CORSAIR iCUE LINK 5000T LX Build Log by SrBoba

We sent SrBoba a 5000T LX case so they could take it for a spin. They also made some uhh, "unconventional" changes to our iCUE LINK TITAN RX 360 AIO. Everything after this is in their own words. Enjoy.

The CORSAIR 5000T PC case is one of those chassis that has always been on my radar for many years. When it first launched in 2022, I didn’t have the chance to build with that case. I had many exciting plans to create a rig using this case because of its eye-catching aesthetics, especially the subtle integrated RGB lighting around it, which really makes a build stand out. Not to mention the thoughtful internal layout, which is very spacious and extremely user-friendly. It accommodates multiple fans, from 120mm to 140mm, with plenty of mounting locations to configure your build any way you like. You can tell that CORSAIR has really dedicated time and effort to designing a chassis that caters to everyone. Whether you are a novice builder or a seasoned veteran, the 5000T has something compelling to offer to consumers.

Fast forward three years, and to my surprise, CORSAIR has once again outdone itself with the new 5000T, which has received slight tweaks and upgrades to align with current industry PC trends. The new iCUE LINK 5000T LX case maintains the same chassis as its predecessor, the 5000T. It keeps the premium bent steel outer paneling and custom mesh, now enhanced with airflow-optimized Y-pattern perforations. The interior has been revamped to support BTF, the electronics have transitioned to iCUE LINK, and CORSAIR has upgraded to their most visually striking combination of Auroro RGB light strips and LX RGB fans.

-Case - CORSAIR iCUE LINK 5000T LX
-Fans - CORSAIR iCUE LINK QX120 RGB (12)
-Motherboard - ASRock B650M PRO RS WIFI
-CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
-GPU - ASUS Strix 308012gb OC (EK active backplate waterblock)
-RAM - DOMINATOR® TITANIUM RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5 DRAM -6000MT/s CL30 AMD EXPO & Intel XMP Memory Kit — Grey
Storage - Corsair MP600 GS 2TB (boot), Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 4TB
-PSU - Corsair SF1000
-Cooling - Custom with one Corsair XR7 360 MM radiator, CORSAIR iCUE LINK XD5 RGB ELITE LCD, iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX (Modded so
this is plumbed into the custom loop!)

**DISCLAIMER DO NOT MOD THIS AIO, AS IT WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY**

The moment I unboxed the CORSAIR iCUE LINK 5000T LX, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning—no, scratch that, like a kid in a candy store with an unlimited budget! The sleek design and stunning RGB accents made it impossible for me to stop grinning. This was THE case, the one I had been dreaming about. After a quick inspection for any shipping damage (because let’s be real, no one wants a scratched masterpiece), I carefully removed both side panels, eager to dive into what I knew would be my best build yet.

Before installing the motherboard, I tackled the CPU first. Holding my 9800X3D in my hands felt like wielding pure power. This tiny chip was going to be the brain of my entire system. Carefully, I lifted the retention arm on the motherboard, gently placed the CPU into the socket, and secured it with a satisfying click. There were no bent pins, no mistakes—just perfection.

For this build, I chose NVMe SSDs because, let’s be honest, speed is everything. Each drive slid effortlessly into the M.2 slots, as if they were meant to be there. The thought of lightning-fast load times and never worrying about space again had me grinning from ear to ear.

Handling my motherboard felt like cradling a precious artifact, something that held the power of the digital gods. Installing the RAM was an ASMR-level experience, complete with that glorious “snap” as each stick locked into place. It felt like connecting the neurons of my soon-to-be gaming powerhouse.

I aligned the motherboard with the standoffs, ensuring each screw hole lined up perfectly. Then came the moment of truth—securing it in place. I carefully tightened each screw in a crisscross pattern to distribute pressure evenly, preventing any warping.

