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Thoughts on a RGB Build

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007vsMagua
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2017/02/15 14:26:46 (permalink)
It's been a long time since I've updated...maybe seven years. I'm really liking the effort that has been invested into RGB lighting control. As an artist, color and motion turn me on. Anyway, below are some screenshots and thoughts. Kaby Lake is probably the last generation until what follows...which will be when?
 
The Case is the presentation. I'm thinking the Corsair 460X RGB case. Tempered glass and a decent mid-tower size works for me.
 

 
 
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 board is colored well and has full RGB control. I really like that the VRM and I/O panel is covered and has RGB lighting, it gives the board a solid look.
 

 
 
The EVGA GTX 1070 FTW2 iCX fits my needs perfectly. I have also been looking at the MSI GTX 1070 Quicksilver OC. The photo below is the 1080 but shows the RGB LED layout.
 

 
 
I'm thinking Corsair Vengeance Blue LED (2 x 8Gb) 3200MHz. RGB memory is still coming along.
 

 
 
The hydro cooler is still up in the air. It will need to be RGB and there are three choices available: Corsair; EVGA; and NZXT. The screenshot below is with a Corsair in the 460X case.
 
 

 
 
I'll probably go with the i5-7600K.

"Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
 
EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
#1

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    MSim
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/15 16:09:13 (permalink)
    The MSI mobo does look nice. I would need the ability to turn off all the lights. I'm surprised people would put the radiator in the front like that, but i guess with the large plastic I/O cover we see on Z270 motherboards,  it doesn't give you much choice, if you want to use a 280mm radiator.
     
    I think NZXT has the best looking RGB.
    (from your list)
    1) NZXT
    2) EVGA
    3) Corsair
     
     
     
    post edited by MSim - 2017/02/15 16:19:43


     
    #2
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/15 21:30:20 (permalink)
    MSim
    The MSI mobo does look nice. I would need the ability to turn off all the lights. I'm surprised people would put the radiator in the front like that, but i guess with the large plastic I/O cover we see on Z270 motherboards,  it doesn't give you much choice, if you want to use a 280mm radiator.
     
    I think NZXT has the best looking RGB.
    (from your list)
    1) NZXT
    2) EVGA
    3) Corsair
     
     
     


    Besides the I/O cover maybe getting in the way of a radiator top mount the taller LED memory also gets in the way according to the Corsair forums. I also think the NZXT is the best looking.

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #3
    MSim
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/16 08:58:25 (permalink)
    Are you going to add RGB strips?


     
    #4
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/16 11:10:32 (permalink)
    MSim
    Are you going to add RGB strips?


    I haven't thought that far ahead yet. When this puppy comes together I'll get better ideas about that. I think I mentioned in another post that I will not be doing this build until late summer or fall. I'm hoping to pick up components along the way when they go on sale. I don't expect anything new from Intel for awhile, but another refresh of Pascal may come along by then.
    post edited by 007vsMagua - 2017/02/16 11:17:07

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #5
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/16 13:14:34 (permalink)
    I just watched this video put out today by Paul's Hardware about his RGB build. He has some interesting things to say about RGB software conflicts. I'm sure it will get worked out. That NZXT cooler looks great and again it's a front fan mount. Paul used a full size case and it looks empty.
     
    I think the hoses used on the EVGA and NZXT water coolers are smaller diameter than the hoses used on the Corsair. I like the smaller size better and they are probably more flexible.
     
    I would think that the interior diameter of the hose is more important than the exterior diameter. A smaller interior diameter would require greater pump pressure to move the same volume of fluid than a larger interior diameter. I'm not sure how far pump design has come along, but I suspect higher pressure equals faster RPM.
     
    Paul found some RGB memory from G.Skill. I hope Corsair comes out soon with their RGB version.
     
     

     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #6
    quadlatte
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/18 18:37:40 (permalink)
    007vsMagua
    MSim
    The MSI mobo does look nice. I would need the ability to turn off all the lights. I'm surprised people would put the radiator in the front like that, but i guess with the large plastic I/O cover we see on Z270 motherboards,  it doesn't give you much choice, if you want to use a 280mm radiator.
     
