Battle Dragon Bag - Scratch Build

[monkeyfun]

Battle Dragon Bag Case sponsored by:

TT eSports ( http://www.ttesports.com/index.aspx) http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Tt_esports_trademark_dragon_en_horizontal.jpg (http://www.ttesports.com/index.aspx)

Click Image To Case Mod Store
http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/2010.mnpctech.banner.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/casemodstore.html)

http://www.gigabyte.us/images/logo.jpg (http://www.gigabyte.us)

http://www.deviceunknown.com/images/logo.png (http://deviceunknown.com/)

http://www.mayhems.co.uk/shop/img/logo.jpg?1328036628 (http://www.mayhems.co.uk/)

Greetings!

It’s that time again and I’ve got that modding itch. This new project was inspired by TT eSport’s Battle Dragon Bag.

http://usa.ttesports.com/files/product_Gallery/2011083023531314-75.jpg

http://usa.ttesports.com/files/product_Gallery/2011083023535308-13.jpg

http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=22

When I saw this bag my eyes glazed over and I went to that happy place in a modder’s head. I couldn’t see any reason why you’d only want to tote around peripherals in that bag. Why not put a whole desktop in it? Why not make a desktop-monitor combo that easily fits inside this bag? I can make a sweet computer that can be easily toted around in the Battle Dragon Bag. When I spoke with a representative with ThermalTake eSports, they seemed excited by the idea.

To start things off, I made measurements to determine exactly how big I could make the computer case and still be able to fit the various components in the bag as well. I took into consideration that I can remove the middle partition of the bag then reattach it with Velcro. I've even consulted with a seamstress who can do it for me. The case height needs to be statically set to 12" (30.5cm). The length and width can be modified as long as the proportions oscillate inversely. The maximum length is 20" to a 5" width and the maximum width is 6" to a 18" length. I've designed this case to be 18.5" long by 5.5" wide. I've also designed the case to have the motherboard set reverse in the case. What this means is if you look at the open side panel of the case the I/O ports will be on the right side, rather than the traditional left.

The first picture is a view of what will be the front/top/bottom panel and the back I/O panel. The middle strip will be a piece of illuminated red acrylic that will run the whole perimeter of the case. It will be lit up with two custom made red LED strips. Both of the power and reset switches will be Vandal LED switches. The fan/radiator port on the front of the case will be framed by a MNPCTech Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/side_panels.jpg

Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)

http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_custom_fan_grill_overkill_honeycomb_mnpctech .jpg ( http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html )

The back panel will show the Thermaltake TTeSports logo. The TTeSports logo will be back-lit with lighted piece of clear or red acrylic. The front panel will have a window with a Chinese dragon etched into the window and a small Tt trademark in the lower right corner.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/front_back_panels_04.jpg


Here is the general layout of the case components. I've left enough space to work with either air cooling or water cooling. The video card will be placed horizontally with the motherboard using a 5" PCIe flexible extender ribbon. Originally, I made this design for an enclosed water cooling system, so I’ll probably have to shuffle the hard drives around if I install a reservoir and a pump.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/layout.jpg

First question people have asked me when I describe this project is: Why not just buy a laptop? Simple answer: a good desktop will have more power than ANY laptop on the market. I like power.

So… what do you guys think? I apologize in advance for the simplistic drawings. I’m working on learning Sketchup and figuring out how to make represent my ideas in a better fashion.

[monkeyfun]

Update #1: Material Gathering

I received my first two packages!!!

An extra special thanks to:

TT eSports (http://www.ttesports.com/index.aspx) http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Tt_esports_trademark_dragon_en_horizontal.jpg (http://www.ttesports.com/index.aspx)

The first package had the bulk of the ingredients:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/ttloot01.jpg

Battle Dragon Bag (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=22)
Shock One Gaming Headset (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=8)
Big Water 760+ (with CPU block) Water Cooling set (http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1444&ID=2058)
TR2 RX 1000w PSU (http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1245&ID=1909)
2 Thunderblade case fans (http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1164&ID=1919)
And a top I/O port assembly from one of their cases to add to this scratch build.

The second package had a Dell Monitor that I will be adding to the mod. I have some ideas that include a swing arm. So far my preliminary warranty voiding has come up with some interesting results and ideas. *plot* *scheme* *plot*

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/ttloot02.jpg

I made some runs to the local plastic and metal vendors picked up the .5” square rods and .25”x.5” rods for the framing, one REALLY big sheet of aluminum 8’ long sheet of .25” thick aluminum, and a smaller sheet of thinner aluminum. I picked up all my aluminum at $3 USD a pound at scrap prices (w00t! basically saved .50 to 1.00 a pound). The .5” thick piece of acrylic was free!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/materials01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/materials02.jpg


I decided to hit up a new acquaintance of mine that has a plethora of laptop HDDs. I was able to get a Seagate 7200rpm 500GB HDD for a decent price. I will also be using the Intel 510 Series 120GB SSD I received at PAX Prime 2011 in the BYOC.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/storage01.jpg


I'm just waiting on one more package to arrive. In the meantime, I'll start working on the frame. Stay Tuned!

[monkeyfun]

Update #2: Another Package!!

I received the other package I was expecting!!!

An extra special thanks to:

Click Image To Case Mod Store
http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/2010.mnpctech.banner.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/casemodstore.html)

MNPCTech was nice enough to supply this project with some pretty killer stuff.

First and foremost is the Overkill Honeycomb 120mm Fan Grill. This will end up being right on the front of this case and the center piece for a head on view. Online pictures of these grills only give you a portion of their awesomeness. These aren’t some flimsy piece of low gauge aluminum. They’re chunks of heavy-duty, in-your-face style. They’re clean, solid, and absolutely flawless.

Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_custom_fan_grill_overkill_honeycomb_mnpctech .jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)

I can’t wait until the frame is all welded together so I can slap this baby on. Here’s the in-person, unboxed view:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update02/mnpctechloot04.jpg

Next out of the box was everything I needed to give my cabling a little extra style.

PC Cable Sleeving (http://www.mnpctech.com/PC_Cable_Wire_Sleeving_Kit.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/cable_wire_sleeve_heatshrink_black_mnpctech.com.jp g (http://www.mnpctech.com/PC_Cable_Wire_Sleeving_Kit.html)

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update02/mnpctechloot01.jpg

Of course, you can’t do your sleeving properly if you don’t have the tools. Since I already had a heat gun, MNPCTech was kind enough to fill a gap in my toolset:

ATX Molex Removal Tools (http://www.mnpctech.com/ATX_Molex_Removal_Tools.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/24_pin_PCI_ATX_PSU_power_supply_sleeve_removal_too l_extractor.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/ATX_Molex_Removal_Tools.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/molex_pin_male_female_sleeve_tool_extractor.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/ATX_Molex_Removal_Tools.html)

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update02/mnpctechloot03.jpg

To help me set my acrylic in the case, I’ve asked to put the Tape of the Gods to the test. I’ve seen the videos. I’ve heard the hype. Now it’s time to work the magic.

Scotch 4010 Mounting Tape (http://www.mnpctech.com/scotch_4010_tape_of_the_casemod_gods.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/4010scotch3mtape.mnpctech.com.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/scotch_4010_tape_of_the_casemod_gods.html)

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update02/mnpctechloot02.jpg

The last thing in the box is quickly becoming my favorite item. After getting these glasses, I decided to take them for a spin. I had to run to the hardware store for some home improvement items, so I accessorized. I even got a compliment from one of the contractors at the store asking me where I got my safety glasses.

Safety Glasses (http://www.mnpctech.com/Safetyglasses.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/smith.wesson.safety.glasses.ANSIZ87.1.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/Safetyglasses.html)

I've placed them next to my old pair so you can see the difference.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update02/mnpctechloot05.jpg


Now I’m just waiting for the seamstress to finish up with the bag and to complete the welding on the frame. Once these two things are completed you’ll start seeing the work log take off. Thanks for reading!

[monkeyfun]

Update #3: It begins.

I just got the bag back from the seamstress after she removed the inner separator.

Link to unmodified Battle Dragon Bag (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=22)
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update03/dragonbag01.jpg

She’s still working on taking that insert and making it so it can be put back in with Velcro and so it can double as a monitor pad. I appreciate all the work she is doing for me because for all of my abilities, sewing is pretty low on the talent scale.

Also, I just received the frame from Rusty with Hazard Factory. While he is a fine instructor for both welding and casting, my skills are not quite up to par for doing a professional looking aluminum weld. So I’ve hired him to get me started. And here’s the welded frame he created to my specifications:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update03/frame01.jpg

I’ll need to do some clean up around the couple of the corners but I am amazed how well he can weld. All of my attempts with steel and iron are usually pock marked and crooked.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update03/frame02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update03/frame03.jpg

Since I didn’t have any time to start work (received the frame 10pm in the evening), I started placing some of the parts on/around the frame to give me an idea of just how cramped this case might be… The Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html) is going to look AWESOME on this case.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update03/frame04.jpg

Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_custom_fan_grill_overkill_honeycomb_mnpctech .jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)

As one final double check I had to put the frame into and bag just to make sure it fits…
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update03/dragonbag02.jpg

…and it does. I can’t wait to get home from work so I can REALLY start digging into this project. Thanks for reading! More to come later this week!

[monkeyfun]

Update #4: Prep work.

Here is a quick little update. I needed to get everything ready for some serious work on this project. So I got all of my parts ready to be worked on. I cut two strips of 1.25” wide 30” long polycarbonate. I did two just in case I snap one of them in the bending processes. I’ve worked with acrylic but this is my first time with the polycarbonate. The people at Laird’s Plastics seemed fairly enthusiastic about the product (http://www.lairdplastics.com/product/materials/polycarbonate). I’ve also cut out the piece two pieces continuous pieces that will be the top and front plates. Each plate is 32” long and 2.75” wide (although I’ll probably cut it slimmer). The bottom plate will be one single piece 10.5” long 5.75” wide. Both the plates and the panels will be a thicker gauge (8 or about 1/8” thick) for protection for travel. This will cause it to be a little heavier but if I don’t like it I can always use a thinner gauge.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update04/aluminumparts.jpg

I’ve also decided to void my warranty with the BigWater 760+ ( http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1444&ID=2058). While I think this would be an excellent product for a comfortable ready-made case, I’m more interested in its individual parts. Before:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update04/bigwaterbefore.jpg

After:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update04/bigwaterafter.jpg

I’m still debating (and leaning towards) doing a custom reservoir. I really want to utilize the handy “refill” indicator I pulled out of the reservoir. I might have to do some creative jury rigging to get the fan control to work with the Red LED fan I was provided. Also, I’ll have to find a use for the Thermaltake fan grill since I’m using MNPCTech’s Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html) in the front.

And then my wife decided to pop in and take an impromptu picture while I was using the table saw to cut the polycarbonate… you can tell how happy I am that she went paparazzi on me. These safety glasses (http://www.mnpctech.com/Safetyglasses.html) go well with the Vespa in the background… I get negative hipster points for selling off my two `73 Honda CB450s. I miss those old café beaters.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update04/glasses.jpg

My next steps are to shave down the inside of the frame so that the 120mm fan and radiator will fit snuggly. I will also have to cut out the groves for the polycarbonate in the columns of the frame so that the cover plates lie flat on the frame.

Thanks for reading! More to come!

[monkeyfun]

Update #5: Tinkerin’.

I like to put in a little work every day on my case. Even I am only working on the case for 30 or 40 minutes. I still feel like I’m making some progress. These little sets tend to add up over the weeks and sometimes months. That and they’re great for documenting processes as well. He’s what I did last night.

I cut out the sections in the columns of the frame for the polycarbonate.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/frame10.jpg

I didn’t get around to cutting out the spacing for the fan but it’s marked and ready to go.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/frame11.jpg

I wanted to see if the polycarbonate is as workable as acrylic. So I started bending one of the pieces with my heat gun and let gravity set the angle. Note, I made a little notch on the back to help influence where the polycarbonate bends once it’s heated up.

First bend:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/polycarb01.jpg

Second Bend:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/polycarb02.jpg

Result of the first piece:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/polycarb03.jpg

Bending the second piece:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/polycarb04.jpg

Thanks for reading! More to come this weekend!

[Fuganater]

Looking good. I also like to work a little bit every day. Well sometimes a little bit turns into a 2am night :P

[monkeyfun]

Looking good. I also like to work a little bit every day. Well sometimes a little bit turns into a 2am night :P

I only get away with the 2am work night close to a deadline. Otherwise my wife isn't so understanding. Of course, if the work doesn't use power tools then I can work non-stop as far as she's concerned.

[monkeyfun]

Update #5.5: Another Package!!!

I just received the last of the prizes from my 1st place in the PAX BYOC Casemod contest. And they’re perfect compliments to this scratch build.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/ttprize01.jpg

The Azurues Mini FPS Mouse (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=20) is as sleek as it looks on the TTeSports webpage. So far I’ve only played League of Legends with it and it is performing without a hitch. The DPI settings are nice… but is there ever a reason not to have it at 1600 dpi? ;)

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/ttprize02.jpg (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=20)

I am both excited and apprehensive about my other prize: the Meka G1 Keyboard (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=18). I’m an avid ergonomic keyboard user. I have one at work and at home. While I have no problem using a standard layout, I just feel (albeit psychosomatic) more comfortable using the ergonomic keyboard. However, there was something …nice… about the responsiveness of the mechanical keys that I don’t get with the ergo keyboard. In my future-dream world, there’s a mechanical ergo backlit gaming keyboard available for under $200 USD. Yeah, I know, I’ll keep dreaming.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update05/ttprize03.jpg (http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=18)

[SXRguyinMA]

mmm mechanical ergo backlit-gaming keyboard....YES! I ditched my MS Natural Ergo KB for my Logitech G510 because I wanted the backlighting. I miss my MS one, but not when I have any color backlighting I want lol

[monkeyfun]

mmm mechanical ergo backlit-gaming keyboard....YES! I ditched my MS Natural Ergo KB for my Logitech G510 because I wanted the backlighting. I miss my MS one, but not when I have any color backlighting I want lol

The keyboard I currently have is a MS ergo keyboard... that I'm thinking of modding for backlighting. I have a couple of theories and now that I have the other one I can screw it up and not worry about it.

[monkeyfun]

Update #6: Mistakes I can’t live with.

It’s been a busy week for me. I started a new job on Monday so I haven’t had as much time to work on the case as I would have liked… and what work I’ve done I am unsatisfied with. I did get the front and back panels cut, drilled and tapped to fit with the frame. As you can see here, I have all the tools necessary to do a great job tapping.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update06/tapping01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update06/frontpanel01.jpg

After I attached both front and back panels with a couple of screws, I was able to begin cleaning up the edges around the panels to making sure they fit just right. For the most part, I did a pretty good job. When cutting I tried channeling the attention of detail of Attila. The back panel was perfect.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update06/edges01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update06/edges02.jpg

But apparently my Attila mantra was slightly off. My table saw ended up chewing up a little bit too much edge on the front panel. I was hoping it was something I could correct… but when I placed the top and bottom pieces next to the front panel you can really see how far off it was… :(

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update06/mistake01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update06/mistake02.jpg

Unfortunately, I’m going to have to buy another 18.5” x 12” piece to replace this panel. It’s just a little too off for me. I did, however cut the two panels for the top/mid/bottom sides. They are nice and straight and I just need to start bending them into place.

A buddy of mine came over to look at the progress. He questioned why I made the frame so sturdy and the side pieces 1/8”thick. I simply flipped the case over and stood on it (I’m 205lbs or 93kg) and said no reason. Next update will have pictures from the perspective of me standing on the case. ;)

Saturday To-Do List:
Buy a new sheet of aluminum to redo Windowed Panel
Look for black ½” 6-32 flat head machine screws (stainless steel or zinc)
Look for black ½” 6-32 pan head machine screws (stainless steel or zinc)
Begin drilling/tapping the top/mid/bottom pieces
Bend the top/mid/bottom pieces

[TheMainMan]

The keyboard I currently have is a MS ergo keyboard... that I'm thinking of modding for backlighting. I have a couple of theories and now that I have the other one I can screw it up and not worry about it.

If you do this, I would love to see the worklog. I have EL wire under my ergo's keys and have always wanted the keys to light up.

The bag looks awesome, really excited to see how this turns out!

[monkeyfun]

If you do this, I would love to see the worklog. I have EL wire under my ergo's keys and have always wanted the keys to light up.

I will most definitely keep a log on the KB mod! I think there are quite a few people that want to see what they can do with their old KBs.

[monkeyfun]

Update #7: The Correction and Bending.

I'm still getting the hang of my new job but it is a lot of fun and very interesting. But enough of that, here's a couple of the pictures of the progress. I've actually got more done than I'm posting but only so much time in my days. :(

Replacing that front/side panel was the right thing to do. I am much happier with the results. Here is a comparison of the panels so you can see what the difference was with the mistake:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update07/difference01.jpg

And here are two pictures of the frame with the front and back panels:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update07/frame20.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update07/frame21.jpg

As you can see, I'm building to be tougher than it probably needs to be... but why not?

The top and side pieces will be two continuous pieces that run the perimeter of the case. In order to do this, I have a bit of bending to do.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update07/bend01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update07/bend02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update07/bend03.jpg


I was incredibly careful, if not gentle with my bending. AFter cutting a line, I gently bent an angle. Then I'd reattach the piece and check. I'd take the piece off and bend it slightly again. Little by little, I got my bends just right.
All I can say is my Attila mantra is starting to pay off. When you take your time and be extra careful, aluminum is easier to work than wood!

Tomorrow, I go to the printer to pick up some carbon paper and print a large version of the dragon to use as a pattern for the etching.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/Update01/ChineseDragon_etching.jpg

I'm also waiting for my package of screws to arrive. McMasters-Carr ended up having the Black Oxide screws I need.
I'm still looking for the perfect scroll work to etch into the plastic cover panels for inside the case...

Thank you for reading!

[monkeyfun]

Update #8: The Outsides.

Here’s some of the catch-up work-log.
I finished getting the left and right front-top panels and bottom panel done. I also decided that I need more dragons in my basement for focus. The only poster I had from PAX with a dragon on it was a Dungeons and Dragons poster. But that’s ok, the red and black are right in line with this case.

The McMaster-Carr package arrived. So the screws you see holding the case together are only temporary. I want to have the real screws recessed so they’re not sticking out.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/case01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/case02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/case03.jpg


Next, I started fitting the Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html) to the front of the case.

Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_custom_fan_grill_overkill_honeycomb_mnpctech .jpg ( http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/overkill01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/overkill02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/overkill03.jpg

Here’s the planning for the dragon etching on the side-front-facing panel.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update08/dragon01.jpg

The next set will be for some of the inside fabrication and the etching. Thanks for reading!!

[monkeyfun]

Update #9: Placement.
Sorry I haven’t had a post in a week but this new job has me very busy and I am planning a 200 seat LAN party in Seattle, WA, USA (with a casemod contest hopefully) with several of my associates. It doesn’t mean I’m not modding, just means I’ve been a little latent with my posts. ;)

First things first, I’d like to introduce my latest addition to my project log. Gigabyte has been gracious enough to allow me to put one of their fine boards in my case: the GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/gigabyte01.jpg (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3854#ov)
This little MicroATX beauty is the perfect fit for this case. It’s form fitting, great on-board audio, 4 slots for RAM with a 32Gb max, SATA 6Gb connections, USB 3.0 ports, and the option for an SLI or Crossfire configuration. Now I just need to find two nice video cards to go into the case, otherwise I’ll just have to make do with my single XFX Radeon 5750.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/gigabyte02.jpg
I can’t wait to try the Cloud OC and see how it works as an Overclocking tool.

Now, on to the modding…
I finally got the insides of the frame machined so that I could slip the fan in between the bars.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/placement01.jpg
I’ve tried the placement of the radiator so that the intake is in a couple of different spots. I like this placement. But I think I’m going to have to mod the intake port so that it points toward the CPU rather than the 90 degree bend towards the bottom.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/placement02.jpg
Here’s a view with the intake on the other side and the pump and reservoir placed for review.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/placement03.jpg
Once more but with the PSU put in to measure spacing and review placement:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/placement04.jpg
And now with the motherboard:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/placement05.jpg
And finally with a single stunt video card (since the 5750 is in my current computer):
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update09/placement06.jpg

After seeing all of these things in place I’m confident this is going to be a killer case. It’s just going to take a little bit of finesse to get it all to fit together.
To do list:
- Mod the radiator intake to work with the case.
- Fabricate a new reservoir that will have a downspout at the bottom for draining
- Flip the fan guard on the PSU so it’s right side up.
- Decide if I’m going to go dual or single GPU. Right now, cost is saying only one but who knows… maybe some mystery Christmas angel will help me find a way to get two cards in there.

Finally I’ll leave you with the start of my next post, the etching. Here’s the placement of the to-be etched dragon in the frame. Another update will be out soon!

[monkeyfun]

Update #10: A little bit of LAN and Etching.

And on tenth update he said,”Let there be pictures.” Lots and lots of pictures.

First off, I got a chance to try out my new keyboard, headset and mouse at a LAN. My cohort Big Red throws small LAN parties on a semi-regular basis. There’s usually only about 20-25 people but they’re immensely fun and always filled with the best of people. I’m not going to show you the pathetic case I brought to this LAN. I’m too ashamed of it. The pathetic case is one of the many reasons I have to work on this Battle Dragon Bag Case. I appreciate TTeSports for giving me the opportunity to work on it.

Here 4 quick pictures of the LAN and then it’s back to the modding! First picture has all the things I need for a LAN:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/LAN01.jpg

I got seating next two parts of awesome: Beta_Angel and LordMoon (seen in this picture). LordMoon will be featuring some of our gaming antics for the local news. If you get a chance check out some of his review at http://www.nwcn.com/entertainment/game-reviews

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/LAN02.jpg

The next two pictures were on the Friday night so it wasn’t as packed as it gets but you can see the setup:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/LAN03.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/LAN04.jpg


Now, on to the modding:

First I had to get set the pattern onto the polycarbonate. This is where I noticed that the dragon was missing a leg… huh… I put the pattern and some carbon paper on the polycarbonate and traced away.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch01.jpg

After I got done tracing the pattern, I added the missing leg and then used a black marker to make sure I didn’t wipe off the pattern.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch02.jpg

Then I had to double checking the polycarbonate is big enough to be the window. I didn’t want to waste all of the time etching something that wasn’t going to fit.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch00.jpg

I gathered up all of my needed supplies: A foam backing so I didn’t scratch up the opposite side, my dremel with a tip I like, blackberry-pear cider, and my Smith & Wesson “Elite” Safety Glasses courtesy of MNPCTech (http://www.mnpctech.com/Safetyglasses.html).

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch03.jpg

Then I got nervous. I had never etched before on polycarbonate… so I made a practice piece.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch04.jpg

Tried my hand with a couple of different tips and tried some shading. I’m going to need a lot of practice with the shading. Cross-hatching is a little trickier with dremel.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch05.jpg

But I felt fairly confident about my line work so I dove right in…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch06.jpg

Here’s the view after I finished the initial line work:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch07.jpg

And here’s the back view. I still have to peel off some of the plastic coating so it looks a bit more filled in than it actually is.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update10/etch08.jpg

I’ll probably spend some more time touching up the line work and maybe get brave enough to fill in some of the scales.

That’s it for now. Thank you for reading!

[monkeyfun]

Update #11: Frame work and the beginning of the assembly.

First off, I've finished the etching!!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/etch10.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/etch11.jpg

I have to admit, I really like etching. I'm half way tempted to try the back TTeSport dragon as an etching as well. Aesthetically, I think I could make it look good and have fun doing it. Although... it might detract from the whole traditional front/back design, so I'm taking it into consideration.

For now, I began working on making the framework for the parts. At first I tried basic bars:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/frame10.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/frame11.jpg

Then I had to factor in the reservoir and the pump and well two bars just wasn't cool enough.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/frame12.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/frame13.jpg

I still have to do a bunch of filing and cleaning up but I like that shape over two plain bars. I also did work on the radiator. The intake pipe was at a 90 degree angle pointed down.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/radiator01.jpg

That wasn't good for my design so... I chopped it off.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/radiator02.jpg

I lucked out when I looked inside the pipe. I can simply drill and tap the pipe to work with a fitting.

Next I had to widen the screw mounts for the radiator it could be connected to the Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html). Another stroke of luck, the existing hole was big enough that all i had to do was widen it with a tap.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/radiator03.jpg

Next, I started fitting the Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html) to the front of the case.

Overkill "Honeycomb" 120mm Fan Grill (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_custom_fan_grill_overkill_honeycomb_mnpctech .jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html)

First shot, without the modder's mesh:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/overkill01.jpg

Second shot, with the modder's mesh:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/overkill02.jpg

Here's a side view:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update11/overkill03.jpg

Thanks for reading!!

[billygoat333]

etching turned out really well! good job.

[Twigsoffury]

Very very very good job on the etching.

The only single problem i saw is that the distance between the lines on the background circle aren't even, and don't quite match up.


But man I had to look hard for that (where's waldo style) and the dragon itself looks flawless to me tip to tip. the claws were especially well copied.

[TheMainMan]

:stupid: (with both of them)

You make it look so easy, that etch should fit the design really well!

[monkeyfun]

etching turned out really well! good job.


:stupid: (with both of them)

You make it look so easy, that etch should fit the design really well!


Thank you both!



Very very very good job on the etching.

The only single problem i saw is that the distance between the lines on the background circle aren't even, and don't quite match up.


But man I had to look hard for that (where's waldo style) and the dragon itself looks flawless to me tip to tip. the claws were especially well copied.

Yeah, if you take a step back it's not too bad but I noted that as well. There's also one other mistake on one of the spines that I might be able to correct. But over all, I think I did a decent job for my first time etching. I really like etching though so you'll prbably see more in my future projects.

[monkeyfun]

Update #12: IT’S UPDATE TIME!!!

Excuses:
New Job
New Job with Holidays = Busy
Holidays
Holidays with Friends and Relatives = Busy
Planning and preparing and spinning my wheels while motivating our webdev for the Emerald City LAN = kind of busy? I’m sure Big Red’s will scoff at that one. ;)

Apologies:
Sorry I’ve been “absent” with my updates. I’m noticing that I do quite a bit more modding work when I’m unemployed or under-employed. I’ve been doing micro work here and there but constantly working on my case.
I also have to apologize that I haven’t taken as many pictures of my work and a couple are blurry. I’ll probably be looking at getting a new camera at the end of this project.

How I will make it up to you:
This update will be filled with content (18 pictures) and will probably cause you to wear out your scroll wheel.
I will be turning my slowness into your benefit. I’ve done parts orders from three different modding online retail stores (and received free parts from a fourth) and will be posting an opinion/review article in the near future (the article will be vetted and hosted at DeviceUnknown.com). The article should be completed and sent to the editor by Friday.


Now, onto the update and let’s start with some of the goodies!

My package from Xoxide.com arrived! Contents: two strips of LEDs and a remote switching controller. I’ve never used any of the premade LED strips so this is a bit a lazy experiment. I could have gotten a bunch of LEDs off of Ebay, calculated my load and soldered in the wires for a fraction of the price but I wanted to see if the convenience was worth the price. The remote switch is for me. I like gadgets.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/xoxide01.jpg

My package from FrozenCPU.com arrived! Contents: two Vandal Switches and two red 8” Cold Cathode Ray Tubes. The switches are just plain cool looking. They’re fairly easy to wire up and give a particular style and look to the case. The CCRTs will be used to light the etched panels and give an ambient red light to the inside of the case.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/frozencpu01.jpg
I got a sweet holiday present from my mother! Content: One awesome stand-up drill press. I technically didn’t get this present until the 6th of January (and excitedly assembled that same day). But it’s just too awesome of a gift not to mention. And yes, I tested it. It works effortlessly. However, I’ve already broken one drill bit playing around with it. I have to learn to gauge my pressure/strength better with the drill press. *giggles like an excite little school girl*

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/drillpress01.jpg

I also get a bunch of bits with some of my holiday money! Contents: stuff.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/hardwarepart01.jpg

My main goal this holiday was to get the skeleton completed. I got pretty far but still have to do the mounting bracket for the video card and the HDDs/SSDs (one piece for both parts). I decided to raise the mother board and PSU mounts so I could better manage my wires. So I installed risers for the mounting plates:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/risers01.jpg

After further inspection, I decided to redo my forward plate. One of the things I’m finally starting to figure out is how you cut your aluminum will often determine how long you have to spend cleaning up the part. Bad cut = many days filing and sanding. Good cut = many hours filling and sanding. I’m starting to assess my pieces by figuring out if it’s quicker and cheaper to just scrap a piece of aluminum and cut it properly or spend the many hours filing an under-cut piece to perfection or correcting an over-cut piece to acceptable point.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/redo01.jpg

Next I designed cut my reservoir and pump mount:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/pumpmount01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/pumpmount02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/pumpmount03.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/pumpmount04.jpg

Some of you might call me a modding noob for this, but working with aluminum is a discovery process for me. I just figured out you tap from the opposite side and still be able to insert screw on the intended side. It saved me a lot of awkward tapping and creative drilling.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/tapping01.jpg

Then I attached all of the pieces with temporary screws. Does anyone else do this? I find that I like to use beat up screws to hold it in place as I evaluate placing and while I determine if I’m going to recess a screw.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/frame50.jpg

Next I worked on increasing the screw size and recessing all of the screws on the top, front and bottom panels…. And apparently too much schnapps or mulled mead leads to dead taps. Fortunately I didn’t screw up the panel and was able to remove the broke tap with no real damage.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/deadtap01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/deadtap02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/recessedscrews01.jpg

Finally (for this update), I began working on the back panel:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/backplate01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/backplate02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update12/backplate03.jpg


So… what’s next? Well I already have a bunch of work ready for this next update. I’m excited to utilize my new drill press. I have an ordered package coming in from Performance-PCS.com. I purchased and received a 2GB Radeon HD 6950. So I’ll include my upgrading the 6950 bios to a 6970 bios in this worklog. That’s modding right? I also received some exciting news from a new sponsor. Plenty of content and much more to come!

(and I promise I won’t leave you hanging so long next time)

Thanks for reading!!

[TheMainMan]

Looking great! That drill press will sure make things easier.

[monkeyfun]

Update #13: The unlucky update?

http://www.deviceunknown.com/images/logo.png (http://deviceunknown.com/)

This update I have a great announcement! The reviewing website DeviceUnknown.com has been gracious enough to provide me with a HD 6970 EK waterblock and back plate!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/waterblock01.jpg

This water block provides me with both a challenge and a reassurance. The challenge is that I’ll be suspending the water block upside down. Now that might seem so challenging but when you think how a GPU water block works you might see it differently. The reassurance comes from knowing the GPU will be cool after I’ve upgraded my HD 6950 to a 6970. When I bought this video card I did so for two reasons. One, it has a plate that can be easily modded into a mounting bracket. Two, the Radeon HD 6950 with 2GB can be BIOS flashed to a 6970. The process was simple enough.

For step by step guide I followed this template: http://www.overclock.net/t/942034/how-to-flash-6950-to-6970-guide

Basically, I downloaded ATIWinFlash, downloaded a 6970 BIOS, flipped the BIOS switch on my video card, flashed the BIOS and then reinstalled the drivers. Here’s the before and after on my videocard. It works like a charm.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/6950to6970.jpg

I’ve also received the first of two orders from Performance-PCS! My water-cooling glands are salivating? Does that even make sense?

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/performancepcs01.jpg

Any rate I’ve started on the back panel as well. This is where a CNC plasma cutter would come in incredibly handy.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/backpanel01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/backpanel02.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/backpanel03.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/backpanel04.jpg
It’s not going as easy as I would have hoped for… there are some parts that I’ll have to either repair or decide to refabricate. I’m still thinking about this one. Attila! HOW DO YOU MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY!!! YOU GLORIOUS BASTARD!!!

Two Thank You Notes:
First, I won a N580GTX Lightning Xtreme Edition video card and a Z68A-GD80 G3 from a MSI contest. Thank you very much. If my gaming doesn’t improve after this… then it’s the lag… yeah, that’s the ticket.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update13/thankyouMSI.jpg

Secondly, I’d like to thank Robert Dailey at DeviceUnknown.com for providing me the water block for this case and for giving me the opportunity to try my hand at writing. Feel free to take a look at my first foray into the online writing world see if my review on Online Modding Part eTailors sparks any interest or conversation.
http://deviceunknown.com/?p=794

Once again, thanks for reading and comment away!

[monkeyfun]

Update #14: The repeat update.

As part of my hobby I’ve been working on writing some article for DeviceUnknown.com. It has been a lot of fun. Yesterday, I had the privilege of chatting to Bill Owen, the famous modder of MNPCTech.com. While I won’t give away the whole course of the interview in my update (you’ll have to wait and read the article) I will say that he reminded me of two main things that keep me interested and excited about modding: learning and craftsmanship.

Learning:
I’ll admit I don’t know nearly as much as most modders out there. I still consider myself new to the scene and new to modding. I’m sure there’s several people out there that can tell me exactly what drill bit to use with a 1/2 inch tap that a 3/8 th inch water cooling fitting will fit snugly into… But I don’t, so I play. I call it play because this is how I have fun. I figure it out like it’s a puzzle that I want to solve. Basically, I do little things like this to remind me of certain parts of my puzzle:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/goldielocksfitting01.jpg
I’ll be stopping by the hardware store to get a drill bit tonight. It might be the wrong one. But I don’t care. You learn more from your mistakes than you do from your successes.

Craftmanship:
The title of this update is all about this section. While I was working my aluminum with the jigsaw, attacking the design with as much precision as a butcher cutting a prime steak only to grind it into hamburger patties, I ended up breaking off three pieces of the design. I suppose I could have fixed it. But I know that when it was done, I’d be able to lean in and see the flaws just under the paint, mocking me. So I decided to recreate the back panel and figure out a better way to do it. I want it an whole continuous part with smooth edges and hard lines.

First I copied the shape and overlapped the edges so that it fit with the frame.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/redo30.jpg

Next, I created four screw holes over both the old and new pieces. Then I put the old piece over the new piece to make exact placements of the existing screw holes.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/redo31.jpg

Here, I measured and placed the TTeSport Dragon design on the panel.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/redo32.jpg

I etched the lines into the metal in case I wiped away my lines while I was cutting the metal. I also circled the areas that I had problems with last time so I knew to be sensitive with how much stress or pressure I put in these spots.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/redo33.jpg

Now, it began prepping my metal with drilled holes so that I could fit my jigsaw blade into the metal. I put a hole at every turn or angel so that I could cut lines as straight as possible.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/redo34.jpg

And then I went crazy… I just kept drilling holes. My wife begged me to stop. But I couldn’t. I just kept drilling. I can still hear the distant sound of drill press calling me….
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/redo35.jpg


In other news, two more packages arrived: my second shipment of Bitspower fittings and some nice red acrylic for the back panel!
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/loot01.jpg

That’s it for now! Stay tuned more to come this week!
Thanks for reading!

[Aldersan]

Looks amazing! Loving this build!

[monkeyfun]

My prize from winning http://deviceunknown.com 's first drawing arrived!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/ozcHD.jpg

Yeaaaaaah baby. I got it and I'm going stick it somewhere inappropriate...

...like in my unfinished Battle Dragon Bag case to make sure it works where I want to place it. That's ok, right?

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update14/monkeyfreak.jpg

[monkeyfun]

Update #15: Success!

I’ve made two successes! First, I finally figured out why I couldn’t get my damn fittings into any of the holes I was drilling and tapping. My tap had too few threads. I stopped by a local hardware store and while I was drooling over some new tools I noticed that unlike the major hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, they had a wide variety of taps with different thread counts. The first problem was solved.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/thread01.jpg


The second difficulty was cutting out the TTeSports Dragon on the back panel. I’ve already replaced the panel once. I’m hoping I won’t have to do it again. After all the holes were drilled I used my Rotozip to grind/cut away some of the straight lines.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/panel40.jpg

I also made a point of only cutting lines of the same direction so that any individual parts would have a little more stability.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/panel41.jpg

To make cutting a little easier visually, I shaded the cut out.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/panel42.jpg

And… SUCCESS! The inner pattern is a little on the thin side but it’s a whole piece!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/panel43.jpg

The other thing about cutting gout the dragon by predrilling a bunch of hole is that it leaves some pretty rough lines and jagged cuts. To remedy that, I start the repetitive process of grinding.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/grinding01.jpg

Five minutes later…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/grinding02.jpg

It’s incredibly annoying to have to switch out those tiny little grinding cylinders every five minutes or so. I need to find an easier way of softening some edges without spending half my time prepping my rotary tool. That’s it for now! Stay tuned more to come this weekend!
Thanks for reading!

[Aldersan]

I love this build, can't wait to see it completed!!

[d_stilgar]

To save you from switching out those sanding bits all the time (they only work on wood/plastic really) get some nice metal files. It will still take forever, but that's how most people get that really nice look in the end.

[msmrx57]

To save you from switching out those sanding bits all the time (they only work on wood/plastic really) get some nice metal files. It will still take forever, but that's how most people get that really nice look in the end.

You can also get some carbide bits that work in a Dremel if you keep it on the lowest speed. On higher speeds the aluminum plugs them up.

[TLHarrell]

Like d_stilgar says, nice large metal files. The kind that are about 8-10" long. Use as much of that stroke length as possible and let the tool do the work. Clamp your panel in a vise or over the edge of a table and close to the spot you're working on. This will also help to support the long parts and keep them from getting bent/broken off.

For filing, I like to move the file along the work during the stroke at a bit of an angle. This will help to even out the edges better. Find a comfortable position to work at and it will go a whole lot easier.

[monkeyfun]

I love this build, can't wait to see it completed!!

Thank you!


To save you from switching out those sanding bits all the time (they only work on wood/plastic really) get some nice metal files. It will still take forever, but that's how most people get that really nice look in the end.

Yeah, that's the next attempt for me.


You can also get some carbide bits that work in a Dremel if you keep it on the lowest speed. On higher speeds the aluminum plugs them up.

I was also thinking that i could try a little test with some metal router burrs in the rotozip to see if that does anything as well. Experimenting is fun.


Like d_stilgar says, nice large metal files. The kind that are about 8-10" long. Use as much of that stroke length as possible and let the tool do the work. Clamp your panel in a vise or over the edge of a table and close to the spot you're working on. This will also help to support the long parts and keep them from getting bent/broken off.

For filing, I like to move the file along the work during the stroke at a bit of an angle. This will help to even out the edges better. Find a comfortable position to work at and it will go a whole lot easier.

Yeah, I have a nice set of files... I know I can do it but.... i can be so impatient at times.

[monkeyfun]

Update #15.5: Filing

Since the last update was so short and this one is equally as short, I’m considering this all update #15. My wife hates the filing portion of a case construction. She swears I’m torturing a goose in my basement. The dog doesn’t care for the noise either, he hides on the bed.

Here are all the tools I used for cleaning up the TTeSports dragon: A Rotozip armed with a tapered burr, a variety of clamps, and several files. In the picture below, I’ve set out the three files I ended up using the most. The back panel itself has been fairly easy to file. I just used two scrap pieces of aluminum to cross brace any cut-out that sticks out and then I could file without worry.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/filing01.jpg

The cut-out portion of the TTeSports I used a similar technique but I used bigger pieces of aluminum to brace the subject piece, a mounted vice, and smaller clamps for added security.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/filing02.jpg

…and then I added a couple more clamps… and some more… and more… YOU SHALL NOT BREAK ALUMINUM! YOU SHALL NOT BREAK!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/clamps01.jpg

It has been a slow process but it’s really starting to look good. I left a couple of slivers of aluminum attached to the eye so I wouldn’t have to attach a tiny little piece to the acrylic.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/filing03.jpg

I dropped the cut-out piece to see how the progress is turning out… I still have more cleaning up to do but I think it’ll look great with the backlit red acrylic behind it.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update15/filing04.jpg

Thank you for all of the filing advice I have received on all of the forums. It has been really handy and it has influenced my work and patience. Thank you again! That’s it for now, stay tuned for next week. I think I’ll get one or two more updates in before next weekend.

[monkeyfun]

Update #16: February, Month of the Mini-Update

I am resigning myself to the multiple mini updates. Since I’ll be doing work daily on my case up to PDXLAN, I’ll be doing my best to document what and where I can. This means a bunch of micro updates. I apologize if my update numbering starts to resemble the notes of someone trying to figure out a Millennium Prize Problem.

Onto the update! I have GREAT news. I’ve been searching down the perfect liquid color for my case. When I finally decided on a color, I found out there was only one US distributor that had it and they wouldn’t have it in time for me to take this case to PDXLAN. The color I have decided on is: Tharsis Red.

http://www.mayhems.co.uk/shop/27-94-large/mayhems-aurora-tharsis-red-coolant.jpg

Pretty, isn’t it? So I called in some favors and was placed in contact with Mayhem. They agreed to make a special case and ship me out some Tharsis Red at an incredible discount. Even if they had charged me double, I think I’d be gushing over their customer service and willingness to work with me. For awesome customer service (and the nice discount) I’m listing them as a sponsor.

http://www.mayhems.co.uk/shop/img/logo.jpg?1328036628 (http://www.mayhems.co.uk/)

Now onto the rest of the update… yeah… filing… lots of filing…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update16/filing11.jpg

So much filing… I’m pretty sure this TTeSports Dragon cut-out could double as a deadly shuriken (throwing star).

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update16/filing10.jpg

The other portion of my evening was spent pondering my video card. The video card was an Alienware Radeon HD 6950 (that I bios upgraded to a 6970) and came with a nifty back plate that’s long enough for me to attach any bracketing… and possibly work as a dual mount for the SSD and HDD.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update16/planning01.jpg

I started my sketch planning and thinking… it’s still in the works…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update16/planning02.jpg


That’s it for now, thanks for reading!

[Aldersan]

Nice job on the liquid! It's gunna go great! Keep it up, and hurry it up as well, I wanna see more! :P

[monkeyfun]

Nice job on the liquid! It's gunna go great! Keep it up, and hurry it up as well, I wanna see more! :P

Going as fast as I can! I'll work on it more tonight! :banana:

[monkeyfun]

Update #17: Waterworks

In this next update I spent most of my time working on getting my water cooling ready. I finally figured out why none of my taps were fitting correctly with the Bitspower fittings. Apparently there is a whole different standard for threading and taps with pipe and plumbing fittings. They’re similar to screw threads except there a tapering of the threads. This causes the pipe fitting to not sit correctly in a screw thread. Huh. You learn something every day.

So I decided to start applying my new found knowledge to my case. The Thermaltake LGA1155 CPU block had really small intake and output fittings. But I wanted to use the Bitspower fittings so I had to disassemble and mod the block cover. I apologize as I didn’t take any pictures when I redrilled and tapped the block cover. But it really wasn’t all that complicated. Here’s the disassembled CPU cooler:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/cpublock01.jpg

Next I began working on attaching the pump. After messing around with some clamps in awkward positions, I decided to call upon the tape of the gods for assistance.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/tapeofthegods01.jpg

Here’s the pump as I double check for placement after I taped it to the mount:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/pump01.jpg

I spaced the pump’s air intakes away from the frame with a scrap piece of metal and quickly drilled and tap four screw holes.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/pump02.jpg

After trying to place the pump back into place I realized I needed to recess the bottom screw. Once that was done, it fit right it and somehow made me take a blurry picture.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/pump03.jpg

Now that the pump was fitted, I start work on the radiator. I always get a little nervous right before I do something that will probably be irreversible.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/radiator10.jpg

But it turned out okay. I only drilled part of the way to keep the reduction of flow and hopeful add some pressure when the water feeds into the radiator.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/radiator11.jpg

The pipe tap was a little difficult to use. The top part of the tap was too large for my tap handles so I had to use a socket wrench to tap the radiator. I was extra careful to keep any shavings out of the radiator and cleaned it with a pipe brush.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/radiator12.jpg

As you can see from this next picture, the pump and the radiator are placed fairly close together. This will make for an interesting reservoir shape.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/pumpandradiator01.jpg

Just for your reference, I’ve laid out all my fittings and water cooling parts to give you an idea of how the water will flow in this case.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update17/watermap01.jpg



That’s it for now! I’ll see what I can do about getting you another mini-update this weekend. Thank you for reading!

[Aldersan]

Looking great so far, it seems like this is going to be a pretty tight squeeze but it should end up pretty awesome! :D

[monkeyfun]

Looking great so far, it seems like this is going to be a pretty tight squeeze but it should end up pretty awesome! :D

Oh yeah, if I wasn't custom building the reservoir, I'd be a little worried.

[monkeyfun]

Update #18: Last of the Framework

The Mayhem Coolant concentrate arrived!!! I know it’s called Tharsis Red but I’m pretty sure it’ll be the Dragon’s Blood in this case. Oh and I went out and bought a plain clear hose to show off the liquid.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/dragonsblood01.jpg

After I finished installing the pump I notice a slight problem. When I put the risers in the frame to lift the supports off of the main portion of the frame, I didn’t take into account the radiator location… this meant the support for the PSU and the mobo no longer fit in the case when the pump and radiator are installed. I had to cut one of the legs off of the support to even attempt to fit it in.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/redo50.jpg

I cut off a little more so I could see exactly how I needed to shape the support.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/redo51.jpg

I enjoyed do this one over. I got to put some of the lessons I learned with the previous piece into use. That and I just like doodling.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/redo52.jpg

And I like drilling holes with my fancy drill press.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/redo53.jpg

This is the piece without any filing done…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/redo54.jpg

Here’s the new support in the case working just fine with the pump and the radiator.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/redo55.jpg

Next, I placed my mobo and PSU templates in the case to see if they still fit.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/sizecheck01.jpg

And because I’m paranoid, I checked to see if it would still fit in the bag. Yup, it still fits.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/stillfits01.jpg

Now that, I corrected the mistake, I was free on working on a new piece. It’s time to start working on the video card bracket. First, I had to mod the back plate that came with the Alienware 6950.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/backplate01.jpg

I sliced off one piece, but decided to crop even closer to the actual video card.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/backplate02.jpg

Then I was distracted with doodling on paper and metal. I’m designing the bracket to work as a mount for the hard drives as well.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket01.jpg

My doodles lack imagination but they’re fairly practical. I don’t think I’ll be winning any awards for my awesome sketches.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket02.jpg

Here’s the bracket cut out. Technically, this was my second attempt at this bracket. While, I was cutting the piece out on my table saw, I wasn’t paying attention and I sliced off one of the legs.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket03.jpg

Next, I set it on the case to make sure the idea will work…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket04.jpg

Then I bent all of the various legs. It occurred to me that I might not need all 4 legs, so I chopped on off. Then I cheated by using the 3M tape of the gods to help me get the right placement.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket05.jpg

It looks good from the top.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket06.jpg

And it looks good from the side.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/gpubracket07.jpg

Another thing that I considered was the upside down water cooling on the video card. I purposely set the bracket at a bit of an angle. I did this to prevent any hot spots on the block if an air bubble forms in the GPU Cooler. The bubble will sit against the acrylic window and not on the block.

For the most part, the frame and all of the supports are done. All I have to do is sink a couple of the screws and clean up some edges.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/frame80.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update18/frame81.jpg

That’s it for now! Tomorrow morning will start another marathon of case work. I’ll probably have another update later this weekend. Thank you for reading!

[Aldersan]

Looking good! Can't wait to start seeing the actual hardware in there!

[monkeyfun]

ASk and you shall receive! There will be some in this morning's update.

[Aldersan]

How dare you post without any pictures! :P

[monkeyfun]

Update #19: Marathon Modding

I am a non-stop modding machine. I think I spent about 12 hours in my basement yesterday working on this case. Most of the time was spent filing, sinking screws, cleaning up the metal. Here’s what the back panel looks like now:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/filing70.jpg

I also worked on installing the front and back polycarbonate and acrylic windows.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/window01.jpg

I’ll spend some more time tonight sinking these screws as well.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/window02.jpg

I was nervous about drilling into the back panel. While it was easy and fairly simple to do, I didn’t want to screw up and have to COMPLETELY reconstruct this piece. Making it twice was enough for me.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/window03.jpg

I really like this picture. The red will stand out even more once the brown protective paper is peeled off.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/window04.jpg

If you are curious, this is what the case would look like as brushed aluminum:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/cleancase01.jpg

Next I worked on creating and fitting the back piece. This is the last aluminum piece I have to make. While I still have a bunch of things to do, it felt like I was crossing a milestone.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/back01.jpg

I used my cheater tactic of using two straight sides of a cut piece of aluminum to line the piece with two of the sides of the case. I attached the piece with a couple of screws and then marked off the sides that need to be cut. After my table saw reduced the piece to the size that I wanted, I put the other screws in on the other side and then file the aluminum into a nice fit.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/back02.jpg

Now that I have the back piece on, I have to place some of the hardware into the case so I can measure what holes I have to cut out. I start with the motherboard and the PSU.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/back03.jpg

Mmmmmmm… sexy new motherboard. Not so sexy photography. I REALLY need a decent camera instead of the Olympus Stylus 1000 I’ve been using.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/sexymobo01.jpg

Since I had my new toys out, I decided to get a look at the hard drive placement. The two hard drives will be mounted on the bottom of the video card bracket. I’ll have to place them to either side of the RAM, since I forgot to factor in RAM height. I’m still not even sure what RAM I’m using. I’ll probably just end up taking 8 gigabytes out of my home machine and using them in this case. They’re fairly low profile.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/hardwarelayout01.jpg

Here’s a view with the video card and where it will be in the case:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/hardwarelayout02.jpg

Back to work! Tracing a generic area for the PSU was easy. I outlined the outside and then factored in a reduction by measuring the distance in from the screw mount. For the mother board, I used the motherboard stand offs to help me get the correct height of the mother board against the back plate. I used a couple of the standoffs upside down and attached them with nuts.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/hardwarelayout03.jpg

With the positioning marked on the back plate, it is time to prepare the piece for the jigsaw by drilling some more holes.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update19/back04.jpg

At this point I realized I was starting to get tired, so I decided to call it a night before I screwed something up.

Here’s the list of things I still have to do:
Cut the mother board and PSU holes on the back plate
Drill the stand-off holes for the mother board
Mount the video card
Cut a hole for the video card on the back plate
Mount the hard drives
Sink the last of the screws
Fabricate the reservoir
Cut the tube lengths
Test the loop for leaks
Prime coat the case
Detail paint the case
Mod the PSU
Sleeve all of the cabling
Install the CPU and GPU water blocks
Preload the OS, games, and software into the hard drives
Install all of the hardware.


Wow. That’s still a long list. But I still have lots of energy. We’ll see how far I can get before PDXLAN. Thanks for reading! I might have another update later tonight or tomorrow morning.

[SXRguyinMA]

nice progress man! Keep it up!!

[monkeyfun]

Update #20: Over-Crowding

I didn’t get as much done tonight as I would have liked to but progress is progress.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/extras01.jpg

I evaluated my extras. So far, I’m on track for using everything that I purchased… with the exception of the remote power on switch. It’s pretty cool gadget but it’s a little too big for the amount of space I have left in my case. It’s too thick to mount it under the motherboard or the PSU like I had hoped. Oh well. All of the lights and the switches will be used.

I completed the installation of the risers.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/risers01.jpg

I also completed the PUS and mother board input/output panel holes.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/back30.jpg

Then I started to stall… First, I put in the PSU and all of the cables I’ll be using for this case.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/crowd01.jpg

But that looked ok. So I took out the PSU and installed the pump and the mother board and started with the video card placement.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/crowd02.jpg

And that looked ok. So I put EVERYTHING in and started documenting the install order so I could do it again without issues.

Front view:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/crowd03.jpg

Front panel down view (sorry about the blurry picture):
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/crowd04.jpg

Top down view:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update20/crowd05.jpg

I think I have the last of the kinks out of my design and everything (except the remote control) will be installed. In order to cut the video card output hole I have to commit and get that water block installed. That means I have to test my loop tomorrow before work.

To-Do List:

Fabricate the reservoir
Cut the tube lengths
Test the loop for leaks
Install the CPU and GPU water blocks

Mount the video card
Cut a hole for the video card on the back plate
Mount the hard drives
Sink the last of the screws

Prime coat the case
Detail paint the case

Mod the PSU (optional, will explain more later)
Sleeve all of the cabling (can wait until after PDXLAN)

Preload the OS, games, and software into the hard drives (have to wait for the processor to arrive on the 15th)
Install all of the hardware.



Thanks for reading!

[Aldersan]

Looking great! Finish that up fast! :D

[Fuganater]

Damn man! Your a modding machine!

[AmEv]

Or rather, he's modding a machine!

[monkeyfun]

Looking great! Finish that up fast! :D


Damn man! Your a modding machine!


Or rather, he's modding a machine!

Thanks all! I'm definitely on a roll. However I have four 11-hour shifts coming up... I'll have to curtail my modding to before and after work activities. :(

[monkeyfun]

Update #21: Reservoir

I started on the reservoir. I mocked up the pieces with foam core and checking it in the case for fitting:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update21/res01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update21/res02.jpg

I cut some of the pieces…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update21/res03.jpg

And I have begun assembling them.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update21/res04.jpg

I’m glad I have a bunch of extra polycarbonate. Two of the pieces I cut were a little… off. So I’ll be replicating them until I get it right. Tonight I’ll work on completing the reservoir and painting some of the pieces.

To-Do List:

Fabricate the reservoir – In Progress
Cut the tube lengths - In Progress
Test the loop for leaks
Install the CPU and GPU water blocks - In Progress

Mount the video card
Cut a hole for the video card on the back plate
Mount the hard drives
Sink the last of the screws

Prime coat the case
Detail paint the case

Mount the lighting for the polycarbonate strip
Mount the lighting for the CCRTs

Mod the PSU (optional, will explain more later)
Sleeve all of the cabling (can wait until after PDXLAN)

Preload the OS, games, and software into the hard drives - In Progress
Install all of the hardware


Thanks for reading!

[Aldersan]

Looking great! You HAVE to get this thing done soon, and then make me one :D Definitely a quality mod!

[monkeyfun]

Looking great! You HAVE to get this thing done soon, and then make me one :D Definitely a quality mod!

Are you kidding? I'm building 7 of these beauties! Oh wait, nope, sorry. My lottery ticket didn't win. :(

[Aldersan]

Lol, try again then cuz I want one! Helluva build so far, can't wait to see this finished, and then I can't wait to see what you mod next :D

[AmEv]

6 more????


Talk to sponsors, CONVINCE them to give you enough hardware for them!!!

[monkeyfun]

Update #21.5

I am exhausted. I've been owrking 11 hour shifts and then modding.
I'm simply gonig to give you two quick teaser pictures and then more after PDXLAN or late Thursday evening. Please keep in mind, that's not the final color. It is just the prime coat.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update21/almost01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update21/almost02.jpg

Have To-Do:
Cut the tube lengths - In Progress
Install the CPU and GPU water blocks - In Progress
Mod the PSU (optional, will explain more later) - In Progress
Mount the video card - In Progress

Test the loop for leaks
Cut a hole for the video card on the back plate
Mount the hard drives
Mount the lighting for the CCRTs
Install all of the hardware

Can Do after LAN:
Detail paint the case
Mount the lighting for the polycarbonate strip
Sleeve all of the cabling (can wait until after PDXLAN)

Completed:
Prime coat the case - Done
Preload the OS, games, and software into the hard drives - Done
Fabricate the reservoir - Done
Sink the last of the screws - Done
Polish poly-c strips - Done

[monkeyfun]

Update #22

Wow… so PDXLAN and Emerald City LAN happened. I just realized I was posting some modding drama on Facebook without following up on my forums. This is bad and I apologize but I was very, very crunched for time and did the best I could to keep my audience informed. So this is what you might have missed out on…

The water cooling did not pass the loop test. The reservoir leaked horribly and I ended up cracking the plastic cover on the CPU water block. All was not lost because I’m a modder and I don’t quit. I rushed to make the case air cooled (just for the LANs) so that I could at least show the work in progress. I wasn’t going to win any contests with the current paint job but the computer was functional and semi-presentable.

Here’s the case at PDXLAN. They were force feeding us Mean Bean Monster Energy drinks so most of my pictures were a little blurry. A new camera is on my birthday list this May. Actually my wife is more excited about learning photography than getting me a camera.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update22/BDBcaseatPDXLAN.jpg


Since I cracked the plastic cover of the CPU water block I decided to start a concept piece as its replacement. For some reason I have a bunch of .5” thick Poly-Carbonate in my basement. The people at Laird Plastics gave me an incredible deal for a huge piece for only $20. So I have a bunch to experiment with… Here’s where I started:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update22/cpublock01.jpg
I cut the piece of poly-carbonate to the shape of the brace. Then I drilled all of the screw and mounting holes. I held off putting in the water intake/output holes. I wanted to see how it looks before deciding the placement of these holes.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update22/cpublock02.jpg
Next, I tested using the Dremel and the little Dremel Work Bench as a router.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update22/cpublock03.jpg
When I felt comfortable with the set-up I tried it on my block cover.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update22/cpublock04.jpg
Here’s the (blurry) end result. I really like being able to see the pins and fins inside of the water block. I ended up making a couple of mistakes. But that’s ok, as I had intended to redo this block cover after I got my techniques down with the tools I have on-hand. There were two slips: one while routing down the brace and another when making the top oval. Both mistakes are lessons learned.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update22/cpublock05.jpg
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I’m back and modding! I had a lot of fun at the LANs but it’s time to go back to grindstone! Thanks for reading, updates will return to their regular intervals.

[Aldersan]

I wondered where your updates were, this was one of my favorite mods! Get back to work you slacker! :P Looking great!

[monkeyfun]

I wondered where your updates were, this was one of my favorite mods! Get back to work you slacker! :P Looking great!

It's still alive and kicking! Life just told me to take a little break.

[PowerChucker]

I have a couple things to mention,,1st, i have never seen anyone win so many free products! damn dude, you should play the lottery!! (or donate your extra swag to the performance challenged rigs..*wink, wink*)
anyway, I love your work logs, the way you write and have the pictures is awesome, and this project is amazing, you have some killer talent!!
I hope to learn some things from this.
keep up the good work! :up::up:

[monkeyfun]

Update #23

So… I’m going to slip this update in and pretend absolutely no time has passed since my last update. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Seriously, though, while I have been remiss in posting on the various modding forums I have been quietly lurking and reading. I haven’t had as much time as I would have liked in the last 4 months but that’s the way life goes. And modding delays are ok if you’re making positive progress in other areas of your life. :)

First off, let me introduce you to my new work space! I’ve cleaned up a third of the basement that we were using as storage and repurposed it into my new workshop. I still need to do the electrical work and drop a 220 in the spot I want to do my welding and put my oven for future powder coating. But it is well on its way.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/basement01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/basement02.jpg

Okay then, on to the modding. I am still working on the Battle Dragon Bag case. I really like it. I’ve already taken it to two different LANs and will be taking it to the PAX PRIME 2012 BYOC. But I hadn’t had time to attack the failed water cooling… until now… My water cooling loop failed in pretty much every spot. It leaked from the plastic top of the CPU block. The reservoir leaked from every seam. And had I been able to put any real pressure on the loop I would have learned that I punctured my reservoir in 3 spots. My water loop worked perfectly as a lawn sprinkler. While I was freaking out trying to stop all of the leaks and the water shooting everywhere, I killed my pump by running it without water… because it was all over my floor and shirt and dog. The dog thought it was funny.

The CPU block:
I tried four versions of the CPU water block. I’ve kept the Thermaltake copper base because it looks cool and it was designed well enough for me to switch out the plastic top. When I first attempted modding the plastic top I tried re-tapping the two plastic holes. Unfortunately I snapped off a plastic divider and the area around the tapped plastic was weak and eventually cracked with a little pressure. So I tried remaking it with polycarbonate… but my unsteady hands and questions about the material with cooling fluid made me want to try it again.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/cpuprogress01.jpg
My third attempt (with the #2 on it) was with acrylic but my lines and the mounting plain was uneven. So, I tried a fourth time and it looks and works beautifully.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/cpuprogress02.jpg

The reservoir:
So I apologize because I didn’t take pictures of this part. But all I did was go out and buy an EK rez and slice the acrylic cylinder down to the length I wanted. Then I topped it with another piece of acrylic instead of using the fancy top. But for ease of use I put a hole on top for pouring more water into the loop.

The radiator:
The radiator was an easy fix. I just had to replace it with another slim (30mm) radiator that possibly had a fitting inlet/output on the bottom of the radiator. Except, I wasn’t able to find a radiator like that made by any company. There were radiators that were 30mm thick and there ones with spots for fittings on the bottom but not both of those features. So I grabbed one that was 30mm and tried redesigning the case a little. As you can see, it’s a close fit.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/closefitradiator.jpg
The pump:
I am going to see if I can revive the Thermaltake pump for another project but to move this project along and to make a little more room, I went with a Danger Den pump that I decided to modify. The clamp top of the pump didn’t work with how I had my case designed so I decided to make a quick disconnect top that the reservoir feeds directly into. To Danger Den’s credit they provide detailed instructions on how to dismantle their pumps. I was impressed and it was easy to take the part off that I wanted to mod.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/pumprefit01.jpg
Next, I sliced off the clamp spout, gradually widened the hole with increasing drill bits and the tapped the hole.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/pumprefit02.jpg
Here’s the finished top.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/pumprefit03.jpg
And here’s the pump re-assembled with the reservoir on top of it.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/pumprefit04.jpg
And why didn’t I go with some fancy pump/reservoir combination? I didn’t have the space and I used bargain sites to get some of the parts.

Here’s a quick picture of me testing the CPU block and the reservoir.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update23/looptest01.jpg

That’s all for now, I’ll post another update this weekend with the other work that I’ve done! Thanks for reading!

[monkeyfun]

Update #24:

As promised, another update on time! Just to finish off the last bit from the last update, I ran my completed loop for a good 48 hours WITH NO LEAKS! I think I’ve worked out all of my kinks and hang-ups with water cooling and feel completely comfortable in finding new ways to screw up my loops!
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/looptest02.jpg

Light rails:
This next set of pictures is presented a little out of order. Three days ago, I dropped off seven pieces of the case (all of the outside pieces) with Seattle Powdercoat (http://www.seattlepowdercoat.com/). Two of the pieces were the top/front-side pieces that frame the strip window. I have some strip LEDs that I want to light up that window so I had to fabricate some rails to attach the strip lighting.

First I had to figure out where to place the rails that wouldn’t interfere with any of the parts that have already been fitted for this case. I also had to make sure they were going to be close enough to the strip window.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/lightrails01.jpg

After riveting the rails in place, I did a quick fitting to make sure everything was still going to work. This is actually the most time intensive part of this case… I have to put the motherboard in and seat the video card in its bracket. Then I make sure it fits with the water cooling pieces. All the while, gently handling my hardware so I don’t accidentally @#$% my expensive parts.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/lightrails02.jpg

To help hide the rivets, I sank rivet holes, filed them flat and then patched and sanded the top. I fear that the patching and sanding won’t last the sand-blasting process the powder coaters put the pieces through so I did my best to make the rivet fill the holes as much as possible.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/lightrails03.jpg

Some painting:

While the shell pieces are at Seattle Powdercoat, I decided to paint the internal pieces. Since several of these pieces probably won’t even be seen or only small parts of them seen I decided to make the muted with a flat black.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/painting01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/painting02.jpg

I also painted the PSU shell to match the rest of the internal décor and then accented the logo for my nice sponsor.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/painting03.jpg

Strip Window:

While I was waiting for my paint to dry I decided to redo the strip window that I initially made. When I was bending the angles I ended up giving the poly carbonate a little too much heat. And then it didn’t fit in the frame the way I wanted it so I ended up sanding it down in the parts that pushed against the shell. The result was sloppy and tacky. I didn’t like it.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/stripwindowredo01.jpg

To make the new piece fit better I filed down the frame rather than the poly carbonate and the new pieces fit like a dream and look much better.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update24/stripwindowredo02.jpg

I’m starting to run out of things to do for this case! Here’s my checklist until completion:

Cable Sleaving Preparation
Pick up pieces from Seattle Powdercoating
Wire, solder, and install the strip LEDs on the light rails.
Finish Cable Sleaving
Assembly and Test
Figure out what the @#$% I did wrong
Fix whatever it is I screwed up
Re-assemble and Test
Curse the gods and look for what’s wrong again
Blame the fourth guy that posts after this update for screwing up my case
Cry, drink, sober up and then apologize to the fourth guy that posts after this update
Actually fix the problem
Install updates, patches and new games for taking case to LAN parties

If any of you are interested in seeing this case in person it will be at PAX PRIME 2012 (http://prime.paxsite.com/) and the November PDXLAN (http://www.pdxlan.net/portland/). As a side note, I’ll also be bringing the case to show at the panel I’ll be speaking at in PAX PRIME 2012. If you’re at PAX come see me talk about modding (yes, I know I’m probably the LEAST qualified person to talk about modding) with other crafty people of a geeky nature: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/for-the-love-of-making-geek-arts-and-crafts


Thanks for reading!!!

[SXRguyinMA]

she's coming along nicely :)

[monkeyfun]

she's coming along nicely :)


Thank you, sir. Unfortunately I'm in the mind-numbing phase of sleeving. I have a while weekend planned on watching zombie movies and sleeving. Fun times. Fun brain dead times.

[monkeyfun]

Update #25:

Ten days ago, I dropped off nine pieces of the case (all of the outside pieces) with Seattle Powdercoat (http://www.seattlepowdercoat.com/). When I did this I specifically asked if the job could be completed in a week (part retuned Wednesday/Thursday. Thursday evening I called and they said that they would have to parts completed on Friday. On Friday I got two calls asking some questions and then was told to swing by the shop 15 minutes before closing. When I arrived only the secretary was still in the shop and the owner and all the other workers had gone home. She showed me what was completed. Only four parts, the one that were to have the red/black fade, had been worked on. The five parts, that were only to have a single color on them, hadn’t even been started.

…I was dismayed. I was polite and kept a nice face for the secretary (screaming foul obscenities in my head). I needed the parts to do lighting and to determine if I needed to shorten the PSU cabling. The secretary was not going to let me out of there with my parts. So I paid the full bill, $312 USD, for the four parts that they had “finished” and said I’d be back for the remainder of the parts on Monday.

This is what I walked away with:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder01.jpg

Here are close-ups of the “fade”:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder02.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder03.jpg

So I began, fixing my $300 paint job.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder04.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder05.jpg

Here’s the near finished product:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder06.jpg

And then I matched the frame so the clear strip windows will match the shell:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/powder07.jpg

While I was doing all this work and the day was nice, I took the opportunity to address the beat up fittings I’m using. This is what they looked like before:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/refitting01.jpg

Of course, if painting your fittings isn’t your cup of tea and you can’t afford new ones, you could always try planting fittings in your garden and growing new ones.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/refitting02.jpg
While I was waiting for the powder coat painting to be finished I started preparing to do all my sleeving. I picked up some paracord.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/paracord01.jpg

Then I tried getting all of my pins out the hard way… by jamming two needles into each side of a pin and then yanking the cable out the back.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/pinshardway01.jpg

Once I did a couple the hard way, I tried using the tools MNPCTech provided me. It was much easier using the tool.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/pinseasyway01.jpg

And then I accidentally tossed the tool while I was yanking on a cable and it landed on the insertion tip… and broke one of the prongs off. So, I went back to the hard way…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/pinshardway02.jpg

Here’s a small teaser of the cabling. I cabled the lighting cable (before/after):

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update25/sleeves01.jpg

That’s it for now.

Here’s my checklist until completion:

Pick up other pieces from Seattle Powdercoating
Wire, solder, and install the strip LEDs on the light rails.
Finish Cable Sleaving
Assembly and Test


----------------------------
If any of you are interested in seeing this case in person it will be at PAX PRIME 2012 (http://prime.paxsite.com/) and the November PDXLAN (http://www.pdxlan.net/portland/). As a side note, I’ll also be bringing the case to show at the panel I’ll be speaking at in PAX PRIME 2012. If you’re at PAX come see me talk about modding (yes, I know I’m probably the LEAST qualified person to talk about modding) with other crafty people of a geeky nature: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/for-the-love-of-making-geek-arts-and-crafts

[monkeyfun]

Update #26:

Am I allowed to post two updates within 24 hours? Am I breaking some Modder’s Code of Conduct? Bah, why not? I might as well get this tiny little update out before I go to sleep.

I started assembling the frame so it’ll be ready for me to do the fitting and wiring of the LED strips:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update26/Midweekendwork01.jpg

Once again a quick little peak of the case before everything gets put inside:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update26/Midweekendwork02.jpg

All of the fittings have been painted and dressed with their nifty little washers:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update26/Midweekendwork03.jpg

The cable sleeving is about 60% done. I’ve gotten all of the sleeves on the PSU. I still need to make the hole on the PSU slightly wider and do some touch up painting on the PSU. I also need to sleeve the Bulgin switches and the SATA HD power cable.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update26/Midweekendwork04.jpg

Here’s my checklist until completion:
Widen cable hole on PSU
Touch-up paint PSU
Pick up other pieces from Seattle Powdercoating
Wire, solder, and install the strip LEDs on the light rails.
Finish Cable Sleaving (60% complete)
Assembly and Test

We’ll see how many of these things I get checked off the list tomorrow… It’s cleaning day around the house so time will be a challenge. Thanks for reading!!


----------------------------
If any of you are interested in seeing this case in person it will be at PAX PRIME 2012 (http://prime.paxsite.com/) and the November PDXLAN (http://www.pdxlan.net/portland/). As a side note, I’ll also be bringing the case to show at the panel I’ll be speaking at in PAX PRIME 2012. If you’re at PAX come see me talk about modding with other crafty people of a geeky nature: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/for-the-love-of-making-geek-arts-and-crafts

[monkeyfun]

Quick picture-less update:

About the my powder coating experience:
When I look at situations like this there is a certain amount of cost/benefit analysis to how I react. At the moment, I am neck deep in a mod, preparing for a panel in front of a couple hundred geeks, nerds and modders, and remodeling and preparing my house for fostering a child. I could go all nerdrage on this business and invoke the wrath of the internet on the business, leave foul reviews on Yelp and call the better business bureau. But all of this takes energy I'd rather focus on the good things in my life. This 'lesson' didn't detract from my quality of life. It's focused me on improving my painting skills and started me on the path of research for powder coating my own stuff. While it sucks I spent a chunk of money on this, I've learned to take my losses with a grain of salt as long as the mistake is not repeated. I like to screw up in all new different ways.

All that being said, I did take a hour out of my busy day to go talk to the owner. He reacted exactly as I expected, defensive and stated what I requested was different than what I produced. I didn't throw it back in his face, that my results were corrections for his mistakes. I asked what he could do to remedy the situation. We agreed that both sides could have been clearer on communication. He offered to completely redo the bad pieces (unfortunately I don't have the time). He stated that he'd give me a severe discount on the next job. He was adamant that a refund was out of the question.

So I have options for future builds:
I can go back to this guy with a better communicated request for a discounted job.
I can shop around for a better deal with another painter with the lessons I've learned.
I can do it myself.

Any way I do it I'll be factoring my time in as a big priority.


Now, back to the mod! Things are coming along. I didn't have much time to work on the case yesterday, but I'll have a couple of hours of work tonight. I'll get some more pictures up and start getting ready for the end photos!!!

Finish Cable Sleaving: 80% Complete
Wire, solder, and install the strip LEDs on the light rails: 80% Complete
Paint Job fixing: 95% Complete

Widen cable hole on PSU - Done
Reassemble and test PSU - Done
Pick up other pieces from Seattle Powdercoating - Done

Touch-up paint on PSU (got a couple of scratches while sleeving).
Assembly and Test

[Stonerboy779]

Sucks about what happened with the powder coating good to see that you aren't going to let it bring everything down.

[monkeyfun]

Sucks about what happened with the powder coating good to see that you aren't going to let it bring everything down.

Thank you, sir.

---------------------------------------


Update #27:

Well…. The couple of hours I was setting aside to do modding ended up getting side tracked by one of my neighbors that required tech support. I’m a sucker for an elderly neighbor that is fascinated by current technologies.

I did get some work done. The PSU is assembled and I just need to finish the last of the cabling at the other ends.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update27/psu01.jpg

I also finished soldering the strip lighting and began installing it on the case.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update27/rails01.jpg

The pieces fit snugly on the frame and I might have to shave the side panel down a little bit.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update27/rails02.jpg

Here’s the view of the case with only the strip lighting up the case and side panel.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update27/rails03.jpg

And here’s the CCR tubes that will be in the case. Apparently I’m a sucker for lighting too.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update27/lights01.jpg



Checklist until completion:

Finish Cable Sleaving: 80% Complete
Touch-up paint on PSU (got a couple of scratches while sleeving).
Assembly and Test


So close, I can almost see the light at the end of this mod.

[monkeyfun]

Update #28: Assembling Pictures!!!
I’m still working on the sleaving, redoing some of the sleaving and a little soldering. But it was driving me crazy. So I started assembling the various parts of the case.

Here’s the GPU (Radeon 6950/70) with the water block. Just a quick note, the water block was provided by the kind folks over at DeviceUnkown.com.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update28/assembling01.jpg

Just a quick shot of the second hard drive mounted on the back side of GPU. The primary hard dirve is the slick little OCZ SSD drive will be mounted on the back side of the motherboard because it’ll be visible.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update28/assembling02.jpg

After a little modding of the mounting brackets, I was able to install the CPU water block.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update28/assembling03.jpg

And I’ve installed the windows in the in the respective panels.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update28/assembling04.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update28/assembling05.jpg


Checklist until completion:

Finish Cable Sleaving: 80% Complete
Assembly and Test
Install updates and games

Another update later tonight with sleaving pictures. And even later, I’ll post the finished sexy shots and some of the action shots of the case while I’m at PAX.

[Fuganater]

Side panel = EPIC WIN!

[monkeyfun]

Side panel = EPIC WIN!

thank you sir! I always enjoy it when someone who's builds I follows compliments my build. It means I'm getting better and will eventually get to the level of mods I enjoy reading.

[SXRguyinMA]

Well it's good that you both talked it out and even better that he offered you a severe discount.

Something to keep in mind for the future plans:

Paint willalways be less durable than powdercoat. However while it's easier to damage it's also easier to touch-up if need be. Also powdercoat can add significant thickness to panels and pieces that paint will not.

Paint is best suited for mixing colors as you've done with this mod. It can be done with powdercoat but it's difficult to get the kind of soft color transitions you were looking for.

Home powdercoating setups can be had for relatively cheap money, but getting yourself an oven to bake the parts in is the tough part of it.

Just some things to keep in mind, but I love how this build is coming along!

[monkeyfun]

Home powdercoating setups can be had for relatively cheap money, but getting yourself an oven to bake the parts in is the tough part of it.

Thanks! And Home powder coating is a very possible future. We just upgraded from Electric heating to natural gas and will need to replace the stove/oven in the near future. I think the old oven will make an excellent powdercoat oven.


---------------------------------------------


Update #29:

Note all of these pictures happened sometime between Thursday 6pm (8/30) and Friday 6am (8/31)

Time was running short before PAX and the mountain of cabling and sleaving seemed daunting. So I did what any modder would do, I worked non-stop to get it done. Here’s a quick picture of some of my sleaving work:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/cabling30.jpg

Eventually I completed all of the required sleaving. So I began the next task of assembling all of the parts. One of the tricks behind working in such cramped space is figuring out the ordering of assembly. You can’t just assemble the parts in any order because one part’s placement will block access to the other parts. Here’s one of the steps of assembly, the motherboard and primary SSD:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/assembly20.jpg

This picture jumps a few steps forward. I’ve already half assembled the side panels, connected the hard drives, attached the pre-assembled GPU & secondary HDD, and wired the switches to the motherboard.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/assembly21.jpg

While the computer is 75% assembled, I prepare the Mayhem’s Tharsis Red:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/pinknotred01.jpg

Except… something’s wrong… but no matter, I tested the loop again before it hit me… is my red pink?!?!?

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/pinkdragon01.jpg

I checked the other three containers of Tharsis Red and sure enough, I was accidentally shipped a bottle of Gemini Pink labeled as Tharsis Red. Here’s the difference between the two. Apparently being awake for 25 hours doesn’t help your ability to differentiate between pink and red.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/pinknotred02.jpg

So I drained the loop and filled it with the appropriate colored coolant… and it’s almost ready! I’ll I have to do is power it on and update the OS and games!!!

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/almostready01.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/almostready02.jpg

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/battle_dragon/update29/almostready03.jpg



Did it power on? Did I make it to PAX? Did I win the casemod contest? Did I embarrass the whole casemodding community in my panel at PAX?

I’ll let you all know with my next update. And no cheating by looking at my facebook entries.

[Fuganater]

Email Mick about the coolant. He will send you a new bottle.

[monkeyfun]

Email Mick about the coolant. He will send you a new bottle.

No worries, they sent me 4x 250mL concentrate bottles at an awesome rate for this build specifically. With the discount I got, 3 bottles are still a deal and I have some left over for a drain and refill.

[monkeyfun]

Update #30: The morning before and during PAX


When I finally had everything put together and ready to test it was about 4am on Friday morning. I plugged in all of the input and output devices. I had all of my disks and update files ready.

And then it didn’t power on. PANIC.

I had to semi-disassemble the computer to trouble shoot everything. I verified that the on/off switch was wired correctly. I verified that everything was plugged in. I tried another power supply… and success. I began trouble shooting the power supply… but every single cable is sleaved. So I made a judgment call. I wanted to have something to display at the panel for people to see. I could have slapped any old power supply in the computer and got it up and running. So I kept the nicely sleaved power supply out for people to see and put a jury-rigged power supply into the computer so that people could see the water cooling and lighting.

That being said, my build still isn’t done. *sigh* I will need to figure out what pins I screwed up on and then SLEAVE THE ENTIRE PSU AGAIN…

So after getting 3 hours sleep, I hauled everything down to the convention center. This is where I digress; feel free to ignore this part of my update as it’s all about PAX and presenting modding at the crafting panel at PAX.

Since I had purchased two seats, I set up two computers at the BYOC: One for use and the other for display. Unfortunately, there was no casemod competition for this BYOC. But that was okay as I was a sleaved PSU short of a complete case anyhow. I wandered around the Exhibition Hall and swung by the Gigabyte & the NZXT booths. Lee Harrington (another great modder) and Irene (with Gigabyte) were at the Gigabyte booth and showed off all their new mods and mobos.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/gigabyteatPAX.jpg

I specifically swung by the NZXT booth to see Bill Owen’s Bladerunner case. It is a beauty.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/bladerunnercase01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/bladerunnercase02.jpg

Eventually, Saturday rolled around and I had to speak on the panel. Here are pictures of people lining up to see us speak…

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/theline01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/theline02.jpg

…and the line went around the corner too… Here are the other panelist and I getting ready for the panel:

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/prep01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/prep02.jpg

I created a quick little cheat sheet… this list got much longer the closer to the start time.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/notes01.jpg

Here’s a quick shot of the display for people to see. I had the TTeSports bag out, the case displayed, the Gigabyte bag (and mobo mentioned), the Thermaltake sleaved PSU on the table with a sample of Mayhem’s Tharsis Red:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/display10.jpg

And then the people started coming in… we were told that between 325-400 were in the room with another couple of hundred turned away due to lack of space….
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/theroom01.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/theroom02.jpg

Here is a picture of the complete panel: from left to right

Myself (Dingo Casemodder/monkeyfun/bitterfun/Gentleman Dingo)
Amanda Casperson (http://petrichora.deviantart.com)
Heather Dery (www.lunarjadestyles.deviantart.com)
Tally Heilke (http://tallystreasury.com)
Sewing Punzie (http://punzie.etsy.com)
Anne Wheaton (http://valdaleyes.net)
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/panel02.jpg

Here’s me beginning my talk on modding:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/panel01.jpg

The first slide had some of my cases and some cases I liked at PDXLAN:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/slides01.jpg

The next three were process slides:
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/slides02.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/slides03.jpg
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/slides04.jpg

Unfortunately there were some technical difficulties as they were unable to play the short 1-2 minute movies I provided. After everyone was done doing there little presentations, the floor was opened for questions and answers.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/question01.jpg

After the panel was over, I took some time to answer individual questions.
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/questions03.jpg

…and was joined by two other modders: Boddaker and DragonPhreak. Thanks for helping out guys!
http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/modders01.jpg

The next morning… the PAX Enforcers decided to mod my mod. I felt loved.

http://teafromanemptycup.com/casemods/PAX2012/modgotmodded.jpg


The next update might be a little delayed as I’m going to be un-sleaving my PSU and trying this again. Thanks for reading!!!

[monkeyfun]

Couldn't make it to PAX for the crafting panel? Well, you can watch my nervousness in front of hundreds of people with youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAMAF11O-rk&feature=youtu.be

Two things to note:
The panel organizer included to pictures of cases from PDXLAN that I didn't make but were included in a large batch of photos as awesome examples of other cases out there.
I can provide links to the two videos that, due to technical difficulties, they were unable to show on the lost-foam casting.