»»» POLARity «««

[oliverw92]

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/logo.jpg

Introduction

So here we are again, starting another modding project! I built my first computer case in June 2009. At that point my only computer experience was an old Dell 2400 and my trusty aluminium iMac (which is still going strong today!) and I had absolutely no idea about how a computer really worked. This is now my 3rd project. Quite a lot considering I didn't even know what 'motherboard' meant this time last year! The first was The Bloo Box:

LINK (http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/510995-project-bloo-box-complete-24-6-a.html)

The second was (and still is - I havn't finished it yet!) Project MiniMe - The World's Smallest Watercooled PC:

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200057.jpg
LINK (http://www.overclock.net/sponsored-case-mods/532220-sponsored-minime-worlds-smallest-watercooled-pc.html)

Those two projects were both acrylic scratch builds. I made them from the ground up, using a fair amount of CNC work alongside practical techniques.

The two scratch builds were all fun and games, but I kept on feeling after finishing each one that something wasn't quite right. I have finally that realised that they both lack functionality. This is going to be a key element to this new project. My main issue with Bloo Box is how difficult it is to add a hard drive/5.25" drive. With MiniMe, it is actually getting to any components inside! This is to be expected since it is only 20x20x20cm, but it that doesn't validate the issue.

My solution (or experimental solution) for this project is to go effectively go backwards and do a case mod, instead of a scratch build. I came to modding in a different direction to most people - I started with a scratch build, most people start by simple case modding. By going back to the beginning, I plan to teach myself the methods and tricks that make consumer computer cases so functional and easy to use, and then apply them to future scratch builds.



The Plan

I have chosen the Silverstone TJ07 as the case to be modded. Originally I was going to go for a Corsair Obsidian 800D, but I felt that it was not a blank-enough canvas. The cable management is already done, hard drive issues sorted, radiator mounting accounted for. I need to go further back than that. The TJ07 is perfect in that it can adapt to anything I need. It is also one of the slickest looking cases out there!

I found with Project MiniMe that modelling the case accurately in Google SketchUp beforehand really works wonders and solves hundreds of issues that I would have come across when making, saving me money in the long run! I have done the same for this project. I owe credit for a few models such as the TJ07 shell, 5870, Enermax Revolution, RAM and hard drives.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200001%20copy.jpg

The renders were done in Kerkythea.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200002%20copy.jpg

Everything is 100% to scale.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200003%20copy.jpg

Here you can see my pump configuration. The system is running on a single loop with dual Laing DDC 10W pumps connected in series by a white acetal EK Dual DDC Top.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200004%20copy.jpg

The loop order is:

Dual DDC 10W -> Quad Rad -> GPU 1 -> (GPU 2) -> Southbridge/NF200 -> Triple Rad -> CPU -> MOSFETS -> Northbridge -> RAM -> IandH StealthRes 175

You can also see in this picture the solid floor. This is actually an illuminated floor. I am still deciding on the lighting to be used for this - it is either going to be an EL panel or a CCFL.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200005%20copy.jpg

The case will be powdercoated gloss white. I am not sure what rad grill I will have on top yet. Most likely it will be a nice solid MNPCTech one.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200006%20copy.jpg

I want to keep the front really clean. All the drive bay covers are replaced by a single sheet of aluminium. At the top there is a Lamptron FC-5 fan controller. Below that is a stealthed DVD drive. I have taken inspiration from Murdermod here, in that there is a cut out going up the front that operates the open/close button of the drive.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200007%20copy.jpg

The color scheme for the build is White, Black and Blue. The blue comes from the motherboard and coolant. I'm hoping to use Bitspower Black fittings for the whole build if the budget will allow. It will help emphasise the colour scheme.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200008%20copy.jpg

Here you can see one of the functional modifications. The front panel is easily removable to allow access to the hard drive bay. This takes 3 3.5" hard drives and 1 2.5" drive. I chose this number so i can have a RAID5 storage setup and an SSD for the operating system. The drive bay is made from acrylic. Each drive mounts on an acrylic tray that friction-fits into slots in the side supports. At the inside-end of the bay are two 80mm fans, one blowing in across two of the drives, one pulling out across the other two. There is a gap allowing the air to pass between the two.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Renders/07-03-2010%200009%20copy.jpg

I am still debating whether to have the two rear intakes. They may interfere with the top rad and they also make the back look more cluttered. The rear panel is being replaced with a clean plate (no annoying ugly squares!)



Inspirations

There are loads of things that have inspired be over my short time of modding, too many to mention here. However here are some that have directly influenced this project:

Project PURE - subset7 - LINK (http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/516751-project-pure-finished.html)
Hulk V2 - dingdong555 - LINK (http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/663602-hulk-v2-corsair-obsidian-800d-lots.html)
Dual Loop Phase Cooled Lian Li - RetroGamer1990 - LINK (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=165840)
Purple Rain - mrdbristol - LINK (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=171054)
PC Beto - p0pe - LINK (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=178681)
.:Filtration:. - Skorchio - LINK (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=176564)
Acronym - Achron - LINK (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=178915)
refleXion - Xion X2 - LINK (http://www.overclock.net/sponsored-case-mods/615650-sponsored-r-e-f-l-e.html)
Silentium - Syrillian - LINK (http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/300477-silentium-arcane-arts.html)



Components

i7 920
6GB DDR3 Corsair Dominator 1600MHz
MSI Big Bang XPower
2x 5850
4x Samsung F3 1TB RAID10
1x Corsair Extreme 64GB SSD
Enermax Revolution 850W



Watercooling

HWLabs Black Ice Stealth 360
EK Coolstream 480 Rad
2x Laing DDC 10W
EK Dual DDC Top v2 - White
EK Supreme HF with white top
2x EK 5850 Nickel with white top
MIPS Corsair RAM Block
MIPS Motherboard Blocks
IandH StealthRes 175
White 3/4" OD Tubing
Matt Black Compressions

Order will be:

Pumps -> 480 -> GPU 1 -> GPU2 -> NB/Fets -> CPU -> RAM -> 360 -> Res



Partners

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/sponsors.png

Updates

Here are links to all the updates:


Update #1 - 07/03/2010 - First Cuts - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=282480&postcount=2)
Update #2 - 08/03/2010 - Motherboard Photos - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=282481&postcount=3)
Update #3 - 11/03/2010 - Hard drive bay manufacturing - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=282482&postcount=4)
Update #4 - 20/03/2010 - Nickel Party! - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=283034&postcount=7)
Update #5 - 27/03/2010 - Bottom Compartment Work - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=283788&postcount=10)
Update #6 - 29/03/2010 - Motherboard Blocks - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=284003&postcount=16)
Update #7 - 02/04/2010 - Illuminated floor creation - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=284479&postcount=22)
Update #8 - 13/04/2010 - Mounted rad stand and new feet - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=285719&postcount=39)
Update #9 - 15/04/2010 - Arrival of some watercooling stuff - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=285975&postcount=45)
Update #10 - 16/04/2010 - Mounted MNPCTech rad grill and top rad - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=286147&postcount=51)
Update #11 - 19/04/2010 - New RAM cooler tops - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=286437&postcount=55)
Update #12 - 21/04/2010 - Flush smoked acrylic window - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=286695&postcount=58)
Update #13 - 06/05/2010 - This project is interrupted by the attack of the BP Dragon! - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=288633&postcount=64)
Update #14 - 24/05/2010 - New hard drive trays, custom faceplate - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=290649&postcount=72)
Update #15 - 06/06/2010 - Motherboard tray finished - LINK (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=292085&postcount=77)

[oliverw92]

Update #1 - 07/03/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200001%20copy.jpg

Here is the case! The mighty TJ07! Weighing in at 17KG and packed in a box twice width and 1.5x its height/depth, it is a monster! I had to carry it back about a mile from where it was dropped off on my own!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200002%20copy.jpg

Some of you may be wondering why parts are black already. I got the case second hand from Bisley_Bob (along with an awesome hose cutter :p) and he had painted it black inside already. The paint job is a bit scratched now though.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200003%20copy.jpg

I dislike the front bezels alot.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200004%20copy.jpg

Power button is awesome though!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200005%20copy.jpg

I plan to change the window a bit. I have a few ideas i want to try, these will be shown in due course :)

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200006%20copy.jpg

You can't get enough TJ07.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200007%20copy.jpg

After i got it home i stripped it down to what i would be using (removed hard drive bays, fans etc).

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200008%20copy.jpg

Bought a new tool for the project - a Dremel 300 with flexible shaft extension. Most people will be surprised to know this is my first rotary tool!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200009%20copy.jpg

Top notch build quality.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200010%20copy.jpg

The first issue I sorted out was cable management. There is a distinct lack of it in the TJ07.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200011%20copy.jpg

This cut allows cables to be taken up behind the motherboard tray from the PSU area.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200012%20copy.jpg

At this point, I plan to only do a few cuts in the actual motherboard tray. I am still working on a few ideas this.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200013%20copy.jpg

To accommodate the illuminated floor, the midplate needs to be opened up completely. Unfortunately i managed to break my favourite cutting disk :(

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200014%20copy.jpg

Ended up using the ones that run out really quickly until I could get some new ones.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200015%20copy.jpg

First part cut out.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200016%20copy.jpg

Before finishing the edges.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200017%20copy.jpg

After finishing!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200018%20copy.jpg

I just need to get some emery paper and some wet and dry to make the edges perfect.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%201/07-03-2010%200019%20copy.jpg

This is how the case stands at the moment.

[oliverw92]

Update #2 - 08/03/2010

I already have the motherboard for the project, it is an MSI Eclipse Plus x58 board. It is basically MSI's version of the EVGA Classified (the one with an NF200 chip on), and in my opinion the MSI one looks way better (not a huge fan of the red/black thing).

Loads of people have heard of the MSI Eclipse, but barely anyone knows about the Eclipse Plus. It is a bit of a strange situation. If you google it, it is on MSI's website, there are loads of reviews of it, but there is NOWHERE to buy one. Not a single etailer has one, none appear on ebay. I managed to get one from a guy on overclock.net who was selling it off (was a bargain - £200!).

The board will be watercooled, as seen in the renders. The board came from the guy i bought it from with custom made waterblocks by Duniek. At the moment they are acrylic and copper. The copper has dulled and looks a bit horrible now, so it will be nickel plated. I am also working on getting some white acetal replacement tops machined for it to better fit the build. If i can't, it isn't a tragedy, and may add some aesthetic appeal as you will see the blue coolant!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200001%20copy.jpg

The board fits the standard ATX spec.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200002%20copy.jpg

I really like the heatsink design on the board, shame they will be coming off! Under this heatsink lies the NF200 chip and the ICH10R

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200003%20copy.jpg

The board sports 4 PCI-E x16 slots, 1x PCI-E x1 and 1x PCI. It can run x16 x16 x16 x4 on the 4 slots (x8 isn't possible on the last unless you don't use a sound card - msi supply an X-Fi soundcard).

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200004%20copy.jpg

More of the lovely heatsink design.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200005%20copy.jpg

The onboard controls are a really nice touch. They have gone all out on this - there is a button for everything!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200006%20copy.jpg

Random shot :p

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200007%20copy.jpg

A nice addition is the POST code display on the back. Not sure whether it warrants the removal of onboard sound, however.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%202/08-03-2010%200008%20copy.jpg

MSI really have done a great job on the colour scheme!



My i7 920 also arrived today from the US.

[oliverw92]

Update #3 - 11/03/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200001%20copy.jpg

Introducing Mr L. Aser Cutter!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200002%20copy.jpg

Today I started making the HDD bay that goes in the 5.25" bays.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200003%20copy.jpg

I decided to use black 8mm acrylic for the rails.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200004%20copy.jpg

Here are the pieces for one of the sides after laser cutting.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200005%20copy.jpg

And then glued together with dichloromethane. The one pictured above actually went wrong and i glued on the rails the wrong way round, so i remade it. Costly mistake! (8mm acrylic is not cheap!)

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200006%20copy.jpg

Here you can see one of the trays. I used a belt sander to take 1mm off the sides to make it slide in to the rails nicely.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200007%20copy.jpg

I then glued the back on.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200008%20copy.jpg

And the other side glued on!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200009%20copy.jpg

The gap at the back is designed for 2 80mm fans. The bottom one blows cold air onto the bottom 3 drives, the air then goes to the front of the case, goes up the gap inbetween the drives and the front bezel (due to convection currents), and is then exhausted into the main case area to be blown out of the case by the top rad. I'm hoping that having the hot air exhausting out of the top of the drive bay will stop air circulating (convection currents should make the hot air rise up out of the case instead of cycling back into the bottom fan).

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200010%20copy.jpg

The trays pictured here are meant for 3.5" hard drives.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200011%20copy.jpg

I need to make a couple for 2.5" drives.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200012%20copy.jpg

Two fan grills on the front.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200013%20copy.jpg

I then took it home and put it in the TJ07!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200014%20copy.jpg

The holes lined up perfectly with the 5.25" mounting holes. Was very lucky on that one!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200015%20copy.jpg

I managed to squeeze 5 drive lots into the space, meaning i can have a triple-HDD RAID5 setup, an SSD boot disk and then a spare slot to stick in a hard drive if i need to get data off for someone.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%203/11-03-2010%200016%20copy.jpg

The drive bay is pretty much finished now.


I would also like to announce another partner, EK Waterblocks!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/EK-Logo1.jpg

They will be sending me a few of their awesome waterblocks and watercooling accessories! Thanks Eddy!

[diluzio91]

buttons on a mother board??? mind = blown.

i love this so far, put me down for a subscription!

[oliverw92]

Haha it's becoming quite common now. Asus was one of the first with the Rampage II Extreme.

Thanks :)

[oliverw92]

Update #4 - 20/03/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%201%20copy.jpg

Grabbed a line jig and a tungsten carbide cutter to have a go at the top radiator cut.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%202%20copy.jpg

Marked out with a template.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%203%20copy.jpg

Fitted the line jig to the dremel.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%204%20copy.jpg

Started cutting, but then my Dremel died. Must be faulty, I've only had it 2 weeks! A replacement is being sorted at the moment.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%205%20copy.jpg

My wc'ing stuff from EK Waterblocks arrived! Massive thanks to Eddy, him and his company are absolutely incredible!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%207%20copy.jpg

Quad rad for the bottom - thing is huge! I've never owned a rad bigger than a single before.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%208%20copy.jpg

I'm starting to learn my softbox/lighting setup quite well now.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%206%20copy.jpg

CPU block - I really like the boxes, much nicer than the plain brown boxes you get with other watercooling stuff.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%209%20copy.jpg

Got the white acetal top to go on it to match the rest of the build. White acetal is my new favourite material!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2010%20copy.jpg

The hold down plate is finished in a textured black powdercoat.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2011%20copy.jpg

Perfect mirror finish base. Was surprised how perfect it was!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2012%20copy.jpg

Two Laing DDC 10W pumps. I personally don't like the high pitched noise from the 18W version (if you can't hear it, you are old!) so I got two 10W to make up for the power loss! However they look a little dull...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2013%20copy.jpg

So some more of my new favourite material to join them together! This is a dual DDC pump top.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2014%20copy.jpg

The construction is quite interesting - it is made of two sheets of acetal which are then bonded together - how i don't quite know, i imagine by some kind of electro-welding process. If you stick a light behind the block of acetal, you see there are actually o-rings embedded inside the acetal. Neat engineering!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2015%20copy.jpg

Fitted to the pumps. Inlet is in the top, outlet at the side.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2016%20copy.jpg

Will be interesting to see how much pressure this thing generates. Custom tops normally increase the flow rate and head a lot. The one thing the DDC lacks on behind the D5 is the flow rate, so I'm hoping that this top will help with that.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2017%20copy.jpg

Let me introduce the twins!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2018%20copy.jpg

Nickel plated fullcover 5850 waterblocks with white acetal tops. I actually just sat and stared at them for a couple of minutes when i first opened the box!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2019%20copy.jpg

White acetal is pretty dam hard to photograph.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2020%20copy.jpg

The red stickers you see on all the blocks are warranty stickers, so I won't be removing them yet. I may try and sneakily move them to somewhere that won't be seen.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2021%20copy.jpg

Like the CPU block, mirror finish on the base.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2022%20copy.jpg

Dunno what to say really! They talk for themselves.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2023%20copy.jpg

These are RAM backplates designed to help cool off the ram on the top side of the card. They also look ridiculously awesome!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2024%20copy.jpg

There were issues with the first version of this, they did not fit the 5850 properly. This has been fixed though.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2025%20copy.jpg

Om nom nom

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2026%20copy.jpg

I need to finally decide on my fittings soon. After getting all this nickel goodness, it is tempting to go with silver shining bitspower instead of matt black. Decisions decisions...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2027%20copy.jpg

Nickel orgy!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%204/20-03-10%2028%20copy.jpg

Fav picture of the lot!

A massive thanks to EK!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/EK-Logo1.jpg


I would also like to introduce two new partners:

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/mips_logo_01.png

MIPs Waterblocks are sending me one of their RAM Cooler 6 memory waterblocks.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Enermax%20Logo.jpg

Enermax have been incredibly generous, and are sending me a Revolution85+ 850w PSU and a load of Enermax Cluster fans!

[raistnox]

good luck keeping all that white clean I did my mouse and keyboard in white and blue and so far have had to strip tha mouse my hand was causing the white to discolor from sweat kinda gross but thats life.

[oliverw92]

My current pc minime is white, it is actually so much easier than black in my opinion.

[oliverw92]

Update #5 - 27/03/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Enermax Revolution PSU arrived! Nice fit inside the case, lines up perfectly with my cable management gap.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%202%20copy.jpg

I need to make a new PSU bracket to get rid of the horrible square holes and also flip the PSU.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%204%20copy.jpg

Radiator in place.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%205%20copy.jpg

This will be mounted on a quad rad stand.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%206%20copy.jpg

I've realised i now have space for push pull on the quad rad, which will be quite nice!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%207%20copy.jpg

This is how the pump will be mounted. This is all that will be in the bottom compartment - anything else will end up making it cluttered, which is what i want to avoid.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%208%20copy.jpg

There will be a tube going up from the top of the pump to the reservoir in and, one going to the rad from the pump then one from the rad up to the GPUs.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%209%20copy.jpg

I should be able to get some attractive loop designs into here.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

A load of Enermax Clusters! 9x 120mm, 2x 80mm.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

The silver rings will be powdercoated like i did for MiniMe. I am not sure whether to go for white or black for them, opinions?

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

Don't have enough fans now, i need two more to do push pull on the quad rad.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Here is the PSU box. It is pretty big!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

The texture of the casing is really nice. It is pretty resistant to impact too.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

There is also a big enough gap around the area where the permanent cables come out to get sleeving in, unlike alot of PSUs such as the Corsair ones.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

Nice simple design for the back. Hoping the LED isn't a silly colour!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

I may paint the red grill white. Will find out if that voids the warranty first though.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Nice texture.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%205/26-03-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

And that's it for this update!

Currently getting the mobo blocks sorted out. My RAM block is having a custom white top made for it which should be here soon too!

Big thanks to Enermax:

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Enermax%20Logo.jpg

[SXRguyinMA]

nice!

one thing though...you need to put fewer pictures per post lol. Its only page 1 and theres well over 100 pics, it took a few mins to load them all

[mDust]

nice!

one thing though...you need to put fewer pictures per post lol. Its only page 1 and theres well over 100 pics, it took a few mins to load them all

Nooooooo! Don't listen to that! He actually meant to say to keep the beautiful pics coming! He'll wait. We all will if need be.:)

[msmrx57]

I believe what SXR meant was instead of one large post with lots of pics, make 2 or 3 posts so there are fewer pics on each page. That said this looks great. :up:

[mDust]

I believe what SXR meant was instead of one large post with lots of pics, make 2 or 3 posts so there are fewer pics on each page. That said this looks great. :up:
I would argue that the problem isn't with the OP, it's with the lack of comments between the updates. If more members were posting drool-slathered comments then some of these 'pic posts' would have been on another page. No matter what though, the build quality on this project looks sweet so far, so it's worth the wait...slow load times or no. Sorry, SXR but sometimes good things take time.:D

[oliverw92]

I would argue that the problem isn't with the OP, it's with the lack of comments between the updates. If more members were posting drool-slathered comments then some of these 'pic posts' would have been on another page. No matter what though, the build quality on this project looks sweet so far, so it's worth the wait...slow load times or no. Sorry, SXR but sometimes good things take time.:D

I didn't really want to say it myself, but you have a point :p It isn't such an issue on other forums, since there is only ever one update per page.

Thanks for the comments guys :)

[oliverw92]

Update #6 - 29/03/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%201%20copy.jpg

A few people wanted pics of the motherboard blocks. These were custom made for the previous owner by Duniek. The copper has tarnished since then and the acrylic is a bit scratched and dirty.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%202%20copy.jpg

They really don't suite the look of the build as is, so I am going to have some white tops made and get the copper cleaned up and nickel plated.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Copper could do with a polish!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%204%20copy.jpg

This MOSFET block is genius engineering - Duniek is an absolute god at making waterblocks!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%205%20copy.jpg

The block has to clear some chokes, which is why the acrylic is so complex in design.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%206%20copy.jpg

YOu can see the cut out for the chokes.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%207%20copy.jpg

This is the big SB block.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Again, could do with some cleaning.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%206/29-03-2010%209%20copy.jpg

And the NB block - I think Duniek has a generic design for this, since the copper part is identical to the copper part on my Zotac 9300-itx block, also by him.

[diluzio91]

Im liking the blocks... As for cleaning up the copper... I would recommend Katsup (Catsup) However you want to spell it... Works wonders on dingy copper due to the Slight acidity. Keep up the worklogs, and keep up the pix! I HAS T1 OM NOM NOM...

[SXRguyinMA]

lookin good!

[mDust]

I'm a bit confused by the long bolt/nuts on the bottom of the SB block...how does that all work? It must be a helluva tall SB chip.

I just love these work-logs with good photography. Sometimes I have nightmares that projects such as R e f l e x i o n were shot with camera phones in a dimly lit basement. I wake up in a cold sweat, screaming.:D

[Trace]

Nice blocks!

[oliverw92]

Im liking the blocks... As for cleaning up the copper... I would recommend Katsup (Catsup) However you want to spell it... Works wonders on dingy copper due to the Slight acidity. Keep up the worklogs, and keep up the pix! I HAS T1 OM NOM NOM...

Yeah ketchup works, so does a lime bath. I'm hoping the nickel platers will do that for me though :p


lookin good!

Thanks :)


I'm a bit confused by the long bolt/nuts on the bottom of the SB block...how does that all work? It must be a helluva tall SB chip.

I just love these work-logs with good photography. Sometimes I have nightmares that projects such as R e f l e x i o n were shot with camera phones in a dimly lit basement. I wake up in a cold sweat, screaming.:D

They aren't that long really. The ICH10R is a chip mounted on its own small pcb which is then soldered to the main motherboard, so after you go through that thickness and the motherboard thickness the bolts are just about right.

Thanks :) I like taking good photos, makes it all worthwhile!


Nice blocks!

Thanks :)

[oliverw92]

Update #7 - 2/04/2010

Happy easter guys! This is the last update for just over a week, i am going away for a bit.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%201%20copy.jpg

CNC laminate cutter. This thing can cut anything from card to vinyl to thin wood laminate. It can make boxes too :p

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Here it is loaded with white a3 gloss adhesive vinyl.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%203%20copy.jpg

This is the cutter. It is a tiny blade embedded in that black casing. You can turn the top to extend or retract the blade. For this vinyl i had it out 0.3mm.

YouTube- CNC Laminate Cutter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2IQmZJe_ws)

Here is a youtube video of the cutting process. After drawing the design in 2D Design, you then output it to the cutter and it does its stuff!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%204%20copy.jpg

You then end up with this. Here i removed the excess vinyl from around my shape so all that is left is the cut-out on its backing paper.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%205%20copy.jpg

This is a roll of low-tack transfer vinyl. You stick this ontop of the white vinyl and rub it on. You can then peel off the backing paper...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%206%20copy.jpg

... leaving you with this.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Here is a sheet of 5mm clear acrylic that i laser cut to the same size as the sticker i just made.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Then carefully place the vinyl + low tack transfer vinyl onto the acrylic and rub it on with something hard.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%209%20copy.jpg

After that, peel off the transfer vinyl and you are left with this!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%207/2-04-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Any guess as to what it is?

[SXRguyinMA]

OOO I know! its a peice of plexi with a vinyl sticky on it!!! what do I win? :D

[oliverw92]

Haha :p You win the 'special' prize :D

[artoodeeto]

I think it's a white version of one of those tablets that those monks in Monty Python were whacking themselves on the head with. :P do I getta win something too? pick me pick me!

PS -- I want a laser cutter and that CNC cutter...jealous....

[diluzio91]

im guessing that its a cover for the hdd rack?

[oliverw92]

I think it's a white version of one of those tablets that those monks in Monty Python were whacking themselves on the head with. :P do I getta win something too? pick me pick me!

PS -- I want a laser cutter and that CNC cutter...jealous....

LOL i <3 monty python! You win.... a shrubbery!


im guessing that its a cover for the hdd rack?

Nope :)

[artoodeeto]

LOL i <3 monty python! You win.... a shrubbery!
WOOT!! :D
in all seriousness, it looks like the divider between the video cards and lower part of the case, yes?

[mDust]

WOOT!! :D

Whoa! Whoa! You didn't win yet! To get the shrubbery, you must first cut down the mightiest tree in the forest... with... a herring!

[Waynio]

^ :D

--

:) That 1st case almost looks Camoflaged with the leafy background, nice picture.

Project MiniMe looks very nice.

Those renders must have taken a long time to do in such high quality, looks quite photo realistic, I just settle for rough & basic but completely accurate, awesomely modelled though, I used to overlook accurate model making until recently, it really does make making a project much easier when you know the correct measurements :up:.

Got some wicked sponsers too, nice one :), I should pester some companies I like :D, I just can't even imagine what it's like getting nice gear for featuring it in a worklog, must be sweet, I guess high quality renders help when contacting a company :).

Nice mod 8).

Subbed +rep

[Trace]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/slaveofconvention/banners/features/modfeaturefocus/congratulations5.png

Read the full story here. (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=node/481)

[oliverw92]

WOOT!! :D
in all seriousness, it looks like the divider between the video cards and lower part of the case, yes?

Yup :D You are right. It does something apart from divide though :alien:


Whoa! Whoa! You didn't win yet! To get the shrubbery, you must first cut down the mightiest tree in the forest... with... a herring!

:D


^ :D

--

:) That 1st case almost looks Camoflaged with the leafy background, nice picture.

Project MiniMe looks very nice.

Those renders must have taken a long time to do in such high quality, looks quite photo realistic, I just settle for rough & basic but completely accurate, awesomely modelled though, I used to overlook accurate model making until recently, it really does make making a project much easier when you know the correct measurements :up:.

Got some wicked sponsers too, nice one :), I should pester some companies I like :D, I just can't even imagine what it's like getting nice gear for featuring it in a worklog, must be sweet, I guess high quality renders help when contacting a company :).

Nice mod 8).

Subbed +rep

Thanks, thats my back garden :p

The renders took ages yeah, but it is so worth it. I talk alot about it here: http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=node/481

Thanks, it is always useful to have sponsors! You are right, you need to show the sponsors that you can do what you say you are going to do and that they are going to get some kind of return from it. I talk about it in that article above too.


http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/slaveofconvention/banners/features/modfeaturefocus/congratulations5.png

Read the full story here. (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=node/481)

Thanks Trace :D

[Trace]

Yup I emailed your sponsors about the article too.

[oliverw92]

Oh thats great thanks :)

[Trace]

Of course

[Waynio]

By the way I just read the interview & seen your only 17 & modding like a pro :), impressive, way to go dude :), I was making electronic music at that age on my amiga almost got to a point where I was ready for releasing some polished tracks lol, designing objects without having to use supplies back then never crossed my mind as it did with some of the greats, pc's have come a long way since then opening so many new possibilitys & it's great to see young people embracing it so well, it's just fantastic that renders like that can be made with free apps.

I'll have to take a long look at Kerkythea when I get around to doing my next mod, yours & many others I have seen produce a very nice looking finish for models.

----
Dremel rant, ignore if you want, just covering what I like & dislike about dremels lol :D
Recently I have a love hate relationship with doing dremel work, I like doing everything by hand but it has it's bad points.
The only thing that is putting me off doing dremel work now is the metal dust it generates, it's horrible & gets everywhere, when doing detail cuts I get up pretty close to it so some gets breathed in, cheap respirators make the safety glasses steam up making me blind lol so if anything makes me turn to cnc it would be that, I'll have to get around to buying a good full face respirator if I don't turn to cnc, all that dust can't be good for health, I'm at a point now where I'd rather make a big enough hole in a panel & do the rest with saws & files, not to mention how easily dremels overheat & die & the fiddling with changing discs.
Just so you know I am really coming around to cnc being a very sensible option for perfect design execution & health reasons.
End of dremel rant :D.
----

Keep it up bud & all the best with getting into uni :):up:, now I'm off the do some more on my mod :).

[x88x]

Finally got around to reading through this, and I gotta say I am quite impressed; keep up the good work!

[oliverw92]

By the way I just read the interview & seen your only 17 & modding like a pro :), impressive, way to go dude :), I was making electronic music at that age on my amiga almost got to a point where I was ready for releasing some polished tracks lol, designing objects without having to use supplies back then never crossed my mind as it did with some of the greats, pc's have come a long way since then opening so many new possibilitys & it's great to see young people embracing it so well, it's just fantastic that renders like that can be made with free apps.

I'll have to take a long look at Kerkythea when I get around to doing my next mod, yours & many others I have seen produce a very nice looking finish for models.

----
Dremel rant, ignore if you want, just covering what I like & dislike about dremels lol :D
Recently I have a love hate relationship with doing dremel work, I like doing everything by hand but it has it's bad points.
The only thing that is putting me off doing dremel work now is the metal dust it generates, it's horrible & gets everywhere, when doing detail cuts I get up pretty close to it so some gets breathed in, cheap respirators make the safety glasses steam up making me blind lol so if anything makes me turn to cnc it would be that, I'll have to get around to buying a good full face respirator if I don't turn to cnc, all that dust can't be good for health, I'm at a point now where I'd rather make a big enough hole in a panel & do the rest with saws & files, not to mention how easily dremels overheat & die & the fiddling with changing discs.
Just so you know I am really coming around to cnc being a very sensible option for perfect design execution & health reasons.
End of dremel rant :D.
----

Keep it up bud & all the best with getting into uni :):up:, now I'm off the do some more on my mod :).

Thanks! Yeah I have always liked making things, my granddad was an electrical engineer - he invented the air knife that is the technology behind the Dyson AirBlade, except his air knife could cut through sheet metal :p He didn't patent it though, and Dyson nabbed the idea :(

Kerkythea is excellent. The learning curve is a little steep, but it is pretty easy to get used to.

Yeah i am not so keen on my Dremel. You are right about the dust. I marvel at people like Syrillian who make entire PC cases using dremels. The rest of the cuts in POLARity are going to be mainly done with holesaws and a jigsaw (mainly because i still havn't got my Dremel back!).

Thanks :) You should really try CNC by the way. I think i know you from a thread on Bit-Tech where you had a rant at someone's CNC project. I personally think if you have the tools available to you, it would be silly not to use them. I'm sure alot of people could achieve the same result as a CNC mill if they put a massive amount of time into each individual piece - see oldnewby's new project on Bit-Tech - but if you have a CNC mill, why not use it :)


Finally got around to reading through this, and I gotta say I am quite impressed; keep up the good work!

Thanks!

[oliverw92]

Update #8 - 13/04/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Bring on the ultimate in modder's fashion, the make-you-look-totally-badass MNPCTech Safety Goggles!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%201%20copy.jpg

These things were annoying me.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%203%20copy.jpg

So i cut them off.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%204%20copy.jpg

My rad stand arrived from WCUK. Test position in the case.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Bought some blue masking tape and taped off the motherboard.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Taped off the floor of the TJ07. Then i taped my table. And my tv. And my dog. I love blue tape :D

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Put the rad on the stand to get the positioning right so it doesn't hit the ends.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Changed the rad for some fans to get the spacing in the other direction.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Used a sharpie to mark the holes.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Removed the midplate to get access with the drill for the holes. One thing i love about the TJ07 is the lack of rivets. It means i can take the case apart to separate pieces in about 5 minutes.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Used this spring-loaded punch to make a locator for the drill bit.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

I also took the feet off in preparation for the new ones and also so i didn't drill into them when making holes in the case.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

After drilling the holes for the stand I tapped the holes for the feet to m4.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

Lovely MNPCTech feet! Thanks Bill!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

The anodizing is amazing. Suites the build right down to the ground (pun intended!)

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

Countersunk the holes for the rad stand.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

Looks lovely!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Rad stand fitted.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

Reassembled the case.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

Got the motherboard to mark out where i need holes in the mobo tray.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

Finished marking up, then it got dark so i packed away.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

Just time to show off the MNPCTech rad grill though! This thing is so cool! The insides of grills rotate to whatever direction you want.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%208/13-04-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

Final shot.


I am pleased to announce two new sponsors, Earlsmann and Caseking.de! Earlsmann have sent me an EL panel to use in the project. This is a thin sheet (as thin as a piece of paper) that lights up evenly and gentle. You can see more here: http://www.earlsmann.co.uk/sections/product/id/10

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/earlsmann.png

CaseKing are sending me a Black Ice GTS 360 radiator and some white tubing. http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog/

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/caseking.468x60.blue.jpg


Another update tomorrow!

[msmrx57]

Congrats on the new sponsors! :up: Looks like you made some good progress.

[oliverw92]

Thanks :) Surveyor is coming round today to do the survey for the people buying our house. After that, i'ma firin up mah jig saw!

[IgorDJ]

amazing work, this gave me the inspiration to actually start my project this summer.
Just looking for a case to work with.

[diluzio91]

amazing work, this gave me the inspiration to actually start my project this summer.
Just looking for a case to work with.

Horray! converting modders already! thats awesome. you should ask for ideas in the idea section! lol... i find these guys helpful all the time

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have been following this mod over at Bit-Tech and just though I would pop into say that you are doing an amazing job so far. Keep it up :D.

[oliverw92]

Thanks guys :) Glad i have inspired!

