New Mod: Black Knight

[Dragonblood]

Ok, so I'm new to here and I've read several of the works in progress and other forums. I've actually been tracking this website for, I'd say, 3 months now and I've always been impressed with the creations everyone has made. As a result I've decided to try my hand at the modding.

Here's what I started with: Coorlermaster Elite 330 Mid-Tower
Yep, cheap case, but functional.

Here's what it looked like before my first attempt at modding.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9659/1111911511.jpg

Here's what it looked like after.
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9595/img4905j.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5710/img4972l.jpg

Now here's the intent. I haven't drawn this out yet, so I hope you get the picture. I plan to remove the front bezel and replace it with a sheet of 1/4" thick plexiglass. It will be blacked out so you can't see through it. The power will be moved to the back of the case and the power LED will light the edges of the plexi in blue. The side panel will be replaced and a new window cut into it. This is going to be custom etched with an image I found online.

If anybody knows who created this guy, please let me know so I can contact them.
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/182/d1warriorplate.jpg

Anyway, a blowhole will be cut into the top and the cables will receive some TLC. I have some chain and thought putting in the case and hang it behind the window or mount it to the front, but I haven't decided yet.

So if you were able to follow along, please let me know what you think. I'm always up for suggestions.

[Remy]

I love the idea of using chains. I think it would be cool to wrap the chains around the outside of the case. Of course this means cutting the chains and mounting them in a way that still allows you to open the side, cd/dvd, etc.

Love the idea. Look forward to seeing how this turns out

[Dragonblood]

Thanks Remy

Another idea I had for the chain was to weave it through the side panel. I think I'm going to go with that one, but that's going to take some time.

Anyway, here's the place where I'm doing all the work.http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6963/img4907j.jpg

So far, I've cut the plexi out for the front. It took me three tries to get it right. I also temp mounted it for marking.
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8046/img4974v.jpg

Well, time to take the kids to the zoo. More to come.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

Chain is *awesome*. Full stop.

I don't have the patience you do, it seems, when it comes to plexi. ABS can be melted/glued back together with no ill effects, metal doesn't tend to snap at all... but plexi combines their worst traits. It looks so damn good, though...

This is by no means OP-specific, but he's clearly a better man than I in that regard. :D +rep for what we've seen so far.

[Dragonblood]

Hey thanks

I haven't been able to do much this week. The weather hasn't been cooperating too well. So far, I was only able to drill mounting holes into the plexi and get the 120mm fans.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5544/img5079nsi.jpg

Here's the fans
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9180/img5081o.jpg

I'm hoping I can get more done tonight.

[DonT-FeaR]

like the theme,,, looking forward to more

[Dragonblood]

Alright!

So I got some more done tonight. Also, some supplies I ordered came in. A new A.C. Ryan Grill for the front; momentary switch for power; and another blue CCFL.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3265/img5085xxg.jpg

Now to the work. I got the face finished, short of paint. The cuts aren't perfect, but then again, this is the first time I cut plexi with precision in mind.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8883/img5094q.jpg

Here's the face with the grill behind it.
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3235/img5095e.jpg

Tomorrow, I start cutting out the side panel. I still have yet to figure out where to put the 3.5" fan controller. Any suggestions? Here's what it looks like.
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/364/multifancontroller.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

yeah thats pretty good.. i love the look of those grills.. i just cant come to terms and buy one lol

[Dragonblood]

Yeah, the grill is nice. I'm not ready to try and make one on my own so this was the better option.

Anyway, update time. I was up early today to get some work done. It's a beautiful day so we're taking the kids out.

I got the panels done. I took the panel from the motherboard side and put it on the other side. To replace the panel, I took some sheet metal and made a brand new one. This one will have to screw on, though. It's not like I access that side very often anyway.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8998/img5101r.jpg

To give it rigidity, I folded the edges.
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6161/img5102p.jpg

After I was done playing with this sheet, I went ahead and cut out the window. The cut's not perfect. I'm gonna have to get some trim to cover that up. :)

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4853/img5103j.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8463/img5105g.jpg

The window should be here next week. I'll be getting the chain too.

Once the panels are ready, I can start the work on the case itself. Next week, I hope.

Until then!

[DonT-FeaR]

oh thats a good idea... nice work

[Dragonblood]

Thanks

Well, it's been a week since my last update. I spent this week preparing the parts to be put together. I received a new 250W power supply. This is now for the workbench.

I had to do some maintenance on the system. It needed a new cooler on the northbridge. The sucker was hot to the touch!

I'm getting the side window tomorrow so that can get done. Hopefully, this weekend I can make some progress.

