Project: Savage

[jreffy]

This will be my first mod. I already bought a practice case and worked on painting and cutting it for practice.

The theme is based on the sequel to a small game produced by a small company, S2Games. They original game is called Savage: Battle for Newerth. It was the first game to combine RTS and FPS into a new genre. I highly suggest you guys check it out if you haven't, especially since you can download and play the game for free, no CD key required any more.

With the Beta soon to start for the sequel I wanted to get this gaming beast up and running. I want to put the game's main logo on the side of my case, first seperating the text and the skull image seen here; Savage 2 Logo (http://savage2.s2games.com/images/savage_logo.jpg)

I am going to have the text created into a vinyl logo I will stick to a frosted piece of acrylic mounted on the side window. On a seperate side window, I am going to have the skull and it's mounting laser etched into another piece of acrylic. I have a bunch of other ideas, but I'll save those until it's time to construct them.

The case I have is a Lian Li PC-70, and MAN this thing is HUGE!! I can fit my current PC tower completely inside it!! Going to start the sanding and painting tomorrow. Hopefully I can get my hands on a digital camera (mine seems to be broken) and take pictures from time to time. The paint scheme will be mostly black with a red core, similar to the type of backround on the logo.

[Ta10n]

Pretty cool looking game, but it does have a weird mix of things in it. I mean a bow and a railgun? The're stretching the believability a bit :). Anyway good luck on the mod!

[simon275]

Yeah good luck sounds like a bit of work I hope you can get good prices for the laser etching. It can be expensive.

[jreffy]

Pretty cool looking game, but it does have a weird mix of things in it. I mean a bow and a railgun? The're stretching the believability a bit :). Anyway good luck on the mod!

yeah, and opening interdimensional gates to hell, and letting various creatures come through a gate is much more easily accepted :) Games aren't supposed to be believable, they're supposed to be fun!


Got my digital camera up and working, I'll take pics of everything before I start dissassembling and sanding/painting this weekend.

[jreffy]

Allright, I spent a lot of the weekend dissasembling and priming the PC-70 case. I can't believe how many parts there were to it! I'll link some pictures for what it's worth.


The beast of a case; http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060811_003.jpg

Everything taken apart; http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060811_016.jpg

Priming done; http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060811_023.jpg

For the rear video/sound card bezels, I wanted to paint them red so they show up against the black case. I thought they were a bit reflective, so I just sanded them before priming.
Before; http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060811_019.jpg
After; http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060811_020.jpg

The project is on hold for a week. Due to the fact that I'm in Costa Rica right now, haha. To be continued later. I started painting some of the interior pieces with a gloss red, and also gloss black. I also cut a window into the side panel. I'll do the wet-sanding when I get back, and start laying down the first color coats for the outside parts of the case when I get back to the states.

[jreffy]

Allright, got back from Costa Rica, did my wet sanding all day sunday. I was a bit dissappointed because my front panel had a lot of uneven spots. I have to go and reprime the whole thing. I'll probably wet-sand it by hand to make sure none of the primer comes off this time. I also reprimed the edges of the side panels, again, resand by hand. I'm not sure how many front bezels I'll actually need, so I'm holding off painting them.

Pics; http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060821_016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060821_003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060821_004.jpg


I also was able to cut out the S2Games logo from a thin piece of acrylic. this was more for a practice run. Eventually I'm going to get a thicker piece, do the same cut and "frost" effect, then sandwich that logo between to bigger pieces of acrylic, seal the whole thing up and run water through it. Basically the logo will be surrounded by my water-cooling fluid. I then am going to mount this in the front of my PC, taking the place of roughly 3 of my 6 front 5 1/2" bezels.

Step 1; used adhesive spray to mount the printed logo to the acrylic (kept the acrylic coating sheets on)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060821_006.jpg
Step 2; used a razor to cut out the dark areas of the log and peeled them away, including the protective coating
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060821_009.jpg
Step 3; Sanded the exposed acrylic area with a dremel as best I could, peeled off the remaining logo and protective coat, came out better than I had anticipated.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060821_010.jpg[/IMG


That's it for now. Plans this week include more assembling of the case. Constructing the watercooling acrylic logo case, and figuring out how to mount it in the front of the computer.

Oh, and my C2D E6600 arrived today. I'll be buying the powersupply and radiator this weekend so I can mount them in the PC as well. Probably cut a blow-hole for the power supply in the top of the case as well.

[Lunchbox]

I Love playing Savage hope your mod goes well, but I've been hearing bad things about Savage 2 from some people hopefuly it turns out ok.

[simon275]

Yeah Ive alyways considered fliping my psu up the other way so the big internal fan that blows into the case is instead blowing out the top.

Can't wait to see your final work of art. BTW nice etching effect.

[dgrmkrp]

wait!
1.) the case was anodized, so that's why the primer won't stick to it.. i'm sorry, but i have to give you the bad news.. if u want to paint it this way, you have to sand the anodized layer off.. otherwise, it might look good..but.. who knows when the paint will peel off..
2.) @simon: PSU's draw air in to them and exhaust it out of the case, conforming to the ATX specification.. because there are obstructions(radiators, caps..) inside the psu's case, u can feel some air beeing bounced back.. u can by all means make the psu work flipped, but then it will get cool air and the upper part of the mobo, without additional fans, wont get any airflow.. that's worse than having a warm PSU..
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/dgrmkrp/image001.gif
an inverted atx design, or a psu located somewhere else still follow the same principle.. in the case of inverted lian-li's,with lower positioned psu, its drawing air over the hdds helps them stay cooler..

edit: oh, very good idea with the watery logo :) really slick

[jreffy]

wait!
1.) the case was anodized, so that's why the primer won't stick to it.. i'm sorry, but i have to give you the bad news.. if u want to paint it this way, you have to sand the anodized layer off.. otherwise, it might look good..but.. who knows when the paint will peel off..
2.) @simon: PSU's draw air in to them and exhaust it out of the case, conforming to the ATX specification.. because there are obstructions(radiators, caps..) inside the psu's case, u can feel some air beeing bounced back.. u can by all means make the psu work flipped, but then it will get cool air and the upper part of the mobo, without additional fans, wont get any airflow.. that's worse than having a warm PSU..
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/dgrmkrp/image001.gif
an inverted atx design, or a psu located somewhere else still follow the same principle.. in the case of inverted lian-li's,with lower positioned psu, its drawing air over the hdds helps them stay cooler..

edit: oh, very good idea with the watery logo :) really slick

I gave the entire exterior of the case a good sanding before I put on the primer coat, more to help get everything flat than to get the anodized surface off. The primer sticks, it's just coming off because I didn't sand the front of the case well enough and a lot of parts are uneven. As for the interior parts, I wasn't sure if they would need to be sanded, but I figured I could deal with a less than spectacular paint job for the interior, simply because it won't be as visible, and it'd be way too hard to thoroughly sand everything :)

Are you saying there is there going to be a problem mounting my PSU? I simply flipped that back grate. So the PSU will still be oriented the same way, it will just be on the top of the case instead of having the gap between the
top and PSU fan.

As for the water-cooling logo. I figured out I'd have a problem with the acrylic logo case acting like a reservoir (which I did not want) if I mounted it in the top of the case like I originally had planned. I'd run into the problem of the custom logo box not being full of fluid and acting like my system's reservoir. To solve this I figured "hey, I'm not gonna be using all SIX front 5 1/2" drives" so I'm going to mount it in the front of the PC now. Not only will it solve my problem but it will look better too. Hopefully this week while waiting for my PSU to arrive, I'll finish putting together the rest of the case, and then work on constructing and mounting this acrylic logo box.

My only concern with the box's construction is how to ensure a good seal between the logo I made, and the top and bottom surfaces of the box. I don't want fluid creeping between the logo and the front or back of the box. Sealing the edges will be easier, I can simply use a caulk-type seal, but that would be much trickier to do with the logo. We'll see when I start making the box for real. I'm going to use thicker acrylic, so that might make things easier to get at.

[dgrmkrp]

Are you saying there is there going to be a problem mounting my PSU? I simply flipped that back grate. So the PSU will still be oriented the same way, it will just be on the top of the case instead of having the gap between the
top and PSU fan.

i'm a tad slow.. i don't really get what ur saying.. but whatever u do, i don't think in your "case"(:)) there will be a problem.. if the fan is oriented towards the cpu, than it will take some heat away from that area.. if the fan is near the top of the case, becasue you flipped the psu over, than it will get cooler air and live longer.. but then u need good airflow on the mobo.. which you'll have, hopefully, because of the rear fan.. no see-able problem should be seen and in case something goes warm, u can go back to the original mounting... anyways, this is a problem only with small, crampy, small-fan cases.. believe me, i've seen people stubornly installing a psu inverted, and the fan had no air to suck, being no holes on the top of the case.. after a while, smoke comes out ;)

about the logo problem.. hmm.. how big is it again? (mm) width, depth and height? there may be a very graphycal solution :)

[jreffy]

Didn't get much work done today, but I DID come up with some pretty wicked ideas for what else to do for my mod. It won't be too complicated, I just hope it doesn't clutter the interior of my case.

I'll be buying a 240mm radiator this week along with a powersupply and the fans to go with the rad. This will allow me to put a blowhole in the top of the case, and start mounting my rad to the top of the case as well.

My idea is to add a duct that goes from the right side of the case, up to the top of the case covering my rad. This ensures that my rad is pulling in fresh cool air from the outside of my case to cool the water, instead of blowing the already warm air over the rad. Should be fairly easy to do with some sheet metal, now I just want to figure out how to mod that duct :).

I'm also going to cut out an "S2Games" in the bottom corner of the left panel and put a mirror behind it, just for good looks.


Anyways, I increased the size of my window for kicks and did a mock assembly for a picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060823_031-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060823_034-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060823_033-1.jpg

I also glued together a mock up of my watercooling acrylic window, just to see how glue would work to seal it. Results weren't too good, putting this together and ensuring a good seal without ruining the transparency is going to be tough.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060823_025-1.jpg


That's it for now, probably won't update until I get the rad and power supply in.

[Slug Toy]

I also glued together a mock up of my watercooling acrylic window, just to see how glue would work to seal it. Results weren't too good

i think what you're looking for is weld-on. im not too sure about the spelling, ive never used it before, but apparently it works wonders for acrylics, meaning seamless joints. check out tribaloverkill's reservoir threads to see it in action.

[jreffy]

UPDATE 8/29/06


Got some new parts today. Building had been non-existant while I waited for these parts, because I needed some exact measurements before proceeding (you'll see why). Power supply and 2 LED fans came in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_007.jpg

I was a little concerned with the wires on the PSU. They stuck out and were less flexible than I wanted, but I had anticipated that this would be a problem http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_009.jpg

Anyways, I pressed on.


I had already posted a thread about a custom duct system for my radiator that I am going to mount on the top of the case. Unfortunately the radiator that I want (GTS Stealth 240) has been out of stock, so I didn't have it to physically measure with, althought I did have the specs from the website.

Anyway, here is the rough (and I emphasize the word "rough") mock-up I did with foam board.The idea of this duct is to carry "fresh" (and therfore cooler) air through the radiator that will be hooked into the watercooling system, which will in turn cool the water more effectively as it passes through the radiator.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_015.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_018.jpg

For measurements sake I put it at a 45 degree angle, just to keep it simple. As you can see I had to cut a bit out for the support bar and the motherboard tray. Now I BARELY hit the tray, so a simple fix of putting the duct on a sharper angle will fix that no problem. The other thing that will fix is the interference with the power cables, as you can see here. The PC is upside down so the PSU would stay in place :) you can also see the fans will fit just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_010.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060829_013.jpg

The only question left is the length. I plan on mounting 2 slot-load DVD/CD drives into one 5 1/2" bay, however I'm concerned my duct interferes with that, but I think I have a solution. Only time will tell for sure though.

Still trying to decide if I want to put a window on my duct and mod that out as well :) Any ideas?

Anyways, that's the update. My car is in the shop and it's going to cost me some money, so I don't plan on having many new parts and therefore not many updates for a while. I'll probably be cutting the holes in the top of the case for the PSU fan and the radiator fans, along with mounting them in the case until then. Going to have to rig up a custom mounting anyway for the PSU since I flipped the back panel so it would have a blowhole directly out of hte case.

[jreffy]

Weld-on #4 should be arriving today in the mail, so hopefully I can get my acrylic fixture made over the weekend. Also received an image from hyperkore.com of what my etching will look like. Hope to get that updated and posted later tonight.

[jreffy]

hyperkore.com just sent me a mockup of what my case window etching will looking like

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/FinalEtchLarge.jpg

[jreffy]

UPDATE 9/3/06


Worked primarily on my acrylic water-window today. Also mounted the power-supply and cut the blow-hole.

Bent-bracket for the power-supply, it's a little off, but it does the job and looks fine. Probably wouldn't notice that it's off unless you were looking for flaws.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_019.jpg

Painted and mounted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_032.jpg


Started with the acrylic window. Now, I know in the final assembly the logo is mounted backwards, but this is so I didn't confused it with anything I'd make later. Yes, I'm stupid, I'd do something like that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_024.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_025.jpg


the time came to use the Weld-on #4 solvent, and working as a biomedical engineer came in handy. It was just odd asking the lab for syringes and needles, they looked at me kinda funny.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_027.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_028.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_030.jpg

When I started putting it all together, I encountered my first problem. The solvent moves between the two pieces of acrylic and fills in all the scratching and surface etching I did, essentially "erasing" all the etching. Needless to say, this needs to be solved, if anyone has ideas, lemme know. I have an idea or two, but it needs some testing.

Anyway, finished result!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_035.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_036.jpg

no leaks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060903_040.jpg

and a movie too (to show that I actually used water) with soundtrack. And if you look hard you can see my reflection in the acrylic.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/?action=view&current=20060903_037.flv


Next issue will be solving the acrylic/etching thing, mounting the radiator. And probably purchasing the pump and tubing.

I'm looking for some ideas for the back of the case. Now that I moved the PSU, I have room for more exhaust fans, but I want to keep the noise down, anyone have some ideas? you can reference past pictures for an idea of what it looks like.

[jreffy]

UPDATE 9/12/06

To be honest, I'm starting to get frustrated with the case. There's so much more I want to do, and I keep running into roadblocks, lol. I like the problem solving and all, but now I'm just getting impatient. Anyway, here we go.

Started creating a new acrylic water-cooling window with the S2 logo. After consulting with Oris and reviewing the first Savage 2 preview movie (http://savage2.s2games.com/movies/2_small_9.wmv) I decided to make some changes. You can see what they are below.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060908_000.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060908_002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060908_004.jpg

Not the best pictures, but basically I made the logo look more like the movie logo. I broke it up into very small pieces. I did the best I could cutting them all out with a dremel, it was a bitch, but I think it came out allright. As soon as I can drill holes to fit my NPT hose barbs I'll fill it with fluid again and take some pics.

Here's what I did tonight. Worked on cutting out the blow holes for the radiator and assembled them to the fans. The holes don't look so great, but I didn't take as much time as I should have. Again, a little impatient and frustrated, but I planned on covering it all up with a some kind of grill or border anyway, in addition to the grating I have.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060908_003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_011.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_005.jpg

I found 4mm bolts that were only 10mm long so I could screw them down fully without worrying about them damaging the radiator.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_007.jpg

Yes, I know I'm tightening metric bolts with an english units wrench. I couldn't find a 4mm one :(
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_010.jpg

There were some tiny zip ties on the wires on the fan, and it kept me from getting them flush together in order ot screw the 2nd one in, so I eventually just cut them off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_015.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_014.jpg

****ty blow hole work
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_016.jpg

grate
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_017.jpg

vanity shot. Eventually this will be what they look like in operation behind the border/grate
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060911_018.jpg

[DaveW]

Looking pretty good. Impressive work so far, though i'm having trouble seeing where the case will lead. I'll be watching this one ;)

-Dave

[jreffy]

This is the lucky piece of sheet aluminum that gets to be my fan duct. Should be pretty simple, provided I do my math right. More on that in a bit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_037.jpg


Remember what I said about math? Well I thought I'd share my little book of ideas. I've been keeping this notebook since early July. Taking notes on parts to buy, ideas, rough sketches, measurements. Pretty much a general any-idea book.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_038.jpg

yeah, i know, I do freaking sweet artwork...or freehand
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_040.jpg

Remember I mentioned math? here's the page I'm gonna be following to figure out how to bend my duct. Geometry is my friend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_039.jpg

Oh, and now I've pretty much finished up my water-cooling window. Here's what it ended up to be. I'm pretty happy with the results, can't wait to see what it looks like with lighting and red coolant inside it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_036.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_035.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_041.jpg

ta-da!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060912_047.jpg

[cybertron]

That looks sweet! I just started playing Savage 1 again because since they released it free there's a lot of other noobs at about my skill level.:)

[jreffy]

That looks sweet! I just started playing Savage 1 again because since they released it free there's a lot of other noobs at about my skill level.:)

Savage 2 Beta was scheduled for mid-August, but I hope they keep delaying it so I can have this built in time to Beta test :)

Maybe i should put TRoN> somewhere on the case too...hmmm

[cybertron]

Ha, yeah. I've been signed up since some time this spring (I think, it was a long time ago;)). Still two months isn't really all that bad in the world of computer games. As long as it doesn't turn into Duke Nukem Forever.:)

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

lolz duuuude i would like to comment on ya work but u need the PICS OO WORK!!!!! lolz anywho u get those fixed and ima be all over this thread cuz i did like the look of that one plexy pic :D :D :D :D :D :D

[jreffy]

lolz duuuude i would like to comment on ya work but u need the PICS OO WORK!!!!! lolz anywho u get those fixed and ima be all over this thread cuz i did like the look of that one plexy pic :D :D :D :D :D :D

I'm pretty sure all my pictures are working =/


Anyone else having this same problem?

[Airbozo]

Pic work fine for me...

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

lolz sorry bout that but i think about the time i was looking photobucket was doing some work or something cuz i noticed alot of other pics didnt work either...... but now that i can see it it looks awsome so far man...... hey im wondering where i might be able to find info or this game u speak of on the net can ya tell me a link or 2 ??? lolz thnx

[jreffy]

lolz sorry bout that but i think about the time i was looking photobucket was doing some work or something cuz i noticed alot of other pics didnt work either...... but now that i can see it it looks awsome so far man...... hey im wondering where i might be able to find info or this game u speak of on the net can ya tell me a link or 2 ??? lolz thnx


http://www.s2games.com/

[Maz]

lolz sorry bout that but i think about the time i was looking photobucket was doing some work or something cuz i noticed alot of other pics didnt work either...... but now that i can see it it looks awsome so far man...... hey im wondering where i might be able to find info or this game u speak of on the net can ya tell me a link or 2 ??? lolz thnx

http://www.nofuture.org.uk/diary/images/i_will_use_google.jpg



sorry, had to be done.

[progbuddy]

lolz. But that reservoir was a great idea. I should have thought of that :p .

[jreffy]

Well I still plan on having a reservoir. That window-mod thing is just for looks. I have some pictures to update with, but I'm holding off for now.

Running into a lot of problems with my custom radiator duct. I've already gone through 2 plans and scrapped both ideas. I think now I'm going to make the duct out of acrylic. I have some left over, and it was pretty easy to work with once I got the table saw out to make nice straight cuts. Plus with an acrylic duct I'll get a bit of insulation, and it won't look like my PC is being clogged up. Anyone have any ideas for what I can do with it to mod it out or spice it up a bit? Otherwise it will just look like a clear plastic box.

Next purchase will be a MCP655 pump and I can start testing my WC loop. Still need a stupid BSP tap for the acrylic window fittings (why couldn't they make them standard sized barbs?), and will also be ordering a 5.5" fan control/temp monitor, and one more slim drive. Also waiting on the custom bezel to hold both slim drives in one 5.5" bay. Stupid company said they were all on backorder.

Once all those things are purchased I'll be buying the Mobo, Vid Card and RAM all on credit from Newegg (0% interest until April baby!). Right now my project completion goal is the 3rd week in October, one month from now. Rugby on the weekends is really taking up a lot of time, so hopefully I can still make my self-imposed deadline.

[jreffy]

VERY OMGSUPERBBQLARGE UPDATE!!......with pictures!!!


Allright, so the reason things have been slow is because I started working on my custom duct for my radiator. I started with one idea, had to scrap it because it wouldn't work. Then I got a 2nd idea, that didn't work either. So now I'm on idea #3. Also been short on time because of rugby in full swing.

Here we go, failed ideas. Keep in mind this is my first attempt at working with sheetmetal, lol


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_048.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_050.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_051.jpg

it got really ugly at times, not bending right, having to hammer things out, I was getting frustrated, and I figured paint could cover it all up anyway. I was pretty suprised when I compared it to my foam-board mockup.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_052.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_054.jpg

BUT, alas, it was way too big and hard to work with =/. Plus it didn't look SO mega-awesome, so I smashed it. Then I decided to try working with some aluminum round ducting. Figured I could cut it and bend it the right way around the rad, I even made a frame around the rad to attach it to. Which came out beautifully btw.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060918_068.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060918_069.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060918_070.jpg


But that duct work didn't cut and bend so cleanly, wasn't going to work, here's what I did with it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060918_072.jpg

[jreffy]

So I decided to make my duct out of acrylic. I had some extra lying around from my window-mod, and it was realitivly easy and I knew how to work with it. So, why the heck not? I just hope I had enough material =/

FIRST, I took a LOT of measurements of the case. Just to make sure I wouldn't f-up again! Made sure I planned and drew everything out ahead of time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_077.jpg


Taped up one side so I could draw on it, and cut it up into the components.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_074.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_075.jpg

I even made cool 45 degree joint cuts!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_078.jpg

this is just part of how I'm going to attach the duct to the radiator. You'll see later, can't really explain it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_080.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_082.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_084.jpg

Now for the actual duct parts. Assembly was tricky, but that Weld-on #4 stuff is my best friend. And CRAP, I was short ONE 9 3/4"x1" peice!!! Guess I'll have to buy a small peice of acrylic to finish this up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_085.jpg

Here's kinda what it's gonna look like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_089.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_087.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_086.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_088.jpg

As you can see, I'm going to have to cut some of the 5.5" bay out to accomodate the duct. However that won't be a problem, I only plan on using the bottom 3 of the 5.5" drives, here, I'll show you with a mock build-up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_066.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_060.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_061.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_062.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060915_056.jpg

Oh, and I just got some more parts in, and finally got my stupid G1/4 BSPP Tap so I can finish my watercooling window barbs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20060920_095.jpg

[jreffy]

Money is quite tight right now, hence no updates. I plan on purchasing my pump next with some tubing and maybe being able to have a run of the water-cooling system for you guys in the next month.

Finally got the right tap, added an extra sheet of acrylic on the water-window (official name now, henceforth known as "WW"). This is to thicken it up, and allow me to screw some square brackets into it from the backside, which is how I'll attach it to the case eventually. Check it out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_112.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_111.jpg

One problem. When I was tapping the holes, some debris fell in the WW. I got most of it out, but you can see here one piece lodged itself in the top of the damn logo. ****. I have no clue how to get that out :(.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_113.jpg

Finished up the acrylic duct as well. I even plugged it into my current computer to see if it would draw a flow, and it does. Now I just have to work on mounting it in the case, some steps still need to be done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_100.jpg

There's a small gap along 2 of the sides. Not sure if I want to fill them in somehow or just leave them as is. I think they will be fine, since the air will flow through the main opening because it's the path of least resistence.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_101.jpg

Here is the side of the case where the duct will draw air through. I will cut a hole in the side case, but I need an idea for a grill or a patter to just cut in the side panel, and then put a filter in front of it. Any ideas?

You can also see what I was talking about before, where I'll need to cut out part of the bracket that holds the 5.5" drive bays. Just so I can fit the duct it. It won't be a problem since all my drives will be mounted in the bottom 3 bays.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_102.jpg

This is what I'm going to use to make a custom grill for the top of the case (radiator fans) and then put that red gutter-guard mesh behind it. Anyone have any ideas for a cool design? Savage-related or not? Preferably something I can cut with a dremel, since I don't have any cool water-jet or laser cutters around :). It's just a very thin sheet of aluminum.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061003_106.jpg

That's it for now. I need about 100$ to purchase my t-line, tubing, and a pump. That will be it for my watercooling loop. Then I plan on ordering the Mobo, RAM, and Video Card by the end of October so I can finance it with 0% interest through Newegg :).

THEN, I'll probabing finish painting and putting it together, but I'll still need about 100$ for lights/accessories, another 100$ for the custom laser-etched window, and then hopefully a little less than 100$ for my slim slot-load DVD+RW drive. Then she'll be all finished. Any donors? I take paypal :)

[jreffy]

it's been a long while since my last update. Rugby has been taking up a lot of my time, getting close to having a functional PC here, the rest of my parts are on the way, I hope to have her up and running but without lights and my acrylic window in 2 weeks. I can add the lights and window later.

Anyway, just worked on fitting the duct into the PC. Here's the result.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_114.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_115.jpg

some modifications were definitely in order...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_116.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_117.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_118.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_119.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_120.jpg

So that's how it's going to fit inside the case. Worked on a custom grill for the top fans, not sure if I want to use it or not. I think because it has a smaller area it's going to make a lot of noise with the 2 120mm fans pushing air through it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_125.jpg

After my work tonight, got a few more letters cut out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_133.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_132.jpg

Probably won't use that mesh, maybe I will, not sure yet. Should look cool with the red led fans.

Here's what it kinda will look like, sans black and red paint jobber. As you can see, I'm going to have to trim up the duct to make sure it fits inside the side-panel. I also will have to cut the hole for the side panel. I want to make sure it's a very tight fit. It's gonna take some tricky measuring to make sure I get it perfect =/,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_127.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_131.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061016_130.jpg

I wonder if anyone is still reading this, lol.

[GT40_GearHead]

i am!

and i'm glad is still alive :D

and the gril came out looking great

[MajorPest]

Impressive! I wish I could cut that great. Nice work on the water window and duct, gives me so many ideas!

[simon275]

I am planning on doing what you have done with your PSU and fliping it up the other way and having the bottom fan blowing from the top. I really love the custom fan grill its laser cut right?

[jreffy]

I am planning on doing what you have done with your PSU and fliping it up the other way and having the bottom fan blowing from the top. I really love the custom fan grill its laser cut right?

lol, I wish I had a laser cutter. The grill was done with a dremel and some filing.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks great man. The duct and the WW look awesome. Can't wait to see it all up and running.

[DaveW]

That's looking really good. I'm liking your work, even if it's interspaced with random acts of violence against the parts which...didn't make the grade. ;)

Seriously, it's good. The work is looking better every time i see it. You obviously know your tools and techniques, and you're getting good results from your experiments.

Keep it up.

-Dave

[jreffy]

That's looking really good. I'm liking your work, even if it's interspaced with random acts of violence against the parts which...didn't make the grade. ;)

Random acts of violence? I like to call it "quality control".


Seriously, it's good. The work is looking better every time i see it. You obviously know your tools and techniques, and you're getting good results from your experiments.

Keep it up.

-Dave

Thanks Dave, it means a lot. I'm still learning, and to be honest, I've never used or owned a Dremel until this project, haha. So I guess I'm either a quick learner, or I have tons of scrapped parts that I haven't shown you guys :)

In all honesty, throughout everything I've done so far, this has been my bible.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0789731924.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[sherren]

Nice Work you got there,I like your mod:D :up:

[jreffy]

Put together my watercooling loop today to run a leak test, but while filling I found a leak in my water-cooling window =/

I was afraid of this, but fortunately the leak appeared very very tiny. I'll just have to be liberal with the weld-on and then try it again. Also finished that top grill, I'll have pics of both that and the watercooling test later this week I hope.

[xdxforever]

to get that bit out of your block, hook your pump up to it drawing from a 5 gal. bucket or something, and have the block drain somewere else. then run the pump and shake the block around with water going through it, that should do it i would think. Also, looking at that last pic, it would really look good it the fan guard plate was raised about 1 cm off the case top, then there would be more flow, less noise, and a really good lighting effect i bet.

[samurai_crip]

That looks badass :up:

[Crimson Sky]

You're doing a fantastic job, your enthusiasm will be an inspiration I'm sure. keep up the good work. Glad the book has come in handy, I see that you used the paper model technique for sizing/fitting--good thinkin'!

[jreffy]

You're doing a fantastic job, your enthusiasm will be an inspiration I'm sure. keep up the good work. Glad the book has come in handy, I see that you used the paper model technique for sizing/fitting--good thinkin'!

This post makes me think of those tv commercials where some little kid gets to meet his all-time sports hero or something...maybe I even giggled like a schoolgirl too....maybe....

[jreffy]

to get that bit out of your block, hook your pump up to it drawing from a 5 gal. bucket or something, and have the block drain somewere else. then run the pump and shake the block around with water going through it, that should do it i would think. Also, looking at that last pic, it would really look good it the fan guard plate was raised about 1 cm off the case top, then there would be more flow, less noise, and a really good lighting effect i bet.

haha, OMG, I forgot! When I get home I'll post the picture I took of how I got it out. Basically I took a twist-tie, stripped off the paper so jsut the very thin wire was left, and fished it out. Took about 15-20 minutes, but I got that sonofabitch.

[jreffy]

ok supercool update time!

Brought home my WC stuff, hotwired my PSU, filled up the loop and I'm working on getting the bubbles out and letting it run overnight. I don't know if I feel safe enough letting it run tomorrow while I'm at work.

Hotwired PSU...thanks to forums like this, users like you, and the number 5!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061024_139.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061024_140.jpg

The LOOP (with special guest star...hard liquor!!!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061024_141.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061024_142.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061024_143.jpg

Oh, and as promised, pics of my custom top fan grill, we'll see how it goes when I install it and run it with fans. I even sanded it to give it a nice finish. The grill looks WAAAY better in that picture than in person, idgi =/ but hey, looks like I did a f'in sweet job, except where I fell asleep @ the dremel on the top of that A.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061023_135.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061023_136.jpg

[Maz]

that is ubs. (oohbs)

definatly like the water block.

i dont know jack crap about water cooling so this is very interesting to me. keep it up.

[jreffy]

that is ubs. (oohbs)

definatly like the water block.

i dont know jack crap about water cooling so this is very interesting to me. keep it up.

Neither did I when I started, this is my first watercooling experience. I'm letting my system run right now as we speak, I was so impressed with how quiet it is once I let it run and get some of the air out!! I had heard that thsi pump was quiet when it was on setting 1-3, but got noisy when it was cranked up to setting 4-5. So I decided to crank it up and see, well when I went to the dial I found out it was already on setting 5, hah! I still have tiny micro-bubbles, but from what I'm reading those will work themselves out.

I also have a very very tiny leak in my water-cooling window. This one is very very small, I let it run overnight and only had maybe a few drops worth of leakage. I'll apply more weld-on once I take the test rig apart and it should be allright. However it did concern me when I started to think about how I'm going to attach this to my PC. My first thought was to screw it into some square brackets mounted in the 5.5" bays. But now I'm thinking I'll still use square brackets, but attach with some heavy-duty double-sided tape.

[Crimson Sky]

The S2 Games cutout looks great. The waterwindow looks like it worked out well too. You gonna put some light behind that once it's mounted in the case?

First time water is really scary, especially with custom made parts thrown in. My first watercooled rig was the Matrix Regenerator (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12), with custom made res. Crazy, but its the risks that make it fun sometimes.

[jreffy]

The S2 Games cutout looks great. The waterwindow looks like it worked out well too. You gonna put some light behind that once it's mounted in the case?

First time water is really scary, especially with custom made parts thrown in. My first watercooled rig was the Matrix Regenerator (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12), with custom made res. Crazy, but its the risks that make it fun sometimes.

I'm going to red UV dye the water, and I've got a couple ideas for lighting.

1) Put a short 4" UV cathode INSIDE the acrylic air duct I have. I've already given it a light frost with 800 grit sandpaper and I think if I put a UV cathode in there it will light up the whole duct almost like it's "glowing", but I might need to give it a heavier sand (600grit) to make sure. I know UV lights are pretty powerful so I think that will still light up all my tubing, and since the water-window is right in front of the duct it will get plenty of light.

2) Mount the same 4" UV cathode behind the frame that the 5.5" bays usually mount into near the top, directly behind the water-cooling window again. This way it could light up the whole duct (due to the sanding), the water-cooling window, AND the rest of my tubing. The only reason I shy away from this one is that the source of the light will be plainly seen and you would see the cathode from the front of the case clear as day. For some reason I don't like that. I think maybe the duct will have a "faded" lighting to it as you get further away from the cathode.

I can easily experiment with both once I get this baby put together. Although I'm groaning already @ the amount of wetsanding and painting I have yet to do =/, haha.

I agree with the risks thing as well. This is my first mod and I could have kept it a LOT simpler (and cheaper) but something about that just didn't appeal to me. I really enjoy a challenge, and so far this case hasn't let me down :)

[jreffy]

small update, forgot my camera when i went to work today.

I put a small framing up on the right side panel around the hole i made for the duct. I also used bondo to lay some mesh down across that hole. The framing will hold down an air filter I'll install later.

Here's pics from the top fan grill, didn't come out QUITE like I wanted. The full logo isn't lit because the grill is wider than the fans =/. If anyone has any ideas how to light up that whole grill, I'm open. The only thing I can think of is to use some frosted plexi and mount the grill and inch or so off the top of the case. However, this would restrict air flow and be a bit louder =/.

I also threw in some pics when I was testing my custom window for leaks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061025_148.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061025_149.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061030_154.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061030_155.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061030_153.jpg

[simon275]

Your custom window is excellent. The letter look nice lit up to.

[NocturnaL]

Wow looks awesome. Love the idea you have going with the water cooled window

[jreffy]

My lights/fan controller arrived the other day. The only part I'm really waiting on is my slim slot-load DVD+RW drive. I need to look up some instructions on how to replace the blue LED's in my fan controller with Red ones. Is this going to be difficult? does anyone know?

Our last Rugby game of the season is tomorrow which means next week is paint-week. I ordered my laser-etched window from hyperkore and I'm debating whether or not to go with the vinyl decal I was considering at the start of this project.

Regardless, I simply need to mount the WC window, make a fan grill for the PSU, figure out how to light up that top fan grill for the rad, and paint the damn thing.

Then I've got LOTS of wire-shortening and cable management to deal with :)

[jreffy]

**UPDATE**

Hopefully this will be my last 1.5 weeks of case-construction. Currently the case is at my relative's house because they have a nice garage full of great tools, which is way better than my downtown Chicago apartment.

All I have left to do is to mount the slim-drive bezel, the water-cooling window, and that's about it. Once those are in, it's just a matter of hooking everything together.

Hyperkore.com sent me an email today saying they have sent my laser etched window. That will be here Friday. I'm still unsure whether or not to get a vinyl decale of the "SAVAGE 2" text with the sword behind it. It'd be extra money for them to edit just that text and sword out of the picture. I already have a big enough file I just need to trim that thing out, and I'm lazy and don't have the necessary tools or time.

Here's today's update, which includes some pics of the work I did last week (I forgot to take my camera with).

I cut the hole in the side-panel for my custom ducting. It came out pretty good, I didn't have to bother making extra cuts to make it fit right. I decided to go with something relatively plain.

You'll see what the bolts are for in a minute.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_156.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_157.jpg

Here's the backside of it. I attached those square brackets to make sure I get a decent seal to the side panel. The gaps are there to make room for the vertical support bar in the case. The mesh I held down by hand and used bondo to attach it to the side panel, man that is AMAZING stuff. I also used it to patch some holes that I ended up not using in the top panel.

Also, the advantage of the little L-brackets is that I plan on pinching some sort of air-filter in there as well so I don't clog the radiator/dirty up my duct. I'm thinking women's pantyhose work the best, so I'll probably go with that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_158.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_161.jpg


I decide a long time ago to use slot-loaded slim-drives. Just because I knew my water-cooling window would take up a lot of room, and because I liked the look of slot-load. So I had to order a bezel that would fit two slim-drives in one 5.25" bay. I just primed it and I'll paint it on Saturday when I go to do most of my painting work.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_163.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_165.jpg

I'm still a little unsure how to mount my water-cooling window. I drilled these holes in the side to attach L-brackets to. I then planned on using tiny screws into the window. However, I don't think I want to do that anymore for fear of risking some more leaking. I think I will just end up installing the square brackets and using some heavy-duty double-sided tape.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_167.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_168.jpg

And here are just some random pictures of the case. I know it looks dirty, there's a lot of dust and particles in there from various projects going on in the garage, not just mine. I'll be blowing it all out and cleaning it before it comes time to bring it home to my apt. and start my wiring/hardware install.

I've got this big open area under my PSU now that I moved it. I have no idea what to use it for, probably to hide cables in I think. Anyone have some ideas?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_174.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_175.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061108_176.jpg

Just painting the side-panels and wet-sanding them. that will take 2 days between each coat of paint because you have to wait for it to completely cure before wet-sanding again. (day 1) So I will wetsand the primer coat, and paint before I leave. (day 2) Wetsand 1st paint coat, apply 2nd coat before I leave. (day 3) Wetsand 2nd paint coat, apply decal (if I have one), apply clear-coats. (day 4) Wet-sand clear-coats, apply rubbing compound, done.

So it looks like 4 days of work, which means a little over a week. Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, then Friday/Saturday/Sunday, whichever day my new ladyfriend let's me have free.

Then another week or so of installing the components, shortening my wires, applying new molex connectors, cleaning off the mobo and heatsinks, etc. etc. 2 more weeks, I hope. Then it's Windows XP and overclock time!!

[jreffy]

**UPDATE**

Started assembly. Forgot to bring home my dremel from my workshop (aka relative's garage), so assembly was halted for the day. Here's what I got so far.

I also started painting the side-panels. The first sanding-paint job looked really really good, only 3 more to go. I'll remember to bring my camera for pictures next time. I won't bother with descriptions/commentary.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_177.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_180.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_182.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_185.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_187.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_188.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_191.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_192.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_194.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_197.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_196.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061112_201.jpg


The plan is to assemble it without the side-panels. Let it run/leak test/install windows/programs, etc. etc. while the side panels are being finished this week. Then it's done.

[jdbnsn]

Looking nice, fan cables look spiffy! I can't wait to see this up and rolling.

[jreffy]

**UPDATE**

Did a tiny TINY bit more of assembly today. I forgot my key to my relative's house and they were out of town, so my next coat of paint will have to wait till Wednesday...


in the meantime, I mounted my pump. If you guys remember I had that space under the PSU after flipping it up so the fan pointed out the top. Makes a nice little hole for the pump. Checked to make sure the tubes wouldn't kink, and I got started.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_203.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_204.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_205.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_207.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_213.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_212.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_214.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/20061113_215.jpg

I made that third hole, but need a slightly longer bolt for it.

[NocturnaL]

Looks like its comming along nicely man. My friend has that same graphics card, as far as i know it p00ns :D

[jreffy]

Oh, and my side-panel arrived today :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061114_217.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061114_218.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/20061114_220.jpg


AND...it even comes with VIDEO!!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/th_20061114_216.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v381/jreffy/Project%20Savage/?action=view&current=20061114_216.flv)

[SgtM]

Awesome. I love the etching.

[NocturnaL]

Ya the etching looks awesome. I'm thinking about getting one done for my case mod. Is it worth it?

[jreffy]

Ya the etching looks awesome. I'm thinking about getting one done for my case mod. Is it worth it?

It came out just like I had hoped, and the guy at Hyperkore.com was great to work with, very accommodating.

I got an oversized window (14x16), and with shipping it cost around 80$. But I got the etching I wanted and it's quality work.

I guess it's for you to decide. They also have a lot of other designs than just the clear etched window, I suggest you check out the site.

[NocturnaL]

do they do custom pics if you want one done that you've drawn up?

[Noobkiller]

Omg

[jreffy]

do they do custom pics if you want one done that you've drawn up?

Yes. I sent them that picture for them to etch. However depending on the size of the etching you want, the picture you send has to be very very large and very very high dpi.

Go to the website, send them an email if they don't answer your questions on the site. They were real good at getting back to me right away. If you talk to a guy named Tommy, tell him Josh sent you.

www.hyperkore.com

[NocturnaL]

haha ok, I've browsed their site a few months ago because i was debating on getting a basic square grid etch on a side panel window, duno if i still wonna do it or not. Thanks for the tip tho, keep the good work up ;)

[jreffy]

haha ok, I've browsed their site a few months ago because i was debating on getting a basic square grid etch on a side panel window, duno if i still wonna do it or not. Thanks for the tip tho, keep the good work up ;)

If it's a basic design, like a simple square grid, I would highly suggest doing it yourself. It'd be simple enough, and definitely more satisfying.

[NocturnaL]

I'm terrible at etching lol, ive given it a shot and it looks like ****. If i coudlnt get the etching right i was going to come up with another idea. I was going to tape off the window and cut the tape so it leaves me the lines on the grid, and i was going to paint the lines with UV spray paint. but i duno how to cut the tape without putn scratches into the plexi lol

[ajmilton]

with something like a grid, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to make a jig out of a 1x1 or something. a small piece of wood. just clamp it down so one side is aligned with a grid line (or offset if necessary, never used a dremel tbh), follow it with your dremel, rinse, repeat.

if you want to use tape for something like that, just use an exacto knife and light pressure. if you do it right, you won't leave much of a mark on the plexi, and the paint should cover any that remains.

with both, practice is win. :p it's mostly muscle-memory that you have to train, how to not twitch, or anticipate a twitch and stop cutting.
and you don't have to practice on plexi :p. for this sort of thing you could just cut a 1 foot square piece of plywood or something and pretend it's plexi :P just to get used to how to set up the jig and follow it, or how to hold your hand when cutting the tape.

[jreffy]

I'm terrible at etching lol, ive given it a shot and it looks like ****. If i coudlnt get the etching right i was going to come up with another idea. I was going to tape off the window and cut the tape so it leaves me the lines on the grid, and i was going to paint the lines with UV spray paint. but i duno how to cut the tape without putn scratches into the plexi lol

I have a couple solutions for you.


1) Set up your tape grid on a scrap peice of plexi, or some other surface that will let you pull the tape up and then move it to the plexi.

OR

2) Print out your grid on a blank sheet of paper and cut out your grid. Then use adhesive spray to stick it onto your window. The adhesive is easily cleaned off with some mineral spirits.

[jreffy]

Sorry for the lack of updates everyone (*cough* DaveW *cough*). I just had a huge setback in painting my panels. I made a post in the Q&A thread so if you know anything about painting/clearcoating check it out and see if you can help me out.

Otherwise my next update will probably be a super-huge grand-finale post :)

[NocturnaL]

Thanks for all your input, considering this isnt even my thread. Sorry for the offtopic posts Jreffy lol. Ide like to see more from this mod soon. Keep it up :)

[Maz]

eh, they sell thin tape for pinstriping at most automosive stores. no need to cut it.

[NocturnaL]

Ya i understand that, but i dont think u guys understand. I'm trying to paint a thin line grid. so i would have to stick on a bunch of squares perfectly to leave a nice grid...

[Maz]

i am really sorry about that, i never finished my thought.

use the thin pinstripe lines, spray some lubricant like triflow for something.

then remove the masks and paint, when it dries it shouldnt stick to the lubed area. however, this is only a theory so test it on a scrap of something first.

[dgrmkrp]

I have a couple solutions for you.


1) Set up your tape grid on a scrap peice of plexi, or some other surface that will let you pull the tape up and then move it to the plexi.

OR

2) Print out your grid on a blank sheet of paper and cut out your grid. Then use adhesive spray to stick it onto your window. The adhesive is easily cleaned off with some mineral spirits.

..maybe it's too late, but it is possible to print on adhesive paper.. use a laser printer or a jet one... with a back to front feed mechanism, so as not to heat the paper and distort it... after you rint it, peel and stick it on the paper and either try etching it again (if u have more skills now.. practice and determination :) ) or carefully cut it and paint it, then pin-stripe it :)
good luck :)

[slytherock]

Real nice work. Great acrylic skills, I like that front bay window alot.
Can you insonorized that pump? It's well hided, maybe you could, dont know, add some foam or something to cut the noise.
Continue, that's great work :up:

[jreffy]

Real nice work. Great acrylic skills, I like that front bay window alot.
Can you insonorized that pump? It's well hided, maybe you could, dont know, add some foam or something to cut the noise.
Continue, that's great work :up:

I planned on adding foam later if necessary, we'll see how loud it is.

[armadilloben]

jreffy i think u did one of the sweetest etching jobs known too man and thats some real skill dude!
are u using the sunbeam lights ctrler for the audio/led lazer/ccfl thingy? i use the sunbeam and i took my gituar amp and to the 3/4 inch jack to rca then back from rca to 1/4 mm jack and pluuged that into the sunbeam so i play my gituar and then the light turns on and its pretty sweet

[NocturnaL]

armadilloben if you read the post with the etch, he drew it out, and then had it laser etched. thats why it looks so nicely done :)

[jreffy]

armadilloben if you read the post with the etch, he drew it out, and then had it laser etched. thats why it looks so nicely done :)

Hey hey! He's giving me mad props for my awesome etchign skillz, I don't mind. Let's not tell him I cheated :)

[jreffy]

Allright guys, bad news.

I've posted in the Modding Q&A thread, I had a problem when trying to assemble and run my machine. The CD drives would not power on when I had the IDE cable plugged in the back. As soon as the IDE cable was removed the powered on and worked just fine.

I also took my current Harddrive in my old machine and tried to get the new machine to boot up on it, no luck. I figured somethign was wrong with my mobo at this point. I called ASUS and explained the problem. They didn't even give me any suggestions or anything, they just told me to RMA the sucker. So, I'm going to do that today/tomorrow, and since it's Christmas time I don't expect it to get back to me anytime soon =/

At least now I have time to work on my paint job.

[GT40_GearHead]

are you shure is the mobo ?

[armadilloben]

Hey hey! He's giving me mad props for my awesome etchign skillz, I don't mind. Let's not tell him I cheated :)
lol my bad about the etching, jreffy no matter what form of creation that etch stilll looks sick:) also what ya meen by laser etched like what tool is used for laser etching *a laser?* or like a pcb printer or sumtin diff i havent heard of it:?
sorry bout the bad mobo i have experienced about 2 times on my builds thats why i went with the almighty dfi bc they arent broke the second their made. i actually fried my old socket A out of sheer ignorance because i bought my thermaltake armor case after 3 months of waiting and was like o yeah i jus got a kick but case!!!:banana: so i took the mobo out of the old case and put that sucka in without the stand offs plugged everything in and wtf, why isnt it working!!!!??!?!?!??!?!??! i ended up frieing the mobo one my boot drive thus leading me into my adventures with my lovoable opteron 175 and my dif mobo!!!:) :) and ben lived happily ever after the end.

[armadilloben]

Allright guys, bad news.

I've posted in the Modding Q&A thread, I had a problem when trying to assemble and run my machine. The CD drives would not power on when I had the IDE cable plugged in the back. As soon as the IDE cable was removed the powered on and worked just fine.

I also took my current Harddrive in my old machine and tried to get the new machine to boot up on it, no luck. I figured somethign was wrong with my mobo at this point. I called ASUS and explained the problem. They didn't even give me any suggestions or anything, they just told me to RMA the sucker. So, I'm going to do that today/tomorrow, and since it's Christmas time I don't expect it to get back to me anytime soon =/

At least now I have time to work on my paint job.

whoa jreffy i jus thought a sumtin!!! dont rma yet!!! make sure u have the right jumper settings on t he drives cuz if they were both in slave or master on the same channel it might not power on also make sure the jumpers on the mobo are set right like usb power and ps2 power because i had problems were i could not get my mobo to boot, i switched the jumpers and it worked so check that too

[jreffy]

whoa jreffy i jus thought a sumtin!!! dont rma yet!!! make sure u have the right jumper settings on t he drives cuz if they were both in slave or master on the same channel it might not power on also make sure the jumpers on the mobo are set right like usb power and ps2 power because i had problems were i could not get my mobo to boot, i switched the jumpers and it worked so check that too


The etching, from what I understand from my backround in engineering, is that the design/drawing/image is punched into a computer and a laser is shot onto the piece of plexi. The heat applied turns the plexi opaqe. Since you can get a lazer to a very fine point, you can do much more detailed images and drawings.

As far as the jumpers...I've checked the jumpers on all my drives, both CD and Hard Disk. I haven't touched the jumpers on the mobo, because they should all be placed and ready to go. I'll double check before I disassemble it, but I'm 99% sure my jumpers are all correct, simply because I tried booting up with just one harddrive and one CD drive, both jumpers on master, and the right IDE plug interface in each.

Like I said, I'll double check. I'm not a PC expert by any means, this really is my first attempt at building a computer, but I do understand the factors involved and I think I got it right. I'll just dig into the Mobo manual again and make sure I have it all set right.

[isunktheship]

Awesome case mod! Did you use silicon glue with the custom reservoir? also, did you ever crack the acrylic when you were drilling?

I'm thinking about building a custom res... coming summer 2007... to go along with my case... also summer 2007...

Can't wait to see more pics/updates. I might PM you about the case I'm planning on building, as it will be using a lot of acrylic. (I'm new to metalwork, and I don't have the proper tools, so i'm just gonna try making the case with Acrylic.)

[jreffy]

Awesome case mod! Did you use silicon glue with the custom reservoir? also, did you ever crack the acrylic when you were drilling?

No. What you want to use is Weld-on #4. It's mentioned quite a few times when I talk about that water-window. You're going to need a syringe because it's very very viscous and watery. Just clamp your pieces together like I show, and inject it along the seam. You'll be able to see the solvent move between the pieces through capillary action.

And yes, I did crack the acrylic when I was drilling, but it was minor and non-important so I didn't feel the need to re-do it. However I might regret that later.

There's an easy way to avoid cracking when drilling though. When you figure out where you want to drill your hole, take a small drill bit and drill all the way through your piece. This will act as a guide-hole for you. Then take the bit of the size hole you want to drill. Drill halfway through the piece on one side, then flip it over and drill from the other side.


I'm thinking about building a custom res... coming summer 2007... to go along with my case... also summer 2007...

Can't wait to see more pics/updates. I might PM you about the case I'm planning on building, as it will be using a lot of acrylic. (I'm new to metalwork, and I don't have the proper tools, so i'm just gonna try making the case with Acrylic.)

Well, everything I did to this case was new to me. I've never done anything remotely like this before. But it's amazing what a few good books and forums like these will do for you! Good luck with your case, I'll be happy to answer any questions I can, but Tybrennis is the "acrylic expert" on this forum, he would probably be a much more knowledgable source.

[jreffy]

ok, SO, after months of this thing sitting around and trying to get things thing together and working, my motherboard is being returned from it's RMA (arrived at ASUS on Wed, they shipped a new one out Saturday) early next week. Due to the short turnaround time at ASUS I can only assume they looked at it and said "wow that's really f'd up" and hopefully sent me a new one and not a reconditioned one.

Here's hoping.

Assembly next week then, and then painting the outside panels of the case asap.

[jdbnsn]

Glad to hear you're back in business, looking forward to seeing this one come together!

[GT40_GearHead]

they usualy dont even look at them, they give a new one, and live to busted one for later

[sherren]

Nice Case mod u have there, :think: may i know how does the fitting of the Lian li front panel , screwed on?, because i need to make one custom front panel for my case

[jreffy]

Nice Case mod u have there, :think: may i know how does the fitting of the Lian li front panel , screwed on?, because i need to make one custom front panel for my case

I haven't had or tried to put the thing together since I first took it apart, so I can't say with any degree of certainty, BUT...I do believe it's a press/snap on kind of fit if I remember correctly. The only thing that it might possibly have is some rivets, but I'm pretty sure that is not the case. When I'm putting it back together in a week or two I'll be sure to pay attention and let you know.

[jreffy]

Ok, so I finally have had time to delve into my non-posting issue.

I decided to go out and buy a cheap 775 socket mobo with a PCIe slot. Lo and behold, SHE LIVES!!!! This PC is now up and running on some cheap mobo from Intel, haha, but boy does she work!!!

Just for fun I installed WoW last night. It ran at 55-60fps in a crowded capital city, and when I fired up FRAPS to record some PvP I saw ZERO difference in performance.

Now that the weather is warming up here in Chicago, I'm going to brush up on my spray-can skills and finish painting the panels that have been sitting around doing nothing all winter!

What I also need to do is talk to ASUS and figure out what I'm going to do about my motherboard. I still want to OC and push this machine a bit and I can't do that with this board. Not to mention I'm just running the stock fan on the CPU. I'll post some pictures soon, it'll be funny at least.

So I'm wondering if I should bother RMA-ing this thing again? Maybe the board isn't compatible (even though all my research says it should be!). Or maybe see if ASUS will send me downgrade to the next lowest board? Or do I just keep RMA-ing till I get a board that works?