Archangel

[Locum51]

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/Archangel.jpg

This is gonna be my first build, and i know it ain't gonna be pretty.
As of now it's just going to be a basic gaming computer/school computer.
*Probably more gaming than doing actual school work* Hehe.:whistler:

Case will be white with UV blue throughout inside, and decal on the side.


Edit: A list of what's going in it.

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147073

Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341020

Optical Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140034

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130237&Tpk=785gtm-e45

Harddrive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136161

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

Internal Card Reader
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820717005

[slaveofconvention]

Take your time and there's no reason it won't be "pretty" - don't be afraid to stop and re-do something instead of rushing to get it finished. Every little bit that isn't quite right will bug you later :P

Keep us updated and you'll get loads of help and advice from the forum regulars and who knows, you might end up with a PC which is even better than you ever imagined!!

[Locum51]

Haha. As of now i'm waitin' on the PSU to arrive before i start bringing everything in.

Pics to be posted soon!

Edit:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/005.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/004-2.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/003-2.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/002.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/001.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/006.jpg

Note: All the cuts were done with a dremel and that was the first time i've ever used a dremel.

[Locum51]

For now the Rosewill rear fan will stay put till' i receive my PSU tommorrow and then i'm going to switch them out with Xigmatek 120mm fans. Both for the Front and rear and then i'll drill the remaining holes on the side window for an 80mm Xigmatek fan.

During that time, i'll probably switch out both the power led and hdd activity led for blue led's.

[x88x]

Not bad. Did you get the white version of the case or did you paint the black one?

For the window hole, I would highly recommend getting a nice hand file and filing down the edges smooth. It'll take you probably about a good 30-40 minutes to do the entire hole, but it's definitely worth it. If you get a rounded one too, that'll help in finishing off the fan hole. Also, for the fan hole, finish it off with some sandpaper and you can get rid of all the bumps and rough edges.

One other thing; if you're gonna be doing much with the Dremel, I would highly recommend getting the flex-tool attachment. It's only ~$10, and it makes life sooooo much easier, especially for detail work.

[Luke122]

Flex shafts are nice, but not 100% necessary.. this was done with dremel in hand.

http://static.flickr.com/144/319865755_d6c8e82775_d.jpg

[Locum51]

Wow, yea that could be something i might keep in mind!

I painted the black one. A couple thin coats of white primer and then finished with a couple thin coats of gloss white.

[slaveofconvention]

For the window hole, I would highly recommend getting a nice hand file and filing down the edges smooth. It'll take you probably about a good 30-40 minutes to do the entire hole, but it's definitely worth it. If you get a rounded one too, that'll help in finishing off the fan hole.

Highly recommend following this advice - the following is from my current project and you can see the difference 20 mins with a file made to this window cut...

http://www.slaveofconvention.com/imagestore/forums/filing.jpg

[Locum51]

Yea, i'll have to bust out my dad's files and file away!

Quick question what type of resistor do you use with a regular led?

[slaveofconvention]

It all depends on the voltage of the LED and the voltage of the power source - with some, you can get away with no resistors at all - personally I tend to buy 5v LEDS wherever possible because they can be direct wired without any messing around with resistors

[Locum51]

Oh...mmk.
Thanks for the answer! +rep

[x88x]

Is that a 'I wish he went into more detail' pause, a 'ok, but that just raises more questions' pause, or a 'that didn't exactly answer my question but it gave me an easier route' pause, or something else entirely? :P

[gntlkilr]

Is that a 'I wish he went into more detail' pause, a 'ok, but that just raises more questions' pause, or a 'that didn't exactly answer my question but it gave me an easier route' pause, or something else entirely? :P

LOL

[slaveofconvention]

LOL - it raises a whole lot of questions heh - but it's as good as it gets unfortunately, without more info - I can't just say "Use this resistor" and hope the LEDs and power source happen to agree with my calculations :p

There is always this... http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=642 ... but it might be a bit daunting...

[x88x]

LOL - it raises a whole lot of questions heh - but it's as good as it gets unfortunately, without more info

yeah, I know, I just wanted to make sure we didn't leave him hanging in semi-confusion.

[Locum51]

Haha. You didn't! One site said that a 1kohm resistor is commonly used with led's when using a 12v PSU.

On the brighter side!!! I got my PSU today!!! Pics of itself and the power supply mounted. I haven't fired it up yet but i hope to after Math 101 tonight.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0311.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0310.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0309.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0308.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0313.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0314.jpg

[Locum51]

Not much goin' on today, work almost all day then birthday dinner for me later! Woo!

Mobo, fans, drives will be put on order soon.

[gntlkilr]

happy Bday.

Good choice on the case.

[Locum51]

Thanks!!!

[BlackMask]

looking good so far

about the 1k ohm resistor, 1k ohm is the lowest you generally want to go because anything less than that you have to worry about the tolerances making a (potentially huge) difference... however without more info who knows what you need really

[Locum51]

The led's I am going to use are around 3.5v, with about 30mA. I think the voltage equation that was given on a tutorial calculated the resistor to be around 200-400ohms.

[XcOM]

im using 3.3V LED's on my mod, with a 1V tolorance, and the mobo supplies 3.35 (Tested it) so i don't need a resister, generally if you match the LED voltage to the source voltage your cool, you only need resisters when a clean power supply is needed, lower current or lower voltage.

and looking good mate.

[Locum51]

Gotcha. Thanks!

[Liquid_Scope_99]

nice start man

[Locum51]

Finally got a mobo, my girlfriend helped me and found a sweet one at Fry's Electronics.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0315.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0316.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0317.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0318.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0319.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0320.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0321.jpg

[Locum51]

Okay, got a dilema....I have my psu plugged into the motherboard and i have the power switch, both front led's, and the reset plugged into the mobo. I plugged the psu into the outlet and switched the psu on and nothing. Not even the led's lit up. Should i have a little more patience and wait till' have everything hooked up? or is my psu faulty?

[x88x]

The only LEDs that should turn on if you haven't crossed the power switch yet if possibly a status light on the MBB. Try crossing the MBB power switch and see if stuff powers up. Oh also, I just realized you didn't specify this...the CPU is on the MBB, right?

[Locum51]

No, i do not have a CPU on the mobo right now.

[x88x]

There's your problem. Nothing's gonna happen until you have the CPU, HS/F, and RAM on there.

[XcOM]

yea, the mobo checks for cpu, ram and gfx, it will start without mem and gfx, but will post an error, but with no cpu it will do jack (You know the rest)

[Locum51]

Ohhhh. My fault. Yea, although i took the CPU power plug out and it started, and the fans kicked on.

[Locum51]

Most of the installing was done last night. I installed the mobo with a pair of latex gloves on and a anti-static wristband...just to be on the safe side!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0334.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0332.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0333.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0334.jpg

[x88x]

Perhaps should have mentioned this earlier, but I would highly recommend installing the CPU and RAM with the MBB not mounted. This gives you more room to maneuver, and gives the MBB more support (do it on the foam sheet that it shipped with).

[slaveofconvention]

He'll be ok with that installed - if it was 775 I'd agree wholeheartedly - those HSF's can be a PITA to get in, but the Socket 754/939/AM2/3 mounting system is easy enough - altho the RAM can take a bit of a push for sure

[Luke122]

Perhaps should have mentioned this earlier, but I would highly recommend installing the CPU and RAM with the MBB not mounted. This gives you more room to maneuver, and gives the MBB more support (do it on the foam sheet that it shipped with).

I second that.. I always install cpu/hsf and ram outside the case, then mount the whole works at once. Much easier I find. :)

[Locum51]

Yea, i can always take it out and install the vital components. I have no problem with that, although i was shaking because i was so nervous when securing the mobo to the case. Haha.

Let's just say a few "choice" words came out when something slipped.

I'm glad i went with the AMD way for a first build, i've heard a lot of different comments about AMD and their processors, but i could get a quad core AMD for the price of just a Dual Core Intel processor.
For example, AMD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706) for $99, and a Intel Dual Core (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116093)~$95.

[Locum51]

Side window fan hole was filed out last night, and it does look a lot cleaner!
Pics will be posted after i get home.

[Locum51]

I just ordered a Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit disk set for $43!

[sloppyc]

Good deal. I signed up for one of the IT Pro/developer conferences to get a free copy of Pro, myself :)

[x88x]

Yeah, I'm kicking myself for putting off registering...by the time I tried to, the registrations were closed. Locum, where'd you get it for $43?

[Locum51]

I have a college student email and you get a major discount when they verify it.

[x88x]

hmmm, where is this through?

[sloppyc]

Oh there are lots of sources for that. You'll want to look up MSDNAA (one of the As is for "academic," I believe) or IEEE (Engineering and CompSci students, I think).

FAKE EDIT:
Link: http://www.msdnaa.net/search/schoolsearch.aspx
See if you school and faculty has it. If so, you should be able to find yourself a copy.

[x88x]

I know about MSDNAA, hadn't looked into IEEE. Actually, come to think of it, I might just go ahead and get a personal MSDNAA account; it's only, like, $20/year, and I wouldn't be using the license for an incredibly long time anyways (the original reason why I didn't want to do MSDNAA).

[Locum51]

I actually got this from my girlfriend's dad.
http://windows7.digitalriver.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayHomePage&Locale=en_US&SiteID=mswpus

[x88x]

hmmm, interesting. Too bad it's just home premium :( Ah well, I guess I'll go with that individual MSDNAA instead.

[Locum51]

Oh gotcha. Yea, any os that's dirt cheap and up to date is great to me! :D

Finally got the side window done, finally drilled the last holes....one hole broke on me, i rushed a little bit on the drill press and yea, it broke followed by "ship". Pics go in order of finished window to the plexi being filed.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0340.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0339.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0338.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0337.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0336.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0335.jpg

[x88x]

Ah, well then why don't you check out Linux ;p

Seriously though, it's a great OS...it just doesn't have DirectX, so my main desktop is locked into Windows...damn my gaming addiction. :D

[Locum51]

Yea, this build would be part gaming desktop.

[Locum51]

I've been busy mocking a picture for my decal. I can't wait it's gonna be sweet!

[Locum51]

More pics to come. I mounted a new side window fan (It'll be drawing air out) and i'm waitin' til we get more black printer ink before i can print the decal. Possibly Fry's tomorrow to check out more deals they have in-store! Been having a really busy schedule lately!

[Locum51]

Here's a little teaser for the decal, goes quite well with the build!
All I need is some black ink to print it!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0355.jpg

But to continue with the build, i got this little fan for the window. Just a simple blue led fan, that i mounted to the window. I haven't plugged it in yet. Waiting for my DVD drive to arrive. I put both of the case sides on to show what it would look like. All that's left is RAM, CPU, HDD...and of course all the accessories.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0341.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0342.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0343.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0344.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0345.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0346.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0347.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0348.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0349.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0350.jpg

Here's a couple pics to show what's done as of now, as you can see all the psu wiring in the front, i can explain....i tried to put them behind the support rail that the psu sits on and as i tried closing that side it just wouldn't so....i'll have to try to figure out how to make it look more clean.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0351.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0352.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0353.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0354.jpg

[slaveofconvention]

Looks like that fan sits right above the CPU heatsink. If it does, you should probably reverse it so it's pulling cool air straight in and onto the CPU - if you have that fan and the CPU fan near to each other, pulling in opposite directions, both fans will be working way under capacity and you might end up with heat issues

[Locum51]

Oh yea, i should probaby switch it around and have it pulling in instead of out.

