Project Hour Before Dawn - Work Log

[HourBeforeDawn]

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/ProjectLog.jpg

As some of you know I have been thinking of building my own case and a new system, well after thinking, designing, drawing, and budgeting I have decided to get started.

Now after I got done with all my designed and budget the case cost I found that it would cost me around $400.00us, my case design is very similar to Mountain Mods U2-UFO Optimax, so similar that I decided to contact them and see if they would be able to alter their design a little to fit what I wanted and they replied stating yes with some extra cost involved and after figuring out the cost for them to build the case and to ship would be around the same as if I was to build the case.

So I figured might as well let an experience group of people build me my case to my specs then for me to possibly screw it up.

The main changes to the U2-UFO Optimax that will take place is that the motherboard will be on the right side of the case in what is called upside-down or reverse ATX standard where the cpu is towards the bottom of the case, the psu will be located at the bottom of the case as well on that side of the system however will be mounted on the top left side of the case instead.

The only thing that will be on the right side of the case will be the motherboard, the 3 DD D-5 Pumps, 3 custom built res, and the 2 fan controller and lcd readout screen, everything else related to the computer will be mounted on the left side of the case.

This Project thread will be the construction and modification of the case itself and the water cooling system that will be installed, as far as the computer parts that will be installed will come at a much later time depending on Vista and what sponsors I can pick up at that time.

I plan on running three water cooling systems in this case, one for the two graphics cards and one for the CPU and one for the North-bridge, HDDs and ram. On the graphics cards I plan to run EK Full coverage blocks and for the cpu and north-bridge I am still researching what block I will get once I decide on which AMD cpu I will go with.

Here is a picture of what the case looks like when I got it.
http://www.mountainmods.com/images/images_big/U2UFOOMO.jpg
Product Link: MountainMods.com - Home of the U2-UFO & Twice7 aluminum cube computer case (http://www.mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_60&products_id=82)
My Review on the case: U2-UFO Optimax - 3dGameMan: Kickass Forum (http://www.3dgameman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43687)

Here are some video clips shot of the case for use as a before referance, there will be follow up clips as I begin to mod the case.
Here is Part 1 of a 3 part shoot.

Part one shows the case with the side panels on.

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-5414860093617028105&hl=en" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" salign="TL" FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed>

Here is Part 2 of 3 part shoot.

Part two shows the case with the side panels removed.

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=8241002261745934073&hl=en" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" salign="TL" FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed>

Here is Part 3 of 3 part shoot.

Part three shows the case stripped down to its frame and all the parts that are removable.

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-2547509653575618336&hl=en" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" salign="TL" FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed>


Sponsors
Just an FYI, You need to contact me via PM to approve any sponsor links in worklogs-Crimson

Ummm... okay well they did ask to have their logo posted so umm ya.... - HBD

[HourBeforeDawn]

The back of the case will be cut off and rotated to create the reverse ATX affect.
Here is a fast not accurate in dimensions just as reference design of the back of the case.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/backofcase.JPG

Alright well here are some pictures on after I cut the back panel off and then after I used the JBWeld, once that cures (15hrs) I will apply a second coat to the inside of the case and where the clamps were located and then after complete cure will sand it smooth.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Picture%201.jpghttp://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Picture%202.jpg
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Picture%203.jpghttp://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Picture%204.jpg

Here is the video of me cutting the case, you have been warned lol

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-7636707949965641236&hl=en" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" salign="TL" FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed>

Here is the bottom and the inside after the jbweld
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/bottom.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/bottominside.JPG

when I was setting the top, I cracked one of the corners, which lol happen to be the corner that I knew would be weak but afrer I sand that down and reapply thinner coats of jbweld it should hold like the rest.
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/crack.JPG


Here is a before and after shot ^^

Before:
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/reviews/review001/rear.JPG

After: (the motherboard tray is just sitting there not mounted)
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/reverseatx.JPG

Alright seeing how I dont have the bigass air compressor installed yet so I wont be able to use my air tools so...
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/airtank.JPG
I will be doing all my sanding by hand.
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/sandingtools.JPG
I will start off with some ruff files and work my way down to a finner file to get the excess weld material off and from there will work with the ruff sand paper with the block and again then work my way down to to a finner sand paper until I get it to a smooth finish.

I dont plan to film this but I will film the mod of the side panel and when all that work is done, I will use bondo to fill any imperfections in the case and side panels and sanding that down and then priming the case and panels, I will film that whole process for all of you ^^
Im hoping by that time I will have the camcorder so it will be easier on me to film it all.

I recommend wetsanding as it allows your sandpaper to last longer and with a little less friction you get a smoother results.
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/wetsanding.JPG

Also wetsanding is very messy lol
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/sandingisdirty.JPGhttp://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/wetsandmessy.JPG
oh and those blocks you see are wheights I use on the race carts, Im using them to keep the case from moving when Im sanding.

wet sanding is by far the most labor intensive part becuase a lot of the sanding has to be done by hand.
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/alotofwork.JPG

As you can see the bottom of the case is sanded smooth, the other side is also smooth, now all I have left is the inside corners and the top part of the case which by 3:30pm pst should be cured enough for me to start sanding, I have been sanding since 12:30 ><
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/bottomdone.JPG

alright all the sanding is done, now on to the motherboard placement, here is some pics with the motherboard and top panel secured to the case.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/leftside.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/rightside.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/backside.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/frontside.JPG

okay instead of moving the motherboard tray leg back and re-tapping where the thumbscrew would be located at the top panel due to flipping the back panel instead I created a new bracket so that I can use the existing thumbscrew location to hold and secure the motherboard tray. Oh and dont worry even with that long leg there I can still pull the tray out with no problems. ^^

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/mobotrayleg.JPG

[HourBeforeDawn]

This is what the new panels will look like, I will be modifing the side panel that will hold the rads as you can see I will cut some alluminum scrap into an L shape and then jb weld them to the side panel, then use modders mesh to close the opening and cut the window panel to fit, the other panels Im not to sure about maybe just do a wicked lazer job and create some cool etched windows, still deciding. ^^

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/PC%20PANELS%20(c)%20(Medium).JPG

Here is a link to the Modders Mesh
moddersmesh (http://www.mnpctech.com/moddersmesh.html)

well did some messing around heres what Im doing for the radiator side panel.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/radiator%20side%20panel%20idea.jpg

Alright, I measured and calculated and measured again, made my markings and have the side panel taped out.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/w1.jpghttp://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/w2.jpg

The second picture above shows where I will be cutting the panel to allow for the fans on the rad to get better airflow.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/w3.jpghttp://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/w4.jpg

Picture above to the left shows just some of the markings made and the picture above to the right shows the part of the window that will be cut away and in its place will have the honey comb grill placed and then a nice L cut brave when overlap both the window and the grill to help secure both and give it a nice clean finish.

Alright I went a head and cut the side panel, this is part 1 of the side panel mod, part two will be the cutting of the plexi and the L brace that holds the grill and plexi window in place and cutting the honey comb grill to size. Part 3 will be putting it all together.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/sidepanelcut.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/closeupsidepanelcut.JPG

Here is the Video - There is sound of the cutting and the bumping and whatever so you have been warned lol

Part 1 of The Side Panel Mod

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-3614970351321139941&hl=en" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" salign="TL" FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed>


alright well the power went out today when I got home from work, some guy speeding around a corner slid and took out the power poll so with nothing to do I decided to go to the shop, break out the generator and worked on the side panel some more.

Part Two of the Side Panel Mod:

Here is a pic of the plexi window all taped up and ready to cut.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/maskedoutplexi.JPG

After the plexi has been cut and filed down.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/afterplexiwascut.JPG

The left over scrap of the plexi window which I could use somewhere Im sure and some left over of the honey comb grill after being cut to size.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/leftoverscrap.JPG

Here it is all layed out for a test fitting, all that is left for me to do is make the L-Brace that will lay over the plexi and the grill to give it a nice clean look, I will make that brace and finish up the panel on Part 3 and Part 4 will be the cutting of the cross.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/almostdone.JPG

More updates soon to come. :)

[HourBeforeDawn]

okay now onto the real updates, here are some pics of what I have done so far.

Alright notice that this bar is bent and not straight how I wanted it but it was the closest thing I could find the the thickness I needed but no problem one nice thing about aluminum is how it breaks when you score it with a razor blade as scene in this picture below then you put it in a break and it pops leaving a nice cut. ^^

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/scoringthealuminum.JPG

In the next picture I have the bar cut and in position to make the L -Bar, give that some time for the jbweld to set and I will do the other side then once cured I will sand it smooth and then it can be prepped to start the rad side panel assembly.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/lbar.JPG

Alright I drilled out the rivits holding the plexi windows so now that those are out of the way I can start getting the panels ready for paint. Oh and those will be the last time you see those pexi windows as I will have some custom etched ones to take their place.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/mmwindows.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/windowsremoved.JPG

As you can see in this picture I cut the honeycomb grill to size and have glued the grill in place to the top panel as soon as it cures I will prep this panel for paint as well. (oh and the stuff ontop of the grills is just what Im using to weight it down while the glue cures)

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/grillsglued.JPG

Alrighty more to come soon. ^^

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well with the temps droping the items I had curing was not ready to be handled so instead I decided to work on something else and I was looking at my HDD Brackets that came with the case and well it looks a little too plain for my taste so I decided to do something about that.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/HDDBracket%20(Small).JPG

And the bracket all taped off ready to be cut.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/HDDBracketTapedOff%20(Small).JPG

Here is a video clip of me using the dremel to cut and grind on the brackets and then I used a file to clean all up.

<embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=1087044078557342530&hl=en" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" salign="TL" FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed>

And here is the HDD Bracket and the grill glued into place, when its dry I will take some more pics of the finished mini mod. ^^

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/HDDBracketwithgrill%20(Small).JPG

Moving on here is a close up of the modded hdd bracket.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/moddedhddbracket.JPG

Here is the top panel with the grill done.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Toppanelwithgrill.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/closeuptoppanelgrills.JPG

Now here is the L Brace laying in place to be fitted, its always better to have to much then not enough, the extra will be cut away to make a nice clean fit.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/lbarfitting.JPG

L Brace has been cut to size and JBWelded into place, once dry I will JBWeld the other side of the panel and then when cured sand all the JBWelds and then install the grill.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/lbarcutandjbwelded.JPG

Okay I have the grill installed so here is a quick pic of the Radiator Side Panel with the grill installed, tomorrow I will sand all the welds and prep it as well for paint.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/grillonradpanel.JPG

Alright went to a paint supplies store and $40.00 came home with part one of the painting process.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/suppliespart1.JPG

Left to Right:
Tack Cloth, Black Etching Primer, Black Gloss Enamel, Wet/Dry Sand Paper ranging from 600-2000 grit.

So now its time to get to work... woot ^^

oh and by request another picture of my Doggie Spirit, this is one right after a bath. :)

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Doggiebath.JPG

ya she's not to happy ^^

The panels will be black and the lighting red, the fan blades red, casing black, the rads will be red.

Here are some pics, first pic is the front grill that will have the cross attached to it and the second pic is the rear fan grill and the final pic is the mobo panel after the first coat of primer has been sanded.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/frontgrill.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/reargrill.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/sandedmobopanel.JPG

So after 6 hours of prep work, priming, wet sanding, and priming again, I am all done priming all the side panels, all that remains is the frame, mobo tray and 5.25 bays but those will be last as I am not sure what modifications may still need to be done so why paint if I have to repaint later.

Anyhow the following pictures is one on of the side panels I primed.

1st picture is after the first coat of Primer
2nd picture is after the second coat of Primer
3rd picture is after the third coat of Primer

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/primercoat1.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/primercoat2.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/primercoat3.JPG

The next two pictures if of the final coat and is now drying over night to get ready for paint tomorrow.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/panelsprimed.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/toppanelprimed.JPG

Alright well I have put a few coats like umm 6 coats of paint on the mobo panel and is now curing, it will take about 24-48 hrs before I see the real final results of the paint and up to a week to two weeks before I can wetsand and buff the panel, as it stands Im still not sure if I want to keep the panels flat black or go with glossy black so Im putting painting the panels on hold until I can wetsand and buff the current panel that is painted so I can then come to a conclusion on which was I want to go.

