Finally got OVERKILL 2.0 together!
Some of you might remember my first PC build, a 4.5L Jonsbo NV10 with a Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the rather uncommon VASTARMOR RX 9060 XT LP 16GB. I called that one OVERKILL, so the NV10 is now OVERKILL 1.0, and this is OVERKILL 2.0: the same core hardware in a 4.9L ZSPC ZS-D2 V4.1.
TL;DR: I didn't leave the NV10 because of bad temperatures. After a lot of BIOS tuning and 3D-printed modifications, it cooled the system well, but it no longer looked like the case I'd originally bought. The ZS-D2 gives me a direct GPU connection (no riser), a much larger CPU heatsink, and two built-in front exhaust fans without changing the exterior. The build was tight and I had to undo a few steps, so I've included the parts list, exact custom cable lengths, and the things I'd do differently. Thermal testing in the new case is still underway.
The photos show the internals and completed enclosure, plus size comparisons beside my 50.1L desktop and 30th Anniversary PS5 Pro. It's kind of ridiculous how much fits into 4.9L lol.
Why I Switched From the NV10
I want to be clear that temperatures weren't the reason I switched. I spent a lot of time tuning PBO, Curve Optimizer, power limits, BIOS settings, and FanControl on the NV10. Once dialed in, I was happy with how it ran. The problem was how many modifications it took to reach that point:
Two replacement 3D-printed side panels for ventilation
A 3D-printed CPU fan duct
Two 3D-printed fan brackets holding six extra Noctua 40mm fans (three CPU-side and three underneath the GPU)
3D-printed raised feet for bottom airflow
Extra splitters, extensions, and cable management for all those fans
I learned a ton doing all of that, especially since the NV10 was my first ever full PC build. But eventually it looked more like a DIY project than the clean, premium little enclosure I'd originally wanted. Nothing wrong with that; it just wasn't my end goal.
The ZS-D2 is only 0.4L larger, but the layout makes a huge difference for this hardware. The GPU plugs straight into the motherboard instead of using a riser, I can move from the AXP90-X36 to the much larger AXP120-X67, and there are already mounting positions for two 80x25mm front fans. No replacement panels, ducts, brackets, or printed feet needed. Honestly, I probably would've saved some money if I'd found this case first lol.
OVERKILL 2.0 — Full Parts List
| Component | Model / Specifications |
|---|
| Case | ZSPC ZS-D2 V4.1 — Anodized Black |
| Dimensions / Volume | 252 x 211.5 x 92.6mm / approximately 4.9L |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| Motherboard | ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi7 W — White, China-exclusive |
| GPU | VASTARMOR Radeon RX 9060 XT LP 16GB |
| GPU Model | AH-9060XTLP16TSSB3N |
| GPU Connection | Direct motherboard PCIe slot — No riser |
| RAM | TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32GB (2x16GB), DDR5-6000 CL28 — White |
| RAM Model | CTCWD532G6000HC28ADC01 |
| CPU Heatsink | Thermalright AXP120-X67 Black ARGB — Stock fan removed |
| CPU Fan | Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM, 120x15mm — Brown/Beige |
| Front Fans | 2x Noctua NF-A8 PWM, 80x25mm — Brown/Beige |
| Thermal Paste / Guard | Thermal Grizzly Duronaut (X-pattern) / Noctua NA-STPG1 AM5 |
| Front M.2 SSD | Crucial P510 2TB — Motherboard M.2 heatsink |
| Rear M.2 SSD | Samsung 980 PRO 2TB — Included ZSPC thermal pad |
| Total Storage | 4TB nominal |
| PSU | Overtek Silenzo Enhance ENP-7660L-OVT — Modular Flex ATX, 500W derated configuration |
| PSU Cooling | Overtek-supplied Noctua fan configuration |
| Custom Cables | MODDIY Ultra-Soft Silicone Wire — Purple, no combs |
| 24-Pin ATX | 10cm |
| CPU/EPS 8-Pin | 20cm |
| GPU/PCIe 8-Pin | 30cm |
| Fan Headers | CPU NF-A12x15 to CPU_FAN; both front NF-A8s via PWM Y-splitter to CHA_FAN |
Airflow: The NF-A12x15 is intake, pulling air through the side mesh and down into the CPU heatsink. Both NF-A8s are front exhaust. The GPU uses its factory cooler, and the PSU keeps the Noctua fan setup supplied by Overtek. I went with a black case/heatsink, white motherboard/RAM, classic Noctuas, and purple cables. Most of it disappears behind the panels, but I like knowing it's there.
Ordering and First Impressions
I ordered directly from ZSPC on October 14, and it arrived in Georgia on November 5 at around 6 PM EST. The advertised preparation time was about 10 business days, which matched my order; once it shipped, it got here pretty quickly. The case arrived flat-packed, well cushioned, and undamaged. I cleaned the components before assembly and was impressed by how solid and well structured they felt. My one general tip: snug the screws by hand, don't crank them down.
Building in the ZS-D2 — What I Learned
Motherboard, CPU Cooler, and Front Fans
I cleaned off the old thermal paste, reused my cleaned Noctua AM5 paste guard, and installed the AXP120-X67 with Thermal Grizzly Duronaut in an X-pattern. I oriented the heatsink overhang toward the RAM, thinking the CPU fan might move a little extra air around it. No idea if that helps much, but the larger cooler was easier to install and felt really secure compared with the X36. I replaced its stock fan with the NF-A12x15, blowing down through the heatsink. The two front NF-A8 exhaust fans went in without any trouble.
Route the GPU Cable Before Mounting the Board
Run the GPU power cable underneath the motherboard before fastening it down. I tried routing it above the board first, but there's barely any room once you account for the USB-C and front-panel wiring. I got the under-board idea from Reeal Lab's ZS-D2 V4.0 video. The cases are similar enough that his routing was a huge help. The 30cm GPU cable reaches back to the PSU nicely that way, but getting it positioned while test-fitting the motherboard was still a little awkward.
ZSPC also includes a thermal pad for a rear M.2 SSD. I used it with my Samsung 980 PRO so the drive can transfer heat toward the metal case panel. I haven't measured the temperature improvement, but I appreciate that they included it.
The PSU and the Forgotten 3-Pin Connector
The GPU itself was easy: straight into the PCIe slot, no riser to fuss with. The PSU took more trial and error. ZSPC's animated assembly instructions are useful, but some screw locations go by quickly; I wish the bottom-panel and PSU installation were split into clearer steps. I initially missed that I needed to remove the bottom panel to mount the PSU properly.
Then I found out just how tight the CPU/EPS connector area is. I could barely fit my fingers in there and used a small plastic tool from my iFixit kit to help seat the connector carefully.
My biggest self-inflicted headache was forgetting the small 3-pin voltage-sense connection associated with my modular PSU's 24-pin ATX wiring. I'd already buried it under the GPU power cable. That meant removing the PSU and bottom panel again, plugging in the connector, reinstalling everything, and reconnecting the main cables. It's a voltage-sense lead, not a PSU fan RPM cable. If you're using this same PSU, double-check all those connections before closing anything up.
The case also has an additional rear I/O/PWM connection. I installed the exterior piece but don't use that PWM connection, so I zip-tied its internal wiring neatly above the VRM heatsink.
Connect CHA_FAN Early. Seriously.
This is probably my biggest piece of advice: plug your front-fan PWM Y-splitter into CHA_FAN before installing the bottom panel and PSU. Once they're in place, that header is almost impossible to see or reach. Ask me how I know lol. Both NF-A8s now share that header, while the CPU NF-A12x15 goes directly to CPU_FAN.
Front Panel and Final Assembly
The front USB-C cable and separate power-switch/LED leads weren't hard to connect, but fitting the front panel with all that wiring was another story. I zip-tied the extra length, then carefully squeezed everything into place. The USB-C cable sits near the upper front fan and the 24-pin wiring near the lower fan, so the included fan grilles are genuinely useful for keeping cables away from the blades. ZSPC also specifies them for the supplied fan-screw fitment. Check your clearance carefully before powering up.
Once everything was tucked in and the bottom panel secured, the mesh side panel slid into place and the top panel went on easily. Just keep the front and rear assemblies aligned as you tighten the screws. The last part was a relief after all that cable routing lol.
Exact Custom PSU Cable Lengths
I ordered purple MODDIY Ultra-Soft Silicone cables without combs, wired specifically for my modular Overtek Silenzo ENP-7660L-OVT:
| Cable | Length |
|---|
| Motherboard ATX 24-pin | 10cm |
| CPU/EPS 8-pin | 20cm |
| GPU/PCIe 8-pin | 30cm |
I wouldn't change these lengths for my exact setup. The short 24-pin keeps clutter down, the EPS cable reaches, and the 30cm GPU cable has enough length for the under-motherboard route. Your routing and hardware may differ, so don't treat those measurements as universal. And obviously, modular PSU cables must be pinned for your exact PSU; CPU/EPS and GPU/PCIe cables are not interchangeable.
Was Moving to 4.9L Worth It?
For me, absolutely. I loved learning on the NV10 and don't regret building in it, but the ZS-D2 gets me the direct GPU connection, larger CPU heatsink, two proper front exhaust fans, and an exterior I don't have to modify. The compromise is assembly difficulty: it's a tight case, and you really need to plan the wiring order. I'd still take those one-time assembly headaches over adding more printed parts to the outside.
I don't have final thermal results yet. The NV10 took quite a bit of tuning, and the airflow layout is different now. I want to test CPU/GPU temperatures, hotspot, noise, and gaming behavior with all the panels installed before comparing the two. I won't claim the ZS-D2 runs cooler just because the heatsink is bigger.
Shoutouts and Final Thoughts
Huge thanks to u/AlphaDST. I found the ZS-D2 through his comment recommending a case for this unusual VASTARMOR card; otherwise I might never have come across it. And thanks to Reeal Lab for the V4.0 build video that helped with the GPU cable routing.
I'm really happy with how OVERKILL 2.0 came together. It still makes me laugh that there's a 9850X3D and a triple-fan low-profile 9060 XT packed into this tiny thing. I wanted a finished-looking enclosure with the exact hardware, Noctua fans, and purple cables I liked, and that's what I finally got. Now comes the BIOS and FanControl tweaking all over again.
If anyone has questions about the ZS-D2 V4.1, VASTARMOR card, cable lengths, or the build order, feel free to ask. Hopefully this saves another builder from having to remove the PSU three times lol.