Project: Catalyst Green

[b4i7]

ok..finally found a space to work... so i have started a new project that i CAN work on....painting will wait till this summer

as for the name of this project...i am purely amazed at the work defyant has put out...especially hpres3...the level of detail in it....the fantastic acrylic work....i hope to achieve the same level of perfection and this is by no means a simple copy of his work....just taking ideas and applying them to what i have


so this log begins(cuz daves gettin pissed at the show your PC thread8))

my beginning of it...there isnt too much as far as i have done, but there will be a lot more pictures and more step process as i go through this.... and im also using this to show that YOU CAN use a dremel and still get great acrylic cuts

[b4i7]

the case i am using for this project is a Koolance pc2 i believe was the number for it.... i got it a few months back for 30 bucks from compusa cuz it was an old display case these first pics are of my old mobo before it died
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/P0000236.jpg
cables are a mess eh?
i know..its a watercooling case with a fan heatsink on it...that is because i havent had the money to build my system up....but that is changing now..but ill save that for later

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF1969.jpg
i decided to sleeve the cables..for now
i used some rubber tubing that i bought from lowes....sanded down the outside...
split it along one side
then slid it over my cables and ziptied it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF1971.jpg

the cables are still a bit too messy for me...that will be fixed later on :)

cables coming out from the PSU
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF1974.jpg

and now is the time for the real work to begin

like i stated in the first post, i am a major fan of defyants work, so i planned on there being a lot of acrylic used

so the other day i began cutting it (yes, with a dremel)

before...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF1975.jpg

and after
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2003.jpg

and the nessecary night shot
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF1979.jpg
you really cant tell much of a difference yet, mostly because all the light inside is from the led fans, but later i will be adding plenty of light 8)

[b4i7]

LOG UPDATE:

this will be putting me up to date with today..

i cut my bottom piece of acrylic and got it all sized up..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2005.jpg

showing the diffusion...i have my penlight at the front for some added light
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2006.jpg

closeup of the pump/res
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2007.jpg

and now with flash on
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2008.jpg



comments are always welcome...

[Maz]

Now, I can't really tell. Is the reservoir translucent, or opaque? The blue light in front of it seems to be a little much, maybe you could disperse the light a little more instead of it being a veritable searchlight in your case?

So far it looks good. Don't go too overboard with lights, otherwise you may end up with a Smurf's holiday decorations.

Good luck,

-Maz

[b4i7]

this is not the final lighting setup...

that is all simply there to give it some light for the time being

as for the res/pump....its pretty clear....just hard to tell with the blue fluid in

trust me....the only thing that resembles anything how the case will be when done is the mobo

[Vertigo]

For some reason, when I saw the name of the thread I was thinkin, "This is not, the greatest mod in the world. No ... this is just a tribute."

Anyhow, are you sticking with all blue? I like it so far.

[Omega]

For some reason, when I saw the name of the thread I was thinkin, "This is not, the greatest mod in the world. No ... this is just a tribute."

Anyhow, are you sticking with all blue? I like it so far.

This man speaks the truth.

[b4i7]

tribute is just the first thing that popped into my head...cuz of the styling is similar to defyants... but in the end, this mod will have a lot of neat stuff...i dont really have a name for it as of yet....im always open to suggestions..:)



as for color, i plan right now it being red and blue, paint color i havent decided on...i liked the pearl white defyant used, but i think ill find something similar,....a white color will help future accents stand out but for now, im undecided

[d_stilgar]

Oh yeah, I thought tenacious D too. It fits though. Good luck on the mod!

[ajmilton]

Oh yeah, I thought tenacious D too. It fits though. Good luck on the mod!

I'm a WoW geek. i thought "DM north"

[Omega]

I'm a WoW geek. i thought "DM north"

Haha. I'm a WoW geek too, but I've never been to DM North so...

