

Thanks! I just might!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Please do!

Quick question on working with Parvum, how easy going and open were they for the ideas? I was looking into working with someone to design an ITX case

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Agreed!!!

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Wow, the second Feature worthy Itx build today... This is BEAUTiFUL

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Calling a feature now. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of PC builders.

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

PC building is truly art and a personal expression. As you can see I'm a simple person. Small case, straight lines, no lights, silent.... but deadly.

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Here before the feature +1

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Same

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Feature worthy

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Dude, nice job!

Wait, that's not honey in your loop, is it?

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Thanks drferrel! Its ek amber-orange cyrofuel.

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-cryofuel-amber-orange-premix-1000ml

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

so pretty

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

She is a thing of beauty and i love the wooden look you have going on at your desk

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

:-) Its the plain ole Karlby counter top from Ikea

  • 3 months ago
  • 1 point

Did you just buy two Alex drawer units and a karlby counter and put them together? I love the look.

  • 2 months ago
  • 2 points

Exactly this. They are the filing units

  • 2 months ago
  • 1 point

Thanks for the reply! Do you remember what size karbly counter you used? 74x1 or 98x1 ?

  • 2 months ago
  • 2 points
  1. If you're using the longer piece you will need some form of support for. The center else it will bend.

I liked the 74 as I have my floor standing speakers. If I had to put any large speakers on the desk I would have wanted more space.

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Absolutely stunning! I vote feature too ;-)

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

woah thats so cool

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

i love the starwars picnic pictures :D

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Amazing work. Deserves to be featured. Love the copper/orange theme.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Dear Lord!!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

+1!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Did Parvum make the distro plates?

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Yes. I built an air-cooled system in the case initially as this is my only pc. I then mocked up the blocks/tubing and did measurements. Using that info I worked with them to plan the route of the loop. A few back and forth with autocad designs later we agreed and they made it to spec. This was the phase I was most worried about, but everything went smoothly the first time!

The same can be said for the top and front reservoirs.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

very nice I didn't know they offered that service.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

If a PC was a tank, I think this would be it.

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

War tank or fish tank? :D

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Wow kickass set up! That build is next level and great photos(;

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Awesome build, this should be featured.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Absolutely beautiful and the pictures are very well taken. Great work!

What colours are those custom sleeve cables?

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Hey Radox. Thanks!

The cables are from Ensourced. 24-pin is Charcoal grey - Silver - Light grey x3 - Silver - Charcoal grey x6

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

I've seen the future of enthusiast PC building...and THIS is it!!! Congrats my friend.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

I'm humbled by your post. Thanks alot for your kind words

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Superb loop +1

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

:-)

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Its so empty in the middle though for mini-itx. I just want to fill that space with something.

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

It may seem that way, but this build is quite small. the amount of free space isn't enough to fit a funko pop.

At one stage there was a plan to put an aqua computer fan controller in that space, but cost and it being totally unnecessary cancelled that plan.

If i ever need extra storage space I will stick a couple of SSDs on that back wall behind the pump.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

How about an action figure, or a scale model.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

How much did the custom water-cooling cost and how do you get it.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

I stopped counting. I don't want to know... :-(

too much is the most accurate answer I can give you.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

dude, you just killed it +1

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Thank you! :-)

[comment deleted]
  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Very cool! Do you happen to have a video of you putting it together? +1

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

I have a picture catalogue of the slow progress. It took several months and iterations to get the loop finished. The system was on air for the last 5 months of so while I planed the loop and made the various parts almost 1 by 1 it seemed.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Ah I see. Thanks

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

golf clap...

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Wow, amazing build! Congrats and hope you enjoy it!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Your OCD is on point SilverMike! The attention to detail is first class! When I look at custom systems I usually build a mental list of...would change that would have done this different etc. My OCD says perfection.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Just when you thought the evga powelink was absolutely useless. Lol. Thank you very much sir.

Your systems are very beautiful as well. I almost went with the lian li 011 dynamic myself... But wanted an itx system which didn't Compromise cooling. How are the temps on your itx build?

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

I wasn't entirely satisfied with the A1 for a few reasons, cooling was acceptable but not great. I'm almost finished moving that setup into the Corsair Crystal 280x. I have managed to squeeze in 3 240's, it's looking really good as far as aesthetics and cooling performance. Just hunting down lower than expected flow rate and replacing the adr LEDs on the monoblock so I can take some b-roll.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Wow. Looking fwd to seeing that.

