Project: S3

[iandh]

So I decided to call it a wrap on my last project, Zodiac. It was fun, but time to move on. :)

On Zodiac I primarily concentrated on metalworking skills. On this new project, S3, I would like to go back to the old school. Show what I can do with a bit of fiberglass and resin, bondo, and some paint work...

Here's what I've got so far:

Antec Sonata III (hence the name S3), along with 500w PSU. $60 open box at mwave for the case and power supply. THAT is a nice deal.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/iandh27/S3/Backup318.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/iandh27/S3/Backup320.jpg

It's got some potential, right?
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/iandh27/S3/Backup324.jpg

This was the only thing wrong with the case and I got it for nearly half its normal price. I think I should be able to handle this crack fairly easily. :twisted:
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/iandh27/S3/Backup327.jpg

Hmmm....
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/iandh27/S3/Backup331.jpg


I'm going to do some sketch overlays of vents and trimwork for the case tonight, I should have updates every day or two for the first week.

[Eclecticos]

Great! Can't wait to see what you decide to do.
I really liked the clean look you achieved with the zodiac project.
The fiber optic lighting was also very impressive.
+Rep Another project underway.

[DonT-FeaR]

looks good ill be watching

[The boy 4rm oz]

A good donor case and a good start. I wonder where you are going to fit that radiator lol.

[Acey]

Sweet case. Whats the PSU W that comes with it. Might get it for the next mod (yeah, $ issue) :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

I think it is a 430 or 450W PSU, may even be 500W. Either way it's an Antec so you know it's good.

[iandh]

Hehe, yeah I wonder where I'm going to fit the radiator too. :?

The PSU is an Antec Earthwatts 500w, alone it is only five bucks less than what I paid for the case and psu at mwave, but it normally was going for $90:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

It even has dual PCI-E connectors for in case I go crossfire with the 4850's.

If you are on a budget, keeping an eye on mwave's refurb section is a great idea... this is the second time I've scored on an Antec Case/PSU combo there. Last time was a "Titan" server case with truepower 550W PSU for something like $71.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have an idea for the radiator.

Why not make custom feet and mount it on the floor of the case. You could remove the HDD bays and you should have plenty of room. Just mount the HDDs in the optical drive bays with some of those Nexus 3.5" - 5.25" adapters (like $10-15 or sumthn).

[iandh]

I have an idea for the radiator.

Why not make custom feet and mount it on the floor of the case. You could remove the HDD bays and you should have plenty of room. Just mount the HDDs in the optical drive bays with some of those Nexus 3.5" - 5.25" adapters (like $10-15 or sumthn).

THat was actually an option I had considered, but I just goofed the front panel up removing the front door, so I think I am going to make a new extended front clip that houses the radiator. If it goes as planned it should be pretty clean looking. I'm going to do it in gloss black to match the case panels.

I really need to learn sketchup.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I worked with Sketchup for about 10 mins and picked it up fairly easily. Take a look at my PICO ITX Download Box thread in the idea zone for a look at my first shot lol.

[iandh]

So I've finally got this sorted.

At first I was going to build a new extended front clip, with the radiator hidden in it.

Then I was leaning more towards The boy 4rm oz's suggestion of mounting it in the floor.

Now I think I have finally settled on building a podium similar to this speaker stand, but made of welded steel square tubing powdercoated gloss black:

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/369/so0029lrz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


The PA120.2 would be mounted in the stand with a bar grille made from 1/2" steel tubes welded in between the main supports, and the end with the fittings poking up through the bottom of the case. The pump would be mounted internally for noise reduction.

I still may end up making a new front valance, I'll have to consider my options.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I really like th idea of a radiator on a stand like that. Only downside is the extra tubing required so make sure you have a good pump.