Description

Since I wont be attending on-campus classes for my last semester of engineering undergrad, I decided to sell my school laptop and current build in order to build a modest, all around machine for programming and development, as well as a good amount of gaming and Adobe product use.

I also wanted to integrate a project into this build, so I made a prototype of an LCD screen display (shown in first image) that connects straight to the motherboard, capable of displaying whatever I program and upload to it, like bitmap GIFs, etc.

Part Reviews

CPU

So far so great. Upgraded from an i5 on the last build, and was directed toward AMD for this build. Loving the 3.6 base, and is super easy to OC to 4.2 GHz with MSI Game Boost

CPU Cooler

Mainly got these for the seamless RGB corsair fan aesthetics, otherwise, I had a Noctua in mind for actual performance purposes. Seems to be keeping my system cool, and iCue makes it easy to adjust your fan and pump RPMs.

Motherboard

This motherboard was a risky buy for me, and is one that I am still keeping my eye on, based on the reviews of it alone. I have seen a lot of reviews claim to have issues posting and booting in general, so I was nervous. Upon installation and the first time boot, I posted and was adjusting my profiles in the BIOS in no time. I haven't had any issues so far, and will adjust this review if anything changes.
Giving this board 4 stars for the SATA block causing slight interference with some 2070 super models (EVGA in my case), as well as the need for an adapter to use USB-C in front panels (not a huge deal for me). My RAM was also registered default at 2400, but was easily configured and quickly recognized 3600. Nothing that caused any performance issues once booted or so far.

Memory

Great fast performance, and lighting is a plus. Chip casings look sleek, and the silver gets drowned out with a black motherboard (at least in my build). Will definitely be grabbing 2 more of these.

Storage

Haven't had the chance to rip this puppy at it's full r/w potential, but felt the need to get one to try out for myself, and to add a little more capacity to my workstation.

Storage

Moved Win10 and old HDD storage onto this guy, and I am never going back. Incredible load speeds for anything stored on it, and has improved my overall computing quality immensely, even if it isn't a fancy 970 M.2

Storage

Salvaged this from my old build after I cloned onto SSD and reformatted. Will be using for pictures, videos, and other misc. bulk now, which it works great for. Didn't run into any issues having windows and all of my games on this before (800G), besides the fact that the comparison to even SATA SSD is incomparable.

Video Card

So far, has ran anything I throw at it with ease. I used to have major issues with games that I really wanted to play, so I wanted to get something that would enable me to play anything I'd like without compromise. Although not a heavy game, I have been on a heavy Valorant grind lately, which will perform at max capability and barely kick the fans on. Have yet to hear a coil whine like others have reported about, but even so, it shouldn't matter if you play with headphones, or a lot of white noise in your room (my fan is on 24/7). Great card, and YES, the color of the LED's is changeable.

Case

Great big fish tank for your art-work of a PC build. So much fun to build in, makes everything a breeze and looks amazing too. For me, the silver front panel throws off the clean white/black look, but not enough to make an issue for me. The capacity for 9 fans (or more?), and the magnetic dust screens on each panel makes sure your chips all stay cool and clean, so functionally, it is damn amazing as well.

Power Supply

As everyone has to state, "overkill"..... but makes for easy assembly, and you can rest assure it's going to provide enough power for your build, as well as additions down the road. My only bugaboo with this unit is the cabling they send along with it. The ends of the connections have about 2-3" of a stiff rubber sleeve, which is incredibly firm (on both of the GPU cables the story was the same). This made the cabling to my GPU look odd, and I am planning on swapping out some of the cables provided. Cables come in a cool Corsair carrying bag.

Custom

Fun chip for small projects. WiFi allows you to upload remotely.

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Comments

Marky470
  • 4 years 9 months ago

Hey, nice build. Quick question. How did you find using the Commander Pro for fan control? I am also using the Lian Li case and currently running 9 EKWB Vardar fans. Needless to say the wiring and splitters are a nightmare! I am thinking about switching to the LL-120 fans and using the hubs that come with the 3-pack and the Commander Pro. Thanks in advance.

MISTERN0VEMBER
  • 4 years 9 months ago

Can confirm the Commander Pro is awesome, and can be used with other component makers.

cordacious
  • 4 years 9 months ago

Hey! So far I am really enjoying the fan control. I use the C-Pro for the 6 fans besides my AIO, and you can create custom profiles for performance. For example, while gaming under heavy loads, I'll use my gaming profile with faster and louder fan curves/speeds (also adjustable for the pump and fans on aio), but for late night programming, have the body fans turned down to a quiet level. One lighting pro hub with the three pack is enough if that is all you are going to have, but the commander also comes with temperature hookups and more additions if you want to add on later. And obviously the RGB control is nice too.

dangheckfrick
  • 4 years 9 months ago

I wish little screens like the one you made weren't such a premium product because they are so cool

cordacious
  • 4 years 9 months ago

I totally agree. I would love to create a software that made it easy for any user to replicate the process I take, as well as the assembly of the screen and circuit.. I'm extremely surprised that more PC enthusiast companies haven't made screens like this into an accessible accessory. Hire me, Corsair/NZXT/etc!

MISTERN0VEMBER
  • 4 years 9 months ago

Great minds think alike! (Really nice work)

Check out my build...

https://pcpartpicker.com/b/Vxskcf

cordacious
  • 4 years 9 months ago

Awesome build as well man

Bontys40
  • 4 years 9 months ago

how does the airflow work on that case? out at the top?

cordacious
  • 4 years 8 months ago

Yes! Intake from bottom, exhaust through top and side. I'd love for my AIO to be the intake so that the liquid is getting the cooler air, but it stays at idle temps under heavy load.

ShrkKng55
  • 4 years 9 months ago

That LCD gif and the POP! toy makes this build so adorable (ᵔᴥᵔ)

cordacious
  • 4 years 8 months ago

Thanks :-)