Update #9 - 15/04/2010

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Here is the MIPS Ram Cooler 6! This is the best waterblock for memory i have seen. It only works with Corsair Dominators, and this is because it attaches on using the holes in the top the dominator heatsinks. MIPS also do a version for other memory brands that requires you to remove the heatsinks.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%202%20copy.jpg

The base is a lovely nickel finish.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%203%20copy.jpg

I love the look that MIPS do with the countersunk screws.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%204%20copy.jpg

MIPS are currently machining some white tops to match the build better, although the black tops look pretty awesome anyway!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Unlike most other RAM coolers, this one only needs two barbs and you can put any size you want on. It is also pretty easy to add/remove RAM.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Here we have the MNPCTech Proline 360 Rad grill. This thing is an engineering masterpiece! The middle parts of the grill rotate to any direction you want.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%207%20copy.jpg

The tolerances are so perfect on the machining that the only finish you can do on them is anodizing.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Now i have the rad grill i can finally get the holes done for the top radiator.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Can't decide if i like them diagonal or vertical!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Lovely!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Here are the rings removed.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

MNPCTech Dremel Wheels! Not that useful until my Dremel comes back though! I suppose i could put them in my battery drill or something.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Bad-ass modding glasses from MNPCTech. Keep your eyes clean whilst looking totally awwwsome!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

Everyone needs some.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

Couple of bits from Caseking.de arrived! Thanks to Oliver from there (the best name!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

Two packs of Feser 1/2" ID 3/4" OD white gloss tubing.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

Looks nice against the brushed aluminium!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Black Ice Stealth 360 rad for the top of the TJ07

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

Rads are so fun to photograph!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

There is a much higher fin density on this than the EK rad, yet they perform pretty much the same.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

In many ways i prefer the satin finish on the EK rads, but they aren't as fun to photograph!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

And now my piece de resistance (or however you say it!). This is an ElectroLuminescent panel from Earslmann. It is as thin as a laminated piece of paper!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

This is an A3 panel, they do bigger ones though and smaller too.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

Connect up to an inverter...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

Light! It is quite a cold blue white, this can be solved with a screen over the top (hence the acrylic floor with the laminate on)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2026%20copy.jpg

You can also cut these panels, even make holes in them!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%209/15-04-2010%2027%20copy.jpg

And they are also flexible!

I owe this idea to Skorchio and his TJ07 build. He was the genius who thought of using these in PC floors! You can find his build here: http://forum.watercoolinguk.co.uk/showthread.php?t=11346

I would like to thank the sponsors of this update:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/caseking.468x60.blue.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/mnpctech-1.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/earlsmann.png


and also announce my final sponsor, Bitspower!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/POLARity/bp0001.jpg

They are sending me a load of matt black fittings for use in the build. Can't wait to get them!

[x88x]

Yay, new parts! :D I love the EL panel.. that's gonna make for an interesting effect.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I really do love those RAM coolers, very clean and effective. That EL panel has me intrigued.

[Couch3ater]

Where on Earth did you find that EL panel. Do want. O.o

[diluzio91]

seconded!

[oliverw92]

Yay, new parts! :D I love the EL panel.. that's gonna make for an interesting effect.

Thanks :)


I really do love those RAM coolers, very clean and effective. That EL panel has me intrigued.

Yeah, MIPs came up with a genius design there!


Where on Earth did you find that EL panel. Do want. O.o


seconded!

http://www.earlsmann.co.uk/sections/product/id/10

[oliverw92]

Update #10 - 17/04/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Taped off the top of the case.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Used a Sharpie and the rad grill to do a few markings out.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Blue tape is so amazing that it is also the perfect size for fan holes! Until you use it all up that is...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%204%20copy.jpg

Drilled holes and did a quick test fit.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Got the jigsaw out and did some cuts. Not bad for my first jigsaw cut on aluminium! The material is 5mm thick, so it took a while.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Just needs some cleaning up.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Did the other bit at the back.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%208%20copy.jpg

So much vibration, the hard drive fell out!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%209%20copy.jpg

And after cleaning up.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Just needs a light sand with some wet and dry and it will be perfect!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Not too bad! On the bottom right you can see where my dremel broke and ate the top of the tj07. Luckily this is hidden!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

Test fit with the rad.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Looking good!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

Got about 2mm between the back of the rad and the back of the case!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

Awesome MNPCTech rad grill

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2010/17-04-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

Clearance between the motherboard i/o and the fans on the rad is going to be miniscule!



More soon. I just ordered some acrylic to remake the floor and to make a new window. Also sent off some files to be laser cut for something. Part of this isn't in the original design, i had a brain wave the other day and i think it will look quite good!

[Couch3ater]

Let's hope everything fits in there. =X Tubing in this beast should be pretty intricate. Can't wait to see if. =D

[oliverw92]

Yeah haha i can't wait for the tubing :) Thanks!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Very nice work on the top fan grill, very clean mounting. I can't wait to see how you get the plumbing done.

[oliverw92]

Thanks!

Update #11 - 19/04/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Here is the MIPs RAM Cooler that I have shown before.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Take off the black acetal tops and we are left with this. It is a very clever design made up of 4 bits. The metal plate is very simple, whilst the intricate machining is all in the acetal.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%203%20copy.jpg

These arrived today! MIPs offered to make me some custom white tops. This is, as far as i know, the only set in the world!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%204%20copy.jpg

It is a pretty dam cool design!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%205%20copy.jpg

The acetal walls are very thing - less than 1mm.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Little bit of deburring needed on the threads.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%207%20copy.jpg

They have made the insides just as attractive as the outside!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Here is the largest acetal part installed.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Only thing i'm wondering is, why couldn't it be made out of a single block of acetal?

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Now i just need some RAM for it!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2011/19-04-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Can't wait to get it installed :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

It looks even better in white :D.

[x88x]

This is, as far as i know, the only set in the world!

There seems to be a lot of that going around in there. ;)

They look sweet. Personally I prefer the look of the black acetal, but I have to admit..the white is growing on me.

I would guess that it's cheaper to make it out of three pieces both because there's less waste material and they can use thinner raw sheets.

[oliverw92]

It looks even better in white :D.

Yup!


There seems to be a lot of that going around in there. ;)

They look sweet. Personally I prefer the look of the black acetal, but I have to admit..the white is growing on me.

I would guess that it's cheaper to make it out of three pieces both because there's less waste material and they can use thinner raw sheets.

Yeah i wasn't sure about the white at first, but now it is perfect i think!

Yeah lots of people have said the same thing about the machining.


Update #12 - 21/04/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Some acrylic arrived so I started working on the side window. I'm not a huge fan of the stock one - how it sits infront of the opening. So I laser cut a large ring and a middle bit.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%202%20copy.jpg

A hint on what is happening - the middle bit sits lower than the ring inside the opening.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%203%20copy.jpg

After I glued the ring to the middle bit, I ended up with this.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%204%20copy.jpg

The middle is about 2mm higher than the outer ring.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Then when you flip it over, you get this! The window is perfectly level with the face of the side panel.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Was a bit of a gamble as to whether my hurried measurements of the window opening would be correct when it came to laser cutting. Fortunately this time i was lucky!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Very pleased with the look!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%208%20copy.jpg

I then used a sharpie to mark out the holes for mounting it.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%209%20copy.jpg

And with the plastic removed!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

VERY pleased with the look!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

You may notice a few screws missing in the corner. I managed to make the ring slightly too small so there is no acrylic to screw into under those particular holes. Will have to sort something out.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

You can actually see through it a bit, quite hard to photograph though.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

And now here is the new false floor! I finally perfected my laminate application technique. I got a large piece of acrylic rod and put a strip of double sided tape on it. Then i got the laminate still with its backing on and rolled it onto the rod, sticking it on with the good side touching the double sided tape. I then stuck the acrylic sheet to the table. Then i peeled the beginning of the backing paper off and stuck the end of laminate to the table just infront of the piece of acrylic. Finally, i rolled the rod down the acrylic sheet pushing down hard and pulling the paper off as it moved forward. No bubbles!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

I like how it is at the same height as the window.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2012/21-04-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

And finally a little sneak peak of the illuminated floor! It looks quite dim there due to the smoked acrylic window. I'm not entirely pleased with the floor at the moment. It needs some work. The light is slightly pinky when i put the acrylic over it for some reason. I have a couple of ideas though so bear with me

[x88x]

Very nice work, I love the window. I don't think I've seen that technique used before. +rep

[Trace]

Looks good dude!

[Waynio]

Nice flush fit window oliver, looks great :), the joys of precision laser 8).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Very awesome window my friend, looks great.

[oliverw92]

Very nice work, I love the window. I don't think I've seen that technique used before. +rep

Thanks! I kinda adapted a technique by some on OCN. He got a large panel and routed the outside down 2mm. This took him ages though and he didn't have a laser :p


Looks good dude!

Thanks Trace!


Nice flush fit window oliver, looks great :), the joys of precision laser 8).

:santa:


Very awesome window my friend, looks great.

Thanks bud :banana:

[oliverw92]

Update #13 - 6/05/2010

Sorry for the lack of updates! I have been extremely busy with other stuffs :)

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Something very special arrived from the states!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%202%20copy.jpg

This is an IandH StealthRes. It is like a deluxe version of the EK Multioption.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%203%20copy.jpg

The main difference is that you can't see the screw thread of the tube/end caps unlike the EK one. This also means that you can fill it up past the top of the clear tube, meaning you don't see the waterline.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%205%20copy.jpg

These are the clamps. Powdercoated metal with a rubber coating on the jaws.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%206%20copy.jpg

The jaws are spring loaded to hold the tube in place.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%207%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Where did they come from...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Everyone should know what this means! Its MDPC-butter-jelly-time :D

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

I've gone for black sleeve, white heatshrink.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

40m of the stuff.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

Yeah the quality doesn't need explaining!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Om nom nom nom nom!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

Once upon a time in Bitspower Land, an army of evil compressions was forming!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

One day they ganged up on two helpless passthrough fittings, demanding them to reveal the secret of how to get 'Bitspower' written on you!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

Suddenly, the Bitspower Monster burst out and came to save the passthrough fittings!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

The compressions were terrified and fell over!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

'Fear the almighty Bitspower Dragon!'

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

Up it reared on its hind legs...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

And with that the compression fittings ran away for their lives!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

The two passthroughs lived happily ever after and went on to have lots of little babies.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

However what of the dragon. It grew and grew until it was huge!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

It got so big, that it turned evil, and the compressions came back to save the day!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

They circled the dragon, attacking from all sides with stop fittings...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2013/06-05-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

Until finally, the dragon was slain!

The end.


P.S. Thanks Bitspower :p

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/bp0001.jpg

[x88x]

Hahahahaha, awesome story.. Oh, and the parts are great too. :D

[StormRider]

lol, that story really made my day

[The boy 4rm oz]

So many fittings lol. I love your bitspower fitting monster, and the res. I really like the idea of being able to fill up past the plexi.

[Couch3ater]

LOL, <3 The Bitspower dragon. If someone had the ability to work that into a build, I would worship them. Who cares about functionality? You got a dragon in your loop FFS.

[billygoat333]

awesome story! I lol'ed.

[oliverw92]

Thanks for the support guys, it really keeps me going :)

[thephreak99]

I'm just drooling... Nice work! :)

[oliverw92]

Update #14 - 24/05/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Got a new toy - Canon EFS 60mm f2.8 Macro!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%202%20copy.jpg

I remade all the hard drive trays - I wasn't happy with the original design and I also realised there would be masses of vibration.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%203%20copy.jpg

To solve the vibration issues all the holes have rubber grommets in them (this also elevates the hard drives meaning they don't actually rest on the acrylic at all and the screws that go into them don't touch the acrylic either). I have also lined the edges of the base of the plates with neoprene. This creates a tight friction fit between the rails and the tray.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%204%20copy.jpg

I'm hoping this should be enough!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Here is a 2.5" drive mounted on one of the trays.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%206%20copy.jpg

The drive doesn't actually make direct contact with the acrylic.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%207%20copy.jpg

And with a full size drive on.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Quick test fit - these are all just test drives so i can check dimensions etc.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%209%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Bought an SSD second hand a few weeks back. It died unfortunately so i sent it off for an RMA, got a brand new one back!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

It's a Corsair Extreme 64GB (Indilinx Controller)

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Tightening it onto a drive tray

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

Got some laser cutting by a friend. This is a plate i have had done to tidy up cable management and also mount the res on.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

The use of these holes will all become clear!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

Still got to cut out some holes in the mobo tray - the new Dremel I got back from repair was dead on arrival!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

Pretty tight fit with the hard drive bays!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

And with the res installed.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

Should be getting some white tops for the res at some point.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

Here is the plate behind the motherboard tray.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

Hmmm why am I installing the CD drive...

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2026%20copy.jpg

Oh yeah that's why! This is my custom faceplate that stealths an FC5 and a CD Drive.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2027%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2028%20copy.jpg

This tab is the button for the CD drive - inspiration taken from MurderMod.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2014/24-05-2010%2029%20copy.jpg

Here is the blank installed over the CD drive.



And to fill the gap for the fan controller, Lamptron have joined the project! They are sending me V2 of their FC5 fan controller, which fixes the viewing angle issues of the first version.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/lamptron.jpg

[x88x]

Nice, I love that front panel! Also, I sense single-wire-sleeved cables in POLARity's future. ;) I love the look of those.

[diluzio91]

Love the way you are going about routing that 24 pin cable... gonna look sharrrp

[The boy 4rm oz]

Excellent work on with the HDD brackets. I have been looking for a nice way to mount mine in an upcoming mod and I think I have found some inspiration :D. I also like your res holder/ cable management panel, nice idea. The front is looking really good, I can't wait to see it with the fan controller installed.

[oliverw92]

Nice, I love that front panel! Also, I sense single-wire-sleeved cables in POLARity's future. ;) I love the look of those.

Yeah i do too, gonna take loooong to sleeve it though!


Love the way you are going about routing that 24 pin cable... gonna look sharrrp

Thanks :)


Excellent work on with the HDD brackets. I have been looking for a nice way to mount mine in an upcoming mod and I think I have found some inspiration :D. I also like your res holder/ cable management panel, nice idea. The front is looking really good, I can't wait to see it with the fan controller installed.

Thanks oz :banana:

[oliverw92]

Update #15 - 06/06/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Decided to take some overall pics of the case to give you a general idea of what stage the PC is at. I have also now finished up the motherboard tray except for one more hole, and I realised today one of my cuts is SO not straight.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%202%20copy.jpg

My new lens makes the TJ07 look soooo sweet

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%203%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%205%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%206%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%207%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%208%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%209%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2015/06-06-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

That's all folks!

[x88x]

Heheh, the compression fittings look so out of place on those angle fittings...they're just so much bigger. :P

Great work so far. Are you going to be leaving all the aluminum raw or will you be painting or anodizing it or something?

[oliverw92]

All the externals will get a gloss white powdercoat, the internals are getting a Harley Black Peal powdercoat: http://www.powderbuythepoundwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=46_34&products_id=1945

[StormRider]

looking good so far!

[The boy 4rm oz]

I think it's looking fantastic :D.

[oliverw92]

Ta :)

Update #15 - 06/06/2010

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Time to fix this mistake! This happened when my dremel broke ages ago - the carbide bit grabbed when it died and dragged itself along the top.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Yeah, not pretty!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Bring on the JB Weld.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%205%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%206%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%207%20copy.jpg

At the time of posting this is still has about another 13 hours of curing until I can sand it back down.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Here is a picture from one of the first updates in the log - the custom hard drive bay. I am not happy with that grill on it - too blocky and clumsy.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%209%20copy.jpg

So i dremelled it off and polished all the edges up!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

Cheeky revision break before installing it.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

And a quick check on the JB Weld - it is now touch dry.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

I think this looks much better than before - doesn't break it up too much. I think it will look great with 4 identical Samsung F3's in there and an SSD in the top one.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2016/08-06-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

Now there really won't be any work until the weekend - exam mode!

[x88x]

Nasty scratch you got there...I'm always surprised at how thick the top panel of that case is...

Nice work. I like the new drivecage look much better.

[The boy 4rm oz]

It is looking very nice, I like how you repaired that top scratch. I use something similar to JB Weld but it is a two part metal based putty. It starts to dry in 5mins and is fully hardened in 10hours. It is so strong that you can even tap it.

I have one question, I don't know if you have already said. Where did you get the brackets for the res from? They are much better then the stock plastic ones.

[oliverw92]

Nasty scratch you got there...I'm always surprised at how thick the top panel of that case is...

Nice work. I like the new drivecage look much better.

Yeah it is crazy! So glad i didn't actually go through the top.


It is looking very nice, I like how you repaired that top scratch. I use something similar to JB Weld but it is a two part metal based putty. It starts to dry in 5mins and is fully hardened in 10hours. It is so strong that you can even tap it.

I have one question, I don't know if you have already said. Where did you get the brackets for the res from? They are much better then the stock plastic ones.

I got them with the res, it is an IandH Stealthres. Here in the UK you can buy the clamps separately from WatercoolingUK or in the states from Sidewinders and Petras

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks mate, we have a stockist of WCUK here is Oz so I may be able to get some.

[oliverw92]

Update #17 - 18/06/2010

Ok so some of y'all have been hollerin' to see the results of ma JB Weldin'! Go on then :p

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%201%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%202%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Success me thinks :D

Then i stopped for dinner.

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%205%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%206%20copy.jpg

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%207%20copy.jpg


Some interesting news, there is a new motherboard on the way to take the place of the MSI Eclipse Plus which unfortunately died :( MSI are sending me their new Big Bang XPower motherboard. It should be here in about 2 weeks. Thanks to John who worked hard to source me one of these!

http://www.oliwali.co.uk/WorkLogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2017/17-06-2010%208%20copy.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

I love that pic of the sleeving on the plate, great shot :D. I really like those MSI boards, they suit my next colour scheme perfectly but due to the lack of PCI slots on that board I am forced to look else where.

[StormRider]

I'm not sure if you should be eating that sleeving, but its still cool

[Couch3ater]

Mmmmm, spaghetti. ^^; Oh wait...

[oliverw92]

I love that pic of the sleeving on the plate, great shot :D. I really like those MSI boards, they suit my next colour scheme perfectly but due to the lack of PCI slots on that board I am forced to look else where.

:) Thanks oz


I'm not sure if you should be eating that sleeving, but its still cool

:whistler:


Mmmmm, spaghetti. ^^; Oh wait...

:banana:

[oliverw92]

Some of you might like to know i have released a blog/website, www.oliwali.co.uk. You can sub to the RSS feed there and i can keep y'all up to date on my progress! I am moving next week, the first blog post contains all the details. I also post my random musings on there, such as engraving donuts and how to make unexplainable images explainable :p

[The boy 4rm oz]

I took a look at the blog just then, really like the design, well done :D.

[oliverw92]

Thanks Oz :)

[oliverw92]

Update #18 - 20/07/2010

Well now, it has been rather a while since a proper update. I haven't been slacking, I have had quite a few things on! First things that came up were my A levels. 1 month of pretty bad times. Things went pretty well though, I found out my coursework mark for Design Tech a while back, 92%. That is an A*! Only exam that went badly was maths mechanics module 3. Shouldn't be too much of a problem though.

2 days after my last exam, we decided it would be an AWESOME idea to move house to the cottage we have had for a few years in Devon! This is where it got a bit complicated:

Friday - Last exam then out all night (and morning!) celebrating and trying to forget the last few boring weeks
Saturday - Try and pack up room with a terrible hangover (frequent rests were required!)
Sunday - Help pack up rest of the house (things like hi-fi that my mum can't do)
Monday - Removal guys came and loaded everything on the van. Then once that was done, my mum and my aunt drove of down to Devon to meet the van which was driving down the next day. Things weren't so simple for me, however. I had several music commitments - I was playing bass guitar at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with my Jazz Band on the semi finals day, so i had to be around for that. THen the following week the same Jazz Band was taking part in the finals of the National Music For Youth competition. So i ended up in limbo for 2 weeks, staying with friends and moving from location to location. It was a laugh, but very tiring!

Just over a week ago i finally made it down to Devon to join my mum here:

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Modding could not commence yet, however! I arrived to a bedroom stacked to the ceiling with boxes of stuff (mainly computer components hehe) so the next few days were spent making shelves and hanging my guitars on the wall:

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Weekend just gone, my mum went up north to see the grandparents, so while she was gone i decided to do a nice little surprise for her and did up the room that was to be her art studio:

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%204%20copy.jpg

I made her the massive desk, the large bookshelf on the right wall, and the two CD/DVD shelves on the other wall you can see, all in two days! She is pleased with it though, so it was definitely worth it. I then spent the next day sorting out PC components and getting my backup rig running on my techbench so i could game a bit:

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%203%20copy.jpg



Finally, today, i made it back to modding and got POLARity out for some wonderful wizardy!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Here is the case as I left it last.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%206%20copy.jpg

You may be able to see something new, however!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%207%20copy.jpg

This is my new floor. It is no longer going to illuminated - I could not get it to work perfectly enough for my liking, therefore the EL panel had to go. Murdermod is also having some difficulties at the moment with sourcing their sLights, so that plan is on hold at the moment too.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%208%20copy.jpg

I managed to get into school on the last day and get half an hour with the laser cutter, just enough time to run this off. It was definitely a worthy item to cut as my last ever run on that laser cutter - I am missing it already!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%209%20copy.jpg

The stealthres arrived in one piece too!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Here i drilled 7mm holes in the feet of the acrylic floor, ready to be tapped and screwed onto the TJ07 midplate. You may have noticed that the acrylic had warped slightly - i have no idea why, it was fine when i packed it up in its box ready to go to Devon!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

It was then time to put my fittings in the floor.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

I then used a step bit to widen the hole up slowly.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

I should explain what i am doing here quite clearly - it is a little hard to understand at first! I got the idea for using passthrough fittings in the unusual way i am about to show you from a great modder called Rickflint. He gave me permission to use it, so mad props to him! The photo above shows the base of a BP compression. Outside of the green o-ring there is a thin metal ring. The hole in the floor needs to be larger than this metal ring so that the fitting sits flush with the acrylic.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

Here you can see what i am on about - the ring and the o-ring sit inside the hole. This stops there being any leaks, as you will soon see.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

This is a BP passthrough fitting that I am going to invert and screw in the wrong way round to normal, from the bottom.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

Here you can see what i mean - this is 'underneath' the acrylic, and the fitting has been screwed into the passthrough through the hole, rather than on top. However at the moment the assembly is floppy and wobbled around.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

To solve this, simply tighten down the metal nut on the passthrough fitting against the acrylic.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

And this is what it looks like from the side (i have since placed the green o-ring on the passthrough between the acrylic and the metal nut so that there is less change of the nut coming undone).

