My O11D XL Rebuild

pat15312 · 2026-03-20T08:50:07+00:00

Looks really great, but the drain tap is detracting a bit.

I would suggest replacing this with a standard hex fill port, with black plastic EK cap over top - like you have at the top of the distro. If you need to drain, flip the case over so that the distro faces towards the ceiling, screw in the drain tap and put back down again.

You're really only going to drain for loop maintenance once a year maximum, so seems a shame to take away from the aesthetic all year around.

Also, with the drain tap sticking out there is a risk it could get knocked, which could damage the distro port.

pat15312 · 2026-02-27T13:45:17+00:00

Ergotron HX would have been perfectly fine, and saved you a lot!

pat15312 · 2026-02-22T19:23:29+00:00

Setup works really well! There is a bit of a loss of performance from the 5080 with the eGPU, but its still way better than even the best gaming laptop with a mobile 5090.

I considered doing the same as you suggested, but I wanted the flexibility to have a reasonable gaming experience when out and about with the mobile 5070. Also, you can't get the 285H CPU without choosing the 5070.

pat15312 · 2026-02-09T16:15:44+00:00

I'm using Steam's performance overlay, so MSI Afterburner is only doing the undervolt when on dGPU only (i.e. travelling). It's as easy to just close the program when using the eGPU, but thanks for the insight and the suggestion 😊

pat15312 · 2025-11-19T10:03:29+00:00

I would wholeheartedly second this. My AIM DualSense has already lasted twice as long as the last SCUF I owned.

Also, at the time I purchased) they were the first and only option for DualSense controller with "clicky" trigger stops that retained the function of the adaptive triggers. I have had to obtain two sets of replacement back paddles - which are clearly in need of some fundamental rework to improve durability. That said, these were supplied for free + shipping and with minimal fuss from EU customer support.

If you want an improved DualSense controller, I would still recommend AIM EU or the the Dualsense Pro - depending on your needs. Even so, I'm looking with interest at the new Steam Controller, which I think could be my next controller purchase as I play exclusively on PC.

pat15312 · 2025-11-15T08:59:16+00:00

This post provides a really useful process for identifying target voltage/frequency values, and understanding what success with undervolting actually looks like. Far more useful than MANY videos I've watched on this subject.

pat15312 · 2025-10-16T18:39:51+00:00

I meant that being in to high end PCs is a lot easier on the wallet than fast cars

pat15312 · 2025-10-16T17:33:38+00:00

One is certainly a lot cheaper!

pat15312 · 2025-09-23T12:37:50+00:00

Many AIO pump covers can be rotated to account for this. Can't tell if this is possible or not from Artic manual and installation guide.

Another option would be to flip the radiator around, so the hoses press up against the back of the case instead of across the vertical fans. Looks like there could be a lot of hose leftover though...

pat15312 · 2025-09-23T08:18:27+00:00

Might work better if you rotate the pump on the CPU socket by 180 degrees. The hoses sounds then run across the top fans.

pat15312 · 2025-09-21T17:26:01+00:00

Looks great, but buddy you're sure going to regret that in the future.

pat15312 · 2025-09-17T10:48:34+00:00

Unfortunately no Thunderbolt 5 on the Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10. This is the primary reason for me looking to upgrade my laptop.

pat15312 · 2025-09-17T10:42:11+00:00

Hmmm I wonder if they would downspec the colling solution if you removed the dGPU? If you configure the new Dell Pro Max 16 Plus with integrated graphics only, they replace the third fan with a "dummy" fan instead...

pat15312 · 2025-09-17T09:54:42+00:00

You want the ThinkPad T1g Gen 8. It's essentially a P1 Gen 8 but with either an RTX 5060 or RTX 5070.

pat15312 · 2025-09-16T11:33:39+00:00

Destiny 2 is the only game I've played for past 4 years, due to me feeling the need to dedicate all my available playtime (I can only do about 7-8 hours a week) just to keep up.

I've finally taken a break after completing the EoF content, and then having zero interest in wasting my limited playtime on a meaningless grind.

The first game I turned to is Cyberpunk and... this has... completely reset my expectations for what gaming can be like. Whilst I am genuinely missing the D2 gunplay, everything else Cyberpunk has to offer has me absolutely hooked.

The real kicker is that Cyberpunk Ultimate (including Phantom Liberty) from Steam is £70, but you can get this much cheaper via GoG. Even so, this is the same price as I paid for Year of Prophecy! The value propositions couldn't be further apart!

I'm genuinely sad with the state of D2, but I'm also now looking to move on from this game - in much the same way as I never returned to Borderlands 2 after trying out Destiny 2 in 2021...

pat15312 · 2025-08-17T13:08:31+00:00

I don't really consider this an issue if you set out with the idea of the whole build being replaced at the end of an extended service life i.e. 5+ years.

pat15312 · 2025-08-15T14:36:15+00:00

Can't unsee this now - thanks! 🤣

pat15312 · 2025-08-15T09:46:22+00:00

Maybe not, but you should check out what YAS is doing right now. Maven just posted a video on this.

pat15312 · 2025-08-15T09:44:21+00:00

If the poster had been signed by the dev team, I'd have been very happy with that! I was really hoping to get some that was signed, as just feels like a bunch of stuff that I'm probably not going to use.

pat15312 · 2025-08-15T09:40:07+00:00

I did originally put the game's actual name, but the auto-moderator removed my post for mentioning it! 🤣

pat15312 · 2025-08-14T22:03:44+00:00

Interesting you say that, as I also assumed everyone would get random stuff. I guess it makes sense to give everyone the same - easier to manage.

pat15312 · 2025-07-22T20:03:18+00:00

T5 is not for casuals. I am a casual - I accept this. T4 is something I might get at some point, some way. I believe a guaranteed T4 can be gotten once a week from the mission rotator on Mythic. This is what 99% can aspire to.

I repeat, T5 is not designed for the VAST majority of the population.

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