Grimm's Workshop
Darren Gatewood
Member since 2020-10-23
PC builder, modder, ER nurse
Plano, TX, United States
Most Recent Build
Best Build
I'm treating the Z5i as an open case currently. The tempered glass is so dark you can't see anything inside, and this build was meant to be seen.
PSU cables are handmade with MDPC-X sleeving. Every wire in the case is shortened or modded in some way.
The rear door won't close fully due to the size of the block. But I like being able to see the interior, so I'm just leaving the doors off for now.
I added walnut accent panels to the GPU block so it would fit with the EK Lignum hardware.
There's a temp plug in one of the reservoir's ports, but the Bykski gives me flow rate (and just looks cool).
Making the cables myself really helped, there's almost zero excess cluttering things up.
The wood is 1/8" walnut plywood. It's the type used for laser cutting, but I used normal power tools.
Changed the branding/logos on the PSU.
I also painted the RAM, although it's hard to see when it's installed.
Mounting the FLT80 required moving the radiator down a bit, but it's otherwise a great fit.
I used a Dremel to allow for the D5 pump in the rear. Also had to remove some of the floor to allow the radiator to shift downwards.
G.Skill Z5i with a steampunk aesthetic
For my personal rig I wanted to challenge myself. The Z5i is a beautiful case, but is tough to build in; space is tight and thermals are pretty bad. I wanted to continue the steampunk theme I've used in previous builds, and incorporate some of the EK Lignum hardware. This build required case modding, custom cables, watercooling, and even a little woodworking. It took a LOT of blood, sweat, and Dremel cutting discs, but the end result is a high-end build that runs cool and quiet.
Detailed parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/JLbxXk
Detailed parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/JLbxXk
Color(s): Black Brown
RGB Lighting? Yes
Theme: Steampunk
Cooling: Custom Liquid Cooling
Size: Mini-ITX
Type: General Build
Hardware
CPU
$ 526.87
Motherboard
$ 353.74
Memory
$ 119.99
Graphics
Storage
$ 127.99
PSU
$ 99.00
Case Fan
$ 62.94
Cooling
Cooling
$ 27.17
Cooling
$ 79.19
Cooling
Cooling
Cooling
$ 228.09
Accessories