Build Log: Project Proxima Mini-ITX

Greetings everyone!

I know that it's been awhile since I've updated this log, and I can't help but feel that I need to back-track a bit on the purpose of this project.

You have probably seen the combination workstation / file server / game server that I've started, Alpha Centauri. It is still on-going, as the scope of this project has broadened a bit. (If you haven't seen it yet, check out the link in my signature.)

Now, this system's purpose has changed a bit compared to the original vision, as I now need to have a dedicated workstation for myself while I use Alpha Centauri as a central hub for the rest of my team to connect in and store files as we ramp up for our next batch of projects we have in the works (more info soon! ;): )

That's where this machine will come in. May I present...

http://i.imgur.com/fMJRzp2.png

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CHASSIS

Corsair Obsidian Series 350D

Click here to learn more!

Now, before any of you ask “Wait, aren’t you building a mini-ITX build?” I just want to clarify that the Micro ATX case choice is strictly to allow enough space for the liquid cooling components I plan to fit in this case. Seeing as how the Alpha Centauri’s style is the main influence, I want them to seem aesthetically similar. So, the layout for the systems will be relatively the same between the two.

Proxima is going to strive to look like his bigger brother, Alpha (seen below), in the coming months.

http://s20.postimg.org/cvdanql55/image.jpg

Click the image above to enlarge.

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HEADSET

Corsair VOID Wireless Dolby 7.1 Gaming Headset

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/Product%20Photos/headsets/void/wireless/large/VOID_WIRELESS_01.png?h=210&thn=0&w=265

Click here to learn more!

I’ve already acquired one of these headsets for Alpha Centauri, so I will use it interchangeably. The only thing I may consider changing is finding a USB stand (similar in vein to the one featured with the Void Wireless Yellowjacket) to connect the dongle to, so that I don’t have to keep unplugging the dongle from directly off the motherboard when switching PCs.

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MOUSE

Corsair M65 RGB Laser Gaming Mouse - Black

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/product-images/mice/cg-m65-rgb/black/large/CG_M65_RGB_K_01a.png?h=210&thn=0&w=265

Click here to learn more!

Those of you may have noticed that I already have an M65, but I will be acquiring a secondary one for this build. The M65 has always been, undoubtedly, my favorite mouse. (I've still got the original M65, pre-RGB. And it still works like the day I first got it.)

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KEYBOARD

Corsair Gaming K95 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Cherry MX Brown

http://www.corsair.com/en/~/media/179A4FA4CC814C79BA4CECB76124F8F4.ashx

Click here to learn more!

Using CUE, I'll be able to bind useful macros for all manner of software. Shortcuts for Photoshop, channel navigation for TeamSpeak... With this keyboard, the possibilities are endless!

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MOTHERBOARD

Asus Republic of Gamers Maximus VIII Impact

Now, in favor of reserving room for the reservoir (since I will be mounting it in a position similar to the one in Alpha), I decided to go with this particular motherboard. I also plan on making a motherboard shaped acrylic cutout to surround the Maximus Impact VIII, just as I did with the Rampage IV: Black Edition in Alpha.

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PROCESSOR

Intel Core i7-6700K

http://cdn.idealo.com/folder/Product/4810/7/4810790/s1_produktbild_mid/intel-core-i7-6700k.jpg

I plan on editing photos, videos, and design graphics along with my team, so the i7 is a must.

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MEMORY

Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4 32GB (16GB x2) 2800Mhz

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/Product%20Photos/dram/dominator-platinum-ddr4/generic/large/DOM_DDR4_03_Generic.png?h=210&thn=0&w=265

Click here to learn more!

From running VMs to editing media, 32GB will be perfect for my day-to-day usage.

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VIDEO CARD

EVGA GTX Titan X SuperClocked

http://static.evga.com/products/images/gallery/12G-P4-2992-KR_MD_1.jpg

Getting that extra performance in Adobe CC will be a boon using this card. Not to mention the gaming performance when LAN'ing with the team. :D

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STORAGE

Samsung 850 EVO, 250GB (x1), 500GB (x2)

Installing Windows 10 Pro on a Samsung 850 EVO, 250GB. Then, I will be striping two 500GB in RAID 0 for performance. All other storage will be offloaded onto my local network via Alpha Centauri’s storage solution.

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POWER SUPPLY

Corsair RM750x

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/product-images/psu/rmx-series/large/RMx_750_01.png?h=210&thn=0&w=265

Click here to learn more!

Going with the RM750x PSU by Corsair, as it is a Gold-Certified PSU with a Zero RPM fan mode. It'll pair quite nicely with my choice of fans for that silent operation and neutral white/silver theme. I plan on cutting an acrylic shroud to hide the pump and PSU, but will reveal the label on the side of the RM750x through a hole in the acrylic. I will be going with white individually sleeved cables to match the theme.

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CASE FANS

Corsair SP120, Quiet Edition (x7)

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/Product-Photo-Root/F/fan_sp120_across_w_1.png?h=210&thn=0&w=265

Quiet and white rings. What is there to not like?

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Be sure to subscribe to this thread if you're interested in seeing how it all unfolds. Also, have a look at my signature for other builds.

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UPDATE 2/22/2016

I've updated my build to reflect my final choices for parts.

All last week I have been receiving parts. Pictures soon!

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Here are shots of some of the parts we're including in this build.

ASUS ROG Maximus Impact VIII

http://i.imgur.com/6keH136.jpg

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EVGA GTX Titan X w/ Hybrid Cooler

http://i.imgur.com/IrwPbc5.jpg

I know what you're thinking. "Why did you get the Hybrid version if you're going to custom watercool it anyway?"

Well, I was going to order the SuperClocked version, but they were out of stock at the place I was going to order them. Everywhere else seemed to have marked them up by $200+ dollars. Besides that, the Titan X backplate seemed to be out of stock everywhere. That's when the Hybrid version started to look much more appealing. At $130~ cheaper than the SC at its marked up price, higher boost and base clocks, AND with the backplate I couldn't find anywhere, it was a bit of a no-brainer. :biggrin:

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http://i.imgur.com/KI0obcb.jpg

All of the EK components I'll be using to cool Proxima (except for the pump and reservoir, of course. I couldn't fit them into the same shot. We'll see those later. ;): )

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Lastly, I want to give a big "Thank you!" to my good friends at CORSAIR for sending me...

RM750x power supply

along with

32GB of Dominator Platinum DDR4 @ 2800MHz

http://i.imgur.com/HzY54ud.jpg

With 80 Plus Gold certified efficiency, Zero RPM fan mode, and modular cables, I couldn’t ask for a better power supply for this quiet powerhouse of a build. Between this and the extreme performance of the Dominator Platinum DDR4 kit, I’ll be looking forward to some seriously fast and stable editing over the coming weeks.

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Speaking of performance; For the next step, I’ll be putting together Proxima Centauri on basic AIO cooling to run benchmarks and compare it to Alpha Centauri (using games on 5760x1080 resolution). I’m really curious to see the real difference in performance between these two machines...

I’ll most likely be going with the in-game benchmarking utilities found within…

Grand Theft Auto V

Metro Last Light Redux

[More as I think of them]

Additionally, I’ll also be using…

3DMARK Firestrike

Unigine Heaven

Unigine Valley

If you have any other benchmarking suggestions, feel free to reply!

After a hectic week of OS, application, and hardware troubleshooting on Proxima Centauri (amidst all my homework/studies leading up to mid-terms) I've managed to get the system up and running!

Here are the benchmarks:

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2724141/width/500/height/1000

It's interesting to note that there is such a small difference between the two systems in terms of benchmark performance.

I've also noted that Metro: Last Light makes a good use of SLI, whereas other games (like ARK: Survival Evolved) don't utilize the second card properly (if at all). ARK also doesn't scale its field of view correctly in 5760x1080, so playing at 16:9 aspect ratio (at 1920x1080) is pretty much forced.

Alpha Centauri was running ARK at 43 FPS max, 5 FPS minimum. Proxima Centauri got as high as 90 FPS with dips to 57 FPS on occasion.

This is just proof in my book that, in regards to gaming, it is always better to rely on one good card rather than two in SLI. Depending on the titles you run and whether or not they utilize SLI, your mileage may vary.

This next step will be getting the aesthetic details in order for this build.

Wish me luck! :D:

Alright, here's that mock up I promised!

Note the use of the acrylic shrouds. Housing all the unsightly cables and making for a cleaner overall build.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2727617/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2727616/width/500/height/1000

Not close to done yet, but I thought I would show you what I've been up to.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734624/width/500/height/1000

AIO solution has been running for awhile. But, I did get an LED kit for the whole Centauri System. :cool:

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734626/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734627/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734628/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734629/width/500/height/1000

And pardon all the cables underneath the desk. That is definitely on my list of things to straighten out during this project.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734630/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734631/width/500/height/1000

I'll be taking some inspiration from Alpha Centauri. Proxima will be shaping up to look like his big brother soon!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734634/width/500/height/1000

But, Alpha will also be taking some queues from Proxima. I've got a nice upgrade in store for Alpha, since two of its fans have died since December.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734636/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2734638/width/500/height/1000

I've also been measuring out the acrylic sheets today. I'm ready to cut them up tomorrow!

And, I have to make good on that promise I made to show off what I'll be doing to the front face of the 350D. :D

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741155/width/500/height/1000

So, the vinyls have been designed, ordered and applied.

Courtesy of Signarama! They did one awesome job.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741156/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741157/width/500/height/1000

Sleek, simple, elegant.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741158/width/500/height/1000

Even Alpha Centauri got a bit of a makeover! :D

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741162/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741163/width/500/height/1000

The acrylic has been cut and measured. I'll be sending those and the windows out to a good friend of mine for him to work his magic.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2741160/width/500/height/1000

Then, when those panels return, I will begin the most fun part!

Building the liquid cooling loop!

The Titan X Is all suited up.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2801040/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2801039/width/500/height/1000

Motherboard has been successfully painted.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2801041/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2801042/width/500/height/1000

Hey everyone! Here's a quick update!

The motherboard shroud is looking pretty spectacular!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2805930/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2805929/width/500/height/1000

It's really coming together!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2805931/width/500/height/1000

The cable management is looking clean.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815484/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815485/width/500/height/1000

Upper PSU shroud has been fitted, cut, and installed.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815486/width/500/height/1000

Pump has been installed inside the case.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815487/width/500/height/1000

Drainage port has been attached to pump.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815488/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815489/width/500/height/1000

First tubing run has started.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2815490/width/500/height/1000

Just one tube away from greatness!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2838711/width/500/height/1000

Is this not the cleanest free-hand bend you have ever seen...?

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2838712/width/500/height/1000

All connected and ready for...

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2838713/width/500/height/1000

...leak test!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2838714/width/500/height/1000

Looking glorious! A few minor things to clean up before the final photo shoot!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2838715/width/500/height/1000

Well, after quite the number of delays, it is finally done!

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2861102/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2861104/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2861106/width/500/height/1000

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/2861105/width/500/height/1000

I would like to thank all those to helped me every step of the way!

Corsair for their awesome support!

Jkraghify for aiding me in the laser etching and cutting process.

And all of my other friends in person and on the forum who motivated me to keep going!

I've got a few more projects in the works, so I hope to see you all again soon! :cool: