Project: ATCS 840

[coolmiester]

Been wondering what to do with the new Coolermaster ACTS 840 for a while with no real plan as yet but felt if i didn't make a start at some point soon i'd be playing catch up which i've done in the past.

Anyway, whatever happens the chassis would be getting anodised black so decided to strip the whole thing down.

Pretty easy job in all honesty with only eight rivets needing removed to get the top off...............still got cut out the base to fit a 240 radiator but apart from that its ready to go get anodised.

BTW, very early stages so expect this one to take quite a while but at least its a start :lol:

Sponsors Include:
Coolermaster (http://www.coolermaster.com/index.html)
Intel (http://www.intel.com/)
HWLabs (http://www.hwlabs.com/)
OCZ (http://www.ocztechnology.com/)
Zotac (http://www.zotac.com/)


http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/coolermaster_logo.jpg (http://www.coolermaster.com/index.html)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/intel_logo.jpg (http://www.intel.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/hwlabs_logo.jpg (http://www.hwlabs.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/ocz_logo.jpg (http://www.ocztechnology.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/zotac_logo.jpg (http://www.zotac.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_1.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_2.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_3.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_4.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_5.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_6.jpg

[DeltZ]

nice! personally never seen a case stripped down into such plain construction detail. Looks like a lot of fun :) You seem to have made light work of disassembly. I always seem to have to disassembly of ....anything ...

[N3it1]

Does that case support inverted ATX?
Im always into your builds and i know already this one wont fail either!

[MomijiTMO]

I haven't seen anyone use this case in LC so woohoo for new :)

[masxerofkartis]

subbed:thumbup:

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

leave it to coolmiester to officially pimp the new case :cool: can't wait to see what you do with this one :yepp: :up:

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Based on your pics, I don't see any secondary mounting hole for 120mm fans. How does that work?



rads mount to the bars seen in the backdrop of this picture http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_4.jpg

its a very nice design :up:

[coolmiester]

Still not sure what hardware is going into this and initially i had wanted to go i7 but i've still got a spare Skulltrail board though no CPU's or RAM but i do know it will be dual loop whatever hardware i end up going with.

So i thought i'd give something a little different a go which should end up keeping things nice and tidy and keep hose routing to a minimum.

The plan is to attach an Alphacool DDC top to the back end of a Dual Res.

I'll see how it actually performs first and i might end up making the two dual Reservoirs from scratch but i'm pretty happy with the outcome using the DD ones tbh.

Was a simple case of tapping 4x 6/32 holes into the backside of the res followed by a 12mm hole in the centre so the liquid can flow directly to the pump.

I'll also be tapping a G1/4 hole into the front of the res for easy filling.

Once i decide whether to use the DD Res or make my own i'll use clear silicon gasket seal before screwing the Alphacool top to the Res which should hopefully make it completely leak proof...............well that's plan A anyway :up:

The result is a nice compact res/pump combo which i duplicate for dual loop.

As always, on with some pictures ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_1.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_2.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_3.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_4.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_5.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_6.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_7.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_8.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_9.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_10.JPG

[Demthios]

Nice way of mounting the pump, how are you sealing the top and the res togather to make sure it doesn't leak?

[Arni]

Next great project ? :)

btw plz check pw :)

[Pellepel]

Wow nice way to add the pump there.

[coolmiester]

WOW it works :cool:

Actually, i never doubted it wouldn't tbh but i was quite surprised it didn't leak even without any gasket seal but i guess its because the two contact surfaces are so flat there's no space for leakage.

Anyway, i'm a happy with the outcome and i can get back to me holidays tomorrow knowing i did good :D

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_11.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_12.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_14.JPG

[BlueAqua]

Great idea and implementation coolmiester! I always love to see the creations you come up with.

[illidan]

man this is gonna be... :)

subd!

[Fr3ak]

Nice start, hopefully I will get some ideas to convince me to use this case as well =)

[coolmiester]

Just before i started chopping this ATCS 840 chassis up i thought i'd give this top 360 radiator mounting a go using the included brackets.

I set it up using the two stock 230mm fans pulling through the radiator but it could also be mounted using any three 120mm fans which no doubt a lot of folk will do (not sure which option i'll go for just yet)

I got to say it all works really well though one thing i would add is a small blank plate or tape up the side gap of the 230mm fans so all air is directed through the radiator.

Just got to work out what to do with the grill now??

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_7.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_9.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_10.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_12.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_11.jpg

[just a noob]

this looks like its going to be another amazing worklog, wish i had talent like you...

[OdinEidolon]

love the case! subs'd

[BlueAqua]

Damn those fans are HUGE! The radiator looks so small in comparison.

Btw, what happened with your Skulltrail build log? I can't find it.

[skinnee]

I'm going to need some snacks for watching this build log...CM builds are always entertaining to witness.

[HuffPCair]

Im so jealous I cant wait to get my case for christmas. Looking good so far too. Keep up the good work

Subscribed

[Polizei]

I just IMed a friend of mine to say "coolmeister started another build... check it out" and he replied to me, "You fool, I showed you that build two weeks ago. He mounts a DDC top to the back of a bay res... remember?"

Of course, I scroll down several more pictures and see it. :am:

I don't know how much I would trust that DDC mounting without any gaskets, especially if it's a show case that's going to get moved around a lot.
In any event, excellent work so far. :up:

[coolmiester]

Damn those fans are HUGE! The radiator looks so small in comparison.

Btw, what happened with your Skulltrail build log? I can't find it.

Probably at the back of the pile by now lol but its in me sig mate :up:


Holy dead spot, Batman! :shakes:

You're not kidding.......i'm going to play with a few different fan configs before making any final decisions.


I just IMed a friend of mine to say "coolmeister started another build... check it out" and he replied to me, "You fool, I showed you that build two weeks ago. He mounts a DDC top to the back of a bay res... remember?"

Of course, I scroll down several more pictures and see it. :am:

I don't know how much I would trust that DDC mounting without any gaskets, especially if it's a show case that's going to get moved around a lot.
In any event, excellent work so far. :up:

That'll be the alcohol then Polizei :yepp:

Second res turned up this morning so i can set about making a second res / pump combo but still a long long way to go on this one as other commitments keep getting in the way :rolleyes:

[exe163]

Nice way to mount the rad, keep the pix coming!

