My client fancied a CPU upgrade in his SILVERADO build. Before installing the new hardware, I inspected his custom loop hardware and provided recommendations for upgrades where needed. I recommended to change out his BYKSKI GPU block as one of the bolts came loose and a small crack was forming around the area. SILVERADO's hardware upgrades included:

- 14900K to replace his aging 9900K, coupled with an ASRock Z790 NOVA, G.Skill 6000mHz DDR5 RAM (64MB)

- CPU block = Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge. We chose the Ni finish to match the build theme.

- GPU block = Heatkiller V block. I really do love the look and the performance of Heatkiller blocks! This one is the Ni finish . . . just too lovely!

- Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper X-Flow 360mm Radiator = I replaced the EKWB 30mm SE with this much thicker rad.

- Additional storage = We added a 4TB NVME because his gaming library keeps increasing and he doesn't uninstall already played games.

- A nice cleaning and some additional cable management


Prior to tear down, we flushed the system with Mayhems Blitz Part 2 for 24 hours. We then flushed and drained the loop 4x until the DI water was clear and pH up at 7. I then tore-down the entire loop and performed maintenance on the D5 pump and cleaned the dust from the case and the fans. Building in this case is quite easy, however, I am disappointed with the lack of cable management behind the motherboard shroud. I am surprised because this case is made for a dual-system configuration. The 140mm Phanteks Distro Plate does an excellent job in organizing the runs and keeping the majority of the tubing in the rear so my client can easily access the parts and provides the bonus seeing his hardware vs. tubing scattered throughout.


Enjoy the build!