Project: Abyss

[Indybird]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/Header-trans.png

A while back I came upon a beige beast called the Globalwin YCC-802. Ever since I got it I thought it would be the perfect case to mod; Solid steel construction, great features (especially for a case as old as it was), and best of all (for modders); a simple design. The only thing really stopping me was cash, but thanks to some new work that has come my way recently I'm able to start the mod finally. Lets see if I can actually finish a mod for once... :rolleyes:

Heres my plans for the mod:
[ ] Flat Black Exterior with Gloss Accents
[X] New Fan Setup:
___[X] 140mm Front Intake
___[X] 120mm Top Exhaust
___[X] 92mm Rear Exhaust
___[X] Dual 120mm Bottom Intake
___[X] Dual 60mm Graphics side Exhaust
[ ] Mostly Gloss Black Interior
[ ] White LED Lighting
[X] Custom-shaped side window
___[X] Side window mounted with out any screws or adhesive
[X] Vents on both side panels
[ ] "ABYSS" in Glossy Black letters on the side
[X] Reshape the front panel
[X] Relocate Power and Reset Buttons

Now me being the genius I am forgot to take pictures before I started modding. Sooo, instead heres a review of the case from early 2001 (http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews/cases/YCC802_1.html).

Table of Contents:
1. Cutting out the Side Panel (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=297695#post297705)
2. New Parts, Wiring Buttons, Fabricating the front fan mount (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=297695#post298391)

-Indybird

[SXRguyinMA]

The power supply that was included with this case is a 250watt Enhance Electronics unit. While this should be enough for the average user, the “hardcore” overclocker will want to upgrade this unit to at least a 300watt.

http://www.postwhore.biz/albums/userpics/10082/haha.gif:eek: :whistler: :facepalm:

[StormRider]

:stupid:
http://www.postwhore.biz/albums/userpics/10082/haha.gif:eek: :whistler: :facepalm:

agreed

[Indybird]

Woah I didn't even realize that power supply is 250W! I'm a "hardcore" overclocker, maybe I can use that in the mod instead of my Xigmatek 750W...
Neeways, a quick update.


Update #1
Cutting out the side panel

So heres the case as it stands. I took every piece out as I'm going to be working on all of them, even the removable motherboard tray.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5539.jpg

Next up I layed out the cuts on the left side panel.. I already mentioned I'm a genius, so theres no pictures of the untouched side panel. Instead here it with an ugly starter cut.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5541.jpg

Now after some long jig-sawing and nibbling (http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Nibbling-Tool/dp/B0002KRACO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1280078516&sr=1-2) we got to this point. The "tabs" you see are part of my "screwless" window design.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5667.jpg

One and a half hours later, we had the raw shapes cut out (now time for filing and dremeling):


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5744.jpg
(It's really unfortunate that the cases original "vents" are right there but once its painted black I think they'll look fine.

On the lower left, top and lower right are vents that will be covered using perforated mesh.
-The lower left is for the dual 60mm Graphics exhaust.
-The top vent will be on both sides and will be the top 120mm exhaust.
-The lower right will also be on both sides and will be the front 140mm intake.

Thats all of the work for this update. But while I was cutting out the side panel I had an idea. The amplifier on my powered woofer conked out, and being the hands-on type, I took it all apart. I didn't find anything particularly useful except for its giant black heatsink, which I knew I could use for something. Now this is being a "server" case it had about a million places to mount hard drives. I decided to make this mod more interesting by only the non-traditional top hard drive mounts. Well...need it say anymore?


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5670.jpg

I'm thinking the heatsink will stick out of the top of the case and passively cool the hard drives. Yes I know hard drives don't need cooling that badly, but it doesn't hurt, and it will definitely look cool when its done...

Neeways, thats it for today. I should be back tomorrow.

-Indybird

[slaveofconvention]

I'd seriously consider getting some filler and closing up those little vents. They're so small they'll make little difference to a modern PC re: airflow, and with a little work, you'll be able to get the surface perfectly flat...

[Indybird]

I'd seriously consider getting some filler and closing up those little vents. They're so small they'll make little difference to a modern PC re: airflow, and with a little work, you'll be able to get the surface perfectly flat...

The question is though...could I removed the bent part of each little vent and fill the opening with filler?

-Indybird

[slaveofconvention]

I'd leave the bent parts in place. Ok, so it won't look as good on the back, but it'll give the filler support so it'll never go anywhere. If you really want the inside tidy too, use filler there too so you end up with a long line which is slightly raised. It'll work just fine, but at the end of the day, it's your project - we just throw out ideas. It's utterly up to you what you want for your case. (And this way, you can't blame any of us either *grin* ).

A third but more time consuming option. Hammer them flat, then fill and sand them smooth on both sides. That should work too but it'll be a LOT of work to get it really right...

[Indybird]

I'd leave the bent parts in place. Ok, so it won't look as good on the back, but it'll give the filler support so it'll never go anywhere. If you really want the inside tidy too, use filler there too so you end up with a long line which is slightly raised. It'll work just fine, but at the end of the day, it's your project - we just throw out ideas. It's utterly up to you what you want for your case. (And this way, you can't blame any of us either *grin* ).

A third but more time consuming option. Hammer them flat, then fill and sand them smooth on both sides. That should work too but it'll be a LOT of work to get it really right...

I kinda like the idea of filling the front and back, but I am also wondering how well it would turn out if I tried to hammer them down...

I'll have to find out next chance I get.

Thanks,
Indybird

[Indybird]

Also I forgot to mention that I placed my giant performance-pcs order 2 days ago, and it should be coming in tomorrow! Heres what I ordered:

-Bytecc 3.5" Front Panel Connectors (4x USB, 2x Firewire, 1x eSATA)
-Scythe KAMA-Reader card Reader
-Scythe 120mm Fan (72CFM)
-Scythe 140mm Fan (94CFM)
-(2) Scythe Slim (12mm thick) 120mm Fan (38CFM)
-22mm Bulgin White-Ring Button
-16mm Delrin White-Ring Button
-3-pin Fan Splitter

The best part is all of the cables will come pre-sleeved thanks to performance-pcs.

I also ordered two 60mm Dynatron fans from Newegg to complete my fan setup.

Update tomorrow with the stuff!

-Indybird

[SXRguyinMA]

nice!! I love that about p-pcs! Except when the wires are way too long and I need to cut them lol

[Indybird]

Update #2
New parts, Wiring Buttons, Fabricating Front Fan Mount


New Parts
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5749.jpg
(Don't mind the ugly teal ottoman)

So heres the wonderful pile of stuff from Performance-pcs. And yup, its all sleeved :up:. Not pictured here are the two 60mm dynatron fans, and my new Corsair H50 that just came in.


Wiring the Buttons
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5893.jpg

Soon after getting that all in I ripped the front panel wires out of an old Antec case of mine, removed their LEDs or buttons and soldered them onto my new white-LED-ring bulgin/delrin buttons. Obviously the bigger one is the power+power LED, smaller is reset+HDD LED.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5898.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5900.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5901.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5902.jpg

I think the soldering + heatshrinking turned out pretty good...


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5904.jpg

I love the machined look of these buttons.


Fabricating the Front Fan Mount

After I got the buttons all wired up I proceeded to fabricate the front fan/radiator mount.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5933.jpg

As per usual I have no progress or "before" pics so here it is all finished :whistler::


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5934.jpg

It sits flush with the front of the motherboard tray and back of the 3.5" cage.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5936.jpg

Its mounted via the screw holes originally designed to mount another 3.5" cage below it.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5938.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5940.jpg

...and the radiator fits beautifully! Looks pretty decent with the side panel in place.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5941.jpg

The only problem is that if I go for a push-pull setup on the radiator the front fan won't have much side vent to pull from. :(

And then just some quick shots of the final product not in the case.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5944.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_5946.jpg

So anyway thats all for that update. Next time around I'm hoping to finish the side dual 60mm mount, the top 120mm mount and perhaps some more cutting into the case :twisted:

Also my new buttons gave me an idea for a new worklog header.

