Project Mirage | Kompcase Apex | Asrock Aqua | Alphacool custom loop

That beast of a chassis was previously hosting a 10700F x RTX3080 configuration. It was still perfectly OK for nowadays but I wanted to do a generation close build and upgrade at the same time. In my opinion it is never good to be an early adopter when a new gen comes out. This one was a perfect example. Things were pretty messy for intel 14th gen CPU (to say the least). But now it is fixed more or less (update your BIOS !). Time to get the best performance we can with the actual hardware (little bit of gaming and lot of overclocking). All that in style. So let’s say goodbye to RTX4000 and intel 14th in a decent way. Here is the configuration : Kompcase Apex [club57139171|@ASRockInfo] Z690 Aqua OC [club24011636|@Intel] core i9 14900KS [club77725640|@asusrog] STRIX RTX4090 OC [id291259539|@corsair] Dominator Titanium 6600 CL32 @SeaSonicPSU Prime GX-1000 Watercooling : @optimuswatercooling RTX4090 STRIX waterblock @SingularityComputers powerboard distroplate DDC @SingularityComputers distroplate D5 @AlphacoolGmbH VPP Apex pump @AlphacoolGmbH XT45 (x2) @AlphacoolGmbH Apex Stealth Fans black (x12) @AlphacoolGmbH ES quick release BLH1A (x2) Tubes are a mix of PMMA clear tubes, black EPDM 10/16 and stainless steel 14mm OD. Sleeves are from MDPC-x Nota : those Alphacool quick release are here for two reasons. First, the watercooling loops can be used separately OR be connected in a single loop (because why not). Second, a massive external radiator setup (in the one and only @LiquidHaus style) will be added to the loops when time comes for heavy overclocking (14900KS gets so hot so fast). Stay tuned for that next step. Closing thoughts : Aqua is an amazing board for watercooling enthusiasts. BIOS is complicated, still tweaking to get the best out of the 14900KS. But it is rewarding. Kompcase Apex chassis is a dream for watercooled builds. The integrated pass-throughs are a must. Seasonic PSU never disappoints. Singularity computers distros and powerboard are changing the game for the best. Alphacool cooling hardware performs amazingly good. The two XT45 in push-pull config with stealth fans are more than enough for the first OC sessions. GPU stays under 38 degrees in heavy benchmark (yes 38) and still strugling with the BIOS on this one but it is on me ;-) I am even wondering if the external setup will be necessary (but we will do it anyway. Because it is cool). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Components (affiliate links) : ------------------------------------------------------------------------