Tempered glass side panel removed for non-reflective photograph.
Tempered glass side panel removed for non-reflective photograph.
The room I use for productivity, online class at university, and multi-platform gaming requires me to make several accommodations for two humans and four cats. Elevating the build adds a level of anxiety about position and temperature but reduces concerns about animal interference. Adequate cable management for this build was extensive.
Head-on view of the AIO (NZXT Z53) LCD display.
AMD Radeon 6800 XT
Modification using GPU slot covers to mount the riser cable bracket onto the intake fan at the bottom of the case. The reference model of the 6800 XT exhausts into the case and benefits from unblocked airflow from the intake fan to reduce temperatures in the case.
Additional view of the GPU and mounting modifications.
The cable mods are Lian-Li V2. There is a tie used in this photo to keep the AIO pump tubing in a locked position, out of the way visually and less obstructive to other elements of the case including airflow and lighting.
My PC
Basic build.
Nothing super creative.
I'm a simple woman; I love pretty colors and when my tech works flawless (which is more rare of an experience than I could have predicted). I did have to perform some modifications of my own to make things work for me.
The Lian-Li horizontal GPU mount has a sturdy base to mount GPUs but it blocks a significant amount of direct airflow and it makes it difficult to mount to the bottom position of the case when using the standard width fans (which are their own brand fans btw so what gives with that?). I created new mounting brackets from taking GPU slot blockers and drilling them and putting on mounting screws. They are screwed into the bottom case fans and are very sturdy; this mod allows rapid airflow intake from the bottom of the case (filtered air) to pass through the GPU - Radeon doesn't have a blow-through design and as such expels hot air into the case.
Because the bracket needed to be modified, I modified the standard rear panel as well to have fitment with both the MOBO IO as well as the newly modified GPU mounting panel. The space that resulted between them was addressed with painters tape and paint to match the color of the case. This restored a net positive pressure in the case ensuring that more air is being brought in from outside of the case and keeping circulatory currents active, even without being under load.