[Mark_Hardware]

idk about taping a paper to the side of the case man...

j/p I cant wait to see more

[slaveofconvention]

What about a t-shirt transfer - they're printable and may look much better than a printed sheet of paper?

[Locum51]

Haha. I'm going to use a decal sheet. The printable paper is just to show what the picture will look like on the side.

[Locum51]

Kinda stuck between the AMD Phenom X4 9600 2.3 ghz and the Athlon II X2 2.8 ghz, any suggestions?

[x88x]

Honestly? Neither. For the price I would highly recommend the Phenom II x2 545 ($90) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103694) or Phenom II x4 620 ($100) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706). Unless you're stuck with the AM2+ socket, in which case I'd go with the Phenom x4 9750 ($105) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103708).

EDIT:
Looked up your MBB; you've got AM3 compatibility, ignore the Phenom x4 9750.

[Locum51]

Thanks! I think i'll go with the 545, the reviews show that the processor can overclock pretty high! ( My mobo has OCing switches)

EDIT:
I am going to play some games with this computer as well as school work.

[UnWantedSoldier]

Just stumbled across your thread here, Your off to a good start. I have a AMD 9950 i'm looking to offload. I checked your motherboard specs and it list the 9950 but it list the 125w version (mine is 140w). So i don't know if mine will work in your system but you can probably email MSI if your interested in it and see if it will work or not. I'm selling it for $55 here:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20943

[Locum51]

Thanks for the offer but i think i'm gonna stick with 545.

Finally got somethin' to work on (DVD drive) and it went by so fast. Pics will be put up tomorrow.

Black printer cartridge on its way.

HP #96 Black Cartridge: $34 at Office Max; $19 on ebay. Wow, that's quite a difference.

[Locum51]

Finally! It arrived yesterday and already in the printer. Now i just have to get the decal sheet and start some decal printing!

[Locum51]

UPDATE!

Package arrived! When you have nothing else to do, waiting for something takes so long!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0384.jpg
It was wrapped pretty well!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0385.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0386.jpg

Two pics to show the progress i've made so far.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0387.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0390.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0388.jpg

Also, printed out my decal today! I still have to clear coat the decal a couple times to make sure it doesn't bleed when i prepare to stick it on.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0423.jpg

[Locum51]

Lacquer that i used ate at the ink and it failed. :[

On the other hand, i got my CPU today!

Quick question, How do you take a cpu out of the socket? Because the cpu after i installed and locked it, it feels like it's stuck in the socket and i can't pull it off. I wasn't trying really hard because i don't want to damage it. I already made the rookie mistake and bent some pins but i use the credit card method and bent them back.

[slaveofconvention]

Chances are the bent pins, altho straightened are still a little bent so holding onto the holes a little. You remove a CPU exactly the same way as you install it, but in reverse. Remove the heatsink if installed, then lift the locking lever up. The cpu will then lift out - you might have to get a fingernail or something else under an edge - try to lift it from two opposite sides or corners at once - dont just pull up on one edge or corner...

[Locum51]

Oh...mmk! I thought so, i was having a tiny freak out episode. Haha.

[slaveofconvention]

As for the decal - if you want to try again, try sticking the ink side to the case so you're putting clear onto plain plastic - the clear MAY eat into the plastic too, but you have a better chance than you do with putting the clear straight onto ink...

[Locum51]

Yea, that would work. My dad has a gloss cote for that doesn't eat away at the ink on a decal sheet.

[XcOM]

if you can get access to a colour laser printer, get some laser decal sheets, the method of using a laser make the ink cure so it won't be eaten by clear paint.

But if you do make sure you use transparancy settings so its really high quality and runs slower and hotter to cure the ink

[Locum51]

Yea, i don't know of any people that i know that would have one or a store around me that would.

Waiting for UPS, getting my final mobo piece....4gb Kingston 800mhz RAM; BN in package!

[Locum51]

Update will be posted soon, i'm thinking about doing something different to the side of the case that was suppose to be decal...i was thinking about having a angel wing design...yes...i'm talking about some cardboard and bondo with a little detailing. I'm hoping to replicate the wings that are on my worklog banner.

[Locum51]

Decal and Testor Gloss Cote worked perfectly! Decal is curing in my room and should be ready tomorrow!

[billygoat333]

we want pictures! lol

[Remy]

we want pictures! lol

:pics:

[Locum51]

Finally an update!!! OMG! lol.
Got my 710 not too long ago! Your probably asking....well why not just go with a Quad Core instead of a triple core. My answer is that this is a limited budget build and i found this for a good deal. ( $100 retail, i got it for $86 BNIB)
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0424.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0425.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0426.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0428.jpg
Apparently Ziploc bags are the "new" standard in safety!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0431.jpg
Back to the pics of the build.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0432.jpg
As of now i'm just going to go with the stock HSF but later i might upgrade to something better.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0433.jpg
Kind of looks like Christmas Day when you open a present and try to get to the goods and just throw everything else to the side.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0434.jpg
The badge included with the Processor.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0450.jpg
I opened up the manual first because i'm that kind of person to always read the manual first and i never got the manual to fold back as nicely as it is in the picture.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0436.jpg
Installed! I managed to do the rookie mistake and bent pins but the credit card trick worked and i got the pins straighter than they were before. I can't get the cpu out though, it like flush to the mount and i can't get a fingernail or anything under the edges.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0438.jpg
Stock HSF, the best it'll look right here.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0439.jpg
My HDD arrived!
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0442.jpg
Bubble wrapped pretty well.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0443.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0445.jpg
Everything installed, just need one more sata cable for the HDD.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0446.jpg

Here are some glamor shots of what's finished.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0447.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0448.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0449.jpg
This will be where it'll stay for a while....my work station that's crammed into the corner of my room.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0451.jpg

I will be decaling the case side today, pics should be up later!

[x88x]

That RAM looks oddly high-density...though come to think of it, most of the RAM I've dealt with recently has had heatspreaders on it... *shrugs*

Looks great!

If you feel adventurous later, you could try unlocking the third core on the Phenom. All the x3's are actually x4's with one core disabled. The original idea was that they would just make a whole lot of x4 dies, and if a core was bad, package it as an x3, but some of the x3 lines did so well because of the lower price, that they ended up just disabling a fully functional core on some of them. IIRC it's fairly easy to determine if the core is bad after unlocking it, and it's possible to re-lock the core if it ends up being bad. It does void your warranty though.. *shrugs* idk, just a thought. :D

[Locum51]

Yea, i read a review on newegg and the person told how to unlock it.

Here it is:
Pros: this is my second one. first one would not unlock 4th core with my gigabyte board. this one is in an msi 785g board with 710 sb. has acc in bios, switch normal firmware to special and switch acc to per core and boot. ta-daa! quad core. temp wont register anymore on hardware monitor so just load speedfan. that will still give you one cores temps. prime stable with 4th core! vista says 5.9 cpu score now, and plays nicely in win7 too.
Cons: none
Other Thoughts: f**s had a sale on them on friday 10-10 for 49.95. with the 4th core unlocked i got a new phenom II quad for 50 buck! haahahahahhaha! win :)

[artoodeeto]

I love marketing...how else could you possibly come up with the COMPLETELY ridiculous scenario of disabling a perfectly good processing core and selling it cheaper, when in fact it costs AMD MORE to modify an X4 into an X3 b/c someone or some piece of machinery has to do the disabling. LOL...I mean really. why not just sell the bloody X4 a little cheaper???
If 3-legged dogs were cheaper and sold better than the 4-legged dogs, can you see pet stores putting one leg in a straightjacket and selling it as a 3-legged dog? LOL...man. The world we live in today is so nuts sometimes.

