19 20
16 17 18
(^16) ADD RGB LIGHTING
We’ve gone all-out with RGB lighting in this
build and the next step is to connect it all. The
waterblocks come with leads that can connect
to Corsair’s own components or directly to an
RGB header on your motherboard using an
included adaptor, so you don’t have to be tied
in to Corsair’s RGB ecosystem.
Unfortunately, this will always add more
spaghetti, but the end result will be worth
it. We’re expecting a higher degree of
PC-building proficiency here, so we won’t be
covering the usual steps such as attaching
front panel cables and the like.
(^17) CONNECT FAN AND
LIGHTING CONTROLLER
One way to make your PC building life easier
is to use Corsair’s Commander Pro fan and
lighting hub. This allows you to connect up
to six fans directly, as well as power two
Lighting Node Pro LED hubs, which power
the lighting on the ML120 Pro fans we’ve
used. This connects to your motherboard
to allow you to control everything using
Corsair’s iCUE software. You can even wire in
temperature sensors.
(^18) POP IN THE POWER SUPPLY
The power supply has plenty of connectors,
but we only need half of them, so ditch any
unwanted cables and just connect the ones
you’ll need. Feed the PSU into the case and
secure it, then feed the cables around the
case, connecting your hardware and making
sure to put the Corsair case’s cable-routing
system to good use. Corsair includes a bunch
of large Velcro cable ties as well as hefty
anchor points, so it’s simple to create a tidy PC.
(^19) FILL THE WATER-
COOLING LOOP
With leak testers there’s generally less of a
need to power on the pump separately using
an ATX jumper, as any leaks will have surfaced
already, so we can skip this step. Instead, go
ahead and fill your reservoir and then switch
on the PC.
Expect the system to be noisy and there
to be lots of bubbles in the loop until you’ve
filled it and it’s bled itself of air. This can easily
take an hour depending on the loop and
sometimes even longer.
(^20) FINISHING TOUCHES
Before you start meticulously tidying away
all your system’s cables, fire up Windows
and check all the RGB lighting is working as
it should. Then, skip the meticulous tidying
anyway because the large door on this case
hides everything underneath the side panel.
If your case is less accommodating, cable
ties and Velcro straps are your friends. Secure
down any errant cables to prevent them from
interfering with any fans, blocking airflow and
of course keep your system looking tidy.