my first case mod idea

[Chewy_Solo]

well ive been thinking about doing a case mod and i kinda have a sketch together that i made in photoshop in a few minutes

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/casemodsketch.png


and to clarify IM NOT PAINTING THE WINDOW BLACK, just the frame for the 3.5 bays.

And for the LCD im thinking of re wiring it so the PDA lcd works as monitor, i dont know how id do this, so help is requested.

What my original plan was, is to use Sidewindow to make my PDA into a monitor, but unfortunately it doesnt have vista support and is way to difficult to code it.

So help and comments are appreciate. :)

[SgtM]

Looks like a good start. One suggestion though. If you're going to paint the drive cages, why not paint all of the inside? You could keep the drive bays black, but choose another color, say one that compliments the LED's in your fans, for the rest.

[Chewy_Solo]

so maybe paint the back where the motherboard sits blue or something? is that what you had in mind?

And i have no idea how im gonna do this wiring for the LCD, i cant find a compaq to VGA or anything of the sort ...

[SgtM]

Exactly. I'm not sure how the wiring would go. I don't have any experience with that. There are plenty of folks here that do though. I'm sure someone will have some advice soon.

[Spawn-Inc]

looks like a pretty cool idea, i painted my case all black while i waited for cash for parts. i drilled out all the rivets and painted everything completely.

as for the pda touch screen input after googling i found this stuff;

http://fixunix.com/handheld/236944-use-pda-external-touch-screen-monitor.html

http://www.pocketgear.com/en_US/html/display_product.jsp?id=prod5641205

[Chewy_Solo]

looks like a pretty cool idea, i painted my case all black while i waited for cash for parts. i drilled out all the rivets and painted everything completely.

as for the pda touch screen input after googling i found this stuff;

http://fixunix.com/handheld/236944-use-pda-external-touch-screen-monitor.html

http://www.pocketgear.com/en_US/html/display_product.jsp?id=prod5641205

that was my original idea, how i got the idea in the first place, unfortunately they dont have one that is vista compatable, ive been emailing them to see if they were going to design a vista version, and they said its to difficult at the time, but they did say that they were thinking about releasing the source code for just that purpose.

And ditching vista is not an option :P.

So my only options are rewiring or something or getting the source code for someone to fiddle with, i have no idea how to code, im planning on learning though :P

EDIT: Almost forgot, i want to put some cold cathodes on the back of my monitor(s) (not sound reactive (headset ftw)) and i was thinking of securing them with valcro, saw this somewhere else not suar. And possibly add some cold cathodes in the case :P

[SgtM]

EDIT: Almost forgot, i want to put some cold cathodes on the back of my monitor(s) (not sound reactive (headset ftw)) and i was thinking of securing them with valcro, saw this somewhere else not suar. And possibly add some cold cathodes in the case :P

Logic Zero tackled that one, and it looks pretty sweet. I don't know how well velcro would hold up over time. I think plastic zip ties would work better. That way, if you ever decide to take the cathodes off, you're not left with a hard to remove sticky goo on the back of the monitor.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7424

[Chewy_Solo]

yep thats where i got it from thx.

So do you know anyone who would know how to do the wiring for the pda lcd?

and for the case painting, maybe paint what i was going to black and maybe even get some UV reactive blue paint, and get a UV cold cathode. just and idea. AND if i go that route then i think i may resleeve my wires and stuff :P

So far what im getting atleast planning to get for this is:

Modders Mesh: http://www.mnpctech.com/moddersmesh.html the honeycomb one

Some "self etching" primer i guess so i can paint the mesh http://www.handsontools.com/store/show_product/?product_id=9109 as reccomended by MNCPtech

tack cloth (im sure my school will have it)

Black paint for the Mesh and the structure with LCD http://www.handsontools.com/store-products-SEM61013-SEM-ProMax-General-Purpose-Enamel%2C-12-oz-Aerosol_19034476.html dunno if thats good for what im doing, oh and for inside of case.

UV reactant paint http://www.xoxide.com/blueuvpaint.html

UV reactant sleeving http://www.xoxide.com/sleevingkit2.html

Power bracket for the the cold cathodes on back of monitor. http://www.xoxide.com/pci-power-bracket1.html

cold cathodes http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html x2 im thinking, 2 for in the case 2 for monitors, and are the 2 that come with it connected or can i have them in seperate places?

UV cold cathode http://www.xoxide.com/colcatblac.html

I'm going to need some sort of extension to reach up to my monitors.

Also, for the side of my case where i was thinking of putting a fan, if i tried to cut out an area of the plastic would it look like crap? and how would i secure a fan? or should i just scrap that idea entirely?

So if you want to know how id put all this stuff ill get some pics and post em or something, and if you think this is overkill just say, OH and btw what would be a good thickness of Aluminum for my addon to the case? i wand it to be strong yet able to bend in a metal bending thing.

Also, is there any unusual tools that are recommended?

For the metal and stuff and ordering of the supplies id like to know preferably by tommorow night seeing as my teacher is going to order the mesh and aluminum and possibly if i get lucky the school will also pay for fans etc. (it pays off to go to a private school now doesnt it?)

EDIT: forgot some things, CD DVD drive for my addon http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135151 im gonna try and make this and my current on stealth ones or w e they are called :P

USB Panel http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813999356 gonna cover the audio ports they just look like crap..

[Chewy_Solo]

did some measurements

Width Max 7.5", Minimum 6"

Hieght MAX 6"

Length (front to back or vice versa) MAX about 8-9" preferably about 7"

that is for the addon on the top of the case, and for mesh i will need the 2'x1' sheet :)

[SgtM]

Paint: Good idea with the UV stuff. I've been wondering how good/bad it actually works.

Tools: Maybe tin snips, files and sand paper.

PDA LCD: Not sure about. I'll see about doing some digging tonight.

[Chewy_Solo]

thanks tons man, and ill see about the tins snips i also heard that a nibbler is a must for case modding i dunno though.

And is any of my stuff that i plan on getting overkill or anything?

also for the sleeving i think i may get one of these http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-psu-tool-kit.html and while im at it http://www.xoxide.com/mamohouvbl.html http://www.xoxide.com/femohouvbl.html http://www.jab-tech.com/Sunbeam-PSU-Connector-Kit-UV-Blue-pr-3031.html

and hell if my lcd mod thng wont work i may have to go with this ;( http://www.jab-tech.com/LCD-Digital-CompuNurse-Thermometer-w-BLUE-Backlight-pr-2642.html a few of those :P

[Chewy_Solo]

luckily my school is willing to pay for this all xD i dont know why but what the heck.

so anyone have any ideas on the PDA LCD??

[SgtM]

luckily my school is willing to pay for this all xD i dont know why but what the heck.

so anyone have any ideas on the PDA LCD??

Good deal on that. Must be nice. I wasn't able to find anything on the PDA LCD screen, but I'm assuming that with all the work that would have to go into it, might as well get one of those other screens. The way I figure it is that you'll have to mod the video card output and somehow get it into the video controller on the pda while also having to figure out how to power the pda screen. Seems like the long way around now that I think about it.

[Chewy_Solo]

well, i think i still might try atlest to do it, hell gotta start somewhere! But its good to have a fall back. And i had an idea, seeing as the UV paint is "invisible" im gonna paint the ENTIRE case interior black, and actualy the back now that i think of it, and just apply the UV after the fact so it looks black until turned on xD

Sorry i dont know **** and im probably becoming iritating but this is my first mod and even my first PC i actualy built myself. And well im only 14 >.>
I'm gonna have a look around a few forums for people that have done interesting wiring things and see if they can help :)

EDIT: did some looking around and saw modders using PSone LCDs but they are a bit to large for my project atm, and i was gonna contact Defyant but he hasnt been active on forums for a while... D:

[Spawn-Inc]

i'm not sure how you feel about ripping the pda apart but if the touch screen lcd's have any kind of universal cables you might be able to get it to work that way.

[SgtM]

Sorry i dont know **** and im probably becoming iritating but this is my first mod and even my first PC i actualy built myself. And well im only 14 >.>
I'm gonna have a look around a few forums for people that have done interesting wiring things and see if they can help :)

Actually, the exact opposite. It's good that you ask questions. I keep trying to get it through my daughters head that asking questions is a good thing. It's how we learn. Good idea on the UV paint.

[Chewy_Solo]

dunno what kind of connection that is but im pretty sure the bottom one is connecting to the LCD
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0136.jpg




ok before we get down to business i need to show you my area :P

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0137.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0139.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0142.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0143.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0144.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0148.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0149.jpg
yes i know that is the stock cooler for my quad core >.>


OK now down to business

I want to add a cold cathode there only hugging side of the case more

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0146-2.jpg


UV cold cathode on other side of bar

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0147-2.jpg


COld cathodes behind monitors

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0150-2.jpg


Paint the entire back black too xD

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0151.jpg



Current top fan, going to remove the current mesh and black USB crap and add larger mesh area and 120MM fan

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0153.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/DSCN0155.jpg




EDIT: oh yes and im also planning on puting stealth drive covers on that would look like the 5.25 drive bay covers

EDIT2: im planning on making fan grills out of the mesh like the second pic in this banner http://www.mnpctech.com/meshbanner.jpg

[Chewy_Solo]

im gonna order this stuff tonight so if anyone has any ideas or comments please post :) and please look through my supplies :)

[SgtM]

I'll have a look. What else are you ordering besides the mesh?

[Chewy_Solo]

about every link i posted :P

[Spawn-Inc]

nice, drill out all the rivets and paint the sucker, not that hard to do so long as you have a drill, rivets and a pop rivet gun.

i might oder another set of dual 12" blue CCFL's and put them behind my 226BW, only problem is i don't have one yet :) hopefully i will get one for xmas or some cash towards it.

right as for the pda i'm not fully sure, sorry i've never really worked with them or any other small lcd, i was just putting it out there mostly.

when you say
im pretty sure the bottom one is connecting to the LCD
do you mean in terms of the picture or the unit itself? i assume you mean picture in which case i think your right.

[Chewy_Solo]

im not so sure my school has a rivet gun or rivets, where would be a good place to get this? or rather i wanna spend as little money as possible and still get what i need, and what size rivets, and uh what size would be good for drilling them out? lol

and yes i meant the bottom of the picture

and i just noticed you have the EVGA 680i too... well im having issues with it so i have to have my RAM set to link and sync in bios.... it pisses me off, so during this mod im gonna RMA my mobo....

[Spawn-Inc]

you can't set it to unlinked? hmm i haven't had any problems with my board, what ram do you have?

i'm thinking about "upgrading" to the 780i for the $89.00 but i will wait until more reviews come out.

for the rivets my case (Enermax Uber Chakra) it had 2 types both the same size though. the size for me was 1/8" and i used i think the same size drill bit to drill them out. at my local hardware store (CanadianTire) the have a cheap rivet gun for 14.99 and the rivets where i think 2.99 and 5.99, so not to bad on the wallet, though i had the rivet gun already.

here are pictures of the two types i got and the size and what not. i grabbed the box in the picture from the automotive section and the flat headed ones in green tape from where the sold the rivet guns.

specs of the rivets
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4590/12230001kj2.jpg

two types: bottem/in green tape result in a flat head to rivet things flush, top/above green tape are standard rivets that leave a rounded dome.
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/8877/12230008zv4.jpg
what the specs refer to.
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/8341/12230009rm5.jpg

[Chewy_Solo]

i have Patriot eXtreme Peformance PC 9200 1150MHz but i have to have it at 533MHz :( and man im using 60% RAM right now.... vista ftl when it comes to RAM.

And im saving up for a new x38 of X48 motherboard personaly, AND DDR3 RAM and well when it comes out a new NVIDIA GFX card... waiting for new series... and in the long future a new Yorkfield :) (my quad core is just fine ATM)

and i did the measurements and the ones that were flush were 1/4" i think and the other ones were 5/16" not sure if i did the measurements correctly...

and is it possible to talk to either of you one AIM, MSN or Yahoo IM?

[Spawn-Inc]

i think the way i found out what size to use was i had a set of vaious sizes and from those 4 different sizes found out 1/8" is the best, yours might be different as you are saying so if you have any rivets on hand that look about the right size then drill one out and test fit the spare one. then just go to the store and pick some up and a rivet gun. then you can paint all panels and brackets completely.

you don't have to do any of this but if you want it full painted and make it a bit easier to paint then it helps. i only did mine that way because i built my pc in bits and pieces.



i updated my profile is you want my msn btw.

[Chewy_Solo]

oh, then i will do it probably after i get all the pieces and such

and i want it fullt painted, even the I/O pannel :P

and i added you, and do you mind looking over what im getting to see if its all good prodcuts and wheter you would think its good to have and such?

[Spawn-Inc]

yep thats where i got it from thx.

So do you know anyone who would know how to do the wiring for the pda lcd?

and for the case painting, maybe paint what i was going to black and maybe even get some UV reactive blue paint, and get a UV cold cathode. just and idea. AND if i go that route then i think i may resleeve my wires and stuff :P

So far what im getting atleast planning to get for this is:

Modders Mesh: http://www.mnpctech.com/moddersmesh.html the honeycomb one
looks good, might find similar stuff in a local hardware store, but not sure.
Some "self etching" primer i guess so i can paint the mesh http://www.handsontools.com/store/show_product/?product_id=9109 as reccomended by MNCPtech

looks good, but never used such a thing so i'm not sure if that brand is any good our not. i would guess it is as it's recommend by mncptech
tack cloth (im sure my school will have it)

Black paint for the Mesh and the structure with LCD http://www.handsontools.com/store-products-SEM61013-SEM-ProMax-General-Purpose-Enamel%2C-12-oz-Aerosol_19034476.html dunno if thats good for what im doing, oh and for inside of case.
again looks good but never used it. same brand as the etch so i would guess its good stuff. i used gloss black engine enamel for teh inside of my case as i got it free from work.
UV reactant paint http://www.xoxide.com/blueuvpaint.html

UV reactant sleeving http://www.xoxide.com/sleevingkit2.html

Power bracket for the the cold cathodes on back of monitor. http://www.xoxide.com/pci-power-bracket1.html

cold cathodes http://www.xoxide.com/bluecathode.html x2 im thinking, 2 for in the case 2 for monitors, and are the 2 that come with it connected or can i have them in seperate places?

UV cold cathode http://www.xoxide.com/colcatblac.html

I'm going to need some sort of extension to reach up to my monitors.

Also, for the side of my case where i was thinking of putting a fan, if i tried to cut out an area of the plastic would it look like crap? and how would i secure a fan? or should i just scrap that idea entirely?

So if you want to know how id put all this stuff ill get some pics and post em or something, and if you think this is overkill just say, OH and btw what would be a good thickness of Aluminum for my addon to the case? i wand it to be strong yet able to bend in a metal bending thing.

Also, is there any unusual tools that are recommended?

For the metal and stuff and ordering of the supplies id like to know preferably by tommorow night seeing as my teacher is going to order the mesh and aluminum and possibly if i get lucky the school will also pay for fans etc. (it pays off to go to a private school now doesnt it?)

EDIT: forgot some things, CD DVD drive for my addon http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135151 im gonna try and make this and my current on stealth ones or w e they are called :P

USB Panel http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813999356 gonna cover the audio ports they just look like crap..

all of the xoxide and newegg stuff looks good as well as quality wise. i have a lg sata drive but i paid 46 (CDN) and my only compliant is it gets noisy at full speed when reading a disc.


thanks tons man, and ill see about the tins snips i also heard that a nibbler is a must for case modding i dunno though.

And is any of my stuff that i plan on getting overkill or anything?

also for the sleeving i think i may get one of these http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-psu-tool-kit.html looks neat and helpfuland while im at it http://www.xoxide.com/mamohouvbl.html http://www.xoxide.com/femohouvbl.html http://www.jab-tech.com/Sunbeam-PSU-Connector-Kit-UV-Blue-pr-3031.html
i was going to change my connectors but my psu came with sleeves and black connectors so i was fine with that.
and hell if my lcd mod thng wont work i may have to go with this ;( http://www.jab-tech.com/LCD-Digital-CompuNurse-Thermometer-w-BLUE-Backlight-pr-2642.html a few of those :P
hmm i might pick up one of those probes when i order my water cooling.

so overall i don't see any problems with the stuff you want, i just might try to find a place that has it all and make 1 order as appose to a couple or more.

[Chewy_Solo]

sweet, and depending on what i do for the LCD setup, i may or may not get another DVD drive, depends on space

and is there ANY other tools imay need?

someone brought up the fact that painting the inside of my case may make it hotter, is this true?

[Spawn-Inc]

if you are going to make that "mold" on the top of the case you could use bondo and steel, fibre glass and mods, or polystyrene sheets.

as for the case painting making the case hotter, not sure. if it does i would doubt much more than 1C. i never ran my case stock so i can't really answer the question.

[Chewy_Solo]

im thinking of making the structure out of Aluminum sheets and bend them possibly, and i guess its a good idea to use some bondo or w e to seal it

[D1337]

i have Patriot eXtreme Peformance PC 9200 1150MHz but i have to have it at 533MHz :( and man im using 60% RAM right now.... vista ftl when it comes to RAM.

