This is my first watercooling project and learned a ton along the way. Really enjoyed the experience and will do other projects in the future. Probably not to this level, but you never know. My OCD gets the best of me at times.

I know RGB has largely fallen out of favor in the pc enthusiast community, but I still like it. I have this rig sitting in my living room (I live alone) and just enjoy looking at it. Named it R.G.Ballin' but that came as a result of "rgb all-in". Thought that was a pleasing connection.

3dMark Time Spy benchmark score of 21,137 (Graphics 25,843 and CPU 10,403). Overclocked at 5.0 ghz on CPU. On GPU, I just did a one-click MSI Afterburner overclock and got a frequency/voltage curve that I am using. My CPU is running warm and bringing down the scores. I need to figure that out before I go too extreme.

Some notes:
Took me around six months to build between work and traveling. Inspired by Declassified System's Tower 900 mod. Really enjoy his videos and his approach to modding.

Good experiences:
a. 16 gauge stainlesss steel with classic engine turn pattern for back and floor of front compartment was fabricated by Stainlesssupply.com. Engineered drawings, quick turnaround and reasonable prices for such a small project.

b. iCue lighting and fan control ecosystem. Running everything except the Gigabyte mb and 2080tis through two CoPros and three NoPros. Zotty's amazing CORSAIR RGB Hardware and iCUE Eco-System FAQ is a go-to instructional guide for the iCue ecosystem.

c. Added the new 8-pin and 24-pin LianLi Strimer Plus extension cables. The colors are intense and they can be controlled through the iCue system.

d. Making my own 4-pin and 3-pin led cables to adapt the non-Corsair rgb components. DevBiker's post in Corsair forums was very helpful.

Not-so-good:
a. Monsoon hardline fittings - look good but the gluing was fiddly and problematic if wasn't done precisely. It appears they have discontinued their hardline stuff which is fine with me.

b. Gigabyte Aorus z390 Xtreme Waterforce motherboard - the board looks great especially when teamed with the Aorus 2080ti Xtreme Waterforce cards. And, the accessories are awesome (LED\fan hub (although I didn't use it) and the OC board). The big issue is the automatic leak detection system which had several false readings before I figured out the issue and completely disconnected the system. RMA'ed one board then figured it out on the second. Lots of extra work and anxiety. With that said, it's a very well presented product and has high quality constructions. It's just that damn leak protection system.

c. Primochill's Opaque White watercooling fluid - looks great but what a mess and it immediately stains and attaches itself to the insides of the watercooling components. And, it's overpriced.

Enjoy and Cheers,
Rodney