[Locum51]

Yea, i don't know what they're mindset is on this marketing scheme.

[x88x]

I think it's just because they're still making a profit with the x3's (just not as much as with the x4's), and less profit is better than no profit (ie, people not being able to buy x3's and buying something other than an x4).

[Remy]

So you said that the decal came out perfect. Where's the picture?? I can't wait to see how it looks!!

[Locum51]

I just sprayed the last gloss coat to seal it to the case side. It's drying now and i should have a picture of the finished side tonight.

EDIT: What the decal looks like before it is subjected to the pit.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0454.jpg

This is what i was going to put the decal in to let it soak, but too small.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0455.jpg

So i chose this instead! :D
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0456.jpg

Finished laying the decal down! This is before the gloss coat.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0457.jpg

I am actually really proud of how this turned out, this is the largest decal that my dad and i have laid down. I always say "wow that turned out frickin' awesome!"

[Remy]

That looks awesome man. Are the white areas of the wings, clouds, etc clear? If so, that would have looked sweet on a piece of plexi. Still, looks very nice. +rep

[Locum51]

Yea, all the white that you see on the decal is clear. Yea, it would look good on plexi...or like an etching even. :D

[msmrx57]

Nice!! :banana: That turned out great. +rep Not sure if I would have tried to do a water transfer that big.

[Locum51]

haha. Thanks for the +rep's!
Before i dipped it i asked my dad if the decal was ready and he's like "it should be....are you feelin' lucky?" The point being that if you do not seal the decal enough before dipping (Especially on the edges), the ink will just disappear and your nice, clear water will be--most likely--black.

[x88x]

Wow, impressive. +rep Are you gonna do anything on the panel around it?

[billygoat333]

that is a big decal! lol good work.

[Locum51]

@x88x: Thanks! I've been really thinking about that and i'm not sure if i'll do anything just yet with it.

@billygoat333: Thanks! Yea, it's been the biggest decal i've ever done before!

[Locum51]

Put on the case sides, as of now it just needs a monitor because i already have a standard dell keyboard and mouse lined up. I'm really nervous on starting it up for the first time, more like anxious because i want to see my project work! I've been so careful with everything--much more than anything else!

A few more glamour shots. :D
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0459.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0458.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0460.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0461.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0463.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0464.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0465.jpg

[billygoat333]

I like that window. looks really good. any plans to stealth/paint the CD Rom drive? it sticks out like a sore thumb!! just my $.02 lol

[msmrx57]

:stupid:Minus the stupid. Wouldn't take much to pop the face off and paint it. Other than that looks great. :up:

[Locum51]

Thanks! Yea, i could do that; i wanna fire it up first and see if everything is working properly, Then the small details will be finished up. lol

[Locum51]

Got the Optical drive cover painted and checked the 710 pins and thankful they aren't bent or anything like that....it was just the locking switch that was sticking. With just a little more press it popped into the unlock spot and i was able to lift the 710 up out of the socket.
Whewwww! I have been freaking out about that for a long time and i'm glad they aren't bent.

[Locum51]

I should be getting my monitor either today or tomorrow, i'm getting all giddy....i can't wait to see my project live!

[Locum51]

Well, apparently it takes longer for stuff to ship West than it does East. I should have it today or tomorrow, or wednesday....or sometime this week. :/

[Locum51]

As stated before i would post pictures of the Optical Drive painted to match.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0469.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0470.jpg

[Locum51]

I will be painting the mouse, got the primer coat done and about 3 coats of gloss white. I still have to come up with the accents for the mouse. While i am doing that enjoy some starter pics! :D

Here is the mouse apart and prepped for primer and first coat.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0471.jpg

After all 3 coats and drying.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0472.jpg

[p0Pe]

looks great dude! the decall looks like it was painted on with air brush!
+rep:)

[Remy]

That decal came out great. I'm thinking you should add a decal or two to the mouse too.

