The most expensive computer I’ve built to date. The plan was originally an upgrade to my “Paladin” build, updating the GPU from a 1070 to something current — whatever I could get. My local Microcenter had the 3070 TI for MSRP, so I bit. Then work blindsided me with a massive bonus the next day, and my plan escalated quickly.

Thanks to Covid, I work exclusively from home. I work from this machine; I play from this machine. So it had to handle both very well.

The only hard thing about this build was the issues I had getting certain parts — the GPU especially. Once I had those hard-to-get parts, I could walk into Microcenter and grab whatever else I needed.

I went with a “space” and “nebula” theme for the look. The black and white theme of the case and internal parts are a nod to the space shuttles. I play Final Fantasy XIV, and the “Ultima Thule” zone from the latest expansion put me in a “nebula” state of mind. (Frankly, I’ve always been a sucker for astrophotography!)

The shining star of this build has to be the custom, lighted panels and GPU bracket from a local company called V1tech.com — the ink is reactive to the light, so they look absolutely amazing when backlit. They were even able to print my custom “Pillars of Creation” plate for the back of my case.

The fans on the bottom and side are intake; the fans on the top are exhaust. Everything is linked in temperature sensors I’ve hidden throughout the case so they’ll spin up higher to keep everything cool.