My son's modded case and system!

[WeldZilla]

Well my son sold his old system. The "FireBird" And was shopping for cases online. He found one at Anamax he really liked. It was only $39US delivered. It was pretty pre-modded. Which I don't like but, it is his case bought with his money. I decided to not judge til it showed up. Well it showed up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/amamax_1865_157533670.jpg Is it just me or are mid-tower cases shrinking? OK well I'll tell you it is put together well although very compact.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1000Ab.jpg Mat and I dropped in the mobo and hdd's just to get an idea of how they would fit together As you can see with the fron fans installed it shoved those 2 hdd's so far back into the case that they overlapped the motherboard
when we pulled out the fans it was still tight. Even with short IDE cables. We decided the only thing to do was change the arrangement!
So we took an air cut off tool (larger air powered dremel) and cut the HDD rack loose. Left the top 2 slots for floppy drive and stability. Then turned the rack sideways and pushed it as far forward in the case as possible. This gave a lot more room between the mobo and the drives.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1004Ab.jpg It also put all the hookups off to the backside meaning there would be ho IDE or molex wires hanging out into the case when it was all hooked up!!
Then Mat pulled everything out of the case so we could poke a few holes in it!! Top, bottom and side.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1005Ab.jpg
We put a 90mm hole in the top for a fan and we put 2 38mm holes in the top also. More on those later. Then it was time to prime and paint.
NO BLUE paint here!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1006Ab.jpg
Now without flash, the Paint is cherry red!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1007Ab.jpg You know there is just so little room above the mobo to the psu and he has a Zalman Heatsink/Fan for it. It does fit but? Hmmmm? Stay tuned.
you know he never thought about asking for anyone elses opinion on which case. He told me, "My money, My case, My decision. I like that quality in a person.

WZ

[NothingToLose]

very nice looking case.

btw how old is your son?

[Plague_oc]

what kindof spray paint do you use? i never get an even color when i used to do it..

[WeldZilla]

Sorry about that. My son Mat is 9 years-old and quite head strong about what he likes and don't like. This setup is his brain child,

[IYP]

wow impressive

[WeldZilla]

Here is a pic to ponder, it is an old axel off a toy truck mat got for Christmas about 6 years ago. Life was hard for the truck and it died a slow death. I noticed one time when Mat was playing with it and my best flashlight. (yes he killed it too) That light passed through the plastic chromed wheel hubs and it was kinda cool how it looked doing it. Here is a pic of the hubs. The one we have left and the one we cut off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1045Ab.jpg
Well Mat decided that there just was not room enough inside the case for the PSU. So we pulled the clear plexi cover off. Placed it over the top back of case and drilled 4 holes through plexi and case. Mat then mounted the plexi to the case While I did a little sleeving to the psu. Unfortunately we were short of sleeving. For some reason we thought we had more. So we worked with what we had!! One of the 2 38mm holes is to accomodate the psu wiring passing through and into the case. I used a sleeve from an electrical box to protct the wires from sharp edges. After we fed the wires into the case we screwed the psu back together
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1010Ab.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1009Ab.jpg
Yeah I know but save it til you see it at the end. I think you are going to like it!!
Part of Mat's reasoning for this was also the fact that the psu has blue lights and he hates the way blue lights and red lights look together in a case!! We are putting it to gether slow so as to keep the witing neat. The sata cable and everything that does not apply is getting tie strapped to back ot mobo try abe the height of mobo
this is not a race.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1011b.jpg
You know I did not like to see the top of the top hard drive there sticking out and clashing but, I did not want to paint it so I use a piece of wood panel to make a hdd cover. And painted it!! then placed it on the rackl over the drive. Much better have a look......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1014b.jpg
[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1017b.jpg

well I was doing that Mat got the DVD-Rom and the DVD-RW painted. He took some spray paint and shot it into the paint lid and then used a brush to touch up where some of it got scratched off while sliding them in. By the way he wanted you all to know that I installed the Zalman.

WZ & Mat

[WeldZilla]

We sent the little woman to the store for paint. She came back with Krylon Fast dry Primer (12 minutes) and Krylon fast dry paint also 12 minutes. Hey we were happy. I always use a white primer. On colored paint be it red, blue, green, or what ever color you are using. you will find that the color will glow more under colored lights. Hey don't take my word for it try it and see for yourself. Let me just say when you see the inside of his case here in a bit you will see what I mean.
And now the time is near, this build is about ready to spring to life!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1023Ab.jpg
You will see that he did the right thing putting that psu on the outside. Not mixing the light colors in the case. The effect of the blue mingled with the red outside on top of the case. As it makes for some blue chrome on top of the red. By the way, our computer room is actually fairly dark inside. It will never see this much light again.

WZ

[IYP]

wow...talented kid you got

[HiJon89]

Wow, really nice looking setup. I can't believe a 9-year-old had anything to do with it. Kinda makes me mad a 9-year-old can do better cable management than me :p:

[rick_fx]

wow...talented kid you got

That's what I was thinking also. BTW, very nice setup :up:

[Pinnacle]

he just might be the next CrimsonSky(if you know who that it)

[WeldZilla]

Well I have to tell you I am amazed but mostly by his patience. He was very content to take his time and get all the wires as neat as he could. now he also used a trick i use. If you can't hide a wire, then paint it to match the case! That way it won't stick out like a sore thumb!
Here we go. Ready to light the fire!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1026Ab.jpg
No mixing of colors!! let's open it up and take a look.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1050a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1034Ab.jpg Mat is ecstatic with it!! Heloves the way all the red makes the Zalman look red!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1039Ab.jpg
See how nice it looks with no blanding of colors. Now lets take a look at the top!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1031Ab.jpg
Woohooo! Remember that wheel I cut from that toy truck? Well see how light goes through it and relects off it!! Hey it's modding 'a truck wheel works!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1030b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1044Ab.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/IMG_1041Ab.jpg

Well there you have it. This baby took about 7 hours to assemble together.
Mod time was 2 nights after work. Do this with your kids and you will be glad you did!!

WZ & Mat

[afireinside]

Wow :slobber:

I've been building computers since I was 10 and that looks better than any of mine!

[WeldZilla]

When I got home from work Mat wanted me to show you his new settings. He thinks the Zalman works good for air cooling.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/WeldZilla/Matsputer.jpg
I got to tell you he is just thrilled and surprised that it came out just so good. I have to tell you I am a proud dad. I am kinda amazed myself at this outcome.

WZ

[IYP]

LOL that background

oh man good laugh

and wow hees not to shappy at OCing either

[heater918]

Way to go Mat,very nice job. Your lighting looks real good & you have some good clocks also :clap: . Fast & Red . To Dad for spending quality time with Son :toast:

[WeldZilla]

Usually he has either dragons or Lamborghinis for his Desktop. Oh yes or a Saleen S-7.
Then he saw the pussy cat dolls and just unraveled when he saw the lead singer.
Fast Cars, Fast Computers, Fast Women. that's my boy!! This really was a great father-son project. we are going to start another soon. Hopefullt it will be fully ready by late winter....WeldZilla 3 "Domination By Design". This will be built entirely from scratch. We both have the itch to get started!!
thanks for your comments and compliments. I recommend to any parent to find projects to do with your kids. It is a great way to stay close and teach them something while you are at it.

WZ

[Lvcoyote]

Thats not just a good computer build, its also a great story, well done....both of you!!

