Let me present a project Ive spent way too many hours on...
The ARC-ITXect ULTRA
Just before the RAMageddon craze, I started hunting for components for a dedicated SFF LAN rig, or at least something easy to grab on the go. Do I actually attend enough LAN parties to justify a build like this? Probably not. Is it way too much fun to build custom PCs and wrap them in vinyl? Absolutely.
This has been a long term passion project with one goal, building a solid 1440p mid tier performer. I decided to go all in on the Intel platform, pairing the Core Ultra 5 with the Arc B580. It was a challenge to find the right bits to make it all fit, but I managed to stay within a reasonable budget for the performance I was aiming for.
Inspiration & Design
Once the components were settled, I decided to take inspiration from rally cars, you know, that over the top look with sponsors everywhere! I had wrapped this case (Phanteks Evolv Shift XT) before, so I knew what I was getting into... a scalpel and A LOT of patience to handcut several hundreds upon hundreds of ventilation holes.
Anyway, I couldnt be happier with the end result!
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5
- GPU: Intel Arc B580
- MOBO: ASRock B860I WiFi
- RAM: 32GB Kingston Fury DDR5 5600MHz
- AIO: NZXT Kraken 240 (Equipped with 2x HYTE THICC FP12 fans)
- SSD: 1TB Kingston NV3 NVMe PCIe 4.0
- PSU: Corsair SF850L
- CASE: Phanteks EVOLV Shift XT
The Custom Touch
- 3D printed handles
- USB Hub with 3D printed magnetic mounts
- Xbox Controller with a 3D printed magnetic mount
- Coiled USB-C cable (Purple)
Tools & Materials
- Machines: Cricut Maker 3 (decals/logos), Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus (3D prints)
- Materials: Vinyl wrap (Glossy Royal Blue, White), Purple PLA.
EDIT: Thanks for all the kind words! Just wanted to clear up a few things that keeps coming up.
About the logos and the "cluttered" look, that was 100% the point of this project. I wanted it to be completely over the top, inspired by rally/nascar cars. I know it’s not for everyone, but that’s the beauty of custom builds.
As for the Intel "fanboy" comments, I actually have AMD and Nvidia rigs at home as well. The parts I picked for this one just set the theme, and honestly, I don't mind rooting for the underdog once in a while.
Regarding the 3Dprinted handles, Ive reinforced them in the slicer and they are more than strong enough for light lifting and moving it around. They are grounded with wide spacers at the base and I prioritized the aesthetics for this specific look. They’ve been rock solid so far!
Thank you!