    I think NZXT has the best looking RGB.
    (from your list)
    1) NZXT
    2) EVGA
    3) Corsair
     
     
     


    Besides the I/O cover maybe getting in the way of a radiator top mount the taller LED memory also gets in the way according to the Corsair forums. I also think the NZXT is the best looking.


    i have corsair led ram and its shorter than the dominator ram but is taller than standard xms type ram (or crucial balistix tracer ram )

                                   
                                                 Heatware: http://heatware.com/eval.php?id=72498
    #7
    MSim
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/20 10:13:47 (permalink)
    I do like the cover at the bottom of this case and how the branding is small, it doesn't make the case look like a billboard for the company.
     

     


     
    #8
    fabbasi
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/22 21:26:29 (permalink)
    One thing I like to add about the NZXT is that the hoses block the first memory module.
    Plus don't over do it with the rgb by adding led strips. The corsair crystal is a very visible case and you can't really hide the led strips in it to opt as a glow rather then looking like stop signs.
    And the conflicts between corsair link and other rgb software is So Real. 3 out of 4 modules light up in my case. And sometimes none.
    So the software is very faulty.
    The rainbow colored G skill modules are too colorful, awesome but too fruity cough cough. I know they mentioned a software coming soon to control the colors and pattern but not certain yet.
    I too am considering g skill ram.
    I recently purchased mastercase maker 5t with the tinted tempered glass side panels and they dampen the light soo much that it looks sublime.
    I was going to purchase corsair crystal 560 myself but the case not having a mid plate just made me say No.
    Good luck with your build


     
    #9
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/02/23 06:30:23 (permalink)
    fabbasi
    One thing I like to add about the NZXT is that the hoses block the first memory module.
    Plus don't over do it with the rgb by adding led strips. The corsair crystal is a very visible case and you can't really hide the led strips in it to opt as a glow rather then looking like stop signs.
    And the conflicts between corsair link and other rgb software is So Real. 3 out of 4 modules light up in my case. And sometimes none.
    So the software is very faulty.
    The rainbow colored G skill modules are too colorful, awesome but too fruity cough cough. I know they mentioned a software coming soon to control the colors and pattern but not certain yet.
    I too am considering g skill ram.
    I recently purchased mastercase maker 5t with the tinted tempered glass side panels and they dampen the light soo much that it looks sublime.
    I was going to purchase corsair crystal 560 myself but the case not having a mid plate just made me say No.
    Good luck with your build

    Thanks for the insightful tips. It would be cool to see a picture of your build through the tinted glass when your finished.

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #10
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/02 11:21:33 (permalink)
    UPDATE: August 2, 2017
     
    I pulled the trigger and put something together. I'm happy with it. I went with different parts than I originally planned, but it comes close to what I wanted to do. The parts listed in my signature cost me less than $2,300 which was more than I was planning on, but it should provide me years of enjoyment and great performance hopefully for the next seven years...of course I'm sure a new GPU will come along.
     
    The software that controls the RGB lighting leaves something to be desired. The CAM software that NZXT uses works great. G.Skill has a simple BETA version and it works pretty good, but sometimes I have to uninstall/reinstall the program to reset it. The MSI Gaming APP software is very limited with only about seven colors to choose from and needs to be restarted on occasion. EVGA's RGB control works somewhat, but needs to be improved.
     
    WHITE  DRAGON
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #11
    Talonman
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/02 12:26:00 (permalink)
    I like it... Thanks for the pictures! 

    Asus ROG Maximus IX Hero Z270 / i7-7700K / Windows 10 Pro / EVGA GTX 1080 TI FTW3 Elite GPU / 32GB G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series DDR4 3200MHz / EVGA Super Nova 850 G3 80 Plus Gold Modular PSU / Case: Phanteks Eclipse P400 in Red / (1) Samsung 960 EVO M.2 Internal SSD 500GB for OS (2) Samsung 850 EVO 1TB in RAID-0 for games / (1) Western Digital Black 7200 RPM 3TB Hard Drive for system backups - EVGA CLC 280 CPU Cooler. (EVGA affiliate code SKLZ84OQ2M)

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    masada
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/02 13:25:43 (permalink)
    Nice setup, looks good! Your cable management is on point.

