Overview / Usage

• Creativity and/or inspiration for the project.

I'm currently a second year Computer Science student at the University of Virginia. In this project, I look to build a high-end pc that can handle a heavy workload for software I use a lot in my curriculum, something that will be fun to put together, and also something that will look amazing!

For the theme of this build, I will be going with an all-blue design, inspired by Intel’s amazing Alder Lake CPU lineup as well as upcoming Arc GPU lineup.

Methodology / Approach

• Technical skill/craftsmanship: Difficulty, effort, techniques, tools, etc. used on the project.

For this project, I also wanted to work with something challenging that I've never worked with before. And for that reason, I will be using a unique Zeaginal ZC-01 Blueberry computer case, which has a very open frame, lots of tempered glass, and it’s blue! I chose it because of its superb cooling potential due to its open design, blue color to match the rest of the build as well as unique shape that celebrates Intel’s creative approaches to technology in both the CPU and GPU industries.

Also stuck with it for its dimensions. Its dimensions allow it to fit the 360mm MSI MEG Coreliquid S360 as well as the 318mm 3070 graphics card and the ATX motherboard.

For the CPU, I will be using the top-of-the-line Intel 12900k CPU. I am excited to use this because of it’s unique eight performance core and eight efficiency core architecture as well other new features such as support for the new PCIe gen 5 and DDR5. I also chose it because of it arguably being the best performing CPU for games, which will be great for pushing the 3070 GPU to its limits. I’m also grateful for Intel providing a k-series GPU with an integrated GPU, which will be great for troubleshooting! I also look forward to trying out overclocking on this CPU. With the provided Z690 motherboard, I will also be testing to see much performance I can squeeze out of the 12900k on different benchmarking software.

For the RAM, I will be using DDR5 memory. Because this is a relatively new technology, I look forward to trying out overclocking on it and seeing how much of a performance gain I can expect to see relative to DDR4 overclocking benchmarks.

As for the power supply, I will be using the Seasonic FOCUS PX-850 Power Supply for it’s very quiet running, 80+ Platinum efficiency rating, and 850 Wattage rating to handle the 3070’s power usage(including power spikes), fully modular design to help with cable management, and an extra 2 Molex connectors over the GX-850 for use of fans without needing an extra fan hub/splitter.

For the SSD, I chose the SN850 as the primary drive. Its speed will allow it to boot up Windows quickly as well as load games and transfer files very fast for workloads at school and for gaming. I chose it over the 980 due to its slightly faster transfer speeds, which can help for everyday use.

As for the 3070 graphics card, I chose the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3070 Video Card. I chose this for its sleek design, ARGB front (despite not being able to paired with MSI Mystic Lights, it can still look great at the right setting), and it’s speed, which will be very helpful for running heavy games with ray tracing. But hopefully, when the Arc GPUs come out and if I can get one, I can switch this out to an Intel Arc GPU and it will look even better!

For the keyboard, I chose the CORSAIR K63 RGB Gaming Keyboard due to its wireless design, blue LEDs, and 80% size that will help the build look sleeker when put together.

For the mouse, I chose Logitech G502 HERO gaming mouse. Having blue LEDs, and also being one of the best gaming mice on the market, it will pair well with the K63 keyboard and the rest of the build.

For the cooler, I stuck with the MSI MEG Coreliquid. Being an MSI cooler, it’s RGB will pair nicely with the MSI motherboard's Mystic Lights software and the IPS display will look amazing when displaying the Intel logo through the tempered glass screen of the case. Furthermore, the three 120mm fans on the radiator should be perfect for cooling the powerful 12900k CPU.

For the motherboard, I chose the MPG Z690 Carbon WIFI. Being a Z690, it will be great for overclocking the k CPU and being MSI, it will pair very well with the cooler through the Mystic Lights ARGB app. Also, the high end VRM design will ensure that the 12900k and 3070 maintain their voltage requirements.

And for the monitor, I will be using a 32” Samsung - Odyssey G7 curved monitor. Its blue design will look sleek with the rest of the build and it’s 1440p display as well as 240hz refresh rate will be a great high end monitor to keep up with both the CPU and GPU.

I also added a three pack of Thermalright ARGB case fans that match the case just in case there isn't enough airflow.

Technologies Used

• Use and inclusion of Intel products in the build

Intel's 12900k CPU

Intel's provided products

Intel Integrated Graphics for troubleshooting

Intel CPU Overclocking including E-core overclocking

Overclocking DDR5 memory with XMP 3.0

Dynamic memory boost

Intel Extreme Tuning Utility

Intel Speed Optimizer

Personally bought case, monitor and case fans

Other links

• PC Part Picker List