As a hobbyist enthusiast builder, (i.e for my own pleasure and not a profession) This is a build with the goal of continuing to learn and improve my building and water cooling techniques and skills. Basically, to learn what approaches optimally work as it relates to both performance and aesthetics. Water cooling especially is a deep labyrinth of wonder; if only it were so simple as component selection and filling a loop.

I also love trying new, and different hardware than I've done before. This build is full of novelty components for me. Generally, if it were to be my primary "No compromises" build, of course a primary goal in that situation is to get the biggest, baddest, fastest hardware one can budget for. 9900k or HEDT CPUs, 2080 ti, etc. But the goal of this build is different: Good performance, great aesthetics and synergistic interpolation between components and usually keeping performance per dollar in mind. (Value in squeezing out the most out of the selection)

I will outline my choice of some of the important components, and why below for a better understanding.

1. Phanteks Evolv, ATX Tempered Glass version: I've had this case for a while, with a single build last year in it, which was taken apart for months for a different build. This is not the newer "x" model, but for my purposes of water cooling, this case will serve the same purpose. Simply, it's a very high quality case. Every panel just feels heavy, and premium, with a good layout. Not the most spacious; but a fair size to fit a 360mm and 240mm radiator.

2. Aqua Computer Quadro: For those familiar with the Aquaero, the Quadro is their newer, smaller unit that serves many of the same basic purposes, but at a reduced cost. In my opinion the Aqua Suite software is pretty much the gold standard for fan control, allowing you many possibilities of customizing. With the quadro, it provides an affordable, small unit that can be easily placed in the case with full fan control. Paired with a splitty4 for better fan cable routing. (The only other mainstream fan control ecosystem I've liked is the Corsair iCue, but the Aqua suite is markedly better and I prefer it for finer control)

3. Noiseblocker e-loop B12-PS 120mm black fans: First time I've used these, and have read rave reviews of them so decided to try. Previous builds have the ML Corsair series, and Noctua NF12 Chromax fans, both of which I like very much for their performance and low noise output. Let's see how the NB eloop fans match up after testing.

4. Asus Strix Z390-E and 9600k: I wanted to see how the midrange Intel lineup did in gaming versus something like a 9900k, and beefier motherboard. Prices were also fair on the 9600k, while the Asus Z390-E is a bit expensive considering the lacking VRMs. To power a 9600k it will be sufficient, and it has some unique styling. Second choice would have been a Gigabyte motherboard, as this generation they seem superior in most price brackets in terms of VRM performance and overall value. But let's see how this Asus one does in the real world. (Often the user experience counts a lot too - no doubt Asus has the superior bios and possible software considerations such as Aura with widespread support amongst third party components)

5. Nvidia Titan X Pascal with EK Acetal waterblock: I love classic, good hardware, and this Titan has that. Still relevant in performance with near 2080 levels, I decided to try this instead of opting for a 2080 simply because I got a fantastic price on a used Titan and waterblock, much cheaper than a 2080. Initially I would preferred a plexi water block so I could vertically mount it to show off the liquid - but the acetal, blacked out look works really well in the build theme and is very unique - not many vertically mounted Titan Acetal cards that I've seen!