Why couldn't you keep it all internal? If you sacrificed the 2.5" drives, you could probably fit a custom water block under the gpu.
I have a concept for a case where the actual case is the reservoir / block. I'd much prefer that over having an external unit that just fits on the back. I'm keen to hear more about this though. If there are easy modifications we can make to support a custom loop, it might be worth looking at!
You could do this, but then the airflow would be blocked. They are standing vertically now so that the air from the bottom fans can circulate up and between the drives, keeping them cool.
Love this idea, was thinking of implementing something like this if I decided to have front IO.
It could be simplified, but I like the way it hides the entire PSU section, keeps the side profile clean. I can't push it up much higher because of the bend radius of the radiator tubes which have to fit through this section.
I did experiment with a full length reference card and a modular HDPlex like power system, but chose the shorter gpu + standard psu as the better option. I made enough room for the zotac mini 1080ti, so we're not limited for power here. People who can afford this case hopefully won't mind getting new / specific components for it.
Not really, due to the shape of the case.