Once the motherboard was seated, I double-checked all the connections—front panel headers, USB ports, and power connectors—ensuring everything was within reach and properly routed. At this point, I could already see the build coming to life. Excitement buzzed through me like an overclocked processor. This wasn’t just a build—it was a journey.

This—THIS—was what I had been waiting for. The heart of my beast. The custom cooling loop.

First up: the reservoir and pump combo. I securely mounted it to one of the side QX120 fans, ensuring the ideal placement for both aesthetics and efficiency. Next came the tubing—this was where the real artistry shone. CORSAIR’s new XT Softline mesh tubing was measured, cut, and fitted with the precision of a surgeon for each soft tube. Every connection and every run had to be flawless. The feeling of satisfaction when everything aligned just right was unmatched.

For airflow, I went absolutely all out with this setup:
- 6x Front Intake and Side
- 2x On the PSU shroud because why not!
- 3x Top Exhaust
- 1x Rear Exhaust

Next up: the GPU—my crown jewel. The ASUS Strix 3080, equipped with an EK active backplate water block, was ready to become part of the cooling masterpiece. I carefully slotted it into the primary PCIe slot, securing it like the final piece of a grand puzzle. Once integrated into the loop, I double-checked all fittings and connections before filling the system with coolant and carefully bleeding out any air bubbles. The clear coolant made the RGB from the mesmerizing QX120 fans pop!—it wasn’t just a PC anymore. It was a living, breathing machine, pulsing with energy, waiting to be unleashed. It was a masterpiece. No, it was *MY* masterpiece.

Sliding the PSU into its compartment felt like placing the final keystone in an epic structure. This was what would power my powerhouse. I carefully routed the cables, determined to keep everything as clean and sleek as possible—because a messy build? Absolutely not. Everything had to be pristine. With every cable secured and tucked away, I did one last check before moving on, admiring how seamlessly everything fit together.

This was where the true perfectionist in me emerged. Cable management is an art form, and I was determined to make it museum-worthy. Using the built-in channels and Velcro straps, I routed every cable with precision. No unnecessary bulk, no tangled mess—just a beautifully clean and polished setup. Every cable tucked away, every connection secured. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about efficiency, airflow, and ensuring this build ran as smoothly as it looked.

I triple-checked all the front panel I/O cables to ensure every iCUE LINK device was properly connected to the hub. I flicked the power switch, and the moment I had been waiting for finally arrived. The system whirred to life, fans glowing in sync, and the coolant flowed through the loop like an electric current. This was it—the culmination of all my hard work.

For the longest time I had the idea of modding a Link AIO and plumbing it into a custom loop, but why? Simply for the CapSwap capabilities! DO NOT DO THIS AS IT WILL INDEED VOID YOUR WARRANTY

After I had removed the radiator from the AIO tubes and drained the pump, I permanently fixed 10/13mm barb fittings to the ends of the tubes and wrapped it with heatshrink to make it look pretty! After hooking it up and refilling the loop she’s all done! Now I have a custom CPU block with CapSwap! Again, DO NOT DO THIS AS IT WILL INDEED VOID YOUR WARRANTY

• The iCUE LINK system made cable management an absolute dream. It was like magic—no more daisy chains, no more headaches—just a clean, efficient setup.

• These QX fans? Absolute *showstoppers.* The way they sync, the performance, the aesthetics—mind-blowing. They turned my PC into a work of art.

• The 5000T LX case? A dream. Spacious, stunning, and a pleasure to build in. Corsair absolutely nailed it.

• The custom loop was worth every second of effort. The cooling performance is stellar, and the visuals are next-level. This isn’t just cooling—it’s a flex.
  
• This build wasn’t just about assembling parts—it was about creating something uniquely mine, something that reflects my passion, creativity, and dedication to the craft.
  
• And now, every time I sit at my desk, I know one thing: *I built something truly epic.* A system that isn’t just powerful, but personal.
  
• Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to put this beast to the test. Let’s game. 🎮🔥