Desk PC with Custom Water Cooling: A Unique and Impressive Build
A creative and ambitious PC builder named Johnny Anderson has recently caught the attention of the gaming community with his remarkable custom water-cooled desk PC. This one-of-a-kind PC build, named Omega, showcases Anderson’s dedication to creating a desk that perfectly fits his requirements.
When asked about his initial inspiration, Anderson mentioned a magazine article he came across called the L3p D3sk. The idea of having all the hardware neatly organized and on display, without the need for a separate ATX case on the floor, intrigued him. Realizing that his own engineering skills were not on par with the original designer, Peter Brands, Anderson decided to take on the challenge within the scope of his own abilities.
Unlike readily available desk chassis models, Anderson built his design from scratch. Taking inspiration from the use of aluminum by Lian Li, Anderson used this material as the base for his desk PC. With the help of SketchUp, he created a square section frame and 3mm-thick panels for the front, back, sides, and base of the case. Combining various components from different online retailers, Anderson meticulously drilled and tap-threaded over 130 holes in the frame. Through test-fitting and adjustments, he ensured a perfect fit for each panel.
The hard tubing, a prominent feature of the water cooling system, required extensive planning and measurement. Anderson drew up a rough draft on A4 paper to determine the number of tubing runs and fittings needed for his design. The use of hard tubing allowed him to maintain uniformity while achieving the desired aesthetics.
The airflow system in the desk PC involves three 140mm fans that provide intake on the left side, cooling the hard drives and creating airflow for the motherboard. On the right side, a 420mm radiator with three 140mm fans pushes air out from the bottom, ensuring effective cooling. Anderson’s decision to use hard tubing instead of soft tubing allowed him to achieve straight lines and right angles, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing design.
Building a desk PC comes with its own considerations compared to a traditional PC with an ATX case. Anderson emphasizes the importance of orienting output ports to the back of the case and carefully planning the positioning of components and wiring. Additionally, the shift from a vertical to horizontal surface when water cooling requires closer proximity between the highest and lowest points in the loop.
The desk PC features a front panel that houses a 4K Blu-ray player, power and reset buttons, power and HD LEDs, headphone/microphone jacks, and two USB ports for convenience. Despite its impressive size, measuring 1,006mm wide by 755mm deep, the desk PC is reasonably heavy but still manageable for Anderson to move around within a room.
Cable management is essential in any PC build, and Anderson ensures a clean and organized setup by hiding the cables on the underside of the base plate. Using 3D-printed cable combs, he ensures that the cables remain untangled and do not obstruct the path back to the power supply unit.
Johnny Anderson’s custom water-cooled desk PC, Omega, is a testament to his creativity and determination. With careful planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail, Anderson has created a truly unique and impressive desk PC that showcases his passion for PC building and customization.
Additional Facts:
1. The Omega desk PC build took Johnny Anderson approximately six months to complete.
2. Anderson documented his entire build process on his YouTube channel, allowing others to learn from his experience and gain inspiration for their own custom desk PC builds.
3. The water cooling system in the Omega desk PC consists of a reservoir, pump, CPU block, GPU block, and radiator, all interconnected with hard tubing to efficiently dissipate heat.
4. Anderson used RGB lighting to enhance the aesthetics of the desk PC, creating a visually stunning display with customizable lighting effects.
5. The Omega desk PC is powered by a high-performance gaming computer with top-of-the-line components, including a powerful processor and graphics card.
Most Important Questions and Key Challenges:
1. How difficult is it for a beginner to build a custom water-cooled desk PC like Omega?
– Building a custom water-cooled desk PC requires advanced technical knowledge and skills, including proficiency in PC building, wiring, and water cooling. Beginners may face challenges in understanding the intricacies of the process and ensuring proper component compatibility.
2. What are the advantages of a custom water-cooled desk PC compared to a traditional PC with an ATX case?
– Custom water-cooled desk PCs offer excellent cooling performance, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and lower operating temperatures. They also provide a unique and visually appealing aesthetic, showcasing the hardware and water cooling components on display.
3. What are the disadvantages of a custom water-cooled desk PC?
– Building and maintaining a custom water-cooled desk PC can be time-consuming and expensive. The complexity of the water cooling system may also pose challenges in terms of maintenance and troubleshooting if any issues arise.
4. How does the weight of a custom water-cooled desk PC like Omega affect its usability?
– The weight of a desk PC can be a concern, especially if it needs to be moved or transported. Additional caution may be required to ensure the stability and structural integrity of both the desk and the components.
5. Are there any potential risks or controversies associated with custom water-cooled desk PCs?
– There are some risks associated with water cooling, such as the possibility of leaks, which could damage the components or pose an electrical hazard. Proper precautions and regular maintenance are necessary to mitigate these risks.
6. How can someone get started with building a custom water-cooled desk PC?
– To start building a custom water-cooled desk PC, individuals can research and educate themselves on PC building, water cooling, and cable management. They can also seek guidance from experienced builders, online forums, and tutorials to understand the required components, tools, and steps involved.
Advantages:
– Efficient cooling and lower operating temperatures.
– Unique and visually appealing aesthetic.
– Showcasing hardware and water cooling components.
– Potential for customization and RGB lighting effects.
Disadvantages:
– Time-consuming and complex build process.
– Expensive, especially considering the cost of water cooling components.
– Maintenance and troubleshooting challenges.
– Potential risks of leaks and component damage if not properly maintained.
Related Links:
– Ultimate Desk PC – Time Lapse Build
– EK Fluid Gaming
– Lian Li
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr