SgtM
12-13-2007, 12:11 AM
From the workshop of Ed Buijs (TBCS user Ediejo) comes an incredible Coolermaster Stacker case mod.
Ed is the owner of www.tbcl.nl (the Beneleux Casemodder's League), and is also responsible for coordinating some of the huge Dutch case mod expos.
On with the modding!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm14.jpg
As everyone knows, all good mods start out by stripping the case down, usually leaving a big pile of spare parts. Mind you, never throw these out. Who knows when you'll find a use for them.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm13.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm13.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm17.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm16.jpg
No case mod would be complete without a killer paint job. Ed chose a very cool shade of blue for this project. Add in some fans, and we have the start of an effective cooling system.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0063.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0064.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0066.jpg
Next up is the watercooling loop. Keeping with the spirit of customization, Ed added a custom mouting bracket for his radiator out of some sexy UV green plexi.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0077.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1358.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0077.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSC00229.jpg
Once the watercooling loop was designed, and mouting sorted, it's time to test the system for leaks. Using an anti-algae solution, green UV-reactive dye and some de-ionised water, the loop was certified leak-free, and dual 120mm fans were added to the radiator.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker310.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker311.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker31.jpg
Everyone likes the looks of a clean case. Free of wires, and the rest of the usual computer mess. Ed made some very impressive covers to stealth the optical and hard drives, PSU, and water pump.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-00801_009.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-00841_013.jpg
Moving on to one of this writers favorites.. LED's!! UV Blue LED's were mounted in the PSU and water pump cover.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker89.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker348.jpg
Now, there's no good in fancy internals and lights if they can't be seen. So, now it's time to cut a custom window in the side panel.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker91.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker94.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker90.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker99.jpg
The front panel was completely replaced on this case. Ed made a new one out of some 5mm plexi and some sheet metal which was sprayed blue to match the internals.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1374.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1367.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1315.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1308.jpg
Time for some more lights. Green 5mm LED's were used to light up the front cover and the radiator shroud.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker341.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker344.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker89.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker348.jpg
With everything starting to come together, it was time to start on the finishing touches. With all of the lighting additions, the inside of the case resembled a bad wiring job at "Mom and Pop's ISP shop". Of course, cable management followed.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker343.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSC00212.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/compo9.jpg
It was decided that fan and lighting controls were needed. Ed added to switches to a spare expansion slot cover. One switches the fans from 7 to 12 volts, and the other turns the internal lighting on and off.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stgr45.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stgr51.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stgr50.jpg
Next, a piece of green plexi was added to the right of the motherboard before the drive cage. This serves to reflect some of the interior lighting as well as stealthing the backs of the drives and other various connectors.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-01021_015.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-01011_014.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-01001_013.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-00971_010.jpg
Ed then added a Coolermaster Musketeer (http://www.coolermaster.com/products/product.php?act=detail&tbcate=65&id=144) for fan and audio controls. The stock levers turned out to be short, so they were drilled and tapped, and extensions were added.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1360.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker340.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker334.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker333.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1360.jpg
Ed is the owner of www.tbcl.nl (the Beneleux Casemodder's League), and is also responsible for coordinating some of the huge Dutch case mod expos.
On with the modding!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm14.jpg
As everyone knows, all good mods start out by stripping the case down, usually leaving a big pile of spare parts. Mind you, never throw these out. Who knows when you'll find a use for them.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm13.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm13.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm17.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/cm16.jpg
No case mod would be complete without a killer paint job. Ed chose a very cool shade of blue for this project. Add in some fans, and we have the start of an effective cooling system.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0063.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0064.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0066.jpg
Next up is the watercooling loop. Keeping with the spirit of customization, Ed added a custom mouting bracket for his radiator out of some sexy UV green plexi.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0077.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1358.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSCF0077.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSC00229.jpg
Once the watercooling loop was designed, and mouting sorted, it's time to test the system for leaks. Using an anti-algae solution, green UV-reactive dye and some de-ionised water, the loop was certified leak-free, and dual 120mm fans were added to the radiator.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker310.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker311.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker31.jpg
Everyone likes the looks of a clean case. Free of wires, and the rest of the usual computer mess. Ed made some very impressive covers to stealth the optical and hard drives, PSU, and water pump.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-00801_009.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-00841_013.jpg
Moving on to one of this writers favorites.. LED's!! UV Blue LED's were mounted in the PSU and water pump cover.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker89.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker348.jpg
Now, there's no good in fancy internals and lights if they can't be seen. So, now it's time to cut a custom window in the side panel.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker91.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker94.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker90.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker99.jpg
The front panel was completely replaced on this case. Ed made a new one out of some 5mm plexi and some sheet metal which was sprayed blue to match the internals.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1374.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1367.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1315.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1308.jpg
Time for some more lights. Green 5mm LED's were used to light up the front cover and the radiator shroud.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker341.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker344.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker89.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker348.jpg
With everything starting to come together, it was time to start on the finishing touches. With all of the lighting additions, the inside of the case resembled a bad wiring job at "Mom and Pop's ISP shop". Of course, cable management followed.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker343.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/DSC00212.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/compo9.jpg
It was decided that fan and lighting controls were needed. Ed added to switches to a spare expansion slot cover. One switches the fans from 7 to 12 volts, and the other turns the internal lighting on and off.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stgr45.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stgr51.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stgr50.jpg
Next, a piece of green plexi was added to the right of the motherboard before the drive cage. This serves to reflect some of the interior lighting as well as stealthing the backs of the drives and other various connectors.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-01021_015.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-01011_014.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-01001_013.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/Photo-00971_010.jpg
Ed then added a Coolermaster Musketeer (http://www.coolermaster.com/products/product.php?act=detail&tbcate=65&id=144) for fan and audio controls. The stock levers turned out to be short, so they were drilled and tapped, and extensions were added.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1360.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker340.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker334.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/stacker333.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/tbcs/coolermaster/IMG_1360.jpg