Project: LEXA

[The boy 4rm oz]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/lexa.png



Welcome one and all to Project Lexa. This is my first major mod and computer build so first I’ll tell you about what’s gonna happen.

The Mod:
This mod will revolve around a standard NZXT Lexa midi tower (www.nzxt.com/products/lexa). I intend to keep the sleek, black look of the outside of the case and move it into the interior. Keeping with the overall case theme and design there will be very little exterior structural work done. The whole interior will be painted with either a matte or gloss black paint to match the outside. There will be extensive use of mesh (AC Ryan MeshX Panels or equivalent) and Perspex to hide all of the drive bays (including Hard Drives and CD drives) and to give the case a sense of simplicity, class and cleanliness (I mean cleanliness because the viewer will only be able to see a few cables, the case interior will be dominated by the Water Cooling and UV reactive components).

I have chosen all of my hardware to reflect the overall case mod. The motherboard, graphics card and RAM are all based around a blue and black colour scheme with UV reactive parts involved. The motherboard (DFI LANParty UT NF680iLT SLI-T2R) will be a big feature of this mod due to its UV reactive plugs and components that seem to jump out at the viewer (under UV light). Along with the motherboard there will also be UV reactive cables, fans and a UV reactive Water Cooling kit to complete the mod. The UV green coolant that I will use will off set the blue glow from the case fans and will grow brightly providing perfect contrast to the black case paint and other UV reactive components.

As you can see this mod won’t be overly difficult but may take some time due to water cooling.

(Colours indicate status) Previous Build, New and Have Ordered or Need to Order

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6008/dsc01308bw7.th.jpg (http://img522.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01308bw7.jpg)

Note: Not all components showed in picture.

Components:
Hardware:
Case – NZXT Lexa (No PSU) x1
PSU – Antec Neo HE 550 x1
Motherboard – DFI LANParty UT NF680iLT SLI-T2R x1
CPU – Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 x1
RAM – G.Skill F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK (1GB x 2) DDR2 RAM x1
GPU – ASUS EN8800GTX x1
HDD – Western Digital Caviar WD3200KS 320GB HDD x1
Maxtor 250GB IDE HDD x1 (in Cooler Master X-Craft external enclosure)
Monitor – AOC LM925 19” LCD Monitor x1
Speakers – Altec Lansing VS.2120 Speakers x1
Keyboard – Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard x1
Mouse – Logitech G7 Gaming Mouse (2007 Edition) x1

Software:
Operating System – Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM x1
Other – Microsoft Office 2003 Student and Teacher Edition x1

Water Cooling:
CPU Block – Swiftech Apogee GTX Waterblock x1
GPU Block – Swiftech MCW-60 (With 8800 Adaptor Plate) x1
Radiators – Black Ice GTX 120mm Radiator x1
Alphacool NexXxos Pro II - Rev. 2 x1
Pump – Danger Den Mag II LE 12V Pump x1
Reservoir – Danger Den Bay Reservoir x1
Coolant – AlphaCool UV Green Coolant x2
Heatsinks (For GPU) – Swiftech MC-14 (8 Pack) x1
Swiftech MC-21 (4 Pack) x1
Fittings – Danger Den Fillport (Black) x1
Danger Den 1/2" Polly 90 Degree x4
Danger Den 3/8" to 1/2" Fitting Kit x1
Tubing – 3 meters of ½” ID tubing

Misc:
Too many things to list here. I will show you when I use them. Parts include fans, HDD enclosure, CCFL’s, cables, cable ties and mounts,…well you get the picture.

Well that’s enough talking, on to the modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well first of all I’ve stripped the case and have removed the front panel to allow me to sleeve the cables from the switches and LCD etc.

Here is a picture of the mass of cables:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3480/dsc01315id1.th.jpg (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01315id1.jpg)

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3838/dsc01313yd1.th.jpg (http://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01313yd1.jpg)

The first thing I have to do is free all of the cables from their ties and measure the sleeving. I am going to do this in stages as to allow me to join individual cables into one big one (you’ll get what I mean when you see it). If I stuff up and cut a cable I have a whole new set along with a whole fascia. Yes I have two case fascias. On the first one the door hinge broke and NZXT sent me a whole new fascia free of charge. I am currently using the one NZXT sent me but am considering transferring the polished aluminium panels of the old fascia to the new one because they are shinier.

Here’s a picture of the two fascias together. (The one on the left is the older one)

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2685/dsc01316dd3.th.jpg (http://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01316dd3.jpg)

I removed the Brushed aluminium panels to protect them from scratches as I sleeve the cables. I also removed the USB, Audio and Firewire card to help protect the circuit board from damage.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3826/dsc01317ym9.th.jpg (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01317ym9.jpg)

I then removed the Power LED and the HDD activity LED because these are the two I would be sleeving first.

Well that’s all I have for tonight. I will have more to show you tomorrow including the completed cable sleeving. Until Then...

Happy Modding.

[Eclecticos]

This Looks Interesting! You have any idea what you going to do to it?

[simon275]

Gotta love the Lexa ohh a 8800GTX very nice.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I'm basically going to be spraying the interior black and using mesh and acrylic to hide all of the drive bays. There will be a strong emphasis on UV light that will give the case an interesting look.

I can't tell you everything, you'll just have to wait and see :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok as promised you shall have the pictures of the completed cable sleeving.
Here’s a picture of what it looked like before I started.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/6413/dsc01319jm0.th.jpg (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01319jm0.jpg)

I had to remove the door off the fascia to be able to reach the LED cables.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/6861/dsc01320fh1.th.jpg (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01320fh1.jpg)

Here are the two completed cables just needing to be heat shrunk over the zip ties.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/4874/dsc01321qr5.th.jpg (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01321qr5.jpg)

As you probably would have noticed the cables are sleeved only about halfway down the cable. You will find out why later on.

Ok, next up will be the power and reset switches. I start by removing them from the fascia and then following the same process as the LED’s.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/2371/dsc01322cf3.th.jpg (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01322cf3.jpg)

Here’s a picture of the four semi-sleeved cables.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/1/dsc01323xe1.th.jpg (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01323xe1.jpg)

Next up is the power cable and thermal probes for the LCD screen.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/2193/dsc01324he5.th.jpg (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01324he5.jpg)

I think I will leave these until I get my motherboard because the probes need to be measured to size. I am also waiting for my Molex de-pinning tool so I can remove the power connector for easy sleeving.

Well that’s about it for today. Over the next few days I will complete sleeving the cables completely and you will find out why I left them half sleeved ;) Until Then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have put the sleeving on hold for now so I can do this minor update.

I have decided to cover the air vents on the lower part of the front fascia with some old mesh I have from an old pair of speakers. This will help with the overall theme of the mod and dust management.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4755/dsc01325kk5.th.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01325kk5.jpg)
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2761/dsc01327et7.th.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01327et7.jpg)

I start by getting my mesh and marking it for cutting. I didn’t need to mark the mesh for the two small vents near the USB ports because I will just use a few off cuts.
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8555/dsc01346kh4.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01346kh4.jpg)

I then cut it to size and shaped it how I wanted it.
Insert picture of cut and shaped mesh

Now to install it. I think I will use some clear silicon or super glue to attach it to the plastic of the front fascia. I left about 1/2cm over hang either side of the mesh to allow it to be attached with ease.

I have decided to use the clear silicon because super glue makes everything go white. I apply the silicon and leave it to dry and now we have the finished product.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9711/dsc01351ca0.th.jpg (http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01351ca0.jpg)
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/4619/dsc01352of8.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01352of8.jpg)

You can’t see the mesh really well in the picture but up close it looks pretty good. I considered using silver or plain aluminium mesh instead of the black because it would tie in with the front of the case but I didn’t have any laying around and don’t want to buy silver spray for this minimal amount of work.

Well that’s the end of this little side project. Only took me about 1-2 hours tops to complete. I will now try to complete the sleeving but I have some school assignments that need to be completed by the new term on Tuesday so my time is limited. Until Then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry there hasn't been an update for a while. I got all of my home work done so things should start to pick up tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Another really small update. Today I got my de-pinning tool. It is for the male Molex plugs only but I tried it with a female connector and guess what...it worked better than with the male connectors. It tends to snap the pins on the male connectors. This works out well for me because now I don't have to buy two haha.
Here's a pic:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9277/dsc01355oy9.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01355oy9.jpg)

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

This part of the mod needs to be completed before the rest of the cable sleeving can be completed properly.

I went to my local hardware store and bought a pair of 1/2” grommets.
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1372/dsc01356xj9.th.jpg (http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01356xj9.jpg)

I then mark the part of the case I need to drill out to install them.
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1102/dsc01359so7.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01359so7.jpg)

These grommets will allow me to route the power and LED cables through the lowest possible part of the case so there will be very few viewable cables.

I’m gonna go do the drilling now so pics of that will be up later today. Until Then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok onto the drilling.

Before I started I thought I should remove the plastic case feet and plastic “accents” to stop them getting scratched and to also keep the case flat.
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/5695/dsc01361zy6.th.jpg (http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01361zy6.jpg)

Here are the drilled holes.
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/3696/dsc01362bf6.th.jpg (http://img396.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01362bf6.jpg)

I didn’t have a big enough drill bit so I had to grind about another 60mm of with my Dremel like substitute. I also made the holes slightly larger than they had to be to allow the grommets to stretch to allow the Firewire and USB plugs to fit easily.

I inserted the grommets.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5006/dsc01363ek2.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01363ek2.jpg)

And with a cable to show you how it will look.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3565/dsc01364au9.th.jpg (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01364au9.jpg)

I will get started on the rest of the cable sleeving tomorrow. Until then…

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry there hasn't been a post in a while but school started last week and you know what that means...homework. I managed to finish the sleeving yesterday. Enjoy.

Ok, it’s now time to finish the sleeving.

First the power and HDD activity LED.

Well you can see the problem now from this pic; the zip ties don’t fit through the space allocated for the cables. I now have to remove the zip ties, thread the cables through and then re zip he sleeving.
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1078/dsc01366ck0.th.jpg (http://img529.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01366ck0.jpg)

Much better.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3466/dsc01367ic2.th.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01367ic2.jpg)

Both LED’s threaded through.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/3234/dsc01368hx1.th.jpg (http://img524.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01368hx1.jpg)

Back to the way it was, but now it looks much better.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/939/dsc01369nj0.th.jpg (http://img338.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01369nj0.jpg)

The power and reset switches went back in with out any problems at all.
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5784/dsc01372jw6.th.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01372jw6.jpg)

A picture of all four cables.
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3778/dsc01373vn8.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01373vn8.jpg)

I then sleeved the bundle together leaving enough room at the end of each cable for individual sleeving for more flexibility.
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9748/dsc01374nf2.th.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01374nf2.jpg)

The remaining viewable cable is now sleeved.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/8213/dsc01377vz6.th.jpg (http://img524.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01377vz6.jpg)

The cables fit perfectly thought the grommets I just installed.

Well that’s all I have done at the moment. Next I will make a mesh shroud for one of my dust traps and later on try to make my fan blades UV reactive. Until then…

Happy Modding.

[D1337]

I was gonna get that case but my friends called it a dishwasher :(
goodluck on the modding though

[The boy 4rm oz]

A dishwasher? Haha I can see what they mean though. Oh well everyone has their opinions. Thanks for the luck haha.

[TheGreatSatan]

I have that case. Please, be careful....
+Rep

[FrooP]

yo, could you pleeeeeeeassse link the fotos proper i hate klicking on each pic to get full sized image, 800x600 is not so bad to load

[Computer-Geek]

Or he can use photobucket they can automatically resize them :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry about the pictures. I do use photobucket but i will upload the pictures as a larger size from now on.
Thanks for the +rep TheGreatSatan, I will be careful.
I should have a small update up later today.

[The boy 4rm oz]

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4803/dsc01332gv3.jpg

Four simple items right? Well yeah they are but that’s not the point. I’m still waiting for orders to come in so I decided to make a cover for the ugly stock NZXT dust trap that’s on the bottom of the case. This won’t have a fan on it due to limited space for the water pump but I just want to conceal it a bit, and anyway the white looks good under the black mesh.

Ok, I start by marking on the mesh where I want the whole for the screws that will hold this onto the floor of the case.
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2677/dsc01333lg6.jpg

Now that I’ve got the mesh market I can drill out the mounting holes.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4668/dsc01334fe4.jpg

Because the mesh came from an old speaker there is about a 1cm over hang where they attached it to the speaker housing. I’m going to cut most of this away but I still want it to cover the side of the dust trap.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/2288/dsc01335dv5.jpg

I stuffed up the cutting of the overhang so I cut it off completely to give me a simple square.

I used a permanent marker to colour in the raw aluminium of the cuts and the sides of the dust trap.
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5343/dsc01353dm5.jpg
Note: That’s not raw metal it’s just the camera flash.

They fit perfectly on each other.
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3811/dsc01354ov8.jpg

I won’t show you a picture of it installed because I haven’t got the correct screws for the job yet. I will be using a standard screw cut to size threaded in from the underside of the case and attached with a dome nut on top of the mesh. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Are these pic sizes ok? I think they are a little too big. This is 800x600, I can do the size smaller (640x480) if it suites you better.

[Sting]

nah i think they are fine, look good that big. Nice job too mate, keep it up and good luck

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks mate. I will start work on my fans tomorrow.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well I have some really good news. Stocks on my long awaited motherboard will be replenished later this week. I should have the motherboard and Vista by the end of next week :)

Just about to start work on the fans so finished product should be up later today or tomorrow.

EDIT: 500th Post Yay

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok time to start my small fan mod.

Here is a pic of the 4 fans I will be modding.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7751/dsc01381sg8.jpg

The small fan is from my Thermaltake Extreme Spirit 2 North bridge cooler.

Making sure that they all still work.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/6239/dsc01383ck7.jpg

A little off topic but here is my test PSU that I made a while ago thanks to Bucko’s work log. I am using this to power my fans and I will use it to test my water cooling.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5076/dsc01384pj9.jpg

To make the fans UV reactive I will be using a gel/liquid highlighter. Here is a pic with the heatsink fan UV CCFL and the highlighter.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/303/dsc01387lx9.jpg

Here is the first fan done.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5732/dsc01388ao3.jpg

Lit up and under UV light.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8761/dsc01390ep6.jpg

All of the finished fans under UV light.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8779/dsc01391zy2.jpg

Well that’s all for now. I don’t know what I will do next, probably the water cooling. Until then…

Happy Modding.

[Spawn-Inc]

thats a neat trick i might try once i get a black light, thought i will try it with my blue lights and see what happens. +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

All of those fans have blue LED's, that's why I chose the green highlighter, they compliment each other very well. As you can see by the picture of the small fan It glows quite well, that pic was taken without any UV light.
Thanks for the rep BTW.

[Bucko]

Glad my Test Power Supply worklog was good for you.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for your help mate.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Very minor update:
I may have to wait a while for my water cooling. Stocks on the Swiftech Apogee GTX CPU block and the Swiftech MCW-60 G80 adaptor plate for the 8*00 series graphics cards should arrive in about 1-2 weeks. So the only thing I can do now is order my radiator, pump, res, tubing and all the fittings. This is good in a way because I can get started on cutting holes for mounting my radiator (I intend to mount it outside of the case and pass the tubing through some holes). When the radiator is mounted I can start the disassembly of the case and start painting the interior. I should get my motherboard and Vista later next week so I will have some nice pictures for you. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[elbarto241]

love the fans, who knew a little UVpen and some fans would ever meet and make a baby like this! :D nice job bro, expecting to see more

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have good some good news people. In just under an hour I will finally be getting my motherboard and Vista. I will post some pics of it later under some UV light.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Motherboard came sooner than I expected, so here are the pics.
The box in all it's glory lol.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7955/dsc01392eo9.jpg

Here is the board and it's accessories.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7218/dsc01394ei9.jpg

And here it is under UV light.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/821/dsc01395jo8.jpg

Sorry the second and third pics are a bit blurry. The second one is through plastic and the third...well it's just really hard to take a good pic of UV light lol. I have to order the last of my water cooling and will start some more work on the weekend. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[dgrmkrp]

well, the fans look great the way you colored them! And with all the UV goodness, this is sure gonna be a good looking build. Also, keep in mind to order some more pieces for watercooling.. I ordered with some +50cm for the tubing and an extra fitting.. Never know what I will plan in the future, plus it rocks to have one shiny object to study and digitize ;) Of course, I forgot to order some AS5.. will do so next time I order.. Just waiting for a stock update on chipset blocks at my regular and local shop.. "coming soon" LOL

The packaging of the mobo gave me an idea: look at the
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7955/dsc01392eo9.jpg
lines that come from one side and end like nice circles.. reminds me of circuits and.. keyboards.. I think it is a sign.. For a nice side window etch..

Oh, did you check the vents you made for ease of flow? I mean, you can take the fan that will be mounted in the front and see at which speed it stops moving air and starts making noise only.. The mesh will reduce the airflow by a third / increase resistance > noise :( A 5V~7V fan can work well in those conditions, but a high-flow one.. errm..

Well, keep us updated and ... have some +rep for playing with such a nice toy :)

[D1337]

I noticed the line and circle design too, at first i was like "wow awesome case paint job" then realized it was only the mobo box :(

would be a bitch to stencil, machining is the only way to go.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the input guys.
@dgrmkrp - The mesh I installed is fine because the fan I'm using is only a 7V fan. I also noticed the box design and was thinking of cutting it into some mesh and putting some UV green acrylic behind it. I might see if I can take a clear pic and post it up for you guys just in case you want to use it for reference. Oh and thanks for the +rep ;)

@D1337 - It would look cool as a paint job, you could start with a white case and layer silver, grey and black lines to get a stunning effect.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok here are a few close up picture of the "circuits". I have decided to etch a replica (as best I can) into some UV green acrylic that has been painted black. I think this will look cool because the design will leap out of the painted surface. I will experiment with this idea tomorrow and post some pics on the progress.
Here are the pics.
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/8075/dsc01406aa9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3585/dsc01407hn6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/9666/dsc01409vb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/6771/dsc01410ak8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Enjoy.

[Ouch!]

Whilst you have the Hdd & Power LED's removed from the case, it would be a simple job to replace them with Superbright ones.....You can get them very cheap on ebay and it's a very simple soldering job!

You can choose any colour you like to match your theme. Also you can crack open your keyboard and fit super bright LED's instead of the Caps-Lock and Num-Lock ones as well: this gives a nice matching look....Just a thought.

Ouch!

[The boy 4rm oz]

The LED's that are standard are really bright as is so I'm going to leave it as it is. Anyway I'm a shocking solderer ;)

[b4i7]

i like your thinking on the etch! that will be really cool once done

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks. I was meant to start it today but ran out of time with some other stuff I was doing. I will have to try and at least get a practice piece completed tomorrow.

[dgrmkrp]

10ks for the big pics.. I could reverse engineer the pattern and see what I can come up with.. Who know when it might get used in one of my mods ;) It could fit with noname as it is a series of experiments..

7V for the fans is about right, even if the fan would be a high speed one, 7V cuts a lot of uumf and allows for a quieter environment :) nice for hearing all the bits of music or the chirping of the birds outside.. I'm ranting about this because my tagan PSU is so loud it blocks these noises :P

Oh, can't wait to see the etch :) Mod on!

[Jim Beam]

Instead of etching that what if you overlaid and cut it out of some copper film. Then glued it too the window.

[The boy 4rm oz]

That's an idea but I don't intend to etch my case window...well not just yet anyway ;) I need to get some practice in first.
When I got up I tried to print those pics of in black and white so I could mimic the "circuits" but my printer has no black/white option, only grey scale. Luckily It's one of those printer/copier/scanners so I will just copy the design straight off the box. I also want to enlarge the design a bit (not as small as on the box) this will allow me to do the etching slightly faster and hopefully end up more visible.

[Sting]

I think the etching of those circuits would look very good, especially with the uv plexi

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have started on a design for the circuits and have just placed an order for most of my water cooling components.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well here is what I have done so far as designing the etch goes. This is what will be seen on the drive bays (inside of case facing rear).
Here is the completed HDD bay design.
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6148/dsc01411qi6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Sorry the picture is a bit fuzzy but you get the idea. The areas with the diagonal lines indicate where mesh will be used. I have to use mesh on the HDD bays because the front fan needs to be able to push air through the system.

The next picture is of the FDD bays.
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/8619/dsc01412ra0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The FDD bays have the same style as the HDD bays and will also use mesh purely because it is easier for me to etch separate plexi panels and use mesh to join them together, also I think it would look better and is keeping with my original plans ;)

I still don't know weather to show the whole plexi panel (HDD Bays) or make the mesh come in closer to the design (FDD Bays). I think making the mesh come in closer to the design would look good but there would be some rough edges to take care of. I think I will make this decision when I actually go to put the panels together. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Here is the final of the CD drive bays.
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5760/dsc01414eo6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
On the top two you can see where the CD drives go. I am using mesh and will use a bit of plexi to frame where the IDE and Molex plugs will be for the drives.
The third drive bay is empty so that is where I will be putting the etched panel.
The forth drive bay is where the reservoir will be. Those two poorly drawn circles represent plexi I'm going to use to frame the holes I will have to cut in the mesh.
Well I have to start on the design for the window side of the drive bays. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well just a very minor update, have to get back to the etching ;). When I got home from school today a nice package was waiting for me.
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/6430/dsc01415up1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Yep that's right, my water cooling stuff.
I received my tubing, coolant, radiator, reservoir and pump along with some fittings. All I'm waiting on is the water blocks and they should come in tomorrow or early next week along with a few other bits and pieces. I'm going to try to get the etch design finished now so I can get it all done this weekend. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[Ronyx]

looking HOT!

great to see some aussies on here getting some work done with the big guys =]

+rep for the so-far-awesome-looking case mod.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha thanks mate, yeah there are a few of us now. I had to put the modding on hold for a while due to school and nothing to do because I was waiting for parts but now that I have got this lot I have lots to do haha.

BTW: nice sig, your specs will be almost the same as mine lol.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thought I'd show you guys what the coolant looks like and also those 90 degree bends I got are UV blue so they will look great in this system.
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1875/dsc01417vc6.jpg
The coolant glows a lot more but the camera is kinda crappy lol. I'm almost done with the design for the etching so I will have that up as soon as possible. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[dgrmkrp]

Looking good and with more UV goodness ;)
If you're having some trouble with the design being not that clear, I could have a go in 3ds and photoshop with it, to adapt it... if you still need it, of course..

&Coolant looks great and I can vouch for that (I'm 100% alphacool at this moment) ;) You should have also ordered some UV tubing (stiffer than the usual, but looks eerie and has a unique glow.. and changes the subtle shade of the green coolant too)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the offer, I am having some trouble being able to read the faint lines when I copy the final stencils. When I'm done I will scan them all and you can see what you can do if you want.

I thought about UV tubing but thought it would destroy my effect. I want to be able to see the green clearly and I don't think that will be a problem lol.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well I tried to scan the pictures but they turned out like crap so I will have to take a pic of the designs for you.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Actually don't worry about it mate, it's just too hard for me and you alike. I will just work with photocopies and pencil in stuff I can't quite make out. Thanks for the offer anyway.

[dgrmkrp]

Well, it isn't hard, just time consuming.. and the pic doesn't have to be big, just a bit clear.. I can then make it repeat a pattern or enlarge it till it hits infinity :)

I've done drawings form even my crappy camera, and it is at a mere 640x480... As long as the pattern is visible, I can work it out :) won't be much trouble, and in about.. tonight.. I would be done.. that's in about 10 hours time.. between 12 and 2 am local time.. that's my sweet spot for doing modeling :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well i got all of the designs already done I just scanned the cover of the manual and used the scans to make some thing that wasn't repetitive but looks good. When I start etching you will see what I mean.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Still haven't started the engraving just yet but I have done some work with my radiator.
I needed to make a spacer to go between the radiator and the case so I could have enough room to the hoses after I pass it through the case wall. After trying various things with washes and nuts I got an idea.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7140/dsc01420dq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Yes it's a case fan. I have decided that this will be the best and easiest way to do what I want. This is an old broken case fan that I was going to throw out anyway so it's not a huge loss if I stuff up ;)
Ok so here is the fan with the LED's and cable removed.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9343/dsc01421sz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here's the fan with the actual fan removed, just the housing left. As you can see I pretty much snapped the blades off and in the end got some tin snips to cut the supports. It's feels good to vent your anger on something breakable lol.
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2531/dsc01422qu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the completed housing with all the sharp edges cut and filed.
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/8393/dsc01423zo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here it is installed on the radiator ready to go.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9721/dsc01424ta4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here's a pic of the rear of the case marked and ready for the holes to be cut to pass the tube through to the radiator.
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3606/dsc01425gk4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
These are the cut and filed holes. You can see how the hole saw slipped and scraped the hole on the right but this doesn't matter because it's going to be painted over anyway.
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/534/dsc01426kg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This pic is how it will be installed. You can see how the tube fits perfectly through the hole and the old fan acts like one of those rad boxes which is an added bonus :)
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6020/dsc01427zc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Sorry about the blurry pic guys, the camera wouldn't focus. Well that's all I have done at the moment. It's slowly coming together and I hope to have it finished by next weekend. I still have to paint that rad box to match the case and start the etching after school. I am still waiting for my water blocks but should be receiving them within the next few days. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[solja]

great idea with the case fan and also it looks like you are doing a great job, very pro looking :) I can definitely see the potential in this mod man... not to mention you are a fellow lexa owner.. so what if mine is black n red and urs is alluminum and blue hehe we gotta stick together

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah lexa owners should stick together, there are two few of us lol. Mine will soon be black on the inside as well as the outside just to continue on with the sexiness lol.

[dgrmkrp]

Nice update :) The fan frame will also help with noise reduction and with airflow, helping the fan push/pull air in a more silent and efficient way.
Oh, I would like a drill with a hole saw ;) More on the shopping list :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

That's what I thought, the fan would help with the dead spot in the airflow. This hole saw is one dad had laying around from when he drilled holes in the shed for cable. It is specifically designed for steal but will cut almost anything. The size I used was 1 inch and there is still plenty room around the tubing, I need to buy some rubber grommets to finish the holes off though because the holes are still a little bit to sharp. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well with a day off school today I thought I should really get my stuff together and do some modding.
First on my list are the PCI slots.
Due to an 8800GTX being extremely long (27cm) It is hard to get it into the case, you have to put it in diagonally and this will be hard with the water cooling attached and once you get it in there is about 2cm gap between the end of the PCB and the HDD cage. I have decided to trim some of the case towards the PCI slots to allow the card to slide in much more easily.
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4205/dsc01428so0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
So here is the case all marked up, this cut should be fairly easy but due to it being aluminum it with warp a little.
Here is the case after I have cut it and filled it to the correct size, in all about 10 mins work ;)
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8249/dsc01429ic6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I know at the moment it looks a bit tacky but I have ordered some fan hole molding to cover up the sharp ugly edges.
Well thats all for now, I have to copy he final copies of the etch design and then cut the plexi to fit. After that the fun can begin;). Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well I didn't get to that engraving today, I have been too pissed off. Once again this mod has been set back due to the stock on my order not coming in. Today I received an email telling me that the Swiftech Apogee GTX CPU water block that I ordered is sold out. When I ordered they were in stock but I had to pause the order to replace the blue CCFL's I ordered (BY MISTAKE) with UV ones. So I guess I just have to wait for new stock, hope it is soon.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Finally an update on the engraving.
I think I am going to have to scrap this idea. I did a test piece and it turned out like complete crap (sorry no pictures). I think I was getting a bit ambitious with the idea and have chosen to do something much simpler. I will still keep the whole measurement and layout but will just use the plain green plexi. I am hoping to get an overall effect mush like this (water cooling, and some plexi parts).
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10478
Tomorrow I hope to cut out all of the plexi but I wont get the mesh I need until my order comes in. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[dgrmkrp]

Well, that's a shame. What went wrong? Just out of curiosity of course.
The other project is great in its simplicity and looks, so it is a good model. You can come up with more ideas, try stuff out and see what you like in the long process of making the mods, so you will find something to make your rig better than any other lexa out there ;).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well while trying to engrave straight lines I found it very difficult to keep on the lines. You need a very steady hand for this sort of detail, my other option is to get it laser cut but I don't have the cash to do so. I think it will look better as just plain Green plexi anyway. It will glow great with the UV CCFL's. I will still be using mesh but not as much as originally thought, may look kinda weird with huge gaps of mesh. I am marking the plexi now for cutting tomorrow so I will post some pics when I'm done. Until then...

Happy Modding

[Xperiment]

Loving the mod so far, keep it up. +rep

One option you have for cutting dead straight lines on plexi is to score a line where you want to cut with a craft/Stanley knife. Then place the edge over a workbench and apply pressure to 'snap' it down the score line. I have used that method in the past and it does work well. May be best to practice on a small offcut first though.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have also used that method but the plexi I am using I "borrowed from school", it's 4mm thick and rather ridged, it may crack and snap if I used that method again. I will try it with an off cut though.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well today I cut most of the plastic I will need.
Here's a pic of all the cut plexi.
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2015/dsc01430aj1.jpg
From left to right:
Support bar cover, Bottom of HDD bay cover
ODD cover (inside), FDD cover (inside), HDD cover top and bottom (inside)
ODD cover (outside), FDD cover (outside), HDD cover (outside)
By outside I mean facing the case window and by inside I mean facing the rear of the case (PSU).
Here is a pic of the support bar cover installed (sorry no screws today, only tape):
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7091/dsc01431fc2.jpg
Sadly I did not have a long enough piece of plexi to cover the whole rail so I will need to use some mesh to cover up the ends.
Here is the rest of the plastic where it generally will be:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9053/dsc01432nb6.jpg
As you can see from the picture I didn't include the ODD covers, that's because they wont fit until I un-rivot the case.
Here are the ODD covers:
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9541/dsc01433tc8.jpg
And here is where they will be installed:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4533/dsc01434bh9.jpg
The ODD cover situated on the window side of the case need to be installed before I reconstruct the case, There is a lip on the edge of the drive bays that the plastic will slip under and the whole front of the case needs to be off to allow me to do so.
In the third picture you may have noticed the big gaps in the plexi, this is for mesh to be installed to allow for better ventilation (especially on the inside HDD covers). Well that's about all I have at the moment. When I figure out where my pump will be mounted then I may design a plexi cover for it. I am also thinking of making one for the PSU. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[Xperiment]

Very nice, looks like the cuts turned out well in the end. Look forward to seeing them with the backing tape off.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah the jigsaw worked great, had to buy a plastics blade first though. I just filed down the edges that weren't straight it all fits perfectly. Tomorrow I may start the PSU cover but I have a 1000 word essay to write :(. Until then...
Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well some more plastics work done today. With some inspiration from Xperiment's mod (Reality Bytes) I decided to make a cover for my wireless LAN card.
Here is the victim, a D-Link Air Plus G54 Wireless LAN Card:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6579/dsc01437pj0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the disassembled card, took all of 30 seconds lol:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/7294/dsc01438un9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the cover I made this morning:
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/8499/dsc01439zu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
All of the part ready to go together:
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/4597/dsc01440zo0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Installed:
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/8251/dsc01441vr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A different view:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6024/dsc01443mn8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is a view of it inside my old computer, doesn't it look great:
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/5900/dsc01445ab2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Well that's the finished Wireless LAN cover.
Special thanks to Xperiment and has fantastic mod Reality Bytes for the inspiration for this mini mod.

Today I also started the work on my PSU cover.
Here is a pic of the cut plexi:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8056/dsc01447vj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I cut the plexi and rounded the two edges you will see. Well that's all I have for you at the moment. Until then...

Happy Modding.

EDIT: Sorry about the blurry pictures, my camera doesn't like shiny objects or the glowing plexi lol

[Xperiment]

Turned out very nice, great job.

[.Maleficus.]

Looks great the boy 4rm oz! Hmm, I wonder how you shorten "the boy 4rm oz" into an easier to write name... :thinks:

What'd you use to cut that? The edges look pretty damn good! Give it a lot of sanding?

[The boy 4rm oz]

You can just call we "the boy" lol. I used a jigsaw with a plastics blade, the blade I used worked great, like a knife through butter. I didn't do any sanding really, just filed down long sides and stuff like that. I took some of Experiments advice and left the edges rough to diffuse the glow more.

[.Maleficus.]

You can just call we "the boy" lol. I used a jigsaw with a plastics blade, the blade I used worked great, like a knife through butter. I didn't do any sanding really, just filed down long sides and stuff like that. I took some of Experiments advice and left the edges rough to diffuse the glow more.
Coolio the boy (lol).

Maybe I'll stop at some stores after work today and look for some plastics blades for my jigsaw. The only good cuts on plastic I've gotten with it were with a wood blade and 1/4" pink plexi. The metal blades just melted it, and the wood made it jump (this was with 1/8" though). Looks great though, +rep.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the rep, the plexi I cut was about 4mm thick and was rather rigid, got absolutely no melting using these blades. Good luck.

EDIT: haha you just gave me 7 rep points yay.

[SgtM]

Looks good.. +rep from me.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thank you all for the rep so far. I was going to finish my work on the PSU cover today but brought the wrong domed nuts. Now I have to take them back and find a place that sells a smaller size.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well because I couldn't finish my PSU cover today I thought I would have a flip through my mobo manual. As I was reading I took a closer look at the Karajan Audio module that comes with the DFI boards. As I read on it had the usual stuff about which pins go where and stuff like that. During my boring afternoon of reading I found that if I connect me front audio and mic connectors to the mobo I lose access to them on the Karajan audio module. Now this means for me no front audio ports (don't care, don't use 'em anyway :)) but also an extra full length wire in my case doing nothing. So I got my pliers and started modding.
This is very basic stuff and took all of 1 min to do haha.
Here is the Victim:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8839/dsc01459kq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The picture is of the cables for my to USB ports and the audio cable, as you can see they are joined together, but not for long.
Here is a pic of how the cables sit on the PCB in the front of my case:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1661/dsc01460bc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a close up of the cable:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1173/dsc01461fy2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The bundle of wires on the left are the ones being removed.
The job is done, the two separate cables:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1972/dsc01462gb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I just got the pliers and pulled he wires straight out of the plastic housing.
A final pic of the Cable attached to the PCB:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2663/dsc01463rp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

With this done I now have one less cable to route and no hardware issues to worry about. Well that's all for now, I hope to get the new domed nuts by the weekend to continue with the overall mounting of the bay covers and PSU cover. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys sorry there hasn't been an update in a while. I have been busy choosing my subjects for year 12 and let me tell you that's been a real bitch haha, all the subjects I need aren't running at my school next year, may have to transfer for year 12.
Well enough of my problems, let's get to the modding.

I started marking the plastic for for a pump should (very similar to the PSU shroud on the previous page). If I can tomorrow I will cut it out and drill the holes for the screws (still waiting for the domed nuts :() and I will also drill screw holes on the PSU shroud. I have also been thinking of where to mount the pump and have to mod the ODD drive rails to fit my res. well that's it for now. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry guys still no plastics work, still waiting for the domed nuts. As I have nothing to do after school today I thought I might get stuck into what little parts of the water cooling loop I can.
This is what I've done so far:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3712/dsc01464it7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Not much really, just the res to the pump and dad to the res with a "T" for the fillport.
Here is a closer look at the res:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/5370/dsc01465tc9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Should it be ok to have such a steep drop using the right angle's? or should I try to link the pump directly to the rad with out the right angles? it would be very tight doing it like that.
Here is a pic of the rear rad:
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/1029/dsc01466dw8.jpg
The lose bit of tube is going to connect to the GPU.

Well that's all at the moment. Enjoy and keep your eyes open for my new plastics work. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry there hasn't been an update for a while guys, I've had lots of school stuff to do but today was the last day of term so you can expect some more frequent updates.

Good News:
Today I received an email from the place I ordered my Apogee GTX and MCW-60 Water Blocks from. They have informed me that the stock has come in so now all I have do do is wait for postage.

Bad News:
Haven't had a chance to look for some domed nuts yet so no more plastic work yet. I have two weeks of holidays and hope to finish this mod during the two weeks (in between the 4 essays I have to write :().

Well I got bored of waiting for my water cooling stuff to arrive and not being able to play any games so I decided to construct my PC straight on to my desk.
Here are some pics:
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2220/dsc01468sj2.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/384/dsc01469ht1.jpg

I also mounted my Danger Den Fill Port
Marked and ready for drilling:
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6668/dsc01470bv2.jpg
I attached a plastic bag to catch the metal shavings, saved me a lot of cleaning lol:
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3647/dsc01471kc2.jpg
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/5924/dsc01472uw8.jpg
Here is the cut hole, almost perfect:
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8639/dsc01473dm9.jpg
The mounted Danger Den Fill Port (from the top and side):
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8524/dsc01474vl7.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8742/dsc01475im4.jpg

I have also done a bit more work with the water cooling tubing, can't do anything else until I receive my order. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[liquid_fire]

heh, that's how i have my computer setup now too..last night while i was dremeling i noticed the fan I have positioned in front was sucking the dust in, so i turned it around. yikes! I need a shop!! :eek:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha, originally I didn't have a fan on my HDD but I touched it once by accident and burnt my hand, it's amazing what difference a fan can make.

