Project MiniMe - Smallest (ever?) Watercooled mITX PC

[oliverw92]

Intro

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Banner.jpg

Hi to everyone at xtreme systems! My first time here! I thought i might run this scratch build on here, see what response i get! My main home is overclock.net so the first few updates are not really new! This is my second scratch build. My first was called Bloo Box, an acrylic mid tower case:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/BlooBox/20-08-090001.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/BlooBox/20-08-090002.jpg

You can find a worklog with big pictures and a video here: http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/510995-project-bloo-box-complete-24-6-a.html

Well I'm back again with another mod! I've caught the bug :wheee::wheee:

This time I am going small! My inspiration came from seeing someone on OCN make a tiny mITX case with a Zotac mITX MoBo. It looked so awesome I wanted one! So I researched hardware and found you could get really nice mITX socket 775 motherboards for not a huge amount of money, including a PCI-E x16 slot. With that in mind, I came onto the problem of cooling. To do any substantial cooling would make the case quite large. The low profile coolers normally do not give amazing temperatures, and making the case fit one of the giant HFS's would remove the point of the small case. It was then i saw an all-in-one liquid cooling system from SwifTech. And the idea clicked!

Build the world's smallest watercooled computer!




Components

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/2-11-2009%200001.jpg


Sponsors

I am delighted to introduct my first sponsor, AquaTuning.co.uk! They will be sponsoring me with my watercooling equipment.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Aquatuning_logo.jpg

Their website can be found here (http://www.aquatuning.co.uk)


http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/ebuyer%20logo.png

Ebuyer are also sponsoring me with a motherboard, processor and graphics card!

Their website can be found here: http://www.ebuyer.com


I would like to introduce my 3rd sponsor for this project, MNPCTech!

http://www.awollan.com/lan_portal/images/sponsor_images/mnpctech.web.banner.jpg

They will be sponsoring me with 1 of these:

http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_fangrill_billet_aluminum_mnpctech_anodized.j pg (http://www.mnpctech.com/Computer_Billet_Fan_Grills.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/Computer_Billet_Fan_Grills.html

and a set of these:

http://www.mnpctech.com/08_casemod_computer_feet_mnpctech.blackdiamond1wb3 .jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/Aluminum_Computer_Case_Feet.html)
http://www.mnpctech.com/Aluminum_Computer_Case_Feet.html

Thanks very much to Bill :)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/AC%20Ryan%20Logo.jpg

I would like to introduce AC Ryan! They will be sponsoring me with some materials like Aluminium sheet and CCFL's and such things. Thanks Guys!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/wcuk-logo.jpg

WatercoolingUK will not be supplying me with watercooling equipment, they will be laser cutting metal and powdercoating for me! Thankyou to marcus there in particular!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Enermax_01.jpg

Enermax will be sponsoring me with 2 fans and a keyboard! Thankyou!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/roccat.gif

Roccat will be sponsoring me with gaming equipment such as the Roccat Kone! Thanks!


Case Plans

The case will measure 20x20x20cm with everything inside, including radiator, fans etc. The case will be made out of a powdercoated steel frame with smoked acrylic filling the holes for the sides and top, and the front and back will be made out of powdercoated mesh. I am going for a blue and purple colour scheme inside (wiring, coolant, tubing etc). The metal will be cut on the CNC router at my school (it's tiny, about 30x30cm cutting area!). The plastic will be laser cut also at my school, and sponsor logos will be laser etched on during this process. All the cables will be sleeved in black and white sleeving.


Final Photos

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2018%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2021%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2026%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2028%20copy.jpg

Thanks for reading.

[oliverw92]

Update #1 - 31/06/09

Did a sketchup of the case. This was my first time using sketchup. Quite a few of the components I got off the database of models but i made several. The whole thing is precisely to scale (to the millimeter) so i can take measurements etc off it.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/1.png

Front

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/2.png

Back

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/3.png

Front

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/4.png

Side

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/5.png

Empty Case

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/6.png

WC'ing loop

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/7.png

Components

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/8.png


Hope this gives you a good idea of what it is going to look like!

[oliverw92]

Update #2

This is what it would look like with the rad inside. I could do it like that, or make the box 3cm taller and have the fan inside too. I'm a bit worried about getting my tubing in at those angle though. Hmm....

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/9.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/10.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/11.png






Update #3

Redesigned again. Managed to get the whole thing down to 20cm x 20cm x18cm - that is including radiator and, well, everything!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/12.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/13.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/14.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/15.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/16.png

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/17.png


Getting the Apogee Drive will mean i can make the bottom compartment smaller and ALSO means i can have 2 2.5" drives! So potentially 1tb of storage at this point in time (maybe more if larger 2.5" drives are made). Anybody got any advice on those tight bends there? Does it matter how i have T joint being used (L joint in the main loop)

[oliverw92]

Update #4

Ok so here is a price list!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Price%20List.jpg

I think what is going to differ this from other miniature watercooling rigs is the power. I have not seen any other mITX watercooled mini pc's with a Q9550 or even a dedicated graphics card. I was lucky to find the 4670, it is a perfect fit.

[oliverw92]

Update #5 - 20/8/09

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090001.jpg

A box arrives! I wasn't even expecting it...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090002.jpg

Ebuyer sponsorship arrives :D

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090003.jpg

This motherboard is ridiculously small... i couldn't believe it when i first saw it

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090004.jpg

PCI-E x16 slot

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090005.jpg

Wireless module for it. Plugs into a USB header

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090006.jpg

GPU test fit

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090007.jpg

Fits the board perfectly!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090008.jpg

My friend

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090009.jpg

So glad i chose this card, the blue is perfect for my colour scheme.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-08-090010.jpg

I never thought i would get to hold one of these...


So yeah not much of an update. But progress! I can now confirm all the measurements for the motherboard. I didn't expect to have the mobo so soon because eBuyer were out of stock. Somehow they managed to get me one though!

I would like to thank eBuyer again for their generous contribution, and especially thank my contact there, Charlie. She has been brilliant!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/ebuyer%20logo.png

They really are the best computer e-tailer in the UK!

[oliverw92]

Update #6 - 30/08/09

The final sketchup model is finished! I spent ages on this. It is EXACTLY how it will be, everything is perfectly to scale. By doing it like this i have actually solved loads of problems i would have come across later when i had got items laser cut etc.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200001.jpg

Front

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200002.jpg

Right side

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200003.jpg

Top with 120mm rad and fillport

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200004.jpg

Without the outer shell and cubes

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200005.jpg

Back view without shell

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200006.jpg

Back

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200007.jpg

Left hand side with GPU. Will actually be nVidia but never mind...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200008.jpg

Profile shot of the right hand side.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200009.jpg

The loop! Yes i am now cooling the 9300 chipset. One of the problems i discovered by doing the accurate sketchup is that the apogee drive would hit the heatsink on the chipset. So duniek at OCN is making be a custom block that looks very similar to the one above (i.e. barb positioning is the same). Yes there is some VERY tight tubing to be done. But hey! I'm up for a challenge!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200010.jpg

The back of the loop. 45 degree fittings will save this project! Most of the models in the sketchup are downloaded, however i made the apogee drive and several other parts. It is precisely to scale from the swiftech site. Very pleased with it!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200011.jpg

Bottom compartment. The cd drive rests on an acrylic plate that is glued to the HDD bay. There is a 60mm fan at the back blowing across the hdds. This will be mounted to the base using a bracket, rather than mounted to the grill.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200012.jpg

HDD Bay

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200013.jpg

Empty shell. The whole thign is held together with 10mm acrylic cubes. There will be purple LEDs mounted in them which will shine out of the corners displayed by the rounded corners of the aluminium frame.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/30-8-09%200014.jpg

Moneyshot



So what do you think guys? I managed to get the 250W psu in, which i am very pleased about. I need to order things like the PSU, switch, CD drive and hdd before i can start milling out the aluminium.

[oliverw92]

Update #7

So i have been talking to radodrill at OCN about fan controllers. He showed me what he did for his Rad GT. So i have designed my own fan controller. It will only be 2 channel, unlike his insane 8 channel one. His was done on a soldering board (one with loads of pre drilled holes). I'm lucky enough to have access to PCB printing facilities at school so i will be making the PCB myself :wheee:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/1-9-09%20001.jpg

PCB design (to scale). On the right of the big electrolytic capacitors you can see 3 pads. This is where the potentiometers will be attached. Middle-left you can see 2 pads where +12v and negative connects. At the top right of each section you can see a box with 2 pads in, this is where the fans connect.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/1-9-09%20002.jpg

Real-world drawing of it

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/1-9-09%20003.jpg

The circuit design (this was NOT done by me! This was made by radodrill!)

My layout was done in PCB Wizard 3.50. Great little program!

[oliverw92]

Update #8

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200001.jpg
Stuff!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200002.jpg

Sponsorship from MNPCTech arrives! Thanks Bill!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200003.jpg

Anodized black aluminium feet

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200004.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200005.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200006.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200007.jpg

Anodized black aluminium fan grill :D This thing is awesome!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200008.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200009.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200010.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200011.jpg

And yays bill sent me a free t-shirt :D

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200012.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200013.jpg

e-sata backplate. 99p off ebay! What a deal!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200014.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200015.jpg

250W 1u power supply

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200016.jpg

Soon to be sleeved

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200017.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200018.jpg

This psu is actually tiny...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200019.jpg

I bought myself a present :D Razer Deathadder :D

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200020.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200021.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200022.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200023.jpg

Oh what's this... another present :D Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200024.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200025.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200026.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200028.jpg

Touch sensitive buttons. Can turn the keyboard lights on/off/just WASD, control media player and volume :)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200029.jpg

Keyboard approved

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200030.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200031.jpg

Back to the project! Decided to do some work at school today, these are some mock-ups i did on the laser cutter in black polystyrene sheet.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200032.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200033.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200034.jpg

Cube. These are 1cm cubes made on the laser cutter.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200035.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200036.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200037.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200038.jpg

They are very very small

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200039.jpg

Setup with the new keyboard and mouse

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200040.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200041.jpg

Still approves

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200042.jpg

Omg where the sun go!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200043.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200044.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200045.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200046.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200047.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200048.jpg

Back to the mod! I adjusted the sketchup model a little to make the gfx card fit well

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200050.jpg

Fan controller V2

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200054.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200051.jpg

CAD design for the left hand acrylic side. The text will be engraved, not cut. The rest of the black lines are cut, the green is reference for the aluminium frame

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200052.jpg

This is the right hand panel. Will be the only plain one

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/9-9-09%200053.jpg

Here we have the top of the box. Fillport hole top right, radiator mounts in the middle.



That is it for now! Time for some hardcore CAD design on the back, front and bottom.

[Earzz]

Nice project Oliver.
I saved this to my favorites, so keep us up to date ;)

[Boulard83]

awaiting the finished product !

[oliverw92]

THanks guys, i will keep you posted! I will probably wait and do fairly large updates. I will aim to do one a week. This is because this is now on 12 forums, and doing updates takes me 2 hours to get it on all forums since most of them have image limits of a stupid number of posts like 10, meaning i have to cut up the posts. If i don't get an update in i will keep you posted on how it goes though :)

[s0lid]

Nice looking :)
I had something like this in my mind:

http://www.aijaa.com/img/b/00353/4847934.jpg

[Bill Owen]

The rig should be awesome when it's finished. Nice photo updates too!

[oliverw92]

Nice looking :)
I had something like this in my mind:

http://www.aijaa.com/img/b/00353/4847934.jpg

If you put the apogee drive on that you could get rid of the pump and make it smaller still! That is a nice low performance mini watercooled one, however the problem is those pico-psus do not pack enough punch for a quad cpu, let alone a graphics too, but in your design it would work perfectly.

Thanks for the comments guys!

[s0lid]

Planned to use E8400 for that. No external GPU since i don't need one for that.

Using the Apogee drive pump+block came to my mind but well was able to pack taht even tighter =P
http://www.aijaa.com/img/b/00771/4849909.jpg

I don't have any good pics from the actual case, it's just a quick drawing, but i can easily rebuild it ^^

[Jowy Atreides]

I've seen people put 1/10th the effort into products they sell in their business.

All this design effort would be an utter waste for only 1 pc. You should start selling them.

[oliverw92]

THankyou Jowy! That means so much you saying it :) I have been designing this for about 4 months now, getting sponsorship, scrapping ideas. IT is finally starting to get working!

s0lid: How tall is that?

[Wezly]

SUB'D

Ah this is awesome! I have wanted to do this for so long!

Cannot wait to see how it comes out!

[s0lid]

THankyou Jowy! That means so much you saying it :) I have been designing this for about 4 months now, getting sponsorship, scrapping ideas. IT is finally starting to get working!

s0lid: How tall is that?

About 9cm but since that case isn't even half ready yet so height might get up by 5mm or so :)

[ilkkahy]

Nice modeling. What 3d-modeling software you guys use and where you find those 3d-models of motherboards and pci-e cards and such? Or have you made all the models byself?

[s0lid]

Nice modeling. What 3d-modeling software you guys use and where you find those 3d-models of motherboards and pci-e cards and such? Or have you made all the models byself?

Google Sketchup 7 :)
For ready models: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ or http://scc.jezmckean.com/home

BTW if you've used solidworks before this sketchup is a pain in the arse at the start :D

[oliverw92]

Yeh i use sketchup, great program!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/AC%20Ryan%20Logo.jpg

I would like to introduce my newest sponsor, AC Ryan! They will be sponsoring me with some materials like Aluminium sheet and CCFL's and such things. Thanks Guys!

[oliverw92]

I spent all of today making a mouse mat for me deathadder:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/Mouse%20Mat/11-09-09%200015.jpg

more pics here: http://www.overclock.net/other-hardware-mods/573617-project-custom-led-mousemat.html

[Serra]

Nice work. I see you don't cut back on the planning and prep, and it shows. I can't wait to see the final product.

[Raceface]

Look´s very nice Oliver.
Beatifull Pic´s :)

[oliverw92]

Thankyou very much!

I have managed to break the mousemat somehow i beleive it has shorted out inside, which is annoying since it is glued shut and i doubt i can get it apart without screwing it up. So it's back to the drawing board on that one

[TheGreenFoX]

Nice build... reminds me of my LL v351 WC build... I like it small

[oliverw92]

That's what she said... :P

[edimen]

@oliverw Hi, very nicely done, normaly I don't like all those lighting stuff, but in your project I like them pretty much :)

[oliverw92]

THankyou very much edimen :)

[Bill Owen]

Great layout, look forward to seeing more updates :up:

[B.E.E.F.]

You are awesome.

Consider selling these.


How did you make the curvy tubes in sketchup though? And the components. They are very detailed.

[oliverw92]

THe tubing in sketchup, there are some tutorials bit-tech.net about it. Check them out :)

Update #9

I am very pleased to announce my latest sponsor, AquaTuning!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Aquatuning_logo.jpg

They are going to be my watercooling sponsors. Watercooled-pcs have lost contact. I am not sure what has happened. THanks so much to Pascal for bearing with me!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200001.jpg

My AC Ryan sponsorship has arrived! Yay for awesome brushed aluminium!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200002.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200004.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200006.jpg

Slimline CD Drive

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200007.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200008.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200009.jpg

USB backplate

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200010.jpg

More CAD work is done.

Black line = cut
Green = reference
Red = engrave

This is the bottom plate for the slimline drive. The screws are so dam small for the drive i have decided to glue an acrylic plate to the bottom of it and then screw into the plate.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200011.jpg

The aluminium base plate. The circular things are the feet, top left block is the psu, top right small block is the fan and fan mount, middle bottom box is the cd drive and bottom right is the HDD bay. You can see the amazing clearance of 1mm between the hdd bay and the PSU!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200017.jpg

Fan mount

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200018.jpg

HDD Bay. There are 2 of each of the bottom pieces

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200020.jpg

This is the motherboard tray. I promise all the crazy holes will make sense in the end!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200019.png

Finally, the masterpiece is unveiled! The completely redesigned fan controller and ccfl/led power board. This is the control hub of all the lighting. The board measures 8cm x 4cm.


So not a very big update. I have ordered the acrylic, should be here tomorrow. Then i can cut up some acrylic!


Oh wait i nearly forgot something...


http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-9-09%200021.jpg

Custom made waterblock for the 9300 chipset FTW! Thanks so much to duniek, can't wait to get some money so i can pay him and get it shipped to me!

Ok that really is everything now!

[HuffPCair]

Very nice build.

I also have a question about your keyboard. I have the Tarantula and deathadder lover them both just with my key lit up. I was thinking of selling this one and getting the same one as you, but I heard the touch part of the board can be kind of picky and such. Have you ran into any problems with it so far?

[oliverw92]

Yes i have had issues. I can't get the media keys to work any more. The volume and backlighting ones work fine, but the media ones don't. I may rma it.

[HuffPCair]

Yes i have had issues. I can't get the media keys to work any more. The volume and backlighting ones work fine, but the media ones don't. I may rma it.

OK thanks I may just keep this board then. I do love it just wish it had back lighting through the whole thing instead of just side keys. Never got why they did that.

[oliverw92]

The tarantula by razer is a nice keyboard and doesn't have the touch bits. I don't think i would get somethign with gimmicky touch sensitive buttons again. I'm addicted to backlit keys now though! It is so good when gaming. You can turn all the lights off and get properly involved with it all.

[Origin_Unknown]

wow - great sketchup skills

[Boulard83]

awesome, keep posting man !