-Indybird

[msmrx57]

Looking good! :up: If you want to go with a push pull on the rad maybe open up the area in the front of the case. Then it would pull from both areas. Just my two bits.

[Indybird]

Looking good! :up: If you want to go with a push pull on the rad maybe open up the area in the front of the case. Then it would pull from both areas. Just my two bits.

I was thinking about just bringing it's vent forward about another 1.5". I'm trying to keep the front panel very sleek.

Also, big update coming up; I got some major work done and I just have to take some pictures of it all.

-Indybird

[msmrx57]

I didn't mean an opening through the front panel, just the internal metal panel. I know in most cases there is a gap between the two that should feed enough air to the fan. If it needs more air than that put a vent in the floor.

[Indybird]

I didn't mean an opening through the front panel, just the internal metal panel. I know in most cases there is a gap between the two that should feed enough air to the fan. If it needs more air than that put a vent in the floor.

Sure I might do that... I'll have to see how the airflow is once I expand the side vents and add the vent on the other side.

-Indybird

[Indybird]

Don't worry this mod definitely still going. I gotta have this thing done by next monday for a big LAN party I'm hosting.

Ok so I got a whole ton of work done today. Hammered the side panel vents, cut out the top fan mount, got the side 60mm fan mounts done, got all of the holes tapped to mount the parts, got the fan controller board mounted, expanded the front intake, got the front panel sheet-metal cut out and began bondo-ing the front panel itself.

Also I got my Core i5 750 and evga P55 FTW in!

Oy...lots of pictures coming up in the next update.

-Indybird

[Indybird]

Update #3
Tapping Screws, top fan mount/exhaust, front panel bondo, side window, cutting out right side panel

I got started by tapping out the screws for the front 120mm fan/radiator mount.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6048.jpg

Top exhaust fan mount
Next up was cutting out the sides of the front-back cross bar to allow for the top 120mm exhaust to go out both sides. I just bent down some of the metal to create the actual mounts for the fan.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6049.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6050.jpg

Filling and sanding the front panel
Now, this is my first time ever dealing with Bondo. All I have to say is "OY". Its not the worst, but its not the best either...

The initial covering:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6052.jpg

Here you can see the shape I'm going for.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6053.jpg

After about 45 minutes of sanding I ended up with this...not bad as far as I can tell.:D


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6057.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6060.jpg


An up close of the bottom...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6062.jpg

And the top where the old power button was.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6063.jpg


Side Window

I traced out the whole side panel, even the parts that aren't window so I could figure out just how much space I could overlap everything.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6064.jpg

Finally I can bend these goofy tabs up!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6065.jpg

I threw a Roto-zip by in my Dremel and cut out the slots in the window for the tabs. Then I just had to slide it on and...it fits!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6066.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/Indybird/Project%20ABYSS/IMG_6068.jpg

So I have been in the biggest hurry ever, because I am attempting to have this mod done before a big LAN party I am hosting on Monday. I've gotten quite a few more things done since I took these pictures, and haven't had any time to take any since. So heres everything else that is done as of now:
-Cut out right side panel vents
-Drilled holes for power/reset buttons in front panel and case frame
-Cut out dual 120mm intakes on the bottom
-Cut out drive-bay area metal cover

Heres "all" there is left to do:
-Cut out and hammer vent grills
-Re-mount feet
-Paint interior and exterior

So I gotta do those three items by Sunday essentially.:eek:

Neeways pictures will probably come after everything is painted.

Thanks to following,
Indybird

[SXRguyinMA]

lookin nice! I love the idea you used to hold that side window on, awesome! good luck on getting it finished by tomorrow!! +rep