Project: Flux

[Xperiment]

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ProjectLogHeader.jpg
Project: Flux
By Xperiment

Some of you may have seen my post Next Project? (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13371) in the Idea Zone of TBCS. I have been planning this build for a good couple of months and now starting to get things moving on the actual build. So here is my worklog for the build, hopefully you will enjoy reading it and get involved along the way.

So What Am I Building?

I hope to create an average spec PC that is cool and reliable enough to leave running 24/7. Its main use will be for downloading, browsing the internet and photo editing. I want it to be fairly portable as I may use it as a HTPC from time to time, so a decent graphics card is a must.

The Case

I have brought a Lian-Li PC-V300 in silver as the starting point for the build. I decided on this case for a number of reasons.
I haven’t seen a lot of them modded before, I am sure they have been but not to the extent of the other Lian-Li cases. Also the shape and design gives a lot of scope for modding and gives me the opportunity to work with a ‘small’ case, something which I very much enjoy due to the thought and planning that’s needed to fit everything in.

A few pictures of the standard case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Front.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Right.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside.jpg

The Design

Those who have seen my post for the original idea will be familiar with the look I am aiming for in this build. For those who don’t I think it would be best described as ”Cartoon-like Industrial”. I want to use large blocks of colour and smooth lines with a very OTT water-cooling system to give a look which I hope to be quite unique.

I have been playing around d on sketch-up and so far have designed a few features I hope to incorporate in the build. The design is by no means final and will more than likely change quite a lot as the build goes on, but to give an idea here are some sketch-ups of some of the designs so far.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CaseFront2100208.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/WaterCoolingFront100208.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TopPanel3180208.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TopPanel180208.jpg

On With The Build

As with most other builds I began with one of my favorite tasks, dismantling the case. First to come out was the two 80mm intake fans and all wiring:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontFansWiring.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontIOPanel.jpg

Next the side panels and motherboard tray:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SidesFansMotherboardTrayStripped4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SidesFansMotherboardTrayStripped3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SidesFansMotherboardTrayStripped2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SidesFansMotherboardTrayStripped.jpg

Leaving only the bracket to hold the drives. A few drilled rivets later:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/InnerBracket.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FullyStripped1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FullyStripped2.jpg

Wiring

One thing I was a little concerned about with this case is how difficult it is going to be to hide the wiring. I don’t want any to be visible, not even where it plugs into the motherboard.

Most of the wires are going to be around the inside front of the case (on/off buttons, power LED’s, fans etc) so I needed a solution to get them out of sight.

I decided to use a small project box from Maplins to act as a junction box to route wires through. I can also use it as a place to split power between LED’s, switches etc.

Front fan bracket sketch-up:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CutSketch-up.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/JunctionBoxSketch-up.jpg

Cuts made and smoothed using a dremel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cut.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RoughEdges.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CutSmoothed.jpg

Marked for drilling:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/JunctionBoxHoleMarking.jpg

Junction box fitted:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/JunctionBoxFitted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/JunctionBoxFansFitted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/JunctionBoxFansFitted2.jpg

Now I can pass all the wires from the front fans and front panel through this junction box down to the case floor where they can be hidden.

I have also sleeved the wires for the front I/O, I plan to have these hidden under a kind of ‘floor’ on the bottom of the case.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontIOWiresSleaved.jpg

Acrylic

I am going to use a lot of acrylic on this build so went out and brought a scroll saw and a blowtorch to hopefully aid my cuts and bends.

Having never bent acrylic or used a scroll saw before I thought it best to have a practice first. So set about making a cover for the HDD bay.

I started out by drawing out the design and cutting it out with the scroll saw:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cutout.jpg

Then using the scroll saw as a temporary work bench, clamped the cutout for bending:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Heating.jpg

After a little heat from the blowtorch the bend was complete:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BendComplete.jpg

After cutting the edges were left a tad on the rough side:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RoughEdge.jpg

So using 240, 800, 1200 and 1500 grit sandpaper I smoothed out the edges:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SmoothEdge.jpg

A quick test fit:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFit.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFit2.jpg

To mount the acrylic I needed two 4mm holes to bolt through, back to the temporary work bench:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HoleCutting.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HoleCutting2.jpg

Now to measure up and drill the HDD cage:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HoleCutting3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HoleCutting4.jpg

And using M4 hex bolts and some plastic spacers fit it all together:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting3.jpg

Another test fit:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted3.jpg

With everything fitting together nicely I removed the protective film and fitted the finished cover to the HDD bay:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CoverRemoved.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CoverRemovedFitted.jpg

The hole in the middle of the piece of acrylic will be covered with a sheet of mesh, so air will still be able to circulate around the hard disks whilst keeping the wires out of sight.

I am quite pleased with how it turned out, given most of the process was very new to me.

I hope you have enjoyed the first park of this project. I will have another update soon but am going to take my time on this build to try and get everything just right.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts so far . . . . . . . .
Xperiment

[tinker]

looks good so far.
This build is going to look nice.

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Verry nice case and great concepts! Good luck on achieving the look. Seems you can handle your new tools :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hell Yeah!!! I have been waiting for this, looks great so far. Can't wait for more.

[SgtM]

Lookin great so far! +rep

[Zephik]

Hell Yeah!!! I have been waiting for this, looks great so far. Can't wait for more.

Ditto! I'm very excited for this build, what a great start too! Totally made my night!

I owe you a +rep, apparently I need to "spread it around" some. haha

[Tavarin]

I liked the look of the sketchups in the idea zone, glad to see this build starting. Will be watching, good luck.

[Xperiment]

Thanks for all the positive comments so far. I am putting another update together at the moment, should have it posted up soon.

[Xperiment]

I have been itching to post my first update, so here it is.

I have finished off the acrylic cover for the HDD bay. I wanted to add some mesh to the cut-out in the acrylic so brought an off-cut for a bargain price of £2 from ebay:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SheetSteel.jpg

Measured it up and cut to size with a dremel ready to fix to the acrylic:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SteelFitting.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SteelFitting2.jpg

Then using M4 hex bolts fixed it in place:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SteelFitting3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SteelFitting4.jpg

And mounted the finished cover on the HDD bay:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SteelFitting5.jpg

Next up was the motherboard tray. I needed to take it apart to measure up to apply some acrylic. First off was the back plate after drilling out a few rivets:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TakingAparttheMBTray.jpg

Then a couple more rivets to remove the last piece:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TakingAparttheMBTray2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TakingAparttheMBTray3.jpg

I wanted to replace the rivets with hex bolts to match the rest of the case, so first filed down the holes, then bolted it back together with the hex bolts:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FilingScrewHoles.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MountingHexBolts.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MountingHexBolts2.jpg

Much more in keeping with the theme than rivets, plus it is now a lot easier to dismantle the motherboard tray, as I will need to in updates to come.

I also brought a standard 80mm fan, as I haven't decided on which fans to use yet I brought the cheapest one, just to use for test fittings etc:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/80mmFan.jpg

Some large sheets of orange and black acrylic, 80mm fan next to them to gauge the size:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/3mmOrangeBlackAcrylic.jpg

My last purchase of the week was a 80mm Black Ice GT radiator. I want to cool as much as possible in this build with water and don't think a single 120mm rad will be enough, so I plan to cool the less heat intensive components first (NB , Ram , Maybe HDD) then cool the loop with the 80mm before going through the CPU and GPU then 120mm Rad.

Also I had an idea for placement that I think will really suit the theme of the build:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/80mmRad.jpg

So first I measured up and cut the rear of the case, behind the HDD bay:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CaseCutting.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CaseCut.jpg

Then cut a piece of acrylic to act as a bracket, just a test piece at this stage to get the dimensions correct:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Brackettest.jpg

Next mounted it between the rad and fan:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RadFanandBracket.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RadFanandBracket2.jpg

Before slotting it all into the case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFit-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFit2-1.jpg

The fan will be inside the case, tucked into the back of the HDD bay with the rad outside flush with the rear of the case. The tubes will come out of the rad at right angles before looping back inside the case through the motherboard trays rear panel.

Well that's it for now, hope you have enjoyed reading. I should be able to do some more over the weekend, now I have all the dimensions for the rear rad I should be able to get that finished, then I hope to get started on the front of the case and some mods to the motherboard tray.

Thanks for reading, be good to get your opinions.

Xperiment

[Enigma]

Great update, really liked the cover on the HDD bay :)

[b4i7]

lookin good X

i really like your last mod....and this one looks like it has some great potential

[Xperiment]

lookin good X

i really like your last mod....and this one looks like it has some great potential

Thanks b4i7, That reminds me I really must finish that mod off, only the side panel to mount.

[Xperiment]

I managed to get pretty much the whole day to myself today so made quite abit of progress on the case. Including its first splash of orange :)

I started by making a surround for the rear of the motherboard tray. Cut out of acrylic then clamped ready to drill mounting holes:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SurroundCutting.jpg

Holes cut:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SurroundCut.jpg

Mounted to the tray with hex bolts:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SurroundFitted.jpg

I cut a bracket for the rear 80mm rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Bracket.jpg

Mounted to the , test, fan:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BracketFittedToFan.jpg

And to the rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BracketFittedToFanandRadiator.jpg

Cut the orange front panel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeCut.jpg

Attached to the fan bracket:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracket.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracket2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracket3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracket4.jpg

Then mounted in the front of the case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracketFittedToCase.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracketFittedToCase2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/OrangeFittedToBracketFittedToCase3.jpg

Cut and bent a black sheet to act as a 'floor' in the front of the case to hide wires:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackCut2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackCut.jpg

Mounted in the case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFittedToOrange.jpg

Fitted the other 2 , test , fans:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFittedToOrange2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFansFitted.jpg

Leaving the case looking like this (protective film is still on the acrylic):

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AllFitted3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AllFitted2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AllFitted.jpg

Then mounted the rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase5.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase6.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToCase7.jpg

Hope you have enjoyed the update and can see the look of the case starting to take shape.

I still have alot of sanding to do on the pieces I have added today but really am starting to love the colours and look of this build. Should have another update next week and hope to buy the 120mm rad over the next couple of days.

Thanks For Reading

Xperiment

[tinker]

Looks really nice.
I like how the plexi is very minimal and not overpowering.
Can't wait to see more!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Very nice work buddy. It's looking great so far. I think you will out do your old mod.

BTW: what happened with mounting the screen on Project Reality, did I miss a post or did you forget to update?

[p0Pe]

looks crazy with the nice combo of acrylic:D keep it going man!

+rep!

[b4i7]

hey X, did you make a standard model of this case in sketchup?

[Xperiment]

Looks really nice.
I like how the plexi is very minimal and not overpowering.
Can't wait to see more!

Thanks tinker


Very nice work buddy. It's looking great so far. I think you will out do your old mod.

Thanks The boy 4rm oz

BTW: what happened with mounting the screen on Project Reality, did I miss a post or did you forget to update?

Well I took it back out and re-wired everything, installed it back in the case and still coulnt get a picture, tried every setting in powerstrip etc - it must be a dead screen. So waiting to get my hands on another one before I try again.

Besides that the build is all finished, I am using it now.


looks crazy with the nice combo of acrylic:D keep it going man!

+rep!

Thanks p0Pe


hey X, did you make a standard model of this case in sketchup?

I did but then modded it, I will have a look see if I can get it back to stock if you want a copy (its not perfect mind you)

[b4i7]

yeah...id like a copy of that sketchup....no rush on it though

[Xperiment]

PM me your email and I will send it across once I get it back to the standard case.

[cooldud02123]

looks good cant wait to c more +rep

[Xperiment]

Hi Guys,

Managed to get some more work done on the rear of the case today. Specificly part of the waterloop.

I brought some clear 10mm O/D tubing, some hose fittings and a bulkhead pass through connector.

I wanted to take the tube from the rad back inside the case through the rear of the motherboard tray. The tray wont be removable once the mod is finished so I decided to route the tube through the area designed for 2 x 40mm fans. I have an 80mm exhaust behind the HDD bays so wouldnt be using the 40mm fans so it was ideal to go through there.

Picture below of these parts with the 80mm rad and some peices I cut from Acrylic. Also some perforated steel and all the nuts bolts and washers I used.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Parts.jpg

I started by cutting holes in the steel to allow tubing to pass through the back of the motherboard tray to the 80mm rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HoseBracket.jpg

Then applied the surround I had cut from acrylic with 4 M3 bolts, using washers to clamp the two peices together:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HoseBracketWithSurround.jpg

Next I cut the motherboard tray to allow the surround to be bolted to it:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TrayCut.jpg

Tubes connected to the rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RadWithHose.jpg

Then cut some spacers from acrylic to hold the tube in the position I wanted it in:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RadWithHoseAndSpacers.jpg

Fitted the fan and bracket back onto the rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RadWithHoseSpacersAndFan.jpg

And finally the surround and steel backplate:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/RadAndEverything.jpg

I am really quite proud of how this has turned out. I still need to touch up the edges on some of the acrylic but have flame polished most of it so the edges are really smooth and give off quite a shine.

I hope to carry this theme of compression fittings, clear tube and orange spacers/supports throughout the whole waterloop, both inside the case and on the top panel.

I hope you like the look, I have taken alot of pictures of the end result as I was so chuffed with it, enjoy:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted12.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted11.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted10.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted9.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted8.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted7.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted6.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted5.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted3-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted2-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted1.jpg

Thanks for reading

Xperiment

[Enigma]

Looks awesome, nice choice of colors you've got there, it blends togehter very nicely !!!
The spacers doing a good job there, just dont overdo it, like put them all the way around the tubing.
Looks just perfect if they sit just enough of them to hold the tubing in nice curves.

The plate that holds the tubes in to the case looks just right with the acrylic and the mesh, like factory built :)

[b4i7]

very clean X, looks great

[tinker]

Looks great!
This is probably my favorite current worklog.

[silverdemon]

+rep for sure! this looks just amazing! really pro.

obviously can't wait for next updates!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Very nice work on the tubing, looks fantastic. Excellent work. +rep

[Xperiment]

Looks awesome, nice choice of colors you've got there, it blends togehter very nicely !!!
The spacers doing a good job there, just dont overdo it, like put them all the way around the tubing.
Looks just perfect if they sit just enough of them to hold the tubing in nice curves.

The plate that holds the tubes in to the case looks just right with the acrylic and the mesh, like factory built :)

Thanks Enigma, I totally agree about not having too many spacers. I am going to use just enough to hold the tubing in place. I might try out a few different shapes/styles and add in abit of black too.


very clean X, looks great

Thanks b4i7


Looks great!
This is probably my favorite current worklog.

Thanks tinker, glad you like the worklog.


+rep for sure! this looks just amazing! really pro.

obviously can't wait for next updates!

Thanks silverdemon, should have an update up in around 15 mins :)


Very nice work on the tubing, looks fantastic. Excellent work. +rep

Cheers Buddy

[Xperiment]

I spent most of today cutting and bending yet more orange acrylic, no surprise there :)

I wanted to cover the underside of the drive bay cage in the same way I did the HDD bay, so started by trimming it a little with my dremel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrameCut.jpg

Then cut a cover from acrylic and bent into shape. The 2 holes in the centre are to allow air into the bays up into where the 120mm rad will be placed. I am going to mount some perforated steel behind the holes but have got to wait for it to be delivered:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cover.jpg

Fitted to the cage:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CoverFitted.jpg

A few posts back I showed the 'case floor' I had made from black acrylic. The more I looked at it the less happy I was with it so redesigned it and cut from orange acrylic. It is much the same as the black on but a little shorter. Here it is fitted to the front panel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/LEDHolesAndIOCoverFitted3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/LEDHolesAndIOCoverFitted.jpg

I also cut some 5mm holes in the front panel. I am going to mount LED's through them to give a nice glow to the black strip on the front of the case. I haven't decided on a colour yet. I think I will use a mixture of orange and white:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/LEDHolesAndIOCoverFitted4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/LEDHolesAndIOCoverFitted2.jpg

Here is the front panel joined to the drive bay cage:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToDriveBays.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToDriveBays2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToDriveBays3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToDriveBays4.jpg

I also tried out some ideas I had with the front fans and the black box I mounted to keep the front wires tidy. I am not really sure what to make of it at this stage. I wanted to make a kind of fan grill/cover to add a little bit of detail to the area behind the fans.
Let me know what you think of it so far, I'm not sure:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FittedToDriveBays5.jpg

Lastly here is how the 'case floor' will hide the wiring between the front I/O and the motherboard. The floor is just above the I/O panel, so the wires run under it:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FloorFitted2.jpg

Then the motherboard tray slides over them:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MotherboardTrayClosing.jpg

When in position pushes up against the floor to hide the wires. The wires will then reappear on the side of the motherboard tray next to the sockets on the motherboard:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MotherboardTrayClosed.jpg

Hope you've enjoyed the update, thanks for reading.

Xperiment

[The boy 4rm oz]

Even your alligator clamps match the mod lol. Great idea with the plexi floor. My next mod is going to be silver, white and purple and I want to see if I can incorporate some of your ideas into the mod.

[b4i7]

lookin good, i really like that piece you put over the fans on there

[Xperiment]

Even your alligator clamps match the mod lol. Great idea with the plexi floor. My next mod is going to be silver, white and purple and I want to see if I can incorporate some of your ideas into the mod.

Gotta have matching clamps lol :D


lookin good, i really like that piece you put over the fans on there

Thanks b4i7, I really dont know what to make of it yet. I really need to decide what fans I am going to be using. I really want to find an 80mm version of these (http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php?productid=2291&cat=519&page=1) how perfect would they be !!

[Xperiment]

Started work on one of the side panels today. I wanted a strip of orange around it like on the motherboard tray, so:

Here's the standard panel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Standard-1.jpg

and here is the acrylic cutout:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Acrylic.jpg

I took a lot of time to get the edges perfect on this acrylic, every edge is always going to be on show so I used 120, 240, 800, 1200, 1500 & 2000 grit sandpaper to get it as smooth as possible, then flame polished the edges.

Here's a picture of the finished edge, hard to tell from the picture but they are very shiny. Well worth the blisters on my thumb :)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Shine.jpg

Anyhow, here is the acrylic and side panel mounted to the case. I have ordered some M3 hex head bolts so the screws are temporary:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted2-2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted3-2.jpg

I have also started designing the window I am going to cut into each side panel. I wanted something different without going to over the top and also not to 'busy'

I had a play around in photoshop with some brushes that had caught my eye. I came up with this pattern:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/SidePanelDesign.jpg

To explain how I would want to look here is a printed version on the side panel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/WindowDesign.jpg

I would cut the outline of the shape as a whole out of the aluminium side panel, then cut the areas I have drawn on out of the acrylic behind it. So the windows would be the circular holes and the rounded rectangle at the bottom.

I think it would look pretty good, the finished design will probably be about 20% larger, but essentially the same.

Any thoughts?

Thanks For Reading

Xperiment

[Liquid_Scope_99]

i think that would look great on the side also ,i really like how you use the Acrylic,mesh and bolts and you color choices are very nice very ,very clean work man + rep

[b4i7]

that would be an awesome window for it

[The boy 4rm oz]

Window will looks awesome. Very nice side panel...only one more to do now lol.

[|NQ|Squelsh]

The rounded windows will be a nice contrast to the cubical case. Keep up the good work!

Personally I would change one spot in the window: The cutout in the lower left "corner" of the rounded rectangle is too small to fit the rest of the design. I would leave the small bubble without the cutout in the rectange. Only my two cents.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have the best wallpaper for you to use with this mod.
Enjoy:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/990/nms081280ta3.th.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nms081280ta3.jpg)

[jdbnsn]

This is going to be one hot mod!

[Xperiment]

The rounded windows will be a nice contrast to the cubical case. Keep up the good work!

Personally I would change one spot in the window: The cutout in the lower left "corner" of the rounded rectangle is too small to fit the rest of the design. I would leave the small bubble without the cutout in the rectange. Only my two cents.

Thanks for your input, I totally agree.
Infact once I had cut the window I wen off the idea al together, typical ay.
Back to the drawing board.


I have the best wallpaper for you to use with this mod.
Enjoy:


Thanks, that is pretty nice.


This is going to be one hot mod!

Thanks, glad you like it.

[b4i7]

aww damn...i saw you posted and thought you were giving us an update:P

should be ordering my own of this case here in a couple weeks

[BigJohnson]

Wow. That case looks amazing. I should get back and check in more often.
+Rep

[Xperiment]

aww damn...i saw you posted and thought you were giving us an update:P

should be ordering my own of this case here in a couple weeks

I have been able to get some work done today, so update should be up in a few minutes.

Be good to see what you do with the case - best of luck with it.


Wow. That case looks amazing. I should get back and check in more often.
+Rep

Thanks, and thanks for the rep!

[Xperiment]

Hi guys,

With the luxury of a 4 day weekend I am hoping to get quite abit of work done on the case. Today I worked on some surrounds for the 2 front intake fans.

I will be using AC Ryan UV Orange fans throughout the case, I used them in my last mod and loved them. Great quality, not too loud and having the slit power for the leds and fan was very handy.

So I designed some 'ducting' for them. To focus the airflow onto the motherboard. Having the fans enclosed should also create a nice effect with the orange glow.

So first of all I cut a sheet of orange acrylic and set about bending it into shape:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicBending.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicBending2.jpg

I use an old table base and clamps to make the bends, oh and a blow torch:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicBending3.jpg

Here is the sheet bent into shape:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicBending4.jpg

Now to make some cuts. I would ideally have used a scroll saw for these cuts but the piece is 80mm in height and my scroll saw has a max cut depth of 50mm. So out came the dremel, not to much of a problem but the cuts are no where near as clean - nothing a little sanding wont fix.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicCutting.jpg

To make sure the ducting wont be touching the motherboard I made some further cuts:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicCutting2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicCutting3.jpg

Then copy and pasted ( If only:) ) the finished duct to leave me with 2, one for each fan:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Copy.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Paste.jpg

Here they are inside the case, just a test fitting at the moment. I still need to sand all the edges, add some detail with steel mesh and remove the protective covers. But you get the idea:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFit-2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/TestFit2-2.jpg

I have ordered the fans today, so should have them some time next week. 3 x 80mm UV Orange and 1 x 120mm UV Orange.

I have also ordered the 120mm rad, Black Ice GT Stealth.

But the most exciting news is that following a battle with my old employer they have decided to settle out of court and pay me lots of lovely modding money ..... so things have just become interesting for this mod as I have a lot more money to play with now!

Stay tuned, thanks for reading.

Xperiment

[b4i7]

those are wicked!

now all i have to do is master the art of copy/paste IRL

[BigJohnson]

You know how much time that would save me if I could just copy and paste while doing everyday tasks? Looking good man.

[p0Pe]

i once removed a harddrive and realized that it sat perfectly, and my first thought was "ctrl-z" and i just looked at it for 2 sek thinking "why doesnt it go back?"

ctrl- x commands would be so usefull irl!

[Tavarin]

Looks wicked, even without a copy and paste function you did a damned good job making the second duct.

Ctrl-Y would also be a great function in real life.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate fantastic work, you never cease to amaze me with your plexi skill. Copy and paste IRL FTW!!!

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Have fun spending the new money (:
Great job on those ducts. Flux is one of my favs at this time on TBCS!

Think I'd try to copy+paste my girlfriend IRL :grouphug - not mine :D

[Xperiment]

Hi guys,

Quick update on some work I got done today in between and during eating far too much egg shaped chocolate. Chocolate and perspex dust doesn't taste very nice FTW :think:

I started by making a cover for the rear of the case where the tubing passes though. You can see in the picture below it was a little untidy to say the least:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Before.jpg

Here is the cover cut and bent:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ConnectorCover.jpg

And here it is fitted to the case, much better:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ConnectorCoverFitted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ConnectorCoverFitted2.jpg

Next I moved onto the ducts in the front of the case. I changed the design of them slightly since my last update. Here is how they looked this morning:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Before2.jpg

No major change, just trimmed the inner edges down a little.
Also you can just make out 4 bolts with plastic spacers that hold them in place.

I spent the rest of the day, well around 5 hours cutting, bending and sanding this black piece of acrylic:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackAcrylicCut.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackAcrylicCut2.jpg

But what is it I hear you cry?

Its a bracket to hold the ducts firmly in place. Although they are held down by the 4 bolts on the bottom they needed 'squeezing' together to keep them pressed up against the fans.
Also I wanted to cover the gap in between them to better hide all the wires that will end up in that area.

The piece slots down over the ducks and is held in place with 4 bolts like this:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted6.jpg

The gap between the ducts is then covered by the curved piece that hangs down:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted7.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted.jpg

Here it is with the drive bays mounted above:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BlackFitted5.jpg

The bolt in each duct that appears to serve no purpose is just there to fill a hole I drilled to start working on some adjustable vents. I am planning on making a siding vent a bit like the ones in car heaters. Only this one will be moved by a motor or a servo.

So I can divert more or less air through the holes above the ducts into the rad that will be above it. Not really necessary but should look quite cool :)

That's it for today, thanks for reading!

Xperiment

[AMD_TaT3rs]

wow that is sick. cant wait to see what it looks like completed. keep up the good work.

[b4i7]

omg X, that cover is amazing....i absolutely love this mod

[DonT-FeaR]

omg wtf bbq !!1!! this mods great y was i not informed

[BigJohnson]

You are the master of bending the plexi. Really a great job on this build. I was just checking out some of your other stuff. You really do awesome work.

[silverdemon]

wow that is sick. cant wait to see what it looks like completed. keep up the good work.


omg X, that cover is amazing....i absolutely love this mod


You are the master of bending the plexi...

What they say! amazing work. Your attention to detail is just... just... wow! keep it up!

(oh yeah, +rep offcourse...)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Oh My God!!, That looks beautiful, great work as always.

[Xperiment]

Thanks for the kind comments and +reps

Got me all hyped up to mod some more now, wheres that dremel :)

[Talon]

And again..... Fantastic work mate, you really have some inspirational work! While your plexi work is amazing it is actually your water cooling that has my interest at the moment. Having never worked/used water cooling before it will be definatly in my next mod. Thanks for posting your logs, ill keep watching. Once more - GREAT WORK!

[Xperiment]

Thanks Talon - Hopefully my worklog will be of some help when you dive into watercooling. I remember the first waterloop I built, other peoples worklogs were so useful.

[Xperiment]

Just thought I would post up a few pictures of some parts I had delivered today.

On the shopping list was:

3 x 80mm AC Ryan UV Orange fans
1 x 120mm AC Ryan UV Orange Fan
1 x Black Ice GT Stealth 120mm Rad

it turns out however that 'in stock' actually means 'out of stock' when it comes to 80mm fans. So to my frustration I am going to have to wait for these :down: Hopefully not too long though.

Anyhow, some pictures:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/120mmRadFan.jpg

The rad:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/120mmRad.jpg

The fan:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/120mmFan.jpg

I took a couple of pictures of the fan powered up to show the UV Orange effect. I really love AC Ryan fans, such a nice colour effect and the split power is so so handy. I am really looking forward to getting these in the case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/120mmFanLight.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/120mmFanLight2.jpg

I am just waiting for the rad grill now and I can get cutting. For those who haven't seen the sketch-ups on the front page of this worklog, the rad and fan will be mounted in the top panel, where the drive cages are.

Should be able to get started on the weekend.

Thanks for reading

Xperiment

[vastonecat]

Nice fans, but why do you say the split power is handy? Seems like it would just be one more thing to try to hide.

[Xperiment]

Strange as it may sound, I do quite enjoy hiding wires, yeah that does sound strange.

Its very rare I will have fans running at 12v. I usually have them at 5-7v and find thats more than enough to cool a waterloop.
With the split power I can do this without having to also drop the power to the LEDs so they stay nice and bright.

The perfect balance of noise v's looks IMO

[vastonecat]

Ah, I get it now. I didn't understand the split power was one for the fan, the other for led. sorry for that but I am still a noob, to what you can find out there as far as parts go.:bowdown:

[b4i7]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/TBCS_Group/Ichbin/Frontpage.jpg


oh...this project has given me an idea for a grill.....ima have to draw it up for a single 120

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Agreed @split power. Those fans look great!
Looking forward to the next update :)

[Enigma]

Holy .... well whatever :)
This is so amazing, its gonna be one sweet rig when its up and running, got my self some ideas from this one ;)

Keep it up !!!

Edit: BTW congrats to the frontpage !!!

[The boy 4rm oz]

I really like those fans lol.

[Franklin]

This one is going to end up in the featured worklog. Nice work and I like the design.

[b4i7]

This one is going to end up in the featured worklog. Nice work and I like the design.

ive thought the same franklin

and congrats on front page

[Xperiment]

Thanks as always for the positive comments and +rep's.

Thanks also for the front page review, really appricate the write up b4i7

Better get an update posted ........ been busy today!

[Xperiment]

Well its the weekend, that can mean only one thing - Modding!!!

I had some bits in the post just in time for the weekend so was very keen to get working. My 80mm fans turned up, also an AC Ryan rad grill, another sheet of orange acrylic and a drive bay res.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/80mmFansResandGrill.jpg

I had a re-think on the top panel of the case and decided to change the res design a little, hence the drive bay res instead of the aqua tube as in the sketch-ups.

First on the to do list today, replace the stock fans with the 80mm AC Ryan Orange ones:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FansFitted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FansFitted2.jpg

The steel mesh I ordered a while back also turned up, so I cut it into shape:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MeshCutting.jpg

Gave it a good sanding to give it abit more shine:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MeshSanded.jpg

And then applied to the drive bay cage:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MeshFitted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/MeshFitted2.jpg

Next I drilled the fan holes on the rad grill out to 4mm:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/GrillHoles.jpg

Then started marking out the top panel for cutting:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Marking.jpg

The template with the grill came in very handy:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Marking2.jpg

Ready to cut:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Marking3.jpg

Enter the dremel:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CuttingforRad.jpg

Done:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CuttingforRad2.jpg

Next to drill the mounting holes. I used a centre punch just to make sure the holes were accurate:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CuttingforRad3.jpg


Now for a test fit .... success:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/GrillTestFit.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FanTestFit.jpg

I wanted to do something a little different with the drive bay res, so began marking out the top panel to cut:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ResMarking.jpg

Cuts made:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ResCut.jpg

A test fit:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/ResTestFit.jpg

I dint want the res just sticking out the top of the case, so started cutting a surround. It would span both the res and the rad grill with an area in between for mounting a kind of control panel.
Somewhere to mount all the switches and a fill pot:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicCutting-1.jpg

Cutting for the res:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicCutting2-1.jpg

And a test fit:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/AcrylicTestFit.jpg

Now to put everything together to make sure everything fits before sanding and filling:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting-1.jpg

Top surround:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting4.jpg

Res:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting3-1.jpg

Mounted together, going well so far:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting5.jpg

Fitted to the case, with rad grill fitted:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting6.jpg

120mm Fan & Res:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting2-1.jpg

Fitted in place:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting7.jpg

From the inside:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting9.jpg

Drive cage fitted:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting10.jpg

Woohoo everything fits:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting8.jpg

I really like the top panel this way, I still want to try and run some tubing across the top but will need to re plan it a little.

I will sand and file everything down tonight and then hopefully over the next week or so be able to start putting in all the switches and fill pot between the rad and the res.

Thanks as always for reading.

Xperiment

[BigJohnson]

Dude, this thing looks more amazing everytime I look at it. Great design and incredible work.

[Ap1thy]

awesome... would it work to put the fill port in the res?

[a.Bird]

This is really coming along beautifully! I am really into your style of work. I'm actually thinking the same thing as Ap1thy... I think that would be a sweet spot for a fill port.

[b4i7]

that.... is really friggin cool!

[isunktheship]

If this baby hits 88, we're going to see some serious ****!

Anyone, anyone?

[Enigma]

Wow thats a great update, looking better each and every time i look at it !!!
Your work on the acrylic is just amazing, tell me you're gonna compete with this mod ???

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate I lOVE your work, I think you have really out done yourself this time, it looks fantastic. +rep

[John5247]

Hi X - fantastic - the gloss black and orange took me back to 1970s dodgems or bumber cars my fave was always the orange and black one - plus the chrome of course.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.alliednetservices.com/clipart/bumpercars_003.jpg&imgrefurl=http://wheezersociety.blogs.com/wheezer/current_events/&h=270&w=360&sz=179&hl=en&start=55&sig2=CO0zAt3bLYyHaVH_IzM7TA&um=1&tbnid=PdpNyEm2W5RjMM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&ei=fcfvR97vLKbAwwHEnJkq&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbumper%2Bcars%26start%3D40%26ndsp%3D2 0%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dopera %26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN

Any chance you might do a plastics bending and Dremel cutting tutorial when you finish this? I keep looking at your photos on that light coloured carpet and thinking - what does he do with the dust! What speed and cut-off wheel do you use on plastic?

Anyway - keep up the good modding. I would love to see a complete plastic creation without the Li An in the middle of it. Bit like a Playstation - Industrial product design that looks like nothing else.

much cheer
John

ps - my spectacles have saved my sight many times from broken dremel cutoff wheels and flying solder - please tell me you're wearing eye protection!

[Okele]

I have to say I love this project. Im new to this arena of case modding and am inspired by this project to make my first one really cool. Just a question here, if I wanted to say have you do some cuts and stuff for me with some acrylic or something #1 would you do it? and #2 how much would it cost me? provided you live in the US that is.

[Xperiment]

Dude, this thing looks more amazing every time I look at it. Great design and incredible work.

Thanks, she is coming together - wiring soon though :lick:


awesome... would it work to put the fill port in the res?

Funny enough I did think that, I have ordered the fill pot so I will see what it looks like in place. I think it may hang to deep in the res though.

I was thinking of mounting it in the circular cutout on the orange acrylic, between the rad and the res.


This is really coming along beautifully! I am really into your style of work. I'm actually thinking the same thing as Ap1thy... I think that would be a sweet spot for a fill port.

Thanks, the style just kind of evolved. I just try to keep things clean and simple.


that.... is really friggin cool!

Thanks


If this baby hits 88, we're going to see some serious ****!

Anyone, anyone?

Thanks


Wow thats a great update, looking better each and every time i look at it !!!
Your work on the acrylic is just amazing, tell me you're gonna compete with this mod ???

Thanks, Although I will be taking my time I do hope to have it finished this year.


Mate I lOVE your work, I think you have really out done yourself this time, it looks fantastic. +rep

Thanks


Hi X - fantastic - the gloss black and orange took me back to 1970s dodgems or bumber cars my fave was always the orange and black one - plus the chrome of course.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.alliednetservices.com/clipart/bumpercars_003.jpg&imgrefurl=http://wheezersociety.blogs.com/wheezer/current_events/&h=270&w=360&sz=179&hl=en&start=55&sig2=CO0zAt3bLYyHaVH_IzM7TA&um=1&tbnid=PdpNyEm2W5RjMM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&ei=fcfvR97vLKbAwwHEnJkq&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbumper%2Bcars%26start%3D40%26ndsp%3D2 0%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dopera %26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN

Any chance you might do a plastics bending and Dremel cutting tutorial when you finish this? I keep looking at your photos on that light coloured carpet and thinking - what does he do with the dust! What speed and cut-off wheel do you use on plastic?

Anyway - keep up the good modding. I would love to see a complete plastic creation without the Li An in the middle of it. Bit like a Playstation - Industrial product design that looks like nothing else.

much cheer
John

ps - my spectacles have saved my sight many times from broken dremel cutoff wheels and flying solder - please tell me you're wearing eye protection!

Thanks, I will put a tutorial together for bending and cutting. I dont use standard methods, not having access to a garage any more, so everything I do has to be done indoors on the floor. Seems to turn out alright though.

Yeah I have some modding glasses for just such an occasion, they are covered in scratches and the like - better there than on my eyes though :dead:

[Xperiment]

I have to say I love this project. Im new to this arena of case modding and am inspired by this project to make my first one really cool. Just a question here, if I wanted to say have you do some cuts and stuff for me with some acrylic or something #1 would you do it? and #2 how much would it cost me? provided you live in the US that is.

Thanks Okele, Glad I have given you some inspiration.

I am in the UK.

Not sure if there will be companies that will do cuts for you, but I find the best way is practice. It took a little while for me to get the hang of cutting acrylic. It can be a pain to work with.

Just try out some shapes with different tools to get the feel of the material. Within no time you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

I use the following tools, Scroll Saw, Jig Saw, Dremel and sometimes a knife and ruler to score an edge before snapping it.

[Xperiment]

I started to think about wiring today. Having the first few wires in the case made me realise how cramped its going to get and how much of a challenge hiding all the wires is going to be.

I made a few cuts to parts of the front ducking surrounds so I could route wires from the fans and front panel up into the drive bays.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Marking-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cutting.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cut-1.jpg

Here you can see where the wires come out, I will be re braiding and modding the fan wires to help hide them but now at least they are out of the way.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontFanWires.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontFanWires2.jpg

Next I installed some grommets in the drive bay cage to route the wires from the rear fan and the HDD's:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Grommets.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Grommets2.jpg

Here is the HDD cage in place with the grommets:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Grommets3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Grommets4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Grommets5.jpg

I have also wired all the fans together ready for a test once it gets dark tonight. I should be able to post some pictures later.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Wiring.jpg

Until then, thanks for reading

Xperiment

[Ap1thy]

awesome, it must be an intresting contrast between the orange and silver to the black and green of reality bytes

[Xperiment]

Well as promised here are some pictures of the fans running in the dark. I am quite happy with how they look. I did however expect them to be a bit more on the the orange side, the uv leds are very overpowering.

Although in the pictures they do appear more pink than IRL they are still quite strong. I think I will need to balance this out with some well placed orange leds.

This picture of the 120mm fan gives the best indication to the real colour, the 80mm ones are a little less orange:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Top.jpg

The HDD bay:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Rear.jpg

The front grill :

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Front2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Front-1.jpg

The ducting, my favourite spot on the case right now. Really love the way the acrylic mirrors the fans and the steel mesh catches the orange:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside4.jpg

So yeah, I am pleased with the result from the fans but do wish they were a little more orange. I am sure I can fix this with some orange led's.


awesome, it must be an interesting contrast between the orange and silver to the black and green of reality bytes

I would say it is alot more challenging working with silver as opposed to black, black hides little mistakes very well, not so easy with the silver.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Flux next to my last mod Reality Bytes, quite a contrast in colours.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FluxRB.jpg

I cant wait to have both of them up and running either side of my desk with 2 screens in the middle, now that would be plexi pimpage :eek: lol

Thanks for reading

Xperiment

[Enigma]

Oh MY God, that is so awesome.
The pictures of the fans in the ducts are just so amazing, man that is porn, WOW :bowdown:
Oh, and pic between Flux and RB, could'nt agree with you more, one on each side of the desk + 2 screens = very much plexi pimpage !!!

[Commando]

Really cool. The custom plexi work is the bee's knees.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate that dark shot looks fantastic. I know those AC Ryan fans are loud but what's your opinion on your noise level? I am split between getting a pair of blue AC Ryan fans or a pair of Antec tri-cools. I save $20 by getting the AC Ryan fans but they don't have a built in speed switch.

[Xperiment]

@ Enigma - Thanks, The ducts have come out really nice with the fans in, i really love the way they mirror the fans. Its a difficult effect to capture on camera though.

@ Commando - Thanks, A scroll saw may just have been the best investment I ever made.

@ The boy 4rm oz - Thanks. The fans, well put it like this when I switched them all on without a fan controller, so running at 12v, I thought for a moment that perhaps I had built some sort of drilling machine!! They really are very loud.

There is no way I would suggest running them without a fan controller. I am planning on using a T-Balancer® bigNG (http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_35&products_id=169) to control all my fans and pump. Without something like that the noise may actually drive me insane.

The fans look amazing and the build quality is second too none IMO but running them at 12v is a no no for anyone with ears!

[The boy 4rm oz]

I'll take that into consideration. Thanks for your help.

[Xperiment]

Hi Gus,

Only a small update today. Took delivery of some tubing, fittings, rubber fan gaskets and a Danger Den fill pot today.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FillPotTubeAndFittings.jpg

So marked out the area to mount the fill pot:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Marking-2.jpg

Here it is after cutting the hole. Don't worry about the marks on the top cover, This area will be covered soon:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitted-2.jpg

Here is how it hooks up to the res:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside-2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Inside2-1.jpg

Thats it for today. I should be ordering a lot of parts over the next couple of weeks, I just need to decide on the hardware first.

Thanks For Reading

Xperiment

[shugz117]

you sir, have got skills :eek:

cant wait for the next update:banana:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks great mate, nice mounting. You have one of the newer fill pots with a good plastic nut to hold it in place, i got a crappy piece of clear plexi lol.

[Xperiment]

Hi Guys,

You will have to excuse the lighting in the pictures on this update. Work life has started to get very very busy so modding has had to be pushed back to late in the evening.

I have been trying to remove or cover all of the metal inside of the the case over the past couple of nights.

With the amount of acrylic now in the front of the case I felt the rest of the inside needed follow the same look. Any excuse for some more orange :devious:

So I grabbed some acrylic and cut into shape ready to make a bend:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cut-2.jpg

Bend complete:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Bent.jpg

Marked up again for another bend:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Marking-3.jpg

Bending:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Bending.jpg

Cooled and complete:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Bent2.jpg

This piece is to be attached to the drive bay to replace the stock metal upright. Here it is clamped in place ready for drilling:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting-2.jpg

Drilled and mounted:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting2-2.jpg

And fitted in place inside the case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting3-2.jpg

Next another piece of acrylic cut into shape:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Cut2.jpg

Again clamped in place to drill:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Drilling.jpg

And mounted in place:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting5-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting4-1.jpg

Here you can see the joins for all three pieces. You wont see this with the side panel on but it shows how it all fits together:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting7-1.jpg

Now I have a boxed in area for the PSU to keep all those wires out of sight. I will need to cut a hole for the PSU fan but will leave that until I get the PSU:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting9-1.jpg

How the inside looks now. The orange theme is creeping towards the back of the case now:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting6-1.jpg

And finally a picture of the vent below the HDD cage. I wasn't to keen on the black cover I made before, and also this way I can use one piece to cover the HDD cage and the PSU, much neater:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Fitting8-1.jpg

That's it for now, I am very behind on the sanding and polishing so will be concentrating on that over the next week or so. Should be able to post some better pictures once that's done.

Thanks, as always for reading!

Xperiment

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Congrats to those updates! Great work as allways. +Rep!

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like how you are sectioning off parts of the case. That last pic looks fantastic.

[DonT-FeaR]

wow that orange looks like its taken over ur brain (in a good way)

[Xperiment]

@ |NQ|Squelsh & The boy 4rn oz - Thanks

@ DonT-FeaR - Thanks, The orange is becoming a bit of an obsession. I needed a new toothbrush the other day and without even realising went straight for the orange one!

Project Flux: Featuring matching oral hygiene FTW!!!

[OvRiDe]

Congratulations! This mod has been accepted as a FEATURED WORKLOG. Great work X .. you deserve it!

[b4i7]

Congrats X

keep up the good work :up:

[Tavarin]

Amazing, just amazing.

One question, what do you use to bend your acrylic? A heat gun, or a torch, or something else?

And congrats on the featured, this case has been a shoe in there for a while now.

[Xperiment]

Wow, What can I say ....

To see my mod featured alongside the likes of _ferry_ , Franklin , rendermandan and so many other really great modders truly is an honor!

A massive thanks to those who made it happen, and for the positive comments and +rep!

I should have an update over the weekend, until then thanks again!

A very happy Xperiment

[The boy 4rm oz]

Congratz mate, keep it up.

[IndyRacer27]

I went scrolling through the WIP section looking for this mod and couldn't find it. Congratulations! I knew it was just a matter of time for this incredible mod to find it's way here. Keep up the great work.

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Congrats X! Your work surely deserves it.
BTW: Where is the next update hiding?

[Xperiment]

Hi Guys,

Been a while without and update unfortunately. Work seems to be taking over every spare minute of the day lately.

I have found time to pull some parts together to give me plenty to do today though. I wanted to get started on the wiring while I still have room to move my hands in the case. So with that in mind went shopping.

Brought my PSU. A Jeantech 600w, not a popular make or model by any means but I used the same one in Reality Bytes and have been very happy with it:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/PSU.jpg

The white fan is going to have to go though :)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/PSU2.jpg

I also brought 100 Leds and 100 resistors, Not sure if I am going to need that many but you never know. Also some wire to join it all together:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/LedsResistorsWire.jpg

Some braiding and heatshrink to keep it all neat and tidy. I also brought some rubber window trim:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BraidingHeatshrinkandEdging.jpg

And some stripboard, project boxes, super glue and some more perforated metal:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/BoxesStripboardandGrill.jpg

Switches for power, reset and fans/leds:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Switches.jpg

Got my pump seeing as it was on offer, gotta love the plexi top, no prizes for guessing what colour thats going to be!!!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/PumpandSurrounds.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Pump.jpg

So quite a good shopping trip, should give me loads to get on with today. Im going to grab something to eat then get stuck in. Will post update later on tonight.

Until then, thanks for reading

Xperiment

[The boy 4rm oz]

Got my pump seeing as it was on offer, gotta love the plexi top, no prizes for guessing what colour thats going to be!!!

Damn!!! I want prizes lol. Can i guess anyway??? Uh I am going to have to go with orange...yeah, definitely orange.

Nice new tech you got there, can't wait to see it all together. That reminds me. I have to get myself some more cable sleeving and shrink wrap. Oh well, more money I gotta spend haha.

[b4i7]

you got me all excited to see this stuff in the case! i cant wait

[Enigma]

Yeah now were talking, gonna be nice to see the hardware installed, i'm really curious about how you're gonna wire it !!!

[BigJohnson]

I'm with enigma. Thats a lot of booty you got there. But I am curious as hell where you are going to put all of the wires. Good stuff man.

[Xperiment]

Hi Guys,

I have managed to get a little more work done on the case, in half hour slots throughout the week. I wanted to get the pump mounted, but not where I had planned.

I marked out the top of the case for cutting:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CaseMarked.jpg

Masked up the top of the pump:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Masked.jpg

And removed the mounting brackets:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/PumpTrimmed.jpg

Then fitted the PSU:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/PSUMounted.jpg

Between the PSU and the top of the case is a gap perfectly sized to house the black part of the pump:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/CaseCut-1.jpg

So I cut a sheet of acrylic to surround the pump on top of the case:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Acrylic-1.jpg

Heat shrinked the wires to stop them getting damaged:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Heatshrink.jpg

And mounted the pump:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Mounted3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Mounted2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Mounted.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Mounted4.jpg

With the pump mounted here I can have tubing running across the top of the case without having to split the loop.

I have never mounted a pump so high in a loop before as have read it is best to mount at the lowest possible location, but given the loop is closed I cant see it making any difference.

Still a bit of work to do on the pump but you get the general idea for now.

Thanks for reading

Xperiment

[Fuganater]

Very interesting idea. I like it.

[Franklin]

Great casemod! :bowdown::bowdown: It's not easy to make a good looking Lian Li case look even better, but you are doing it.

[silverdemon]

the idea of getting the lines from the pump both at the top of the case is a great idea. I would never have thought of that.

Your work is (as always) very very good! keep it up!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Awesome idea of mounting the pump top on the outside of the case. I may incorporate that into my next mod. May be hard to do with D5s though lol.

[Fuganater]

I was hoping you could post a lot of pics when you put the switches on. I wanna do that but I haven't a clue what to buy, what to do, or how to do it lol. Much appreciated.

-Fuga

[b4i7]

that is awesome X...lemme know how the pump works there...im still plotting my mod :D

[Gun Down]

Wow man thats a really nice mod you got going there keep it up, cant wait to see it finished

[Xperiment]

Thanks everyone for the comments. Just wish I had a little more free time at the moment, still things are getting there just very slowly.

I have started on the mass of wiring that's no doubt going to give me quite a headache! First off I wanted to get the switches on the front panel mounted.

These being:

A key switch, just simply across the power switch line to stop the PC being powered up without the all important key. I have some plans for this key but need to order some stuff first :)

Power switch, a simple push to make
Reset switch, again push to make.

I will post up some before and during pics when I get chance to upload them, but for now here is the after:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontSwitches.jpg

You may have noticed the two LEDs next to the USB ports. These are the power and HDD LEDs (white) I took the standard front I/O unit and removed the audio jacks and replaced with LEDs:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/FrontIOWiresSleaved-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/Front2-1.jpg

I would never have used the audio outputs so this seemed like the perfect place to mount the LEDs, clean tidy and rather posh looking LOL

Hope you like, Thanks for reading

Xperiment

[tin can 100]

Wow, that looks incredible. I've always liked those cases, and after seeing what you've done to that I love them even more!

[b4i7]

looks great!

[The boy 4rm oz]

As always, great work.

[|NQ|Squelsh]

It's been a while since I looked at you log. Great progress. I still love the design and the colors!

I am curious to hear what the Laing pump does the way you mounted it. When I tested mine I had problems getting the air out of it and it also made a lot of noise when I did not use any decoupling. But I use a different plexi attachement with my pump. I hope you won't run into those problems because the pump on top is an outstanding feature!

[Zephik]

Your progress thus far is looking great Xperiment! This mod is turning out to be what I was expecting, which is one of my favorite case mods of the year. :)

Keep up the good stuff!

[brinkz0r]

Just read through the whole log, and I must say it is amazing what you've done so far. I love the color and the design of the acrylic pieces :)

[Farmboy UK]

My first post on this forum. Have read the whole log. Amazing acrylic work and color choices. Love it

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hello hello Farmboy, welcome to the forums.

[Xperiment]

Big thanks for some great comments, just wish I had a bit more of an update for you.

Myself and few others have recently moved into our new warehouse and getting it all up and running really is eating away all my time.

Its getting there but as you can see from the pictures below its quite a large building.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Random/1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Random/2.jpg

Anyhow here is a really small update.
I mentioned last time I had an idea for the key switch, well it got delivered today. I brought a Digital Picture Frame Keyring.

I thought it would be very cool to have a slide show of the progress pics from the build being displayed on the screen.

You dont really get the effect from the photos but the picture quality really is quite good considering it only cost me £6.50 inc shipping,

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/DigiFrame.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/DigiFrame3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/DigiFrame2.jpg

I have also had some more perforated steel and acrylic delivered so next weekend I am hoping to finish off the top of the case, no promises though.

Thanks For Reading
Xperiment

[The boy 4rm oz]

I was wondering where you had gotten too. That warehouse is HUGE lol.

[Fuganater]

I want one!!!

[bentleya]

i want a warehouse like that too :(:( oooo well just keep them coming

[Fuganater]

i meant the key chain....

[The boy 4rm oz]

LOL. Yeah those key chains are awesome. I can get them for around $15-20AUD over here, they don't look that good though.

[bentleya]

no i want the warhouse :P

[b4i7]

no i want the warhouse :P

oh jeez...i lold at this...you guys crack me up....

X, that is an interesting idea for using that keychain...never thought about using one of those like that

[calumc]

forgive me if its elsewhere in the thread but what line of business u in that u need a warehouse that freekin huge?!?!!??

And yes, I do want one :P

[Xperiment]

@ calumc - I work for a freight forwarder, but the new warehouse is geared for storage and distribution of various goods. We basically hold a companies stock and when required distribute it around the world. Linkage (http://www.daviesturner.com/logistics/logistics.html)

Small update today, I am almost finished on the top panel of the case now. Added a grill above the HDD bays to keep them cool and also supply the 80mm rad with a bit more cool air.

Also added the tubes to the pump, not sure if I will stick with them how they are at the moment, I think the should be more visible instead of dropping straight back into the case so I will have a play around with a few different routes and see which one I like best, some pics:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HDDGrill2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/HDDGrill.jpg

Its been a long time since I had the case fully put together. I have just been keeping the area I was working on constructed so today I decided to put it all together just to make sure it all still fitted and looked as I wanted it too.

Enjoy some pics:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New5.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New6.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/Project%20Unnamed/New7.jpg

Thanks for reading

Xperiment

[The boy 4rm oz]

Long time no see buddy. I must say that this is amazing work. It looks great all back together again. Can't wait for more.

[Enigma]

All i can say is wow once again =)
This is so freakin' goodlooking, cant wait for it to be completed and up'n running !!!
Good work

[Cheron]

doesn't that PSU need to suck some air from below?
for the rest it looks really nice keep it up +rep:up:

[Xperiment]

Long time no see buddy. I must say that this is amazing work. It looks great all back together again. Can't wait for more.

Thanks, thought it was about time I put it all together, I forgot how many nuts and bolts I had used though - took me ages!!


All i can say is wow once again =)
This is so freakin' goodlooking, cant wait for it to be completed and up'n running !!!
Good work

Thanks, I am planning on buying the mobo, cpu etc soon so shouldnt be too long until its running!


doesn't that PSU need to suck some air from below?
for the rest it looks really nice keep it up +rep:up:

Thanks, I am debating weather to add some mesh underneath the PSU fan or maybe duct some of the air from the mesh below the HDD bay to keep the acrylic nice and smooth, but yeah I need to get plenty of air to it one way or another.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I think the mesh would suite nicely. Will add extra system ventilation also, keeping it all cool.

[DonT-FeaR]

either mesh or drill lots of holes into the plastic man i got worried when i couldnt find this mod lol found ya!!! can ya but a link up of where u got the keychain from? if not pm me wow looks great

[Tavarin]

The case looks amazing man, keep it up.

And DonT-FeaR, you can get a photo keychain from think geek:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/cameras/9ee0/

Not sure if it's the same one, but It looks good.

[alphastryk]

so awesome looking... +rep again man

[bentleya]

The case looks amazing man, keep it up.

And DonT-FeaR, you can get a photo keychain from think geek:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/cameras/9ee0/

Not sure if it's the same one, but It looks good.

i think he got this one from scan


http://www.scan.co.uk/images/products/816446-A.jpg (http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=816446)



as it looks the same as the ones i got :D

[bentleya]

any updates soon :D dieing here waiting :P

[b4i7]

any updates soon :D dieing here waiting :P

agreed... hows flux coming?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yes, I need an update.

[Tale Gunner]

Very nice work. I really enjoy watching someone who pays attention to details. Its an art.

[b4i7]

*poke poke* i think this is still alive...X hows it going...almost a month since your last update....making me go through withdrawls!

[Xperiment]

My few minutes of spare time over the past month have been spent finishing off Reality Bytes, however I should have a small update in the next few days.

[b4i7]

awesome! i cant wait to see!

[The boy 4rm oz]

awesome! i cant wait to see!

Ditto.

[DonT-FeaR]

wooo waiting now

[bentleya]

gets big poking stick *poke* *poke* you sill alive :D hehe really liked this build :D but your worse then me for updating lol