Decided in January I would try the whole Discord notification route and slowly acquire a 3080FE and a 5600X. A month later and I somehow managed to get both and the whole build came together from there. If you want to read way too much about my decision/build process, read on. Otherwise, enjoy the build pics!

Cooling focus was on CPU since I heard the 5000 series ran hot. As such, NZXT Kraken was my choice for known performance and the look of the pump (can't get over how cool the infinity mirror is). Front mounted to prioritize CPU cooling (and admittedly cause I prefer the look). I watched way too many videos on radiator orientation but am comfortable with the tube at the top since they sit higher than the pump.

From there the build was straightforward. Wanted plenty of RGB and to use iCue, so stuck with Corsair for RAM and the fans. Original plan was 120 rear exhaust 2x140 top exhaust, but I didn't account for the space taken by the AIO properly. Ended up running just one 140 for the top and actually really happy with the look so won't be making any changes on that end and just keeping the extra fan for a rainy day. Also missed that my AIO pump setup would interfere with the first RAM slot, so that's why I'm only running the single filler RAM stick, but happy with that look as well.

Main storage was inherited from last build, 1 TB m.2. Initially had my old 3.5" HDD in there, but removed it for a second m.2, this time 2TB for game storage. Wanted to get another fan in the 3.5" tray location on the Meshify for better GPU cooling which ended up making a huge difference since the GPU was no longer relying only on the warmed air coming out of the AIO radiator. Only frustration is the lack of a mesh option for that opening in the Meshify case. May have a shop machine out a mesh pattern into the metal piece that goes there normally so it cleans the look up a bit eventually.

EVGA was my choice for the PSU because they offer a direct, individually-sleeved 3080 plug so I didn't have to use the ugly adapter that comes with the FE (phew).

Photos shot on a Canon 70d with a Sigma 17-50 f2.8, with a couple cheap photography lights for lighting.