After seeing how easily aluminum can be cut and bent, i got a lil daring and while waiting 7 hours for my train to arrive, i sketched this on a paper.. after a well deserved nap of.. ooh.. 12 hours, i turned to CAD this is what i pondered.. some things still missing.. like the side panels and mobo "tray":
screen capture of what i have up to now..
..this will be the lower part of the inside.. it's like a shroud for the heater core i have, adds some strength and possibly aids with hiding wires.. i envision some cuts to make it lighter, but maybe later.. it also hides most of the psu and offers room for etches, paint jobs and more refining..
..this is the upper part, which is the 7x5,25" compartment and adds strenght to the top part of the case.. this is again just a primitive, without holes and spaces.. and i think a fold or two might add more strength too.. still refining..
the 4xhdd cage.. which is almost done.. just needs some holes and rivetting work..
..front panel.. space for 6 drive bays and a "window" for the reservoir.. because the radiator is 190x160mm, i can't use 120mm fans.. so a 4x4 matrix of 80mm fans will have to do.. i'm thinking of using either 8 blue led fans or 8 x 220V "leaf-blowers" i've got room...
..back panel.. psu is down, mobo is reversed, and i have some spare space with no idea what to do there..
top panel.. i was thinking that once i manage to get an international credit card and order on-line/find a 2x120 rad here, i will like this feature.. also, there is a hole for a fill-port...
putting things together, i get this:
all pieces are made from bent aluminum sheets, riveted together or bolted, as needed.. so for now, i'm thinking of how to lay down the parts on a sheet of aluminum and waste as less as possible..
My questions to you:
1. what else do I need/forgot?
2. what do you think about the strength? it's gonna be 1.75mm aluminum...
3. can't decide on the mobo tray design.. i have 2 spare ones and may canibalize them, but i want something ..special..
4. i hate the 4x80mm fan idea, anyone care to help? can i find like >15cm fans? or maybe use a cover...?!
5. how and what should i use for side panels? i wanted something that could go around the case.. and seem seamless maybe add some height to the bottom and a handle to the top.. in one shot.. anything else will do.. just needs to be practical, good-looking and go with the rest.. or not...