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

And from the top you get a lovely clean look with no passthrough showing! Thankyou rickflint for this genius idea!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

If you don't use his clever idea, you end up with what is shown below - the top plate of the passthrough is on top of the acrylic rather than below. Unfortunately, with angled fittings it is not possible to use this trick because there is no metal rim on the base of the fitting to sit in the hole.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

I then drilled the second and last hole in the floor.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

This is what it looks like installed in the case with the res attached. Very nice!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

The one on the left is the 'traditional' way of using passthrough fittings (used here for the 90 degree fitting on top) and the one on the right is rickflint's pirate method!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2026%20copy.jpg

Here the fittings i am most likely going to use underneath the floor. The one of the left goes down to the pump from the res whilst the other goes to the outlet of the quad rad.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2027%20copy.jpg

Upside-down.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2028%20copy.jpg

This is a 16mm white dot illuminated momentary vandal switch i am going to use as a power button. I dislike the stock TJ07 front switch assembly - it is a large green PCB mounted on posts with LEDs and switches on it - not perfect!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2029%20copy.jpg

Here is all the rubbish used for the stock PCB.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2030%20copy.jpg

First i had to widen the hole with my step bit (the whole was ever so slightly too small)

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2031%20copy.jpg

The switch fits and is slightly set back into the aluminium due to the bevel on the hole. Looks much better than stock and is also much nicer to 'push' than the stock one.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2032%20copy.jpg

During this time i also finished working on the base of the case (counter-sinking holes and cleaning up etc)

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2034%20copy.jpg

Filled in the holes on the front with JB weld. I'll leave this to dry for about 14 hours then sand it back down so it is smooth.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2035%20copy.jpg

Now some pictures showing some tubing ideas.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2036%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2037%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2037%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2039%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2018/20-07-2010%2040%20copy.jpg


I hope this update has made up for the past few weeks of nothing. I'll be back soon!

Things to look forward too:

-Wednesday/Thurs: PSU connectors arrive so i can start sleeving
-Friday/monday: MSI Big Bang Xpower arrives!
-Friday/monday: Something very very special and unique should arrive from MDPC!

[x88x]

Impressive stuff. I like that trick with the passthrough fitting; that really does make it look a lot better on the top.

[oliverw92]

Thankyou, i am glad you agree!

[ozzylow]

I have so many new ideas from you, easily one of the nicest builds i have seen. Thank you for posting it up on here.

[oliverw92]

Update #18 - 23/07/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%201%20copy.jpg

I spy with my little eye...


a table!

Ehm i mean a box with MSI on it.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%202%20copy.jpg

More table! Oh wait, Big Bang Xpower!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Inside the packaging are two boxes - one with the board in and one with accessories.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%204%20copy.jpg

I can't fault them for the sheer amount of accesories you get!

- X-Fi Quantum Wave Sound card
- MSI OC Dashboard (overclocking display)
- 2x Xfire bridges, 2x SLI bridges
- Plethora of SATA data/power cables
- A load of USB and eSata backplanes
- Several massive manuals

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Here is the sound card Not sure whether to leave it or powdercoat it white.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%206%20copy.jpg

One of the best bits about this board is the black nickel 1366 socket!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Yes, you counted 6 pci-e x16 slots.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Glad to see they made the SB heatsink bigger - on the pre-release design they had a much smaller one.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%209%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Another pretty cool feature - EZ DIMMS. There are only clips on one side of the DIMM slots, making it easier and quicker to put them in.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

This is the OC Genie button - will have to see how this performs. Most reviews have said it is very good.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Doctor Doctor...

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

As I was playing with the motherboard, DHL turned up with something from China. I wasn't expecting this for quite a while!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

V1 had viewing issues with the LCD screen, V2 has these fixed.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

They also sent me a load of switches for lighting control.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

Hellz yeah! Not bad CAD on my behalf, drawing it perfect without having the thing in front of me!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2026%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2027%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2028%20copy.jpg

Since when was that in there!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2029%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2030%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2031%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2032%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2033%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2034%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2035%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2019/23-07-2010%2036%20copy.jpg


A massive thanks need to go out to John at MSI and Rob and Lamptron - both of them have been amazing

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/lamptron.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/MSI_Corporate_Logo__blue_.png

[x88x]

Mmmmmm...preeeeetttyy.. :D

That's an interesting idea on the RAM slots, and overdue. I don't even know how many times I've had to pull the GPU out of various systems in order to get at the RAM.

[SXRguyinMA]

mmm sexy :D

[oliverw92]

You talking about me or the mod :p (joke lol)


Update #20 - 28/07/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Lots of stuff arrived.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Needed this paint to do the pumps (why, you will find out later on) and a metal piece that can't be powdercoated (it has a magnet glued to it).

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Also got this gun to make my life easier!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%204%20copy.jpg

Ultra-strong velcro in white

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%205%20copy.jpg

£25 of machine screws and a couple of new taps (my old ones are a bit shoddy)

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%206%20copy.jpg

All the screws went in my 3 little compartment boxes that needed topping up.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%207%20copy.jpg

I also finally found the perfect SATA cables - 70cm black right-angle round sata cables.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%208%20copy.jpg

DVD drive came back from RMA

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Oooo whats this box... looks like it is from Germany

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Anyone guessed what it is yet? Lets see...

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Crimping tool. Nice, but not murderMod!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

Nope, it isn't really murderMod.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

These may be fine crimps from Nils, but they aint murderMod!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

These black rivets and extra-large 3:1 heatshrink are also very nice, but they aren't murderMod either!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

Oh, that's murderMod!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

This is one of the last ones Nils has left (there is one other, which is his own). There was a run of 10 of these standard serpentine backplates. They were given to one of the best metal finishers in the world to be brushed and made to look spectacular. Over half of these were powdercoated by their owners, so there are now maybe 4 left in existence that still have this gorgeous finish!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

As a result of this amazing finish, I shall now be changing my plans a little and i will be getting both this, the PSU plate and the cable management plate anodised black!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

And a nice little pic with my MDPC sleeving i got a few months ago.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

Drooling over, here is what i have been doing. I decided to cut the tabs off the two DDCs (they looked fugly with the tabs). However little did i know that they would turn brown after cutting/sanding! So the paint i got is to give these a nice satin black coat.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

I also cut off the RPM cable inside the DDC - i have no need for it.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

Before painting i need to sand them up to 100-grit.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2020/28-07-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

This was at 40 grit. Tomorrow i shall finish sanding the pumps and get the primer coats done :)

[StormRider]

wow, that is one gorgeous backplate

[oliverw92]

Thanks StormRider! Nils did an amazing job on it when he made it a few years ago :)



Update #21 - 28/07/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Here are both pumps sanded to 100grit, ready for some primer!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Scratches look deep but it is actually really smooth - the plastic is very odd to sand.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Here is my hi-tech spray booth! A big cardboard box with a slot cut in the top!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%204%20copy.jpg

The slot in the top allows me to hook the NASA-approved coat hanger wire through the top so I can rotate the parts without touching them. After putting a coat on i can shut the box to stop dust and insects getting in.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Feeling confident after my painting endeavours, I embarked on a daring path of DVD-drive deconstruction.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Only thing left to remove are these gears.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%207%20copy.jpg

This is what i was hunting for - the plastic inner frame. This is a horrible beige that shows on the back of the CD drive, and therefore shows inside the case. It must change colour!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%208%20copy.jpg

In it goes with the pump bodies.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Whilst the primer coats were drying I sanded down the JB weld i used on the LED holes.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Then a package arrived! 100m of 18AWG 2.5mm black PVC wire and 100m of 24AWG black PVC wire. I also bought my new favourite tool ever - an automatic wire stripper with depth stop.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

You slide the piece of red plastic to the length you want to strip, insert the wire, squeeze the trigger and it strips off the PVC to an exact length without damaging or touching the inner metal core at all. Saves so much time!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

I swapped out the Revolution for an OCZ StealthXtreme 500W on my techbench so i could start work on the revo. The Stealth doesn't have enough power connectors for crossfire 5850's so i stuck one in POLARity as a guide for cables etc.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Shiny floor!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

Should be a perfect distance for the 5850 power cables to go from the holes in the motherboard tray.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

After the success of the painting and the CD drive deconstruction, I got way too brave for my own good and started hacking the Enermax Revolution apart! I have decided i want as few permanent cables as possible, so i cut everything off except for the 24pin. Everything else will be modular.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

CPU 8pin cut off

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

And there was carnage upon the battlefield of OakTable!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Heatshrinked the tips of the cables to stop them shorting anything out.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

24 identical lengths of black 18AWG wire with 5mm stripped ends.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

Crimped!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

Om nom nom black cables

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

Then jump about 4 hours and we end up here! I replaced every cable of the 24pin with black ones. I also put a white connector on the end. The cables will be sleeved tomorrow in black with white heatshrink.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

I also replaced the transparent fan inside the PSU with an opaque white one.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

The red fan grill and the logo will be powdercoated either black or white.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2021/28-07-2010%2026%20copy.jpg

I leave you with this :)

[SXRguyinMA]

lookin good!!

[StormRider]

now I know what to do with those cardboard boxes that take up a huge part of the garage. :twisted:
thanks for the inspiration :D
and you're modding a Revolution?!?!:eek: and making carnage at the same time?!?! :eek:x2

[oliverw92]

lookin good!!

Thanks :D


now I know what to do with those cardboard boxes that take up a huge part of the garage. :twisted:
thanks for the inspiration :D
and you're modding a Revolution?!?!:eek: and making carnage at the same time?!?! :eek:x2

The revolution couldn't stay stock :p

[Waynio]

Nice & brave psu modding Oli must be nice to feel confident about doing that :D.

When fully sleeving a psu do you label all the wires so you know where they should go?, I have a spare psu lying around & would like to practice as sleeving amongst other modding traits is something I'm lacking in my builds & would be great to make correct length cables :).

Also what will you do for the cpu 8pin, isn't that needed?, don't think I've seen someone do that before, I look forward to seeing how that turns to a modular cable.

To be honest my warranty is long gone on my psu & have serious excess length cables in the air cubes bottom deck & using braided extensions on top of that :facepalm:, the 24pin only needs to be about 8 inch & is about 40 inch lol good time to start practicing good cable work & sleeving? probably :D, same with the sata power cables I'd like to make custom ones so they don't bulge out the back & instead are streamlined so they are flat.

I like the mini spray boothe idea with the turnable hooks, keep it up bud 8):up:.

[oliverw92]

Nice & brave psu modding Oli must be nice to feel confident about doing that :D.

When fully sleeving a psu do you label all the wires so you know where they should go?, I have a spare psu lying around & would like to practice as sleeving amongst other modding traits is something I'm lacking in my builds & would be great to make correct length cables :).

Also what will you do for the cpu 8pin, isn't that needed?, don't think I've seen someone do that before, I look forward to seeing how that turns to a modular cable.

To be honest my warranty is long gone on my psu & have serious excess length cables in the air cubes bottom deck & using braided extensions on top of that :facepalm:, the 24pin only needs to be about 8 inch & is about 40 inch lol good time to start practicing good cable work & sleeving? probably :D, same with the sata power cables I'd like to make custom ones so they don't bulge out the back & instead are streamlined so they are flat.

I like the mini spray boothe idea with the turnable hooks, keep it up bud 8):up:.

Yes it was very fun cutting cables off the PSU :D I felt naughty!

I am lazy, I can't be bothered labelling cables :p I buy a second connector/plug. Then i remove one pin from the old plug, cut the cable off inside the PSU, solder on a cable that i have pre-made and crimped to the exact length, sleeve it and put it into the new plug in the same position as the old one. I then just repeat that for all the cables. Means there is a very slim chance it can fail. I then test the voltages twice with a multimeter to make sure i got it right.

Definitely have a crack at it - it is rewarding! Just be patient.