    I went the 460x route, and ended up getting the commander pro to control all the RGB lights for the case and fans. I have 6 of the 120HD fans and 4 RGB light strips all plugged in and can be individually controlled. I just wish the light on the Corsair pump/block could be controlled as well, it's a static light only but no limitation on color selection. Juggling software for RGB controls was something i was worried about so that's why I went all corsair since they had the link software for all their products.  

    System specs:
    Corsair 460X RGB
    Intel Core i7-6700k 4.4Ghz OC
    Gigabyte Z170 G5 max (MB)
    32GB G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series DDR4 3200
    Corssair H100i V2
    EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2
    Evga GeForce 1080 TI SC2 Hybrid
    2x 500 GB Samsung 850 EVO SSHD (raid 0)
    WD 1TB Black
    #13
    rlb9682
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/02 13:48:52 (permalink)
    Good job! I love the tidy wiring in the back :) it's the little things that amuse me the most ;)

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    #14
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/03 10:43:14 (permalink)
    masada
    Nice setup, looks good! Your cable management is on point.

    I went the 460x route, and ended up getting the commander pro to control all the RGB lights for the case and fans. I have 6 of the 120HD fans and 4 RGB light strips all plugged in and can be individually controlled. I just wish the light on the Corsair pump/block could be controlled as well, it's a static light only but no limitation on color selection. Juggling software for RGB controls was something i was worried about so that's why I went all corsair since they had the link software for all their products.  


    Thanks_ Yeah, I went back and forth on which direction to go. I'm a big supporter of Corsair. I just thought circles would look good with straight lines. I think RGB lighting control will get even better in years to come.
     
    And thanks for the other complements :)
    post edited by 007vsMagua - 2017/08/03 10:46:05

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #15
    Dukman
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/06 09:04:05 (permalink)
    It does look good, but you mentioned the one thing I had always questioned.  Software issues.
     
    I cant even get my Corsair LINK software to work properly.  Probably doesn't help that I haven't bothered to update it in like... I cant remember.

    Heatware



     
     
    #16
    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/08 11:38:01 (permalink)
    Dukman
    It does look good, but you mentioned the one thing I had always questioned.  Software issues.
     
    I cant even get my Corsair LINK software to work properly.  Probably doesn't help that I haven't bothered to update it in like... I cant remember.


    Yeah, the software needs constant tweaking. The process needs one ring to rule them all!

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #17
    jasonedokpa
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/14 19:58:11 (permalink)
    I would go with the Trident Z RGB over the Corsair rgb ram IMHO.
    #18
    bigcee
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/17 11:01:49 (permalink)
    Very nicely done! Do they sell RGB radiators and SSD's yet? It's about time....


    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22,23
     
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    007vsMagua
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/17 11:34:07 (permalink)
    bigcee
    Very nicely done! Do they sell RGB radiators and SSD's yet? It's about time....


    Yeah, I know what you mean. It would be nice if Samsung glowed. Maybe I can find an old bottle of radium paint and fill in. It would be cool if the radiator had some kind of clear tube on the side that showed the water running through. 

    "Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to Sea and sink." _Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
     
    EVGA __ RTX 3070 FTW Super   ---   INTEL __ i7-7700K 
    MSI __ Z270 Gaming M7   ---  GSKILL __ 16GB TridentZ 3200
    NZXT __ Kraken X62 / HUE+ / GRID+ v2 / AER Fans x2 / USB Hub
    SAMSUNG  __ 850 EVO 500GB   ---   WD  __  1TB Black / 1TB Blue 
    EVGA  __ 850 G3   ---   NZXT  __  S340 Elite (White)  -  [/siz
    #20
    seth89
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    Re: Thoughts on a RGB Build 2017/08/19 20:25:15 (permalink)
    looks nice.


    #21
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