A user title like that might make me pull the plug here.
Much like a BMW this rig is all about Form following Function. The fact that it looks good is just the result. The UV lights are functional in that any leak of the UV reactive fluid from either end of the res will be evident immediately. The underlighting is pure bling. The trim plates are optional and easily removed. I absolutely hate toolless optical bays...so the trim piece hides most of the stamped metal from those removed toolless bits. But it should help stop and air recycling around the gap off the HDDs.
The res rack serves several purposes. It makes servicing the LCS easier and safer. It keeps the fluid levels right in your eye so that if something is wrong you will know from a glance. It catches the air off the top fans and should in some small way cool the fluid. And it adds some character to the build.
The sub base is essential in allowing for airflow into the bottom rad. The rubber feet decouple the rig. And it makes for an easy place to add some accent lighting...
Cable management is all about keeping the interior clear for optimum airlfow...the leads are still accessable. The HDDs are also where they are to make the best use of the space and available cooling...but they look damn cool anyway. And why have a Raptor X if you cannot look at it
All it takes is a single thumbscrew to remove both Raptors.
II would say I approach things from the perspective of a Yacht carpenter. I take my twenty years in the trade and try and make the rig perform well, look the part, and remain truly useful and easy to maintain...no useless bits.
It's been a real challenge I'll say that much. And it's not over yet.
Tomorrow I'll fire up the rig and see if I get lucky and it will POST with the GFX card in the lowest slot. I have just recently been told that GFX card placement is critical on this board. Sigh. This will of course entail a buttload of rework if I need to shift the card. ANd the way this build has been going I can pretty much count on it.
was that GD playin'?
Ice cream, yum.