From what I see now one of the big downside of going with the glossy black is that if the panel is not perfectly smooth, every defect will show up and reflect back as I have noticed from the current panel that I have painted but I think I will be able to wetsand and buff those out, one of the reasons why I am waiting on painting the other panels is to see if this can be done.

Here are a few pics of the panels, one showing the flat black and one showing the freshly painted glossy paint keep in mind the paint at this time is still considered wet, then one pic of the two together.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/panels3.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/panel2.JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/panels1.JPG

[HourBeforeDawn]

alright well you can all thank Robodude as I will be going deeper into this Gothic Theme, the case will be left flat black or will be semi glossy.

I plan to add more gothic design into the case and use gothic hardware.

Found these Gate handles, 1.5" wide by 14" long, Im thinking of using a pair of these for the top of the case for lifting the case
http://www.wildwesthardware.com/door...ate%20copy.jpg

This is a gothic style door bell, what Im thinking is using this for the power button and where the screws go the top one for the power led and the button one for the hdd led.
http://www.vintagewoodwork.com/image...rbells/298.jpg
I may use this under it for the reset button
http://www.vintagewoodwork.com/image...rbells/291.jpg

and maybe these for the top corner area of the case
Gayle Bright Cabinet Hardware (http://www.gaylebright.com/kdrag.html)

granted these will be painted to match each other.

I have a few other ideas playing in my head and as soon as I have them worked out I will post them, oh please let me know if you have some ideas or what your thoughts are. ^^

Alright today was sunny which was a surprise because the weather said otherwise lol well I jumped and got to painting and the panels are one more coat away from being done, once the last coat has been set it will cure overnight and then I will apply clear coat in a few days.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/panelsdone.JPG

Next to be painted will be the chassis ^^

Well picked up some more paint supplies, this is what you get for like $43.00 lol ya not cheap stuff.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/MorePaintSupplies.JPG

Anyhow its pretty cold out so Im going to set up a couple of heat lamps and a free standing heater in the area Im going to paint, if I can raise them temps high enough then I will paint the rest of the 5.25 bays and the motherboard tray.

alright here are a couple of pics with the first coat of paint, once that coat cures a little more I will throw on another coat and then let it completely cure then I will wetsand and see what I got might have to do one more coat after the wetsand and then when cured again wetsand and then apply the glaze to bring out the color again.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/red525bays.JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/firstcoatmobo.JPG

[HourBeforeDawn]

The red paint work is now done, all that remains is the chassis of the case, and once thats done everything will get wetsanded and then glazed and with luck I should finally be done with the paintwork on the case ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/redpaintdone.JPG

alright some more updates but first another picture of my animals this on is Buddy my outside Dalmatian that it was raining pretty hard so I secretly let him into my room just for the night, he a good dog a little dumb but a good dog. ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/buddy.JPG

This pic is of my outside cat DJ that sneaks through the doggy door at night to run to my room and sleep on my bed and then bolts before my dad wakes up in the morning lol

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/dj.JPG

now onto the updates

Well I am for the most part done with the chassis, Im done with the inside and the outside needs one last wet sand and a final coat and it will be done, then a 2 week cure time then I will wetsand and add the polish glaze. ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/paintedchassis.JPG

Now I have a few days of rain and then two sunny days so thats when I will sand and do the final paint work on the chassis.

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well I still have some wetsanding and a final coat to go on this case but I decided to do a test assembly and see how it looks and see if I wanted to change anything as well as figure out if I was going to leave it the way it is or buff it to a mirror like finish and well Im looking at it and Im thinking Im going to leave it as it is and wetsand it and put a final coat and I will be done.

Anyhow here are some pics. ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/testassemblytop.JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/testassemblyright.JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/testassemblyleft.JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/testassemblyrear.JPG

When I get another full day of sunshine and good weather, I will finish up the paintwork on the case and be able to call it done on that part ^^
Also I have decided to change one thing and that is the hard drive brackets, I will be repainting those to be Red instead of black

[HourBeforeDawn]

Okay folks here is a pic of the sound dampening foam that I got in yesterday

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/SoundDampeningFoam.JPG

This is the first piece of SD Foam that I laid into the case, as you can see this case is pretty massive

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/1SDFLayed.JPG

And now the whole bottom of the case has been layed with SD Foam, I will have to wait until I get a few items in for this case before I can lay the rest of the sound dampening foam so this will be completed a little later down the road. ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/SDFBottomDone.JPG

Here is a pic of the rear of the case with the foam in place and done, ya I know you can see lines but no worries this case will be jam packed with stuff you wont be able to see the lines/space between each foam piece ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/SDFReardone.JPG

Also I plan to use Sonex Mini Willtec professional acoustic absorption foam from mnpctech.com for all the side panels, this foam is just for areas where I need it to be as flat as possible as things will lay or be bolted down in that area.

Also the scraps of that thin foam I have left will be cut into small pads that will then be placed on all the parts that slide and then screw down to the case to add as a soft buffer to further reduce vibration and possible noise.

[HourBeforeDawn]

Alright well I got my package today and well here it is, the item that I won off of eBay for $230.00us including S&H a USED Asetek Vaporchill Phase Cooler.

The case is in rough shape but the cooler is in great condition and thats all that matters to me as I will gut it out of the case and install it into my HBD Case.

Well here are some pics;

The case (the case for the most part will be tossed):
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01862%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01863%20(Small).JPG

The Phase Cooler:
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01866%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01867%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01868%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01870%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01871%20(Small).JPG

Tomorrow I will be testing the system to make sure it functions correctly and if it does I will then remove the unit and install it into the case, looks like I wont have to modify the case much to get this cooler to work. ^^

Well after looking at the unit I realized that I will have to modify the arm of the cooler to go up not down and well I got a little worried about that until I stripped away the insulation foam and reveled an easy to bend copper tube, so I will be able to easily form it to the shape I need to get it to work with my system without any problems ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler/DSC01872%20(Small).JPG

[HourBeforeDawn]

Okay well I started the process of moving the cooler over to the other case but first some pics of the two cases next to each other.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01875%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01876%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01877%20(Small).JPG

Alright now some pics of the cooler in its new home, the cooler block still needs to be formed to the right location once I get the mobo in place.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01878%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01879%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01880%20(Small).JPG

I still have some work to do such as final placement of the cooler and bolting it down and wrapping up the wiring and the like.

Alright here are a few more pics with the 5.25 bay installed, its a nice fit with plenty of room to spare ^^

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01899%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01900%20(Small).JPG

Okay here is the question, how should I arrange the side panels now that I have this phase cooler it kind of changes some things up so I will let you be the judge.

I was originally going to go with this full window for the mobo side of the case like so

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01903%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01904%20(Small).JPG

or seeing how that heatsink needs a fan to keep it cool, I could move that top panel to the side and the full window to the top and this way I can have a fan to cool that heatsink.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01901%20(Small).JPG
http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC01902%20(Small).JPG

so let me know if you think I should go with A) Full Side Window Panel or B) Hlf Window with Fans Panel.
Post your pick in the discussion thread.

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well it looks like I will be going with the half window side panel so this changes some things up just a bit.

I redid the image of the gothic girl for one thats more traditional gothic to fit the theme better, so this is what will be laser etched for the top window. It still a work in progress.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Gothic_Angel.jpg

Alright here is a draft of the mesh cover that will be fitted over the phase cooler to give it a cleaner look, it will then be back lit with mini red cold cathodes.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/phasecooler%20mesh%20cover%20(Small).jpg

Well I got the etch from HyperKore and well I am very happy with it, here are some quick pics ignore the fine dust and finger prints lol once I get it mounted in the side panel I will take some better pics. That will probably get done this upcoming Saturday.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00026%20(Small).JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00029%20(Small).JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00027%20(Small).JPG

when there is a light source underneath the etch everything can be easily seen and read ^_^

[HourBeforeDawn]

Alright repainted the outside of the HDD Brackets to red, the inside of the brackets are still black but wont be scene because of the HDDs, I think this will work better with the color theme.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00032%20(Small).JPG


Next up I plan to get some of the accent parts cut out, hope to be doing that sometime this week.

alright a small little update, here is a shot of the copper sheet that I nabbed from my dads warehouse and I can tell you what copper even a sheet like this isnt not cheap.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/copper.JPG

Now a lot of people have stated their dislike for the looks of the copper phase cooler and have said to cover it up and well I love it and it ties well with my gothic theme and this sheet of copper which I have plenty more of will be used and have the grills cut out as well as other accent parts that will tie everything together so you will have to hang tight and see how that goes ;)

[HourBeforeDawn]

Alright Alright Update Time

Today that big beautiful UPS truck pulled into my drive way to deliver this nice and big box.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00341%20(Small).JPG

Where did that box come from you might ask?
Acoustic PC - Quiet Computer Fans, Quiet CPU coolers, Quiet Power Supply (http://AcousticPC.com)

containing all the lovely sponsored goodies, this box came extremely well packaged everything was perfected wrapped and protected no way of any damage during transit and thats what I like to see.

Alright here is a shot of all the goodies that came in this box.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00361%20(Small).JPG

Oh ya thats a lot of fans and not just any fans AcousticPC exclusive 3-blade Delta fans, no worries folks these high cfm fans will be on a fan controller to help keep them in line.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00357%20(Small).JPG

Next up is the two rads that will be used for the two liquid cooling loops that will be housed in that case, Black Ice Stealth GTS man are they pretty.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00348%20(Small).JPG

And finally a single Laing D-5 Variable pump, the second one will ve coming in a week or so.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00351%20(Small).JPG

These are some kickass products and I again would like to thank Acoustic PC - Quiet Computer Fans, Quiet CPU coolers, Quiet Power Supply (http://AcousticPC.com) for their sponsorship and on going relationship through out this build.

Alright folks thats all for now ;)

[HourBeforeDawn]

oh lookie lookie, I come home from work to find this at my door stop

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00362%20(Small).JPG

Its more goodies, this time from CoolerGuys.com (http://www.coolerguys.com)

alright here is all the prettyness ^_^

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00363%20(Small).JPG

So what do I have here okay first up 4 red led light strips

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00364%20(Small).JPG

next up the UV led light strips

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00367%20(Small).JPG

followed by 2 mini red led strip and 1 mini uv led strip lights

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00369%20(Small).JPG

and last but certainly not least the KamaMeter fan controller

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00370%20(Small).JPG

again I would like to thank CoolerGuys.com (http://www.coolerguys.com) for thie support in this project.

[HourBeforeDawn]

bad news on the fan grills, copper was to thin for the type of plasma cutter they were using sooo Im going to look around the shop for some heavier gauge material and then I can use Copper Clone to make it appear as copper.

[Greco101]

JB weld is that strong?! did u keep it on the sides on the inside? I dunno how to explain it so ill make a pic.


http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b5/BlackS3ven/jbw.jpg


?

[Greco101]

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00027%20(Small).JPG

when there is a light source underneath the etch everything can be easily seen and read ^_^

That is bad ass!

[HourBeforeDawn]

I get the JB weld question a lot and yes when done right and in the correct conditions of temp, moisture and so on it will be as strong as actual weld, I have used JB Weld often and it has never failed me and have used it in higher stressed situations then this case will ever experience, so all I have to say is if you follow the instructions and take no shortcuts or do it in the wrong weather or temp you will have no issues with it.

[Cagedconnerman]

wow, looks great!!! +rep

[Eclecticos]

Preddy Dammn Spiffy! Man. . n Looks Great.
At first I thought you used some type of screen print emulsion on the side, but it's a Laser etching, Amazing! +Rep

I can't wait to see all those lights in there :up: :up:

[HourBeforeDawn]

thanks everyone, ya as soon as I get a sponsor for a PSU I will be installing all the lighting.

[Drum Thumper]

Damn. That red and black color scheme looks pimp. Makes me very glad I've got something similar going on at the moment!

+Rep, keep up the good work!

[b4i7]

hey...been watchin this over on bit tech for a while now... i love it!

welcome to TBCS

[HourBeforeDawn]

thanks Im glad I stumbled across this site, I have no about some of the mods that the guy has done in the past but didnt know he had a site so this is cool.

Last night I got bored and mounted some of the fans to the rads and when I get the rest of the hardware for the rads I will then mount them into the case, then you will get more pics to check out ;)

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well some more news, I would like to welcome a new sponsor to the build;

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/HBDSponsors/Sidewinder.jpg (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com)

[Bucko]

That's not news, that's spam.

[NocturnaL]

Wow man. I cant believe i missed this thread lol. I actually owned a premod of this case, one of a kind given to me from www.xoxide.com because i used to host Lan parties for them. This was before i was into modding btw and i ended up giving the case away for 300$. Still kicking myself in the ass for it but im glad i got to see someone else mod one! +rep

[HourBeforeDawn]

That's not news, that's spam.

how is that spam I received a new sponsor and was making note of it and besides its my project log so what I state about it isnt spam lol.

[Omega]

That's not news, that's spam.

That's not spam. That's him giving a sponsor some love.

[Zephik]

This is a very cool project so far! That etching is insane...

Looking forward to some more updates! :)

[HourBeforeDawn]

more sponsorship love.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/HBDSponsors/oczlogo.gif (http://www.ocztechnology.com)

Well after a few back and forth emails and some one on one talks,
I have the pleasure to welcome

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/HBDSponsors/geekscom.gif (http://www.geeks.com)

to the build and look forward to working with them during this project.

[chaksq]

Nice dude, most awesome.

As for the sponsor thing, you are supposed to do that. Companies sponsor a case with the intent that you advertise for them and show people what great products they make.

[Crimson Sky]

Please edit your first post in the worklog to reflect new sponsors for your projects as they come along. I don't want to see a worklog thread sprinkled with advertiser links.

[HourBeforeDawn]

oh sorry I was just posting them as I get them.

[Crimson Sky]

It's cool. Sponsor links need to be cleared with me before you can post them.

[NocturnaL]

Sponsors do tend to hurt my eyes, but thats only because of my jealousy blinding me lol. Great creation so far, ill be keeping my eyes on this one

[HourBeforeDawn]

It's cool. Sponsor links need to be cleared with me before you can post them.

well you already cleared my sponsors so am I to take it that its not cool and to have to clear each one, well Im getting a lot more sponsors then whats listed as Im still working with final communications with a few others.

[Crimson Sky]

Unless your sponsors specifically require you to post their logos and links on your worklogs, it's not completely necessary here. While I truly value a great worklog like yours, I'm the one who pays the bills around here, and sponsor links aren't putting coin in my pocket.. If you'd like to discuss this further, just PM me. I'm pretty friendly ;)

Enough off topic from me, on with the modding!

[HourBeforeDawn]

well I wouldnt have posted them if they didnt want their logo on there.

Anyhow when I get the PSU from OCZ I will be able to start messing with all the lighting and the placement of it so I will be posting pics of that and either this week or next week I will be back at it with the CnC machine and giving that another shot, so I will have pics of that and maybe a movie clip of it in action.

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well the fan controller from SidewinderComputers.com came in today ^_^ what I plan to do is take it a part and paint the face plate black to match the case color.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00385(Small).JPG

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well I got the power supply in from OCZ Technologies, they sent me the GameXstream 1010watt power supply and well I dont trust the 4 little screws to hold it up but that means I can make a custom bracket to help hold it in place.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00397(Small).JPG

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well I went to the hardware store to pick up a sheet of steel and while I was there I also picked up $15.00 worth of screws and nuts as well as a doorbell.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00458%20(Small).JPG
http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00459%20(Small).JPG

Now I got the doorbell so that I could do this, and man is it a perfect fit, a little adjustments here and there it will be perfect for my power switch.

http://www.hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00466%20(Small).JPG

Some more updates coming soon.

[NocturnaL]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is the doorbell for? lol

[B1Gtime]

Now I got the doorbell so that I could do this, and man is it a perfect fit, a little adjustments here and there it will be perfect for my power switch.



Power Switch...

[HourBeforeDawn]

well just letting everyone know that I will be out of town until the 1st of June, I will be in the Bay Area and in Santa Cruz so I wont be close to a computer for a while going to kick back and hit the surf ^_^

[psychowit]

awesome enjoy

[HourBeforeDawn]

I would like to welcome my newest Sponsor: ArcticMOD.com

They will be supplying me with the AlphaCool Cape Bullseye Reservoirs along with the Cape Bullseye Blende BE II mounting brackets I need for this build.

Also sometime this week or the next I will be installing the lighting for this case and the power supply and uploading images of that.

[Crimson Sky]

Sponsor, shmonsor. who cares! Let's see you justify all the advertising with some serious modding already! ;)

[HourBeforeDawn]

alright alright lol I will be cutting out a custom bracket to help hold the psu hopefully this week, time willing, I wont be using a CnC for this one, it will be all dremel ;)

[Computer-Geek]

sounds good can't wait to see what you do next ! :D

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well the power supply is now installed and holding but I still plan to make a bracket to help support it further and it will add a nice accent to the theme of the case, all the lighting for the system has been installed although the sticky pads that come with the lighting is crap and does not hold at all, the lights kept coming off so once I am completely happy with their positions I will then epoxy them into place, all but two of the fans have been installed, one of the two rads have been installed, the final rad and two fans will be installed once I get the side panel from MM, the front multifunction controllers are installed, Im not sure what I will do with the one with the mirror finish maybe look at some Victorian style mirrors and see how the surrounding casing is on them and make something similar, once I am done with the system it will be stripped back down, given a light sanding and painted one final time and then reassembled and final cable management will take place.

Pictures will be coming shortly.

[HourBeforeDawn]

alright folks here are some down and dirty quick pics of some of the progress, when I get my camera back from my brother who "borrowed" it when he went on his trip I will be able to get some cleaner shots up but my camera phone and a desktop lamp will have to do for now ;)

The below two images show a mock up of the fan controllers and of the doorbell power switch, the second fan controller with the mirror finish stands out compared to the rest, I plan to make a picture like frame to go around it to help it blend a little better, again this is just mock up not finalized.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00492(Small).JPG

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00490(Small).JPG

The next image shows the radiator installed in the back, the grill that is currently there is just for a ref. one will be made with a honey comb style.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00494(Small).JPG

The next two images is of the power supplied installed and yes the four little screws are holding but Im still going to make a nice looking bracket to help support the weight and will add better support when the case is transported.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00495(Small).JPG

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00493(Small).JPG

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00486(Small).JPG

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00488(Small).JPG

In the next image is the pci cover that holds the lighting switch, I will be taking the two sets of brackets and merge them into one to take up less space and make it look cleaner, the bracket will of course be painted black to keep with the color scheme.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/DSC00474(Small).JPG

Well I have this whole week off so I will be able to go and cut out some of the parts like the psu bracket and corner parts and some other little ideas I have in the back of my head.

[HourBeforeDawn]

Hey folks sorry for being gone for so long, I had some personal/family issues that took some time to attend to.

Anyhow Im back and well I hear you guys and you want to see A LOT more modding so thats what Im going to do, Im going to design some new elements for this build and give it a even more custom look, but I also want to hear some of your guys/gals thoughts on what you would like to see done as well so all your ideas will be taken seriously and if I can will work them into the design.

Again everyone sorry for being gone for so long.

[AJ@PR]

Hey folks sorry for being gone for so long, I had some personal/family issues that took some time to attend to.

Anyhow Im back and well I hear you guys and you want to see A LOT more modding so thats what Im going to do, Im going to design some new elements for this build and give it a even more custom look, but I also want to hear some of your guys/gals thoughts on what you would like to see done as well so all your ideas will be taken seriously and if I can will work them into the design.

Again everyone sorry for being gone for so long.

Good to have you back! :banana:
w00t w00t!

pics?! :D :D

[jdbnsn]

The case is looking good so far, I love the black and red mix. I must say though, that doorbell looks out of place.

[HourBeforeDawn]

ya the door bell does right now but when I get the rest of the accent parts on it will work better with the theme.

Oh and a small update as well, I got the Reservoirs in that I plan to use.

http://hourbeforedawn.com/pcbuild/Res.JPG

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like those res's. I wanted to get one but had nowhere to mount them.

[HourBeforeDawn]

Well I got mine from ArcticMOD.com (http://www.arcticmod.com/)

Here is a direct link to all the colors and brackets and styles of these Res that they offer.
http://www.arcticmod.com/computer-cooling-mod/bullseye-reservoir-collection/

He offers different ways of mounting them maybe there will be one that will work for you?

[HourBeforeDawn]

Alright Folks I will be putting a slight hold on this project as I am waiting for some newer tech to come, I also contacted my sponsors and shifted some of the sponsored items over to my FEAR project as I will be able to complete that sooner.