[ed.howell]

Very nice!!!
What CAD system are you using? Solidworks? Did you start this CAD drawing/assembly from scratch, or were you able to somehow get CAD models for some of the stuff?

Thanks,
Ed

[drizzt5]

Very nice I am impressed! I would also like to know the above question.
I can't wait for your finished project :D

[oliverw92]

Hi :) Thanks for the comments!

I used Google Sketchup PRO for everything. I found models for the motherboard, rad, gpu and ram and a few other things. The rest i made myself.

I should have an update out in a few days, be it fairly small

[Angry]

Subscribed

*edit* And my first post since...2002. :D

[drizzt5]

Subscribed

*edit* And my first post since...2002. :D
lol...Did you just figure out how to post? This is your first one, congratz!

edit:NVM! found it :)
anyway, you have me very interested and subscribed. :up:

[Neox69]

Any updates my friend?

[oliverw92]

Update #10

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200001.jpg

Left side acrylic panel cut and engraved! Aqua tuning sponsor's logo.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200002.jpg

eBuyer logo etched out

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200003.jpg

Holes for the GPU fan. Around 180 holes!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200004.jpg

More shots of the engraving

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200005.jpg

The entire left side panel. There is a version of this without the sponsorship logos so when the time comes i can submit it for MDPC (MDPC doesn't take PCs with sponsorship logos on).

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200006.jpg

CD drive base. This will be glued onto the cd drive (please don't kill me! I swear it is the only way for this to work!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200007.jpg

Right hand acrylic panel

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200008.jpg

Top acrylic panel with holes for rad and fillport.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200009.jpg

Motherboard tray (i told you it was complicated!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200010.jpg

Here we have some orange UV anti kink coils. These things are great!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200011.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200012.jpg

SATA laptop optical. This thing actually isn't the right cable, and it annoys me greatly, since it took 3 weeks to ship from hong kong! I have no idea what it is, but it isn't a normal sata optical.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200013.jpg

4gb Crucial Ballistix Tracer 800mhz - £20 from someone on OCN!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200014.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200015.jpg

It is finally here! My nickel-plated-custom-made-insanely-awesome 9300 chipset waterblock for the zotac 9300-itx wifi motherboard! Thanks Duniek! The craftsmanship is stunning...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200016.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200017.jpg

Perfect base

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200018.jpg

Latching vandal switch (blue LED)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200019.jpg

Pins for...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200020.jpg

24 pin and 4 pin connector

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200021.jpg

Approves!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200022.jpg

Some mesh from MNPCtech! Thanks Bill! http://www.mnpctech.com/moddersmesh.html

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200023.jpg

Hard drive bay. Not glued yet

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200024.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200025.jpg

Test fit of CD drive, cd drive base and hard drive bay

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200026.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200027.jpg

This is the design for the aluminium front surround. The 2 larger holes are the power switch and the light switch, the two smaller ones are fan controller potentiometers. The slot hole near the bottom is for the CD drive. Those funky designs wrap around the components :D

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/7-10-2009%20%200028.jpg

And finally, V4 of the fan controller! This now measures 83mm x 33mm and is gonna be awesome! I have ordered all the parts for it. I will start PCB manufacture maybe on friday.

Thanks for reading!

[Boulard83]

waiiiiiiiting for more !

:D

[oliverw92]

You shall have more, maybe after the weekend :)

[oliverw92]

Ok i lied, have more now!

Update #11

My watercooling sponsorship arrived!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Aquatuning_logo.jpg

Thankyou so much to aquatuning! http://www.aquatuning.co.uk . Thanks especially to Pascal for putting up with me!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200001.jpg

Here we go...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200002.jpg

Black Ice GT120 lite with 45 degree compression fittings on. These things are so cool, they rotate!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200003.jpg

More rad

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200004.jpg

Fractal Design 60mm fan

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200005.jpg

Cable ties + bases

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200006.jpg

Fillport with compression fitting

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200007.jpg

Low profile straight compression fittings

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200008.jpg

45 Degree rotary compression fittings

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200009.jpg

90 degree rotary compression fitting

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200010.jpg

Mah lovely black nickel plated compression fittings!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200011.jpg

Bitspower T-block with compression fittings

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200012.jpg

Couple of tube clamps for the block

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200013.jpg

Momentary dot-illuminated vandal switch

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200014.jpg

Primochill UV Pink Dye Bomb

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200015.jpg

Distilled water

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200016.jpg

2 pairs of UV cathodes

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200017.jpg

Tygon 3/8" ID 1/2" OD tubing

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200018.jpg

Scythe S-Flex 1600rpm

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200019.jpg

Apogee drive top

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200020.jpg

3/8" barbs on the drive

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200021.jpg

This thing is so cool!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200022.jpg

45 and 90 degree fittings on my custom 9300-itx waterblock

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200023.jpg

Shipment from Rapid is here, bringing with it a multitude of goodness in electronics!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200024.jpg

Some cheap sleeve and heatshrink

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200025.jpg

500 resistors (i'm not joking!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200026.jpg

2 and 3 pin molex housings/headers

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200027.jpg

Transistor

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200028.jpg

Capacitor

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200029.jpg

MIC502 chip. These things are SO TINY!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200030.jpg

No that is not a giant key!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200031.jpg

Capacitors, diodes and potentiometers

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200032.jpg

Put some dye in my distilled water. ooooo!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200033.jpg

Test fitted the top of the PC (fan grill, acrylic, rad, fan). The rad is literally just as far over as it can possibly go. Another 0.5mm and it would be out of the edge!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200034.jpg

From the top

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200035.jpg

Layers

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200036.jpg

Fillport in place

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200037.jpg

Fan/rad assembly

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200038.jpg

Removed the 9300 heatsink from the motherboard. Messy thermal paste underneath!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200039.jpg

Installed duniek's waterblock

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200040.jpg

Installed the Apogee Drive! It just fits!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200041.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200042.jpg

How close the parts are!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/8-10-2009%20%200043.jpg

And finally, PWM Controller V5! I think it is done! Wait, no, just seen a problem! Time for V6...

[miahallen]

Wow! Thanks for the update :toast:

[Neox69]

That's a hell of an update! :) Looking good...

[Boulard83]

Keep working ! seems to be going fine !

[oliverw92]

So you guys like updates...

Update #12

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200001.jpg

Marked out the PCBs on a blank PCB sheet

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200002.jpg

Cut out on the band saw

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200003.jpg

Printed the PCB layout onto some acetate sheet

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200004.jpg

This is the UV box. You put the acetate on the PCB (copper side) and stick it in there to cook for 4 minutes. The UV loosens the copper that you want to remove (i.e. the bits that aren't black on the acetate sheet)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200005.jpg

After the UV box, you stick it in sodium hydroxide + water solution (10 parts water to 1 part sodium hydroxide). This removes some layer or something (i dont really know lol) but it is essential.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200006.jpg

Bubble etch tank. This has ferric chloride in it and removes the copper. The ferric chloride is heated and bubbled.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200007.jpg

Bam!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200008.jpg

They both came out perfect first time! It's a miracle!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200009.jpg

Drilling station

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200010.jpg

Was damn close to the edge of the board drilling those!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200011.jpg

Two completed boards

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200012.jpg

And... Tada! Completed one of the boards

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200013.jpg

Lots of headers

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200014.jpg

Molex 4 pin connected and sleeved

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200015.jpg

Bottom side

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200016.jpg

Mah name

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200017.jpg

Attached the CD drive to its plate using flooring-grade double sided tape (i managed to stick my shoe to the floor with this stuff and couldnt get it off!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200018.jpg

Perfect fit!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200019.jpg

Here is the assembled drive bay. My first time attempting capillary bonding!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200020.jpg

Where the CD plate connects to the hard drive bay

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200021.jpg

Bottom-up

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200022.jpg

Perfect capillary bond

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200023.jpg

Screwed the two parts together!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200024.jpg

More

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200025.jpg

The protective layer will be removed

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/10-10-2009%20%200026.jpg

Thanks for reading!

[Wezly]

:shocked:

[hiwa]

:up::up:

[Neox69]

Nice control board there... ;)

[oliverw92]

THanks guys :)

[ExodusC]

Wow... That's crazy. I can't wait to see this thing completed.

[Boulard83]

More More More !

[Bootup05]

Very Nice! Can see by your models and what you've done so far that you're very experienced. Have fun with you're build! I'll make sure to catch back up on it when its further down the line.


My user CP is set to 60 posts per page, scrolling down the page with the down arrow key took me almost 80 seconds @ 1920 x 1200 :rofl:

You have SO many pictures! Well done you must have a lot of motivation for this :)


Thats something I lack.

[Anemic]

Looks sweet so far but we need more!

[BlaBla1973]

Very nice stuff :)

[oliverw92]

Thanks for the comments! Yeah i like to have a 'full' worklog if you get what i mean!

I might have an update tomorrow. If not tomorrow then friday. I will have some news of perhaps even more sponsorship by then!

[Bill Owen]

Love the custom pcb, keep up the good work Oliver :cool:

[oliverw92]

Update #13

So this week i have been perfecting the fan controller. I made another board because i screwed the first one up so much.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200001.jpg

New board complete. This is CyberDruid's one (on OCN).

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200002.jpg

Much neater soldering

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200003.jpg

Oooo green!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200004.jpg

Lots of LED headers

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200005.jpg

And some more

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200006.jpg

I went into school and lathed some motherboard tray standoffs. Tapped them and screwed onto the mobo tray

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200007.jpg

The rubber foot rests ontop of the PSU and is there to stop vibrations

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200008.jpg

The pillars use m3 screws to attach on

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200009.jpg

Tada! I had a play with the CNC milling machine and made one of the aluminium panels. It took ages though, and made such a mess! The edges are also a little rough. I am in discussion with some people about getting it all laser cut (the school laser cutter is only 30W so can't do metal)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200010.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200011.jpg

It took about an hour to do just one panel and then an hour prepping and cleaning up.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200012.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200013.jpg

Test fit!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200014.jpg

It fitted perfectly, expect the standoffs were 12mm too tall, so i took them into school and cut and sanded them down and retapped them.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200015.jpg

The GPU will have 1mm inbetween the fan and side panel

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/18-10-2009%200016.png

And finally i leave you with news that there will be a revised fan controller! This will be better suited to minime (in terms of dimensions) and also functionality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWt8wvORdvk

Oh and have a video about the fan controller

[Neox69]

Keep up the good work my friend, so far so good!

[Boulard83]

:) :) :)

[TheKarmakazi]

this thread is an awesome read. You are a very skilled person and it shows in your work! beautiful build!!

[oliverw92]

thankyou very much guys!

[punkrockpolak]

Wow, great work! Your cnc stuff looks good as does your controller :up:

[Renegade5399]

Oliver,

Fantastic work. It's nice to see someone take such time and do such an excellent job.

[yngndrw]

I love the work you are doing in this project, but thought that I should point out a few things about your fan controller: (This is based upon your last PCB design.)

1) The unused inputs on the 74HC03 should be either tied to ground or tied to +V. They should never be left "floating". (Pins 4, 5, 9 and 10.)
2) The LEDs seem to be in pairs, however if one of the two are disconnected the other will receive double the current.
3) Some of the tracks are weaving between the pads for the fans. I'm not sure you will have the resolution to be able to do this, without ending up with either a broken track or a board which is very hard to solder.
4) The text looks like it's too thin to come out correctly.
5) I bet you can find a much smaller SMT buffer chip to replace that huge through-hole 74HC03 chip. That would give you a lot more space to straighten up those tracks.

[Duniek]

too bad you dont go with low profile gpu :), case can be smaller :D

[Anemic]

True craftsmanship!

[oliverw92]

I love the work you are doing in this project, but thought that I should point out a few things about your fan controller: (This is based upon your last PCB design.)

1) The unused inputs on the 74HC03 should be either tied to ground or tied to +V. They should never be left "floating". (Pins 4, 5, 9 and 10.)
2) The LEDs seem to be in pairs, however if one of the two are disconnected the other will receive double the current.
3) Some of the tracks are weaving between the pads for the fans. I'm not sure you will have the resolution to be able to do this, without ending up with either a broken track or a board which is very hard to solder.
4) The text looks like it's too thin to come out correctly.
5) I bet you can find a much smaller SMT buffer chip to replace that huge through-hole 74HC03 chip. That would give you a lot more space to straighten up those tracks.

Thankyou for the comments!

1. Yes i will do this i forgot about it when originally making it :)
2. I understand this issue with the LEDs, however i lack the space to have a resistor for each header. Since this is only for me, it will never really be an issue.
3. If you look at some of the previous updates you will see i can print at a very high resolution and the tracks come out perfectly even at such a small scale
4. Same as above, i had even smaller text on v1 and it came out perfectly.
5. I need a NAND or a NOT gate for channel. http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Integrated-Circuits <-- that is where i get everything from, the only thing i can find that would suit is the chip i already have. Also what is wrong with diagonal tracks?


too bad you dont go with low profile gpu :), case can be smaller :D
If you look at the diagrams, having a low GPU makes no difference to have a full GPU. Even having no gpu would make no difference, because the gpu is only about 15mm wide and the height is already used by the ram/cpu block/fan/rad. There are also no powerful low-profile short gpus :)


Oliver,

Fantastic work. It's nice to see someone take such time and do such an excellent job.

Thankyou very much!


Wow, great work! Your cnc stuff looks good as does your controller :up:

Thanks :)


True craftsmanship!

Too kind :)

[yngndrw]

2. I understand this issue with the LEDs, however i lack the space to have a resistor for each header. Since this is only for me, it will never really be an issue.
5. I need a NAND or a NOT gate for channel. http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Integrated-Circuits <-- that is where i get everything from, the only thing i can find that would suit is the chip i already have. Also what is wrong with diagonal tracks?
2. That's fair enough, but you could also put them in series. This way if one is disconnected the other simply turns off instead of receiving too much current.
5. How about the 74HC04 Hex Inverter ? You can get it from Rapid in the SMD package. The comment regarding the diagonal tracks was more related to #3, but you've already answered that and it isn't a problem.

PS: 3 days without more pictures, get back to work. :D :p:

[oliverw92]

That is a genius idea about putting them in series, thanks!
I may consider the SMD package, however the issue with that is cable routing, i actually use the chip space to get traces through to certain areas. I don't know if i would be able to route the board otherwise. I will have a go though!

You want an update? Gimme 20 minutes :p

[oliverw92]

Update #14

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200001.jpg

Got an overclock.net sticker from someone, stuck it on the inside of the case, it looks amazing when you hold it up to the light!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200002.jpg

My button-head hex screws came from MDPC. Everything is now replaced with black-oxide goodness!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200003.jpg

Sleeving from MDPC. I have already run out of black and i forgot to order white SATA sleeving so i will place another order

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200004.jpg

First i got some nice big scissors and cut through all the 24pin wires so they were the same length. I also couldn't get the pins out, even after making a tool with my dremel and an old screw driver. I think they were extra strength pins or something. I then crimped and soldered on new pins and sleeved the black first.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200005.jpg

Tada! Sleeved with white too. You don't see the cables so much through the white after i closed the PSU up, after you pull the sleeving tight it closes the holes.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200006.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200007.jpg

Er slight problem, it now won't fit!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200008.jpg

Better picture showing how you can't actually see the wires in the white sleeving

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200009.jpg

Clamped up the top of the PSU and cut a hole. There was already most of that hole, it was an opening onto the top of the fan. I just extended it to the edge of the case.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200010.jpg

Neatened up with the sanding stones on my dremel. I've straightened that closest edge since then. I plan to get this part powdercoated

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200011.jpg

More sleeving shots

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200012.jpg

Got it closed! It actually looks very neat, i thought it was going to look bodged

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200013.jpg

In this shot you can see the 24pin, 4pin and then my auxilliary lead going off. Beleive it or not, the only connectors i have on the psu are 24pin mobo, 4pin cpu, 2x sata and 1x molex. The molex goes to the custom PCB which inturn drives everything including cathodes, LEDs, pump and cd drive. It's all about space saving!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200014.jpg

Final shot of the PSU.

[vab206]

all i can say about this project is wow

[yngndrw]

Very nice, I love that panel. :D

[Renegade5399]

This project was 100% sexy until this:


Update #14

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/21-10-2009%200001.jpg



Now, only 80% sexy. :yepp::ROTF:

PSU sleeving came out good though.

[oliverw92]

Hahaha :p OCN is my home so i gotta put some love out for it :)

[burnstudios]

This project was 100% sexy until this:



Now, only 80% sexy. :yepp::ROTF:

PSU sleeving came out good though.

:rofl::ROTF:



Looking very good Oliver!

[Boulard83]

Nice sleeving job !

I hope we wont see this PSU job on the finished product !

[oliverw92]

Thanks for the comments!


Nice sleeving job !

I hope we wont see this PSU job on the finished product !

Not following what ya mean :)

[oliverw92]

Update #15

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200001.jpg

Few things arrived from modelfixings.co.uk, my source of fixings. UK guys, check them out they have every single kind of nut and bolt, including all the rare black oxide ones: button, cap, countersunk etc all in hex fittings. They have a really resistant oxide coating too and very reasonable.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200002.jpg

6/32 tap. It has taken me 2 months to track one of these down in the UK for a price less than £20. In the US you can buy them off the shelf in any major store, in here it is like a needle in a haystack! 2.8mm drill bit to accompany it.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200003.jpg

Tapping the motherboard for mobo standoffs

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200004.jpg

Screwed in. The tap is amazingly well made, it works perfectly and the holes are excellent.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200005.jpg

More things from modelfixings. 20mm M4 Button Hex Black Oxide Machine Screw! Long enough name?

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200006.jpg

10mm M3 Button Hex Black Oxide Machine Screw

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200007.jpg

20mm M3 Cap Hex Black Oxide Machi.... *yawn*

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200008.jpg

Replaced the silver phillips screws with black ones. I plan to have all the screws in the case black.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200009.jpg

Replaced the block ones. I will do the ones holding the block together one i get the right size hex caps.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200010.jpg

Motherboard test mount! Absolutely spot on. Very pleased with my CNC work!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200011.jpg

Perfect distance back from the edge to allow PCI-E cards to fit properly

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200012.jpg

I have another 2 boxes full of machine screws and fittings

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200013.jpg

The fugly silver screws will be replaced, but i thought i would show how it fits and how close the rad is to the side!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200014.jpg

The other side, showing the fan, rad, top and grill.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200015.jpg

Test fitted PSU. Looks absolutely amazing in person! You can see the GPU, RAM and chipset block there too.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200016.jpg

CPU 4pin connector.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/27-10-2009%200017.jpg

Another shot of the 24pin connector and RAM.

Lastly i would like to introduce another sponsor, WatercoolingUK!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/wcuk-logo.jpg

They will be providing me with metal laser cutting and powdercoating services! Massive props to marcus for putting up with me!

[yngndrw]

Looks good and thanks for the link to modelfixings.co.uk. I never knew about them.

I noticed you have some stand-offs in your box, both plastic and metal. Where did you get those ?

Edit: Oh, WaterCoolingUK also supply them. :D

[oliverw92]

I got both from maplins, you might be interested in this thread i just made on OCN: http://www.overclock.net/case-mods-general-discussion/598613-faq-uk-case-modding-supplies-services.html#post7497911 <-- very good for UK modders!

[yngndrw]

Ah I forgot about Maplin.

On that list it looks as if you haven't used CPC before, I'd suggest that you look there for anything electronic related as from my experience they have a better range than Rapid. They also have a lot of non-electronic related stuff. It's also quite close for me so I can just "drop in", but that isn't going to be any use to you in London. :P

[oliverw92]

CPC looks good! They don't have a few things i needed, so i just put an order through with rapid, but if you go over £40 you get free shipping at rapid anyway. I will use CPC i think next time.

[oliverw92]

Update #16

So i haven't got much news really. Got my UV purple coolant, also got some UV blue o rings for my compression fittings (they are so funky lol). I was thinking what i could do for you guys who are avidly watching, and decided that a) video update and b) price list! So here we go!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/2-11-2009%200001.jpg

Updated price list. This is actually pretty dam close to what it really costs, give or take a few capacitors from Maplins. I am on track to break the big £1k!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG6lhhTOA1U&feature=related

Part one of the video. Features PSU, Fan Controller, PSU volume test, Drive Bay, Motherboard Tray.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUqZaR-WN8s

Part two. Side panel, Rad + Fan + Top Assembly, Completely System Test Fit, Photo Gallery (with good music!)


And finally, I would like to announce my latest sponsor, Enermax!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Enermax_01.jpg

They will be sponsoring me with:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/2-11-2009%200003.jpg

120mm Cluster Fan

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/2-11-2009%200004.jpg

Aurora Micro Wireless - Black anodized aluminium wireless keyboard! With multimedia keys, 'scissor' action mechanical keys, 2x USB ports built in and loads more!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/2-11-2009%200005.jpg

120mm Apollish Silver Fan

Thankyou to Alexandra for helping me sort this!

Until next time...

[oliverw92]

Update #17

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200001.jpg

Box of goodies from Enermax! Thankyou to Alexandra, my contact there

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200002.jpg

Talk about epic freebies!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200003.jpg

Anyone know what it means?

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200004.jpg

Crazy card holders for things like SD and XD cards

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200005.jpg

There are more freebies than actual sponsorship things!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200006.jpg

Onto the proper stuff! Aurora Micro Wireless keyboard, Silver Apollish 120mm fan, White Cluster 120mm fan. I am going to test both fans and decide which is most appropriate for my project in terms of looks and performance.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200007.jpg

Very simplistic packaging, came with plenty of padding to stop the keyboard getting damaged. No silly plastic bits making it environmentally friendly.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200008.jpg

Nice simple product guide, not sure why it needs to be in a bag??! I like this type of guide though, don't need to read through a gazillion different language sections and a billion different health and safety warnings.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200009.jpg

The keyboard in all its aluminium glory! It has a really solid feel to it. It must be at least 5mm thick aluminium on the top. The base is plastic, but it still feels well built. The simplistic styling of the keyboard is really nice, i.e. the curving hand rest part of the aluminium. It is actually really comfy.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200010.jpg

Here you can see the integrated mouse ball. This is a genius idea. However Enermax have not only come up with a good idea, they have implemented it perfectly. With most other good ideas like this, the outcome is normally not well thought out. The concept may be good, but it doesn't actually function very well. This is not the case with the mouse ball. It barely took any time to get used to and is really nice if you dont want to have to sit right up to your desk. It is also a perfect addition for a media pc sitting next to your TV - you do not need a separate mouse.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200011.jpg

Here you can see the mouse buttons and scroll wheel. At first you think 'how on earth is that going to work' but it really does. The buttons feel like proper mouse buttons, along with the scroll wheel.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200012.jpg

Here you can see the media keys at the top. The music keys only work with wmp due to the protocol the keyboard uses. However i was surprised to find they work perfectly with my iMac. You may also notice the DPI Fn keys there. A really nice touch. The on the fly sensitive works really well, particularly if you have a small/large screen.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200013.jpg

Battery power indicator.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200014.jpg

Here is the back of the keyboard. There are no sharp edges to catch on clothing, everything is smoothed out so it sits nicely wherever you position it. The rubber feet are also rock solid on a flat surface. The keyboard runs off 2x AA batteries.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200015.jpg

Here is the bluetooth connector. Nice and small, but not so small that you can lose it. The connection system is very simple: plug it in, and it works instantly! No drivers are required, even for all the media keys. I think it would have been nice, however, if they could have developed software to allow for proper integration with more programs such as itunes and winamp.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200016.jpg

Here is the Apollish fan. I was a little dubious about this fan at first when Alexandra suggested it. I was unsure about the quality of the finish, in some of the photos it looked a little 'cheap' and 'tacky'. However as soon as i opened the box i was amazed! The finish is stunning!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200017.jpg

Incorporated is a switch for the LEDs, a temperature probe to allow automatic control of the fan and a 3 pin power connector.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200018.jpg

It's so shiny!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200019.jpg

A sticker that is actually properly centred on the fan, unlike alot of others.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200020.jpg

Here you can see the unique LED design. The fan uses SMD LEDs and resistors around the edge of the fan. I will get some pictures of this in action as soon as i can.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200021.jpg

Here is the other fan, the Cluster. I have always had a softspot for this one! With the white LEDs it looks stunning.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200022.jpg

The observant among you may notice something is missing! The aluminium ring around the outside has been removed and sent off for powdercoating (yes i am that picky!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200023.jpg

It was very easy to remove the middle bit, just had to unclip the top of the fan and twist the ring out.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200024.jpg

Now onto some actual modding! Here are the new cubes for the corners of the case. I first of all cut the cubes on the laser cutter, but this time did not try and laser any holes. The issue with lasering the holes was that the plastic would reform straight after, meaning there was no hole basically. When i tried to drill it out, the bit would skid in the hole, ending up with a wonky screw! This time i made a jig on the laser cutter that held the cube perfectly straight. IN the bottom of the jig was a hole. I lined up the drill bit with this hole and clamped the jig down. This meant that the cubes were drilled perfectly straight.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200025.jpg

The missing corner is intentional. This is for a 3mm LED to go into. To do the holes, i clamped the cube in a vice on its corners and drilled straight down.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200026.jpg

Here is what the cube looks like with an LED in.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200027.jpg

So that is the end of the update really. Now for what is currently happening and will be shown in a few weeks time!

Progress is happening with the laser cutting and powdercoating. Marcus should be lasering the mesh front and back this week, hopefully powdercoating them by the end of the week. I have sent him the top of the psu, the case feet, fan grill, motherboard i/o backplate, GPU backplate and fan ring for powdercoating. The mesh + these things will be done in:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200028.jpg

(image courtesy of marcus)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/15-11-09%200029.jpg

Everything else is going to be done in this one! (i.e. the aluminium/steel frame). This is called Blue Ice explosion and should be with marcus next weekend so in 2 weeks we should have all the lasering and powdercoating done!

You can see more pics of this finish here: http://www.powderbuythepound.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=46_152&products_id=1976


Until next time!

[Wezly]

"Rest in peace, my gamer"

Don't know why they didn't use "spieler" or whatever the noun version of that is...

[oliverw92]

Ah thanks :)

[Boulard83]

Your still doing fine ! :)

[oliverw92]

Update #17

No i'm not dead! Just been having a few issues with things thats all. The biggest was that my iMac died. I use the iMac for all work related things including posting worklogs (i have a nice workflow of programs that allow me to really quickly do updates and also keep track of photos) so i did not want to release an update without using the iMac since it would be a pain to keep track of things.

My other issue is that i havn't heard from the lasercutter/powdercoater in over 3 weeks, which is the only thing holding the project up now. I've practically given up on him now, so i have done some revisions in 2D Design and i'm preparing to order some white 5mm acrylic to make the shell this week. The main problem with not hearing from him, however, is that he has half the stuff for the project (feet, fan grill, PSU top) so i need to get this back or i'm a bit stuffed!

So i'm hoping to have the project wrapped up by the end of next weekend, not sure if this will happen or not since there a few good parties scheduled (mainly a boat party on the Thames tomorrow!) and i may not be in a very good state for modding! Still i will try my best.

I have been doing some laser cutting since a few things needed changing (fillport was in the wrong place etc etc).

I also did a test run of MiniMe outside of the box with all the wcing. The only leak was from the Bitspower Crystal T Block, when i had a look there were cracks running through it so i ordered another one.

My Crucial 64GB SSD also arrived! This is the prize i chose after winning the extended project competition at school with my previous build, The Bloo Box (photos can be seen in the first post of this worklog). Can't wait to start testing this thing!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200001.jpg

New side panel with all my sponsors.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200002.jpg

Switch Plate

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200003.jpg

Front lower fan grill and rear upper fan grill (both made of tinted acrylic)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200004.jpg

Front lower fan grill

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200005.jpg

Crucial SSD!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200006.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200007.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200008.jpg

This is the new rear panel design. Originally this was going to be steel, but since i appear to have lost the laser cutter, this will now be acrylic.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/12-12-09%200009.jpg

And the new front panel.

Finally i have another sponsor to announce! This will most likely be the last sponsor since this build is coming to an end.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/roccat.gif

Roccat will be sponsoring me with:

Roccat Kone - Amazing gaming mouse!
Roccat Sota - Mouse mat
Roccat Vire - Gaming earphones
Roccat Apuri - Desktop management utility

[xoubi]

Nice work, I´m waiting the final result of the mod!
Regards!

[d50man]

All i have to say is WOW
And my Q have you tested for temp in the ram area that crucial stuff burns easy?

[oliverw92]

THanks very much!

Nah i havn't, i'm sure one is faulty though. It will be sent off tomorrow/day after :)

[oliverw92]

Update #19

We are nearing completion! I spent a few hours with the acrylic laser cutter this week and got the shell busted out (given up on the aluminium/steel shell now). It is now glued up, nearly all the smoked acrylic done and just waiting for a few screws and the stuff from the powdercoater (i heard from him - he hopefully shipped the bits today!). I also got a new toy in the post today, a softbox/lightbox combo for taking even better photographs. This thing is amazing for £50! It can either be used as an overhead light for large things, or you can put it on a desk and it stands up like a mini tent, so you open a little door on it and you can take pics of small things with excellent lighting. Doesn't come with a stand, so i use one of the cymbal stands from my drum kit. Works perfectly! Anyway, i hope you can see the quality of photos has MASSIVELY improved now.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200001.jpg

Decided to take some better shots of the SSD (the originals didnt do it justice!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200002.jpg

More SSD goodness!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200003.jpg

An E8200, for the hell of it.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200004.jpg

Completed sponsors side panel. Made of 5mm white acrylic for the outside ring and 5mm smoked for the inside.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200005.jpg

Few pictures missing here, dunno where they went. At this stage i had the front, base and back capillary bonded with dichloromethane (this stuff can take 600p/inch^2 after curing for 24 hours, although it bonds instantly). I test fitted the PCB, drive bay and rear exhaust at this point.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200006.jpg

The CD drive fits perfectly!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200007.jpg

Here are some of my crazy designs realised by the laser cutter. There are loads of holes in the smoked acrylic, hard to see due to the shadows.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200008.jpg

Switch plate installed

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200009.jpg

Another shot of the front

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200010.jpg

Close up of the fan controller and its mount. You may notice it is 'floating', this is because one of the bolts for the feet come up right underneath it, so i had to jack it up 5mm off the base.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200011.jpg

Now to the rear of the case. This is a ventilation grill, which also acts as a rear window giving a view of the tubing in the back. The acrylic is translucent, the backing is still on the other side at the moment, however, to stop it getting scratched.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200012.jpg

On the left is the 60mm fan vent and on the right are the PSU mounting holes and vent holes.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200013.jpg

Side panel on! You can also see the PCI hole.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200014.jpg

Switches installed. The two empty holes are for the potentiometers for the fan controller.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200015.jpg

More of the lovely black switches

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200016.jpg

And now to some shots of the finished shell! For all the previous photos in this update i was using my new softbox as a lightbox - putting it down on a table and using it as a tent to take photos of small things. I now attached it to a cymbal stand and used it to light up a larger area. These photos have had NO editing at all, believe it or not!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200017.jpg

Showing off the sponsor panel

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200018.jpg

Yes, some screws are missing, these are coming tomorrow. You can also see the top with the fillport and radiator hole.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200019.jpg

And a view from the back with the blank right panel.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200020.jpg

Some people were asking for me to put something in to give a scale of the case, so here is an AA battery next to the case!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/16-12-09%200021.jpg

And put even more scale on it, this is my new toy on the left (the softbox) on the cymbal stand. The shell is actually ontop of the amplifier i made two years ago. Can see the corner of my keyboard too.


Tomorrow is wiring and sleeving day (hopefully)! Will try and get as much done as i can, kinda busy though. Friday i have a half day so i will be busy busy busy on this! Until next time!

[Boulard83]

stilll AWESOME.

[BlaBla1973]

Great build!!!

[NickF]

Thats epic. A++

[oliverw92]

Thanks very much guys :) I hope to have an update maybe next week.

[Kurumi]

F-in right-clicked & and saved.

Loving the whole build.

[oliverw92]

Thanks very much :)

[oliverw92]

Update #20

So yeah... it has been some time since an update! However, i hope the 57 images i have got for you make up for it!

I suppose i should explain whats been going on. As you probably guessed, i never had time to finish it before i left for christmas. In a mad rush to get it set up, i found out that the pump draws too many amps. It was too late however, it had already blown up the tracks on the PCB. At that point, i had 24 hours to finish the entire build before we left, and i needed to sleep at some point. I knew it was never going to happen so i gave up and just took my iMac with me on holiday.

Just before christmas, i sold my previous scratch build, The Bloo Box. This unfortunately got damaged by the blessed Royal Mail. The back acrylic panel got cracked and the 4870 1GB was damaged somehow. This kind of put a dampening on my modding spirits. Luckily the buyer was nice and we got it sorted out. I still have a borked 4870 sitting infront of me though...

After coming back from Devon, i had 2 weeks before school and exams. Even though i was still missing the powdercoated parts and white tubing for the build, i decided to assemble it and get it running. This went quite well and showed up a few issues that needed to be resolved for when i rebuilt it for the last time. There were issues with tubing kinking etc, i ended up having a loop of tube sticking out the motherboard I/O shield!

I should mention, during this time i blew up the cd drive by putting 12v through it instead of 5. Oops!

The rig ran well for 5 days, then one morning it wouldn't turn on properly. It would power up then instantly turn off. When i got home later that day i took the sides off and after much looking around , noticed Feser One all over the motherboard! I instantly ripped the rig apart and got everything out as carefully as i could. 4 hours, a whole box of cotton buds, some UV lights and alot of swearing, i got the mobo running again! I was incredibly lucky!

After the horror, i set up the Swiftech Apogee in a loop on its own. (for those who don't know, it is a pump/cpu block combo). After a few minutes, the top was really warm to touch. After 10 minutes, it was very hot, the tubing was soft and i burnt my finger on the CPU block! There was also a slow drip of coolant coming out of a join in the block. Obviously faulty.

I was then cleaning out the rad in the sink when i noticed water dripping out of the rad where it shouldn't. Upon further inspection, i noticed what looked like a dodgy braze on one corner. This hadn't actually caused the motherboard dampness, since the radiator was orientated so no coolant was coming out the hole. However, this has to be returned too now!

A week later after my first exam, my white tubing and Thermochill EC6 coolant turned up. Along with that came the powdercoated bits from Marcus! I was so chuffed with the job he had done i decided to put the rig back together but on air. This went well, until it decided to not post anymore...

