Case Mod - In Progress [Sponsored] Project HEATKILLER - Watercool | Dual loop O11D | Chrome PETG?!?! | Low Δ °C

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Sponsor shout out:​

This is my first sponsored build! I started building PCs for myself, then occasionally for friends, and sometimes for random people on reddit (very wholesome story). Huge thanks to Watercool for their support and for making this build (more) possible. For me, it’s the vote of confidence that means the most. This is the point where one might say, “Buy Watercool stuff!”. Instead, I’ll say this… if you aren’t familiar with Watercool products… search r/watercooling, Google some reviews or check out other builds that feature their products (Like this one). Don’t just take my word for it.

What this build is about:​

The mission for this build was to make the most “Heatkiller-esque” system possible. Minimalist aesthetics, empirical build quality*(at least to the best of my capacity) and top tier performance. It should live up to the name.

I am a firm believer that, if you are going to go through all the effort of creating a custom loop,... you should try to do something unique. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic has been done to death at this point. Challenge accepted I say. This is probably one of the last O11D configs left untouched (call me out if I’m wrong). For those that remember the Corsair Air 540, this may seem familiar though. Dual loop, Koolance dual bay res in the back chamber. Chrome tubing is also something that has returned to the vogue of late. I originally wanted to do nickel plated copper tubing, but finding a local nickel-plating shop that would take the job for an acceptable price didn’t work out. Solution... traditional PETG plastic tubing, painted with Alsa EasyChrome liquid metal paint. *Backup plan is traditional spray paint

Finally, this is my personal build. It’s not specifically for a trade show or convention. Even though it’s sponsored, it isn’t designed to be an advertisement. End of the day, it’s sitting on my desk, it’s doing my work, it’s running my games. I’ve got to be happy with it. Hopefully you like it as well.

What you can expect from this build log:​

There will be your usually assortment of picture updates, the inevitable “something didn’t go quite right”, some light Dremel modding, 3D printing, painting, vinyl wrapping and cutting, etc etc and then a final photoshoot. No fancy CNC porn or glorious workshops unfortunately. If you have any questions, comments or snarky criticisms, I’m game for it all. Most of the photos will be taken with a Pixel 3. Final shots will be with a DSLR and some studio lighting.

Some of my previous builds:

The Parts:
If you want a complete breakdown, I've listed pretty much every single part I used for this build in PCPartPicker.

Sponsored Parts:​

• Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO Black Copper
• Watercool HEATKILLER IV Backplate
  
• Watercool HEATKILLER IV for GTX 1080Ti - ACRYL Ni-Bl
• Watercool HEATKILLER IV eBC - Backplate for 10 Series
  
• Watercool I/O Bracket for GTX 1080Ti and TITAN Xp
• Watercool HEATKILLER RGB LED Strip XS
  
• Watercool HEATKILLER White LED Strip

Main Components:

• CPU: Intel i7 8086K
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Founders Edition
• Motherboard: Asus Maximus X Apex
• RAM: Team Group T-Force XTREEM 16 GB DDR4-3866
• Storage: Samsung 970 Evo 500 GB NVMe SSD and Sandisk Ultra 3D 2 TB SSD
• PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA G3 1000 W
• Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Black
• Fans: 6x Corsair ML 120 Pro and 3x Corsair ML 140 Pro fans
• Custom Cables: Cablemod Custom Sleeved Pro Series Cables - Carbon w/aluminum combs

Water Cooling Components:

• Blocks: Watercool Heatkiller IV Pro GPU and CPU blocks with backplates
• Fittings: Barrow fittings from FormulaMod.com
• Tubing: XSPC 14mm PETG tubing
• Radiators: Hardware Labs 360 GTS and 360 GTX
• Reservoir: Koolance RP-452X2 Dual 5.25in Reservoir Rev.2.0
• Pumps: 2x PrimoChill Enhanced D5 PWM
• PWM Control: Aquacomputer Aquaero 6 LT USB Fan Controller, Aquacomputer HUBBY7 internal USB 2.0 Hub, 3x Aquacomputer SPLITTY9
• Fluid: Mayhems X1 Clear

Other Cooling:

• Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut
• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
• Aqua Computer kryoM.2 Micro Passive Heat Sink for M.2 2280 SSD
• RockitCool Copper Upgrade Kit for 1151
• 3x Phobya Shroud & Decoupling 140mm
• 2x Darkside 360mm Radiator Gasket

Lighting:

• 3x Phanteks 140mm Halos Lux Digital RGB Fan Frames
• 3x Phanteks 120mm Halos Lux Digital RGB Fan Frames
• Asus ROG Aura Terminal Addressable RGB Controller and Strips

Aesthetic Modification Supplies:

• 3M 1080 BR212 Brushed Black Metallic Car Wrap Vinyl Film
• VViViD Epoxy High Gloss Carbon Fiber Automotive Vinyl Wrap
• Alsa Easy Chrome Hobby Kit
• Molotow Burner Chrome spray paint
• Molotow ONE4ALL Acrylic Paint Marker, 2mm, Signal Black

Cheers!

*Ok, there will be some RGB...

 

If it fits, it sits...



Rubber fan gaskets to reduce turbulence from the restrictive O11D bottom grille pattern (Lian Li fixed this on the O11 ROG at CES... nice to see the got my message).

 

Quick video on the chrome paint. Going to be "fun" getting the final product to have a smooth finish.

 

I'm not a steady hands guy... so it's a hair off. A machine obviously did the cutting. Also putting the A and R centers on with the tip of a syringe was not fun.





Dremel time...





aaaand...





Not the best handy work, but... I'm going to cut an acrylic panel that will go over the back and should largely hide my lack of Dremel skills.



I'll get some better shots, but I cut a Fractal Design Define R4 dual 5.25 bay to pieces to create the enclosure for the pump/res combo.