[Polizei]

That'll be the alcohol then Polizei :yepp:

Second res turned up this morning so i can set about making a second res / pump combo but still a long long way to go on this one as other commitments keep getting in the way :rolleyes:

Alcohol? :confused:

[coolmiester]

Alcohol? :confused:

My bad, thought it may of contributed to why you forgot about the mod in the first place but obviously not :shrug:


Anyway, managed to sneak a bit of time this afternoon to de-rivet the entire chassis to make it easier for working on and anodising or powder coating......still haven't made my mind up on which to go for yet.

Chopped out a bit of the hard drive cage to allow for the GTX240 rad to be mounted to the base then used one of our silver honeycomb grills for a template to mark out what needs removing from the base section.

I'll have to make a decision on colour and by what method pretty soon but a quick mock up shows how it will look.

I'm happy with that!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_14.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_15.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_16.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_17.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_18.jpg

[Polizei]

My bad, thought it may of contributed to why you forgot about the mod in the first place but obviously not :shrug:


Oh, no worries mate. I see what you meant... I had just gotten out of bed so my mind was a bit foggy.

Alcohol would have made me forget had it happened a couple weeks ago... hoo boy... half a bottle of whiskey is not a good idea. :down: :rolleyes:

[revlimit]

Nice work. I'm about to start my new build with the same case.

[michoco]

Nice Job !

It's impossible to buy thi case for the moment in france ! I want to know 2 things : (to install a Black ICE GT Xtreme 420 (3*140 and 54mm)

- Is it possible ton fix watercooling radiator 3*140 on Two big Fan at the top ? (like you with your 3*120)

- Is it possible to install hlabs "GTX" model 54mm instead of 30mm without problems ?

I discover it's not easy to speak watercooling in english for me :D

Thanks a lot

[Serpentarius]

wohhh~! another masterpiece :up:

[masxerofkartis]

Nice job as always Wating for the painted thing unrestedly

Masxerofkartis

P.M. Dont actually know if the bleedin word even exists but its difficult to find a word in english for every nice word in greek :P

[Demthios]

Nice build going can't wait to see the end result!

[Krazeyivan]

Very nice work coolmiester

I'm struggling to find someone who supplies this case from the UK, where did you get yours from?

[coolmiester]

According to CM they should hit the UK shelves by Friday 12th of December or there abouts :up:

[soulesschild]

Beautiful work coolmiester :) I unfortunately had huge difficulties mounting my rad to the top 230mm fans so I just gave up =[ Mounted it normally like it shows in the manual :P Even that was hard as hell as I had huge trouble getting all the holes to line up and such :) Subbed

[coolmiester]

Beautiful work coolmiester :) I unfortunately had huge difficulties mounting my rad to the top 230mm fans so I just gave up =[ Mounted it normally like it shows in the manual :P Even that was hard as hell as I had huge trouble getting all the holes to line up and such :) Subbed

I presume it depends on which radiator you're using as anything other than 15mm hole spacing and the mounts will not line up though given the mounts are made from plastic it would be easy to make adjustments to fit.

I originally tried it with an early XSPC with 17mm holes and not all holes would line up though it was possible to get bolts in enough to make it secure.

Mine was an early sample so never got the luxury of a manual.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_19.jpg

[Fr3ak]

80% of all radiators have 15 mm spacing, so it should be fine in most cases. Long holes would have been possible to have it compatible with bigger hole spacing as well.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

yes, I believe all rad mounts of this type should have slotted holes, but 15mm is the standard we are approaching in the industry.

[pcaddict]

updates? :P

[coolmiester]

Not much of an update at all tbh but never-the-less i got a few pictures of the chassis back from powder coaters in satin black.

I also spoke to Willie at HWLabs (http://www.hwlabs.com/) earlier in the week who is going to pull all the stops and try to get me a custom GTX360 X-Flow radiator for the top as i find that its much easier to route hoses and it gives an overall much cleaner look so massive thanks the Willie for that :cool:

......i just got to work out how to put this oversized jig-saw back together :ROTF:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_20.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_21.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_22.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_23.jpg

[AbNormaL]

I can't wait till that project is done ^^ looks great imho

[revlimit]

How much did it cost to you get all those parts powder coated? Is this cheaper/better then anodized?

[Blacky]

holy cow, I didn't know a rad of 3 could fit there! subscribed !! interested on this build! hey cooler can a fesser of 3 fit there??? highly interested on response

[Linchpin]

Great work as always Coolmiester, do you think it's possible to fit a Feser 360 rad with fans in a push-pull config up top?

[soulesschild]

holy cow, I didn't know a rad of 3 could fit there! subscribed !! interested on this build! hey cooler can a fesser of 3 fit there??? highly interested on response

Yes it can.

[coolmiester]

Still waiting on a few bits so i can start the exterior so thought i'd put the chassis back together and i got to say its looking real nice and can't wait to start filling it full of new hardware.

As you can see, to fit the HWLabs GTX240, i had to remove part of the hard drive caddy so it can only take three now but then that's never bothered me in the past.

Also nice to see CM go with the black quick release buttons on this as they fit in much better with the colour scheme.

Man, i just love starting with a blank canvas like this....

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_31.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_26.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_27.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_28.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_29.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_30.jpg

[Yozzman]

Still loving ur stuff!

[OdinEidolon]

man, amazing job as always!
did you get my PM?

[soulesschild]

great work coolmiester :) keep it up!

[breathemetal]

Nice stuff man! Good luck.

[upsidedown]

wow, looking nice... cant wait to see the final product:up:

[coolmiester]

As always, thanks for the feedback :up:

Well, i know the colour scheme now - or at least for the time being anyway :(

I'm quite happy tbh as its very similar to Skulltrail and if all else fails at least i'll have a couple of nice matching bookends if nothing else..............but man this poor little board looks lost in this case.

Actually, not much of an update but at least i can relax now and enjoy Christmas :)

Having said that, i need blocks - any suggestions??

