Scratch Build – In Progress Desk-PC Biohazard Project

I'm building computers for 10 years now but this is my first modding project. It's a custom desk pc build and it was finished recently but I have a lot of photos so I want to make a short build log rather than just post the final pictures.

Hardware Used:

Motherboard: Asrock H87 Performance
CPU: Intel i5 4670 @3.4Ghz
RAM: Kingston Beast 2 x 4GB DDR3 1600Mhz
GPU: Zotac GTX 970 [ZT-90101-10P]
SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB
HDD: Seagate Surveillance 1TB
PSU: Seasonic M12 II EVO 520W

Cooling parts:
CPU Block: Phobya UC-2LT
GPU Block: Watercool Heatkiller GTX 970
Radiators: 2 x Phobya G-Changer V.2 120 Full Copper
Pump: Phobya DC12-260
Reservoir: Phobya Balancer 150 Black Nickel
Fittings: EK Hardline 16mm
Tubing: Monsoon Acrylic tube RED UV 16/13mm
Coolant: Phobya Zuper Zero Clear
Fans: 2 x 120mm Phobya NB-eLoop 1600rpm / 2 x 180mm Silverstone SST-FM181​

The Story:
When I saw on youtube a desk pc project for the first time, I was fascinated by it and I said to myself that I'm gonna have one of those. Since I already had an old desk that I was thinking to change anyway, it was the perfect opportunity to start this project.
The thing is, all this desk pc projects you see online are made in modern desk and they all have similar design(more or less) and I didn't want to copy anything plus I was not ready to give up on my classic desk. I like to have a classic desk with drawers and everything so when I want something that thing to be at an arm reach. So I started to redesign in 3D my classic desk to fit the desk pc part.

Now time for pictures:

Most of the watercooling parts:


I decided to use normal push button for reset switch and motorcycle ignition for power switch:




To cover the front intake fans I'm using some speaker covers that fit well the 180mm fans:



RGB Led controller with remote and some Montana 94 Fluorescent RED cans:




EK 16mm OD fittings don't fit the Phobya waterblock because the holes are too close, fixed with an extender just not this one because I've got later a better looking all black Barrow one.




Fan painting process of aplaying paper tape(nightmare), a lot easyer with the phobya fans because you can easy push the blades off the frame:




And after the job done:






They are working fine after the paint job:






Some pictures under uv light:






More painting of ssd support, some metal bits and the back part of an old case:






Cover to hide the hdd label, made from plexiglass cnc milling.

 

Now for the second part:



























First boot test:






First setting of the components before bending the tubes, ended removing one pump from the loop and is much better.



The two rads are connected in the back through a soft tube

 

There are some steps in this project I didn't make photos for, because I didn't had time. One of this steps is the insulate of all the interior with soundproofing foam. So the next pictures are with the project completed.







































This last one is black/white because I just love this pictures, they are so clear

 

I quite like it. However, those handles absolutely ruin the look. It makes it look like a silly face with two big eyes.

I would take them off personally. Like the colour scheme though.

 

Vault-Tec
You are right, it's looking like a minion but it's not looking bad in real life. I will however change the handles in the future with some black ones and a different shape.

As for the color scheme, when I started the project I already had this motherboard with red accents so I had to stick to black/red color scheme. I like the way it's looking black/red and is going well with the biohazard theme as well but I plan to change it in green/black in the future. This will happen only 2-3 years from now when I will change all the system: cpu+mobo+gpu+ram as i'm quite happy at the moment with my i5 haswell and GTX970.

 

Hey nice job on your first deskbuild

Do you like the USB plug for the desk? I saw that recently and am thinking of getting one for my Blade Desk.

 

Thanks mate. The usb plug I got it from amazon for ~ 10 pounds and is quite useful. At the beginning had problems with windows didn't recognize it from time to time but after a while and some windows updates, started working without a problem.

 

Photos of the project under UV light:

 

I don't like wooden pc desks much, but I think this is kind of cool

 

I love this take on desk builds.. nice work.

 

Looking good man, love the UV glow with the red!

 

Thanks guys. I was thinking in the future to add a flow meter between the GPU and the left rad. There are some 3 way flow meters and I want tube to go from the GPU straight in the flow meter and exit the top in a 90 degree bend to the rad. What do you guys think, it will look good or should I keep it simple like this?