Thinking outside the box..
Or The Tale of How to get Out, In
So after the high of last week’s delivery, I started fitting in hardware as I’d envisioned before shipping and discovered that due to the way the X-flow radiators are designed that while the 360 X-flow radiator was installed I didn’t quite have the clearance I need to mount another radiator onto the back mounting position without putting it outside of the case. Fortunately I’d thought about this in the planning stages, and Alphacool graciously agreed to send another 240mm X-flow radiator in case I ran into issues. Mounting this gives me acres of clearance, but doesn’t quite have the same aesthetic.
I’d still like to use the 360 I think, but have left the 240 on currently to see if anything pops while I brainstorm. I do keep eyeing the back mesh and my Dremel…
The other option here is to forgo the back radiator, and use the 360 and 240 radiators either still as separate loops or as one loop. This would be easier, but who said this should be easy? I set out to build a showcase, dual-loop PC; as I haven’t seen anyone put a dual-loop into this case and it looked like a fun challenge.
Also while staring at the case, I’ve decided to build some custom acrylic backplates for both sides of the motherboard tray. Will be a much cleaner look, especially once I route various parts of cabling behind it.
So while I’ve been given a puzzle on the radiator side, I’ve found a solution for one other issue: Airflow. Now we all love the sleek looks of the Phanteks Evolv, but one thing that’s generally agreed is that those sleek lines come with a lower airflow from the front panel. Step in Mnpctech with his Evolv Vented Bezel. This is a full replacement for the front panel, using the existing mounting hardware from that panel. I’ve seen forum posters saying that their temperatures dropped 5 degrees after adding this mod, can’t wait to test that out myself.
It’s a straight-forward, swap hardware across and mount on the case.
I’ve left the acrylic cover on so I don’t gather scratches as I work, so here’s what it looks like from Mnpctech’s own website. I think you’ll agree that it’s a stylish solution to the airflow issues on this case.
That’s all the updates I have this week, to give me some more time to think about the radiator issue I’m going to start on cabling this week, and probably some paint of components.
Until next week, signing off..