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_32.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_33.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_34.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_35.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_36.jpg

[AbNormaL]

Well i have 1 question: dose the TFC Xcharger 360 fit that case ?

[coolmiester]

Well i have 1 question: dose the TFC Xcharger 360 fit that case ?

Why wouldn't it AbNormaL :confused:

[AbNormaL]

Why wouldn't it AbNormaL :confused:

Becouse of it's deapth ? well i forgot to mention, that i'd be interested in putting rad at roof of the case :)

[coolmiester]

Becouse of it's deapth ? well i forgot to mention, that i'd be interested in putting rad at roof of the case :)

Post #18 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3462107&postcount=18)

The case is huge and would doubt it wouldn't fit any 360 rad up top :)

[MaddHawk]

Am I seeing things or is that mobo tray on a drawer slide?

Edit: I also find it interesting that you refer to an empty case as a blank canvas. :)

[pvtdonuts]

the case has ball bearings that guide the mobo tray

[just a noob]

for a cpu block what about the ek supreme with black acetal top?

[skinnee]

You looking to block up the motherboard too?

[Rippermac]

You're killing me with the wait for an update...http://rippersshack.net/pics/5-impatient-annoyed.thumbnail.jpg

[SGwillis]

sub'd:up:

[JimiP]

Absolutely beautiful. I can't wait for updates!

[Mash]

This board is very hot, like a frying pan!

[OdinEidolon]

oh. i thought there was an update :shrug:
c'mon coolmiester!

[Lagaaja]

Post #18 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3462107&postcount=18)

The case is huge and would doubt it wouldn't fit any 360 rad up top :)
Why not to use 420 rad there, or even 280? Considering you have those nice big fans there:)

[mpower1001]

Coolmiester, your builds are just stunning, can't wait to see the finished product, good luck

[Meatpuppet]

I really like how this build is coming along, it is amazing how a little powder can change things. Anyhow I am a big fan of the ACTS 840 and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind answering a few detail type questions.

1. When you install the 360 rad in the top of the case, does it interfere with any of the top OD slots (i.e. not a full 7" of clearance from the front of the case to the radiator)?

2. What is the width of the recessed region in the bottom of the case (the red line in the attached image)?

Thank ya kindly for any help, and I look forward to future updates.

[coolmiester]

I can help you with one measurement at this point in time Meatpuppet - the recess in the base is 170mm

As for the top radiator mount, i'd have to wait till i can attach the top section to answer that properly tbh but i can say that a 360 rad can be fitted without any mods.

BTW my vents turned up today so i'll be posting some mod goodness soon :up:

[Meatpuppet]

Thank ya kindly, look forward to the update.

[ShoNuff]

What you have done with that case is awesome! The powder coating was the perfect touch. I've been a fan ever since the Yamaha Stacker build. One day I am going to make you an offer on that case that you can't refuse. :D

My vote for a cpu block is the AquaComputer Cuplex HD (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3492715&postcount=465). I think it would compliment your build very well.

Looking forward to your progress. :up:

[masxerofkartis]

The watercool heatkiller 3.0 or the swiftech gtz would be quite interesting choices.

Very nice build as always CM

[revlimit]

I really like how this build is coming along, it is amazing how a little powder can change things. Anyhow I am a big fan of the ACTS 840 and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind answering a few detail type questions.

1. When you install the 360 rad in the top of the case, does it interfere with any of the top OD slots (i.e. not a full 7" of clearance from the front of the case to the radiator)?

2. What is the width of the recessed region in the bottom of the case (the red line in the attached image)?

Thank ya kindly for any help, and I look forward to future updates.

Is it possible to put a GTX 240 radiator under the top cover?

[Zeus]

I love the satin black powder coatingand i really like the case, this is gonna be another fantastic build!

[Linchpin]

Is it possible to use the top tubing holes with a radiator installed at the top of the case?

[coolmiester]

VENTS - well it wouldn't be the same without vents but this time around they go in over rather than sticking out.

I figured the ATCs chassis was wide enough without sticky out vents so went for these which will eventually be stuck in place then filler to smooth the rim so they are seamless but before that, both panels will be powder coated and wet sanded to give a good base for primer and paint.

I also have a new sponsor by the name of OCZ (http://www.ocztechnology.com/) which i'm over the moon with tbh and are supplying 6GB of PC3-10666 triple-channel memory and couple of 60GB 2.5 Solid State Drives so a massive thanks to OCZ (http://www.ocztechnology.com/) :up:


http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/ocz_logo.jpg (http://www.ocztechnology.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_37.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_38.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_40.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_41.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_42.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_43.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_44.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_45.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_47.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_48.jpg

[SGwillis]

coming along nicely:up:

[Meatpuppet]

Quick question to either Coolermeister or anyone else with this case. Is the Cooler Master badge on the front of the case a decal like the lian-li badges or is it etched/recessed or painted on? Thank ya for the help.

[coolmiester]

On my early revision, its a badge that is actually recessed into the aluminium so if you were to remove it you would need to fill the recess with filler if you wanted a perfectly flat surface.

Having said that i have seen another revision where the badge it literally stuck on top, no recess.

[Meatpuppet]

Thank ya kindly. Can anyone with a produciton version chime in?

[soulesschild]

Mine's etched in.

[coolmiester]

OCZ came good with their sponsorship promise this morning when UPS dropped off two OCZ Core Series V2 SATA II 2.5" SSD (http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/flash_drives/ocz_core_series_v2_sata_ii_2_5-ssd) and 3x2GB OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum Low-Voltage Triple Channel (http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr3_pc3_10666_platinum_low_voltage_triple_cha nnel) which was very nice of them indeed and mucho appreciated so thank you OCZ for what will hopefully be the first of many.

Anyway, all the rest of the chassis is at powder coat so with any luck there should be a bit more progress tomorrow ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_49.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_50.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_51.jpg

[Malik]

CM very nice ;)

[theseeker]

CM,
Those intake vents look like Ferrari had something to do with them. The style is very similar to that of a 360 Modena. Beautiful build!

[HuffPCair]

Very nice I wish I could get SSDs so bad. Looking killer so far though

[headala]

Be sure to follow the instructions over on OCZ's forums about how to set them up; it appears that the difference between properly set up SSD's and shoved-in SSD's is night and day.

