Project: Origami

This is the first case where the 3D model of the case left me speechless. It is extremely elegant. The color scheme is fantastic, the exterior design is artistic, and the overall look really fits the name. If the exterior design lights up and looks anything like the case you built for a friend, it will be stunning. Its sleek, minimalistic, and I like the clever and unique fan setup.

I agree with Slug Toy's recommendation for improving weight. For example, in the fan vent layer, behind the actual slits that form the fan vent, you could remove a large square chunk of acrylic. It wont show because it will be sandwiched between 2 other complete sheets of acrylic, so the side panels will now have a space of air between them. Just an idea...

I have one question, however. It seems that the outermost layer of acrylic will hold the design in the reverse-engraving style, but what about the other interior layers? Will the fan vent layer and innermost layer also be painted that way, or will they be clear?

Again, fantastic work. I am definitely following this project.

-Cool-

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I'm a little worried about the fan noise too. 3 things: 1) thick acrylic is a good insulator of sound and case is well sealed. 2) 120 are pretty low noise as it, and I'll be running them at a lower RPM 3) I need really good fans. That being said. Anyone have any suggestions. I was looking at these, but I can't find anyone with any in stock: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/52...50&id=BM23b4Fy
Anyone know where to find them? or something better...that isn't $20 each

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i've searched for silenX fans.. very nice specs... i remember i've seen some on vouyeurmods.. long time ago.. what i find now: expensive stuff...

so, considering the fans won't be seen... i know a nice place that helped in buying my case.. and they are serious about their silent pcs... ;) linky
here you can find quiet fans, you can choose which one you like and pair them (need 6 of them, right?) with a nice fan controller (if u want one..) or hard-wire them to work at your needed voltage~speed..

about the w/c.. this time maybe you can't do it... but you could plan for it.. a designer makes bucks quickly (hopefully, as that's what i wanna be..) so maybe in the near future you'll have the finances.. (i'm just going thru some prices at performancepcs.. 2x59$ xeon apogee block, 95$ a triple slim radiator, 80$ for a nice swiftech pump plus tubing and a reservoir of choice.. ~ 300$.. it's less expensive than a pair of Clovertons ;).. and you shouldn't be afraid of messing it up, as there is plenty of help here :)) it would be a downer if u could afford it and not have the space.. sure, you could modd it again.. but if u have max :D... this design is absolutely glorious! i'm not saying you should watercool it.. but maybe plan for it? and keep a backdoor open? :)

on another note (yes, i am a cooling freak), if you wanna go air.. are u sure the stock heatsinks are efficient enough? i've googled "xeon stock cooler" and i either got replacements for or small images of a copper block with a smallish fan on it.. as you've used them before, u should know best about their noise and cooling power characteristics (i had a brief contact with a dual xeon server once, but it was noisy as hell.. worked full-load 24/7 tho).. funny enough, there aren't many air coolers out there for xeons (one nice swiftech that looks like a hedgehog, a smallish thermalright and some small noisy 1U coolers).. what did strike me was that the CM (120 and 80mm fan versions) aquagate is xeon compatible... that's water again... eerm.. so, i'm gonna quit my rant and go have a nice afternoon nap :):bunny: happy modding!

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Originally Posted by |wm|

thanks for the positive response all. I'm way excited to get started.

dgrmkrp: Actually the original design was WC'd. I eventully pulled away from the idea because of cost and reliability issues. Water cooling dual prosessor systems really adds up. Also I've never done a WC and I'm sure I'll screw it up, which I really can't afford to do concidering I need the system for work. Howuuuuver...I think the system I'm using right now (HIVE) would be a prime candidate for WC once I've got Origami up and running. OC those old xeons and cool em with water...we'll see

armadilloben: I'm a little worried about the fan noise too. 3 things: 1) thick acrylic is a good insulator of sound and case is well sealed. 2) 120 are pretty low noise as it, and I'll be running them at a lower RPM 3) I need really good fans. That being said. Anyone have any suggestions. I was looking at these, but I can't find anyone with any in stock: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/52...50&id=BM23b4Fy
Anyone know where to find them? or something better...that isn't $20 each

The models were all done in 3d Studio Max V7. It's pretty robust and has a ton a features I don't understand. Modeling a case is pretty easy though...basically just boxes with different materials and skins applied. V7 isn't the current version, but it seems to work fine for me. Check your local torrent server for further details. This is first case I've designed in a 3d program, and I really can't recommend it enough. The version you're seeing is about the 5th-6th one. You really learn alot about how you're about to screw up all that plastic when you can look at the thing from every angle. An early version had all (well most) the wiring rendered...but then I felt like a freak and deleted it...but you could take it this far.

nocturnal: love your sig graphic

I'm ordering parts this week. Please keep feedback coming.

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the stock fans in my tt armor case are silent and at radioshack the 120mms are only like10-15$

Slick dude, +Rep!

-Dave

dgrmkrp: thanks for the good fan advice. That's a really nice review. I can't stand searching for fan reviews because of 6 billion out there, most are crap. Those guys did some good tests. I think i might go with the Noctua fans they recommeded. Really nice specs, but good god why did they pick that color. What is that? eggplant and 1988 crayola flesh crayon... Ehhh, that's what vinyl dye is for right?

Good call on removing those big blocks of wasted weight on the vent plates. Must do.

The WC question is still negs with me. Although I've never had one, I think WC systems become more like a pet than a reliable tool. (not that I don't love my dog) We'll see about turning the old system into a WC pet, and if that goes well, this one can certainly be modified later. Nice thing about this designer and hardware is it's very modular and I could add WC elements by just changing out one or two panels. Also the stock HS on xeons are massive. The current ones weigh so much they have to be bolted to the case (they'd tear through a MB). I'd still to try one of the improved HS, but I can't find enough info I'm comfortable with. Some say they're compatable with the socket, but they don't actually test to see if you could put two of the side by side. Just means I'll wait till I get the board in and look it over first.

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What is that? eggplant and 1988 crayola flesh crayon... Ehhh, that's what vinyl dye is for right?

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:) that's why i wanted to make sure they were hidden =) weird colors.. maybe they affect noise ;) and scare it away :)

you are absolutely right about the cooler and waiting till you can see what the actual tolerances are :) so, patience is a virtue :) i usually can't wait and search the entire net for specs and sizes then try to digitize all that crap and see if it could fit.. if it doesn't, i have to see why.. take a lot of time when it starts.. must.. stay.. away.. from.. my retailer's.. parts list.. :)

Awesome design. I love the minimalistic look of it. This looks very promising and i cant wait to see how this turns out. +rep

indeed, this looks like its going to turn out well. Thanks for the feedback on the modeling, ill look into it ;)

WOW. Nice skills on the 3d art. I'm amazed. Simply Stunning. I like how everything is stealthed, and it is minimalist--yet beautiful. Wow.

Interesting ideas with the fans, and I have to ask--how long have you been doing 3d art now? This is just too great. +1 rep.

Hey |wm|,

I was a big fan of your last project (Hive) way way way back when it was posted on Xoxide Forums (i went by Fyberwire over there). It's good to see you back with even more innovative ideas.

I really do like the idea of the acrylic vents, those are sweet. They might be a bit hard to clean though if you live in a particularly dusty enviornment, but I think you'll handle it.

Looks great, keep up the good work.
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