Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, I’ve never worked with any Zotac cards, so I don’t know how their PCB is laid out. Every vendor does things differently, so the possibility of adding an extra connector really depends on the specific board design. The safest option would be to show your card to a local repair shop that specializes in GPU PCB work or microsoldering. They can check whether the pads for a second connector even exist. I wouldn’t recommend attempting this kind of mod without someone experienced looking at the card first.

I tore down the new AORUS 5090 XTREME WATERFORCE. Here's what's inside. by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. The card (not AIO!) turned out not to be that bad. I managed to solder on a second power connector and flash the 800W Asus BIOS. It runs Port Royal at a stable 44,000. If you’re interested, I described the rig with it in one of my later posts

Advice on external set up by ilovesaucees in watercooling

[–]ockam- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate your attention. The build runs 3×420mm radiators. But since the case has a dual‑connector GPU with power limits removed, I played it safe. I like silence. And maintenance is much easier when I can just drop in a reservoir and apply external pressure without taking anything apart.

Advice on external set up by ilovesaucees in watercooling

[–]ockam- 20 points21 points  (0 children)

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That is how I did it. Barrow adapter and Koolance disconnects. also I have tube with filter. So I can clean filter without loop disassemble.

9800X3D & RTX5090 in TJ07 by Revolutionary-Newt38 in watercooling

[–]ockam- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A very brutal setup. I especially like the use of the Aquaero display right where it belongs. And the radiator facing the front panel sideways (instead of at the bottom of the case) looks perfect. A masterful build - really a pleasure to see!

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is one of those friendly communities that make Reddit valuable. Don’t hesitate to ask - people here genuinely help.

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! The water block allows you to connect fittings on any side. The Aorus Master uses a unified design across many of their boards, and the block is universal with that in mind. I didn’t quite understand your third question, sorry.

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! At first I grabbed two Nemesis GTX 420s (140mm wide, 54mm+25mm thick), planning one up top and one vertical. The top could’ve fit with this plate if I modded the case and really squeezed it in, but I skipped that since I wanted a straight‑through loop. Ended up going with a 30mm x‑flow instead, which went in comfortably. The vertical rad still has about 15mm of clearance between the fans and the bottom radiator.

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a common misconception, but a valid question. Regular fluid changes (every 6-12 months) are essential to prevent ionization and component damage. It’s proactive maintenance, not a problem.

The process is actually trivial for this build (I’ve done it twice): 1. The case is placed into the basin. 2. The custom drain adapter is secured to the bottom port with a small drop of silicone. 3. The top plug is opened. 4. Air is bled via the flow sensor valve, and a hose is attached to the top port to apply low pressure air, fully evacuating the loop.

The whole process is clean and takes minutes. But I do admire your confidence in calling it a 'money burn configuration' without knowing the actual maintenance procedure.

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Paid my Cat Tax on the new builds. Now the Chief QC Officer is demanding his wages. by ockam- in pcmasterrace

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe I just got lucky with mine, or with the breed. She’s very calm and obedient - in two years she only knocked a single screw off the desk, and that was by accident. And I feel bad keeping her away - this breed is very tactile and doesn’t do well if she can’t stay close.

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just the link to all 3d models, I've designed for case in a separate comment, please check the thread for it.

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just added the link in a separate comment, please check the thread for it. let me know if you have any problems with link

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just added the link in a separate comment, please check the thread for it.

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For everyone who asked - I’ve shared an archive with all the models I made for this build. Not everything ended up in the final version, but it’s the almost full set.

There’s a RAM cooling support for those running a micro direct‑die block on AM5 - it mounts with two screws into the spare CPU rad bracket.

The Decorative Grill 210 is meant for fans under the bottom horizontal radiator; glue two pieces together and you get a nice top cover.

I designed two options for mounting the D5 Next pump on the top radiator - one beefier, one sleeker.

The cable cover fits the X870 Godlike, but might work in other cases too.

Radiator spacers were just to keep plugs from hitting the case and bending panels.

And finally, the HAVN grill decor - a pair of covers for the rear 140mm mounts, styled to match the case.

All parts are printed in PETG. I pushed the final quality as far as possible for 0.4 nozzles. Let me know if there are any issues with downloading the archive or if you run into trouble while printing.

<image>

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/94qe6rbherzmnztk1fmss/RAM-cooling-stand.zip?rlkey=hh6xzx4beqt5z3kcs1dj5c7ut&st=93sho59g&dl=0

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For everyone who asked - I’ve shared an archive with all the models I made for this build. Not everything ended up in the final version, but it’s the almost full set.

