*Long Read Warning*

This build shows off what the EK Fluid gaming line can really do! To start the build is made for Dual system Gaming and streaming, in one case, cooled by a single loop. All Parts will be included at the bottom of the post. I just wanted to start with the overall build, use case, and a few things i ran into that could help other in the future :)

To start, the beginning stage plan for the build was to make a system where i can have BOTH my gaming and streaming system in one single case. This was mainly to save space on the overall footprint of the build so i could be able to fit other things like my Microphone, stream deck, speaker, and GoXLR on my desk. And to help keep cables as managed as possible.

You can see the parts i decided to go with below so ill go ahead and share some of the things i ran into:

1. Phanteks came in clutch with their Revolt x Power supplies. I opted for the 1200watt model to give myself plenty of headroom for the parts i could be running. Their revolt line allows my to run both systems on a single Power supply which made cables in the back MUCH easier to manage and kept the overall clutter down.

2. The Biggest hurdle for this build was the single custom loop to cool all the components. I was originally going to go with a full copper build from EK. After researching A TON, i came accross EKs Fluid Gaming line. This line peaked my interest mainly due to the overall cost savings. I then decided to go with the Fluid gaming parts after seeing many positive reviews. So, i dived head first........

- The first issue i ran into running this loop was the lack of overall parts. Running the aluminum parts limited the fittings i could get. So with a bit of trial and error and waiting on shipping, i got all the fitting i needed in order to route everything. But, a major downside is EK does not offer Aluminum Pass through fittings which means i cannot run a fill or drain plugs which makes adding things in a headache.

-The second issue was after the build was finished. Everything put back together and running, attempting to game in 4k showed GPU temps sky rocketing to the thermal limit of 82c nearly instantly. SO research mode activated again......With as much rad space as i have it came down to flow was the issue. I purchased the upgraded Fluid Gaming D5 pump on the EK site BUT, turns out the Fluid gaming version of the D5 pump is a cheaper and weaker pump. Which makes sense for the cost savings....So, i spoke with EK and after a couple days of back and forth, their engineering team told me that info and also said that i am safe to run the standard D5 G2 pump. This pump puts out over double the flow rate and is overall better suited for the large amount of fittings and rad space i am running.

So, the pump was ordered. Once it came in, i swapped it out and BAM! Temps gaming at 4k are now much better and no more hitting that thermal limit!


Now for the fun part, Cost savings! YOu can see a list of some parts of the loop below.

Pricing out EXACTLY the parts and accessories needed to replicate this build came out to be $977.36 (estimated before taxes and shipping) ordered through the Fluid Gaming site. Now, as of the time im posting this EK is running a sale on some parts for their standard copper/nickle parts. So, take that into consideration for this next part. To build the equivalent setup with their standard parts, i added the cheapest parts i would need in order to get the same build. And that current cost came out to be $1057.17 (estimated before taxes and shipping). So during this sale its not that much more to go with the copper/nickel parts.

- Things to note:
This is a VERY rare use case for the FG line. So, most people who would be building a loop like this may just spend the money on the full standard parts. But, this does show you can build a perfectly capable and overkill loop for under $1k!
Also, i was limited to running only 360mm rads for the cooling. At this time, EK does not offer 480MM rads for their FG line. Which sucks, but is really not needed and wont honestly provide any benefit other than to fill out the empty spaces for the last two fan slots.

Overall, i HIGHLY recommend the FG line! the prices are great and can allow you to get into a custom loop and help save some money to put towards other parts in the system. My only recommendation to EK (if anyone from there reads this) is to make pass through fittings for the people who would like to run fill and drain ports!


Parts list:
Case: Phanteks Enthoo 719
PSU: Phanteks Revolt X 1200watt Dual system

Gaming System (Top):
Processor:
Intel 8700k (OC to 5.2Ghz at 1.38v)

Motherboard:
Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming

Ram:
16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 2400MHz

GPU:
Founders Edition RTX 2080Ti

SSDs:
1 x Samsung 860 EVO M.2 2TB, Intel 660p M.2 2TB, 1 x Samsung 840 Pro M.2 256GB

Capture cards:
1 x Elgato HD60Pro (used for non 4k gaming like Nintendo switch)
*Coming soon* 1 x elgato 4k60Pro Mk 2 (to be used for 4k gaming pass through for things like the xbox one x)

Streaming System (Bottom):
Processor:
Intel 8700k (OC to 5Ghz at 1.35v)

Motherboard:
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Ram:
16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 2400MHz

SSDs:
1 x Samsung 960 Pro M.2 1TB
1 x Samsung 840 Pro 256GB

Capture card:
1 x Elgato 4k60Pro Mk 1

Custom Loop:
CPU Blocks:
2 x EK-Supremacy AX

GPU Block:
EK-AC GeForce RTX D-RGB

Radiators:
3 x EK-FG 360mm
1 x EK-FG 240mm
1 x EK-FG 120mm

Pump:
Standard (non Fluid Gaming) D5 Pump res Combo with 200mm Tube