[coolmiester]

Be sure to follow the instructions over on OCZ's forums about how to set them up; it appears that the difference between properly set up SSD's and shoved-in SSD's is night and day.

Thanks for the heads up headala, i must admit i wondered if there was anything tricky about setting them up especially as i was going to give Windows 7 a go so i'll be sure to check it out.


[edit] For anyone who is interested - Configuring and setting up OCZ SSD's (http://www.ocztechnology.com/images/Configuring-and-Setting-Up-SSDs.pdf)

[D-Cyph3r]

Really looking forward to seeing how this turns out mate, especially as i've decided on an ATCS for my next build. ;)

[skinnee]

Looking good CM! :up:

[headala]

Thanks for the heads up headala, i must admit i wondered if there was anything tricky about setting them up especially as i was going to give Windows 7 a go so i'll be sure to check it out.


[edit] For anyone who is interested - Configuring and setting up OCZ SSD's (http://www.ocztechnology.com/images/Configuring-and-Setting-Up-SSDs.pdf)

Sorry, I guess it would have been nice for me to find that for you:shakes:. What can I say, I was in a hurry :shrug:

[itslogz]

Very nbice work there man. I love the placement of the pump, very creative.

[Maxw]

I didn't think you woule be able to pull a scoop off with this one...but you are doing!!

Well done on the build so far :)

[coolmiester]

OK, got a bit side tracked with those SSD's and Windows 7 but anyway, picked up the tins from powder coat today (Note: powder coat is only to flatten surfaces and will be painted and clear coated once the vents are finished)

I've still not decided on the final colour 100% but i've got a pretty good idea.

Anyway, vents are stuck in place and i've started with the filler and sanding but that will be repeated a few times to get it all nice and smooth.

I also got a 6mm thick piece of aluminium milled to replace the top vents and to replicate the front which still needs a little work and mesh fitted behind but more on that later ;)

These are the boring bits so not really a lot to show but things should start to pick up over the next few days......i promise :up:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_53.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_54.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_55.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_56.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_57.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_58.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_59.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_60.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_61.jpg

[coolmiester]

I don't think its any secret that the MC-Chipset block from Danger Den is going to be a main contender for i7 but rather than going for the Lucite top version, i decided to make my own from 10mm Delrin :)

Used a fret saw to cut the initial shape out and it still needs a bit of minor filing and then a polish on the bench polisher but that's a job for tomorrow.

Decided to re-tap the base to M4 for no other reason than i wanted to use black hex bolts and M4 was all i had.

Anyway, we'll see how it performs once i get the system up and running ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_1.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_2.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_3.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_4.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_5.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_6.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_7.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_8.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_9.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_10.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_11.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_12.jpg

[illidan]

sweet waiting for polished pictures :)

[AbNormaL]

MORE, MORE, MORE !!
looking great. Keep it up this way :)

[alexjpn]

very good. his works always are great. coolmiester

[coconutz]

nice job !!! when i see your tower I wanna paint me too :)

http://wowbordeaux.free.fr/rav/atcs/IMG_2381.JPG

http://wowbordeaux.free.fr/rav/atcs/IMG_2382.JPG

I have a 360Hlabs GTX and it was difficult to install but it works


French look at you !!!

[coolmiester]

Cheers coconut :up:

Never tried to flame polish Delrin before but thought i'd give it a go and it worked :yepp:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_15.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_16.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_17.jpg

[skinnee]

That turned out very well...:up: CM!

[theseeker]

+1:up:

[BlueAqua]

Very nice work coolmiester! I'm pretty sure you've mastered the art of making anything look good.

[PradaG]

VENTS

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_48.jpg

WOW!!!:shocked:

that vent looks awesome :up:

[mit78]

beautifull,more pictures..............

[OdinEidolon]

WOW!!!:shocked:

that vent looks awesome :up:

as always CM's work is

[Rise]

What is involved in flame polishing? Just hit it with some heat until it just barely starts to melt and thats it?

[coolmiester]

What is involved in flame polishing? Just hit it with some heat until it just barely starts to melt and thats it?

Yeah just waft a blow torch over till it becomes shiny :)


As always, thanks so much for following and the feedback left :cool:

I know a few people seem to be getting a bit confused with regard to vents and side panels with me already having the panels powder coated and the vents being white.

Just to clear that up - i found a while ago that powder coat gives a great base for paint and gets rid of all the brushed anodised finish so that's why its been powder coated already.

The vents need to be secured in place and smoothed in with car filler (bondo) but will eventually be painted all the same colour.

Anyway, vents in place and started filling and sanding which usually consists of 3 or 4 goes to get it looking completely smooth but decided to lay a coat of primer on after the first go with filler just to show how far i'm off but it is easier to see the direction of the vent now its all one colour.....even though its just in primer.


http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_62.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_63.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_64.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_65.jpg

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

looks very very nice coolmiester, but is there not a bit more sanding needed at the top part of the vent for the blend?

[coolmiester]

looks very very nice coolmiester, but is there not a bit more sanding needed at the top part of the vent for the blend?

LOL, you just did what i'm usually so guilty of, not reading the text :D read the above text :up:


Anyway, how cool is this???

I got to give a massive shout out to Willie at HWLabs for making me a one off GTX30 X-Flow Rad for the ATCs mod.

Over the years Willie has become a good friend and work colleague who simply put, just seems to love getting involved with my mods and this time is no exception.

He knows i tend to go for an X-Flow Rad as it makes for much easier hose routing so this time when i asked for something special he came up with the idea of having a total one off GTX which is just amazing of him to construct it for me.

As you can tell, i'm pretty happy.....and rightly so in my book as there is not many manufacturers that will go to this extent so hats off to you Wille :clap:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/hwlabs_logo.jpg (http://www.hwlabs.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_hwlabs_1.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_hwlabs_2.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_hwlabs_3.jpg

[PakaPaka]

amazing work :)

keep going ...

[twwen2]

Wow, a one off! The HWLabs rads look exceptional, the finish is second-to-none.

I'm enjoying this mod CM, keep at it. :up:

[Boogerlad]

too bad the hwlabs single pass isn't truly designed to be single pass.

[coolmiester]

too bad the hwlabs single pass isn't truly designed to be single pass.

Could you please elaborate on that statement and what means with regards to cooling performance :confused:

[Nemon]

WOw nice top on that cpu block! Where did you but the Delrin stock?

[exe163]

WOw nice top on that cpu block! Where did you but the Delrin stock?

+1 Best looking CPU block yet.

[corso13]

simple and good looking delrin top:up:

[headala]

Wow, it all looks so great!

[coolmiester]

Cheers all :up:


Sorry, for keep harping on about this and i promise this is the last and i'll get onto something a bit more exciting ASAP.

Anyway, i made a matching NB block and had the blue heatsinks changed to black so looks much better imo.

OK that's it...no more!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_22.jpg

[skinnee]

I kinda liked the contrast the blue heatsinks gave the board, but I have a feeling you'll be adding some color in your typical elegant manner. :up:

Those delrin tops you made are top notch!! :clap:

[filthysanchez]

What kind of clamps are you using? I hope it's evil's, those would look great on that

[coolmiester]

What kind of clamps are you using? I hope it's evil's, those would look great on that

Good thinking but where do i get these evil clamps??

[filthysanchez]

Pm evil-98

[whe3ls]

the blocks look nice.

[Rise]

i love your work man, fantastic. :up:

[coolmiester]

Started to do a bit of work on the new top grill.

Started with a 6mm sheet of aluminium and the plan is to replicate the front piece which was always going to be interesting as the original front is extruded alu and i had to copy it with a sander!!!

I did try with my little mouse sander but i'd have been lucky to make CeBIT next year at that rate so went and hired a heavy duty sander.

Well that made short work of it but it was a work of art to get the chamfer perfect all the way down the length and not sure if it was pure luck or skill but got there in the end then finished it off with fine grit and my little mouse sander.

I've also had the same cut (only smaller) in the front section which will both have mesh added later.

I'll get the last couple of bits to powder coat tomorrow and all in all i seem to be getting there and i should have it off for paint at the back end of the week......touch wood.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_67.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_66.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_68.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_69.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_70.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_71.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_72.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_73.jpg

[SimpleTECH]

coolmiester, I have a quick question. How did you install your dual bay reservoir? Did you have to cut or push the 5.25" drive bay tabs down?

BTW, everything looks amazing. :up:

[coolmiester]

coolmiester, I have a quick question. How did you install your dual bay reservoir? Did you have to cut or push the 5.25" drive bay tabs down?

BTW, everything looks amazing. :up:

Cheers - yes de-tabbed before it went to powder coat :up:

[jollyjoker]

Looking great cant wait to see it finished.

[charles_h]

Coming along very nicely CM! :yepp:

[coolmiester]

My apologies for this going on for so long but unfortunately its at that boring stage of just getting it all primed and wet sanded ready for paint.

I had hoped to get it down there today but a few of the bits were late getting to powder which had a knock on effect but it should all be ready to go early next week.

The top vent has turned out pretty nice though again its waiting for primer and i'm also making some shiny highlight rails for it.

On a positive note though, Zotac have me some real nice cards coming but won't be here till mid February so gave me a 9800GTX to get the system up and running with for the time being which was nice of them and my friends at Intel have got involved but more on that later.

Anyway a few pictures of it in primer......well most of it.....

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_74.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_75.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_76.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_77.jpg

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

gorgeous coolmiester! your final color will be? or is that classified? :D

[theseeker]

Outstanding work CM!:up:

[RedFang300]

I love it, I just ordered the first stage of my own i7 rig.

One black Coolermaster ACTS 840, One Asus Rampage 2 Extreme, and one Thermaltake Toughpower 1200watts. I hope it will turn out half as good as yours.

[coolmiester]

For me, this is what modding is all about, there is nothing more satisfying than making something out of basically nothing and i'm never happier than with a piece of aluminium and a few tools.

I've made one for now but there will be one either side of this one, slightly shorter in length and there will be another three for the front section so i best get a wriggle on.


http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_78.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_79.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_80.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_81.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_82.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_83.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_84.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_85.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_86.jpg

[cbienlein]

really nice :up:

[PakaPaka]

no way.... beautiful!

[headala]

Slick! Sick! Silk! No, Sleek!

[Metasheep]

That's awesome :up:

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

that has a very nice detailing touch cool, and the modding by hand is the top notch :up:

[gurby]

Wow, looking awesome!

[Envy]

really artistic:oscar:

[Boogerlad]

Nice! Where did you get the vents?

[coolmiester]

Nice! Where did you get the vents?

eBay - ASTRA GTE STYLE BONNET VENTS/SCOOP/AIR INTAKE (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ASTRA-GTE-STYLE-BONNET-VENTS-SCOOP-AIR-INTAKE_W0QQitemZ350160716864QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3501607168 64&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318)

[SiGfever]

Your work is art. :clap: :clap:

[theseeker]

Your work is art. :clap: :clap:

+1:up:

[andrzr]

your work is art and sexy

[Tile]

The execution is excellent especially at the waterblock tops. Another modding classic in the making :).

[evoted]

wow thats some amazin work....

:clap:

[Oupavoc]

Been wondering what to do with the new Coolermaster ACTS 840 for a while with no real plan as yet but felt if i didn't make a start at some point soon i'd be playing catch up which i've done in the past.

Anyway, whatever happens the chassis would be getting anodised black so decided to strip the whole thing down.

Pretty easy job in all honesty with only eight rivets needing removed to get the top off...............still got cut out the base to fit a 240 radiator but apart from that its ready to go get anodised.

BTW, very early stages so expect this one to take quite a while but at least its a start :lol:

Very nice work mate, I love what you did to this case. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger and buy this case. Of course I'll powder coat the interior black also :) So how do you like it so far? did you noticed better temps with the 2 big 23cm fans or 3 120mm fans, thanks :)

[coolmiester]

First of all i got to thank Intel for again making another killer mod possible by getting me a hand picked i7 965 CPU so at least while the rest of the case is away getting painted i can hopefully get the system up and running all be it on the bench and without the final GFX cards but its a start in the right direction as there is only 21 days to go.

Well, these simple little rails turned out taking a lot longer to complete than i'd originally thought but they are done now and look great so i'm well pleased with them and its another box ticked ;)


http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/intel_logo.jpg (http://www.intel.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_87.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_88.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_89.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_90.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_91.jpg

@ Oupavoc - absolutely love the case but no idea on temps just yet :shrug:

[OdinEidolon]

CM, do you think that with a bit of modding a quad rad could fit on the top?

[Rise]

That looks awwwwwwwwwesome! How did you attach the rails??

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

there's that CoolMiester touch! excellently executed fitting with the style of the case as well as the signature of a CM build :up::up::up:

[headala]

Coolmeister, I really love your style and taste.

[coolmiester]

CM, do you think that with a bit of modding a quad rad could fit on the top?

Not really sure tbh but its certainly big enough though there is the pop up IO panel and on / off / reset button that would need to be taking care of :shrug:


That looks awwwwwwwwwesome! How did you attach the rails??

Only double sided tape for the time being but will be drilled and tapped once back from paint though i would have to say that 3M tape is "super duper" sticky and would probably be fine tbh.


there's that CoolMiester touch! excellently executed fitting with the style of the case as well as the signature of a CM build :up::up::up:

Cheers SNiiPE, i do try :up:


Coolmeister, I really love your style and taste.

Thanks headala, can i just say, i get a totally free hand to mod these cases in any such way i please and for me this is taking an already nice looking case (well. apart from that top grill) and just try to put my own slant on the whole thing so it is still instantly recognisable and remains a Coolermaster ATCs with some very subtle changes that maybe enhance it slightly but i don't try morph it into something that would be unrecognisable which i guess is the reason i keep getting asked to do another :up:

[BlueAqua]

I love your polishing work. Any tips?

I think the case is coming together so nicely it hardly looks like a Coolermaster ATCS 840 anymore.

[upsidedown]

the things you do to those cases are amazing :D

[coolmiester]

I love your polishing work. Any tips?

I think the case is coming together so nicely it hardly looks like a Coolermaster ATCS 840 anymore.

Cheers all for the coments :up:

I don't think we have Mother in the UK but i use a polishing soap (http://www.cromwell.co.uk/CNG2474800A) which is like a waxy stuff and comes in different grades.

Start off with brown which is like a general polish then go onto the blue which is much finer for aluminium then a final hand polish with Peek polish (http://www.cromwell.co.uk/TRI7034000D) which gets out any final swirls left by the bench polisher.

Doesn't take too long but i was getting a bit sick after doing six :(

[coolmiester]

I've never been so indecisive about what colour to paint a case so i've done a quick photochop to give some kind of idea what it would look like.

The safe bet is to go with black but i've already done black with the Cosmos so was thinking about being a little more adventurous but if it turn out bad there isn't any time to change my mind so i'd be stuck with it.

Gloss Black or Candy Red??

........oh decisions, decisions :confused:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_black.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_red.jpg

[andrzr]

Usually i would pick the black one... but for this case i pick red.
i think there's too much black cases out there... a red one would twist things a little bit :P

[Rise]

what about a red case but keep the grills black (as they are currently).

[coolmiester]

what about a red case but keep the grills black (as they are currently).

Good idea Rise though i'm not too sure it works in practice :shrug:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_red_black.jpg

[PakaPaka]

red and black very nice.
i think some blue&black will make it butty with the mobo.

[PsYcHoNo0b727]

Such a great looking build :up:. Personally I like the gray and black, or if you do silver and black. I like the simplicity of the color combo

[Rise]

Good idea Rise though i'm not too sure it works in practice :shrug:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_red_black.jpg

I think you'd need to tie it together with some sort of black decals or graphics elsewhere, tbh. Black Bays would work, but I have a feeling you aren't heading in that direction, so what if you put a black stripe around the case window? Or something along those lines... you know, matching your belt with your shoes :p:

[Oupavoc]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger and ordered this case, I really like what you did with the front fan cover coolmiester :)

[theseeker]

CM,
The aluminum would lend itself nicely to Ferrari red if you can get close to it.

[Blacky]

red and black very nice.
i think some blue&black will make it butty with the mobo.

^^ +1

[gr8golf]

That Intel board is really good looking - but the Bloodrage inside this baby with either black or red would just be :slobber:

[masxerofkartis]

The black looks more elegant. Reminds me of a nice expensive black car as all your paint jobs do.

The red one is more... unusual.

BTW amazing work as always.

I love the idea of the silver stripes. Really you should change this into some aston martin theme case or something given you have already made one for the SLR

[lkiller123]

wanna try the front shield white and the whole case black(including the grills)?

[HuffPCair]

Red and black got my vote there. Or what about black and red what would that look like?

[DementeD]

i choose red..but id go with a darker red/maroon color imo

[evoted]

50/50 we dont seem to be helping much here :D

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

I can't decide, I see your dilemma CM, a big one indeed

[PsYcHoNo0b727]

My vote is going for Glossy Black. Looks sophisticated, stylish, and and your mods makes it stand out as it is. Would look great in black.

[coolmiester]

Yeah thanks for all those that voted though 50/50 was to much of a close call so i ended up taking it to the painters this morning and decided on Ardent Red which is a Lotus colour and should look OK satin black grills and chrome rails...........i hope!

I'll find out in a couple of days if i made the right choice :D

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/ardent_red.jpg

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

At this point you could probably pull anything off the case looks so darn good. So this is a powdercoat or an automotive paint job?

[coolmiester]

At this point you could probably pull anything off the case looks so darn good. So this is a powdercoat or an automotive paint job?

Oh yeah its in the body shop being etch primed, painted, clear coated, oven baked and machine polished so should have the same finish as a car would :cool:

[mit78]

beautifull car,you have some money

[coolmiester]

beautifull car,you have some money

LOL no no, not my car.........was just a picture i found to show the colour :up:

[bianco]

awesome choice!
*eagerly waiting for the outcome of the painting*
:up:

[coolmiester]

WOW what a way to end the week..........

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_93.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_92.jpg

[PakaPaka]

nice.. very beautiful :)

great color, going with some black ? ;)

[barfastic]

wow.... just wow! that red is amazing... it came out better than i imagined!

[andrzr]

awesome paint job!
you really have talent for this. :D

[Borys]

OMG that amazing paint. Plx show us more pictures ;p

[Hockeydude]

Wow this looks great, you have some awesome modding skills.

[coolmiester]

Well that was an experience..............i thought it would just fly together but it turned out like trying to do the Rubik's cube all over again.

Anyway, i made a start and just had to get a few pictures before actually adding the hardware but i got to say, its definitely RED

Here we go to round the week off.............

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_94.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_95.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_96.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_97.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_99.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_100.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_101.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_102.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_103.jpg

[Hockeydude]

Great job on the case, it looks amazing.

[barfastic]

im stunned for words!

[Metasheep]

Simply awesome. Are you going to do anything with that optical drive?

[whe3ls]

thats awesome work.

[shazza]

Wow - I'm loving that. The red and your mods have made the HAF into a very cool case. What you've done really suits the base case, and makes it special. Looking forward to seeing it with the insides hooked up.

[andrzr]

amazing work CM.
the painting is very smooth(at least it seems to me)

[jollyjoker]

WOW. The case looks great and that is a nice shade of red.

[screwtech02]

Outstanding job!!! And, i just got a "measely" Rocketfish case.... Ugh....:shakes:

[TedShred]

Very racy and awesome. That case looks like it could do a pretty decent quarter-mile. :cool:

[PradaG]

that looks beautiful...the side panels came out fantastic

& i love the accents

:clap: top shelf work :up:

[PakaPaka]

wow amazing work, its got really nice color.

[Zeus]

Superb! But You're not painting the mesh in the scoops black to match the top and front mesh?

[dr-]

waiting to see how this mod turns out to me CM....keep up e gd wrk, as always...

[coolmiester]

My apologies for this one post as its a little jumbled but i seem to have a lot going on right now and i still haven't even started putting the hardware in but hey.............nothing like cutting things fine.

Anyway, its a show case right?? so who needs a ROM drive??

The fan new Scythe fan controller looked way out of place so it was time to get busy and stealth the sucker as well as both Bay-Res's and the end result is way better and in keeping with the windows which i also managed to get done.

Knocked up a simple dual plexi bay with Poly Weld, covered it in black out film and mounted the Scythe to it which basically gives the same effect, only bigger and mounted above the two Bay-Res's you start to see the look that i was originally looking for especially in the last picture.

Next week i guess i best get busy on the inside.

Loads of pictures as usual......see if they make any sense!!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_104.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_105.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_106.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_106a.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_107.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_108.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_109.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_110.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_111.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_112.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_114.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_115.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_116.jpg

[DragoonXX]

with that change, other than the size and rounded edges, it looks very similar to the regular kaze master
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb115/Seaval/Computer/IMG_2437.jpg mine, somewhat lousy angle and lighting

[barfastic]

coolmiester.... my god... this case is turning out to be yet another AWESOME project! All your builds have given me soooo much inspiration! Glad to see people like you at work :D

[Shadowfyre]

Long time reader, first time poster.

I was reading through the log, and was like "Damn i hope he chooses black, that would look sweeeeeeeeet", but then i saw the red and my jaw almost fell off! That colour looks so mint! Good stuff! and can't wait to see the insides done.

[Hockeydude]

Looking great, keep it up.

[headala]

Coolmeister, I love your style and design! Do you have links to your other projects? I would love to read them.

[OdinEidolon]

Coolmeister, I love your style and design! Do you have links to your other projects? I would love to read them.

look at his sig! ;)

[headala]

look at his sig! ;)

Doh! I'm an idiot. Thanks!

[Grinch]

very nice!

[coolmiester]

At last, started to get some liquids into this thing, all be it only the CPU / NB loop but its a start.

My Zotac GTX 295's left Hong Kong yesterday and according to TNT track and trace they landed at Heathrow at 9.30am this morning so i would imagine they will arrive tomorrow...........only problem is that they are two of only three samples here in the UK and i got to fit the damn blocks myself but i guess that's the price you pay for getting early samples and its no biggy to be fair.

Anyway, its leak testing at present and all looking well.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_117.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_118.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_119.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_120.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_121.jpg

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

those clamps look wonderful, I know you've already filled but maybe polish them or paint them black?

P.S. do they work by using a pair of pliers to expand their diameter?

[D-Cyph3r]

Was going to ask the same, are they the ones I see on a few shops as "ear clamps"?


Lovely looking build though mate, glad the vote swung to the red. :)

[coolmiester]

Take 2

What the hell was i thinking of going with blue!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_123.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_124.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_125.jpg

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

I see an ATI card in this rigs future :D lol

looks much better for sure.

[shazza]

Nicccceeee. Which coolant are you using?

Excellent idea and implementation with the Scythe Kaze Master ... I like the looks of the silver front bezel, but the black one with the chrome edges does look a bit out of place in most cases.

(I envy you guys with real modding skills!)

[coolmiester]

I've been concentrating on the external so much it hadn't really hit home until these Zotac GTX295's turned up today, how killer this hardware actually is and can't wait to get it up and running.

295's will remain air cooled for the time being which is quite a novelty for me until the blocks and black coolant arrive but at least it gives me a chance to test fit them and check they are both working and any issues with drivers and Windows 7 etc plus there is still 101 other things to do but all in all i'm pretty happy how its coming together.

Question is.............will it boot!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_126.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_127.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_128.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_129.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_130.jpg

[masxerofkartis]

I hope you don't imagine of having another loop with the double for the 295's IT's gonna crack.

Try to put the cards on the triple which BTW is quite overkill for chipset and CPU.

Anyway VERY GOOD WORK as always

Thumbs up

[barfastic]

why did you order them from japan? werent they available here in the uk? And what about customs? did they make you pay any extra tax on importing them?

[coolmiester]

I hope you don't imagine of having another loop with the double for the 295's IT's gonna crack.

Try to put the cards on the triple which BTW is quite overkill for chipset and CPU.

Anyway VERY GOOD WORK as always

Thumbs up

If Sli GX2's and the ridiculously hot FB RAM (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/skull_2210.jpg) can cope with a GTX240 i see no reason why Sli GTX295's won't cope unless you know something i don't :shrug:

[coolmiester]

why did you order them from japan? werent they available here in the uk? And what about customs? did they make you pay any extra tax on importing them?

They were samples sent direct from Zotac and invoice marked as such so no tax or duty to pay :up:

[masxerofkartis]

Well i always was under the impression that the vga's are much hoter than the cpu's. I believe that the 295's are hoter than the 9800gx2 but ive been wrong before (nah :P)

Anyway i just think it would be a good idea to use the triple one.

Do check it with the driver's, i've been trying to install my 295 (EVGA version) and it won't take anything. i've downloaded more than 5 version's till now.

(Card was OEM so no cd)

[Krazeyivan]

Lovely work!

I see you live in the North East too! - I may have to do a raid! :)

[barfastic]

lucky bugger :P

[lkiller123]

man beautiful mod :D
i think you should sleeve your cables like those murdermod case, it will look awesome :p:

[Oupavoc]

Great work, you got talent and a gift mate :D

[masxerofkartis]

Hey I just installed the drivers for the GPU.

I run some benchmarks and as i thought the card is cool as ice idling but hot as the sun during vantage

I would recommend that you put the cards on the triple since the 9800gx2 was a very cool card as far as i saw from it.

Anyway its your call.

Again congrats for the mod it is excellent as always. My Hat is off to you

[coolmiester]

Anyway, something to take my mind off software / driver problems for the time being just turned up so its time to stop being a guinea pig for Microsoft and nVidia and start getting these blocks installed as i've only got a week from today before the complete case leaves here and i still got to strip the skulltrail and get new fluid in that :eek:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_133.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_131.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_132.jpg

[Hijack]

Just a thought, but it occurred to me it might look killer with braided metalic tubing rather than the traditional clear stuff? Great work as always Coolmiester!

[Spankyfart]

Those 3 grill thingies are gorgeous.
I was going to incorporate those in my upcoming build, but now it'll look like I stole the idea :(

The case is a winner, well done.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61SObdSRaRL._SL500_AA280_.gif

[lkiller123]

LOL, those blocks look so 3D

[headala]

Can anyone say "crop circles"?

[coolmiester]

That was a job and a half getting those blocks fitted but all done and ready to plumb in

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_135.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_136.jpg

[bentleya]

Paul you sir get this little thing,

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/skiaaron/bentleya%20awards/bentleya_Award_AWESOME.png (http://s255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/skiaaron/bentleya%20awards/)

[coolmiester]

Paul you sir get this little thing,

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/skiaaron/bentleya%20awards/bentleya_Award_AWESOME.png (http://s255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/skiaaron/bentleya%20awards/)

Hahahaa, cheers buddy, nearly done now :up:

[Colossous]

Loving this build duder - just gets better :up:

[coolmiester]

I know we're all probably getting a bit sick of this by now but hey its nearly done now.

Got the second loop filled with black and the blocks all stickered up and was really happy to get the hose running through the cards again..........i just love that for some reason.

So here how it stands at the end of another week and i'm off to the pub for a well deserved beer and forget about computers for a few hours!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_137.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_138.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_139.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_141.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_142.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_143.jpg

[mit78]

beautifull,you are a master of the coolermaster:clap:

[anubis_is_evil]

really nice to see its complete....

great job coolmiester...:up:

the colour looks perfectly...

[barfastic]

what i find awesome is how the two barbs in between the gfx cards, although they have a tube, are fit so perfectly you cant even see the liquid! its like a sli bridge :P

Other than that, yet another amazing worklog to go into your signature of awesomeness!

[Rise]

that's a dream build right there. love the colors ^^

fantastic vision.

[TedShred]

Well, that is one SICK build! (ha ha, he he, er...... never mind)


what i find awesome is how the two barbs in between the gfx cards, although they have a tube, are fit so perfectly you cant even see the liquid! its like a sli bridge :P

Hey, yeah.... go figure, I thought that WAS an SLI bridge unti you pointed that out:D

[BlueAqua]

Very slick looking build there coolmiester. The red paint job really turned out great.

[coolmiester]

While out at CeBIT, promotion is the name of the game and literally everything has a logo so i always do my best to promote sponsors while trying not to turn the case into a walking bill board but try to keep things in perspective with the case's overall appearance, as done right it not only promotes the sponsors and gives them a return on their investment but also raises my own awareness which i don't consider a bad thing.

Anyway, i hand cut a Zotac logo out of 3mm aluminium and polished it along with an Intel logo which matches the one on the Skulltrail Cosmos S and looks nice mounted on the gloss black bezels while still in keeping with the over red / black / chrome thing..............and before anyone askes, the "O" in Zotac will be painted orange before it leaves :)

I've also re-routed the hose slightly to make it look more pleasing on the eye and put new hose and liquid in the Skulltrail and will update photo's ASAP but for the time being here's a couple from today but both cases are just about good to go so a little pressure is off i must admit and i might get a good night sleep at long last.

Me and Tom have a busy busy 10 days ahead from Thursday what with driving the cases over etc and being out at CeBIT for the week then bringing them back but i'll do my best in keeping a picture log of the whole event from my laptop.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_145.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_144.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_146.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_147.jpg

[HuffPCair]

Wow:eek:

all i got to say

[Boogerlad]

i like the mod, but the coolermaster UK symbol thing kinda ruins it. Great mod though. I love the paint.

[shazza]

Gorgeous!!!

[coolmiester]

Wow:eek:

all i got to say

:up:


i like the mod, but the coolermaster UK symbol thing kinda ruins it. Great mod though. I love the paint.

Did you read what i just wrote or should we turn the prod log into a picture log :shrug:

Its only a sticker to let the 1000's of people at CeBit know who made it...........don't worry, i haven't ruined it all together :)


Gorgeous!!!

Seriously??? i know you're a big fan of MM where as i tend to struggle with them but that's certainly a nice comment, thanks shazza :cool:

[PsYcHoNo0b727]

The red and black is just great. You made that case really stand out. Amazing work!