My First Build 570X Hydro X Custom Loop

So this was my first build, completed a couple of months ago. The closest thing I had done to building a computer was transferring the internals of a a rig i had overclockers build for me a few years ago into a smaller case. But this gave me the bug!

So many youtube videos later and hours spent on pc parts picker, overclockers configurator etc, here is the end result. Before you comment, I know there are some serious schoolboy errors in here, budget was all over the place and half the time I just went with what i thought looked cool at the time... But hey it came together and it works!

However, now I am a little wiser and having completed the build, a little more knowledgeable. So I'm looking to transfer to Hard Tubing and correct some of the mistakes.

THE ISSUES:

1. most obvious, the GPU is ridiculous. No other word for it. My original research did not extend to looking into the length of the GPU, maybe I was distracted by the Carbon Fiber and Dragons, and was not keen on the prospect of dismantling a GPU myself. So when this behemoth turned up I was forced to make some amendments to the design. The res had to be mounted very high up and barely clears it. Not ideal for lots of reasons.

2. Lengths of tubes, i think they are on the whole a bit too long and some pinch a little. Hopefully when i switch to hard line i can rectify that.

3. The valve: looks messy and like an afterthought at the bottom of the case. (thanks ridiculous GPU again)

MY IDEAS:

Not changing GPU, was way too expensive and i still think it looks cool (Damned carbon fiber) so i have thought of another, more drastic yet cheaper idea. Swapping the case for a 500D.

This would mean I could easily mount the GPU vertically, near the wall of the case (no fan clearance issue as its watercooled) which would mean i could mount the res slightly BEHIND the GPU!

I have seen someone do it, its tight but it works.

See this guy: shuhan90 on pc part picker

https://pcpartpicker.com/b/QL6scf

lots of props to him, amazing build.

This would allow me to do some great (if fiddly) hard tubing runs and show off the watercooled card that would take up most of the space.

Please let me know your thoughts, do forgive my somewhat random choice of components... it was definitely a learning experience. Very happy to hear suggestions, comments and any help appreciated!