I love my spray booth - except if you do a long spray session it starts spraying stinky gas back in your face :p :facepalm:

[oliverw92]

Update #22 - 29/07/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Pumps mounted up after the paint dried overnight.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%202%20copy.jpg

CD drive re-assembled.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Used a multimeter and another PSU to check PSU voltages - I got everything correct thankfully!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%205%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Then a box arrived!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Laz0r bits!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%208%20copy.jpg

This is my new front i/o plate - two switches and a usb port.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%209%20copy.jpg

Need to drill some mounting holes for it and it will be done.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Here is the new pump mounting mechanism!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

Rubber standoffs are used to isolate the pumps from the case.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

These are brackets for mounting the front bezel. The velcro is used so that it is quick and easy to access the hard drives.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

Here are the two drive bay covers.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

The one on the right can only be installed with everything removed from the case - it is a very nice fit, but to look as good as possible it has to be installed early on in build assembly.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2026%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2027%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2028%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2029%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2030%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2031%20copy.jpg

It was then sleeving time and i was presented with a problem! How do you cut 24 bits of heatshrink to exactly the same length - 15mm? Here is my solution!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2032%20copy.jpg

3 pieces of scrap screwed on to an old board. The gap here is 15mm, and the other smaller one is the diameter of MDPC small heatshrink.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2033%20copy.jpg

What you will need: heatshrink and a large very very sharp kitchen knife! (this one is Japanese)

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2034%20copy.jpg

Slide the heatshrink down the gap until it hits the block at the end.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2035%20copy.jpg

With a fair amount of pressure, slice through the heatshrink, using the wood as a guide and holding the other end of the heatshrink with your hand.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2036%20copy.jpg

Perfect 15mm lengths!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2037%20copy.jpg

And sleeved! It still needs another 'stretch' to get it looking perfect.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2038%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2039%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2040%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2022/30-07-2010%2041%20copy.jpg

:)

[Trace]

I love this build!!!!!!!

[oliverw92]

Thanks Trace!

[Waynio]

Nice update Oli :):up:.

[oliverw92]

Thanks Waynio!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looking fantastic my friend, you really have done a lot of work since I last checked in. Congrats on all your new goodies as well BTW, lucky you :D.

[oliverw92]

Appreciated, thanks :)

Update #23 - 06/08/2010

I have been rather busy for the past week with my entry for the eBuyer case competition:

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/-IMG_7453%20copy.jpg

The case used to be an £11 Casecom beige steel mid-tower that i have transformed into something rather more attractive!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/IMG_7411%20copy.jpg

Now that it is done I can get back to my main project

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%201%20copy.jpg

After getting a 3850 for my tech bench I mounted the waterblocks on the 5850s that used to be on the bench.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%202%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%203%20copy.jpg

I will be powdercoating the nickel backplates gloss white - as much as I like the nickel i feel it detracts too much from my theme.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%204%20copy.jpg

Since i am no longer having motherboard blocks, I can now go parallel on my graphics cards.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Tubing will be shorter than this, i just had these bit as offcuts so thought why not!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%206%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%207%20copy.jpg

I am in the process of sourcing black o-rings to replace those green ones.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%208%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%209%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

At the moment i am using threaded extenders to lift the straight compressions high enough to clear the PCB, however i may try and get some normal spacers instead - i am unsure of the look at the moment of the bottom graphics card fittings.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

As i said earlier, the tubing will be shorter than i previously showed. You can see that in this pic.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

I think having the backplates white will balance out the motherboard area a bit more - at the moment it is dominated too much by black.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

And here you can see how the quad rad from down below will connect up to the lower graphics card.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

QUESTION! White connector, as shown, or black one? I am leaning towards getting a black one.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2023/06-08-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

:)

[diluzio91]

http://jab-tech.com/Misc-Fittings-c-334.html - why go black when you can go blue? lol... looks sharp!!

[oliverw92]

I can't get them in the UK, and i already have a few, they aren't really the right blue :) But thanks! It is something i will still think about :)

[Waynio]

Wow Oli I love the case mod for the competition, really, great looking, nice & simple but brilliant, not seen the other contestants but this looks like a winner :):up:, I should sign up on their forums, seems I'm missing out on some mod challenge fun :D, I often buy from ebuyer, great shop & great customer service, never gone near their forum though but will do, I had no idea they do stuff like that :).

POLARity is looking extremely good, I see the quality of the sleeving compared to the stuff I've tried, looks like quality shoe laces :D & powder coating the nickel, wow :D, you not keen on the white adapter, looks good to me but black would look good too, the backplates, how about black white black white, think that could look sweet 8).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Excellent work on your competition mod, I think it looks awesome :D.

I am loving the new white tops for the GPU blocks, they look really slick, as does your decision to go parallel with the GPU flow orientation.

One thing I would have done differently now that I have seen how it has turned out is the way you have set up the floor of the case. I would have run the tube leaving the final GPU straight down through the central divider. Doing this would eliminate the need to have that other fitting coming through next to the res and would probably lead to a cleaner look. Usually I don't have an issue the type of set up you have chosen but seeing how little room you have between the second GPU and the floor it just looks a little bit cramped. Just my 2 cents.

Besides that everything is looking great.

[oliverw92]

Wow Oli I love the case mod for the competition, really, great looking, nice & simple but brilliant, not seen the other contestants but this looks like a winner :):up:, I should sign up on their forums, seems I'm missing out on some mod challenge fun :D, I often buy from ebuyer, great shop & great customer service, never gone near their forum though but will do, I had no idea they do stuff like that :).

POLARity is looking extremely good, I see the quality of the sleeving compared to the stuff I've tried, looks like quality shoe laces :D & powder coating the nickel, wow :D, you not keen on the white adapter, looks good to me but black would look good too, the backplates, how about black white black white, think that could look sweet 8).

Thanks - I impressed myself with what i produced TBH. First time i have ever done a case mod like that and i am pleased with the result!

MDPC is definitely worth getting - I will never get anything else now :) I like your idea of black-white-black-white, however i think i will stick with just plain gloss white for the backplates. Your black-white-black-white idea will show through with something else however! Secret for now though :p


Excellent work on your competition mod, I think it looks awesome :D.

I am loving the new white tops for the GPU blocks, they look really slick, as does your decision to go parallel with the GPU flow orientation.

One thing I would have done differently now that I have seen how it has turned out is the way you have set up the floor of the case. I would have run the tube leaving the final GPU straight down through the central divider. Doing this would eliminate the need to have that other fitting coming through next to the res and would probably lead to a cleaner look. Usually I don't have an issue the type of set up you have chosen but seeing how little room you have between the second GPU and the floor it just looks a little bit cramped. Just my 2 cents.

Besides that everything is looking great.

Thanks Oz! I am dead chuffed with the comp entry :)

Several people have said this to me now and i am inclined to agree with them, however i wouldn't be able to do it quite how you say - because of where the rad is below i wouldn't be able to just run the tubing through the floor because it would not have room to bend round. Also if i move the GPU up a slot and had a fitting in the floor and a 90 degree below, it would be incredibly hard to install. It would also mean re-making the floor which I can't do anymore - no more laser cutter :(

[oliverw92]

Update #24 - 10/08/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%201%20copy.jpg

PSU backplate arrived from the laser cutters - gets rid of that ugly square mesh thingy that was there before.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Also had a new I/O plate made - the old one was a bit too small. Here i have marked out for holes to put M3 inserts in.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%203%20copy.jpg

Drill them out to about 4mm.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%204%20copy.jpg

Grab two of these

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%205%20copy.jpg

Then whack them with a hammer! There are little teeth that dig in and hold the insert in place.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Ticking more things off my list of little jobs to be done before painting - here i am marking out holes in the front bezel supports.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Here you can see them screwed in with the velcro applied

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%208%20copy.jpg

I also had a plate cut out by the laser guy to cover up the CPU backplate holes and make that area a bit neater.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%209%20copy.jpg

I realised the other day that with the motherboard installed, you can't access one of the screws that holds the 24pin i/o guide to the cable plate. To solve this, I tapped the cable plate to M4 and drilled a 4mm hole through the guide so i can screw it in from the back.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Next on my list was the drain port. This idea ended up coming from my friend Simon | Laine. It comprises of a rotary 'q', a passthrough, a 90 degree compression, a stop fitting and a straight compression. This gives a nice solid solution where all i have to do is put the case over a bucket, open the port and the coolant will drain out.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

It should make tubing nice and simple too.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

Here is the passthrough after i opened up a hole with the step bit.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

After mounting the fitting combination to the floor.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

This should result in straight tubing between the rad and pump.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

Here is a hole i cut in the drive bays to allow cables for the FC5 and DVD drive to pass through.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

With the SATA cable plugged in.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2024/10-08-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

The bay covers will hide any cables running behind there.

[billygoat333]

why hasn't this become a featured mod yet? its beautiful. I especially love the photography. You sir, know how to make a computer case look sexy. haha +rep

EDIT: gratz on your second green bar ;)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ah I see your dilemma, I am having a similar issue designing my new project. I guess another way around it would be to move the second graphics card 1 slot higher and use a 45degree fitting over the 90 degree fitting but that may generate issues with the tubing between the two cards, the fittings may be a bit too large.

As always excellent work on the case, I really like your drain port solution, I think I may have to steal that slightly for my next project ;).

[x88x]

Nice drainport system; looks a bit like mine. ;)

[oliverw92]

why hasn't this become a featured mod yet? its beautiful. I especially love the photography. You sir, know how to make a computer case look sexy. haha +rep

EDIT: gratz on your second green bar ;)

Thanks :D What does a green bar mean?


Ah I see your dilemma, I am having a similar issue designing my new project. I guess another way around it would be to move the second graphics card 1 slot higher and use a 45degree fitting over the 90 degree fitting but that may generate issues with the tubing between the two cards, the fittings may be a bit too large.

As always excellent work on the case, I really like your drain port solution, I think I may have to steal that slightly for my next project ;).

To be honest, wait until you see the straight tubing in place. I think it wcould still look ok :)


Nice drainport system; looks a bit like mine. ;)

I love having a solid drainport system - makes the loop feel more secure.

[billygoat333]

the "green bars" are your rep bars, right below the little heart icon at the top right of your posts. basically, if someone likes your post, they can give you positive rep, and the more reps you get, the more bars you get.

FAQ on our rep system (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7313)

[oliverw92]

Ah ok thanks :)

Update #25 - 16/08/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%201%20copy.jpg

I needed some monies for this project so I have been doing a sleeving job for someone. Should pay for one and a half of my 4 hard drives that i need to buy! This is a Corsair HX1000 sleeved with red and black MDPC sleeving. PSU is modded quite a bit - cut off the non-modular 6+2pin cables and made them modular. Replaced all the plugs and pins with MDPC ones instead of the silly corsair ones. It isn't done yet but should be finished soon.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%202%20copy.jpg

Here is a load of stuff that arrived.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%203%20copy.jpg

This is an audio DAC that i ordered from Taiwan. I will be making a small white acrylic cube to house it in.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%204%20copy.jpg

I ordered this because i was getting major interference from my 5850's when they were stressing out whilst gaming - they were causing loads of noise on my audio from the PC. Optical out should eliminate this.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%204%20copy.jpg

3 parts to it - transformer, power board, and the DAC itself.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%205%20copy.jpg

I also got a load of electronics stuff from Rapid. These are some resistors i ordered, they are huuuge! Reason they are so large is because they are high power ones - take up to 2 watts. These are for my LEDs.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Also got some black connectors for my new sleeving idea.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%207%20copy.jpg

I wasn't happy with my GPU connector solution - as a few people said, it looked very bulky. People said i should get some Bitspower Crystal links, but i don't like the idea that they aren't entirely 'secure'.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%208%20copy.jpg

My solution was to buy these tiny matt black compressions with clear tubing - these are 10mm OD, 8mm ID!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%209%20copy.jpg

On the left is a 3/4" OD, 1/2" ID fitting with matching white tubing.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

These are some 3mm white LEDs

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

This is what they will look like in the drive bay covers. I will hook them up to the FC5 to control the brightness.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2025/16-08-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Something to look forward to - another package arrived from MDPC-X with this awesome drawing from Nils :)

[x88x]

Nice work, congrats on the side job; it's always nice when you can make money doing something you enjoy. :D


These are some resistors i ordered, they are huuuge! Reason they are so large is because they are high power ones - take up to 2 watts.

