how do you compile a specification list for a custom computer?
I start with a rough budget in mind, usually with a decent overhead so I can account for any mishaps. Start with the motherboard and then look for a case that suits it (essential with XL-ATX and the larger stuff). The rest is usually what appears for me - performance wise
how important is the aesthetic of a watercooled system to you?
Important but not essential, as long as its of high quality and not pig ugly I'm fairly easy.
do you pick the best performing products or ones that look the best?
If push came to shove I'd take performance over looks, that said, I try get a good balance of both, 7970 blocks are a good example of this. I did my research found that Aquacomputer are amongst the best performers while looking great, I had originally planned for EK CSQ blocks, which aren't AS nice IMO.
how do you plan your system projects?
The big starting point is the case, everything else, especially the water side of things is then shaped around the case. After I know what case I'm using I can plan everything else
how important are watercooling brands to you and what are your favourites for different parts?
Brands are of large importance for me, I recognise certain brands with a certain tier of quality, example I look at Aquacomputer, Watercool & Koolance as the absolute top end, EK & XSPC kind of upper-middle and brands like Alphacool & Phobya as more middle of the road brands.
CPU Block - EK, I ditched my raystorm for an older EK-HF Cu full nickel and do not regret it one bit, stunning block in both looks and performance.
GPU Blocks - I've owned EK and now aquacomputer, I'd take either TBH but if available I do really like my AQC blocks.
Backplates - Coldzero, you know you love them Rich
Motherboard/Mosfet - If I really need them, just whats available, EK tend to lead the market in this area, its what I have now on my Xpower II.
Pump/Res - Not of massive importance to me on branding, all pumps (with exception of a few custom aquacomputer pumps) are re-branded. Res, again, all essentially the same thing, usually pick one with the most connection options.
Radiators - I've owned Phobya, EK, XSPC & Hwlabs radiators, the one that ticks every single box for me is Hwlabs, great performance, great looks, great price.
Fittings - I like a nice balance of cost and looks on this front, as much as I like bitspower and have used them in the past, I could find better things in my rig to spend the ~£100 per kit out would sting me. Used EK-PSC on my latest build, decent enough for the £3 a pop I was charged by you guys
QDC's - Koolance Koolance Koolance.
Tubing - I've only ever really used the XSPC stuff you guys sell (especially the 7/16 clear stuff from the reel) and had no problems with leeching etc... so I'll more than likely stick with it. Top tip for your packing staff though, don't wrap the tubing up with parcel tape, took me a good half hour to clean all the residue off before using.
Fluid - Mayhems for a few reasons, wide range of colour choices, they are very active in improving and expanding and their staff are always very helpful and honest, if something isn't right they'll hold their hands up and get it sorted, very honest people.
are you able to look at an empty case and design a loop in your head?
Yes, its probably the first thing I do when I see a new case. Wasted many an hour at work thinking over a loop in my head then putting it down on paper to see if I've misplaced something.
Last build (getting pulled apart AGAIN soon for some tube re-working):
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