Project: Passion [Archive] - TBCS Community Forums

Datech

11-13-2008, 10:38 PM

Ok, I just joined the boards a few days ago and I've already been inspired to start my own case mod. The name of the project is Passion, and I plan to have it done no later than March of 09. This will be an easy mod compared to what I've seen already, but I'm not sure what kind of time and resources I will have between now and then.

Background:
I've been into BYOPC for the past few years, and so far I've based my parts on the performance/cost/coolness ratio, heh. I've wanted to get into more serious modding for a while now, and then I found TBCS and was hooked and almost immediately inspired. I currently go to the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), in Atlanta, GA, so as you can see I'm somewhat of a geek by nature to begin with.

My girlfriend (hereto referred to as Girlfriend) is the owner of an aging Toshiba laptop that simply isn't meeting her needs anymore. Like anyone, she likes a fast internet, fast load times for programs, and the occasional spiffy game every now and then. As the months go by on her laptop she is becoming more and more frustrated with what is now definitely considered a POS. She doesn't have the money to get one while she is in college, and her father isn't in a position to get her one either.

Project:
Well I'm seeing a need, so I guess its time to fill it... And from the smoke and flames of college relationships, spare computer parts, and late night take out arises Passion. Ok, maybe its not that cool, but it's my first mod and it beats the hell out of buying her a Christmas present she'll never use again.

My plan for this is a simple, single side panel mod with enough LED's to make the thing glow red. In my mind, the word Passion stems thoughts of red, hearts, and most importantly love. On the flip side, it also stems thoughts of regret, blood, and hate, cause as soon as I shed blood on this hateful machine I'll regret building the dang thing... However, with Girlfriend really being a girl, I'm sure we'll both appreciate the time, effort, and hopefully craftsmanship.

Components:
Spare tower ATX case with a sleek handle on top and curving faceplate.
ASUS P5N-SLI mobo
Intel Core 2 Duo 6300 @ 1.83 GHz CPU with stock HSU
A-Data 2x 1GB DDR2-663
XFX nVidia 7300 GS
150GB WD HDD
20x DVD-R/CD-RW
430W Antec PSU
Niko 1920 19" widescreen monitor
Red LED case fans

All of these parts are basically my last computer. A few of them are still in my current computer and will be replaced by Christmas with the following:

Christmas Wish List:
ASUS P5Q Intel P45
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4GHz
Artic Cooler Freezer 7 Pro HSU
Patriot Viper 2x 1GB DDR2-1200
500GB WD HDD

Status:
I don't have my digital camera yet, so i can't give you an idea of the case I'm modding, or what my system currently looks like. However, I did play around with SketchUp enough to make a decent mockup of my side panel design.

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8041/passion2ut4.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6871/passion3lw2.jpg

My first task will be to get a Dremel drill and a piece of metal for the new side plate, as the current side plate has a glass pattern in it. Once I get that it will simply be an exercise in not screwing up the pattern or the component wiring.

I would love any suggestions on this. I'm usually pretty good at turning someone's random comment about, "Wouldn't it be cool if..." into something that actually goes into my design and build process for projects. As you can tell the side panel design is similar to nVidia's logo, and sort of resembles Roxy/Quicksilver as well. Girlfriend loves the beach, so I figured the subtle reference to waves won't hurt either. Just remember: extrapolate off of 'Passion' as I want this to be about pure emotion bundled into a computer.

Can't wait to hear the responses and get working!

The boy 4rm oz

11-14-2008, 05:58 AM

A nice simple concept. I like the idea, should look very good once finished.

SXRguyinMA

11-14-2008, 11:50 AM

like the idea +rep

FuzzyPlushroom

11-14-2008, 06:13 PM

Should be nice and clean. I like it. +sub

Xcartguy

11-15-2008, 12:20 AM

Aww that pretty cool. Would be cool to have red lights fade in and out like a heart beating or something, but not sure if that would cause distraction or not. Can't wait to see the end result.

blueonblack

11-15-2008, 04:47 AM

Welcome to TBCS! I like the design you've got for the side panel, looks to be a challenging cutout. The only suggestion I can come up with thus far is perhaps to us CCFL tubes instead of LED's for your red glow. They come prewired, they're available in several sizes, they're cheap, and they spread a lot more light around.

Carry on, I'll be watching this one. :)

+rep for the idea
________
Honda Zb50 (http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_ZB50)

KiLLERMAN21

11-15-2008, 05:08 AM

Nice idea, loves always a good theme for things :) gonna be watching this one. +rep

Datech

11-15-2008, 03:13 PM

Aww that pretty cool. Would be cool to have red lights fade in and out like a heart beating or something, but not sure if that would cause distraction or not. Can't wait to see the end result.

That's a great idea Xcartguy. I have a Blue LED fan that does that, and maybe I can work that in to the CCFL idea blueonblack was talking about once I do a little more research on it.

The next thing I want a little opinion on is what fills the cutout spaces. Should I leave it open for ventilation, should I cover it with clear plexiglass, frosted plexiglass so is glows more, or should I incorporate some other idea like a grille that goes with the theme?

The boy 4rm oz

11-15-2008, 08:59 PM

How about you cover the center "heart" piece with the plexi but use silver mesh on the rest?

jdbnsn

11-15-2008, 10:22 PM

do you want that heart shape in your cutout design incorporated into your header?

DonT-FeaR

11-16-2008, 03:46 AM

very cool... nice work

mittelmeier

11-16-2008, 04:48 AM

Great idea and a nice sketch-up model. Can't wait to see pics. +rep and sub

Datech

11-16-2008, 02:02 PM

How about you cover the center "heart" piece with the plexi but use silver mesh on the rest?

Sounds good, and I could probably do that pretty easily with scrap pieces. Thanks for the idea!

do you want that heart shape in your cutout design incorporated into your header?

It's up to you man, surprise me. You're the PS wizard.

Xcartguy

11-16-2008, 05:49 PM

oooo, make the heart 3d with mesh or something so light can get through, then wrap it in barb wire!! j/k hehe, that shows my view on my relationships anyway :)

Datech

11-17-2008, 01:23 AM

Here are some pics of the case I will be using for reference. It is a little scuffed up at the moment, but I should be able to touch up most of the blemishes.

Right side panel won't be touched. See below for face plate mod.
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8637/originalcase003zt8.jpg

Left panel will be replaced with cutout design.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5756/originalcase001wv5.jpg

Handle and power buttons.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2663/originalcase004dh7.jpg

Faceplate.
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/6637/originalcase005vg0.jpg

Faceplate with black part removed.
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7157/originalcase006ir6.jpg

After searching around Newegg and Xoxide today I came to the following decisions about the case:

I'm getting a P5Q Pro mobo and a 750W Rosewill PSU in a combo deal from Newegg that saves me about $80 for my rig.
I'm getting 2x1GB OCZ DDR2-1200 once it comes back in stock for my rig.
Instead of having a side case fan that glows red, I'm getting 2x red cold cathode tubes to light the case and window.
I'm backing the entire cutout with clear acrylic or similar since I won't need to worry about airflow from the side.
I'll be painting parts of the face of the case a dark red to go along with the Passion theme.

And that last bullet is what I need advice on. I successfully dismantled the case I'll be using today and found that it disassembles into fairly nice pieces. Now I just need to know how I should paint them. The most experience I've had with painting anything is getting a can of spray paint from Home Depot and painting some old sandals in my garage for Halloween.

My idea is that I paint most (probably not all) of the silver parts a nice dark red. The most obvious part is the bulk of the face plate that is completely silver and. The top silver portion around the power button doesn't come away from the black parts, and I'm not sure that should be painted anyway. Also, the area under the handle comes apart quite easily and can be painted completely if need be.

So, seeing this, how do I need to go about painting it in anyone's expert opinion?

Also, in regards to the area under the handle, notice how it is slotted. That is actually open space under there, and I'm considering throwing another cold cathode down there so it glows through the slots. I might make some pinhole heart (or similar) designs after the handle as well to make better use of any lights down there. I found out that Girlfriend's father has a Dremel drill and a drill press, so a day at his place should cap off the fabrication part once I find a spare side panel.

What do ya think?

DonT-FeaR

11-17-2008, 01:23 AM

/\ rofl....
(one above the one thats above)
that design looks quite awsome btw

The boy 4rm oz

11-17-2008, 01:58 AM

To paint the metal prime it first. If it aluminium there are special self etching primers. IF it is steel most normal primers should cover it.

For plastic sand it down a bit first with some 1500-2000grit sand paper. I prefer to use wet rub sand paper but use what you have. Then prime the plastic with a plastic primer then paint.

Make sure to paint in a well ventilated area and to spray the paint on in thin coats to avoid dripping and an unsightly finish.

blueonblack

11-17-2008, 02:15 AM

As an alternative to cover the cutout, you can get an 18" x 24" piece of 1/8" thick cast acrylic in transparent red from estreetplastics.com for $10.79 + shipping. Then it would be red even with the lights off. :D
________
ETOBICOKE CASTING (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Etobicoke_Casting)

Xcartguy

11-19-2008, 09:11 PM

They got that one red paint w/ metallic pieces in it, to maybe give it a little more pizazz or something.

Xcartguy

Datech

11-19-2008, 10:35 PM

They got that one red paint w/ metallic pieces in it, to maybe give it a little more pizazz or something.

Xcartguy

Yep, that's probably what I'm going to use. As a small update (since I'm really excited), I ordered most of the pieces of the thing today:

eStreet Plastics Transparent Red Acrylic Plexiglass (window)
Xoxide's 12in Dual Red Cold Cathode Kit (pretty lights!)
Xoxide Wire Sleeving Kit in UV Red (better cable management and look)
Xoxide's Sunbeam OC Cooling Kit (not sure if this will be on hers or mine, either way it will reflect the light nicely)

ASUS P5Q Pro mobo (my new mobo)
Rosewill 750W PSU (my new PSU)
Western Digital Caviar 500GB HDD (my new hard drive)

Over Thanksgiving I should be cutting and painting the pieces. The computer hardware should get here Friday, in which case I will have new pics of my rig, and mock ups of hers whenever the mods arrive.

Now I just have to find some scrap computer that I can rip a side panel off of and cut up. Anyone want to donate? Haha.

