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This is a build log. Build logs are detailed and comprehensive project records that contain content from the entire design process such as 3D models, product visualizations, design deep-dives, and much more. It is meant to reflect project progress in the most transparent way possible. Once the project has been completed, a more condensed summary will be available here.

001: Etrio Build Log Launch

January 15, 2023

Welcome to Project 01: Etrio!

The initial idea and motive for this project was to create a functional, simple, and well-balanced mini-ITX chassis with full liquid cooling support. I have always loved the sleek aesthetic of liquid cooled computers, and so I wanted to design a chassis that could accommodate that. Before I dive into the specifics of this project, let's have a look at some visuals!

The chassis has a five-piece construction and utilizes a single aluminium sheet (mainplate) to mount all components. The mainplate is bent towards its base and connects to a robust aluminium stand. The left and main side of the chassis houses all major components, while the opposite side houses most cables, tubing, and a control hub for fans and lighting.

The chassis is enclosed by two aluminium shells with dedicated ventilation areas at the top and bottom. Air is pulled into the main chamber and exhausted at the rear. There are filters on both intake areas to prevent dust build-up which are fitted with magnets to allow for easy maintenance.

Both sides of the chassis have transparent acrylic panels to showcase the internal components. These panels are also fitted using magnets.

Now, let's have a look at the component specification for this build. Don't worry, we'll go into further detail on the design below.


Component Breakdown

CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
GPU
EVGA RTX 2080 Ti SC
RAM
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB (2x16) / 3466 MHz / CL16
PSU
Corsair SF750 80+ Platinum
MOTHERBOARD
ASUS ROG Strix X570-I
STORAGE 1
Samsung M.2 980 Pro 2TB
STORAGE 2
Samsung M.2 970 Evo Plus 1TB

Now some of you are probably thinking, why use outdated components such as the 2080 Ti, 3900X, and DDR4 memory? It's a valid point, and I wouldn't mind using the latest tech given that it's fully water-cooled.

However, this project began way back in 2017 while I was still in university, and I purchased many components during a sale in late 2019 thinking I would launch this project in early 2020. Since then, a lot has happened and I've finally found the time to proceed with this project.

I won't go into detail on each and every component but I'll dive into one of deciding factors for my selection: to reduce size. Consequentially, the selection of e.g. motherboards is very limited. I have chosen a mini-ITX motherboard, which is the smallest form factor, and equally important; one that has two M.2 slots. This saves tons of space and reduces the number of cables involved (as compared to using 2.5'/3.5' drives).

I have also chosen an EVGA-brand graphics card for the same reason. EVGA has always offered compact high-end graphic cards and this model is roughly 30% smaller than equivalent models from other brands. The same reasoning applies to the power supply, which is a 'small form factor' version (SFX) from Corsair.

The PC will be used for both GPU and CPU intensive tasks which is why I've chosen to use high-performance components such as the 2080 Ti and 5900X. Speaking of performance, let's take a look at the selection of liquid-cooling components.


Liquid Cooling Breakdown

CPU BLOCK
EK-Quantum Velocity D-RGB
RADIATOR
EK-CoolStream XE 240
GPU BLOCK
EK-Quantum Vector RTX RE Ti D-RGB
GPU BACKPLATE
EK-Quantum Vector RTX Backplate
FAN(S)
EK-Vardar EVO 120ER D-RGB (x4)
TUBING
EK-Tube ZMT Soft 10/16
RESERVOIR & PUMP
EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 RGB (Combo)
FITTINGS
EK-Quantum Torque STC-10/16 (x22)
FITTINGS (ANGLED)
EK-Quantum Torque Rotary 90 (x15)
FITTINGS (PASS-THROUGH)
EK-AF Pass-Through (x7)
FITTINGS (OTHER)
EK-Quantum Torque Rotary T
COOLANT
EK-Cryofuel Clear
M.2 COOLING
EK-M.2 NVMe Heatsink
DRAIN
EK-Quantum Torque Drain Valve

I'm sure you're noticing a theme in the selection of liquid cooling components, they're all products from EKWB, and no, I'm not sponsored (unfortunately).

Either way, I have followed EKWB's development of liquid cooling solutions for a long time and I've always found their design language to be compelling, especially the Quantum/Vector series.

Obviously there are other brands that also make liquid cooling products, but I think what distinguishes EKWB from the crowd is the scale of their solutions. EWKB have always been consistent with their design language across their products, which makes their products fit very well together.

The main choice I've made for this build is to use black components with integrated lighting. While I can't say that I'm a fan of making computers look like a jar of skittles, I think internal lighting can look good if done right.

I have also chosen to use soft tubing for this build, even though the tube routing is very simple. I think the matte black ZMT tubes look really neat, and I have never liquid cooled a PC before, so I thought It'd be smart to save hard tubing for a future occasion.

Enough about liquid-cooling, let's rewind and take a closer look at the chassis design.


As a closing note, here are the current chassis specifications and a peak at the content you can expect to see moving forward. Hope to see you again!

Sincerely,
Niklas

Chassis Specifications

VOLUME
31 L
DIMENSIONS
350 x 440 x 200 mm
MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT
Mini-ITX, Mini-DTX
MATERIALS
Aluminium, Acrylic Glass
WEIGHT
8.4 Kg
FRONT I/O
Start, Reset
DUST FILTERS
Intake (x2)

What's Next?

Cable & tubing management improvements
Test rig
Weight improvements
3D print prototyping
End of post

002: Design Loop A

March 31, 2023

This post will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan 21 at 15:00 CET / 09:00 EST / 06:00 PST
Build log announcements are always posted on Instagram