[Ouch!]

Is that you DVD porn collection I can see in the photos??:glasses:

LOL!:redface:

Ouch!

[The boy 4rm oz]

@Ouch! - Yeah I wish haha, na they are DVD's that I get with a computer mag subscription. Every issue has over 9GB of goodness lol.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys another text update, should have some pics up tomorrow or the next day.

Some good news - I have found the domed nuts I need for my plastics work and should be picking them up in a few days. Yesterday I went and got a can of etching primer for my aluminum case I will be able to start painting soon after a few more modifications to the case ;). Also my water blocks and a few other bits and pieces are only days away yay, finally after 3 months wait.

Well today I wet sanded the edges of all of my plastic pieces to give them all a uniform glow. I also did a few sketches of how I will mount the pump without it shifting to much due to vibration. Tomorrow I hope to give those plastic pieces a quick once over and maybe prime a few pieces of the case for painting. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys today it finally came, that's right, the rest of my water cooling gear along with all the other bits and pieces I need to finish my mod...hopefully.
Well here is what was in the package:
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/9079/dsc01497zh3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4894/dsc01498mx6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
There is also a 12V-10V fan cable that is not shown in the pics.

Before I received my order I primed my side panels ready for painting, sadly I have no paint but I will try to get some tomorrow.
Here is my side panel with the plexi, lock and all the shiny plastic bits removed and all taped up for painting:
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3918/dsc01493ro5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the primed side panel:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7921/dsc01494ls8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Onto the other side panel, same deal:
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/5733/dsc01495ft4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And primed:
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/1506/dsc01496po9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I have a little problem guys and mabye one of you could help me out.
I have two of these switches that will be connected to my CCFL's, unlike the stock switches these have 3 pins instead of two.
Pic:
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/8808/dsc01499yp3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
What's different about these switches is that they have a built in LED that will light up when the switch is in the on position. I know what pin is for the LED (gold looking one, the bottom one in the pic) but I don't know how to wire the switch so when in the on position the LED lights up and when in the off position it turns off. Due to the stock switch only having two terminals (with two matching wires) I don't know how to set this up. The LED will only power on when I use the red wire (12V?) so could I splice the red wire and have an extra spade connector running to the LED terminal, or will there be more involved?

Any help would be great. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[calumc]

At a guess i'd say the middle one is ground, so yes you would just splice the red wire. But i'd check the datasheet for it. Or to test just wire it and see what happens!

[The boy 4rm oz]

I don't have a datasheet for these switches cos they just came in a plastic bad, no manufacturer marking what so ever. I will try splicing the red wires today and will let you know how it goes.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Another update guys.
I put the switches on hold today but hope to play with them tomorrow :).

Instead today I did some painting.
I went to my local hardware store and got a can of flat black enamel paint, was just expecting to find matte black but anyway tell me what you think.
Here are the two painted side panels:
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/7489/dsc01515kk5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The smudge on the top left of the windowed panel isn't visible, the camera flash just picked it up.
Here is the panel with all the plastic stuff and lock installed from the inside:
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/999/dsc01518dt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And the outside:
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/976/dsc01519ea1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I also primed and painted the PCI covers:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/7137/dsc01520wl3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I also changed the plate on my Swiftech MCW-60 to fit my 8800GTX, here is a step by step tutorial.
Here is the standard block:
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6315/dsc01505po0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A pic of the adapter plate:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6195/dsc01506xa0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The dismantled water block, you pretty much just remove the 4 allen bolts and it falls apart:
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5324/dsc01511ww6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The old plate on the left, and the new one on the right:
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8534/dsc01512od5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The block reassembled with the new adapter plate:
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2801/dsc01513xr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Complete with all the screws and barbs ready for mounting:
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7505/dsc01514di3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well that's all for now, hopefully another update tomorrow. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[p0Pe]

Haha, originally I didn't have a fan on my HDD but I touched it once by accident and burnt my hand, it's amazing what difference a fan can make.

if i may suggest it its worth to use watercooled hdd´s:p you could do a setup as i did in my sandwitch mod... very effective

since you already have watercooling why not go for watercooled gfx, and hdd? or is that already the plan?:)

edit:

the panels could be a bit more shiny IMO :p

[The boy 4rm oz]

I didn't really want to go for a water cooled HDD cos it just meant extra work for me and the fan works great, wait and see how I set it up ;). I do have a GPU block, sorry i posted half the pics and u didn't get to see it.

EDIT: I didn't want to use gloss paint in the interior because I think the matte black would contrast better with the bright UV colors that are scattered across my components.

[p0Pe]

why not go for the stealth block:D... thats sooooo much cooler :p

[The boy 4rm oz]

The MCW-60 is cheaper (even after buying the RAM and mosfet sinks + the adapter plate) and the Stealth doesn't give me any room to upgrade, it is solely for the 8800GTX. After seeing that the MCW-60 can outperform the full Danger Den block by 1-2 degrees, this was the better option, even over the Stealth. You can't go past a better performing product that's cheaper and leaves you room to upgrade in the future with very few extra costs attached.

[The boy 4rm oz]

No more painting today guys, I decided to finish my PSU cover.

I gave you a glimpse of the cover a few posts back and as you can see there wasn't really much done.
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8056/dsc01447vj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
It was basically just a piece of cut plexi but a lot has changed.
This morning I went down to the hardware store and got the required bolts and domed nuts that I will be using to mount my plastic bits, as you can see there aren't many there, I will need at least two more packs of each before this mod is done.
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5138/dsc01523kr7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now onto the PSU cover.
Here's the cover with the holes drilled for the mounting bolts:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5880/dsc01524yr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
These are what I will be using to mount some of my plastic bits. I got these from an old Meccano kit that I had when I was younger. For those of you that don't know what Meccano is, it's basically like LEGO but instead of using plastic blocks it uses nuts, bolts and metal panels.
Here is a pic:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6311/dsc01526rm9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the plastic piece wet sanded and with the mounting brackets installed using those cool domed nuts:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7257/dsc01527iv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A side on view:
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5684/dsc01528ml9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And a view from the back:
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/112/dsc01529xn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

You guys remember that dust trap cover I made a while back? Well today I also mounted that with the new screws and domed nuts.
Here's a pic:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8306/dsc01530ns4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sorry about that first pic, I uploaded with the wrong resolution but you get the idea :).

Well I don't know how much modding I will get done tomorrow cos I was kinda hoping to do some of the homework I have that's due at the start of the new term which is Monday. I hope to at least get those switches sorted out if I have the time. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry about the lack of posts guys. Damn homework takes forever and with the new school term starting tomorrow I really want to get it all finished. I hope to get the rest of the work done over this week with water cooling on the weekend or over the next two weeks and water cooling in a fortnight. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

First update of the new school term yay lol.

Well I have already been swamped with homework (year 11 blows!!) so I haven't been able to do much but I had a free 10 mins and decided to mount my two switches that I will be using to turn the CCFL's off. They are the same switches ! was having the problem with the LED's and no I haven't had a chance to fix that problem yet.

Ok enough talking, on to the pics.
I am mounting these switches on a FDD drive fascia so firstly I masked one up and marked for cutting:
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8157/dsc01534iu8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I started by drilling two holes:
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1426/dsc01536oj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Because dad didn't have a big enough drill bit I had to use my Sontax rotary tool and a grinding attachment to make the holes bigger:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7088/dsc01538ll3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the completed hole with a switch installed:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8927/dsc01540bm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The other hole is drilled and the second switch installed:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4308/dsc01542oz2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Finally here is a pic of the switch lit up so you can see what it looks like in the on position:
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7532/dsc01543jl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sorry about the bad pics guys.

This part of the mod took about 10 mins with the longest part being marking the holes up.

I want to get the majority of the plastic work (mounting and cutting mesh) done during the week and a little bit more on the weekend. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[chaksq]

Good job on this mod so far. This should turn out well.

I also noticed that the side panels on the Lexa seem to be the same as on my Apollo just with different latches.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah the sides are the same. Instead of a locking hatch like the LEXA has the Apollo just has the plastic mold that allows easy removal of the panel. Thanks for the comment, my 100th by the way lol.

[chaksq]

Cool, do you think I could source the locking latch somehow and install it on the Apollo?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah I guess so. May be hard to find a panel that has one. You could call NZXT (or Email them) and ask how much it would be for the side panel (if you have a black Apollo) or say that you have the LEXA and your lock is broken and how much would a replacement lock cost.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Guys I have done a lot of work over this past week end. I pulled apart most of my case and started painting panels that didn't need to be modded, and modded a few also. No pics today because one of my mates just left and I haven't had a chance to take any pics but don't worry, a huge update tomorrow after school. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok guys, finally the picture update.
Over the past weekend I really got stuck into my case. I did a bit of painting along with some plastics work and now basically the only things left to do are mount the plastic pieces, finish painting the case and then hardware/water cooling installation and cable management. I'm aiming for this weekend or next weekend at the latest for completion.

Ok to start things off, here is the case with everything stripped from it i.e radiators, fans, reservoir etc:
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/923/dsc01544yz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a pic of my work space in my dad's shed. This is what the case looked like after a few hours of drilling:
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/8986/dsc01545hz8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I'm not kidding when I say a few hours of drilling. Most of the rivets were put in on an angle causing the drill bit to skip across the hole and making the original holes larger, I need to use bigger rivets when I put the case back together but anyway back to the pics.
I couldn't get any painting done on Saturday or Sunday due to bad weather, was raining heavily all weekend but I painted the pieces I could after school today.
Here is a pic of the calmer part of the weekend and the painted pieces:
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1366/dsc01547bc2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8878/dsc01548qg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The pieces I painted are the supports for the PCI cards and the mobo I/O panel, the support bar and that small piece is another support prop that connects from the case floor to the rear panel, dunno if that does much but it was there so I painted it ;)

Time to attach my cut, sanded and drilled piece of plastic to the support bar (sorry, no pics of the cutting, sanding or drilling process).
To start off, here is a closer look at the support bar:
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2317/dsc01550vj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The piece of plastic that will be mounted along with my trusty screwdriver:
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4975/dsc01551ok5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The mounted piece of plastic, looks pretty good to me :):
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1691/dsc01552th3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And now with some lighting:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8017/dsc01554uk1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I know the last picture is pretty bad but you get the general idea.

Well it doesn't look like a lot but basically at this stage of the mod all I am really doing is attaching pieces before painting. I hope to have an update mid week and then hopefully another one on the weekend if everything goes to plan. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

As promised here is the mid week update, looks like completion this weekend may be a long shot, definitely next weekend though.

Ok so I start of with the read panel of my case and prepare it for mounting the PSU plastic cover.
Here is a pic:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7015/dsc01555ut5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And the drilled holes:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/471/dsc01556wj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
While I was working on the panel I also decided to paint it.
Here is the painted panel:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3692/dsc01557ni5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Once the panel was dry I inserted the rubber grommets back into the radiator pass through holes, I also added a piece of fan hole cover to the part of the panel I cut to make room for my 8800GTX.
Here are the grommets:
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2228/dsc01561nn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the fan hole cover attached to the cut part of the case:
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1485/dsc01560od1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I know the paint looks a bit grey but this is only because of the camera's flash, I assure you it is black.
Next is mounting the PSU cover, so here we are.
The mounted PSU cover:
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1627/dsc01562wo6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And from another angle:
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9561/dsc01563cm5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I will try to get some more plastic work done this weekend along with some painting, I ran out at the end of painting this panel so back to the hardware store. Once again sorry for the grey looking paint, it is just the camera flash. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys time for another update, we have had shocking weather all weekend so very little work got done so today after school I started modding.

I painted the top of panel of my case (you have all seen painting before so just the completed shot):
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/2483/dsc01584fo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now for something new. My local hardware store didn't have the rivets that I needed o put my case back together so I sent dad on a mission :). He came through, after work today I got a 100 pack of rivets (should be more than enough).
So here are my rivets and the rivet gun:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7739/dsc01585ol5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Because I had some free time (and because these two pieces were completed) I decided to start to re-construct the part of my case (the rear panel) that was completely modded and painted.
Here are the two pieces ready to be re-joined ;):
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2017/dsc01586ou3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here you go, joined back together:
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3367/dsc01587mk0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a shot from the back so you can see the rivets:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9771/dsc01588no5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And to cap it all of I inserted the PCI covers into the slots that won't be used and secured them with my cool bright blue thumb screws.
Pic:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9344/dsc01589ll4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Today I also nearly completed mounting the HDD cover, well it is mounted, just need to cut the whole in the mesh and plastic to allow the cables to pass through. I should finish this tomorrow after school and will post pics as soon as it's done. After this is done that only leaves 6 more pieces of plastic to mount and a few pieces of mesh, the I can finally paint the rest of the case (I have painted all that I can at the moment). More tomorrow...I hope :). Until then...

Happy Modding.

[p0Pe]

nice idea with the thumbscrewes for the pci slots:D always been a PITA to get the other screwes in place... and it looks god:D

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the feed back. I have another set of black thumb screws (same design) that I will be using to attach the PSU and the 80mm radiator.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Time to continue on from yesterday's post.

Today I finished my HDD bay cover and pretty much finished mounting all my other plastic pieces. Here we go.

Ok so here we have the piece of plastic that is my HDD bay cover (all sanded, polished and drilled):
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/572/dsc01600hj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the piece of mesh I cut to cover the gap in the plexi, I have painted it black (from original silver) and have cut a hole to allow power and SATA cable to pass through. A tip for people using a jigsaw to cut mesh, don't. The teeth on the blade get stuck in the mesh holes and will bend and warp your mesh, believe me, I had to flatten my piece of mesh out after trying this way. I ended up using the cutting disk attachment for me rotary tool, worked perfectly, no warping, just a hell of a lot of sparks lol ;).
Pic:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3226/dsc01604cm6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here's a random picture of the screws/bolts and nuts I will use to mount this piece:
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3479/dsc01605hm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I will be attaching this piece by using 8 bolts with 2 nuts and a spacer per bolt. As you will see in this picture there is only 4 (left hand side) bolts set up. This is because I can't insert the other 4 without taking the front of the case off and I am not ready to do so at the moment.
Pic:
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3826/dsc01606jj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The plastic and the mesh before the installation of the mesh:
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8049/dsc01607zp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The completed panel, looks quite good I think :):
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5804/dsc01608xi9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Time for the installation of the panel.
Spacers installed on the bolts:
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/511/dsc01609xr2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
HDD cover installed:
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9834/dsc01610sg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I front on pic (looking through case window):
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6291/dsc01611ny1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A pic looking through the plexi to my HDD:
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8411/dsc01612gd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And finally a picture of the panel removed and under UV light:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/8048/dsc01613ue7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I also got stuck into mounting the other pieces of plastic.
Here is the rear cover for the CD drives:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9003/dsc01614pr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the inside floppy bay cover and also the inside HDD cover (big gap is for mesh):
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2962/dsc01615bz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I also mounted one of my 10cm UV CCFL's to the case support bar, fits perfectly, well after some grinding of the mounting blocks anyway ;):
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3124/dsc01616km2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sorry that first pic is smaller, must have uploaded it wrong lol. Also you may notice that the inside CD drive cover looks crooked, that is just the hole cut in the plexi, you wont notice it when it's covered with mesh.
Well that's all for today, may be some more tomorrow but I doubt it, I have to right a whole essay that is due Thursday (only a draft) lol ;). Until then...

Happy Modding.

[Darth Dad]

I like the thumb screws for the PCI slots. That is good idea!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks, I like them to. As I said before I am using black ones to mount my PSU and 80mm radiator.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry for the lack of posts guys. I have been doing a lot of work after school over the last week but it is minor work, not worth the pics. I have mounted the plastic on the inside of the case for the rest of the HDD bay and have almost completed the CD drive rear cover.
You will have pics as soon as I finish (need more screws first lol). Until then...

Happy Modding.

EDIT: haha post count was 1234 lol

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok guys, I finally have a worthy update for you. Sorry it has taken so long but we have had some real heat here in Australia (above 30*c for the past 2 weeks) and it has been too hard to work in the heat in our shed.

Ok, so just like the HDD cover I have completed the other side of the HDD cover plus the Disk Drive covers.
Here are the pics of the Disk Drive covers installed and finished:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2847/dsc01666jd4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/939/dsc01667zh8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I know in the second pic the cuts look really crooked but they aren't...well mabye a little but not enough to notice, it's just the picture.

Here is the other part of the HDD bay:
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4203/dsc01668im8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6613/dsc01669ql6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
As with the Disk Drive cover the cuts aren't crooked, it's just the picture.

And to cap it all off here is a picture of all the bay covers installed so you can see what it's all gonna look like when it's done.
Pic:
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1309/dsc01670mf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

To cap off this post I am going to give you a progress report, well I'll show you a progress report ;). What best way to report progress but with pictures lol.
Here is my case so far with everything installed how it will be.
Side on:
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9084/dsc01671js3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
PSU cover, support bar and radiator:
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9172/dsc01672od5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Disk Drive cover:
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1846/dsc01673tu2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
PCI slots and radiator:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7759/dsc01675tp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Danger Den fill port:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3987/dsc01676go1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It has come to my attention that I may need another radiator in my system so I intend to see if I can get a Black Ice Stealth 240mm radiator to mount on the under side of my case. Looks about time I got myself a sponsor ;). Well that's all for now, hope to have some more updates later this week before exams next week. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[psychowit]

Oe pretty!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks mate, I try my best lol.

[p0Pe]

nice:D everybody likes green acrylic xD.. sweet thing that you wont be able to see the whole back of dvd-drives etc, nice detail

+rep beacuse i never thought of that lol

[simon275]

Yeah it is warm here in Sydney to. I love what you have done with the green plexi bits and the mesh. +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for your comments and +rep. There is a lot more plexi work to come. The whole drive bays will be covered with the same mesh and plastic design. Glad you all like it.

[Darth Dad]

Looking good....

[dexaroni]

Damn man, I love that case! The green really looks different from anything I have ever seen before, and that is by NO means a bad thing. + Rep for trying something new!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks mate. When I started this mod I kinda abandoned my ideas and adapted as I needed to, I am very happy with the progress. If you like this mod have a look at Xperiment's Project Reality, has given me quite a bit of inspiration.

[Xperiment]

Wow this case has really come on leaps and bounds from the last time I saw it. Some great uses of plexi - and of course a very nice colour theme ;)

Keep it up +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thank you all for your +rep and comments, I think it is time for another update ;).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well Guys it is now time for a....well a mini update I guess you could call it.

I didn't get any actual modding done today. I visited a mate that just got out of hospital, nasty burns, damn coolant. Before you ask it wasn't PC coolant, his car's radiator blew up in his face.

If you read back a few posts you will find that I am looking to add a 240mm radiator to my existent 120mm loop. I was intending to mount it on the under side of my case and was looking to get an Black Ice stealth 240mm but after starting a thread about this topic (Check post in "The Ice Box", "Pump and Radiator Question") I found that they drastically reduce the flow rate of the loop. I was recommended to use a Black Ice Xtreme 240 (my 120mm radiator is also an Xtreme) and after some measurements this poses some problems. The thickness of a Black Ice Xtreme radiator is roughly 5.6cm, the distance from the stands to the base of my case is about 4.2cm. This immediately rules out using the Xtreme radiator, even if I mount the fans on the inside of the case. I may just end up going with the Stealth because the extra cooling will be worth the slight flow restriction in my books. The Black Ice Stealth is only 2.960cm thick so it will fit without any problems and I will just mount the fans on the inside of my case and lose the access of the last motherboard slot (3rd PCI-e slot, won't use it lol). The fans I was looking for this radiator are the Scythe Slip Stream 1200rpm fans pushing 68.54CFM at 24.0dBA.
Here is a link to the fans:
http://www.pccasegear.com.au/prod6026.htm

last Night I sent a few E-mails to some good PC retailers with regards to sponsorship. when I got home from school today I had received a response to my E-mail. The company in question admired my initiative in sending an email and after viewing my worklog greatly liked what I had already done. Sadly the business is a bit tied up at the moment and physically can not provide any assistance for me at the moment but they said they had saved my E-mail and if their conditions change in the near future they would be able to offer assistance. I am still waiting on a response from my other E-mail.

Well that's it for tonight guys, tomorrow I will try to get some more plastic mounted or do a bit more mesh work. I have exams next week so I really should be studying but that's what school is for ;). Until then...

Happy Modding.

[Xperiment]

I am using the Black Ice GT Stealth II and have had no problems whatsoever with it. Also flow rate seems more than acceptable, given there is quite a large whirlpool in my res :)

I also have it mounted the exact same way, and the 'thinness' of the rad itself was of great help allowing the rad and fans to both be mounted inside the case. The only drawback I have found from this mounting position is that it acts as a 240mm hoover sucking in a large amount of dust from the desk area. That's nothing a quick clean once every 2 weeks doesn't fix.

But going by my experience with the Stealth I would definately recommend it as a mid range radiator, with its main benefit being the compact size and very high build quality.

Hope you have the same joy with it as I have had.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for your input, I noticed that you had your fans sucking from the bottom of the case. If I end up going down this road I would mount the fans so they suck air from the inside of the case and blow it through the radiator and out the bottom of the case. This will allow my other radiator to draw in a minimal amount of hot air and also keep my other components cooler.

[Xperiment]

Fans should always be mounted so that they suck air through the radiator, not blow air onto it. Also the air inside your case is going to be hotter than that outside the case, so sucking air from inside your case through your rad will perform less well than usin the cool air outside.

Thats why I mounted mine the way round I did, get the coldest air moving across the rad, which is then removed straight out the back of the case.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I guess but you have a 120mm fan on your PSU plus the 120mm rear fan. I have a 80mm fan on my PSU and my rear 120mm fan has another radiator attached to it plus another 80mm fan on the top of the case. Hmmm, you do have a valid point, even on my 120mm radiator it is mounted on the outside of the case with a fan pushing air through it. I know what you are saying is true, this just sounded right at the time of the post lol, my mistake.

[TEAMIKKE]

Although airflow matters, it isn't vital. Especially not with watercooling. Everyone with a good 240. rad of even more can cool his rig. What really matters is, that you have enough outtakes.

My case has 7 fans and the are all outtake. Here's a little sketch of it.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/Demission/Airflow.jpg

Green = radiator
Blue = fans
red = HD's

It hasn't any intake! Still I can run passive with my watercool setup. My E6300 never runs hotter than 33 gr. Celcious (?). Only with gaming I'll turn the fans on (Noctua's: Quiet and little airflow) and still then it won't run hot. And they suck up ''hot'' air from the mainboard area!

If I were you, I woulnd't be so worried ;) Same for the flow. If you have a good pump it can handle the resistance. That's were they are made for! You woulnd't buy a 8800ultra to play Age Of empires, right ;)

Good job on detail btw ;)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the input. This is my first water cooled rig and I want to get it right the first time to save me trouble later. You and Xperiment both have valid points about fan placement but now after thinking about it I am leaning towards Xperiments rad set up. This also allows me to more effectively cool my RAM and Mosphet sinks on my 8800GTX.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys I have decided to go for the Black Ice Stealth 240mm radiator with or without a sponsor, at only $95.00AUD it is cheaper than my 120mm Black Ice Xtreme.

Today I wanted to see if the radiator would actually fit in my case but first I had to re-attach the case feet back onto the case.
Pic of the re-attached case feet:
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/1734/dsc01685jm4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Next I drew up the exact measurements of the radiator on a sheet of paper and cut it out so I can use it as a template.
Pic of the template:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8831/dsc01686ov2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I know the template looks a bit big but this is the exact dimensions, the fans I drew on are a bit small and throws you off a bit.
Fitting the template on the floor of the case:
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7254/dsc01687eg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
As you can see the template fits with about a 1cm gap at the PCI slits which needs to stay there due to the way the case feet are mounted.
The template with a fan on it:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1035/dsc01689gm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Two fans fit comfortably in this space but this may lead to another problem that I will elaborate a bit more on in a minute.

The only downside of mounting the fans like this is as follows:
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6565/dsc01690dn8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The pump doesn't fit where I intended to mount it. Damn you say? I say challenge ;).