[Locum51]

Thanks for the idea! It helps out because i'm still thinking of how to make the mouse look amazing. haha.

[Locum51]

These are the pictures are a couple coats of primer, then Gloss white, and then some clear coat after the accenting. And yes i wanted it to looked ravanged.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0487.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n39/rsracing/IMG_0489.jpg

Also so take note that the second picture is with no flash.

[x88x]

Oooh, I like it. One question though; how does it feel in use? That's one thing that I've always wondered about painting mice, especially with clear-coat.

[Locum51]

Mine is pretty tacky feeling. It kinda sticks to your hand.

[Locum51]

Now i know that i have to watch who i buy from on ebay...apparently there are some people who like to sit at home and complain that they have finals and play COD:MW2 instead of sending a package off right away. I just totally defies my logic that someone would rather wait to send a package at the last minute than to ship it off right away and have the transaction be done with. Got my full refund and a couple swear words thrown at me for some reason.
New monitor is on order.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009166
Hopefully i won't have any problems with this transaction.

[Loki]

Any mod planned for that monitor?

[Locum51]

Not at the moment, i am more trying to figure out what to do with a 17" laptop monitor...because those lcd controllers can be pretty expensive.

[Locum51]

Monitor will arrive tomorrow, i will post pics of the monitor and first boot up tomorrow!

[Locum51]

Having problems with trying to get anything to show on the monitor...haven't even set up bios yet because of it!!

[Locum51]

It's Alive!!!! Pics will be posted later!

[x88x]

Awesome! I take it you got new RAM and that fixed the problem you were having?

[Locum51]

Yup. I just didn't take the time to slow down and realize what was really wrong with things.

[Locum51]

Computer is up and running....got a upgrade copy of win7 64bit and tried to clean install....not working.
I got a friend who is gonna let me use a XP Pro CD and key to install and then try upgrading back to win7.:banana: :D

[x88x]

Yeah, the upgrade key won't work for a full install. One way to get around that though, is to just install without a license key, then run the upgrade program to "upgrade" to your licensed copy ;)

[Locum51]

Wait, i never knew about that! How do you do that?

[x88x]

Just get a regular disc...from what source, I leave to your imagination ;) ..then, run the normal install. When it asks you for a license key, don't put anything in. It will ask you if you're sure you don't want to put in your key now (tell it you're sure), and then it will ask you what version you want to install. Select the version for the license key that you have and finish the install. It is now running in a 30-day 'trial period' (which can be extended to I think 180 days, but that's another topic). Now, just put in the upgrade disc you got, tell it to 'upgrade', and put in your license key when it asks for it. ..should work anyways, I haven't actually tried it myself yet.

[Locum51]

I tried that and it didn't work.

[x88x]

Interesting. What error did it give you?

[Luke122]

I'm pretty sure that an XP install will not progress without a key.

[x88x]

I'm pretty sure that an XP install will not progress without a key.

7 install, not XP

[Locum51]

Yea, i just got a XP Pro SP2 32bit key from my girlfriend's dad to try if activating online doesn't work.

[Luke122]

7 install, not XP

I'm going to stop the miscom right here. :)

When you said install with a regular disc, then run the upgrade, I assumed (and I wonder if Locum did too..) that you meant "install XP first, then upgrade to 7."

That explains my suggestion of "xp wont progress without a key". :)

OK, I get you now. :D

[Luke122]

If you DO install XP first, then upgrade to Windows 7, DO NOT ACTIVATE THE XP if you are using a Key from someone else!

You can install XP with someone elses key, then run the upgrade to 7, XP does not need to be activated.

[x88x]

I'm going to stop the miscom right here. :)

When you said install with a regular disc, then run the upgrade, I assumed (and I wonder if Locum did too..) that you meant "install XP first, then upgrade to 7."