Liquid_Scope_99

11-19-2008, 11:25 PM

cant wait to see this one progress good start man .

Mach

11-19-2008, 11:26 PM

Datech

11-20-2008, 01:37 AM

Nice idea and great start:up:

Here's an idea. Where is the power LED routed? What about routing the power led to a heart shaped piece of acrylic that surrounds the power button? You could add one of these to make the power LED pulse or fade in/fade out.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/4098/lit-134/Top_Shelf_Labs_PCLC-1_PC_LED_Controller.html

That's pretty sweet man, I'll keep that in mind. I couldn't figure out an easy way to remove the power button area from the top of the case, so it might not be an option. We'll see though, thanks.

DonT-FeaR

11-20-2008, 05:21 AM

/\ good idea man... i love that window.

gramatton

11-20-2008, 03:29 PM

Damn, fiance looked over my shoulder while I was reading this and wondered why I hadn't done anything like this....

Well, looks good man, I really like the theme, can't wait to see it finished.

+rep for originality

Datech

11-22-2008, 12:10 PM

WoohoO! I got the new components in today, so my computer is about to go under the knife for the sake of Passion. Hopefully my next post will contain bragging rights picutes of my new parts and new system, complete with Vista x64 Ultimate (perks of being an IT manager), new mobo, new PSU, and new HDD.

Wish me luck!

DonT-FeaR

11-23-2008, 03:01 AM

good luck :) lol nice

Datech

11-24-2008, 01:16 AM

K, so after wrestling with food poisoning over the weekend I finally got my computer back to where I want it to be. The new parts work fine and I'll probably write a review on the P5Q Pro if someone hasn't already.

As promised (no one really asked for em, I'm just a giving kind of guy :lick:) here are the pics of my new parts, and the parts that are going into Passion. I somehow managed to run out of screws while I was putting my computer back together, so I don't have enough to install the PSU, HDD, and mobo into the case I have yet, so this post is more about my computer than it is about the mod, heh. The cooling kit, CCFL kit, sleeving kit, and plexiglass should all arrive tomorrow though, so I should have pics up of the finished mod (minus the components I have yet to buy) after Thanksgiving. That will be the real meat of this mod, and after that I'll just throw in updates on the upcoming CPU, RAM, monitor, and keyboard purchases to round out the system. And, of course, Girlfriend's reaction come Christmas.

The new mobo:
http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/2174/passion014zw6.jpg

One of the cool little things not shown in this pic is that the IO panel is actually padded. I've never seen that on any other mobo or IO panel, and its really nice because it allows a snug fit of both the panel and the mobo inside the case. You also don't have to worry about anything pressing too hard against something else inside it.
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/274/passion013cl5.jpg

Shiny box for the Rosewill 750W PSU
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1543/passion015fh3.jpg

The PSU is completely reflective, so a direct pic is kinda useless. It has two 80mm fans with Blue LEDs, but they aren't terribly strong and are easily overpowered in my green monster of a case, heh. I'll probably go with a modular design for my next +650W PSU, because as you can see this thing has a ton of cables. I'm only using one of the four 12V rails, and one out of two SATA and one out of two Molex power cables at the moment, so I kinda just shoved the rest into the spare drive bay.
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7677/passion016vk3.jpg

Honestly though, this is the first Rosewill product I have any respect for, which is saying a lot considering how many POS products I've purchased from Rosewill (about 6). This PSU came with a great user manual that outlined every connector and its purpose, which you can see in this pic. It also had other goodies that most +650W PSUs should/probably do have, such as a 4 pin ATX AND 8 pin EPS mobo connector, as well as a 20+4 main connector for both types of mobos. It also came with a 6 to 8 pin PCI-E adapter (950W version comes with 8 pin connectors stock, no adapter required). I have to say its much better than the little Antec 430W I was using. You can see my gfx card and my heatsink all put back together here.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/739/passion017jq7.jpg

500GB HDD, to start my movie collection.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/7672/passion020zg3.jpg

Everything placed and ready, kinda. That's my cable TV/FM radio/S-Video/input recorder card on the bottom there with the 9600's fanless heat sink behind it. The TV card worked awesome in XP, but the Vista 64 drivers aren't working so hot right now.
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/9726/passion019gl0.jpg

All wired up and ready to go!
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8749/passion021df2.jpg

Purring (6x80mm + 2x120mm fans) and glowing like a little radioactive kitty.
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/296/005ce2.jpg

After I switched the RAM slots the new system hit BIOS with no problem, and I installed Vista Ultimate x64 no problem. I'm actually loving this new system, and I can't wait til I can grab new RAM (mobo can take DDR2-1200, I have 667) and a new CPU.

So, from the aftermath of Datech's Smilodon (Raidmax's weird case name, not mine) arises the first glimpse of Passion's heart, mind, and muscle:

One perfectly good Asus P5N-SLI
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/681/passion022gj2.jpg

And a very capable Antec 430W PSU.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4906/passion023bt1.jpg

That's all for now folks. Hopefully this time next week I'll be bragging about my leet Dremel skills, maybe not... We'll just wait and see.

Oh, and always remember: When using speakers that are THX certified, make sure all the stupid 'Environment enhancements' are disabled at your audio drivers....:rolleyes:

DonT-FeaR

11-24-2008, 01:41 AM

looking good

KiLLERMAN21

11-24-2008, 02:03 AM

Nice gear there. Now go mod.

FuzzyPlushroom

11-24-2008, 08:41 PM

I'd get to painting the Dirk-Toothed panel in the new machine, too. Something about that bothers me. Looks good otherwise, though.

The boy 4rm oz

11-25-2008, 12:47 AM

Coming along nicely mate. Keep up the good work, nice gear you got there.

Datech

11-27-2008, 02:16 PM

Well the Dremel Girlfriend's Father has doesn't have a good enough cutting bit to get through the metal. Anyone recommend a specific type of Dremel accessory to cut metal with? I've used Sabertooth Bits before, kinda like a drill bit but allows you to cut laterally, and it worked amazingly on plastic and fiberglass, but I don't remember if I used it on metal.

Should I go with that, a reinfoced disk, a metal disk, or something else?

Luke122

11-27-2008, 03:21 PM

Reinforced disks are probably your best (cheapest) bet. :)

The boy 4rm oz

11-27-2008, 09:20 PM

Yeah the reinforced disks work great. Or a jigsaw if it is for straight cuts.

DonT-FeaR

11-28-2008, 03:02 AM

diamond cutting disc... expensive but apparently last forever

The boy 4rm oz

11-28-2008, 03:05 AM

But they are easy to snap. Break one of them and it wont matter if you are wearing eye protection.

DonT-FeaR

11-28-2008, 03:14 AM

there metal.... lol like the metal based ones..

The boy 4rm oz

11-28-2008, 03:20 AM

They are still easy to snap. I brought a set and took a chunk out of my arm.

DonT-FeaR

11-28-2008, 03:58 AM

well that was silly :)

FuzzyPlushroom

11-28-2008, 11:21 AM

Hmm, I'll have to intentionally avoid those, then. I'll stick with fiberglass-reinforced wheels...

The boy 4rm oz

11-28-2008, 11:13 PM

Believe me they cut very well and last a long time but (I think) they are just as fragile as standard cutting disks (and just as thin).

FuzzyPlushroom

11-29-2008, 01:05 AM

Believe me they cut very well and last a long time but (I think) they are just as fragile as standard cutting disks (and just as thin).

For cutting wheels I find the reinforced 1" Dremel discs to work well and not break like the cheapo ones.

Regardless of who's right, they're certainly not any <i>more</i> likely to injure me (I do wear glasses).

The boy 4rm oz

11-29-2008, 01:06 AM

I was referring to the diamond blade cutting disks. The reinforced one are fantastic.

nevermind1534

11-29-2008, 01:07 AM

I accidentally broke one by closing the lid on it, but the broken part still stayed attached to the disc.

FuzzyPlushroom

11-29-2008, 11:56 AM

I was referring to the diamond blade cutting disks. The reinforced one are fantastic.

Ahh, gotcha. Sorry. I just got a hundred of the 1" discs (lots of curves, and I'm unintentionally rough with things) so it sounds like they'll last for quite a while.

ShockTheBox

11-29-2008, 01:00 PM

I think the best way to do it is using cheapo reinforced disks from jobmate .. they last super long time and are 1.5 inch and 1 inch

Datech

11-30-2008, 12:03 AM

I got 5 reinforced metal cutting discs and a tungsten carbide metal cutting bit. The discs I got supposedly work amazing for the kind of design I'm doing, however, I didn't realize that the discs require a special kind of attachment in order to use it with the Dremel. It's called the EZ lock system or something, and I guess it stabilizes the discs a lot more than normal. Either way I didn't pick it up, and the cutting bit is too uncontrollable on the case side on metal this thick.

I'll probably paint the plastic tomorrow, so maybe I'll have some project pictures. I may not be able to go to the store again and work on it until next weekend, so that sucks. Oh well, we'll see what happens, sorry guys.

The boy 4rm oz

11-30-2008, 12:37 AM

The EZ lock system is a complete different mounting style. Basically the disks just twist into place on the head of the Dremel, you don't have to screw them on. You can get the disks in the normal "screw on" style also.

Datech

01-14-2009, 03:18 PM

So it has definitely been a while since I updated this mod, but I am still working on it!

Issues:

Girlfriend's father's Dremel died
End of the school semester and beginning of a work semester
I'm a noob when it comes to painting

Progress

Cutout is pretty much done
Case sides primed well
All parts except monitor ready

Once I finally got the mandrel for the EZ Lock system I got a good bit of the cutout done. At one point though I turned the Dremel off to reposition the case and the poor thing never turned back on. That's ok though, as Girlfriend's mother promptly bought Girlfriend's father the latest Dremel set and I went on about my work.

The cutout design is shaped just how I want it, but unfortunately there are so many curves I am having a hard time getting it just right for my own standards. I'm going to give it one more go this weekend and see if i can smooth them down how I want them, but since it is a steel case my only option is the tungsten carbide bit that can be unruly sometimes.

I painted the silver plastic part of the case well, but I ended up not liking the color. I picked up a good metallic red from Advance Auto Parts that I really like, and hopefully I'll be applying that to everything this weekend. I finally showed the case to Girlfriend, and we both decided that I should paint the case sides dark red as well. This will leave the top of the case and that removable plastic faceplate black, and leave the power button area and plastic under the handle silver in order to balance out all of the red.

I intend on cutting and applying the plexiglass this weekend as well, and if all goes well I will actually have the whole thing done. I know I've said that before, but this is actually the first weekend I don't have anything else to do. I have decided to keep both side panels, and I cut into the blank one, so I will be putting the red plexiglass in both windows. Also, since I won't have enough drive covers to cover all the holes, I'm going to fill that with the red plexiglass as well and etch some sort of design in there, most likely dealing with hearts.

So, sorry I kept everyone waiting, I know the suspense was terrible, but if all goes well I'll have it done this weekend.

Spidermeld

01-14-2009, 08:17 PM

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/Spidermeld/Misc/postpics1.gif

Lets see some progress pics

Datech

01-14-2009, 11:58 PM

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/Spidermeld/Misc/postpics1.gif

Lets see some progress pics

I know I know! So far I've got pics on three different cameras, and I haven't uploaded any of the recent ones. Even if I don't make more progress this weekend I promise new pics.

Spidermeld

01-15-2009, 11:01 PM

I know I know! So far I've got pics on three different cameras, and I haven't uploaded any of the recent ones. Even if I don't make more progress this weekend I promise new pics.

Excellent!!! Really excited to see the progress.

Datech

01-18-2009, 12:26 AM

K, so here are the progress pics I promised.

This is from one of the three cameras I have pictures on, so unfortunately this is just pictures from today. I'll post the lead up pictures when I get those cameras back so I can complete a real work log.

This is after 3 or 4 layers of red paint. I ended up using Automotive primer and paint from Advance Auto Parts since it was convenient, and we're pretty sure the case is steel. This is, of course, the heart side of the case.
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8674/p1170110zv8.jpg

And the other side that came with the case originally.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/9105/p1170111kr9.jpg

I'm going to throw another layer on tomorrow. As you can see the primer is still kinda visible.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4690/p1170113bx9.jpg

Inside, in the light. This is your first real view of my handywork, but I have more in depth pics showing the flaws of my cutting on another camera. The rectangle sides are pretty straight, and remember that I did all this using a 1.5" cutting disc and a tungsten carbide lateral cutting bit. Given that, I'm kinda content with the final product, but of course I always want to do better.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7506/p1170114xw5.jpg

All the components are in the computer now, and I decided against sleeving the wires because I couldn't figure out how to get the molex and some of the SATA connectors off.
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2590/p1170115iv1.jpg

The other side came out the best out of the two.
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8850/p1170116bu5.jpg

Unless Girlfriend says otherwise, I will definitely redo this plastic part.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5029/p1170117xx9.jpg

And this is why. I am either really awesome at painting cause I can do the 'old paint' look really well, or I'm really novice cause I did the 'old paint' look on the first try...
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3302/p1170118fr4.jpg

Red Plexiglass is RED! I figured it'd be a little lighter, but oh well, Girlfriend likes it.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1887/p1170119rz3.jpg

When I held this up in front of the fire in our fireplace it made the flames look like hell fire, it was sick.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3416/p1170120mn4.jpg

Mockup without glass. Notice how the red side isn't flush with the top of the red front. I plan on painting just that little strip of the top to make it all flush. Girlfriend wants me to keep the rest of the top and front black, and keep the silver parts silver. That may add on to the case later if we decide to change it later, but maybe not. I have only one DVD drive for this comp, so I will be filling the rest of the bay slots for both the 3.5" and the floppys with red plexiglass, and eventually etch some sort of design in it. Probably whatever you guys photoshop up as the header graphic.
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8740/p1170121pa5.jpg

Found this Parr bonding glue for aluminum to adhere the glass to the case side.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6222/p1170122cv1.jpg

I tested the side a little too early and the glass slipped off and smeared a bit of glue. I plan on rubbing that off tomorrow.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7220/p1170123bz0.jpg

As I said, tomorrow I plan on repainting the heart side and probably repainting the plastic front as well. I'll put the glass on the heart side and attempt to paint the top of the case as well. I'm also gonna put that OC cooling kit I mentioned way earlier on and see if its worth it. I'll also cut the glass for the front and mock it up for y'all, and then I'll take suggestions on what to put on the glass. Any other suggestions and design tips are also welcome. That's it for now, thanks!

FuzzyPlushroom

01-18-2009, 01:03 AM

Lookin' good, man. I "managed" to get the old-paint look my first go as well, though I was covering a small area of one color up with another, and that caused it... but honestly, it looked pretty neat. Doesn't work with your mod, though, unfortunately.

The heart-window looks quite nice, considering. Actually, the only thing that's bothering me about this case (aside from the line that doesn't line up that you're already planning to fix) is that she doesn't want you to paint the silver area around the power button. That'd drive me nuts, personally, but it might just be me.

+rep, anyway.

NightrainSrt4

01-18-2009, 01:07 AM

Nice work so far. I like it.

