This is the updated version of a [https://builds.gg/apexbuilds/-redline-34997]previous build[/url] I did for this client. We swapped out the CPU platform from X570 to Z790 and upgraded the 3090 to a 4090.

Overall, if you follow EK's Matrix7 spec for this case, the experience is easy/straightforward... however, if you decide to go your own way like I did, it can be a bit tricky. If anyone wants to replicate this Matrix7 loop, hopefully these tips will be of service.

With the right fittings, you can do no bends, or only 90° bends. However, this often looks a bit generic and there is a lot of visual bulk from the large combination of fittings (not to mention the cost). I decided to go with a mix of 90°/45°/~50-60°/straight runs to keep things interesting. The only bends that were a challenge were the GPU bends and the vertical radiator bends. The GPU bends were very tight and the angled fittings had to be screwed down as the tube was inserted into the compression fitting. The compression collar also had to be tightened while this was happening.

For the Evo, EK recommends a 280mm rad on the vertical slot... but to me that looks a bit odd, so I went with a 360. This means the top left radiator port is very close to the distro and requires a very tight bend. This was juuust possible with 14mm tubing... but if you plan on replicating this setup, I would advise 12mm tubing/fittings for this specific connection. Also, a Primochill Rigid Finishing Bit is advisable so you can get the tube length <1mm perfect. Otherwise, you will be sanding for days.

Finally, these EK distro loops are very easy to fill... but this config was an absolute PIA to drain. Once you get the distro empty, you have to do a ton of tilting and messing around to get more fluid out. Even with that, a lot will be stuck. Then you have to undo some of the fittings on the distro, towel up inevitable spills, drain from there, and then you've probably got 90% out. All with a build that like at least 70lbs. Even though it stand out, installing a second drain valve below the GPU connections to the distro might be a decent idea if you want the drain process to be easier.

There is something to be said for going with an "all EK" build. Everything looks like it was meant to be together and the aesthetic harmony is appealing.

Core Components:
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
- CPU: Intel Core i9 13900K (direct die)
- RAM: G.Skill DDR5 4x16gb 6000mhz/CL32
- GPU: Asus TUF OC 4090
- Storage: 1x WD Black SN850 1TB, 1x Crucial MX500 1TB
- PSU: Asus THOR PII 1000W
- Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic Evo black
- Fans: Noctua A12-25 Chromax.Black 120mm with Phanteks Halos 120mm dRGB fan frames. Bottom and side fans have Noctua NA-IS1-12 fan spacers
- Thermal compound: Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut for the CPU, Kingping KPX for the GPU
- Cables: Custom length Cablemod ModMesh black cables with red metal combs

Water cooling components:
- CPU block: EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB - 1700
- GPU block: EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 4090 ABP Set D-RGB - Nickel + Plexi
- Radiators: 2x EK-Quantum Surface S360 - Black (bottom and side), 1x EK-Quantum Surface P360 - Black (top)
- Distribution panel reservoir: EK-Quantum Reflection² PC-O11D EVO D5 PWM D-RGB - Plexi
- Pump: EK-Loop D5 G3 PWM Motor w/ EK-Quantum Convection D5 - Black
- Fittings: Various EK-Quantum Torque Satin Titanium and Black. EK-Quantum Torque Color Ring HDC 14 - Red
- Tubing: Corsair 14mm PMMA (acrylic) satin tubing
- Fluid: Aquacomputer DP Ultra Red
- Flow sensor: Aquacomputer High Flow Next
- Fan controller: Aquacomputer Octo

Mods/custom stuff/misc:
- Cablemod red countersuck washers + M3 countersunk screws for motherboard
- Cablemod thumb screws for case exterior
- VViViD Vinyl Red Satin Chrome Car Wrap (motherboard, GPU, case exterior and EK badges)
- 3D printed fan hub covers
- EK-Quantum Lumen 7˝LCD - Black

Specific fittings breakdown for those looking to replicate this particular EK Matrix7 setup:
- Bottom radiator: 2x EK Torque HDC (+2 if integrating flow sensor), 2x EK-Quantum Torque Surface Port Adapter - black
- GPU block: 2x EK-Quantum Torque Extender Static MF 7 (if non ABP block, you won't need these, just drop the GPU fittings on the distro down 1), 2x EK-Quantum Torque Rotary 90°, 2x EK Torque HDC
- CPU block (this will may change based on mobo chosen): 2x EK-Quantum Torque Rotary 45°, 2x EK Torque HDC
- Side radiator: 4 or 6x EK-Quantum Torque Extender Static MF 14 (I'm not 100% sure on this one), 2x EK-Quantum Torque Rotary 90°, 2x EK Torque HDC
- Top radiator: 2x EK-Quantum Torque Rotary 90°, 2x EK-Quantum Torque Surface Port Adapter (black)
- EK distrobution plate reservoir: 2x EK Torque HDC (side rad), 2x EK-Quantum Torque Push-In Adapter M 14 (top rad), 2x EK-Quantum Torque Rotary Offset 7 + 2x EK Torque HDC (CPU block), 2x EK-Quantum Torque Rotary Offset 3 + 2x EK Torque HDC (GPU block), 2x EK Torque HDC (bottom rad), EK-Quantum Torque Drain Valve