Here is my solution.
I will make a small platform out of the plexi that the pump will sit on, this elevates it off the case floor and above those fans.
Here is a mock up I did quickly with some scrap plexi I had:
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8224/dsc01691lr3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That's not all of my problems though lol.
Take a look at this pic:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1286/dsc01692fz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is a pic of the rear case feet. See the curve of the plastic? This may make mounting the radiator a bit more difficult. It actually won't fit unless I cut part of the feet away. This will also mean strengthening what is left of the plastic case feet because this computer will be heavy once the water loop is filled and the hardware is installed. That's all for now guys, I have to work tomorrow after school and Friday I have a driving lesson (woohoo almost have my license) so probably no update until Saturday night or Sunday. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[TEAMIKKE]

Make new custom feets! Stronger and they will fit the case even better then. I like it how you put everything in such a little space.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I want to keep the feet because it keeps with the contour of the original design. If you have a look at a LEXA side on the front and rear molding curves so it is "perfectly symmetrical", this includes the case feet. If I remove or destroy the original feet the case just wouldn't look right.
here is a pic of what I mean:
http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://specialtech.co.uk/spshop/files/detail/nzxt_6.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php%3Fproductid%3D1846%26cat%3D0%26page%3D 19&h=344&w=400&sz=25&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=NnwIUpDmZpHJWM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnzxt%2Blexa%2Bside%2Bon%26gbv%3D2%26s vnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG
This makes it easier to understand what I am saying lol.

[Xperiment]

I can sympathise with the problems you are having. I had to cross the exact same obsicle fitting mine. In the end I made my own feet for the case.

Here (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/RadInstalled1.jpg) is how my rad fitted in, and Here (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/xperiment_2006/1.jpg) is how the feet ended up.

EDIT: Posted at the same time! - Ahh I see what you mean with the feet and how they fit in with the case shape. Hmm not really an option to remove then. Is there no room to move the rad away from them by a few mm?

[The boy 4rm oz]

I would mount my rad the same way but it means I will lose access to 2 PCI slots which I don't want to do. I don't mind losing access to one (3rd PCI-E slot) but the slot above that is a standard PCI slot (I only have 2which I can really use due to water cooling). Those case feet look awesome mate, haven't seen them yet lol.

[Xperiment]

Thats the main problem, loosing expansion slots. I have had to loose 1 x PCI-E and 2 x PCI slots in order to get the rad in.

Would it be possible to mount the rad underneath the case with only the fans inside so you only loose 1 (if that) expansion slot. Then make a kind of stand to hide the rad and raise it off the ground. Could look kinda cool.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Would it be possible to mount the rad underneath the case with only the fans inside so you only loose 1 (if that) expansion slot.

I always intended to mount the radiator on the underside of the case with the fans inside (minimal loss of expansion slots).

As for moving the res forward, that's impossible. If I move it forward I will be going under the HDD bays with the barbs and I don't want to hack that up nor do I want the barbs coming up right in front of the expansion slots. I will have to take about a half inch of plastic away from the rear case feet so the radiator will slip in between them rather than the feet needing to be replaced. The only down side to this is the lack of strength in the case feet but that's nothing some metal strip can't take care of.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys I hopefully intend to order my radiator over the weekend so I can hopefully have it installed by next weekend. I also need to buy two more fans and fan grills plus dust traps and more cable sleeving.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys a very minor update for this weekend. I have had a few problems which I will elaborate on later this post.

Well I have finally rebuilt the front of the case after fixing up the majority of the cabling a few months back. everything went back together as it should and it all works great, looks cool with the cable sleeving also ;).
Here is a pic of the assembled case front:
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6595/dsc01697cb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the rear of it with as much cable sleeved as I can:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/6784/dsc01698mv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ok so now on to my problem.
The rear of the NZXT LEXA has a plastic plate which looks like this:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1239/dsc01694vs4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This plastic plate is meant to make the rear of the case perfectly symmetrical with the front case fascia. Due to the way I have mounted my radiator the plate doesn't fit as it should.
Pic:
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8471/dsc01695es9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
As you can see in this picture one of the support bars is in the way of the radiator.
This is your problem you say! Oh no no no, this is a simple problem to rectify, my problem lies with my tools.
I measured and marked what parts of this plastic plate needed to be cut:
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3971/dsc01696ie3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I then proceeded to go to the shed to cut of the troublesome support bar with a cutting disk and my Sontax rotary tool. I power up the tool and nothing happens. Hmm, I check that the power at the socket in on and try again, still nothing. I try spinning the cutting disk with my fingers and it bursts into life but only for a second before I smell this weird smell and the rpm's of the tool gradually drop to nothing. I tried everything to get this crappy thing working again. I blew out the vents with the air compressor, this made it better but it still died eventually.

So it looks like I have to go see if I can go get it replaced under warranty but I doubt that. Dad being the efficient man he is sent the receipt to the tax agency along with other stuff so he could get his tax return tallied. This a real problem because this thing didn't come with any warranty slip so looks like I am stuck. I can't do any work on the case with out this tool so the mod will be on hold for a while. Unless the place I bought it from will swap it for a genuine Dremel ;), but I highly doubt this :(.

There is some good news in this though. I have ordered my HWLabs Black Ice GT Stealth along with another 2 metres of tubing and should have them by the end of the week. I'll keep you guys posted. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[TEAMIKKE]

Bad news :( But I'm sure you'll fix it! In the meantime you can do other things.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well in the mean time the only thing I can do is some cable sleeving, which I don't want to do just yet cos I want to see how all the plastic panels fit in the case first. I could try a hack saw on that plastic but my guess is that it will warp and snap, safer bet is to wait for a replacement rotary tool.

I got a confirmation E-mail regarding the status of my radiator and tubing, they received my order and will ship anytime tomorrow after they receive payment. God bless Visa lol.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well bad news guys. Firstly the place I ordered the radiator hasn't responded to my payment so I need to give them a call and see what's up. Secondly the place I brought my Dremel knock off from won't replace it due to them not stocking them any more and the fact I don't have a receipt. The receipt would have cost $120AUD to get back from the tax accountant. There is good news now though;). Dad brought me a brand new genuine Dremel 300 series and I also had my last exam today so I intend to spend tomorrow modding :).

Now it's time for pics of my new toy ;).
Here is the nice a new box:
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7202/dsc01699ox4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the case, the blue box on the side holds the accessories:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/2395/dsc01700gs5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A close up of the box, not a lot in it but I have all of the attachments from my broken knock off:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9562/dsc01701dl1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And finally here is the Dremel 300:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4513/dsc01702ag5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A close up shot:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2827/dsc01703st6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I hope to get a lot of work done tomorrow guys, in between my driving lesson. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[TEAMIKKE]

Nice one! for accesoires I always go to the cheap shops. Sometimes they have those boxes with loads of accesoires for only €5,- or something like that. Quality is good enough.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah the Dremel stuff is really expensive. I am just using the stuff from my broken knock off.

[Darth Dad]

Hope you did well on your tests...I agree, use a real Dremel tool and cheap attachments...(It has worked for me )

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hope you did well on your tests.

Thanks mate, so do I.

Well guys I have a driving lesson in just under an hour so when I get home it's modding time.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok guys, a small update of what I did today.

Lets rewind a bit. You remember the rear plastic plate of the case?
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3971/dsc01696ie3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Well Today I cut it to accommodate my radiator:
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/79/dsc01704vo0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here it is installed:
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9226/dsc01707yb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And a side view:
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5320/dsc01709wk0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Perfect fit, will look even better without the finger prints ;)

Well that's all for now, may have an update tomorrow. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[p0Pe]

nice.... ill wish for a dremel for christmas too:D

[The boy 4rm oz]

They are great things Dremels but make sure you don't make the same mistake I did, knock offs are crap, it's a genuine Dremel or it's nuthn.

A small update on my 240mm radiator. I called the retailer today but couldn't get through. I will try again tomorrow.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok time for a picture update. Officially all oh my schooling for this year has finished so after school I got right into modding.

I started by removing my plastic panels and dismantled my drive bays.
Here is a picture of the process.
Un-riveted:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2803/dsc01710he7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Dismantled:
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5966/dsc01711dj0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
From here I removed the front intake fan housing because I needed to do a bit of work on it.
Here is the removed housing:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4907/dsc01712ht1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Due to me using a 3-pin power header on this fan I decided to drill a hole in the housing to make the routing of the cables easier.
Here is the fan (just a stock Cooler Master one my friend gave me):
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4553/dsc01713rr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And because I had some rubber grommets laying around I thought I may use one.
Pic of the housing and grommet:
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/3475/dsc01714po3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now to find the correct drill bit. This one fits perfectly on the inside of the grommet so I will use this as a base and step up the bit size if need be.
Pic of the drill bit and grommet:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8160/dsc01716vg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Hole drilled (I needed to go a few bits larger for the correct hole size):
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4719/dsc01717rf2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Grommet installed, perfect fit:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8382/dsc01718qt5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now to have a look with the fan installed:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3267/dsc01719dq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Fits perfectly and makes cable routing just a little bit easier.

On to the painting.
First coat of primer:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3100/dsc01720fp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And the final coat of black with the grommet installed:
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1835/dsc01722ak5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Looks pretty good if I don't say so myself.

That's it for today, with this part of the case dismantled I can finally finish the rest of my plastic mounting, tomorrow perhaps. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well guys I am having a hell of a time trying to contact the place that sells the HW Labs radiators here in Australia. Every time I call the phone just rings out and they aren't returning my emails. I figure they may be on holidays or moving store, they may even have closed down.

Well enough of the sad stuff, on to the modding :).

I completed my disk drive cover today and I am quite proud of how it turned out, nothing went wrong haha.
Here is the piece of plastic I started with, I had already cut it to size and just had to add indents for rivets and extrusions on the case.
Here is a pic:
http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/8242/dsc01725lk7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Same piece of plastic but with the protective plastic removed:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1203/dsc01726xk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Pay no attention to the top left corner of the plexi, I slipped with the Dremel but it's ok, this part is covered by the top of the case anyway.
Now installed on to the window side of the drive bays:
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/2982/dsc01728im3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
It fits perfectly.
Now here is the support bar:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4836/dsc01731tb1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Plenty of room.

While I was doing this I also drilled a hole for the HDD thermal sensor and of course it isn't complete with out a nice rubber grommet.
Here is the hole (middle top, under the slit):
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6528/dsc01729nh5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And now with the grommet installed:
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/9400/dsc01730xf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now doesn't that look much better.

Well that's all for now. I needed to keep myself occupied today, I have my driving test tomorrow and I am a bit nervous lol. Hopefully tomorrow arvo I can get the window side floppy bay cover installed. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[p0Pe]

looking good!:D

[Xperiment]

Great work, looks much better than bare metal.

Good luck with the driving test :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks mate. The test is at 8am so I gotta get up early lol. Hope I pass though.

[TEAMIKKE]

Should be no problem if you are just as good as with modding ;)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks all. I have half an hour until my test so wish me luck :).

[billygoat333]

good luck? hope ya did good sorry bout the late good luck :P like the case so far. :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well the good news is I passed yay lol, got 91% out of a needed 80%. I did some more work today and have taken more pics but I won't upload them until tomorrow.

[Darth Dad]

Congrats on your test score! :D
Good job!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks. It a huge weight off my shoulders. Now the only thing I have to worry about is modding lol.

[billygoat333]

Well the good news is I passed yay lol, got 91% out of a needed 80%. I did some more work today and have taken more pics but I won't upload them until tomorrow.

woo! :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Finally the update I promised guys, I know it's not a lot but I worked everyday the past week so I haven't had any time for modding.

I have completed the FDD cover.
Here is the piece cut, sanded and drilled ready to go with an assortment of mounting bolts.
Pic:
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6937/dsc01733oz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The exposed piece of plexi:
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5742/dsc01734pc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Installed with the disk drive bay cover:
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3947/dsc01735ej5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A shot of them both together:
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1446/dsc01737ns9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now with a bit of UV light:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/8026/dsc01739jq3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I know the glow looks a bit "blotchy" but in reality this plastic glows under any light and I have plenty of light in my case.
And finally a shot with the rear cover for the disk drives:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6035/dsc01740ws6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looks quite good together I think but I think something is missing. I have an idea that I am looking to try out and hopefully it turns out. I think you guys will like it. Well that's all for now. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[TEAMIKKE]

I do like the plexi but I think that bare metal beneath it, doesn't look so good. I think you should paint it! Make it black or something. Then it would be a lot prettier.

[.Maleficus.]

I do like the plexi but I think that bare metal beneath it, doesn't look so good. I think you should paint it! Make it black or something. Then it would be a lot prettier.
The only problem with painting it black is the green no longer looks as green. Then it looks like black with a strange tint on it.

[The boy 4rm oz]

It will be black. I was just showing you guys how the plexi looked mounted. If you have a look a few pages back to how I did the support bar plexi you will have a better idea. I guess I should have put that in earlier lol.

EDIT: Must have posted this as Maleficus posted his comment.

[TEAMIKKE]

Good job then :up: Also like how you made the back of those bays.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Also like how you made the back of those bays.

Thanks, I know they are a bit different and they are actually a bit crooked but you don't notice it when it's installed.

[lolhalol]

amazing stuffs man... trully amazing... congrats on ur tests score ... and thats hell of a sexy hdd cage

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks buddy, I try my best haha.

[gnat]

They are great things Dremels but make sure you don't make the same mistake I did, knock offs are crap, it's a genuine Dremel or it's nuthn.

A small update on my 240mm radiator. I called the retailer today but couldn't get through. I will try again tomorrow.

:up:

Make sure if you haven't already picked one up to get one with the variable speed not one with just two speeds or whatever. The variable speed dremels are so much better.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I got the 300 series which is variable speed.

[The boy 4rm oz]

YAY, I have heard back from the place I ordered my radiator from. They HAD moved stores and changed their website so that's why they didn't receive my order (I sent them an email a few days before Christmas inquiring about this). I am going to place an order when they start again in the new year (Jan 3rd I think).

Also I would like your opinions on something. As I was looking at the site where I will be getting my extra fans and grills etc. from I found that they had got this radiator in.
Alphacool NexXxos Pro II REV.2 Radiator (240mm):
http://www.pccasegear.com.au/prod6172.htm
What do you guys think? Have any of you used this radiator or know anyone using one? This place stocks the HWLabs Black Ice radiators also but don't have the 240mm Stealth (I will have to ask about that when they open early Jan). Ordering the radiator from this store will save me a credit card surcharge and another postage bill. The radiator is also about $10AUD cheaper than the Black Ice Stealth 240mm but doesn't come with fittings, with the fittings they are about the same cost (fittings are $4AUD each :eek:).

Anyway onto the modding. There is very little for me to do until I get my radiator because I can't paint that last bit of case until the holes are cut for the radiator fans and I can't mount the pump until the radiator is mounted.

I have however almost finished mounting my second to last piece of plastic.
Ok so here is the victim for today :twisted:, a piece of plastic cut to size and sanded correctly:
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6225/dsc01741lg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is how it will be mounted:
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7859/dsc01742nj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I will be using these small brackets to hold the piece of plastic in place:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/729/dsc01743gr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here are the first two brackets mounted, I have mounted the bracket on the existing screw holes from the outer disk drive bay and floppy disk bay cover.
Pic:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4523/dsc01744nu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is another or the brackets mounted directly opposite the other two, I had to drill this hole:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5219/dsc01745nj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And the final one installed on the HDD rack directly under the bracket shown in the last pic, once again I had to drill this hole:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2593/dsc01746lc9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a pic of all the brackets installed in their correct places:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4497/dsc01747pt2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I haven't done any more to this piece of plastic or the last remaining one due to me running out of the screws I was using so no more work with plastic until I get some more.

I was however sidetracked by a little side project.
This is my ASUS EN8800GTX:
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6471/dsc01748jv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I was originally going to remove the plastic shroud from the fan and aluminium fins thinking it would yield better cooling until I found that two of the mounting screws were under the GRAW themed sticker (which is directly stuck into the default Nvidia one by the way). I scrapped this idea and after cleaning as much dust from the fan and aluminium fins of the cooler moved on to my next idea.
Sorry about this blurry pic guys, my camera doesn't like extreme close ups lol.
This is the a pic of the very edge of the PCB (furthest away from the DVI ports):
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/6764/dsc01751sv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
If you look in the center of the picture above the three capacitors right next to each other you will see the fan cable. Just above that is two little chips about 1cm squared, I have no idea what they do but due to my computer not being in a case I did a bit of poking around while everything was running to find "hot spots" and believe me when I touched these chips I burnt my finger tip quite badly.
Before I can get started on my mini mod I had to detach the fan cable so I could get in and around those little chips.
Here is a pic:
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/3499/dsc01752mn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I had a little look in my bits box and found these Zalman RAM sinks. These were originally from a cooler I got for my 6600GT and due to it only having something like 4 RAM chips on board I had 4 left over.
Here they are:
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6442/dsc01754it0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I was originally going to mount the RAM sinks length ways (they are rectangular) so they would get better air flow from my side mounted case fan. Because the default 8800GTX cooler is a little bulky it was a little hard to do it this way so I settled with putting a single RAM sink across both of the chips.
Here is a pic of the sink installed:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1435/dsc01755fa5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The fan cable plugged back in:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8044/dsc01756ii7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And finally the card installed back into my system:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7122/dsc01757cf5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Even with this single RAM sink covering both chips the temp of the chips has dropped significantly at both idle and load. I don't have any actual temp readings but my trusty finger does the job ;). This is only temporary until I get my water block installed, then I will use two of the remaining 3 and cut them to size so they cover the whole area of the chips (at the moment there is about 3-4mm of chip showing each side of the RAM sink), I will also mount the RAM sinks to get the best airflow inside of my case.

Well that's all I have for now guys. I hope to get some more screws before New Years so I can finish mounting that plastic. Once again sorry for the blurry pictures, it's my cameras fault, not mine. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[jdbnsn]

looking great! very colorful too.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks mate, it's always good to get feedback and +rep from a Veteran lol :).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well I was lucky and managed to go to the hardware store and get the screws later on today. Once I had them mounting this piece of plexi took only about half an hour. So enough talking, lets get modding.

Here are the screws I am using (there are more, these are just the ones I need):
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5954/dsc01759om1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Sorry the pic is from so far away.
Here they are cut to size and with the ends touched up by the Dremel:
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/5200/dsc01760jo3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is how I am mounting the plastic. First I put the screw through the bracket and tighten it until it stops moving with a nut, I then put the piece of plastic in place and hold it there using dome nuts. I do it this way to make the plastic easier to remove while in the system.
Here is a semi-side on picture of the set up:
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6963/dsc01761oy1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The protected piece of plastic installed:
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2460/dsc01762jy0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is the plastic installed with the protection removed:
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/51/dsc01763mm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now I know what your thinking, you are all think why is there a huge gap between the disk drive and floppy drive covers well here is the answer. The very last drive bay is where my reservoir is situated. Due to it being shorted than a CD drive I decided to leave it out of the disk drive cover and make a seperate one.
Here it is:
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/83/dsc01764sh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
It is made out of a piece of mesh, it's not done yet. I still have to drill holes and install grommets for tubing pass through along with mounting holes plus I have to fix up the cuts and spray the silver mesh black.
Here is a shot of the CD and floppy drive bays almost finished:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2864/dsc01765uv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Looks pretty good in my eye and it will look a lot better once I finish the reservoir cover and paint the drive bays black. I also have to do a few minor adjustments to some of the plexi pieces to make them sit flat and line up straight. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[UrbanLegend_NY]

*EDIT: QUOTE REMOVED! -Luke*

Hey those little square things that burnt your finger are voltage regulators. I'm surprised that ASUS didn't put a heat sink on them from factory. Those suckers will get hot enough to fry an egg and get second degree burns. It was a good idea to put a heat sink on them because they will burn out quickly if they are allowed to continuity overheat. Looks like a bulky video card too. My HD2900's are that big too. I weighed them today and they weigh 3 pounds each! heavy lil suckers. good luck with the Lexa project looks like ur coming along good. +rep

UL_NY

[p0Pe]

UL_NY plz dont quote the images to:P...

looking good as always:)... nice with the gtx :/...

[.Maleficus.]

UL_NY plz dont quote the images to:P...

looking good as always:)... nice with the gtx :/...
p0Pe said what everyone is thinking... You actually don't need to quote an update at all, it just makes the log harder to read.

Looking great though The boy 4rm oz!

[Xperiment]

Looking good boy 4rm oz , loving the green plexi (obviously)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for all the comments and +rep guys. I'm glad you like my work. I hope to have an update for you all shortly. I hope you all had a good New Years.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry there hasn't been an update for a while guys. I have only 2 weeks of holidays left before my final year of school starts and me and my friends are trying to make the most of it.

Anyway, all that said I have actually had time for modding (well only today actually lol).
Ok, see this gap:
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2678/dsc01768eg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is where my reservoir is to me mounted, it isn't as long as a CD drive so I have decided to cover the cap with a piece of mesh and cut pass through holes for the tubing.
Here is the piece of mesh cut to size and holes drilled:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2748/dsc01769yf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Test fitting, fits perfectly:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7162/dsc01770rr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Bolted on to see what it looks like:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6046/dsc01772tj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Mesh painted and installed, sorry no pics of the painting:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9372/dsc01775hm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A shot of all the drive bays installed, nearly finished YAY:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3249/dsc01776tr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A lighted shot:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6050/dsc01778xw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This whole top section is almost complete. I still have to paint the actual drive bays black and trim down a few pieces of the plexi to get it to sit right.

Next we move on to some painting.
Here is the victim:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8417/dsc01767bg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This piece is the very front of the case, it helps support the drive bays. It doesn't really need painting because it won't be seen but you can't paint a case and leave a piece out ;).
Here is the painted piece:
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1619/dsc01773cr3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

After this was painted I thought that I may as well re attach it to the front fan bracket.
The front panel, fan bracket, dust trap, screws and grommets:
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1013/dsc01780ys0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The fan bracket fitted in place:
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8625/dsc01781nj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Riveted together:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/121/dsc01782zo5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Grommets installed:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5923/dsc01783wz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Dust trap and screws installed so I don't lose them:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8498/dsc01784nd8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A picture of the lot:
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6320/dsc01785mk2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That's all I did today. The end is getting near, all I need to do is get the radiator and mount it and get some fans and a few more bits and pieces. I also have to make a plexi pump platform so I can fit the pump in the case. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

No replies? I'm heartbroken lol.

Well today was my brothers birthday so I didn't get much work done so before his friends came over I put together the case that were done for some progress shots for you guys.
Here are the pics.
A side on view of the entire case:
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9729/dsc01786ew1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
All of the drive bays:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6415/dsc01787jg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A close up of the optical drive bays:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2937/dsc01789gn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A close up of the HDD bays:
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/683/dsc01790mf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The PSU cover and radiator:
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8681/dsc01791td4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The expansion slots:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3183/dsc01792ue0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Getting really close to completion now. Let me know what you guys think, suggestions are always welcome. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[silverdemon]

No replies? I'm heartbroken lol...

We're speechless...

great modding it is, hmm

keep up the good work!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks, I'm still waiting on a reply for my new radiator but once I get that the mod is almost done.

[Ethan Jay]

This is awesome. You should definitely get some diffuse LED lighting on the plexi.

[The boy 4rm oz]

This is awesome. You should definitely get some diffuse LED lighting on the plexi.

I was thinking of lighting the plexi but I already have 3 UV CCFLs (1x 30cm 2x 10cm) scattered around my case that should do a good enough job. Also the plexi I am using glows brightly when I put it over one of my blue LED fans, I don't know why but it works. However I do have a 3 LED ultra bright LED module which will be lighting the side of the disk drives and floppy drive covers. I hope that's enough lighting, I'm not that great at wiring LEDs up and stuff like that lol.

Thanks for the comment.

[jdbnsn]

I made a banner for your project, it's in your first post. I know the text looks bad, when I get more time I'll try to fix that up to look better.

[poisonreap]

Looks great, can't wait to see the final look! +rep :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the +rep, comments and the banner. It looks great jdbnsn.

[slamaa]

Hey The boy 4rm oz, Just read through your log, very nice work. I'm loving this repuation thing, i have you some points.

cheers
slamaa

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks man, glad you like it. I left you a message before...and some +rep, your mod is fantastic. Thanks for the +rep buddy. I am going to knuckle down tomorrow and try to get a whole heap of painting and stuff done.

[jdbnsn]

ugh, I had been working on beefing up your banner last night and it was looking awesome, then photoshop crashed. :(

[The boy 4rm oz]

Don't go out of your way for me, I know you have better stuff to do than fiddle with my banner.

[jdbnsn]

Don't go out of your way for me, I know you have better stuff to do than fiddle with my banner.

Thanks for understanding. I am rather enjoying making it though so I don't mind taking a little time doing it right. I have it partially restored, what do you think of it?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Oh man that is so awesome, fantastic job, thanks.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry about the lack of pics guys (I should have some up tomorrow) but I thought I should tell you what's going on. I have painted the motherboard tray (pics tomorrow) and riveted it to the front and rear panel of the case (pics tomorrow). I also need to do a bit more work on the drive bays and then I can take all the plastic off them and paint the bare metal black, only problem is I'm out of paint lol. Oh well, just another thing to add to the list. I am still needing to order my 240mm radiator, I know the supplier was moving warehouse but I guess I will give them a call tomorrow, the good thing is that my auntie said she would buy it for me so that's $100AUD I don't have to spend lol. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok guys, here are some pics as promised.
Here we have my mobo tray:
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8774/dsc01794iw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I need to make a cut so I can rout cables, here is a before shot:
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4792/dsc01795jg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And thanks to my trusty Dremel, here is an after shot:
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2042/dsc01796gd3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now onto the painting.
Here is a shot of the primed mobo tray:
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1126/dsc01797tb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the painted mobo tray:
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/3425/dsc01798js7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And finally some construction pics. I have attached the rear panel, mobo tray and front panel together, looks quite good in black.
Here are the pics.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5583/dsc01799zo6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3328/dsc01800pn2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7345/dsc01801rc6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is a pic with the top panel installed...just cos I can lol:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6521/dsc01802hb8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I still haven't got my paint yet so I haven't finished the alterations to the drive bays, I hope to get them done soon. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[ulysses.cazuquel]

Work great friend The boy 4rm oz
The radiator in that position improves its performance?
Thank you for your comments on my topic

[The boy 4rm oz]

Work great friend The boy 4rm oz
The radiator in that position improves its performance?
Thank you for your comments on my topic

I don't know if it improves performance but I couldn't fit it in the case so I chose to mount it on the outside. It was too hard for me to find spacers to raise it off the back of the case so I cut the inside of an old fan out and used that as a spacer instead. At least it eliminated the dead spot created by fans and should increase air pressure slightly.

Thanks for the comment.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I have some updates for you guys.
First some modifications to the drive bays for cable management.
Here is the drive bay before modification:
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/2382/dsc01803hv4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
After modification:
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9465/dsc01805ae7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Next I have to expand on a pre drilled hole to make a piece of plexi sit flush.
Here is where the hole is (with mounting bolt still in it):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8982/dsc01806mm4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the hole after some surgery (sorry about the bad pic, I guess you can't really see the hole):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/3444/dsc01807dn2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Next we have a bent piece of mesh, no pics of the bending process but I basically used a rubber mallet and a bench vice/
Here is a pic of the bent mesh:
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/1236/dsc01808xr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here are a couple of pics how it will look when mounted:
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3953/dsc01809ph4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8540/dsc01810qx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here is a pic of the mesh drilled and with the protective covers removed:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/8444/dsc01811up7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The mesh primed:
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7128/dsc01812lv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And painted:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3628/dsc01813ew9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And a final installation shot:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2043/dsc01815ug0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ok now this is the final part of the update. I have to drill holes in the interior reservoir cover for tubing pass through.
Here is the piece of mesh, mounted:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2308/dsc01816rh7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Next I have to drill the holes, here is my trusty drill:
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/7402/dsc01817om3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Well halfway through drilling the first hole the drill went dead, bloody battery, even the spare is dead.
Here is a picture of the hole so far:
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/4070/dsc01818ed4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Batteries charged and both holes cut:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4895/dsc01819op4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I scratched the mesh a bit while drilling so I gave it a touch up coat of paint, looks much better now:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3470/dsc01820qz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Rubber grommets installed into both of the holes:
http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/6812/dsc01821qo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And the completed mesh re-installed onto the drive bays:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/290/dsc01823yh0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And finally Here is a pic showing you how the reservoir inlet and outlet match up with the holes:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4553/dsc01824lr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The hole on the right looks a bit out but it is just the angle the camera took the picture on, both of the holes line up perfectly.

Well guys that's all I have for you now, I am hoping to paint the drive bays over the weekend and get them into the case but I guess I will have to wait and see how that goes. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[p0Pe]

ohhhh that mesh with the rubber wholes looks AWSOME! nice work man!:D

+transport & industry

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha thanks mate, the pair of those grommets cost me $3AUD. I used a 1/2" hole saw and the grommets are 3/4" so they fit nearly perfectly, they move around a bit so your holes don't need to be 100% perfect.

[.Maleficus.]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/TBCS_Group/Ichbin/Frontpage.jpg (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=171505#post171505)

[ulysses.cazuquel]

Congratulations friend The boy 4rm oz
His project is really very good

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thank you sooooooooooo much for the front page and thank you for your kind comments and rep along the way. I should have a very small update up in a few mins.

P.S I love the description I was given on the front page ;).

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok guys like I said it's time for a very small update. School is back on (my final year YAY) so you will probably be seeing less of me but I will try to get you weekly updates.

Ok, on to the modding.

Here is the drive bay section completely dismantled and ready for it's coat of primer and paint:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/469/dsc01827mu6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And here is the piece being primed, well almost (I'll explain the "almost" later):
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/9779/dsc01828jl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well half way through priming this piece I ran out of primer (that was the "almost" :() and it may take a few days to get some more primer. Due to this set back I have nothing else to really show you guys but as soon as I get the primer I will finish priming and get straight on to the painting. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[jiggiwiddit]

Just read your log from the beginning, this looks like its gonna be reel cool when its finished. Congrats on the front page- well deserved. +Rep +Subscribe

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the comment jiggi, I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the +rep.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Once again I would like to thank all you guys for your comments and +rep about making the front page, you all gave me my 4th green box.

[jdbnsn]

You've earned it, outstanding work always warrants recognition. Great job!

Jon

[KemMotaRD]

Excellent mod, finally someone with the green and black, my favourite colors!+rep
I got sick of blue, every single mod that I come across it is blue or red, so many little number of green mods.
Looking forward to see this baby completed!:banana:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well I have blue fans but the rest is green. If you like my mod check out Project Reality by Xperiment. I got a lot of inspiration from his mod.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry guys, still no update. Looks like I wont be able to get that primer until the weekend. I can't wait, I really want to see how the drive bays look all painted with the plexi.

[onelegout]

Awesome mod!
I have the same case but I've not thought of modding it until now :D

Looking forward to the next update!
Stay cool,
H

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha thanks for the comment buddy. It's an awesome case the LEXA, not as sturdy as I would have liked but an awesome case all the same.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I got my primer today after school guys. It is quite windy here so I will leave the priming and painting until tomorrow. I promise to have pics up by tomorrow night.

[p0Pe]

just do it in the living room:D...

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha yeah mum would kill me. I did it in the garage once on a box and dad yelled at me cos half the spray went on the cement floor lol.

[p0Pe]

haha:D.... my sister once painted her shoes pink to close to the old fokes car "lol"

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hmmm I can just tell that ended badly haha.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well I painted those drive bays so here are some pics.
The finished priming:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5976/dsc01829ab6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Half Painted:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6061/dsc01830py5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Completely painted:
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/893/dsc01831pe4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Now it's time to add the plastic:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7443/dsc01832ip5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The front installed first:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1884/dsc01833ia1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And now the side:
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/381/dsc01834hs4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Well I'm in a hurry guys so no more pics for now. Enjoy. Until then...

Happy Modding.

[Zephik]

Haha yeah mum would kill me. I did it in the garage once on a box and dad yelled at me cos half the spray went on the cement floor lol.

Yea... well... I'm not terribly bright either it seems.

So, apparently I didn't put down enough newspaper (lol yea, that was the problem) in my room, because when I went to spray paint my chassis frame Hammered Black, I guess the mist drifted past the newspaper and onto the white carpet and white walls. It was kind of funny, because you couldn't notice at all for some reason until you lifted the newspaper away. I guess it was so little and it was such a light "fade" you couldn't notice. But boy you sure could when I "cleaned up". lol A nice perfect outline of where I had laid down the newspaper.

Yup, 20 years old and I didn't know any better. That is awfully sad really, but it was a nice learning experience and it really opened up my eyes as to why people set up booths and not just a retarded amount of newspaper. lol

Keep up the good work on the mod man, its lookin' pretty good. If you fail, every lexa lover/owner around the world shall shun you for life! :p

..........
oh yea, as to the reason why I would do such a thing. Well, it was cold as heck outside for one. But also, I am deathly afraid of the roaming deer that wander around right outside my house during the night. lol

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha thanks for the comment. Sucks about the carpet lol. I couldn't tell I had painted the floor until I lifted up my painting box. I tried to clean it up but had no success. I just told dad that garages are meant to be dirty so get over it. All in all I got what I had to do lol.

[Ap1thy]

LOL... this mod really stands out to me for the subtleness, not putting in a huge blowhole or a gigantic window, its more of the complete look +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks. I didn't want to change the physical features of the case because thats what drew me to it in the first place. The inside was just a bit boring ;).

Thanks for the +rep.

[jiggiwiddit]

LOL... this mod really stands out to me for the subtleness, not putting in a huge blowhole or a gigantic window, its more of the complete look +rep

I agree, "Project LEXA" should look like a 'lexa'

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was going for.

[cooldud02123]

hay were did u get the uv glass from

[The boy 4rm oz]

Um well its not really UV. It is just green acrylic that happens to glow under any type of light. I "took" off cuts from my school. I know that they buy it in 5x5m square sheets. The AC Ryan plexi squares are basically the same as what I am using.

[cooldud02123]

o ok sweet i want to get some for my comp thanks

[The boy 4rm oz]

No problem buddy.

[cooldud02123]

ok so like i would like to know like wich one is better the q6600 or the e8400

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well as far as I know the Q6600 is kinda rated as the new E6600, great value and a good over clocker. Personally I think a CPU like the E8400 is overkill. I don't really know much about the E8400, you should send Luke122 a message, I know he is using one and got a pretty good OC with it.

[cooldud02123]

ok i well ask luke122

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well very little happening on my end. I am just getting bits and pieces together so when it comes time to put the case back together there is minimal fuss.

I have however done the final little adjustments to the drive bays.
I cut this hole to pass some molex cables through from the PSU to power all the fans, CCFLs etc. It is a bit sharp so time to put some fan hole molding on it.
Before:
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1770/dsc01835zf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
After:
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5845/dsc01836do8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Next we have the hole I cut in the mobo tray and the PSU support.
Before:
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6285/dsc01837ax4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
After:
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3878/dsc01838bz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here is the cut I made to allow fan cables to enter the drive bay area.
Before:
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3112/dsc01839et1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
After:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1475/dsc01841oo9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

While I was at it I decided to also cover one of the mesh edges that was visible on the drive bays.
Before:
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7323/dsc01842cs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
After:
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8656/dsc01843gi1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And finally to cap it all off, two progress pics.
Pics:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7092/dsc01846bd4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5350/dsc01847pw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[b4i7]

damn...thats lookin clean...i cant wait to start my UV project

i dont hand these out too often but +rep

edit: just a small thought i had...are you going to be doing anything with that fan hole in the top? maybe cut it out...and either put a grill or make one to go over it ...then line the outside of it and the fill port with some more UV green goodness?

[The boy 4rm oz]

I didn't intend on changing that top fan hole, I quite like it how it is at stock. It will looks good with a blue fan under it anyway. I will look into some options and report back later.

Thanks for the +rep b4i7

[cooldud02123]

dude that looks so cool i cant wait to see when it is done. god i wish i could do what u have done so far

[The boy 4rm oz]

Haha thanks buddy, I'm glad you enjoy it.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sorry for the lack of updates guys. I can't really do any work until I get my 240mm radiator and I am a bit short of cash at the moment. I am also trying to get a new pump because I don't think the DD MAG II LE that I have will cut it. I will post an update as soon as I have something to update on.

[Enigma]

This is looking out to be one sweet mod, really like the contrast between the math black and the green plastic bits.
Keep it up !!!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Glad you like it buddy, hope to have some more updates soon.

[cooldud02123]

hay i wanted to ask u if u know of any good cpu temp screens

[The boy 4rm oz]

Do you mean programs?
Everest Ultimate is great, I have that running on my G15 LCD screen sometimes so I can monitor my CPU and Northbridge temps.

[cooldud02123]

ya that and the gages for the temp and stuff

[The boy 4rm oz]

Well if you intend to get a small screen to monitor temps and system info LCD Studio works great, it's really easy to use. There are a few other programs around but I have only ever use LCD Studio so I'm sticking to it.

[cooldud02123]

ya one of the small screen from some place but that is the program u use to run it

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah I use LCD Studio to run the aps on my G15's screen.