I thought the A1 would have been a bit toasty... As is the problem with all itx cases on the market. 3 x 240 should be the job done with silence.

Try connecting the rads is parallel rather than series if you want better flow rates.... But if cooling is good... Why worry about the flow rate?

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

WoW. Love the amber color. Though kinda funny seeing the ITX in such a huge case. Great job looks super clean. +1

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Thanks!

It doesn't seem big to me at all.... I guess it is bigger than a traditional ITX, still smaller than a Manta... but this can fit 2 x 360 rads.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

God I'm jealous.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Why? Your build is awesome. :-)

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

I just have to say, in my opinion this is the most gorgeous and well made PC build I have ever seen in my life!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

For an ITX, yes I can agree with you. There are some sick builds out there that put my little fish tank to shame though...

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

A work of art! Great job man! Looks awesome!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Very well done. The time you spent on case design has paid off.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Thank you! Took longer than expected, but it came together in the end

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

That's insane! Congrats on featured, fellow 8086K owner!!

...By the way, DELID!!! Mine runs 5.0 @ 1.34, but it was 90 degrees before delid, now it's 70 absolute max!

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Thanks!

Yea... When I take the system down in a yr or so for cleaning I will delid.

Was able to boot into windows @5.3.... But was way to hot to do anything.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

why are there so many air bubbles in the gpu cover? also it looks great :)

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Loop was only up for a few hrs when I took photos. Complex loop to bleed. It's been clearing up as the days go on

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

An absolute piece of artwork mate! Shame the PCPP homepage is rendering build images so poorly nowadays, otherwise I'm sure you'd have more votes than this.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Thank you good sir.

Well to be fair, these are phone pics from my Samsung... so not the best to begin with. When I tidy up some loose ends with the setup ill take proper pics with my canon

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

That is a wicked cool case! One of the cleanest builds I have ever seen!

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

YAAAR THIS BE DANK AARRRR

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

First of all, love your build! Found it looking for builds that incorporated a 3840x1600 monitor. I have one currently, but my 6 year old build cant support gaming on it very well so I am looking to upgrade.

Interested to ask you a few questions, if you have time to answer that would be great. - What kind of mount did you use for the monitor, and did you have to modify it? - When the rig was air cooled did you have any issues playing games on at 3840x1600?

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

its a generic arm with a vesa mount from amazon. Was about 30 bucks. No mods needed.

No, gpu would get hot and throttle a bit. Was a standard founders cooler. Quite loud when it got going. CPU got up to about 70C.

  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Parvum cases look so nice ;).

The channels are not milled into a thick distro plate as I can see from pictures. Are they milled sepparately and then screwed into a thin sheet of acrylic?

+1 ;)

  • 9 months ago
  • 2 points

Correct. It is screwed together

  • 7 months ago
  • 1 point

Any difficulty in installing the velocity block? Because the row of capacitor is too near to the cpu socket, the edge of the block will hit them, making a non-flat contact with the IHS.

  • 6 months ago
  • 1 point

No, seems to have worked fine for me

  • 5 months ago
  • 1 point

So awesome! I love seeing builds like this, packing incredible performance and looks in such a small package! I would love to build a system like this someday!

+1

  • 2 months ago
  • 1 point

Amazing build ! I just ordered my R1.0 ITX case as inspiration by this, I hope to setup in a similar but different fashion!

one question though, how do you have your fans setup as on the radiators ? did you find any particular way to be more effective, IE as pulling air up through the rads, or pushing down as exhaust?

  • 2 months ago
  • 2 points

I hope you have better service that I did from those a-holes at parvum. Up to this day they haven't shipped items that were paid for and they stopped replying to my emails or messages. So good luck with that sheet. You'll need it.

Fans are down firing

  • 2 months ago
  • 1 point

Damn! I wish I knew that before ordering, I saw how much success you had with yours and figured it was a good choice for a chassis. But now that I see this I might have to cancel my order with them if they don't update me in another week. Thanks for the heads up and I'm sorry for your troubles with them! great build on your behalf anyways

  • 2 months ago
  • 1 point

It's a great choice... If they actually deliver. I'm sure they were responding daily and something twice in the day before your payment. As you pay. Once a week Or couple weeks..... When you cancel feel free to tell them an FU from me.

[comment deleted by staff]
  • 9 months ago
  • 1 point

Haha... ikr. Got them from a vendor at the Saturday Market downtown Portland. I can dig up the info if you like.