Heheh, you should see the 0.01Ohm 10W ones I got a while back. ;) They're 1-7/8" long by 5/16" square.

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq3/x13931x/20100615_001.jpg

[oliverw92]

Update #25 - 16/08/2010

Just a small update, these pics are a bit old since most of the stuff is at either the powdercoaters or anodisers!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%201%20copy.jpg

Case stripped down to bare parts

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%202%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%203%20copy.jpg

These parts are for white

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%205%20copy.jpg

The insane 1-piece shell :D

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%206%20copy.jpg

Parts for anodising, these have since gone down to only the mobo i/o backplate and PSU backplate for anodising.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%207%20copy.jpg

Any guesses as to what i am doing?

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2026/06-10-2010%208%20copy.jpg

Maybe this will give you a clue :p

[oliverw92]

Update #27 - 18/09/2010

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2001%20copy.jpg

Here is some nylon/polyester dye. I could not find replacement connectors for my Enermax Revo, so I used an idea from a friend called Kai on another forum and dyed them.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2002%20copy.jpg

You simply put some dye and water in a small saucepan then simmer it for about 15-30 minutes.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2003%20copy.jpg

Then rinse it under the tap

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2004%20copy.jpg

Here is a comparison - old on the left, dyed on the right. Even the cables go black!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2005%20copy.jpg

All three together.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2006%20copy.jpg

This needs some explaining! I could not get the red connectors off the PSU itself. I tried unsoldering, but i don't have a hot enough soldering iron. I tried heatshrinking the connectors to see if it would look good enough, but no matter what i did the red always showed through. Last resort? Dye the whole thing black then wash off the excess! I took the PSU apart then stuck the end of the modular board in the saucepan.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2007%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2008%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2009%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

As you can see, it worked







http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

Jump forwards now. No this is not a render, the case is actually powdercoated!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

I also bought my 4x Samsung F3 Spinpoint 1TBs.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

Redid the 24pin in all black.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

Eventually the motherboard backplate will have snap caps on the screws, just like the PSU plate.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

I've started doing a little cable management. Going well so far.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Here is the 24pin

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

The completed power supply. I am VERY happy with it!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2021%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2022%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2023%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2024%20copy.jpg

I decided to dry fit all the components. Everything is fine, thrown up one problem - my crossfire bridge hits the backplates on the GPUs. Should be able to sand down the connectors on the bridge to fit though. Also the bridge looks really really dodgy. Need to try and remedy that!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2025%20copy.jpg

I leave you with this :)

[msmrx57]

Very nice progress. :up:

[StormRider]

Yay! update! and it's awesome!

[x88x]

Looks great, good job on the dye job.

[billygoat333]

beautiful.

[SXRguyinMA]

nice work!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Boiled PSU anyone? The result looks great though, excellent dye job.

The dry fit looks great, the black and white combo is coming together really well. I can't wait to see this all up and running.

[TheGreatSatan]

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2027/18-09-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

Wow, pretty

[nevermind1534]

Nice work; it looks great

[oliverw92]

Very nice progress. :up:


Yay! update! and it's awesome!


Looks great, good job on the dye job.


beautiful.


nice work!

Thanks guys :D


Boiled PSU anyone? The result looks great though, excellent dye job.

The dry fit looks great, the black and white combo is coming together really well. I can't wait to see this all up and running.

I can tell you that boiled PSU is a rather acquired taste for your palette!


Wow, pretty


Nice work; it looks great

Thanks guys :)




Update #28 - 22/09/2010

Update is pretty self explanatory

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2001%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2002%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2003%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2004%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2005%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2006%20copy.jpg

Excuse fingerprints!

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2007%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2008%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2009%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

SATA cables getting installed.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2011%20copy.jpg

They sweep down under the top GPU cable.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2012%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2013%20copy.jpg

The excess then loops round behind my bay covers.

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2014%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2015%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2016%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2017%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2018%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2019%20copy.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2028/22-09-2010%2020%20copy.jpg

[x88x]

Looks great. Very nice and clean. :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

You are doing an excellent job with the cable management. It is looking very clean and tidy, very nice. The front panel fits perfect.

[oliverw92]

Hey guys,

I have really bad news. POLARity is now on hold until Christmas 2010. This morning i was perfectly on track to finish by tomorrow. However my FC5 has managed to postpone that deadline by several months. Why, you ask? It decided to explode -.- First off the main 12v track on it exploded. So i soldered it back together, then another track further down the line exploded. Then channel 1 stopped working all together. Now only 1 channel works :( I am going to uni on Tuesday so I don't have time to get another FC5 in before then. I don't have room to mod at uni, so I can't finish POLARity until I come back at Christmas.

Sorry for the delay, but I will be back!

[x88x]

Aww. :( Good luck with the PSU troubles.

[StormRider]

yikes. that's a really sad development. I was enjoying this project

[RogueOpportunist]

Wow, sorry for the bad luck on the PSU. Do you think maybe the submerging while dying had something to do with it? The first thought I had when looking at the pics of you dying was "If he leaves that to soak, what's to stop the dye water from working its way up inside all the components" and now I'm kinda wondering if that's what happened since things started "exploding". :eek:

[x88x]

Hmm, that's actually a good point...maybe the water worked its way up the wires through capillary action?

[RogueOpportunist]

The water could be anywhere really, the problem with submersing something in water is that even the smallest little hole is going to let water in and push air out over time because even in a small container the water is under pressure, the reverse however is not true, when you pull the item back out of the water any moisture that has worked its way into the really small nooks and crannys will not drain out, nor will it evaporate over a "normal" period of time, basically the water is stuck with no where to go due to the surface tension of the water essentially sealing off the hole it came in from.

Water that has worked its way into a small enough space could take months to evaporate under normal conditions and water working its way into something like a capacitor or transformer might never evaporate, personally if I was going to dye a plastic component like that I would first unsolder it from the board, remove the metal pins and just soak the plastic... Might be an idea for next time.

If removing the plastic from the board is somehow not possible I might be inclined to try drying everything in a stove/toaster oven at very low heat with the door open over the course of a few days but doing that would require some research to see what temperatures the components are capable of handling... Although maybe suggesting that in an open forum isn't such a good idea, I can already see someone thinking "I'll speed this up by raising the temperature!" and setting fire to their house. :rolleyes:

[oliverw92]

Nononoo you guys are so confused, the FC5 is my fan controller! The PSU works fine :p

[RogueOpportunist]

... How in the WORLD did you blow up a fan controller? :lick:

[The boy 4rm oz]

That really sucks mate, I hope you get it all fixed up as soon as possible.

[oliverw92]

... How in the WORLD did you blow up a fan controller? :lick:

No idea, i think it is faulty :p


That really sucks mate, I hope you get it all fixed up as soon as possible.

Hope so :)

[StormRider]

wow, That fan controller blowing up is even more impressive that blowing up a PSU( I did that once. small fireworks display in my garage:D)
but at least you don't have to mod the whole PSU again. THAT would have been annoying

[BS Mods]

That sux, this thing is so beautiful, what a shame that happened.

There still can be an issue with the power supply from soaking it. It's what is supplying your controller with power and if it supplies too much then "kaboom".

It could be giving it too much juice?? Have you checked the leads with a multimeter to see if they are at the correct levels? It would suck to assume it was just a bad controller, get a new one installed, and have it blow too.:(


You can paint your connectors. If you buy some conformal coating, spray it on, and then you can topcoat it with paint. It won't hurt circuitry or anything. They use it in harsh environments for protection.
I did a mod where I blacked out an entire computer by using it and then painting the mobo, ram, etc. with no problems.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i205/BOBDBONE/Picture038.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i205/BOBDBONE/Picture087.jpg

The only downside is that it's not a permanent bond because it's a protective coating. So if you keep plugging things in and pulling them back off you will scrape off the black possibly.

[oliverw92]

Hey guys. More bad news I'm afraid! The snow we have had in the UK meant that my mum couldn't get out of Devon in the car to come pick me up from Uni up north. I had to book a TNT collection to take my bass amp, PC and screen back, and then i jumped on a train back home. Even that didn't go according to plan - should have taken 3.5 hours on the train, ended up taking almost 7 hours and 4 trains! You may be saying 'your pc is on the way, what's the issue?'. I had half my modding equipment at uni with me in a plastic box. I unfortunately had no way to pack those materials, and I cannot finish POLARity without them. So therefore this project is now on hold even further - most likely until Easter. Sorry to disappoint guys, but i promise it will be worth it :)

[SXRguyinMA]

that sucks man, hope it all works out for ya!

[The boy 4rm oz]

That really sucks mate, I hope you get it all sorted out soon.

[msmrx57]

Sorry to hear about the bad luck. Unfortunately it happens. We'll just have to wait somewhat impatiently.:whistler:

[oliverw92]

Update #29 - 18/06/2011

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's just me :D

Q&A Time!

Q: Where the hell have you been??!!
A: Exploring the universe with my towe- wait that's a book. I've just been really really busy getting sorted at university and getting used to things. Not much of an excuse really (especially to leave it this long) but it will have to do!

Q: So you are actually going to finish now?
A: Yes! But it won't be finished as I want it. I need to get it finished for this coming Friday. I most likely won't have the case lighting done by then and some cable management might not be 100% complete. However towards the end of summer I will probably break it down and finish off the bits i missed.

Q: You promised you would finish it at Christmas, and Easter! You are totally lying
A: This time, unless something actually goes horrifically wrong, I have to get it finished by friday :)


And on to some pictures! This is just a basic summary of where I am currently at with the project:

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%201.jpg

My workbench at uni is the top of my chest of draws :p

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%202.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%203.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%204.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%205.jpg

Something I have never shown anyone - the new acrylic disk cover for the PSU fan

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%206.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%207.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%208.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2029/18-06-2011%209.jpg

Bay cover with LEDs in.

[oliverw92]

Update #30 - 23/06/2011

Finished! Sort of...

There are a few things not right yet:
- No fans on the top rad (they were too tall against the motherboard)
- LEDs are not wired up in the drive bays (I destroyed half them somehow)
- Crossfire bridge is still brown and fugly
- My front panel custom usb cable doesn't work :( (i may have plugged it in upside down...)
- The lights on the switches for the rad fan lights are inverted
- I glued the CD slot cover on wonky (derp)
- Need more support for the bay cover at the bottom

So these aren't final photos. Mainly because it isn't completely finished, but also because I'm at uni with no tripod and no studio or anything to take decent photos. Either way, enjoy!


http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2001.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2002.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2003.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2004.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2005.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2006.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2007.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2008.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2009.jpg

http://oliwali.co.uk/worklogs/POLARity/Pics/Update%2030/23-06-2011%2010.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Very glad to see your back working on this and that it is almost complete, congrats :D.

[Fuganater]

Sick mod dude. Starting to read the hole thing now.

[x88x]

Shame it's not done to your satisfaction, but what's done looks awesome! Keep up the good work. :D:up: