[Project] Warped

[PolarRain]

Hello All

After quite a bit of work I have finally finished my first totally custom case design. Prior to this I had built a couple normal computers for myself and others, however I always used stock cases. I had been toying with the idea of a custom case design for a few years, so I finally decided to build it.

Let me start off by saying that I don't have access to a well equipped dedicated workshop, the whole case was built in a garage with basic tools such as a jigsaw, router, files, lots of sandpaper and a small band saw bought for $5 from a church rummage sale. The most important tool by far was the sandpaper.

I hope this thread is informative to others and that I can pass along some of the knowledge that I have gained in the process.

I will post pictures chronologically starting from the earliest parts of the project up to the present. Please forgive me if my picture posting is a little rough at the beginning, as this is my first time doing so on this site.

First rough sketchup concept. I know it looks like an O face, this concept got scrapped in the end.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pOLNcTfwCqC--0F6SXLRQ4W44seF71mF_BBjfuu1uv7T2mUNmvfh4_2nZDHJKT9 0g


Wood form for molding the panels

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pUOKA1u92RS5psPh3z8ri0t6oKRjewoz62eDtOh1wrdfJ6aE 7-EQ3nnYcRqPPC3j8

Fiberglass Fabric

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pUOKA1u92RS5GehlGHbPnP7hvneFFDAcOYIrGDjgfj299SCv U65bJ9p1gMgrg8BR4

Raw panel curing on form

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pY0DQtCSJQZLINhVdwfgasJFJxA4n2_uiy4lM3stOHbSsigf 4hOa_OfDd60r98UpC

Panels cut and taped together

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pY0DQtCSJQZLj7LzchO0fEueLQZoSr-RoI1znP5ySiHgpdtJjfkpKIH4P6vsVbKl_

Panels sanded smooth with Bondo and corner braces installed.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pY0DQtCSJQZLZ50YXXw_5y3PHCz07tLWoeBhJxerpH32DZNh 526pmskcOi62zJvPu

Corner braces fiberglassed in place.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pAQ1t8lbOlQM99b_CrAadrXGft9PiTALNcnf4vpid4wM9mZL PYxRqFc8iXNK-nDJg


AutoCad drawing 1:1 scale of upper radiator enclosure

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pY0DQtCSJQZJywVIcDaf6goDZX4YRGrnjAwDtvfOgsVGImRk-SpYguOJBjX8FoXHO

Rad enclosure templates to use when cutting foam

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pY0DQtCSJQZKem6irAxAFBUABEPQXf_0zX-EucC3q1FJZvbKLB-SzkstECdW2CZDz


Templates glued onto foam block

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pFKldEzR1xfS_CcnOnyhHzXLr4ZmM0NzY_F8wHfLLR1d3A2W M4E1RRCfr9YShEFaw

Cutting out the rad enclosure from the foam block

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1psx_uUv7OXBDk3GAuzntKtMUvMxjKf6FntBS-UwcuPDZcs87mms77KLZJJ198jYgL

Rough shape of rad enclosure that will fit on top of the case.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1p4RilPQEVFrMF4ujO5waw-BflDTLPqCNm8n5iJ05dDblevxyXQ9lJJafL2bVfPAG6

Aluminum corner covers being installed and test fit of the foam to the top of the case.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1p13ClO2oD5IXHwrEElr_35t5pOepEMjLTwDUpb_KRP3OCd_5 5mod1tXkQ6QD2KPZo


My plan is to post new pictures every couple days showing the construction process, I hope you enjoy it.

[Dangals]

I love custom stuff - this looks great!

Keep up the great job!

[HaCKs]

wow that looks awesome! I am trying really hard to picture where the rad is going to go.... I'll be following this one.

[PolarRain]

wow that looks awesome! I am trying really hard to picture where the rad is going to go.... I'll be following this one.


The center portion of the foam will be cut out to make room for a PA120.3 as well as the fans.

[Anemone]

Looks incredible. Can't wait to see more.

[Logos]

weird and incredible :up: I'll be following this thread, and welcome to XS :welcome:

[philbrown23]

nice man for real! keep modding!

[Ashraf]

Whoa! I am loving that case! I can't wait to see all pictures.

[dingdong555]

Nice work!

Keep it up.

[charles_h]

This is going to be awesome.

I'm a bit confused though; have you finished the build? I know the 1st shot is a render but I get the impression from some of your wording that the build is complete.

If this is the case, can i has more? :)

[Nate P.]

Awesome, a custom case! Looks great so far!

[antho]

wow I love the concept ;)

[MomijiTMO]

Woot, this is going to be one sweet looking case.

[just a noob]

nice case, must have been a real pita to actully make it though, i know from experience that fiberglass is no fun at all

[septim]

dusty and sometimes frustratingly hard that you almost want to give up, but kept on goin till its done...

yep more pictures required here...

[PolarRain]

Thanks for the comments:

Working with fiberglass can be very messy, and you definitely don't want to breath in the glass fibers while your sanding the stuff. It's also extremely abrasive, I used up five Bosch jig saw blades cutting the four panels. Each blade would last about 2 min, then the teeth were gone. For fiberglass supplies I highly recommend TAP Plastics, they have a store here in Seattle.

More Pics:

Here I am building the aluminum box that the radiator will sit in.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1p22fXSaGwah6U20thFXLLewGLjLHVgdKy0feGs0DwKPzmfEP TcjGIGXwrlLt9_MkN

Top view of the box, it's all glued together with JB Weld. However some of the joints later gave way and I had to rivet it tougether.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pfmjS9hObIl65iKSwkTF_wp7QgBZr2Qz6qFmoDPEYz3_kXpP 9j7z_WbsfupPNPzhp


Here is a picture of showing the center portion of foam removed and the remaining side pieces glued to the rad box. I used Gorilla glue for this as the glue itself foams up when in contact with water. It worked well, there was no way the foam was going to fall off the box.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pgAMrtVBruHhX_1g_AK9dE3sd3njSSQGEzOuorakyapOmvA8 LPALmdfDm0W-0Bf54


http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pfmjS9hObIl7eh2Q5FnFUj5iM35QCIyhxBErk7nN02ksc_a3 O6TsB1mH8FVUEFw0z


After the foam was glued to the rad box I covered all the foam pieces with fiberglass to make everything rigid. The foam by itself was brittle, and needed some extra strength.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pgAMrtVBruHhtt1CYPXJkBqDOemfu0dUupFI58xeXn9m62c8 sUwtueneZMrYgQ9uv

Fiberglass is cured enough to sand after about 12 hrs.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pr-5y6oq-rlvMvr1BSteMMEiJ3Rk6HYHeDdLWNNc4Tt58xG9VEzd63E6DjQ 6O_BB7

All surfaces then needed to be Bondo'ed and sanded down. This took about two days for the radbox.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pr-5y6oq-rluoYJjy4QmuPVawTJ4FoolC6vL1qN9Vs68TkhTuAGJSv5Zh1d wK-HCp

the surface of the radbox is now nice and smooth.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pZdoxelHKrlOpS2JIn-nBQNpvN93YoSzzozXPsfJ4nV7F5lbbmDGK3YFfMEZtsNof


Test fit of the radbox to the top of the case. This picture also shows the bottom shelf installed. My next update will cover the metalwork for the interior and exterior of the case.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pr-5y6oq-rlt3R5tmIcIvYeVQYtmLYipzdYqqvzkC_12WRRcVSwOm5INJbS por7j-

[Ashraf]

Very interesting. :) Keep 'em coming!

[Dangals]

Very Cool! I want MORE!

[pwolfe]

awesome so far. I love the fast!

Lets see your fast too!

[lyl]

very original, i like

[disruptfam]

wow nice ! this is going to be good

very creative

[PolarRain]

awesome so far. I love the fast!

Lets see your fast too!

My fast, may beat a rabbit!

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pUJPfiIB3yP6xwhikb7quMNRBZgWZB5OmdGlFW5-7p9fW7M4zbxbc9XewJtJRhYQc

[Lagaaja]

Wicked desing, subscribed :up:

[PolarRain]

Sorry for the long wait, here is the next picture update covering metalwork on the case.


A stock Lian Li motherboard tray about to give up it's life.
http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pcbaF95YUVkbbXD39d4_dYt9xFBnokcJTv2HghXKjD-1Pl9FWW0EJntnEg5GfBJy33na5RUFhrFU



Some .08" aluminum used for the MB tray support.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pkJuDMhMaoCRg-IhHglTb8V6a6VemNOsbQvRuwpwRHgsYYucOOmNZPT_7CK6IG7I m

MB tray being glued down to a thicker support plate underneath.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p3oaYqJOBN5yqQ_-TtwVcGCaerKSyPWFKD5ge0WoGHTxrsuWwcNPIHDZyhFCqZmQ_w Wl_c6JAuZU


Some of my metal working tools.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p605Gy4EP62UomUUwU2o3-LXghZCqPyhCCsKWJ-ryJyvb_7eL-f_l_CpcRpqQQ6Z9bMSyG2BDdss


MB tray is complete with a lower shelf for the MB and an upper shelf for hard drives and other stuff.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p2luAEtCVSdeL2xreFWEHh52RO9QIbLCxkppomKUwIvOJGSN VgGk6Y_w27VkcVg6Soyp-MuHnQZ0

[PolarRain]

To fabricate the front and back plates out of 5/16" aluminum I first created a fiberboard wood template the same exact shape of the face plates.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pafu00grN4DQ-25elihi-huAZNQPfANgHT70g3YQWS6DIs74uxVMhXwTb9jHJGWAHwOgZyp IrZJ4

I ended up ordering a 2'x4' slab of aluminum online and having it shipped as this was cheaper than what I could get from local metal shops.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1p8ldU3f0Lc3dmtK6SJAlg0smAx2JFYWW6sUqJbfBxM9hYEku 06UueMwirBwOmPL08


I cut the plate with a jig saw however both the plate and the blade started to heat up very quickly. To help this I piled ice packs on the plate and cut only short sections at a time. I cut the face plates about 1/8" larger than the final shape all the way around. The router would remove the rest leaving a smooth edge.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p0jYwdsnkF1R5aPhvUshpEj2QP7p8UbKaYCQOR96sHhyL_tT XJ_CHIE_GrDOUNwzDfcSMcMmjxdM


Back plate cut out.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p_enRE_8jBLUYzAJk1HONMBodD3nqzR8QU4azGm7DEVpgQ7a LFZxeTSsDf9QOa1dJhYuI1G-xaZk


Front plate marked up ready to cut.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pDAhgdPv8sQU4GCcf2UdqChAWpkZO0RQ9XhXM-qA6Z8JZty2AOPgwInffjh1scM4VZPlo_O5RF4A


Front plate rough cut, took about 3 hrs.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pVxPgvupHjGQ8LNvedhUFo_7LuaGKyUFohjNwx5SNjHh6N5q t6FTb45PZrGVSMVnZqg1EBaVJ2oU


Test fit of plates to the case, they are just leaning against it at this point.


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pDg9giHTSdzSdCj3vQrnZ1cbJ7_eNtbr3P-yEToilxR_uxmf-dC_6lOpvxRm4B9j44cq9n2zqdD4

[Dangals]

WOW!! This is coming together really well!! More...I want More!

[PolarRain]

Next step was routing the edges of the face plates. The wood templates were glued onto the back of the aluminum face plates so that the bit could follow the smooth wood edge. Routing the aluminum was very tricky because if I tried to take too much metal at one time the bit would grab the metal and rip the face plate out of my hands. Luckely it all turned out OK.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pm_FJ44QSGeJj8vXF4sNA78cJnKTpZbWhTLe6Yc3GIWGL3R_ R6MFBR4-EiuJrggG4SgMia3sOaa8


Front and back plates on the routing table.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pwdxp7mDv5mH5h60r2AbwwvosfQqtj95AXHrKiTfJAUQuILs Y70LBWX4JZBQTZDsc7LZpBPMYBAE


Before I built the face plates I looked through a bunch of high end audio equipment magazines and took some ques from what I thought looked good. That's where I got the idea for beveling all the edges.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pghyhfZIZug-x1SrWER8rFkXPxSne9dLM15IPZ4BVnnWg-4Ni-v2q9uX8B1LO-trZuHC6VHIe3-U

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pbWuApKNbvNJr5ojJmVcNpAXMW7VDFYWf8AhR5u5imWMlaGe L8wSEI88U3iSAIUrSiERV2hIGg_c


To route the 1/2" wide CD slots I very carefully rough cut the slot with the jig saw. Then I glued in wood blocks for a 3/8" router bit to follow.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pQQH7vLwO6AivhD2g8gQVvw4skA-xhaaf0dDFkw9lNN9wirKqcoio47JNa23CjBMv

Except for the power button hole the face plate is all cut out. The routed edges were not completly smooth however so I later hand sanded them.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pZt5atqqW_OkbcjYip04bjOnViIzPfEvPTQIvVLgqHG5J8cd 9pKo9gl5khAExl_cdLNn0Uk1_0Gs


Making CD drive bay covers was extremely difficult as they are not very big, yet they still needed to be run through router to smooth and bevel the edges. I spent an entire day making just two.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pNEJ_g2ciQz4g3aODdCi3vQ3LHSI2MwjvC-sVynlaHwMKdiSk1q6egvuQj5f6MenP_GJ_DIVMOfw


I secured the panels to the case with several L brackets made from tiny aluminum angle stock that I drilled and tapped. These angle brackets were glued onto the back of the aluminum panels and bolted through the sides of the case. This allowed me to not have any fasteners visible on the front. Bolting directly through fiberglass is not recommended however, so I glued nylon bushings into the fiberglass to protect it from the bolts.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pt9QWp5iVLfp1BqqYiaW5HoVvnXE8QZ-oA-aPPGymIGqbDtTDykklzFT8CBkAsRibElFuwdNCR90


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pb8MT2tbELVw-ptC2ECPuOf_ivLKvyPDa2evUqWhMl5mA7GES4bawu_EpOyYayT bjnIT4_oAORSo


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1py_iB0yL2cygrWtWTtNA3-HY9KiMn7aTy5yWcF4Uv7AIxTcadxbacIXfXPiR2JcIx1Tta5m9 0fJg

All the weight of the case is transfered from the fiberglass shell to the aluminum face plates through the perimeter bolts. The face plates then support the entire case and are the only thing that actually touch the surface that the case it sitting on.

[PolarRain]

Anybody need some aluminum router shavings, I have quite a bit !!!

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pqcITr1IJTjInqu5NnllT4wjkoxbMqFalm1b8gEthinq1Jx0 J6KxCcvTDHYaV_Ben5lHBLfKProc

[lyl]

:clap: Very impressive metal work! :up:

Thats a lot of router shavings!

[leo_bsb]

Oh! A work of art!
Subscribed.

[menace2society]

Looks cool keep up the good work

[evil-98]

wow that is one thick piece of aluminum, looks really good routed :up:

[illidan]

awesome custom work!!

subscribed :)

[just a noob]

will this be appearing in cpu or something like that? this looks like that kind of work

[charles_h]

Amazing creativity and originality PolarRain. Keep up the great work. :)

[PolarRain]

Here is another batch of pics.

This is the only pic I have of the case in it's fully sanded but unprimed state.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pVsvNWmcDESWq9dRpOFAa4mwC_LJIWlK_l6qe8Y17LEV9T4-a5cPoIinbc8Rx45s7NIfTSy6BQCU


Now the case is fully primed and drying in a spare bedroom.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pgkqrpJfEK1In2q4RvYR6AJzhQy4GMqNMUuqykRKuB5IAOI6 G6t1Ag8jqm0nt9x26oue48JYxVWw

The case is back in the garage for some test fitting and wet sanding.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p8vSF7pm7DKlDnlcqto4d-qWup9uC6z0RCFp7xqK7-Rfq2VhTGphI5oVDkItk7ZrQmiHQNLNX4fM


I had to trim the ends of my EK multi res with a mitersaw in order for the res to fit in the case, I probably took about 1/4" off the top and bottom.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pRPIcvHTYk5VGKyGP-2gLMeL5agyQAKKQBw2aZ6lO1Hsqsc4RIXJfTFgzPk499fxpyqQ dv_qJRtQ


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pVCSHfkh0XXNSC-0IOpXZePxQibJRxBrFdxh-fd5jMIKukPfvjYhjHTXhMe-vy3MLYSClp2gosEw


Now it fits when attached to the top of an orange impeller DDC-2 pump.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p1KaaCQ5DNd0b-1ugW-NEblSiAhvxWUowqGo28jltrYR2kVMQjATPtwjOzMmzGkNbECkE w7hePuA


So here is the case before wetsanding with a test fit of the PA120.3 rad and fans.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pjXEwD6iY2VUo_9YiiRckLXIBR1GY8gN0tljHARBdN0BRYDh 5RxDlt5UwU3eGDhmSI8bz03i_BmY


Front shot looking into the case, The little metal covers to the left and right of the res ended up getting replaced in the end because I didn't like the way they looked.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pohauqwn0HgwKasxdRtgPBTpFRt7ULEpVauWl6ADxJDDm4uA pwozWSk7TXW3MwI6tOSXWXtTFguw


From the last few pictures you see that the radiator fans need a radgrill. However being a custom case, nothing that I could buy would fit. So following the same routing and edge beveling procedure I used with the faceplates, I cut one out 1/8" aluminum in a shape that I thought fit with the rest of the case.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pZj3jKFObMmyiyJu5p9FQ0Y_fpMlQzfzNeKD95tT7m5dOnB7 n-SQGYxGtqR8jNT56ON9MeCzzVeo

The grill dosent actually cover the fans very much but I think it looks really cool. If anyone is interested I probably still have the autocad file that I sketched the shape with. From there I just printed it out and used it as a templete to cut the wood router pattern.

[Logos]

fantastic design, imagination and skills :up:

[Arni]

Real homemade :D

[Dangals]

:eek2: amazing work!

[mpower1001]

Nice imagination, and nice work

[just a noob]

this is definatly an interesting build, makes me want to make a custom one :P

[disruptfam]

wow you have some serious skills !

[Webster]

Wow, subscribed. I love custom cases. Can't wait to see the final product :up:

Keep up the good work.

[illidan]

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pZj3jKFObMmyiyJu5p9FQ0Y_fpMlQzfzNeKD95tT7m5dOnB7 n-SQGYxGtqR8jNT56ON9MeCzzVeo

:eek: this is amazing!!!!
great radgrill!!

[YMAA]

Subscribed! :up: Custom cases rock!

[PolarRain]

Again, thanks everyong for the complements.

Now to complete the case.

Most of the metal parts layed out, any aluminum that showed was sanded and then clearcoated to give it a brushed look.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pH8tY7dFh_Dep0fkD-NBKCtqO2bzXlWNniVovMjfZFUvCSl13z8lRslFQZV1CgepW6p3 mxbo6DK0


Case is assembled with rear fans in place for testing, it's not painted yet.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pcYtSsBv5OTh_jv1Fj8Clt0vC_Q9XlcnGwC2EaKeZ8nf_JZz VFujm5iLJK6ObhExQMrX6hkTGJ2w


Case has been painted and is drying, this room stunk like wet paint for a week afterwards.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pXK2siXgGiCSUnafOUGQJHLX4P_iPwxi5Ckmi8EiRaJBSyUh 3lnpMeJwKrcJlUQhz6M11mACvbAg


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pdd6v0QcSJPNCcfx_ncfQbz2GUwLuFMom6YxdaoqYeDj6g9w cRDgKmFkYGvfle5ds1pLLtx-40gM


This picture shows the rad grill resting on top as well as the drive rails used to mount the CD drives.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pIIC6w8IO-4NnADIoyKjd_tKkk7veZ3-xr7mzkUfn8fQvGZF5t8AykEvyYBx97fPZUIqP-P315FE


The CD drives are in place as well as an old mothrboard.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pKCVcSnizzWQhy9KCOnpC74rqatZwuDOowH9Qw7gc6gPMZkB P5IY5vXIPwmrLGdGjWD9E6-HJGkM


Radiator and grill in place.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p_ZtK_lViMW_L0sPw0WoNu1ivUuS8SMMZftP69_unv_StqJ3-CJ5xoUOScTfmbjlg5Umr2ZVjCzo


I realized I havent posted a picture of the back plate yet, so here you go.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1psn1_aPMQMMQUsSskC80Zn0Qpo41J-C23CQypp9wzMOalkqivruy5qBe7RLpEdbylfqKEAsFLdJo


Top down view of the case, almost complete.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pKHuXcbX8qgikia-lUNqKJZaRFAtB1Nm3PQiI2w-VXIWQmoFMLQq9s3LWK4m96rmWcjY835X9_m4


Side View.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pbm2oqs9Kf2JXW9r5T6_6Iv_EdZYaZxgJ8BI2mpvl8Dfq7Ve H0ytHDpi-78Z-g9LVyKcJoKFle2Q

[Dangals]

damn that is nice!!! Love the pic on the side - keep up the good work!

[mike8913]

i actually liked that maroon colour instead of the black, but beautiful work indeed.

[PolarRain]

Now for the new hardware.

Lapping my E8400, I used the following progression of sandpaper, 600 - 1000 - 1500 - 2000.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1phDN0eYBJ-l_3feuDxsT9DTXNC873YE-m2M_Rj3ARYHnNCSWrKT3eQi9y1zN86MRVIB357kGvm1w


Plumbing in a Foxconn Blackops motherboard, as well as an 8800GTS 512mb video card. I used a D-Tek Fuzion V2 waterblock for the CPU.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1phQV8q5mDC18Jq31yP1RMz8oVJZM6nxDkbog_DdbD4EofOw2 x3nkz_f_yx1LvQEvdNdq8Riz58is

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pTdmvXfQ7u64jISOYKQua9hvZwEbhaH8mGn1upbYXX8pfDAt Za5whPKM208BVkMvQWd6Znz8CJ7A


Leak testing, everything worked fine.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p3WwYa5H9vYpikWj8aje3wX1U1TUTA-_tjyuojFdkZ4Hil6WsbbqFvp5hSNd8JVHCq5Siflj8OQk


View from the rear, before any wire management.

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pDmST5HhA5pXb5sU_Oa4VElhbXBH6yEfRzSwy7zSuPHVLkCX RClmwOyqBk8Sr11GgIZ5ctJYUOBA



Front view with all the tubes in place. I ended up using 1/2" ID Tygon B-44-3 tubing as I think I read somewhere in this site that it dosent cloud up as much. You can also see the new little aluminum shields to the left and right of the reservoir, the hard drives will hide behind these.


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1ptHw6JihuzkqO8XjBtqZLPQgVEKkE1PTGZEQuJKtdAElTnn6 eXMfvUVbMuYpyCjU5O9RkAU_sZ1I


The next picture set will be the final setup with it up and running on my desk.

[eXa]

Very nice...

How do u eject the cd-roms?

[PolarRain]

Very nice...

How do u eject the cd-roms?


I rewired the eject buttons so that they are hidden underneath the front edge of the case. In the last pic on page 2 you can see a few wires under the drives that are temporally taped in place, those are them.

[eXa]

Aha... clever!

The 2 fans in the back will do all the case venting right?

[PolarRain]

Aha... clever!

The 2 fans in the back will do all the case venting right?



Yep, you got it, they pull air past the hard drives and shoot it out the back.

[cobra_kai]

wow very impressive. i've been contemplating a 343 job and i think that is daunting. doing your own case is nuts! very nice job

[disruptfam]

1 word= mdpc

[Utnorris]

Definitely a winner. I wish I had the skills to pull this off. I bet you could win the Bit-tech mod of the month contest easily. Quick question, why not use compression fittings or are you not going to use clamps?

Utnorris

[MrMojoZ]

If you don't mind, where online did you order the Al?

[PolarRain]

If you don't mind, where online did you order the Al?


I ordered the 5/16" plate from here, http://www.onlinemetalsupply.com/, USPS ground shipping is surprisingly cheap even for heavy plates.

[Lagaaja]

Insane!

One thing only bothers me tough, it's that fangrill. I mean it's neat and stuff, but does it create humming noise? Those are some sharp edges on that grill above those fans. Despite that, I really admire this project.

[PolarRain]

Insane!

One thing only bothers me tough, it's that fangrill. I mean it's neat and stuff, but does it create humming noise? Those are some sharp edges on that grill above those fans. Despite that, I really admire this projects.


Good question, I did run into this issue while building the case. Before I made my own, I tried a stock grill with a flame pattern from a popular radgrill company. That thing made the fans sound like a vacume cleaner, mine is much more open and I really can't tell a difference in sound between having it on or off.

[Extigy]

that is some truely skilled workmanship there. I do really love working with thick aluminium and the finish you have achieved is quite something. You seldom see a case where a radiator has been mounted on top and looks pretty :P Good work!