[Vertigo]

I'm a WoW geek myself, but I would've only made the connection if it was called Project: Noth or Project: Conflagrate. I started playing my lock again, even though there's nothing new to kill yet :(

[b4i7]

i plan on kepping this updated daily, whether i make progress or not

today i pulled out the botto sheet of acrylic to fix up a couple flaws in design...theres a rivet that is in the way so im notching out the acrylic for it.... not a detail that will be seen in the end just somethin that needed to be done

i should have an interesting update for you tomorrow night :)

[Custom]

Good old WoW only a level 13 Human Warrior though :(. Great worklog keep up the good work.

[b4i7]

ok, no update for tonight...

things didnt quite fall through as planned.....

but on the 24 i plan on doin a lot of acrylic work before i go to my grandparents house

maybe if im lucky ill pick up a few hi res shots of my case too...gve you a bit of an idea how beat up my case is outside(isnt as bad as it sounds...)

[SgtM]

This is the greatest and best mod in the world. . . tribute.

Long time ago me and my brother b4i7 here,...
we was hitchhikin' down a long and lonesome road.
All of a sudden,
there shined a shiny demon...
in the middle...
of the road.

And he said:
"Build the best mod in the world,
or I'll eat your souls (wisper:Souls)."

Well me and b4i7,... we looked at each other,
and we each said...
"Okay."

And we modded the first thing that came to our heads,
Just so happened to be,
The Best Mod in the World,
it was The Best Mod in the World.

Look into my eyes and it's easy to see
One and one make two,
two and one make three,
It was destiny.

Once every hundred-thousand years or so,
When the sun doth shine and the moon doth glow
and the grass doth grow oooh

Needless to say,
the beast was stunned.
Whip-crack went his whippy tail,
And the beast was done.
He asked us:
"(snort) BE you angels?"
And we said,
"Nay.
We are but men...
rock!!!!"
Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahh,
Ohhh, whoah, ah-whoah-oh!

This is not The Greatest Mod in the World, No No!
This is just a tribute.
Couldn't remember The Greatest Mod in the World, oh,
No!
This is a tribute, oh,
To The Greatest Mod in the World,
All right!
It was The Greatest Mod in the World,
All right!
And it was the best mother ****in' mod,
The Best Mod in the world!

Allllllright!
'Ti Tuga digga tu Gi Friba fligugibu Uh Fligugigbu Uh Di Ei Friba Du Gi Fligu fligugigugi Flilibili Ah
(Bow) (Bow) (Bow) (Ooh) (Bow) (Bi)
Fligu wene mamamana Lucifer!
(Mene) (LUCIFER)!
(guitar solo)
And the peculiar thing is this my friends:
the mod we built on that fateful night it didn't actually look
anything like this mod!

This is just a tribute!
You gotta believe it!
And I wish you were there!
Just a matter of opinion.
Ah, ****!
Good God, God lovin' ,
So surprised to find you can't stop me.(scat)

[b4i7]

update:

alrighty...so im standin there workin tonight at walgreens...runnin my cash register...then outta nowhere comes this guy....and he was like...so i hear you want an LCD....none other than our forums own Ovr1de came by to visit me tonight to give me an lcd....

that was gonna be my update last night....but due to his work schedule it didnt work out...but its all good :D

thank you again Ovr1de for the lcd....i think everyone will like what i do with it


....oh and by an lcd.....i mean 2...thats right 2 40X2 lcd screens....no pics tonight.....maybe ill take some sunday as well as some pics of progress ive made(if i work on my case any)

[Aero]

update:

alrighty...so im standin there workin tonight at walgreens...runnin my cash register...then outta nowhere comes this guy....and he was like...so i hear you want an LCD....

lmao, I can just imagin a guy in a trench coat walking up.."Hey man...I hear you're lookin for and LCD..."

Good luck with the mod man. Sounds and looks good so far.

[Omega]

Haha, I would be freaked out and really confused if somebody came up to me like "So I heard you want an LCD..."

=D

[Vertigo]

LOL, that's classic. Lookin forward to seein some pics soon bro, keep at it.

[b4i7]

sorry for the long pause in updates...with all the stuff happening with the holidays..(me goin back home and girlfriend comin up for new years) i havent had time to work on this project.....but within a week or so ill have an update for you guys

[DaveW]

Looking forward to it!

-Dave

[ESX]

So am I :)

[OvRiDe]

thank you again Ovr1de for the lcd....i think everyone will like what i do with it

You are more then welcome, and definately looking forward to seeing it in action! I got to see the work in person and it is really coming along nicely! Keep up the great work.

[armadilloben]

update:

alrighty...so im standin there workin tonight at walgreens...runnin my cash register...then outta nowhere comes this guy....and he was like...so i hear you want an LCD....none other than our forums own Ovr1de came by to visit me tonight to give me an lcd....

that was gonna be my update last night....but due to his work schedule it didnt work out...but its all good :D

thank you again Ovr1de for the lcd....i think everyone will like what i do with it


....oh and by an lcd.....i mean 2...thats right 2 40X2 lcd screens....no pics tonight.....maybe ill take some sunday as well as some pics of progress ive made(if i work on my case any)

were do u 2 live anywere near nj? i could use an lcd cuz not like im running to or sumtin.....:D

[b4i7]

no..i live in oklahoma....but i have family that lives in PA

[b4i7]

ok...decided to give you guys a bit of an update...

im too lazy to take my own pics...so im stealin these from ovrides thread about these lcds

this is the lcd as i recieved it:
http://www.gaugerclan.com/TBCS/lcd_pics/LCD_Complete_Front.jpg
the lcd fully disassembled and ready to go
http://www.gaugerclan.com/TBCS/lcd_pics/LCD_Front.jpg

more about the disassembly here
http://thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=17371&postcount=20

oh yeah....i also got a heat gun the other day....so ill have some nice stuff for my next update

[|wm|]

Looks like you've got an interesting case project. Good luck with it and looking forward to the progress.

I really like the use of sanded acrylic. It's one of my favorite materials. Here's a little tip (you may already know): You might have noticed that sanded acrylic is really prone to pick up oil from your fingers. Depending on the how deeply it's sanded, if you try and clean it with something like Windex, it's make it worse. Use de-natured alcohol ($3 at Home depot). It'll break the oils and then wipe off clean. Anyway, good luck

[b4i7]

thx for the tip...ill remember that when i get further along

[b4i7]

ok....i started workin again today....dunno how much ill get done.....looks like it could be quite a bit......

[b4i7]

thought id give you guys a sneak peek at what im workin on ... this is a VERY basic sketch of what im gonna do

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/radbuild.jpg

my next photo update....might be big....i dunno yet...

comments?

[b4i7]

ordered some watercooling parts...

ordered a BIpro2 and a cpu block....hopin to see those in today...

also finally got my gig of ram...

as soon as my cooling parts come in youll see a big burst of work!

keep visiting

[b4i7]

woot...radiator and block came in today!!!

so next week....expect a nice update (hopefully)

[b4i7]

woot...time for a decent update...pics after i get home from class

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!!

ook...so this update isnt as big as i had planned...due to weather and illness.. but here we go


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2050.jpg

i pulled everything outta the case to work on it without havin to shut down all the time

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2055.jpg

so i gave my comp a nice home in project hotrod 8)

gimme your guys thoughts on it...i take any critism...good or bad

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2053.jpg

first parat i finished...wiring up my LCD....gotta fix a couple things...cant seem to change the contrast of it

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2054.jpg

close up

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2052.jpg

startin the cut out for my mobo cover..... paper models always help

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2056.jpg

all finished

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2057.jpg

i test fitted it to my mobo.....looks like its gonna work...still need to pull out the mobo and mount the block and test it though

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2061.jpg

got my rad mount all done... need to go to lowes and buy some longer screws to go through the fans also..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2062.jpg

thought you guys would like a full frontal nudity shot of my case :p

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!

ok...had some time to do some work today and it was almost 70 out today:eek:

started on the rad and fan cover today

so i loaded up my ipod and went to work

CD for the day: Slipknot 9.0 live

so lets put on our modding face and get to work
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2064.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2065.jpg

wanted to give you guys a pic of me with my dremel cutting just so you know i AM doing it with a dremel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2067.jpg
got the base all cut out

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2068.jpg
and started filing it

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2069.jpg
and THIS is my workspace...a lil space in front of my moms apartment...not much...but atleast i can work

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2070.jpg
got the inside all cut out and filing it down

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/DSCF2071.jpg
AND IT FITS

[simon275]

Good work so far this will really add to your case. One ting though won't the optical drives gget in the way of air flow? Also what type of LCD screen are you gonna use?

[Omega]

If you use Denatured alcohol, take quite a bit of caution. The fumes can be toxic and the alcohol itself is poison. I just got over a bout of throwing up and a case of the ****s from inhaling a small amount of the fumes.

[b4i7]

ill have a nice update tomorrow...gonna do some work on my case.... tomorrows my bday and im home alone for a while so why not eh?...

i plan on having most of the top cover all done tomorrow

[b4i7]

hello boys and girls

it is time for another update!

sorry i dont have much as far as progress pics...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/05-08-07_1906.jpg

i drew my template down on my sheet of acrylic and cut the outline

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/05-08-07_2036.jpg

next with the right side bent

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/05-08-07_2037.jpg

and without the cover..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/05-08-07_2233.jpg

finally, the finished product

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/05-08-07_2234.jpg

and with some lights!

now that im moved back to my dads house i will have more time to mod!

hope for some more tomorrow!

[Omega]

Sexy.

[OvRiDe]

Looking great! Can't wait for the next update.

[b4i7]

thx guys...

i have a couple ideas floatin around as to what i should do tomorrow

first one being work on the top cover more, make the fan box for the top

second is to work on the dividers for the top and bottom

third is start the front panel mods

and fourth....is my PSU mod...start laying it out


or i may go ahead and start my girlfriends laptop mod...depends all on how i feel after work

[b4i7]

well...ive been done with the laptop...

ive been comin up with a full redesign to tribute...ill try to have some models up tonight of it...

gotta love how your job can change your view of a mod :)

[b4i7]

UPDATE!

tonight i began to work on the front side of the case...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0094.jpg
layed out where im gonna cut the front
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0096.jpg
almost done..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0097.jpg
and done.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0098.jpg
after filing a bit i sprayed a thin coat of paint around the edges to see where i needed more work..so far i have 2 sides done

i have the day off tomorrow...depending on what happens tomorrow morn..i may have a full day working on my case :)
comments?

[Spacehonkey]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/05-08-07_2233.jpg


I like the M/B cover. I was planning on doing that exact same thing on my Barebone Case (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7461). I have one question though. Have you run any tests with the cover on it yet? I know you're running a water cooling setup and I plan on doing the same thing but I was just wondering if affects the temp at all.

[b4i7]

no..i havent tested it out yet...cuz my water cooling situation is still in limbo... im actually ditching that cover i think and making a new one....but the way i look at it _if_ it didnt work...why would there be so many people that also use them?

[Spacehonkey]

....but the way i look at it _if_ it didnt work...why would there be so many people that also use them?

Good point.

[b4i7]

btw...SH that case looks like it will be bad...

UPDATE!

so i got some more time today to mod...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0099.jpg
got the filing all done....then i started thinkin

the hdd rack im building will not fit with both fans and the drive bays the way they are located, so im gonna make custom drive bays also now :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0101.jpg
got the rivets that hold the drive bays in all drilled out..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0102.jpg
all done!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0103.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0104.jpg
doesnt it look nice...atm...with nothing up there....

i think i may go back out in a minute and cut out that small piece between the two sections at the front...and some other parts too...

comments?

[b4i7]

off to mod... watch this space

[b4i7]

UPDATE!

ok so some good news...i got a new work table!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0105.jpg

looks nice eh?

tonight i decided to work on the front end of the case some
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0103.jpg
remember this piece dividing the bay areas? i decided it need to go

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0106.jpg
looks much better eh?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0108.jpg
the piece i cut out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0110.jpg
next i layed out my plans
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0111.jpg
for this baby..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0112.jpg
all cut to size...just need to sand it :)
next i cut out 2 notches for the side rails to fit
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0113.jpg
AND IT FITS!

thats all for tonight...i may get more work done tomorrow after work
what do you think?

[Bucko]

I like the M/B cover. I was planning on doing that exact same thing on my Barebone Case (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7461). I have one question though. Have you run any tests with the cover on it yet? I know you're running a water cooling setup and I plan on doing the same thing but I was just wondering if affects the temp at all.

From my understanding, you still need to run a fan with a MoBo cover, even if you have water cooling. There are other components that still need a little airflow to help cool them.

[b4i7]

yeah...i assumed that much...ive already got that all planned :)

[b4i7]

well...i was drilling a hole for mounting the plexy...and it cracked....sucks...guess ill start it over

[b4i7]

got one of my fan shrouds done...almost just gotta drill the holes for mounting and i also started on the hdd rack....pics tonight

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!

listenin to some benny bennassi right now and feelin good..

i forgot to get some pics of the front pieces i made...ill get those when i re cut my acrylic for the front

but anyways...

i made one of my fan grills and all that is left is cutting the acrylic to back the upper layer of aluminum
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0122.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0123.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0124.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0125.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0128.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0129.jpg

i also started on my hard drive rack today...i got the sides done...just gotta figure out how i want to do the bottom of it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0131.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0132.jpg

what you think?

[calumc]

i just wish i had access to cnc stuff like you!
but that fan grill looks great, keep the good stuff coming!

[SgtM]

I love those grills! +rep

[OvRiDe]

Looking SWEEET my friend. Just leaves me wanting to see MORE!!!

Keep up the great work!

[b4i7]

thanks guys....its stuff like that that keeps me moddin

ill try and get an update tonight...depending on how things go when im off

i think ill re make the acrylic front and mount up my fans

[jegerjon]

+rep for those parts!

Are your nice waterblocks going into this rig?

[b4i7]

thx JJ ill be making custom blocks in this one...it will definately be my first production blocks

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!

ok...been a bit since i updated...but i got a lil work done today...and should get some more done tomorrow... trying to figure out what i want to do....but ill ask that at the bottom of this post...so lets get started shall we?


my old boom box started to crap out on me...so i needed to find a new way to have moddin music
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0135.jpg
ahh there we go...much better :D

have i shown you my front panel design?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0134.jpg
there it is if i havent... ill be cutting that into a piece of sheet alu backed with acrylic for accent...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0133.jpg
and the sheet of alu im using...got some dings in it...but for free..not too shabby...the dents arent in an area that i can use to make the front :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0140.jpg
next i began to cut the center out of the door...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0141.jpg
and all finished...

i also started on cutting out the bottom too but ill finish that tomorrow..

now my question is.. through that center section of the case...i was thinking of using some meshX...but one day at work my boss suggested making another alu grill for the whole front(2 pieces, one for door and bottom)

which do you think i should do... the mesh or another grill?

comments?

[b4i7]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/tributefront.jpg

began programming the front of the case....just have to get a couple more measurements and it will be done...

comments?

[calumc]

it would be really cool if you could have these grilles annodized or if you just painted them with a transparent paint

[b4i7]

im actually going to get them polished....it will be a good contrast to the case when its done..

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME

ok well last time we left off..i was working on the front door

well i got more of it done tonight just need to make a few more cuts and so some filing/sanding to finish the alu part of the front door

lets get started shall we?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0144.jpg

the alu sheet i started with...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0145.jpg
cut it out and clamped it to drill mounting holes
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0147.jpg
and all finished with that part..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0150.jpg

now all i have left to do on the front door is
1. cut the acrylic for it
2. make the center grill and mount it
3. light it up


comments?

[The boy 4rm oz]

I must have missed ths mod, great work so far. +subscribe

[b4i7]

thx The boy 4rm oz

always nice when work is noticed

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!

so i have a few design changes ive come up with with the help of OvRiDe and you will be seeing more of them soon...

first i started off this bit with working on the trim for the front
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0151.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0152.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0153.jpg

and this is where the design change began...that trim is no longer gonna be used lol

i decided to make the front one single piece without a door

so its....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0156.jpg
BONDO TIME!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0157.jpg
i filled in the keyhole..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0161.jpg
then began to fill it in around the edges
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0163.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0166.jpg
time for some sanding..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0168.jpg
and more bondo...


now comes the predicament im in... what to do with the side panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0170.jpg

as you can see, the window is all rounded and curvey, while my main theme is straighter lines (such as the aluminum work)

im open to all suggestions on what to do with this side panel, what do you think?

[calumc]

straighten out the window and make some sort of grill maybe?

[FrooP]

get rid of the ugly handle opener thing its ugly

[b4i7]

thanks calumc,

the only problem i see with a grill on the window is the size....that would be one expensive piece of alu, but your suggestion does stir a few ideas

edit:

thx froop, yeah...ive thought about that one too....i was gonna bondo in that keyhole, but again it no longer fits the theme so i need to remove it

[calumc]

for a grill you could just get some thin alu stuck to some plexi and mill slots into it and maybe light up the plexi NLM style.
Stir anymore ideas? :p

[b4i7]

just a small quick update from comp repair class

brought my front panel over to the machine shop class and cut out the center section to the front panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0171.jpg

now i just have to take it home and file and sand it down....

as khanage0 suggested over on bit tech, ill have to find another way other than bondo to hold the door in place....i think ill buy some epoxy and try that...and if that doesnt work, then i will go with fiberglass

what you think?

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!

ok, so tonight i decided to take care of the big square in the top of the case from the Koolance setup that was in there before by making it a window

lets get started shall we?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0172.jpg
this is the space i was talking about...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0173.jpg
so i got out my jigsaw and cut it to size..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0174.jpg
filed down and marked for drilling

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0176.jpg
and all mounted up..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0177.jpg
and a shot from the underside..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0179.jpg
this is about how the rad will be mounted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0180.jpg
and an underside shot...

only a few things left to decide on....one being how to mount the rad and the other is my side panel...lots of work left to do....gotta get it all ready for my next lan :D

comments?

[OvRiDe]

Is there enough room above the motherboard to side mount the radiator? That would look pretty good with some custom billet grills on the motherboard side of the case?

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like how your mounting the radiator, looks interesting.

[b4i7]

@ ovride: top mount is about the only location i can see that will work...i still need to come up with a cover for the rad and a grill for its fans

@the boy 4rm oz: thanks, i should have a few more parts that will be pretty cool


slight update: i decided to change the name of this case to "Catalyst Green" instead of tribute, because its grown so far from where it had started

[calumc]

Catalyst Green?
So what colour will it be? :p

[b4i7]

final colors will be a black, dunno if im gonna do a gloss or a more matte finish, polished alu, and obviously green lighting :D

[tribaloverkill]

Very good man! I love what I'm seeing;) Keep up the great work.

[danthegeek]

final colors will be a black, dunno if im gonna do a gloss or a more matte finish, polished alu, and obviously green lighting :D

I love the look of matte finish. When its done right with black and matte clear-coat, it gives it a super clean look. I love how green/blue/red light diffuses across the paint. Gloss is nice but everyone has a glossy case.:D.

[NightrainSrt4]

Ya matte black can be really nice. When I was painting mine (I wasn't going for quality to be honest, just trying to get it done because I wasn't ssure if I liked it) I used decent quality black matte and it came out nice.

Then I scratched up a few places on accident because i didn't add clear so I tried to touch it up with the gloss black 97cent walmart paint I had lying around (ran out of the matte) and the matte def. looked MUCH better.

I like matte black. It just looks sexier to me. More elegant.


And...getting a good gloss black finish takes too much work for me to be bothered with most of the time lol.

Ohh, and this mod is looking really nice. Keep it up!

[b4i7]

i did some thinking on this project a bit today and i am tryin to decide whether to do matte black or like a glossy metal flake black

im hopin this weekend ill be able to finish my hdd rack if i get the time to go to the old shop

[.Maleficus.]

@ Nightrain - Getting a glossy black finish isn't all that complicated, you just need to let it cure enough, wetsand it smooth, put on good high-gloss clearcoat, and use some rubbing compound. I didn't even do all of that and the black on my mouse is glossy enough to see all of my face pretty clearly.

And b4i7, if you can find metal flake black, that would be killer.

[b4i7]

UPDATE TIME!

@Mal- i brought up the idea to my old boss...he suggested goin with a straight gloss black, no metal flake, because metal flake on black makes the black look...dusty or dirty....but i think i shall buy some just to try it out...see what i think of it..

on with the update!

so im starting with this ugly, UGLY back grills of the case (sorry to anyone that likes them, i think they are horrible)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0182.jpg

i plan on mounting fans there, so what better mounting place for my first grill on this case than there?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0183.jpg
about what it will look like when done

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0184.jpg
first we will start with some acrylic

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0185.jpg
cut and filed to size of the grill...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0187.jpg
drilled out the first holes in the plate for mounting to the grill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0189.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0190.jpg
fully drilled out and mounted to the case

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0191.jpg
and the inside...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0192.jpg
with fans mounted(temp fans till i can buy green)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0195.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0194.jpg
night shots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0193.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/Koolance%20project/IMG_0197.jpg
i still need to cut out the original grill and gotta make another grill for the other side...which i may do this saturday...

thoughts?

[chaksq]

Thats a cool piece for the fan grill. Yeah you definately need to cut out the stock grills first. I like that you are paying attention to a part of the pc that wont be seen as much.

[b4i7]

yeah...i planned on cutting that grill from the time i started conceiving this project...i just wanted to hurry and get some pics up for you guys :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

That grill looks fantastic mate, great job.

[b4i7]

thanks, i have a few more grills to make...hopefully you guys will like :D

[.Maleficus.]

I forgot to post when I first saw the grills:

AWESOME! THOSE ARE AWESOME!

+rep dude.

[b4i7]

thanks mal...glad to know its liked :D

[.Maleficus.]

thanks mal...glad to know its liked :D
No problem man; the praise is well deserved :D.

[Jim Beam]

since your grill is so thick why not recess your cap screws like this

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x272/jimmehbeam/recessbolt.jpg

[b4i7]

it has a trim piece that goes outside of that...i just need to finish up a bit more till i can have that grill all done

[b4i7]

bit of a small update.... i want to have this case done for my school lan party on november 3....so....time to get crackin :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah u better lol, great work so far mate, keep up the good work.

[Sandu]

uhhhh........ did you finish?????

[b4i7]

no...i actuall moved out about a month ago...havent had a chance to touch this project since then....but soon hopefully

my roommate and i are looking to get a house soon that has a garage so maybe then

[b4i7]

well...bit of an update on this project

ive started re designing this case, im hoping to make this my first production case also

bit of a sneek peek at teh future of CataLyst: Green

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/catalyst%20case/catalystcase.jpg

im still working up the models and programming for this case,so its on hold till i finish future lan

[Eclecticos]

Looks like a nice solid frame.
Make sure you leave clearance for the PSU.

[b4i7]

by the dimenisions its sitting at now it 20x20x10 inches

framing will all be machined alu, acrylic for the panels

[tinker]

Looks sweet.
Very clean lines.
I like it.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks cool buddy, can't wait.

[cooldud02123]

wow that looks awsome