[DonT-FeaR]

sweet looking forward to it

[Dragonblood]

So I got some more done this weekend. The frame was cut and received a new coat of paint. The front panel is installed. And the panels are cut, drilled and painted. All that's left is a few finishing coats on the side panels; installation of the window trim and the window itself.

I still have yet to figure out where to put the multi-fan controller. I don't want to put it on the front as the smooth look is nice. Oh well, it'll stay inside for now. Anyway, enough talk, here's some pics.

If you look real close, you might see the etching. Sorry I couldn't get a better shot.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2685/img5283imj.jpg

The chains attached to the panel.
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3205/img5285z.jpg

A closeup of one of the mounts
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5511/img5287ymw.jpg

Since I wanted this to be like a knight's armor, I took sandpaper to the panels to give it a rougher look.
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9844/img5290d.jpg

Man this thing needs a bath!
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8422/img5293x.jpg

The front grill cut out.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5867/img5298r.jpg

After a wash-down and some touch-up paint.
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2954/img5302zyg.jpg

The front panel, fan, grill and DVD drive installed to the front.
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3193/img5305g.jpg

The innards installed.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/616/img5307y.jpg
The wiring will be cleaned up when the panels are ready to be installed.

I'm hoping to have the rest done by this weekend.

[DonT-FeaR]

wow thats a cool cpu cooler.. :)

looks good mate nice work.. love the chain design.

[Dragonblood]

It's a G-Power Lite, made by Gigabyte.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3589/200q.jpg

Time for an update. I've got everything installed (temporarily). I installed the power switch to the side panel and wired in a switch for the CCFL's.

In case I wanted to add more cathodes later, I wired two converters to one switch. That way I can have four lights with minimal wiring to hide.

I also installed the window onto the other side. Chains too.

Well, here's the pics on what I did so far. Sorry, no pics of the actual work. I kept forgetting the camera.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4535/img5322.jpg
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8038/img5317u.jpg

A few shots of the window
The Knight looks better in person
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/2541/img5321o.jpg
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1009/img5323b.jpg
http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/9146/img5328.jpg

The internals
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/323/img5333p.jpg
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9396/img5336.jpg

I got the blues! 8)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3504/img5334uxk.jpg

The power and light switches
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/4338/img5337.jpg

Now that the mock build is done, I can now finish the job. Here's what I have left:
- The front panel edges need to be cleaned and shined
- Power LEDs need to be wired
- Inside wiring wrapped and cleaned up
- Find a home for the multi-fan controller

That last one is still bugging me. I've been trying to figure out where to put the darn thing since I started this project! Oh well, somewhere will come to mind eventually.

We're almost there folks.

[DonT-FeaR]

i just mock built my pc to! lol

high 5

looks great mate

[x88x]

Looking nice. Those chains actually give me a good idea for handles on my mod. I hadn't thought of using...those thingies that I don't remember what they're called.. they would spread out the weight nicely.

[Zeroignite]

Hah, good think you remembered a light switch. Making the entire room glow is cool and all, but I think many of us have had the experience of wanting a little dark when leaving the machine on overnight...

[DonT-FeaR]

/\ amen to that.. lol

[Nate Dogg]

:/ If you ask me (please don't take offence at this) but it's a little boring... and doesn't REALLY reflect the original idea (i don't think)

In that pic the knight looks really swish, kinda old fashioned, but the armour is curvy and shiny... your case is square and dull. :/

Anyway, good luck with the rest of your endeavours

[Dragonblood]

None taken.

Yes, you're right about the armor being curved and fluent; the case is not. However, this is a good start for me. I've never done a full mod such as this so I'm not going to go all out on this one. This was just to see what I can do. I'll hone my skills in time and eventually, I might just be able to make a case from scratch.

Thanks to all for your comments. It's greatly appreciated.

I didn't get anything else done this past weekend. I spent it with the kids. I won't be able to get any more work done until this coming weekend either, so this is it for now.

[Dragonblood]

It's been a little while since the last I posted an update.

I haven't done anything with the case as my family has been moving. As soo as I get my workshop put back together, I'll be able to get back to work.

As it turns out, this time has allowed me took take a look at the case again and see if there's anything I can do to make it more fluent. I think I've come up with some ideas, so stay tuned. When I start working again, I post an update.

[DonT-FeaR]

cant wait mate hope the move went smooth

/\ that alll rhymed... lol

[Dragonblood]

My God! Has it really been that long since I put in an update?! I am so sorry. anyway, I had to scrap this project as the case was damaged during another move! I hate base housing... I have another project on the way. I'll post it soon.

[Luthien]

It's a shame the case was damaged. I liked the chain idea.

[StormRider]

aww, the engraving was so cool:mad: