PROJECT LOG Project Power Hawk - mATX build w/ modded TT Core X2

Introduction:
Hello, CryoWork here for my first full on mATX build. The build philosophy encompasses overclocking potential in a mid ATX form factor. I decided I wanted to go a little different with my build so I choose a yellow and black color scheme as seems uncommon as of late!

Status: In-Progress

Specifications (As of now):
Motherboard: AsRock Z97 OC Formula
CPU: TBA
GPU: MSI HAWK 270x
Memory: 16GB Avexir Blitz 1.1 2400Mhz 10CAS DDR3
Case: Thermaltake Core x2
PSU: EVGA 650w GOLD
HDD: TBA
Cooling system: TBA
Fans: TBA

Mods:
Cable Sleeving - In Progress
Case Decals/paint - Not started
Side-window etching - Not started

Update 1 [6/6/2015] -

Case arrived, the Thermaltake Core X2





The inside is so roomy and modular!



Nice magnetic dust filters.

My GPU arrives from GPUShack:





The yellow and black theme fits perfectly, and its the OC version, perfect.





Refurbished card has some dings, I'll iron them out :thumb:

Motherboard arrives:






Shes so beautiful.



Sleeving starts:

I hope you make the yellow and black theme work. I was going to go with that color scheme, but I really didn't like the way the OCFormula looked (was leaning towards the MSI Z97 XPower, so expensive though).

Good luck.

Dlaw said:

I hope you make the yellow and black theme work. I was going to go with that color scheme, but I really didn't like the way the OCFormula looked (was leaning towards the MSI Z97 XPower, so expensive though).

Good luck.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the good lucks! If MSI had an X/MPower in Matx I would have rolled with it! I do like the look of the OC formula and I have good experience with AsRock boards, cant wait to see the yellow/white/black come together.

- - - Updated - - -

Update 6/9/2015:

Got around to re-pasting the GPU with Liquid Ultra, cant wait to see what overclocks I get



Such a pretty PCB



Nice thin layer

did you find what the top stock clocks were before the ultra? would be nice to see what differences show

Sub'd!

Update 6/18/2015



PSU cables are completely done, here is only a teaser though Now time for the pesky front panel cables!

- - - Updated - - -

dejo said:

did you find what the top stock clocks were before the ultra? would be nice to see what differences show

Click to expand...

Sadly I didnt get a chance to bench before I swapped paste, however I'm expecting at least a 5c drop at full load. I'll get some of someone elses box temps and compare to what I get for sure

Update 7/3/2015:

New memory arrives! Thank you Avexir memory!







It fits the theme so well!



The sleeved 24 pin matches perfectly.



Now about that CPU and cooling solution...