Build of the week: Project XnineNINE

James is stuck in an endless loop, playing the Dark Souls games on repeat until Elden Ring and Silksong set him free. He's a truffle pig for indie horror and weird FPS games too, seeking out games that actively hurt to play. Otherwise he's wandering Austin, identifying mushrooms and doodling grackles.

Every Monday, Build of the week highlights a unique rig from the web's most dedicated PC building communities.

Blue. It’s a color. Air. It’s that good breathing stuff. Computers. They’re computers. Combine the three and you get Project XnineNINE, a custom build from Malik Customs that maximizes minimalism. It’s an open face build harboring some serious components in a clean utilitarian pose. Were the XnineNINE mounted on a wall, I’d be looking for an artist’s statement.

No open face build gets away without looking a little chunky—bearing it all has that effect, but thanks to the smart use of color, the blues distract from the components’ visual noise and provide a stark contrast to the black framing. It’s a lovely combo that draws the eye towards the build’s best features. That is some beautiful cooling work. Doesn't it just make you want to sing?

For more pictures and information on XnineNINE, head over to Malik Customs website or their Facebook page.

Project XnineNINE components:

CPU: Intel 5960X
Mobo: Asus X99-A/3.1 USB
Sound: Asus Xonar Essence STX II 7.1
RAM: HyperX Savage 64GB DDR4 2800Mhz
SSD: HyperX Predator 240GB
HDD: WD RED WD60EFRX 6 TB
GPU: Inno3D GTX 980 Ti
Chassis: Thermaltake Core P5
Cables: Cablemod Custom Set Silver/Blue

Cooling components:

EK-Vardar F2-120
EK-CoolStream PE 480
EK-FB ASUS X99 Monoblock - Nickel
EK-FC Titan X - Nickel
EK-FC Titan X Backplate - Nickel
EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 PWM (incl. pump)
EK-RES X3 - TUBE 250
EK-Ekoolant EVO UV BLUE
EK-ACF Fitting 12/16mm - Blue
&nbsp;EK-ACF Fitting 12/16mm - Silver
TUBE PrimoChill PrimoFlex™ Advanced