So now for pictures!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200001.jpg

They have been on two month journey from Hong Kong... during this time they fight fierce tiger, growling bear and evil iphone... ok i digress, either way they took ages to get here!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200002.jpg

More of the fan control knobs

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200003.jpg

Got the switches wired up with white sleeving

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200004.jpg

Looks like some kind of weird snake! These are all the LED connections from the UV LED bar.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200005.jpg

LED bar. This was scrapped due to it making the smoked acrylic go a horrible brown colour.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200006.jpg

It lines up!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200007.jpg

Here are the acrylic cubes drilled, tapped and glued into the corners. They measure 10mmx10mm!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200008.jpg

Shmexy case feet from MNPCTech! They suite the build so perfectly!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200009.jpg

Here you can see the Front designs showing through the smoked acrylic.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200010.jpg

Got my knobs on!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200011.jpg

Set up the PSU for a lighting test.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200012.jpg

Believe it or not, there are only the LEDs from the fan and one LED on the custom PCB making all that light!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200013.jpg

Really sets off the sponsor panel

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200014.jpg

Front fan grill designs

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200015.jpg

These are some dodgy pictures (and the only pictures) i took of the pc setup for the first time!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200016.jpg

At this point i had the GPU out so i could get everything in easily. As you can see, it is VERY cramped!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200017.jpg

Psu running without the top on. Managed to electrocute myself a fair few times!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200018.jpg

All up and running! Here you can see it on my new Hi-Fi stand with my new audio setup. Cambridge Audio 640A V2, a pair of Q-Acoustic 1020i's and an Eltax Atomic A8 sub. Sounds amazing!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200019.jpg

Puts a bit of scale on it doesn't it!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200020.jpg

We now jump to after the leak. Here is the powdercoated stuff from Marcus! MASSIVE props to him, the powdercoat is brilliant! Here is the motherboard i/o, absolutely perfect fit.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200021.jpg

Enermax Cluster with powdercoated white inner ring.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200022.jpg

Thanks to Enermax for the keyboard and fans!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200023.jpg

Motherboard all prepped for air cooling.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200024.jpg

Power supply with the powdercoated top on. Looks brilliant! Sorry for the yellow tint, my white balance was set on shade for some reason...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200025.jpg

4670 1gb with powdercoated white PCI backplate.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200026.jpg

More of the powersupply

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200027.jpg

The powdercoat is thinner than i thought, all the details are still there.




http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200028.jpg

Roccat Sponsorship arrived! (finally! Their post department put the wrong address on so it went back to them lol). This is the Roccat Arvo slimline gaming keyboard. The box is surprisingly small!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200029.jpg

Inside we find a cardboard frame holding the keyboard in place. I thought there was more keyboard being hidden by the cardboard, but no...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200030.jpg

... its so small! I was really surprised! (inb4 thats what she said). The arvo is only 17cm deep at the deepest part. It fits perfectly anywhere, particularly infront of a keyboard i found. The design has been considered carefully so it is not too over the top, but it still feels special. The cut corners and interesting Escape key add to the 'gaming' side of the keyboard, along with the illuminated arrow keys. One way space has been saved is buy combining the numpad with the arrow keys, delete home ins and page keys and two programmable macro keys. To change between the numbers and the other keys, you hit the mode button which is at the very top right of the keyboard. This works rather well. The first thing i checked was that it worked right when in the BIOS. It did, and had no hiccups whatsover. They have really pulled that feature off well.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200031.jpg

A nice addition for any game really are these thumb buttons. They are positioned perfectly so you can hit them with your space-bar thumb easily and quickly. The middle one has a raised dot so you know which is which when you are being a hardcore gamer sitting in the dark at 3am in the morning high on coffee and smelling of... i digress again.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200032.jpg

Here you can see the interesting escape key and the even more innovative function keys. Roccat has positioned them so that they 'hang' off the back. This may ring alarm bells of 'unstable keys', but they work really well. They are in the exact same position as normal, but are just adapted to use the space better. It also makes the keyboard look much nicer and more modern.

The only other key features are the flip out feet which feel nice and solid unlike other keyboards and the rubber pads. These are really grippy and they even have them on the flip out feet, something alot of keyboards lack. It also helps reduce noise when typing.

Overall i give the Roccat Arvo a 10/10!



http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200033.jpg

Here we have the Roccat Sota granulated mouse mat. It was a lot larger than i imagined!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200034.jpg

An interesting, although not very useful feature is the ability to see what the surface and base of the mat feel like. I don't really see the point in this, since i have never seen Roccat products on the shelf, and on the internet you can't actually touch things... if only you could... it would make certain things much more 'interactive'... i digress again!

My main issue with the Sota and i have thought this the moment i opened the box from Roccat is the packaging. The mat is encased in a plastic shell which has been heated around the edges to make one of those horrible plastic cases that you can only open with scissors and ends up cuttting your hands to bits the more you cut it open. It also means the Sota takes up an unprescedented amount of space during shipping. It measures nearly 50cm x 30cm with the packaging! I just don't understand their choice in this packaging. The mat is flexible, so why not roll it up in a tube? The last issue with the packaging is the proximity of the glued edge where you have to cut to the mouse mat. It took me a few minutes to get it open because i was so anxious about cutting into the mouse mat. You can just imagine it... little Timmy gets a Sota for his birthday. He hurriedly opens it up with scissors when disaster strikes! The sota has been decapitated due to dodgy packaging!

Anyway, back to the real world. Roccat needs to do something about that. It is the only thing letting it down!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200035.jpg

The actual mat itself is brilliant. The surface is perfect, it grips well, it is the perfect size and it even has funky corners that match the Arvo keyboard.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200036.jpg

Here you can see that it is flexible (hint to Roccat: put it in a tube!)

Overall i give the Sota an 8/10, due to the bad packaging.




http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200037.jpg

We now move onto the Roccat Kone. I have always admired this mouse, and was really pleased when Roccat agreed to it. The box is minimalist in comparison to some companies like Razer. It gives you the facts about it and shows off a bit at the same time with a HUGE list of awards it has won!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200038.jpg

They have included one of those silly flaps on the front which, again, seem like something more appropriate for on-the-shelf products, not non-touchable internet products. They might have well has sent it in plain brown box, it would make no difference to me in the long run. Still, its makes for a nice photo :p

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200039.jpg

Inside the inner box we have an inner plastic box inside an inner plastic bag... yeah everything is inside of something. We also have some software and some useless bits of paper telling me about some case study of a place at some coordinates... come on... i'm not 12...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200040.jpg

A REALLY nice addition to the product is this intriguing box.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200041.jpg

Inside we have a set of weights for the mouse ranging from 5g (preinstalled) up to 25g. We also have a driver cd in the other half, although i can't stand mini cds. The amount of times my mum tries to put them in her laptop's slotloading drive and i have to get it out...

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200042.jpg

Then we move on to the stunning piece of craftmanship itself. It really is gorgeous to look at. It is the only mouse i find more attractive than my iMac's mouse, the Logitech MX Revolution.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200043.jpg

The lighting is so nice, much nicer than the Razer alternatives. The software allows you to change the colour of every LED, set them to flashing, change colour, pulsate etc. You can turn them off individually too, or all off.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200044.jpg

My current light setting.

The mouse is a dream to use. It runs amazingly well on the Roccat Sota mouse mat. I always find it interesting to see if companies can make other products that compliment existing ones they make, and they have pulled it off well here. I have personally settled on the 5g weight, although i may change to 10g.

The software for the Kone is absolutely brilliant. It is easy to navigate, bug-free and doesn't look like some illegal satanic control panel designed to carefully and precisely torture people like the Razer software.

I give the Kone a 9.5/10, losing the 0.5 due to the few things in the packaging and also the weird diagonal line in the palm rest.



http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200045.jpg

The last few photos were taken with my late christmas present from my godfather. It is a Manfrotto tripod :D In particular, the Manfrotto Modo. For those of you who aren't photographers/who are photographers who are both blind and deaf, Manfrotto make some of the best and most respected tripod in the industry. They are renowned for sturdiness, but also have a VERY sturdy price tag. Unlike normal Manfrotto tripods however, the Manfrotto Modo doesn't cost you your future babies. Infact, it only cost £60! It also has so many little features it keeps you entertained for days! In this picture you see it in the 'floorstanding' position.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200047.jpg

If you twist the middle grey ring, it puts it into a different position mode. This allow you to splay the legs more of less. For example, it is now in the 'flat' position which allows you to get right under something (skirts?!)

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200046.jpg

It is now in the table top mode.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200048.jpg

This is the ring for adjusting the position.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200049.jpg

One of the nicest features is the tripod head. The dial that points to 'video' controls how much the head can turn. On video mode it can move left, right, up and down. If you put it into photo it moves 360 degrees. To lock/unlock the head you flick the trigger on the handle.

Thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a tri-pod!



http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200050.jpg

Now we get on to the part you have been waiting for! Pictures of it in a working state! Admittedly it is only air cooling, but who cares!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200053.jpg

I'm really pleased with the lighting, it is very subtle and is just what i wanted. I am glad i scrapped the UV!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200054.jpg

A little squashed in there! I replaced the UV led in the board with a white LED to match the rest of the build.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200055.jpg

Top of the box with the MNPCTech fan grill.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200056.jpg

Front panel with the switches and dials. Looks perfect in my opinion!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-01-10%200057.jpg

This is my favourite photo so far! This has had NO editing except cropping! It just shows what a decent tri-pod, cheap softbox, table and bed sheet can do! Please don't be fooled by the perspective, it hasn't grown!




Well, that is it for a while until i get my watercooling bits back! I'm tired now after typing all that...

[miahallen]

Thanks for the update...but this is taking too long...now you're going to have to upgrade to the Zotac H55 board :p: :rofl:

[oliverw92]

I wish lmao :p Swiftech don't make fittings for 1156 unfortunately :(

[yngndrw]

This is really cool, good job.

I may have missed this part, but why is the bottom of the PSU not powder coated ?

[oliverw92]

I didn't fancy ripping the actual guts out of the PSU :p It would mean unsoldering a load of stuff and removing the inserted-nuts etc.

[oliverw92]

Update #21

Ok so the original ETA of the 14th is not gonna happen! I managed to wire up my CD drive and fan up the wrong way and something blew up and burnt in each one. I have fixed the CD drive (one of the tracks had exploded - i think it is a build in safety measure) by soldering it up again and it now works! However the enermax cluster is well and truly dead except for the LEDs. I also realised that with two drives it is necessary to use right angle sata cables. However i still have an update for you!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200001%20copy.jpg

My dead 4670 got replaced with a 5670! Thanks eBuyer.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200002%20copy.jpg

XFX have done a really nice job on the aesthetic design. The nickel plated backplate, black heatsink cover and black pcb really go well together.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200003%20copy.jpg

The fan is very very quiet during operation. It also runs ridiculously cool! I am running at 3% fan speed and it loads out at 50C.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200004%20copy.jpg

And with a nice aluminium background.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200005%20copy.jpg

XFX even nickel-plated the X-clamp!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200006%20copy.jpg

My original pics didn't do Duniek's block justice.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200007%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200008%20copy.jpg

I bought a few more fittings so when i come to assembling it for the last time i have some options as to how i run the tubing.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200009%20copy.jpg

I love black velvet as a backdrop!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200010%20copy.jpg

The sweetest fitting i have ever owned! It is a Bitspower black shining rotary T.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200011%20copy.jpg

Should have polished it first.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200012%20copy.jpg

White 1/2" OD tubing.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200013%20copy.jpg

White coils.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200014%20copy.jpg

Unfortunately my custom PCB decided it would be fun to die. So I bought in a load of coloured 2pin and 3pin connectors to replace the PCB. Yes, that means no fan control now, unfortunately.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200015%20copy.jpg

Purple is the pump, red is the CD drive and the two white ones are the two fans.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/11-03-2010%200016%20copy.jpg

Finally, I bought a 320GB WD Scorpio Black 7200RPM 2.5" laptop drive. Fastest i could get for a reasonable price.


I am now just waiting for a replacement fan and some sata cables!

[Wezly]

That is a shame, but at least you got some new toys!

I like the color-coding...

[oliverw92]

Yeah, i like new toys :D

Thanks, I think it is going to look more professional now, instead of bling-bling with the UV coolant, coils and lights.

[bartolomius]

very nice build:up:

[oliverw92]

Update #22

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%201%20copy.jpg

Leak testing the pump and rad after soldering up a hole in the rad and checking over the pump internally.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%202%20copy.jpg

Nothing leaked, thankfully!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%203%20copy.jpg

So bare and empty!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%204%20copy.jpg

New acrylic t-block isn't leaking like the last one either.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%205%20copy.jpg

Starting the final assembly. PSU and drives installed.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%206%20copy.jpg

Nice to finally have a working CD drive in there!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%207%20copy.jpg

Bottom section completely complete and ready for wiring!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%208%20copy.jpg

Unfortunately this was the easiest part, and it wasn't that easy!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%209%20copy.jpg

I had some issues with clearance, so as a precaution i cut the heatshink down incase i had to revert to air cooling on the chipset.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%2010%20copy.jpg

Done on the band saw.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%2011%20copy.jpg

Here you can see my issues. There is no room to get all the tubing through and actually put it on the fittings.

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%2013%20copy.jpg

At least the cd drive fits!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%2014%20copy.jpg

I'm liking the look of the white tubing, its just a shame i can't get it all in!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%2015%20copy.jpg

RAWWWW bitspower man!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/20-03-10%2016%20copy.jpg

He's gonna bling you up yo!

Yeah you can tell i got a bit bored trying to figure out the tubing issues.

[oliverw92]

Update #23 - Project Complete!

It has been a bumpy long ride of 9 months since this project started! There have been so many set backs it is unreal. I have finally overcome the curse that has plagued me for the past few months, and i now present to you:


MiniMe - The World's Smallest Watercooled PC!

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%201%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%202%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%203%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%205%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%206%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%207%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%208%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%209%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2011%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2012%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2013%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2014%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2015%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2016%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2017%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2018%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2019%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2021%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2022%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2023%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2024%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2025%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2026%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2027%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/22-03-2011%2028%20copy.jpg


It just remains for me to thank my sponsors:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/AC%20Ryan%20Logo.jpg
http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Aquatuning_logo.jpg
http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/ebuyer%20logo.png
http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/roccat.gif
http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Enermax_01.jpg
http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/wcuk-logo.jpg

And invite you all to check out my new project, POLARity!
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=246858

[Pekalion]

Woha man! Congratulations! That is a fantastic work! I haven't see the worklog before so I spare a couple of minutes in the thread, impressive work! Really impressive and very neat!

Those last pics in B&W reminds me of a pierrot, don't know why, they look amazing!

Congratulation again and thanks for sharing the work!

[wiretap]

Very nice job. I <3 ITX

[Wezly]

Coils didn't fit, eh?

Very nice!!!!

[zads]

Looking good, I'm liking all of the quality SFF builds I'm seeing!
Your buildlog also makes me long to go back to school- free access to CNC mills and lathes, laserCAM, materials, etc,.
I was quoted $100 a piece for lasercam cutting recently -_-"
Ended up going at it freehand with a jigsaw in my garage, lol.

[oliverw92]

Woha man! Congratulations! That is a fantastic work! I haven't see the worklog before so I spare a couple of minutes in the thread, impressive work! Really impressive and very neat!

Those last pics in B&W reminds me of a pierrot, don't know why, they look amazing!

Congratulation again and thanks for sharing the work!

Thanks, it really means alot :)

Yeah i love B&W photos, it was tough to decide whether they should be colour or not, I think i chose right though!


Very nice job. I <3 ITX

Thanks mate


Coils didn't fit, eh?

Very nice!!!!

I could have put the coils in, but there was no need in the end. There were no kinks at all.


Looking good, I'm liking all of the quality SFF builds I'm seeing!
Your buildlog also makes me long to go back to school- free access to CNC mills and lathes, laserCAM, materials, etc,.
I was quoted $100 a piece for lasercam cutting recently -_-"
Ended up going at it freehand with a jigsaw in my garage, lol.

Thanks :) Yeah SFF is the way to go! Ouch $100! Thats alot! Freehand is always better though - makes you feel like you have achieved something :)

[Anemic]

Its looks....Freakishly good! Great job oliver!

[miahallen]

Looks amazing mate....congrats :up:
How's temps/OCing?

[oliverw92]

Its looks....Freakishly good! Great job oliver!

Thanks mate!


Looks amazing mate....congrats :up:
How's temps/OCing?

I don't think i am gonna OC it. I will get it 100% stable at stock and get the ram running nicely, but i don't think the PSU will take much of an OC. It is only 250W after all! The temps are excellent - idling at 23 celcius now. I have a stuck temp sensor for core #2 which is stuck on 39. At load all 4 cores are around 38 celcius.

[oliverw92]

Have some more photos:

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%201%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%202%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%203%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%204%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%205%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%206%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%207%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%208%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%209%20copy.jpg

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/Pics/26-03-2010%2010%20copy.jpg

Was trying a new photography setup for these ones, don't like it so much.

[imersa]

saw this over at bit-tech and loved it. so quality!

[oliverw92]

Thanks :)

[Halo_003]

Wow this amazing! Was it worth staying up for an extra hour on a school night to see all of it? Definitely! Outstanding work. And btw, your pictures look amazing.

[ottoyu34]

Amazing build!! Must be hard to get all that tubing inside.

[topnic2000]

pure porn this mod like it alot man

[oliverw92]

http://oliver.stirk.org/WorkLogs/MiniMe/CustomPC%20Article.jpg

MiniMe is featured in this month's issue of CustomPC :)

[gatecrasherlok]

Wow that is some dedication there and whole lotta bawls to do somehing like this with only such small experience. You definately showed the big professionals what can be achieved.

[oliverw92]

Thankyou very much gatecrasher :)