MATX air cooled gaming rig

[Waynio]

New project time, it's a MATX air cooled gaming rig, open chassis with carrying handle, really easy maintenance, hopefully I've put enough thought into it all holding together well. :D

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig1.jpg




Just getting the pieces made before I start bending/curving, assembling, doing a little each day on it.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig2.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig3.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig4.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig5.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig6.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig7.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig8.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig9.jpg



Cut, drilled, tapped & added m3 brass inserts to the back IO expansion piece, made from 10mm acrylic.


http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig10.jpg



Mounted to the back panel.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig11.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig12.jpg


Mobo panel added.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig13.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig14.jpg

Saving the curve cuts for when I have the curved pieces done to increase chance of lining up correctly.



Curved & bent the PSU cover, front panel is just resting in place.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig15.jpg



I'll try to post progress every time I reply to keep it a productive log, posting in a few places so that could be regular progress. :D

[x88x]

Neat design.

One thing that occurs to me: weight distribution while carrying. Because the handle is off to one side, and it looks like most of the weight will be in the center, low down, it will likely sway a lot when you pick it up.

[Waynio]

Neat design.

One thing that occurs to me: weight distribution while carrying. Because the handle is off to one side, and it looks like most of the weight will be in the center, low down, it will likely sway a lot when you pick it up.

Thanks 88, I think it will be OK with all the support going into it but won't know for sure until it's done.



Load of drilling & tapping for mounting the 33mm acrylic support blocks.http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig16.jpg



And added 10mm acrylic psu cover supports.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig17.jpg

[x88x]

Thanks 88, I think it will be OK with all the support going into it but won't know for sure until it's done.

Oh, I'm sure it'll be plenty strong. That's not what I meant. *grabs Visio*

Green box is the computer parts, blue bar is the handle. Yellow circle is your estimated center of mass.
Sitting on a flat surface, all is well (left). Where things get funky is when you pick it up. When this happens, because the center of mass is not in line with the handle, the orientation of the case shifts (right) to bring the center of mass vertically in line with the handle. This makes the case awkward to pick up and carry.
http://i.imgur.com/LL9RcbO.png

There are basically two solutions to this:

The first would be to shift the center of mass directly under the handle, so that when the case is picked up it remains vertical. If you were doing liquid cooling in this build, I would say build a big reservoir into the vertical wall.

The second option would be to shift the center of mass even further away from the wall, increasing the tilt. Increase the tilt far enough, and you can get a comfortable carrying position on the other side.

[Waynio]

Oh, I'm sure it'll be plenty strong. That's not what I meant. *grabs Visio*

Green box is the computer parts, blue bar is the handle. Yellow circle is your estimated center of mass.
Sitting on a flat surface, all is well (left). Where things get funky is when you pick it up. When this happens, because the center of mass is not in line with the handle, the orientation of the case shifts (right) to bring the center of mass vertically in line with the handle. This makes the case awkward to pick up and carry.
http://i.imgur.com/LL9RcbO.png

There are basically two solutions to this:

The first would be to shift the center of mass directly under the handle, so that when the case is picked up it remains vertical. If you were doing liquid cooling in this build, I would say build a big reservoir into the vertical wall.

The second option would be to shift the center of mass even further away from the wall, increasing the tilt. Increase the tilt far enough, and you can get a comfortable carrying position on the other side.

Looks like it will tilt the way you say but I don't mind as long as it stays solid.



Fully mounted the psu cover supports & added the side panel.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig18.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig19.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig20.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig21.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig22.jpg


Next I'll mount & curve the front panel.

[Konrad]

I am impressed, love the work, beginning to imagine things I could do myself with a few more tools, lol.

But I am curious, why such thick (10mm) acrylic panels for the windows? A thinner/cheaper/lighter acrylic wouldn't be better?

[Waynio]

I am impressed, love the work, beginning to imagine things I could do myself with a few more tools, lol.

But I am curious, why such thick (10mm) acrylic panels for the windows? A thinner/cheaper/lighter acrylic wouldn't be better?
Thanks Konrad & glad to be inspiring.

No windows in this one, 10mm acrylic for the rear IO/Expansion piece & the psu cover support bits, so it's a nice solid piece & 33mm thick for the structure support, had to use all hacksaw for the 33mm stuff.



Late session went on the custom fan mount.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig23.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig24.jpg

[x88x]

Nice. Love that lower shroud.

[Waynio]

Nice. Love that lower shroud.

Thanks 88, was meant to be Cocobolo or Maple wood but my tools can't handle it, 2 inch thick & wanted to cut 20mm slices off & stick them together, so went to easy plywood lol.


Done some more today.


Got it close to the design curve but it's a good job I saved the cut until the curve was done.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig25.jpg


How it's all looking now.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig26.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig27.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig28.jpg

[Waynio]

To do.

HDD slot mount.
Back panel curve cut.
Rest of the fan assembly parts.
Front USB 3 & power button (40mm marble).
Maybe add a couple more mount points for extra solidness.
Case feet, 2x 10mm square bars on both sides.
Surface & edge finishing.

I bought silverstone cable extensions to make quick easy work of cabling, plenty of cable stash room under the psu cover & the side casing.

USB cables & fans ordered.

Still undecided about adding decorative layers.



So I'll leave updates until I've done all of the above.

[Waynio]

Ah, made a pretty big blooper but can ya see it, is it an obvious error, is to me but is it to you, the viewer?. :D
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig29.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig30.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig31.jpg


For me it's an error I can just about live with, disappointed about it but can live with it since it would mean I'd need to remake at least 2 significant pieces, maybe more.

[x88x]

Would it happen to be that the fans are slightly too low? ;)

[Waynio]

Would it happen to be that the fans are slightly too low? ;)

Not that, so the error doesn't stand out as much to viewers as it does to me. :D



It was the PSU height allowance, in the design it allowed for 1mm space between the psu cover & the psu but with doing a curve & a bend it curved better on the right side (front) than the left, as it is right now the psu just about squeezes in with some force.

My solution is to just add another layer behind the fan mount, rather do that than have to remake some panels.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig32.jpg

[Waynio]

Done the HDD mount, the HDD is mounted to a 3mm sheet & just slots in place.http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig33.jpg


How it's looking now. :)
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig34.jpg


To do.

Front USB & power button (40mm marble).
Case feet, 2x 10mm square bars on both sides.
Surface & edge finishing.
Think that's it.

[Konrad]

What kind of fans are those? I like the silver blades.

[Waynio]

What kind of fans are those? I like the silver blades.

Enermax UCTB12 T.B.Silence

[Waynio]

Change of plan for the front IO, made a cover piece to hide the intended marble button & USB holes in favour of a normal vandal switch, why? I messed up on the tube piece & had no spare tube & wasn't willing to order more.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig35.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig36.jpg



To do.

Surface & edge finishing.
System install.

[Waynio]

My brother borrowed my tripod so these shots will have to do until I get it back, it's up & running & very quiet. :)

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig37.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig38.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig39.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig40.jpg



Spec
Corsair AX860i
Gigabyte Z97MX Gaming 5
Intel Core i5 4690K
Noctua NH-D14
MSI NVIDIA GTX 980 Ti
256GB Samsung pro SSD
1TB WD black HDD
2x Enermax UCTB12 T.B.Silence Case Fans in custom frame


Idle temperatures & room temp is 27c.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/Capture.png



Last minute decision to paint the Noctua fans a metallic black, added the silverstone cable extensions & cleaned finger print smudges off surfaces, just waiting for my tripod now to do a final photo shoot, probably tomorrow now, depends if my bro gets back with my tripod.

[Waynio]

Painted the Noctua fans with a metallic black.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig41.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig42.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig43.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig44.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig45.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig46.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig47.jpg


And 1 extra of it in use.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig48.jpg

That's it, done. :)

[Waynio]

1 more of it in use in natural lighting.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig/MATX%20air%20cooled%20gaming%20rig49.jpg

[OvRiDe]

Stellar job man! It looks fantastic.

[TLHarrell]

Awesome stuff as always. I really like your solution for the I/O cutout and card mounts.