I would go and repaint the front panel. The girlfriend, if she's anything like mine will tell you its fine no matter how it looks. I had the exact same issue, and to this day I never really figured out what caused it and couldn't repeat it. But I will say that when it happened to me, it was the final blow to the original Project: Nightrain, as I spent hours on the front panel only for the clear to crackle.

Here's a pic of what happened to me, only one I could find hosted offhand. Nightrain paint crackle (http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9319/dsc01252ic7.jpg). So ya, I would do it again, or if you're like me, you will continue to be disappointed by it.

The boy 4rm oz

01-18-2009, 01:33 AM

Nice work on the painting. Did you prime the plastic before painting it (the front fascia)? That may have caused the paint to crack.

Datech

01-18-2009, 01:41 AM

Actually, Girlfriend just asked me if I could paint the silver parts now, so tomorrow they will most likely be red. The silver part under the handle comes out so it will be easy, but I guess I can mask off the silver part when I paint the strips too, so it wont be so bad.

As for the crackle, I did paint it once with a plastic paint, but I sanded it pretty well before I put the primer on and the primer stuck almost perfectly. I think my problem with the red layer on the plastic was that I tried to do it all in one layer. It was really cold outside, and it was already dark and I was trying to finish it, so I pretty much just emptied the rest of the can on it hoping it'd turn out good. Obviously it didn't, so I'll fix it tomorrow.

I mentioned this idea before, but let me know what you think. In order to incorporate a little more red into the black top, I think I'm going to drill a bunch of small holes that shape into a few small hearts on the top. I have two red CCFL's, so I think I'll put one at the bottom and one at the top so I can get good light through all the windows and openings. If I position the top one the right way it will shine light through those holes when the room is dark, and it should create a nice effect.

Oh, and Fuzzy, you never hit the rep button :lick:

Spidermeld

01-18-2009, 06:46 PM

Its coming along very nice. Thanks for the pics. Have some rep

Datech

01-18-2009, 08:22 PM

I made a good bit of progress today. The only things I have left to do are cut and etch the plexiglass windows in the front, and install the OS and I should be done. I won't consider this project done until I get that etch done. And now for the pics!

After another round of painting I'm finally content with the heart side's coating.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6127/p1180124wh7.jpg

Don't mind the gap between the side and front, that is fixed by thumbscrews in the back. This is just a mockup with the bad front and the finished side.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3098/p1180125fp6.jpg

Mock up of the bad front and the finished heart side.
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8740/p1170121pa5.jpg

Head on shot.
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/8937/p1180127ir8.jpg

Mockup of CCFL tubes and making sure the glass has time to bond with the adhesive.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7570/p1180128ma8.jpg

The lights inside are on, but you obviously can't tell in the lighted room. Thanks to all who suggested I use red glass so it shows red in the light as well.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7949/p1180129ev2.jpg

Even though I decided not to use the cooling duct inside the case I did decide to use the directional tube on the PSU fan. I think it looks cool, so does Girlfriend.
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9661/p1180132sj0.jpg

With the room light off, yay!
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4299/p1180133vz7.jpg

The front panels should show light really well.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5937/p1180134jw5.jpg

Of course the other panel barely gets any light because of the mobo, but that was expected.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9919/p1180135mq0.jpg

Too lazy to paint the rear.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6451/p1180136qz1.jpg

But it glows nicely.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/6065/p1180138mc0.jpg

All the parts to be painted/repainted. The handle, the area under the handle, the face plate, and that little stip to make it flush.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1803/p1180139ro9.jpg

And the silver part on the top.
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8565/p1180140nm6.jpg

Nice and smooth after 150 grit and 400 grit.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6787/p1180141ko5.jpg

Three layers still leave bubbles, boo!
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/889/p1180142xv5.jpg

Same with the handle.
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6052/p1180143ti4.jpg

My masking job.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/151/p1180144dd6.jpg

The flush zones turned out pretty well.
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2958/p1180145eg2.jpg

I cut out an area on the top in order to let more light through to the handle. Ended up looking like Dilbert.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7518/p1180146vx4.jpg

Most of it turned out pretty good.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5589/p1180147xw0.jpg

But the face plate still cracked a bit. Not as bad as the first time though. We're content with it.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/451/p1180148oi7.jpg

The hole worked out pretty nicely considering I cut it while the grate was still drying.
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/485/p1180149ti5.jpg

Yep, still cracked.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2176/p1180150ug3.jpg

Very, very cracked.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/2706/p1180151sl4.jpg

The mask job turned out ok, it was getting dark and I was running out of paint.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1982/p1180152ew1.jpg

Comes together pretty well.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4420/p1180153uk6.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2259/p1180154es0.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7311/p1180155ut9.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8310/p1180156kk5.jpg

Lights up the top real well now!
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/231/p1180158rv4.jpg

It glows!
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/4205/p1180157bx1.jpg

Should be a nice light show in a small room.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3449/p1180159po6.jpg

Again, not so much on the other side.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8354/p1180160pk7.jpg

Well that's it for now. If anyone reading this gets bored feel free to come up with a good header, or urge jdbson to finish his header, so I can etch whatever y'all come up with into the plexiglass windows that will be on the front. Thanks!

Kumo

01-19-2009, 09:21 AM

The only way to avoid that ugly bubbles is to sand and clean the plastic very well. It also could happens in metal surfaces (with old or fresh paint) but they appear easily on plastic with certain kinds of paints.

In add depending of the paint, you have to wait longer between coats.

Datech

01-20-2009, 04:47 PM

Would someone be kind enough to create a header for this project? I'd like the word Passion stylized somehow so I can etch it into one of the plexiglass windows that will be in the front. It doesn't have to be anything too special, I'm just out of design concepts.

FuzzyPlushroom

01-20-2009, 06:33 PM

Oh, and Fuzzy, you never hit the rep button :lick:

It says I can't give reputation to that post again, so I must have. Weird.

Anyway, that's looking beautiful now, even with the crackled paint - I love the lighting out of the top grille! I'll rep you again.

DonT-FeaR

01-22-2009, 10:07 PM

good try with the paint man looks sweet now

Datech

01-22-2009, 10:56 PM

So does anyone want to purdy please take their spare time and make just an itty bitty header for me that says Passion in some cool form.

Use all the creative license you want, I just need something to go by so I can get a pane etched.

XcOM

02-05-2009, 04:32 AM

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/TBCS_Group/xcom/Banners/passion/header_v2.jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/TBCS_Group/xcom/Banners/passion/header_v2.jpg

msmrx57

02-05-2009, 02:33 PM

Very nice work for your first major mod. Too bad about the paint issues. I build model cars as one of my hobbies and have the same thing happen from time to time. I've found it happens much less when all products (primer, paint, and clear) are the same brand and product line. Also the recoat times on the can must be followed, personally I give alot of leeway. Anyway +rep on a greatlooking case.:up:

Datech

03-06-2009, 01:54 PM

OK! Update time, kinda. I FINALLY got the engravings back from my engraver after numerous problems with their... abilities. XcOM, again, thank you VERY much for your patience with them and me.

I will have pictures of them by the end of the weekend, as I won't be with camera until then. I also plan on repainting the front of the case again, as well as sanding down the scuffs on the black part and repainting it as well. Since the last update I sleeved the wires as well, but you can't tell since the windows are read. If all goes well I will have the entire thing cleaned up and done this weekend, and I can't wait! Check back on Sunday!

XcOM

03-06-2009, 07:07 PM

your welcome man, the engraver sounds really cool, we still have convo's via e-mail, and don't forget that case of beer you promised me 8)

i can't wait to see the finished product.

The boy 4rm oz

03-07-2009, 01:02 AM

Can't wait to see how the engravings turned out.

Datech

03-08-2009, 08:03 PM

Alright, for once I am delivering my pics on time. Well, most of them. I ended up riding my Ninja all weekend and didn't get around to repainting the face plate. If any of the admins want to consider this mod done with this post feel free, but I won't feel done with it until I finish the face and set it up. I will be ordering the monitor (and Spore) this week, vacation next weekend, and I promised Girlfriend she'd be using it no later than the weekend of the 21st. I won't be modding the keyboard, mouse, or monitor to match on this one, but those may be small paint-by-number mods in the future. I will also post pics of XcOM's Vista graphic mod if chooses to do it.

So on to the pics and the wonderful engravings! I shot these pics at dusk, so the case looks really orange in most of the pics. Don't worry though, it is still a lovely deep red.

Pretty similar to the last time, right?
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1701/passion001.jpg

But oh, what is that?
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5345/passion002.jpg

A heart on fire, electricity running through your aorta, or fireworks of love? Nope, Passion...
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9786/passion003.jpg

Matching floppy window.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7295/passion004.jpg

Total package.
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9674/passion005.jpg

A towering tower.
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4530/passion006.jpg

Other side.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8291/passion007.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1541/passion008.jpg

You can kinda tell I sleeved the wires, but I still need to organize them better.
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3374/passion009.jpg

The glass is completely transparent, so in the dark it just glows, in the light you can see Passion.
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7571/passion010.jpg

When will this thing end?
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7841/passion011.jpg

Tune in next week to find out! :rolleyes:

jdbnsn

03-08-2009, 08:11 PM

Hey, that came out great!

The boy 4rm oz

03-08-2009, 08:28 PM

Yeah the engravings turned out really well, nice work.

Computer-Geek

03-08-2009, 10:12 PM

Case looks great! Are you going to put anything behind the plexi? Kinda weird looking at a bunch of wires lol. Just wondering how many fans do you have in the case?

DonT-FeaR

03-09-2009, 05:06 AM

wow that looks really nice man well done

and good work xcom

Datech

03-09-2009, 08:06 AM

Just wondering how many fans do you have in the case?

I plan on only having five max, with the ideal of three to make the case quiet. I will have one on the front blowing air on the hard drives and through the case, one on the back pulling out of the case, one on the CPU, one on the PSU, and one on the GPU. She will eventually get my fanless 9600GT, and I will test it with and without the front or back fan and set up the OC Cooling kit eventually. Why do you ask?

Computer-Geek

03-09-2009, 08:59 PM

I didn't see a fan in the front and was worried about overheating =)

dak1b

03-09-2009, 11:39 PM

good concept

Datech

03-10-2009, 12:02 AM

So for those of you paying attention, do you think I should paint the back of the front windows in an attempt to frost them and disallow that much transparency? I've got a bit of spare primer, so I figured I'd get a decent ways away and give it one or two light coats to cover the back of the pieces. This would allow enough light through to glow, but not enough to see the entire inside of the case.

I have a spare piece of each engraved window, so I have testing material. I was just wondering if I should even bother before I do it.

DonT-FeaR

03-10-2009, 01:58 AM

hmm... i was thinking like sand the other side with rough paper... idk if this would work as you want

msmrx57

03-10-2009, 02:03 AM

hmm... i was thinking like sand the other side with rough paper... idk if this would work as you want

You could do this even with a fine sandpaper. Just a little bit to give it a lightly frosted look. Would make it opaque enough to not see through.

KiLLERMAN21

03-10-2009, 02:26 AM

Yeah sand paper would be best, paint/primer would be too much IMO. Nice work man, im sure your girlfriend loves it ;)

The boy 4rm oz

03-10-2009, 07:08 AM

Datech

03-10-2009, 09:58 AM

Hmm, yeah painting wouldn't go down to well. Sand the rear of the plexi with 80gritt paper than wet sand toe sanded surface until smooth. That should leave you with a nice smoked effect, I dunno if it will turn white though.

This is probably what I will do. The engraved part is more pink than it is white, so sanding the back should produce the same effect. If it doesn't, then light still has to travel through the rest of the red plexi so it will still glow red anyway.

The boy 4rm oz

03-10-2009, 10:13 PM

Yeah, I would still try on a test piece first if possible.

KiLLERMAN21

03-11-2009, 05:03 AM

Yeah definately try a couple different grit progressions on some test pieces. Good luck!

XcOM

03-14-2009, 05:27 PM

im surprised how well the engravings turned out, that second engraver was much easier to work with than the first one.

also I am working on the vista mod for you, but im using a VM to do the tests, its the first time I've done a vista softmod so its trial and error to ensure system stability.

im going to need you to install vista than email me some files from the installation, i think i've done it

Datech

03-15-2009, 07:48 PM

I ordered the monitor on Friday, so it should be here no later than Wednesday. I'll email you the files then as I'll probably start setting it up immediately. Again, thanks so much X!

XcOM

03-17-2009, 05:29 PM

sent the list of files needed

Datech

03-19-2009, 10:45 PM

Update time. No pictures right now because my old camera bit it and my 'new' camera sucks horribly. I should be able to take some this weekend.

Repainted the front, it looks awesome
Sanded and repainted the black part of the front, looks awesome.
Did a test sand on the plexi, looks awesome, need to finish the pieces I'm going to use
Touched up the red areas on the top, now all the red comes together and looks awesome
Did some filing on the cutout, smoothed a lot of the edges now and I'm content.
Installed an extra fan and will potentially get one more to combat heat
Nevermind, just fixed it: Accidentally ripped out the connectors on the switch for the CCFL tubes and need to fix that to get the lights working again.

So I'll get pics ASAP, and I'll post screenshots when XcOM gets me the mod. Woo, almost finished!!

Datech

08-03-2009, 05:31 PM

Alright, stick a fork in it, it's done. I fixed the lights again (didn't get pics, camera crapped out after the last one below for some reason) I didn't bother sanding the engraved plexi, I think it looks fine. Got her a new graphics card, CPU cooler, PCI slot cooler, and a 80mm fan at the front of the case. The thing still runs really quiet, and the lights still work super well.

As you will see below I cleaned up the wiring a bit, and I secured all the plexi to the case. Since I had gone back and filed the design down a bit after I painted it some of the paint looked a little off, so I did something else that made it look a different kind of off, but you'll see below.

Please move this to the completed worklog forum as well...

My little helper Leo, short for Leonidas:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1701/passion001.jpg

Here he is protecting the case for Gardens of Versailles:
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/7571/passion010.jpg

What the inside did look like:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2897/passion013.jpg

Reseating some plexi:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7841/passion011.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8010/passion014.jpg

Thank you superglue:
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1033/passion012.jpg

Not bad, but I wanted to make it better:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4044/passion015.jpg

So I found an old laptop power supply who's cord seemed to fit the bill:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8643/passion016.jpg

Measure twice, cut once, filet down the middle, remove guts, test http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5497/passion017.jpg

Full test fit. Not bad for impromptu edge material:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4453/passion018.jpg

Glued on with plexi:
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7465/passion036.jpg

My failed attempt at sleeving the power cables:
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9816/passion025.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1930/passion026.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7869/passion030.jpg

Black electrical tape fixes all:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8279/passion033.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9277/passion035.jpg

And without further ado, final case pics:
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/3174/passion037.jpg
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4026/passion038.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/2666/passion039.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1704/passion040.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2256/passion041.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3663/passion042.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6131/passion043.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3815/passion044.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3047/passion045.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6372/passion046.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9953/passion047.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7010/passion050.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3549/passion051.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/848/passion052.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2843/passion053.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6784/passion054.jpg

I know you were all waiting with baited breath for this mod to finish. Girlfriend still loves it, and has been Sporing it up for the past few months. Glad to have my first one out of the way, and I like how it turned out with my limited experience so far. So, for anyone reading, move this to the completed mod forum, thanks!