And im saving up for a new x38 of X48 motherboard personaly, AND DDR3 RAM and well when it comes out a new NVIDIA GFX card... waiting for new series... and in the long future a new Yorkfield :) (my quad core is just fine ATM)

and i did the measurements and the ones that were flush were 1/4" i think and the other ones were 5/16" not sure if i did the measurements correctly...

and is it possible to talk to either of you one AIM, MSN or Yahoo IM?


Vista pre-cache's ram depending on what programs you use the most, which dramatically boosts your initial loading of a frequently used executable or .dll

I have 4 gigs and it will use about 40% of my ram when im Idling, if i take 2 stick out it will slightly increase to 55%.

When your running out of memory, Vista will allocate it to the proper application.

[Chewy_Solo]

ah interesting and im gonna send this stuff to my teacher for him to order atm

[Chewy_Solo]

emailed. :)

[Chewy_Solo]

well i was playing some games with some temp monitoring software and i was a little disapointed with some of my temps.

I am getting about max case temp of about 37C, idle CPU of 47C and load about 60C, then again thats not under complete load seeing as i dont know a game that can even push that cpu, and my GPU is getting 51 idle and max of about 71C under load, not that any of this is particularily high its just if im ever going to overclock i should look into imporved cooling.

so i was thinking of getting 3-4 of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835129244 ( rear exhaust and 2 frontal intake and possible side intake to cool down GPUs)

1 of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835129247 (for the top exhaust)

x1 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835129046 (rear exhaust)

Artic Silver http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100008

CPU cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

[Spawn-Inc]

i would get yate loons instead, there cheaper and have better cfm. also your first link doesn't work. as for the heatsink i would get the TRUE 120 if your case can fit it, otherwise i believe thats a good heatsink, not sure though, fine some reviews.

[Chewy_Solo]

fixed the link, for some reason it was missing a / so i just added it

and the late yoon fans arent LED atleast for the high CFM ones, and are pretty loud compared to the ones i chose

nothing came up for "true 120" if your talking about the Tower 120 by Tuniq, some of the reviews say it will hit my exhaust fan in the Armor case, and so i dont want it to restrict the airflow too much

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119066 also thinking of getting one of those and putting it under my GFX card, and then spray painting it black and UV blue xD

and i wish they had a type of spray paint that would be extremely conductive so i could spray that heatsink, it kinda looks like crap, but i think ill go with this instead for the heatsink http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019

[Spawn-Inc]

yate loons do have there highest CFM fan in a clear led format here (http://www.jab-tech.com/YATE-LOON-120mm-Case-Fan-D12SH-124B-UV-Blue-Frame-with-4-Blue-leds-High-Speed-pr-3824.html)

but they are louder, so go with which ever. i believe aerocool makes good fans.

TRUE 120 is Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme (http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/cpu/u120ex/product_cpu_cooler_u120ex.htm?art=MTQyMywxLCxoZW50 aHVzaWFzdA==), the best air cooler on the market so far. NOTE: you will need a fan for it if you buy it. and if you really don't mind noise and what some insane cooling you can pick up 2 of these (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=403&products_id=20848) babies. 220CFM! but there $50 each.

[Chewy_Solo]

i think i may stick with the fans i have due too noise level, and 220 cfm.... DAMN, a little bulky... like way bulky, and for that price and noise level, i dunno, and i dont see where the fan would go on the True 120... dont see da place D:

[Chewy_Solo]

here is what the fan setup is gonna be like, im probably gonna position the fan on the side up a bit more and maybe use mesh to secure it

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/fanage.jpg

[Chewy_Solo]

fans for the thermalright Ultra 120 extreme :) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185060 x2 paint with the UV paint, and the school will be paying for all but the heatsink and fan on this project :D

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7765&highlight=remote+start+pc gonnar try DIS

[Chewy_Solo]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999171 i have too many fans in this mod...

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SCPH-131-One-LCD-Screen/dp/B00005QI2S for the LCD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835109140 CPU cooler

[Chewy_Solo]

ok it is being ordred ive finnaly made some headway so a worklog will be up i hopes within 1-2 weeks well see how shipping works out

[Chewy_Solo]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/Computer%20related/Case%20Mod/scan0001.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/Chewy_Solo/Computer%20related/Case%20Mod/scan0002.jpg

blueprints :D

i know i didnt finish the second one... it doesnt apply

and sorry for all the broken links, i did a much needed photobucket cleanup

[Chewy_Solo]

finnaly started this thing. creating a worklog.