Luke's Personal Rig Update Part 2 - Squirtle

Luke kicks off Part 2 of Luke's Personal Rig Update by presenting the new partially built test bench and outlining the key questions he wants to answer with this setup. He explains that he has ditched the old 800D for a newer, cleaner configuration and that the focus will be on how many radiators can fit and how the bottom reservoir and cable management will work. The plan includes testing different radiator configurations, from three 3x120 radiators to potentially four radiators total, as well as exploring access to the bottom of the machine. He notes that he wants to reuse the existing motherboard size to keep the compact feel while evaluating cable routing and future water cooling paths. Throughout, he emphasizes that this is a design exploration rather than a finished build, with the goal of learning how to modify the bench to his own specs while preserving a compact footprint. The episode sets up a sequence of practical experiments, such as mounting, spacing, and feasibility checks, with a tease that future videos will tackle additional extrusion work and mounting solutions. Overall, the tone is collaborative and technical, inviting viewers to subscribe for ongoing updates and to follow the evolving build alongside the creator. In the central portion of the video, Luke methodically tests radiator fitment on the bench, starting with a 3x120 radi­ator and adding another unit in parallel to the existing setup. He evaluates each radiator option for thickness and overall space, confirming that the 2x120 and 3x120 variants only provide limited clearance while still fitting within the design constraints. As radiators are mounted, he singles out the bottom area of the bench where power supply and cabling are located, highlighting the challenge of fitting a large reservoir without sacrificing airflow or accessibility. The video then pivots to a critical turning point: the size constraints force him to rethink the power supply. He experiments with a short SFX unit but quickly decides that a full ATX PSU is necessary for power and cabling flexibility, eventually selecting an 850W ATX SilverStone model that barely fits. This section blends problem solving with live problem acknowledgement, underscoring how real-world build constraints shape design decisions. The discussion also covers potential solutions like hinge-mounted radiators and cable management strategies to pull tubing without tangling, preparing the viewer for a more advanced, future video in which those ideas will be implemented. The episode closes with a plan for action items, including ordering extrusion lengths, creating a mounting box, and awaiting the arrival of RAM, CPU, and fittings, while acknowledging that the next steps will push the existing layout further toward a fully functional water-cooled test bench. In the final stretch, Luke wraps by outlining concrete next steps and acknowledging the timing with sponsor and community mentions. He confirms the practical tasks of finishing the extrusion work, shopping for fittings, and waiting on component deliveries to complete the bench, while maintaining a focus on how to route and secure a complex water-cooling loop around the radiators and reservoir. He also reflects on the community engagement, noting viewer questions and the desire for more Part 3, and hints at potential future videos that will showcase the mounting solution and additional design refinements. The video ends with thanks to the audience for their patience and encouragement, a reminder to subscribe for ongoing Squirtle updates, and a light nod to the collaborative nature of the Linus Tech Tips community. Overall, the episode reads as a detailed, hands-on planning and problem-solving session that blends mechanical design, cooling strategy, and project management in a single build log.

Topics · technology · hardware · pc-build · diy · build-log · water-cooling