[d94]

Thats not just a good computer build, its also a great story, well done....both of you!!
i gotta agree! that case is pretty awsome for $39 esp after you guys modded it :toast:

[WeldZilla]

Yes that is a good price when you realize shipping is free!! That is usuually quite spendy on a case. the Silver version of his case is on sale for $35 this week
http://www.amamax.com/cases.html. I have always preferred getting an average case and turning it into something special.
Againg We thankyou and look forward to bringing you our next project.
Oh yeah here are his system specs......
Epox 4PDA2+Ver.2 Motherboard 3.0C processor, 2 x 256 megs G.Skill 4400LE.
PNY 6800GT Vid card, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 audio, 2 x120 gig maxtor HDD's in Raid0 array. Zalman HS/Fan. Logysis 500 watt psu. NEC DVD-rom, Pioneer AO5 DVD-Writer.
4x 80mm case fans, 2 x 92mm case fans. Idle temps right at 32C.


WeldZilla & Mat

[Anarki]

Nice job! I can't wait until I become a dad and get my son interested in modding/overclocking :p:

[Nosfer@tu]

What is that, looks like a frame to remove tensions from large quanteties of weigth?

does it come with your grafic card or did you mount it?

[WeldZilla]

That is a stock item on the 6800GT graphics card. I guess it is necessary as the card is so large. Keeps it from breaking!


WZ

[Serra]

5w33t build!

[MeltedDuron]

wow, that totally kicks ass, when I was 9 I was on a crappy celeron, I am so frickin jealous, wasn't OCing till age 11. wow :woot:

[mtb856]

Wow, awesome job.....I've always admired your work and this one's no different. :)

[faruquehabib]

damn, outstanding job! high-quality effort there. yall make a great team! now get that rig crunchin d2ol and dimes!! :toast:

[WeldZilla]

hey when I was nine there wasn't evena hand held calculator yet!!! There wasn't even Pong yet! No microwaves. Geez I had it rough ,you all have it made!
LOL............Got to tell you I am kinda bummed it is done. Thinking about putting on some flames, butstill, it is done. Need to get started on the next one! Thanks MTB, I appreciate it.

WZ

[NothingToLose]

hey when I was nine there wasn't evena hand held calculator yet!!! There wasn't even Pong yet! No microwaves. Geez I had it rough ,you all have it made!
LOL............Got to tell you I am kinda bummed it is done. Thinking about putting on some flames, butstill, it is done. Need to get started on the next one! Thanks MTB, I appreciate it.

WZ
your son needs to try watercooling now :woot: :banana:

[WeldZilla]

I have a spare Innovatek block here as well as a spare swiftech block. I assure you that is in his future.I myself feel water is superior to air! There just is no comparison. although people try to compare them all the time. So yes he will be assembling one before too long. I will tell you he is quite content where he is running now. But he does want more. Don't we all?

WZ

[bartsimsonii]

Great father and son project. Good job working together.

[afireinside]

Haha nice background... What are you doing with cases? Get the kid an SLI rig and he'll be at the top of the ORB in no time!

[WeldZilla]

Well if he wants to get to the top of the orb. He will have to pay his own way!!
you know quite frankly his current setup games just great!! He has run a couple benches but,he is not really into it. He would rather kick it on and just play.

WZ

[cool_dude]

nice :) :toast:


Soon he might be buying watercooling :D :p:

[NickS]

Wow :slobber:

I've been building computers since I was 10 and that looks better than any of mine!

Same here! :slobber:

Nice work man, I love it. :woot:

[shocktech]

damn thats nice. Hes nine and he has a better computer than me :< (not for long) lucky kid. Looks nice.

[WeldZilla]

He is in love with his system. He is on it as I type. He is saving for liquid cooling. I will give him which ever 478 block he wants. That I have. If I were him I would take my Swiftech. He is going to build the res this weekend. He just has to get the caps for the ends. I have plenty of the pipe around.

WZ

[CandymanCan]

I have a 6800gt dont have that little bar accros my card must be just that brand or maybe its new or something

[WeldZilla]

It's a second Generation PNY 6800GT. It was bought last year. It came with the 61.34 driver disc. Remember that one? It has been a great Card!! even tho' it is a PNY

WZ