That explains my suggestion of "xp wont progress without a key". :)

OK, I get you now. :D

Yeah, I meant do a 7 install with no key, then a 7 'upgrade'.

[Locum51]

If you DO install XP first, then upgrade to Windows 7, DO NOT ACTIVATE THE XP if you are using a Key from someone else!

You can install XP with someone elses key, then run the upgrade to 7, XP does not need to be activated.

What do you mean by this?

[biggoofy]

Earlier in the thread you said that nothing was coming up on the screen when you first booted it. Then someone mentioned something about your RAM, what exactly was the problem?

[Locum51]

Earlier in the thread you said that nothing was coming up on the screen when you first booted it. Then someone mentioned something about your RAM, what exactly was the problem?

I made the mistake of trying to use Server RAM (Registered RAM).

[biggoofy]

Ahhh

[Luke122]

What do you mean by this?

I'm a little mixed up here, so I'll try to explain.

You want to install Windows 7 right? But you got an "upgrade" version. Am I right?

Meet me in chat to try and sort this out. :)

[x88x]

What do you mean by this?

He means that if you use a borrowed license as a base for your upgrade, don't activate the XP install, as this can cause issues with MS. Instead, just run the 7 upgrade before the XP install requires activation.

[Trace]

I didn't think you could go XP -> Win7
I thought it was only Vista -> Win7

Little bit of research: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

[Locum51]

I'm a little mixed up here, so I'll try to explain.

You want to install Windows 7 right? But you got an "upgrade" version. Am I right?

Meet me in chat to try and sort this out. :)

Yea, i got a Win7 64 bit from the digitalriver site that gives you a inexpensive copy for $29.99 and $43.99 for the disk kit.

I believe you can go from XP to Win7, however you need transfer software.

[x88x]

Yea, i got a Win7 64 bit from the digitalriver site that gives you a inexpensive copy for $29.99 and $43.99 for the disk kit.
The disk kit is just if you want pretty physical disks. They should have also given you a link to download the ISO file (ok, so it's really a link to download a java program that will download the ISO..whatever :P ). TBH, I haven't done mine yet (on the list for later this week), but they made it sound like it was a full install disc that the keys would work with.


I believe you can go from XP to Win7, however you need transfer software.

To my understanding, you can use an upgrade license to go from XP to 7, but it treats it like a full install (ie, does a full format of the drive), so yeah, if you want to maintain all your settings/etc, you need transfer software or similar.

[Locum51]

The disk kit is just if you want pretty physical disks. They should have also given you a link to download the ISO file (ok, so it's really a link to download a java program that will download the ISO..whatever :P ). TBH, I haven't done mine yet (on the list for later this week), but they made it sound like it was a full install disc that the keys would work with.


Yea, same here but the product key i got is for upgrade only. :banghead:

[nevermind1534]

You can upgrade from xp to 7, but you have to do a clean install of windows. I can give you an xp product key if you need one.

[diluzio91]

Much easier method for getting 7 off an upgrade disk... I used this on my rig.

run a clean install of 7 but during the install don't enter the license key. When the os is installed (but not activated) go to your C: drive and create an empty folder titled "Windows.old" then activate the license. It sounds too retarded to work, but it does. PS, capitalization counts. Pros? $40 for windows 7 HP, cons? you have an empty folder on the root of your c Drive?

[x88x]

Actually, if you just do the install with no license key, then run the 'upgrade' on the install disc, it just runs through and gets all the updates and lets you put in your upgrade license key. I've confirmed this works now; finally did it on my system.

[Locum51]

Mmk, yea i still have to set up a wireless connection on mine.

[Locum51]

Connection is now up and project Archangel is now finished! :D

[DonT-FeaR]

looking good mate. nice work

[diluzio91]

Can I just say... 4 months ago I was looking for this thread... and I couldn't find it. And wanted to ask you where you got the water decal for the side of your PC...