Steampunk-inspired copper PC with blowtorch reservoir draws crowd
A PC builder showcased a custom all-AMD system with a copper liquid cooling loop and a repurposed blowtorch as the reservoir. The build, mounted on a handcrafted wooden base, includes a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and RX 9070 XT. Enthusiasts have compared its appearance to an espresso machine.
The builder, a London-based copper pipe welder who goes by Old-Mate-Fetus, handcrafted both the cooling loop and the wooden pedestal, with brass screws and an antique finish tying the aesthetic together. The Corsair 850W SFX power supply is concealed within the base, and custom cables were made to reach the components. The builder confirmed in comments that the design draws influence from Billet Labs, a maker known for premium all-copper cooling hardware.
The system pairs a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with a Gigabyte RX 9070 XT on a B650M board, using 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL28 memory. Cooling components include an Alphacool GPU block, Heatkiller IV CPU block, and an AlphaCool DDC pump in a custom enclosure, with Noctua Industrial fans moving air through the large top radiator.
This build highlights a growing niche where PC hardware becomes artisan craftsmanship rather than mass-produced commodity. Enthusiasts drawn to such designs may find renewed appreciation for the skill involved in custom water cooling, potentially inspiring more hobbyists to attempt bespoke projects. The steampunk aesthetic also broadens the cultural appeal of PC building beyond gaming performance, which could attract newcomers who value design and storytelling over raw specs. However, the time, welding expertise, and cost required mean such builds will likely remain rare, personal expressions rather than a widespread trend.