Building a Custom Hardline Liquid-Cooled Gaming PC in a Rare Murderbox Case

Linus Tech Tips

Summary:

This video chronicles Linus and Elijah's extended 45-day journey to complete a custom hardline liquid-cooled PC build within the rare MBX Mk.II "Murder Box" case. Key challenges and steps included:

• Overcoming GPU fitment issues by sourcing a rack-mount friendly 5090 GPU.
• Consulting an incomplete 134-page manual for assembly guidance, which ironically often suggested drilling holes for parts not available.
• Debating and ultimately choosing Noctua fans for their quiet operation and minimalist aesthetic, only to later realize RGB fans might have complemented the build better.
• Struggling with tubing and fittings, forced to use hardline and smaller tubing due to part availability, leading to creative and "wackadoodle" tube runs.
• Drilling holes in the expensive case for radiator mounting and cable management.
• Successfully completing the water cooling loop and passing a pressure test.
• Reflecting on the immense labor cost (34 hours total) and the unique, yet challenging, nature of building in the limited-edition case.

Intro [0:00]

The video picks up a month and a half after the initial attempt to build in the rare MBX Mk.II case, with Linus and Elijah returning to complete the project.

Manual and GPU Fit Issues [0:29]

• Linus obtained a 134-page manual for the case, which was previously unavailable.
• Initial GPU [5090] test fit revealed it was too tall for the case, even with a skinny design, due to the top-mounted fittings.
• A rack-mount oriented 5090 GPU, with fittings at the back, was sourced as a solution, which fit perfectly.
• Despite having the manual, it suggested dismantling the entire case for certain parts, which the team initially resisted.

  

Radiators, Fans, and Case Mods [2:48]

• The manual indicated that a specific radiator mount was not an original Charles (case designer) part, suggesting it was a later modification for radiator installation.
• Linus and Elijah decided to drill holes in the bottom of the $2,000 case to directly mount the radiator, bypassing the need for the non-original mount.
• The team possessed a large quantity of fans for the build.

The Great Fan Debate [4:02]

• Linus initially suggested Noctua Industrial fans for their quiet operation and "classy" aesthetic, aligning with Charles's likely preference for minimal RGB.
• Elijah preferred RGB fans for underglow effects.
• A humorous "audience poll" (simulated) resulted in a preference for RGB.
• After further consideration of the build's overall aesthetic, they decided to go with Noctua fans for a "minimal RGB" look.

Choosing a Radiator [5:03]

• The choice of radiator was deemed important for a 5090 GPU to avoid excessive fan noise.
• They compared a "Coolstream" radiator and a denser "Alpha Cool" radiator.
• Linus opted for the Alpha Cool due to its higher density and the desire to run fans at lower RPMs with high static pressure.
• He expressed a preference for older, thicker, low-fin-density radiators like his old Thermochill PA series, but it was too short for the current build.

  

Tubing and Fittings Struggle [6:12]

• The manual confirmed that drilling holes was the intended method for running tubing in certain areas.
• The team debated between hardline and softline tubing, ultimately committing to hardline for the main visible runs.
• A major issue arose with fittings: only hardline fittings were available, and there were no 90-degree G1/4 threaded fittings that would clear in tight spaces, forcing them to use bulky straight fittings in some visible areas or opt for non-gold fittings in hidden parts.
• Linus experienced "paralysis" due to the difficulty of planning the tubing runs and the fear of drilling into irreplaceable case parts.

Installing Fans and Waterblock [9:28]

• Fans were installed by removing a back panel and sliding them in like shelves, which was a more accessible method than initially thought.
• They switched to Lian Li fans because their simplified wiring system (click-on, one cable) would fit through tight spaces, unlike the Noctua fans' multiple cables.
• They initially installed non-RGB Lian Li fans but later swapped them for RGB versions that could be hidden if desired.
• The GPU water block, an Optimus Water Cooling pre-production sample, was installed, featuring a gold and silver aesthetic that matched the build's theme.

  

Wiring, Tubing, and Creative Runs [12:19]

• The fan hub's USB connection was problematic for routing; they planned to configure it temporarily and then unplug it.
• Linus suggested "wackadoodle" tubing runs with more right-angle fittings to avoid difficult bends and embrace Charles's style of creative squiggles.
• Elijah focused on motherboard wiring.

More Bends and Radiator Work [15:02]

• Linus drilled a challenging hole through the mid-plate of the case for tubing, noting it was a "ragged hole" but acceptable once covered by the fitting.
• The first tube run, with multiple bends, was successfully installed, fitting snugly.
• Elijah discovered the radiator needed to be screwed in from the back, simplifying the process.
• Linus perfected several difficult hardline bends, achieving a "great bend" for one of the runs.

  

  

Finish Up and Pressure Test [19:31]

• The final tube run was completed, connecting to the fill port.
• The side panel was confirmed to close with all components in place.
• A pressure test was performed, with Linus giving it an 80% chance of holding pressure, and Elijah 20%.
• The system successfully held pressure, indicating no leaks.
• Coolant was added to the loop, revealing the internal lighting and flow.

  

GLAMOUR SHOTS! [21:52]

• The video showcased detailed shots of the completed PC build.

  

  

Finished Build Impressions [22:15]

• Both Linus and Elijah were impressed with the final look, acknowledging the "sick" aesthetic.
• They regretted not using RGB fans initially but were happy with the final outcome, noting the RGB fans on top complemented the build.
• Linus jokingly wished for a second GPU for SLI to fill up the case more, admitting Charles would not be "proud" but would appreciate the effort.
• The total build time was 34 hours (Linus: 12H, Elijah: 16H, Off-camera: 6H), highlighting the significant labor cost for building in such a case.
• Despite the challenges and shortcuts, they appreciated the passion and artistry behind the unique MBX Mk.II case.