[Janno]

hot damn!
XS MotM anyone? :up:

[PolarRain]

So Here is the completed case all set up on my desk.



http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pOwTf1TA-GhKpz7Jrh4K3Ctjdp9AtrLY7YZkDj25lIcWV0fnoRN0tEZR81A ElBhZMD_kjAetjKgk


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p9yLkg8tzEXWChg4xHSj_ETj1f_4xkdLzZF6HJh1Q9nt6cIu rBt27hsN3Lz-HamxEu_R0vzEsR3Q


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pbBywRmjZ9ZDo2TrvnocFTIcLS93la4TyIKiBgyI-zy14WPA_yIkUAZQYfzvhU_JQqozkmsZS6Ro

http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p3FQ664OjB-twB63bTso6MkgZ6B5yPwF-86dn0O6y3XaEgBqITLVLvngFo6a6xuobpzdJpxMDEOU


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pVgWj3Ihhhu4wmdkQ84eYJeJ_YqLF3sTAuQygQb_z06SXPxD npHlUZuZcJ4d5k7UVeVKJCTG-HeA


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pMGLKh9J5i-913O0xHFll-KtlPEMqzBr4NubwWnqICsSf8M2Vi_39QYHJ-LdPZpftnN1dyIvvnkM


http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pBJyqA3Eh_lJBL_HFAnnFyW1k4eqYV6tWL2Z3lgOrqutkfc6 GYoJny-4PuHOuDIJUrDkJVelyQNk



http://oririw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1puhlRzEHdxnsyCwDuaafs6Cqf3H8KkqU2sBfbex6_ycoRoha nKD9PJFXQhctpVpB9yZbbhMoUAY8



Any and all comments are welcome.
Anyone know of any contests I might enter this in, MODSHOP just quit having there monthly contest and I'm really bummed. The very month I finish the case and enter it for competition and they shut the contest down :(.

[Sadasius]

This thing is absolutely gorgeous! Nice work....I really love the top with the rad box. Ingenious! Why not enter it into Maximum PC Magazine rig of the month contest?

[menace2society]

Only 3 words FAB U LUST:D

Now thats what I call:pimp:

:worship::bows::worship: :toast:

[Eddie3dfx]

I am speechless.
That is beyond amazing. The top is so pretty

[philla88]

this case is freaktastically amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great Job!

[cobra_kai]

wow that really looks fantastic. great job and incredibly unique. you should definitely enter any modding contest you can, i'm sure you would win

[BlueAqua]

Wow, that really looks amazingly good. That is one well made machine. Good job.

[Kibbler]

That is freaking fantastic. Love the case. The curves are so...curvy.

Small (small small small) things that I'm not digging....
-The loose T line in the back. Any way to panel mount the fillport?
-The fat and tacky original motherboard power cable. It's front and center. Maybe you can sleeve it and use a new text-less connector.
-The fan sitting on the ram, it's also front and center, very visible. And possibly dangerous if it falls off. Kinda detracts from the superb quality of the case.

Still lovin' it!

[Blackbox]

Wow! Great concept and beautiful piece of art you got there! Congrats!

[jiggyghallam]

WOW man class build A***** :D

[ultimate11]

i want one ! gratz dude!

[leo_bsb]

great skills dude.
Amazing job, congrats to you.

[disruptfam]

mdpc submitted

[Hijack]

My fast, may beat a rabbit!

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pUJPfiIB3yP6xwhikb7quMNRBZgWZB5OmdGlFW5-7p9fW7M4zbxbc9XewJtJRhYQc

Ok, we've got the same car...now can I have your computer? :D

[disruptfam]

nice view man ^^^^

[PolarRain]

Ok, we've got the same car...now can I have your computer? :D


Sweet, mine's been good to me so far, although I think the 6spd manual is not as refined as it should be, feels clunky sometimes. You got an auto or a 6MT?

[Hijack]

Sweet, mine's been good to me so far, although I think the 6spd manual is not as refined as it should be, feels clunky sometimes. You got an auto or a 6MT?

Here's me goofing with the car pimped out for the Superbowl 2 years ago just as a joke.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m287/vwinc/IMG_3363.jpg

We must be twins. That is the first issue I go to with my car also! I have the 6M and it sucks. Worst transmission I've ever had. It's clunky and the gates are too far apart. Additional issues...the trac control is far too agressive, I never drive with it on. The low end torque is...well...there isn't any below 3300 rpm.

Oh well, it's being traded for an Audi S5 in 2 months anyhow....but we digress! Love your build. Great work.

[Lagaaja]

Glad that grill works for your amazing build. MDPC definetly, just neaten up the hardware a bit, just as Kibbler said.:bows:

[drizzt5]

That is one sexy looking comp.

Nice job!!

edit: I still don't get it, you rewired the eject buttons on the cd/dvd drives but where did you put the eject buttons?

I just read through the whole thread again, this is really awesome.

[Ashraf]

Oh man, that case is very gorgeous!

Your work is very impressive. Thanks for sharing! :clap:

[PolarRain]

That is one sexy looking comp.

Nice job!!

edit: I still don't get it, you rewired the eject buttons on the cd/dvd drives but where did you put the eject buttons?

I just read through the whole thread again, this is really awesome.



I guess I should say I added new switches, that would be more correct. I soldered some extension wires onto the + & - terminals of the stock switch, I then ran the wires to new microswitches I installed just under the front edge of the case. So to open a drive you reach your hand under the front edge of the case just a little bit and push on a small button. Please see the attached pictures with some arrows showing the switch locations.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pmUI8RHbUmcllLig0op6GaEVDpD1QKzS7g1qT5FpJvfcgLFI J9J5ujyuHJPjzNb3B


http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pfYyYUgoofv_T1VJmoVF-W5ZCdotU4oqV9pPTOB0GfB1kjgE-R7kC2p_dxA0LZogR

[Utnorris]

WOW!!! :shocked:

[mpower1001]

Work of Art

[HaCKs]

That is just beautiful.

You should take it to a studio and get it photographed in front of a white screen and get it on MDPC!

[teko]

Really really nice :D But you relly ought to get some HS on those mems, or some black or blue ones :)

[drizzt5]

That is just beautiful.

You should take it to a studio and get it photographed in front of a white screen and get it on MDPC!

+1, I was on MDPC the other day looking at cases and I thought this one could fit in quite nicely.

[Mick64]

This machine is a work of art! :clap: PolarRain, you are the architect! :up: IMO it should be exhibited in the Tate! :D

[Arni]

More more more more more more more more !

[PolarRain]

Thanks everyone for the complements, I entered the case in Maximum PC's rig of the month. It won for December, sweet giftcard for myself!!

[aspire.comptech]

Is that that stock top for the Blackops chipset?

Guy in water cooling just took his loop apart and needless to say things didn't turn out very good...

[alacheesu]

I looked very much like your speaker when I saw your build coming together.
89558

Truly impressive craftsmanship.

[Salad Fingers]

class

[breathemetal]

Wow...just, wow.

[omaryunus]

This build is LEGEN... wait for it... I hope your not lactose intolerant because the next part is DARY!

[Oli4v]

UBER !

this looks just toooooooo, much toooooooooo nice :) :up:

[N3it1]

I need my shades,this is just too stunning!Awsome job!

[Arkangyl]

O_M_G

gorgeous, stunning

your
case
is
frea-king
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

[Hennels]

Bloody top notch that is !!! :up::eek2:

[just a noob]

just saw this is in the back of maximumpc, great job there :up:

[norim_13]

wow
one of the greatest projects I've ever seen!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

ps: where did you get that motherboard tray? did you buy it? or is it from your old case?
i need one like yours for my project...

[PolarRain]

wow
one of the greatest projects I've ever seen!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

ps: where did you get that motherboard tray? did you buy it? or is it from your old case?
i need one like yours for my project...



Thanks:

I got the original tray from Performance pc's, however as you see in the pics, I had to modify it quite a bit for my use. Price is not bad, about 25$, they have a couple different types, see the link.


http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=130_210&products_id=21886

[norim_13]

Thanks:

I got the original tray from Performance pc's, however as you see in the pics, I had to modify it quite a bit for my use. Price is not bad, about 25$, they have a couple different types, see the link.


http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=130_210&products_id=21886


thanks, but... don't you know where to buy one in europe??

[ls206]

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_Lubic___Test_Cases_105.html

[MINIz guy]

Beautiful work of art! I gave up on making a simple tech station....and you made that kind of case with those simple tools! Amazing!

[norim_13]

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_Lubic___Test_Cases_105.html

thanks ;)

[bluc]

thanks ;)

love your work top job!!!!!!:up::up::up:

[HuffPCair]

Wow man nice work amazing looking case and I love it cause it does not look like anyone elses.

I am jealous of your metal work and wish I had the setup you do. Amazing work.

O yeah and about forgot if you ever want to get rid of that case just send it my way LOL