BMW M power Themed Level 10

[Richie123]

My latest Project – Project BMW M-Power was born from the day Thermaltake released the Level 10 Case onto the world, as soon as I saw the tie in with BMW design works (even though they are a design house and not BMW themselves). For quite I few years I have always had in the back of my mind a Mod in dedication to one of my old rides, A 1998 BMW M3. Ok the car is long gone and is a bit out dated, but still I thought why the hell not, A M3 case Mod on a Level 10 from Thermaltake would still look nice, especially if I kept to my old cars paint scheme, white body work, red and black interior.

My plan was to do the case white, with some airbrush work with Mpower logo and BMW logo as well as a M3 airbrushed into the case, as my old ride was from the 90s and the case from the 10s I decided to go with a theme based on the modern M3.

So my plan was born and yes it was finally time to get it onto action, before I move on anymore I must first give Kudos to all the companies involved for making this possible the sponsors, who without which this mod would not be possible. Despite it taking me since the release of the Level 10 case for me to get it altogether went above and beyond the call of duty.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt1/level10mpowermod_pt1_01.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt1/level10mpowermod_pt1_02.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt1/level10mpowermod_pt1_03.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt1/Bitfenix.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt1/level10mpowermod_pt1_04.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/wd-color-monogram.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/tecnofront.jpg

First Up – The hardware involved and what I am planning


http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt1/level10mpowermod_pt1_05.jpg

Yes that is indeed a lot of Thermaltake product and I have to thank them a lot for supporting this mod, anyway here is a rundown of the specs and pieces of this mod.

Specs

CPU - AMD Phenom II X6 1055T

Mobo – Gigabyte 890FXA-UD7

Memory – Patriot G series 1600mhz 4 gig AMD kit

GPU – Ati Radeon HD 5850

Main HDD – Patriot 120GB Inferno SSD

Secondary HDD - 2 X WD RE3 Greens 1TB

PSU – Thermaltake Tough Power Grand 750W

Case - Thermaltake Level 10

That is basically the System specs of the rig, also in the picture is the Thermaltake Esports products this includes.


Thermaltake Esports Black Gaming mouse

Thermaltake Esports Challenger Pro Keyboard

Thermaltake Esports Shock Gaming headset

Thermaltake Esports Dasher Mouse Pad

I will show some more pictures of these products as and when I get to taking apart and them, well that just about sums up the specs and hardware of what I currently have (a few little tid bits and stuff is on route and I will add accordingly to log once products are here).

Next up my rough plans via photoshop airbrushing.

[Richie123]

I will not never claim I am a expert when it comes to photoshop, so please don’t flame me, these are rough mock ups what I plan to do with this mod and just to give a rough idea to those who are reading this of what my plans are.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt2/level10mpowermod_pt2_01.jpg

With the mouse I want it to match the theme and colours of the case, I don’t want to go overboard with it, but a nice airbrush on the mouse, with the TT glowing logo on the rear coming through the paint rather than being visible.


http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt2/level10mpowermod_pt2_02.jpg

The same with the keyboard, which I want to keep tied in with the rest of the theme


http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt2/level10mpowermod_pt2_03.jpg

The graphics card I also want to tie in with the white theme of the case, I especially want this done as the insides of the case will be white too.

I was also planning to do the headset white, and mocked up one of them in white, but when it came for it to be sent out it I noticed a press release for the shock headset and it came in white as well... phew, that saved some time already :P what about the case? Well here is the plan for that.


http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt2/level10mpowermod_pt2_04.jpg

My plan is to get the whole case in white with a little BMW logo down the bottom of the front, on the HDD slots I plan to leave these white to break up the case a bit.

The motherboard section, I plan to remove the stock metal plates (areas in red) and replace these with some red UV acrylic with some etchings, then covered by black tinted acrylic (2 layers of acrylic) with the black on the outer, the reason for this is so that with the lights of, the windows will just look plain black, but with the lights on, the etchings Edges will pop out.

I am in 2 minds on the mobo section on either a clear just tinted section on the top (to give a nice view of the inside as UV acrylic sort of blurs the view) and AMD game logo actually airbrushed onto the mobo section in to right corner, or as picture with logo etched in the CPU area window. I have not decided on that yet.

On the rear of the case the plan is to do a nice M power logo, with the actual M3 car airbrushed there...

Ill post some more soon.

[Richie123]

Just a quick update, not much really, but taking a few bits apart, first up was the graphics card.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_01.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_02.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_03.jpg

The Graphics card I just had to separate the top cover from the block itself, I decided to just re attach the main block and plate after doing this to insure the board was not just left lying around bare. The next item was the keyboard.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_04.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_05.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_06.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_07.jpg

Striping the keyboard down was a pretty straight forward apart from having to make sure I had enough separate bags for the 25+ screws, especially the really tiny ones. now the main face plate is separated I can put that in the pile with the Graphic cards cooler cover, on to the mouse now.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_08.jpg

I am 100% sure Thermaltake mad this mouse so it should never come apart as it took me an hour or so to get the side sections off without breaking the clip, the main problem was the final screw was under the weight tray, which was glued or just solidly in, so I had to play and pull and twist (eww that don’t sound right ;P) for a while just to get these off.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10MpowerMod_pt3/level10mpowermod_pt3_09.jpg

Taking the top layer off (palm rest section) was a lot easier and only took 5 minutes with gentle pulling, one bad thing though, was the centre section I had done red in photoshop was part of the main body, so I will be looking at something else to get that red.

That is all I have for today I will hopefully get down to stripping down and making a few mounts (for radiators) this weekend.

[Richie123]

Just a little update of what i done last night, this was just to get a rough idea of how it would really look with some of the plans.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/l10mod.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/l10mod2.jpg

Of course there will be a uv etch added to the lower window as well the tint over it, still mulling over a few things to do, but i thought i would share what in general i am hoping for.

[Richie123]

Just another little quick update, a couple more parts arrived during the week,

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt4/image001.jpg

As you can see I got the CPU block with red mounting plate to match the White red and black theme, also in the above picture is the mounting plates, while these are designed for mounting a pump to the radiator, I will be using them for mounting the radiators.

Another thing I have been playing with is the finish idea, these are a couple of renders of what I would say is the final plan give or take a few tweaks.. also planning to replace as many of the stock screws and bolts with red ones, depends on what I can source really.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt4/image002.jpg

This is defo the route I am going down, as I have already said I will be adding a few nit bits but this is the route I am planning for the main side.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt4/image003.jpg

The rear I have a cunning plan for and will be kind of like this, except the M power will be replaced with the BMW Mpower logo as on the other side (same as on engine head) and the 3 stripe logo with the M will be going on the top right. The car you see at the bottom left will be airbrushed (hopefully) as seen bellow.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt4/image004.jpg

And I have the exact opposite picture of the front of the car that will be etched into the lower window.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt4/image005.jpg

As you can see this is the opposite image of the one above (just have to mess with logos) and I will try to place both so they line up (as if car is going through case)..

[Richie123]

back for another little instalment of my mod project, sorry it has been a while, but I have had some family things to deal with. Anyway more to the point I have got the keyboard, mouse and graphics card cover back.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_01.jpg

They have turned out really well, the Varnished finish is showing up superbly and makes the products look a lot better with the white. Let us start with the mouse.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_02.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_03.jpg

One thing you may notice, is the middle black section is different than the renders (I had them in red) but it was impossible to separate that part of the mouse from the body. But still I think the mouse came out really well, I also like the way it is white, with black and then the red lighted wheel and red DPI indicators.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_04.jpg

The keyboard come out too match the mouse, of course with the added M logo to tie in with the case, I wanted a proper matched feel with this project and I think this achieves it.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_05.jpg

I like the way the keyboard looks and the finish, I just am hoping the case turns out just as well.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_06.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_07.jpg

The theme of white black and red is carried on with the card as you can see I think the red white and black theme going through out the mod is a good combination, I think the ATI (now AMD) brand should go down this route.. Here are some more shots of the card.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_08.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_09.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_10.jpg

I love the finished effect on the card (oops I mentioned that already didn’t I :P) Ill have another update for you next week, this time it should be the case  as it arrives back from paint. Stay tuned.

[Richie123]

Hi all, Back again for another quick little update for you, this time I have a few quick pictures of the case after it had been airbrushed.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_01.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_02.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_03.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_04.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_05.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_06.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_07.jpg

Now to get to work on the windows to replace the standard metal plates, the idea is to have the top one in just black tint, inside the case, but the bottom will be black tint with red UV behind and of course some etching done (the opposite picture to the bmw on the rear).

I love the way the Thermaltake Level 10 has come out in white, TBH it is the colour it should have been from the start.

I will post up some more better pics once the build is complete, but there are a few things to get done first some of which are time consuming (the etch mainly). Also need to source some longish m3 hex bolts in red, but this is proving rather harder than I thought.

[Richie123]

Well after a bit of a hectic few weeks, I finally got some more work done this weekend on the project, although it was mainly layout work and using a template to line things up,

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt8/image001.jpg

First up, as you can pretty much see I mounted the radiator on the rear, the idea behind this is I want to keep all the watercooling on the motherboard tray, this includes pump, res and such.

I also made a start on braiding the Front panel connectors as I thought it only right they match the case colour. I just have to wait for the crimpers to do the LED one.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt8/image002.jpg

So I spent the next two and half hours after that working out placement of radiator and pump. I eventually decided with this layout. I have to order some brackets though to make the radiator fit better and just zip tied it for now until I can get some mechano parts from ebay to turn up.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt8/image003.jpg

The pump I mounted to the rear PCi plates, I know I would not need the bottom 3 so this made this actually very ideal for the pump, so that is 2x 120mm radiators, Pump and res all mounted to the motherboard tray.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt8/image004.jpg

Also put Rubber rings under the Pump to get rid of vibration, I am still waiting on a few things to turn up such as the lovely Tecnofont nano res, some mecanno bits and a few little pieces, but I thought I would post this to give you an Idea of what I am working too. Until next time....

[Richie123]

had some delays in getting stuff, anyway, this turned up.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image001.jpg

This is the tecnofront reservoir from a company here in Europe, they came on board as a sponsor and supplied me with one of these.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image002.jpg

The Reservoir comes complete with its own barbs, I presume from this shot next to the barbs you can see how small this baby is.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image003.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image004.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image006.jpg

As well as this turning up I also decided to take one of the radiator pump mounts and cut it up a bit, here is a bit of before and after

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image007.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image008.jpg

I Know of course all these photos are no good without a full explanation into placement, so I did a bit of work yesterday that involved some white paint for the pump mount come Radiator mount and installed the res in its place, I leave you a couple of shots as a teaser for now.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image009.jpg

Two coats of white paint and a coat of lacquer later the mount is white and now the front radiator is finally supported properly at last. The next picture of the reservoir also gives you a better impression of how dinky it is.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt9/image010.jpg

I think this shot shows really how small the reservoir is, and for this project it is a perfect fit don’t you think?

Ill update some more later this week as I go through the hose connecting options for the rest of the setup and of course the shot of the complete loop sitting on the mobo tray out of the rig.

[Richie123]

back again with another update for you, Spent all day Wens messing about with the tubing and wiring to make sure it all fits without no issues, also braided the mobo pwr, led and reset switch properly. First up, let us take a look at the res plumbed in.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image001.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image002.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image003.jpg

It was a bit tight, but in the end I was able to put it together without any tubes touching, before we have a look at the layout on the motherboard here is the little treat that makes the Tecnofront Res so handy, you just open out the DVD drive bay section of the case and this is the view you get.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image004.jpg

So that makes filling the loop up pretty darn easy if you ask me, then to drain it, it would be just a case of disconnecting a few sata cables, a few fnt panel usb cables and 24pin pwr, 8 pin pwr and of course the VGA power cables.

It was actually quite mad setting this up and thank god I did not put the water in until I had the graphics card setup and this is why..

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image005.jpg

As you can see the tubing is obviously going to get in the way of the card, to be quite honest it is a minor issue, but one that was spotted in time and only caused a bit of re placing the tubes in a different order. Anyway let me place it in with the graphics card and see how it looks.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image006.jpg

Now the loop is fixed to how it should be.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image007.jpg

There are a couple of issues though I should point out and the main being the 24 pin pwr cable, I am defo going to get a braided extension for it so I can run the cable behind the tubes rather than leave this one with the unsightly wires on show.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image008.jpg

I am actually quite proud that I worked out a way to fit the whole loop on the mobo tray, and I was thinking over time of getting individual braided cables for the Lot, If I go down the BitFenix root I can quite literally have extensions on the USB, Audio, Fnt pwr, reset and led and GPU power connectors so that to take the tray out I only need to disconnect connectors round the back. But that is for another time.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt10/image009.jpg

Just a shot to show you that I am nearly there, the top CPU window is getting a sheet of tinted acrylic actually placed in the inside of the case to make it flush.

The bottom window is going to get 2 layers of acrylic, the bottom one red and a layer of tinted in front of that, this will be mounted in the same way though as the original metal plate so that it sticks out and is flues with the upper left of the mobo section. The etching will be done on the red acrylic and if the white lights do not make it pop, I am sure 2 uv ones will.

[Richie123]

Not much of a major update as my weekend turned out a lot busier than I planned (in other words misses had me out shopping... one of my top 10 hates that)... anyway the acrylic is cut.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt11/image001.jpg

Obviously the two large sections are as I mentioned for the lower section and the smaller section for the upper, the two lower sections will be sandwiched together with the black tint on the outside, I will be mounting these in a similar position to the original and etching the red acrylic with the front of the BMW seen airbrushed onto the back of the case.. However as the top window needs no etching. Let us see how that looks placed in.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt11/image002.jpg

As you can see it slightly tints the opening (will be having lights that can be switched on and off). I actually love the way it sits nice and flush to the panel. Hopefully more of the stuff turns up early this week and I can actually get everything setup minus the bottom windows.

[Richie123]

Just a little update, Etching started on the front panel,

Remeber this is on the back

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt6/level10mpowermod_pt6_07.jpg

Then in the front lower window this

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt11/image11.jpg

P.S the etching is on the inside so that once flipped it gets a better lit up effect from enternal lights. it will also be the right way so that it lines up with the rear of it airbrushed on the back.

[Richie123]

Back again with some more pictures of etching progress, as mentioned the window etch is going to be the opposite of the rear etch.

Here is the picture that we are working from

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt12/image001.jpg

This had to be flipped for the etching so that when the acrylic is etched it will be on the inside

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt12/image002.jpg

As you can see its now backwards, but it will be the right way round once done, anyway here is the progress so far

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt12/image003.jpg

And if we flip it we are left with this so far

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt12/image004.jpg
Click here (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5531194659_5b9d9e631b_b.jpg) to see larger version of this

Stay tuned for more updates guys, will post more as more gets done

[Richie123]

Just back with another etching update...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5539586151_4327a8b428_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5540163934_af82820b66_z.jpg
Click here (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5540163934_af82820b66_b.jpg) to see large version

This is still on going and ill post more updates once I have done them..

[AmEv]

Chiller has competition. Niiiiiiice!

[Richie123]

Chiller has competition. Niiiiiiice!

They cant really be called competition can they, I wanted to my level 10 to be unique, he wanted his to be unique but went the whole hog, I just had a awful day doing some wiring in the case.... then you look at his and i think he has the patance of a saint with all his wiring. I am not saying i like his more than I like mine, but OMG he has gone above and beyond with his and i love it too...

[AmEv]

:) Both are nice.

[slaveofconvention]

Looking forward to seeing your next piece as it's built - seeing the end result is always nice, but it's much more fun watching it grow :D

[Richie123]

Well the etching was just finished an hour ago so ill be sure to post some pics tomorrow of that :)

[d_stilgar]

That etching is art, and I don't give that sort of praise often.

[Munty]

This is awesome, not least because of the funky case. Never seen one like that before! Etching is great and it's going to look amazing to have all the different parts tied to the same theme when finished.

[Richie123]

:) Both are nice.


Looking forward to seeing your next piece as it's built - seeing the end result is always nice, but it's much more fun watching it grow :D


That etching is art, and I don't give that sort of praise often.


This is awesome, not least because of the funky case. Never seen one like that before! Etching is great and it's going to look amazing to have all the different parts tied to the same theme when finished.

Thanks for the comments guys:D

Well the etch is finished so I thought I would share a few pics of the finished product I am well happy with how it came out.

Here is a shot of the panel etch side up.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt13/image001.jpg

And of course turned the right way

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt13/image002.jpg

Click here (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5549088293_3ae390a31a_b.jpg) for larger version of this picture

Slowly this is coming together nicely, some other bits arrived today as well from BitFenix, Ill try to get some photos done today of what came and post some more tonight.

[Richie123]

Well here is the little update about the cables I got for this, I wanted NZXT ones in the beginning, but after seeing the range BitFenix Alchemy cables I decided to go down that route. I have to say a big thanks to BitFenix for supplying these for the mod via Caseking.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image001.jpg

Chose white for all the main power cables and extenders, but chose silver blue and red for the USB extension cables and the sata cables. Let us take a look at them

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image002.jpg

I was really surprised with these having seen some pre braided cables in the past, the braiding was really tight as you can see from this shot.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image003.jpg

So I Tried a rough setup just to see how the cables looked and here was the end result,

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image004.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image006.jpg

Thanks to the cables I was able to colour code the usb cables and the sata cables to match the BMW Mpower logo, which tie in with the mod perfectly.

[SXRguyinMA]

looking good!

[msmrx57]

Very nice indeed! :up: And I agree with d_stilgar that ethcing is art. You should consider doing a tutorial video.

[TheMainMan]

What technique are you using to do the etching? The detail is incredible!
I love the look of the cables matching the M3 colours, definitely going to look into those BitFenix cables.

[DynamoNED]

So I Tried a rough setup just to see how the cables looked and here was the end result,

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod%20pt_14/image004.jpg



That "rough setup" is honestly cleaner than most of my completed builds. You are doing an excellent mod here on an already excellent case. I'm also curious what your method of etching is, because that level of intricate detail is astounding. +rep

[Richie123]

It is called pointism, using dots to shade, basically it involves adjust contrast of picture and turning to black and white and then flipping image, taping it to the acrylic and doing the outline.

Thats the easy bit over, I then hand it to my misses who then does the dotting, she says you have to put more dots in the brighter areas and dont actually dot on the darker areas at all (dark areas show the lines when image is black and white.

If you look at the first page of fusion AA mode here (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25991)

you can see sort of what i mean by the black and whites in that post

[simon275]

This reminds me of the old days of case modding. Lovely work.

[Richie123]

This reminds me of the old days of case modding. Lovely work.

Thanks, Sorry about lack of update guys, been busy with work, will get on with mounting the windows this weekend and give some more pics, will also show a sneak preview on the mod that will tie in with this mod :P

[Richie123]

Back again with another little update for you all, Still waiting on a few bits and bobs to turn up to get on the home stretch, but here is what I done yesterday.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image001.jpg

I took the main etch, and the original lower outer plate so I could line up the holes properly, after doing this I repeated the process on the tinted screen as well. After that I just through 4 m3 bolts (lol no pun intended) through both sheets and added a temp nut to hold them together and checked it all line up ok..

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image002.jpg

As you can see it holds them together, I am waiting on 12 black half nuts to turn up, Ill use the same image to explain why.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image003.jpg

I will replace the 4 crappy silver nuts holding the 2 sheets tight together (A) I will then add another nut on all 4 screws (B) to insure that the window still fits away from the case like original panel, I will then used either white tubing or black that fits tight over the nuts to cover this section, then one more nut on each of the bolts on inside of the case to hold it all tight.

Anyway why this is in place to show you what my plans are, I thought I would take a couple of shots of what it looks like.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image004.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image006.jpg

So far so good, Just hope the nuts get here next week, plus lighting and a few small pieces, Oops nearly forgot, this is a sneak preview of something I plan to do to tie in with the mod.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image007.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image008.jpg

I will of course add some more as soon as bits arrive and I get more done, I just wish I could get a heli and track em down myself tbh, I have been lacking in any sort of gaming lately and I am keen to get back to it.

[Richie123]

oops

[d_stilgar]

This has turned out really awesome.

[Richie123]

This has turned out really awesome.

Thanks, But it is not finished yet :P

[Richie123]

Back again with another small update for you, after hunting around the web a plenty a found it really hard to find a specific place to buy the right nuts, or bolts in colour, I truly found that 100% of places that stock coloured nuts and bolts just don’t do them in the size us modders want. Then I found GWR fasteners. These guys are based in the UK, you can check out their website (http://www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk)

After sending an email to the owner he responded with

"we can supply any bolt or nut or screw in a colour as we have just got a colour machine in, which means we can colour any stainless steel fastener”

So they sent over some black ones to start

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image001.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image002.jpg

They offer international shipping as well for those that are interested, at the moment they only have Blue and Black colouring in, but they have gold, red and green I believe on route so they can offer a wide range of bolts.

I normally don’t link to much in a mod log, but after the trouble I had finding the exact size bolts and nuts I want and colour I thought supplying the link for you would aid you guys as I know how hard it is to find the exact bolts you need.

Back to the mod, after the bolts arrived I had the right combo of stuff alphacool as well who sent me this.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image003.jpg

So if you remember the plan from the earlier post with this picture.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt15/image003.jpg

Well after swapping out the bolt and adding a nut on the bolt (in area B to stop the bolt going too far in) I finally give the side window that stepped out look like the original case had and now I had the tube making it look good and match the case was easy.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image004.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image006.jpg

I actually think it came out well, the only thing I am gutted about it my acrylic edge scraper I ordered won’t be coming now as they have no stock no more, eek. I have always used one to clean up my edges so now I need to find a different way.

Before I go here is a shot of the case from the side with both windows in

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt16/image007.jpg

All I am really waiting on now is a couple of sata extenders as I want the M power 3 stripe cables to stick out a bit more and how they are now is full stretch almost.

Also still waiting for the poxy lights to turn up (grrrrr ebay, double grrrr), but I shouldn’t be mad as they were coming from Japan and I know I should expect the delay.

I still feel like a Olympic hurdler that has got to the last hurdle and things seem to have just stumbled.. but if the lighting does not turn up next week, I think I’ll just order from some other place.

[Richie123]

lol just realised this log should be in works in progress DOH..... homer simpson moment i think!

[Fuganater]

Looks like a really clean install.

And I'm sure a mod will move it for you.

[Richie123]

Looks like a really clean install.

And I'm sure a mod will move it for you.

Thanks, the only thing I would say I wanted to do that I can not, was source some BMW black leather to cover the HDD mounts, not really important, but would of been a nice touch.

[OvRiDe]

lol just realised this log should be in works in progress DOH..... homer simpson moment i think!

No worries, I have been following it, and didn't even realize it myself! :D

It's in the right place now, keep up the great work!

[Richie123]

No worries, I have been following it, and didn't even realize it myself! :D

OMG you been on the Donuts too terrible:evil:

[Fuganater]

Thanks, the only thing I would say I wanted to do that I can not, was source some BMW black leather to cover the HDD mounts, not really important, but would of been a nice touch.

Ya that would be a nice touch.

P.S. - Nice set of sponsors!

[Richie123]

Ya that would be a nice touch.

P.S. - Nice set of sponsors!

Yep, I did try, and I found out who BMW leather suppliers were, but they said they are paid to supply the leather exclusivly to BMW. :(

I know I was quite shocked to get them all on board too.

[Richie123]

Spent ages waiting on lights and they finally turned up, but again another issue cropped up.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image001.jpg

One of the ring lights I plan to use for lighting the etch was cracked... still though my lack of posts waiting for the lighting to turn up made me eager to start laying out the lighting, I thought I would crack on and get the LED strips In and test fitting the ring light (despite the fact I will have to take it all back out to sleeve them..

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image002.jpg

As you can see the ring light lights up the etching, In real vision it looks more like this..

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image003.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image004.jpg

Although the uv ring is less visible in real life, you can just about see it like in this picture.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image005.jpg

The best way to describe it would be the ring looks as dull as the picture above, and the etch looks as bright as the first few pictures. The reason I am using ring UV lights is I want to put them together to look like the round angel eyes found in the front headlights on a 3 series...

Anyway I will leave you some pictures as a teaser until I get finished, by next weekend, I had hoped it would be done this weekend, but I am now waiting on one ring light.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image006.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image007.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image008.jpg

I also added some under carriage lighting to the mobo section

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image009.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt17/image010.jpg

I am hoping that the ring light turns up this week so I can actually get finished, I feel so let down and was actually looking forward to getting this finished this weekend, fingers crossed that next weekend it happens...

[Richie123]

Well a bit of a disaster really, the bloody replacement ring UV light turned up, braided the exact same way as one in the rig, treated it with respect like it was a little baby as they are fragile, but it just fell apart at the solder end of the light. (there is no real protection around the tube..

so as much as I would like to keep that plan, I am just going to switch to the back up tubes.

I am planning to do some finished pics today and will upload them tonight or tomorrow.

[Richie123]

Well as you know I had issues with the ring lights, determined to get this project complete I went ahead with backup plan of a small UV tube to make the etch pop, This build has been trying and annoying (especially with the ring lights), I have no doubt that I will probably tweak some things at a later date. Anyway here are the pictures of it built finally.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image001.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image002.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image003.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image004.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image006.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image007.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image008.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image009.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image010.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image011.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image012.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image014.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image015.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image016.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image017.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image018.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image019.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt18a/image020.jpg

I am really happy how this has ended up really and probably more happy that the ring lights didn’t work out as this finish is more cleaner, I honestly can say as well doing a car themed PC is defo something I will probably do again in the future.

Now to get on with this projects mini me car I suppose, but ill still follow this topic and reply to you guys.

[Richie123]

Well back again believe it or not, Why, well after this mod was completed I spotted some other parts that would suit this mod better, mainly it involved barbs and clamps and after a few mails I Finally got some extra parts in. You may be thinking well the rig looks sweet, but I am a sucker for details and I believe these enhance that a bit more.

First off a big kudos goes to

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_01.jpg

And

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_02.jpg

For supplying the parts used in this little update, the products our quality and you will see why, first of let us take a look at the Lamptron products.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_03.jpg

Ok that is some LED light strips and some brown paper bags :P

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_04.jpg

The LED light strips that I got are much better put together than my home made jobbies that were currently in the PC, these are really flexible compared to the previous ones that I had to adapt and cut to fit as they did not bend so well. Next up is something else from Lamptron.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_05.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_06.jpg

These are the Lamptron Elite Aluminum tubing clamps, and from first impressions they look great (damn bloody white cat gets his hair everywere, even in my photo) they come in a variety of colours and will certainly suit the mod. These clamps are pricey compared to your Avg ones, but if you want the look they are worth it.

Moving on, I selected a range of connectors from Bitspowers WC range.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_07.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_08.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_09.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_10.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_11.jpg

When these arrived I was impressed as well, so much so, I will be contacting them on any future projects I do, great quality...

I suppose buy now you probably can picture the route I am going down, so I will leave you with these pictures to show what the effect has ended up like.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_12.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_13.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_14.jpg

Oh did I forget to mention, I also requested a couple of blue and silver ones to have a M power stripe effect on the two outer rad connections, more of a visual addon though as only one clamp is needed, but it defo ties in with the mod.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_15.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_update/level10mpowermod_update_16.jpg

I also replaced out the fans for some Bitfenix White 120,s as they look a lot better on the rads with the white of the case. Also got a new card, so I need to paint that one now, this is probably the last update, but no doubt you will see a post sooner or later with a mini me of this, that will be built into a 1/10 scale RC car shell and chassis to match the car in window etch.

[BS Mods]

NICE!!

It looked killer before but this is even better. It really has a "engine bay" feel to it with those clamps I think. It's like you're popping the hood and checking out the engine now.

Totally sweet. Nice job. :up:

[diluzio91]

I know its a little late. but maybe you could go to a junk yard and get some leather out of a BMW. lol... the back of a seat should be a decent sized chunk of leather.

[TheGreatSatan]

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/Level10_Mpower/Level10MpowerMod_pt5/level10mpowermod_pt5_10.jpg

Freaking sweeeeet! I'd be an idiot not to +rep you. I want bigger pics now!

[Richie123]

NICE!!

It looked killer before but this is even better. It really has a "engine bay" feel to it with those clamps I think. It's like you're popping the hood and checking out the engine now.

Totally sweet. Nice job. :up:

Thanks, it looks better in real life, but one of my fav mods I have done ever.


I know its a little late. but maybe you could go to a junk yard and get some leather out of a BMW. lol... the back of a seat should be a decent sized chunk of leather.

I done that at the start of the mod went to a few junk yards (called scrap yards over here) but the leather was to old and tatty, even though it was not ripped, it just would of not looked nice on the case.


Freaking sweeeeet! I'd be an idiot not to +rep you. I want bigger pics now!

What of the graphics card alone? you can checkout the full size pics of the case here if you want,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60677764@N06/

but If you want some of that card (which is in the misses PC now) ill take another.

[TheGreatSatan]

Then take another....

[Richie123]

Then take another....

ill try and get one done later today when i get home ;)

[TheGreatSatan]

I ask because I have a screensaver of mods. Some are mine, most are others and this needs to be on that list. I just set Windows to do a photo slideshow and BAM!

BTW, this screensaver is the most popular one at my work. Our display PC plays it and scores of people stop to look at the 100+ photos!