Project: DIRTY BOMB (cheap and nasty)

Ive scrapped the air cooling idea and decided to go for water cooling. The plan is to have two independent loops IE: 2 pumps, 2 blocks, 2 radiators and 2 reservoirs. The reservoirs will be custom made to match the case and the theme. I was hoping not to cut too much of the chassis but I have to lower the mobo tray due to the handle mounting on top of the case so some cutting is neccesary.

chassis before cutting

after cutting

I used a jigsaw with a metal blade and cleaned up the edges with a couple of files.

I also took the opportunity to clean the alloy with some 600 grit emery paper

Mobo tray before cutting

And after

These brackets made from stainless sheet will be used to secure the mobo and 'fill in' the undesired gaps around the I/O panel

Riveting the brackets in place

Riveting complete

Another stainless bracket is needed to attach the bottom edge of mobo

just need to drill and rivet the bracket to the tray

Checking mobo alignment before riveting to rear brackets

Brackets drilled

And riveted

Lower bracket with cutout to enable access to mobo standoffs

More riveting

Its not pretty but its unseen and very strong

Looking good. You need to rough up that SS a bit though, it's making the other steel look bad. ;) Seriously though, I really like how this is turning out.

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Originally Posted by x88x

Looking good. You need to rough up that SS a bit though, it's making the other steel look bad. ;) Seriously though, I really like how this is turning out.

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Thanks. Yeah I'll rough it all up and give it a coat of paint. I didn't realize the SS was mirror polished on the other side until I peeled off the protective plastic :facepalm:

Heres the mobo tray assembly removed. I want to remove the bottom expansion slot to tidy up the fit with the case.

I swapped the original upright 'posts' so as to enable access to the expansion slot retaining screws.

This is the original rear inspection panel hole that just needs enlarged so that all the I/O sockets and slots can be accessed.

The trusty jigsaw.

And after some file work.

Im quite happy with the opening, all it needs is a small plate to fill the gap (circled).

Ive got some nice plexiglass so Ill cut the side window hole next.

While Im updating, heres a rough plan for the cooling loops.

As this is my first attempt at watercooling, any advice would be appreciated :)

Looks good. For the watercooling, two loops isn't really necessary, but that's a good layout for two loops.

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Originally Posted by x88x

Looks good. For the watercooling, two loops isn't really necessary, but that's a good layout for two loops.

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They are if you want two different colors of liquid ;)

Trefoil

I thought the case should have some sort of warning symbol incorporated so heres the idea for the side window

marking out

Notice the hi tech drawing tools

After some jigsaw work

The hole will be filled with a piece of clear plexi and the remaining parts of the symbol not attached to the case will 'float' in the correct positions.

Not sure what the final colors will be but they'll have to contrast to get the right effect

Nice, I like it. And re the drawing tools, hey, if it works, it doesn't matter what it is. :D

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Originally Posted by x88x

Nice, I like it. And re the drawing tools, hey, if it works, it doesn't matter what it is. :D

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Thanks. :) I was trying my stepsons school compasses for a while and couldn't get an even curve then the simple method became obvious.