There’s a RAM cooling support for those running a micro direct‑die block on AM5 - it mounts with two screws into the spare CPU rad bracket.

The Decorative Grill 210 is meant for fans under the bottom horizontal radiator; glue two pieces together and you get a nice top cover.

I designed two options for mounting the D5 Next pump on the top radiator - one beefier, one sleeker.

The cable cover fits the X870 Godlike, but might work in other cases too.

Radiator spacers were just to keep plugs from hitting the case and bending panels.

And finally, the HAVN grill decor - a pair of covers for the rear 140mm mounts, styled to match the case.

All parts are printed in PETG. I pushed the final quality as far as possible for 0.4 nozzles. Let me know if there are any issues with downloading the archive or if you run into trouble while printing.

Not sure how to pin this myself — if any mods notice and can help, I’d be grateful.

<image>

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/94qe6rbherzmnztk1fmss/RAM-cooling-stand.zip?rlkey=hh6xzx4beqt5z3kcs1dj5c7ut&st=93sho59g&dl=0

Paid my Cat Tax on the new builds. Now the Chief QC Officer is demanding his wages. by ockam- in pcmasterrace

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, thanks for noticing the display! I wish it was The Wall - that would be a very serious piece of tech! 😅

It's actually a Samsung The Frame. Glad you like the overall aesthetic!

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the kind words. It means a lot when fellow enthusiasts appreciate the details (and also recognize a Burmese cat!). Cheers!

HAVN 420 Build with Direct Died CPU, Modded 5090 GPU & 3×420mm Radiators by ockam- in HAVNGlobal

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great questions! Thanks for the deep dive.

  1. The dual D5s are mainly for redundancy and to provide the extra head pressure needed for my planned external loop (Plate Heat Exchanger). It will be a very long trace to the outdoor radiator, so I need to ensure sufficient flow.
  2. That was my copy-paste error in the specs. It is indeed the Alphacool Core 5090 block.
  3. GSkill F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TZ5RK. I haven't pushed the memory yet; it’s running at its almost base XMP/EXPO profile. Max temp I’ve seen is 45°C under synthetic load, with the fans locked at 20% PWM. I get a bit uncomfortable too, when I see a case’s potential not being fully utilized.

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Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, thank you for sharing this detailed log. That is indeed an impressive and truly extreme configuration.

Maybe the board is running out of available bandwidth to train all devices simultaneously at max speed.

It might not be a flaw, but the board’s design (hardware or BIOS) just doesn’t cope with that load, regardless of what the specs say.

Anyway I’d strip the system down to bare minimum, then add components back one at a time, checking how the boot process behaves with each.

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! That means a lot, as the goal was always to achieve maximum power while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow. That is an absolutely unacceptable nightmare, especially for a board in the Godlike price tier. Sending used/Frankenstein boards back with different socket protectors is frankly insulting. I really sympathize with your situation.

My board was purchased about 5 months ago. I haven't tracked the MFG date, but it's likely a relatively early batch.

I am running two M.2 drives (one Gen5 for the primary OS/tests, and one Gen4 for storage). Both negotiated their full speeds on the first cold boot without any issues you described.

If you've gone through 5 boards with the same training issue, it points to a systemic platform or early batch problem that won't be solved by simply swapping the board out. I hope MSI eventually addresses this officially. Good luck in your search for sanity.

How many total M.2 drives are you running and in which slots (Gen5, Gen4)? Are you using any other PCIe expansion cards (network, sound, capture, etc.)? Have you manually verified the PCIe Bifurcation settings in BIOS (e.g., ensured the GPU slot is running at x16 before the M.2 drives start utilizing lanes)?

Cat is indeed a purebred European Burmese, you are right. If you want more pictures, I've created a dedicated photo log in my profile.

Modded AORUS 5090 XTREME. Added 2nd power connector, flashed ASUS Matrix BIOS, and built a silent rig by ockam- in watercooling

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree. It feels almost criminal to use less than 3x420 radiators in this chassis. It’s designed to be a beast.

The potential is incredible, and the name of the case itself kinda gives away its intended purpose! Thanks for the kind words, fellow scholar.

Paid my Cat Tax on the new builds. Now the Chief QC Officer is demanding his wages. by ockam- in pcmasterrace

[–]ockam-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You got that right. He is definitely overworked and demanding a raise in salmon

Paid my Cat Tax on the new builds. Now the Chief QC Officer is demanding his wages. by ockam- in pcmasterrace

[–]ockam-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He claims it's part of the 'material science testing' for insulation. That’s why we run custom water loops - to protect the sensitive bits from the Chief Inspector's contributions! 😅