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.