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The case doesn't have much white, but the cooling unit does. I think the block will "pop" even more with that board, just like the cooling unit.Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
I refuse to refer to that cooling unit as a rad and pump and some fans.
*Please note edited bold text from previous post* :D
another batch of sweet eye candy!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
as for the rustos, the rad paint is still intact and unblemished finish (except for some dust :p:).
definitely better than nippon and the other brand 'rj'(?).
Oh yeah, That R3E is what I am hanging out for. :up:
It's not really the right colours for me but I feel I can work with it. :rolleyes:
Should be out in mid March, fingers crossed, just whating for the reviews. :yepp:
Then if all goes well, buy more sleeving, the right color this time. :up:
Thanks for dropping by ohms! The R3E is definitely a prime contender, if it lives up to ROG's performance legacy then my decision is already made, just waitin' for them to hit store shelves man.Quote:
Originally Posted by ohms
Thanks as always Capt. ;) I'm not only happy with how it looks, I'm relieved. Seeing your build come along I value your aesthetic input as much as anyone else's. Cheers.Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
*me swills more stella*
I also secretly blame you for the rampant increasing-frequent use of the word 'situation' in the fora. Damn you word-choice virus vector!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
Lulz you guys kill me :ROTF:Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
Alright that good to hear bianco, thanks for the reassurance.Quote:
Originally Posted by bianco
You and me both brother. :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
***
Touch-up
I tweaked the p-clip arrangement a bit and added spacers. Now the cables run straight unlike before.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/...a7f0d0a8_b.jpg
Tried to capture the minimal gap between the roof and the top of the cooling unit. Alas the light did not cooperate so you'll just have to take my word for it. :p:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/...6c6ec906_b.jpg
And an overview of the cooling module/unit/shebang/(hebang?)/assembly.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/...4b28fdb3_b.jpg
Cheers.
That does "just fit" - looking forward to see what you'll do with the HD(s), optical drive etc, now that your cooling thingamajig is taking up the front quarters. The tubing flow is now giving me this kind of fun vibe:
http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Travel/S...3_VG6TH-Th.jpg
The R3E is a big improvement over the last two from a looks perspective and will not only look great in your build, but should be a top performer as well.
This turned way better than i thought, very nice job Kibbler. Excellent cleanliness.
Ahem....Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
:shakes:
Thanks Emir. :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by emir
I stand corrected.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
***
Aqua
That's a familiar logo. :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/...d810abaa_b.jpg
Drum roll please...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/...099faa59_b.jpg
There we go that's the stuff.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/...cc7e57ef_b.jpg
Appetizers from left to right:
1) A plastic screw terminal (2 leads) which Shoggy said I needed (?) for ATX shutdown.
2) Plexi display cover.
3) ATX standby power adapter. It's ugly and I'm not gonna use it, I got it to figure out the wiring so I can crimp my own.
4) Black faceplate.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/...bec012ef_b.jpg
Argh main course nom nom nom...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/...a2cf8e70_b.jpg
The packaging aesthetics may seems a bit old hat compared to EK's new bold colors, but it's nonetheless well designed.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/...0c075188_b.jpg
Aqua-ero! (You're thinking "hey that blue LCD won't match! Don't worry I've a few tricks up my sleeve.)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/...71eeb1fb_b.jpg
That whole aluminum piece is a hold-down for a black heatsink, which in turn cools a few extra components on the PCB. Problem: The powerbooster heatsink bends the PCB. A-C should REALLY consider adding a steel backplate and rubber insulating gasket to the other side to keep the PCB from warping, like how EK's motherboard backplates are designed. This would also ensure proper pressure and contact between the heatsink and the new components.
EDIT: I improved mine a bit by using a new thermal pad and re-seating the heatsink (it's actually in 2 pieces, friction fit). Attached and re-attached a few times to make sure the components are making good contact on the thermal pad.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/...38133334_b.jpg
Autobots, disassemble!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/...987fde07_b.jpg
that's some nice stuff
also like the drain on the rad :up:
:up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Looks great.
Now you just need some touch-up paint for those two spots on the drive cage that got nicked (possibly by the radiator?)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/...6c6ec906_b.jpg
Sorry. :D You've probably already noticed it. Please take it as a compliment and not a criticism. It's just that your build is looking nice enough that anything that strays a tiny bit from the norm will stand out. One of the prices you pay for building an excellent machine.
That's a beautiful reddish paint that you've gone with. It blends with the black really well. I usually don't care for red in builds all that much, but you've gone with a great shade of it.
Very nice build. Keep up the great work!
We can always trust you kibbler to find a quick and easy fix for any challenge at comes along, well done mate. :up:
I also forgot to say earlier that I am glad to see that you have just run the return hose straight to the res without any 90 or 45 degree fittings. :up: :yepp:
Oh and remember as for as the rad goes, a Snug Fit, Is a Good Fit. :up:
Edit: I think that may very well just be white paint from the rad and not chips in the red anodized case and if so should just rub off easily. :yepp:
Yep, my thought as well. Should come right off with some dead paint remover by Meguiar's or a similar brand.Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
I'm sure it was really tough to mount the rad in that space without nicking something. When I'm working in a case, the rad is usually the first thing to hit something because of their size.
SCORE on the Aquaero!
(situation)
Thanks for pointing that out Xion. Graeme got it, the rad nicked it on the way in but thankfully the surface took no damage. What you're seeing is small paint flecks catching the light just right (wrong). I cleared them with a thumbnail pretty easily.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xion X2
Btw I didn't paint the case it came anodized red. :p:
Thanks KG, I prefer to use as few fittings as possible. On that return line I actually went back just now and took off about an inch and a half of tubing. I was worried it came out too much and would interfere with tall ram. Now the curve should just clear the edge of the motherboard.Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
:D...:mad:...:rofl:Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
EDIT:
***
I'm making a note here: I took a closer look at Wezly's Raven project, then I found and examined more photos of Raven1 and Raven2.
That wasn't a good idea.
For the past hour and likely for the next hour my head is flooding with sweet ideas for setups in those cases: Put the rad here, patch the plate here, move the PSU there, route from here to here, mount the pump here.
It's a disease I tell you.
"On FedEx vehicle for delivery"
Subtitle: Among the greatest phrases in the English language next to "sleep with me" and "we can't stop here, this is bat country."
I guess on account of availability Aquaeros are seldom seen in the wild, so I decided to upload more photos of the device itself so you can take a closer look at how it's built.
Here's where we left off. Remove four screws...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/...90158b1f_b.jpg
...and the faceplate + brackets come right off. The brackets are solid but not cleanly bent. I will make my own.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/...5f833322_b.jpg
Buttons are nice solid metal, and they just slide out and off.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/...1a33514b_b.jpg
And of course, the powerbooster mod. Remove the four screws at the right edge and close to the middle there...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/...96905c30_b.jpg
...and the LCD comes off. The entire thing is basically an Aquaero LT + LCD (and a few spacers).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/...7e9752eb_b.jpg
The LCD mates (uh oh euphemisms are back with a vengeance!) with the Aquaero via a 2x8 pin interface at the right there. They're standard jumper-size 0.10" pitch pins.
EDIT: See those two nuts there? Those are powerbooster heatsink mounting screws. Between them lies perfectly serene, bare PCB. No surface-mounted anything. I think A-C should install a backplate here to keep the Aquaero from warping. Two layers: 2mm steel, and 1mm rubber. Shouldn't be costly at all.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/...65fd32dc_b.jpg
Here's the back of the (Crystalfontz) LCD unit. Curious cats can go to their website (great website, lots of technical detail) and search for part number CFAH2002A-TML-JT# but you won't find the exact one. I think the last 3 or 4 characters denote custom jobs, in this case a custom job for A-C (for soldering on the female connector housing).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/...af267d00_b.jpg
So what's a guy to do...:cool:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/...04d77f01_b.jpg
That. Is. Fast.Quote:
Mar 4, 2010 8:55 AM - Picked up - SPOKANE, WA
Mar 6, 2010 11:18 AM - Delivered - SINGAPORE SG
Nice! Right away I am a fan of this company. (btw granted I haven't ordered much from Petra but I never got a pen. Always felt left out of that club. :()
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/...e44c0bd6_b.jpg
Two new units oh hell yeah! They're beautiful!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/...5b96e593_b.jpg
Altogether now Crystalfontz orgy!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/...bfae37d8_b.jpg
Here are the backs of the new units. The one on the right is of a newer, thinner design with two additional pins for running the backlight off 5V (at least, if I'm reading the data sheet correctly). Otherwise they are pin-compatible. They're also bare LCDs so I'm heading out in a short while to scrounge for the right connector housing.
I took the liberty of blacking out the part number so you sneaky lot won't go and spoil all the fun. :rofl:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/...894240a8_b.jpg
All in good time. ;)
Thanks for looking!
Hey Oli4v sorry I missed your comment. Thanks man! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Oli4v
Should be fun playing with those crystal fontz boards. I have one in my parts bin somewhere I used with some Atmel processor to make a fun little embedded project a while back. Anyways, point was that the LCDs are fun little shinies to play with :)
Good stuff, Kibbler. So, I'm a bit confused - did you manage to get a display from CF that already has the custom connector for the Aquaero, or do you have to put the connector on? (I'm sure it's clear from your photos, just a bit daft this morning). And yes - I recall playing the same roulette with regards to the last few digits on the CF lcd.
Please do show us how you end up setting it up - I'd like to rescue my Aquaero display!
is it something like this? http://www.crystalfontz.com/product/CFAH2002Y-PDI-ET
I worked on them for a while tonight and it's not all smooth sailing, as you'll see in a minute...Quote:
Originally Posted by Antioch
I got 2 displays from CF, both of which came with bare PCBs (as they all do). This afternoon I went out and got the proper connector, came back, cut them to size and soldered them on. Here are the results...Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
1) Stock blue
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/...a6f06104_b.jpg
2) Beautiful beautiful red*
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/...954f7db0_b.jpg
3) There is no #3. Know why? Because in my distracted state I soldered the connector to the wrong side of the PCB!! :mad::mad::mad::(
*But there's a problem with the red unit, something I failed to notice before ordering it. It has a slightly different character set stored in (unmodifiable) ROM than the original display. So...for example where it should say "Lüfter" it shows some nonsense like "LФfter." Not acceptable, and not fixable. :(
The good thing is they are pin-compatible like I thought, so you can definitely resurrect your Aquaero this way. Just need to make sure you have a character set-compatible models. I'll update more once I am sure what's going on.
Needless to say I'm hitting some snags in this department. I'm gonna take a break and work on something else now.
Close. CFAH2002Y-RDI-ET. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by taters mcgee
I'm sorry, but the soldering the connector to the wrong side is kind of funny :p: what kind of connectors do these use, though?
2) Beautiful beautiful red*
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/...954f7db0_b.jpg
great stuff:up:
The next update is long in coming!!:hammer:
great job as always :up:
One day i'm gonna learn to use those displays, you make them look so tempting with your damn great photos :mad:. And i never commented on the rad pics at the top of the page, which, by the way, look epic of course :up:
Ah that sucks!
Good luck removing the solder...
And, no ROM is unchangeable... just keep looking for a solution :D
Thanks man, there's still a lot of work to be done to get this LCD in shape, appreciate you dropping by. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Thanks callen, glad you like it!Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
The CF forum tech replied in a thread that the character generation ROM (CGROM) is basically untouchable. They can do custom ROMs but it's expensive and only for mass orders. I'm no EE so even if there was a user-accessible way, it's out of my league man.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
Anway, I'm trying out another route now, and hope to have results within the next week. :)
***
The CAD bandwagon
Open to comments and suggestions. :)
I'm not set on the 2nd LED "tab," I may do something else with that space. Don't mind the colors either, they're for defining the visible areas.
Waterjet situation (:p:) will take place Monday/Tuesday.
EDIT: I'm not sure what file format the waterjetters will need. I may need someone's help to do the conversion for me as SketchUp Amateur can't do any of that.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/...91329c9f_b.jpg
EDIT: Credit to pomah for an excellent PC-P50 model. Just checkin' out how things might look.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/...df271d21_b.jpg
That's an interesting design but since it looks like you will be able to see through it, are you going to paint the fans???
and
Also are you going to make a mid-plate for the case???
ooooh nice.
I will look for a way.
I wish I had checked this at work I could have asked the opensource/linux guy.
Hi Nismo, there will be a mesh plate behind that. I didn't make one in SketchUp (don't need to, no CAD required for that) so i didn't put it in.Quote:
Originally Posted by .:Nismo
Mid-plate no. Don't think so.
Wezly thanks but I think I've got things figured out...for now. I downloaded a .dxf exported plugin and it seems to work fine. I've sent the CAD files to the waterjetter for a quotation, so if anything's wrong with the files I should know soon enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
I was still concentrated on the CF display issues :PQuote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Good luck on the CAD/Waterjet. I have faith in your skills thus far.
The METAL updates
Subtitle: Part 1, Pinnacle's courageous sacrifice
Here's the .dxf I sent to the lasercutter. I originally went over my design with a waterjet guy, but he was not sure his machine's tolerance could handle some of the thin details (text), so he recommended to me a lasercutter. I ended up removing the text anyway when I thought of another way to do it. Oh well.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/...04a303db_b.jpg
Project Pinnacle valiantly sacrificed a side panel for our cause. Surface-wise they're still rough. There are still micro burrs left from the cutting, and they'll need to be re-anodized. Today is only a test-fit.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/...6d20cabb_b.jpg
Wait not so fast, he got a window out of the deal! "Sacrifice" my ass that sneaky bastard...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/...a0b04663_b.jpg
Remember this photo from the beginning (2nd page), I said "this area will be important for mounting..." etc etc? Now we can finally get back to that.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/...3254c761_b.jpg
Here's the front bezel. It is made up of...(lemme count)...8 pieces total.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/...a0067b5d_b.jpg
There are 2 screws in each corner, so 8 screws total. Remove the outer (left) one and on the other side...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/...9e91df38_b.jpg
...and out comes the end-piece. Do the same on the other end.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/...842fddb8_b.jpg
I love this about Lian Li cases (more so for their older cases than their newer ones), they are 95% held together with screws. Few rivets, no glue of any kind. Infinite modding flexibility. I hate glue. I'm a very mechanical stability kinda guy.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/...6331eebf_b.jpg
Remove the other 4 screws (now 1 in each corner) with my trusty rusty screwdriver...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/...810bc16b_b.jpg
...and the 2 aluminum side bars come out.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/...72f9e4b2_b.jpg
Leaving us with the bezel frame.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/...c9804922_b.jpg
Slide the lasercut front panel between the grooves there on the back of the bezel frame.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/...421e7a8f_b.jpg
Can't see too well here but the screw holes line up perfectly with existing holes in the bezel frame (God bless SketchUp). Also, like I said the lasercut pieces are obviously unfinished.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/...e9385cd2_b.jpg
Take out your "bag of random screws" (admit it you have one, we all do). M3 bolts happen to fit here. Mount that sucker!!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/...a3a5a604_b.jpg
And here's how it looks with the bezel reassembled. The neat thing is the 2 aluminum side bars form a kinda shroud, which covers up the screws so they can't be seen from the outside! Looks stock doesn't it? :cool:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/...43a01278_b.jpg
***
And that's basically my mental approach to modding: As "clean" as possible with the least amount of brute-force modding. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I dunno. Neither maybe. It's just the way I prefer to do things. With careful measurements and creative designs before hitting the tools.
Interesting thing about this project at the moment: Give me a few hours and I can have this case back to perfectly stock. :) Goes to show how much can be done by designing around what you have as a first step before jumping into hardcore cutting/grinding/drilling, once your mental designs finally hit the wall of incompatible reality.
***
Anyway. Today we went from render...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/...df271d21_b.jpg
...to reality. Ok to be honest that doesn't look that great, the fans are too prominent. There will be a mesh panel in there, too, but that's not yet ready for test fitting.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/...1e17aeda_b.jpg
***
How about those other lasercut parts? Find out next! Thanks for looking.:)
Wow
Thats great
Less rivets, more screws = great chassis mods
Wowser. That's killer. So, am I right? You just sent the design to the laser guy yesterday and have a panel cut already (don't even tell me you did a mock-up with a dremel or your nibber:eek:)? Or are we not real time here - not that it matters, just trying to sort out how it went so quickly.
That truly came out amazing ( I know that sounds lame, but just can't think of what else to say).
I can't wait to see the mesh and the CF display up there!
Well done. :up:
oh
my
god
brilliant :eek:
I respect your approach, trying to follow it too. If thing you made looks like stock that means you did everything 100% right, keep that up mate :up:Quote:
And that's basically my mental approach to modding: As "clean" as possible with the least amount of brute-force modding. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I dunno. Neither maybe. It's just the way I prefer to do things. With careful measurements and creative designs before hitting the tools.
You are right. The faceplate does look stock when reassembled in the front bezel.
Fantastic design mate and looking forward seeing it with the mesh added too. :yepp:
Thanks Greg. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by GregSG
Oh yea it's real time alright, I mean not real time like Google Wave like I'm working as I'm posting, but as in all this happened in the last 2 days. No taking photos then compressing events. Also no flux capacitor involved.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Monday:
-Ordered aluminum plate from aluminum plate place.
-Sent my design to waterjet guy and spoke a few times.
-Picked up some knick-knacks + soldering goodies. And a Bulgin switch, sweet! One less thing to have to order from PPCs, I have them local. :cool:
Tuesday:
-Picked up aluminum plate from aluminum plate place, but I ordered the wrong thickness, 3mm instead of 2mm. :doh:
-Spoke to waterjet guy who recommended laser guy. Spoke to laser guy.
-Went home, fixed autocad file a bit and sent it to laser guy. Pulled the Pinnacle side panel (while he shed dust bunny tears) and went to laser guy.
-Sat down with laser guy and went over where to cut, etc. He said it'll take about an hour.
-I left, wandered about, had coffee, caught up on emails, went back. All done, paid, went home.
-Dinner.
-Pics! :D
Real quick turnaround for sure, and reasonable quotes. If I need any custom work in the future I've got it down to a 2-day process. Day 1: Order aluminum and send designs. Day 2: Collect aluminum, send aluminum, then collect. I guess 1 more day on top of that for anodizing/surfacing. Sweet deal.
*The laser work is really really good. I may go back with the original design (with the text) and see how it comes out. Oh that reminds me I should PM charles about something...
Thanks Wezly me too! I think you'll really like what I have in mind for the Aquaero and LCD. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
Hey GK believe it or not that's something I've noticed. Without dropping names you're among some of the modders whose work just...feels...structurally sound to me. Deliberate. A wiser person might use the word "execution" to describe this quality of how well things fit together. A certain Canadian modder might give out gold stars to reflect that I dunno. :shrug::ROTF:Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
In the planning stage the thoughts at the back of my mind are:
In 5 years time is this piece going to keep its shape and integrity? Is this base material durable, or soft, or brittle?
Will I be able to switch things out easily? New motherboard? New CPU? How modular is the structure?
Is it easy to maintain? Clean? Can I keep some of the creature-comforts that were part of the original stock case?
Will I want to look at this every day?
Sure that's not practical. In less than 5 years time, hell much less than that, I'll have moved on to project #3 #4 #5. But those are my design priorities that must be balanced out against aesthetics. I'm not one to build 1-offs for modding contests. For one I'll never win at any of those, my skills are just not up there. But at the same time, most do not gel with my design philosophies.
Disclaimer: This is in no way to say which approach is right or wrong, better or worse. Absolutely not. You have DB on one end of the spectrum with sexy extravagant airbrushed monster acrylic cases and callen on the other hand with hard lines, metal, and nuts and bolts, and I respect both GREATLY, and many others in between for their different approaches and design preferences. It would be downright insulting and incredibly arrogant if I were to suggest modder A is better/worse than modder B, or whatever. That's not my intention at all, I don't care for it. My interest is seeing patterns in people's work, seeing things I can identify with, and just as importantly seeing designs that I do not identify with, but can still appreciate for the skill and artistry involved. To me that is a very fascinating topic.
Sorry about the verbal diarrhea. TLDR: unimportant tangent stuff
EDIT: btw your new avatar is cool!
Thanks Red-5. I'll have some more updates (and test fits) coming up in the next few days, I hope you'll enjoy them. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Red-5
That's beautiful man! Very awesome design, and i can't believe how quickly the laser guy did the job. I couldn't even get a quote to have aluminum cut (they'd only do mild steel) let-alone a 1 hour job! Now if you'll excuse me, i'm going back up for another look at those pics :)
Outstanding execution as always Kibbs!
I'm not supposed to be out in public - I'm deep, deep in design phase working on new stuffs and trying to stay totally focused. I just wanted to pop out/in briefly and say how much I'm enjoying your work. :)
If that's me you're referring to please email me instead as my PM box here is full and I haven't had a chance to weed it. There's actually something I wanted to talk to you about... :wiggle:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Thanks a lot callen, I was really, pleasantly surprised by the turnaround, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
If you read too much into it, maybe it implies that this shop (or at least the laser cutting function) is not terribly busy, or maybe it's not the core of their business, at least not a large part. Nonetheless the quality and tolerance speak for themselves, I am extremely happy with the cutting accuracy + precision. :cool:
For the record (callen not for you specifically as I'm sure you're very familiar with various metals), the laser guy said mild/stainless steel is hard and the laser just *blasts* through it Cyclops-style, leaving a clean edge that's smooth to the touch. Aluminum is soft and for whatever reason (the behind the scenes physics escapes me) the cutting process leaves micro burrs that need to be filed away. Max 15-minute filing job at any rate but just something to take note.
Thanks a lot Charles, of course you must hear this a lot but it bears (roar) repeating, many design elements are inspired by your murderMod work. So cheers to that and thanks for your support as always, and now that you've piqued my curiosity, I'm dying to see what you have in store (literally and figuratively) next! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by charles_h
btw yes I was referring to you, I will shoot you an email post-haste. :up:
That's really strange? it's a great thing for you because you get to stick with aluminium (which is what i wanted) but the laser guys i went through said aluminum is the slowest material for them to cut? I think they mentioned something to do with the high sheen aluminum has reflecting light back into the lens? Either way you've got a good thing going :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
I read that online but my laser guy didn't mention it specifically. Did your laser guys outright refuse to do aluminum, or just quote a premium for it? I don't see why they should outright refuse...it demonstrably works. Oh well. Only thing I can think of is if you brought a finished piece of aluminum (like a Lian Li side panel) to them, and the surface is too smooth/reflective. Rougher-cut aluminum sheet straight from a supplier would be...well, rougher. And less reflective.Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
There are other options for CAM work, though. Waterjet of course. CNC milling. Waterjet guy also suggested wire cutting (or DWC, or diamond wire cutting) for really fine designs like lettering, but he said that could be pricey and I have yet to find a local shop to try it out. All of those should have no problem at all with aluminum. And I mean...you've been doing router work that's as good as or better than any CAM work I've seen.
***
Here's something else that demonstrably works on aluminum: TeH NeeebleR. :D:D
And I've brought it out for some more work that should be ready for test fitting soon.
Next on my list is compiling a grand list of screws and various mounting hardware that I will need to buy: Socket caps, nuts, spacers, standoffs. I'm working on a few (3) "modules" that will need a good deal of assembly.
where are you mounting the hard drives and dvd drive?
Couple options. Side of the drive bays à la ala_GK (lol see what I did there?), or elsewhere. I haven't started working on it yet but I have some designs in mind. SSD option would be even easier, those things are tiny.Quote:
Originally Posted by F3L1X
Won't have one. After all the work that went into the DVD drive in the Pinnacle, I have not used it at all. Not once. Optical media is just not a significant part of my daily use.Quote:
and dvd drive?
Thanks for your insight, Kibbs. It's great to hear/read design philosophies from somebody's work I truly admire.
I remember the way you created your res holder, I remember your drain setup, I remember your optical eject button relocation mod, and more recently, your rad drainhole mod, your Z-Bracket hack, your cooling unit and your latest front panel design. (I'd be worried if I didn't remember that. You just posted it. lolz)
I remember countless other ideas you brought to the game in which your skill, creativity and design philosophies allow you to acheive. You've surpassed being that "one-idea, flash in the pan modder". You're that modder whose innovative ideas and refreshing concepts is something I have constantly been impressed by. :)
Can't wait to see how the mesh will look on your front panel :up:
Here's my attempt at free association:
Capella → Star → Bright → Oh Look a Butterfly
Cooling Unit → Ice Ice Baby → Vegas, Baby Vegas
Kibbler → Nibbler → Cookies → Nom Nom
Oh dear.
That was a FAIL :down:
Great work, man! I can't wait to see the finished product. My attempts at "modding" cases are futile in relation to yours!
Keep up the fantastic work!
First time I've seen this, looking very good...
Excellent work kibbler, Excellent work. :clap: :up:
As for the stainless steel being hard to laser cut, I am not sure on that, as a mate of mine gave me a (would you believe it).
A Butterfly (You Must have a big telescope Captain :rofl:) that had been laser cut out of 2mm stainless steel, it was a gift for my daughter.
The detail was outstanding and very finely cut, the edges where square and sharp to.
Could just be different quality lasers? :shrug:
Capt Flint man, you are too kind. We're all learning from each other, and as happy as I am that others are getting some...dare say inspiration...out of my work, I must say I am learning a lot from your progress as well. I am. Not just the modding. The photos, the pace, the tone, the light heartedness, the humor.Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
I appreciate your comments. Thank you. No smiley necessary to convey that.
btw EAT VEGAS BUTTERFLY NOM (situation)
No such thing as futile man, like I said, we're all learning from each other! :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Gwiggles
Thanks a lot ian, means a lot coming from someone with your machining skill.Quote:
Originally Posted by iandh
Haha, actually I meant steel is hard, like opposite of soft. That's what the guy said anyway, because of the hardness or molecular structure or alignment of the stars or whatever, steel cuts better than aluminum. From what I can tell these lasers are powerful enough that they can go through just about anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
Thanks for your comments as always Graeme!
***
I wasn't planning on an update tonight but...I gotta show you guys this. I love it. Here goes.
***
The METAL updates
Subtitle: Part 2, Liquid crystal test-fit
Recap: This is the top of the case.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/...97c5f639_b.jpg
Remove the top and there's a panel with the power/reset switches and a bunch of inputs.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/...bec6aaca_b.jpg
Remove that i/o plate (it's at the bottom there but out of focus)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/...cdb47810_b.jpg
And you're left with this.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/...b6a9a7a4_b.jpg
Still with me? Cool. We're lookin' at the piece top-right tonight.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/...6d20cabb_b.jpg
See where I'm going with this yeah? ;)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/...f47247e9_b.jpg
Throw some standoffs on the (stock) LCD.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/...cbe273b7_b.jpg
And once again, for the back row, mount that sucker!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/...61fed931_b.jpg
I fixed two M3 12mm standoffs to the case where the i/o plate used to screw into. Hey these things all came with the Aquaero! How lucky is that, I haven't had to buy any new screws for this part yet (I will need to though, soon).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/...02635e21_b.jpg
Then it's just like a matter of 1, 2,...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/...110730d3_b.jpg
...and 3. :cool:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/...3757212e_b.jpg
It's not perfect, yet. Surface prep and re-anodizing yeah. Need it. Small fitment (fitment?) issues as well: Need nylon spacers, a bit of the case metal is getting in the way, etc. It's all in the pipeline.
Thanks for looking!
Great idea ... and excellent execution (as we would expect, of course!).
You do so many really creative things with various parts of the build - small and large. Lots of fun to see what you're up to.
looking great kibbs, when do you start on my case? :yepp:
wow, cool idea and it magically fits well :up:
Will you do something with edges of your cutted parts?
Yes! I share your opinion about practicality vs. aesthetics, they must be balanced.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
As for me it is a PC at first, it should be convenient in everyday use, fast, probably modular, just as tuned cars - it should ride, otherwise it is a showstopper.
and thanks about the avatar :D
Kibbler you really have the nak for making thing Fit Just Right. :up:
It's a skill you should really be proud of mate, well done. :clap:
Haha thanks Sharon, I would say..."necessity is the mother of invention," and what I mean by that is in some ways I'm forced to be creative to work around what I have and don't have in terms of materials, tools, skillz. Guess sometimes having limitations forces me to work slower, more methodically.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Lol! I'm flattered. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by xcoolbreezex
Sounds like we have the same approach. :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
And of course I will clean up the edges on the laser cut parts. I still have some more things to cut, so I will do the cleaning once all the pieces are cut.
Thanks Graeme, I appreciate that. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
Funny you should say Fit Just Right, though. Not really. I did not look at the Crystalfontz LCD schematics closely enough. I assumed the LCD would be centered between the PCB mounting holes...turns out it's not (that's sneaky :mad:), the display is offset to one side by 1mm. So the plate I just made fits, but the display is not centered, it is off by 1mm.
Angry.
Needless to say I have completely redesigned the mount and will need to re-cut two pieces as soon Mr. Laserjet guy is back in town (said he's visiting his mother in law this week). The good thing is with the improved design, the mounting screws won't be visible at all, it will definitely be cleaner. :cool:
***
I nibbled out the mesh panel. Here's how it looks now.
Looking for honest opinions, what do you guys think? I would love to know. Thanks.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/...a6f4ac6d_b.jpg
that looks great. let it as it is i think that is de perfekt match.
no reanodize i think. thats match perfektly :)
looks good!
It is not painted yet (bare steel/aluminum)?
I wrote a poem. I entitled it, "The Most Awesome Poem":
Roses are red
Pirates are cool
This poem doesn't rhyme
I really like the mesh
like a lot
:clap:Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
Mmmm tis awesome looking - don't change it!
~Bex
Wow, I really love it!
The only part annoying me is at the bottom of the mesh, where you can see through the case. Maybe you could place some sort of panel there?
I really like the contrast between the black frame and the white mesh. :up:
If I was to be totaly honest I feel I would have lined up the center of the top and bottom fan hubs with the two circles in the frame.
I would kept the two curved lines running crossing the center fan hub just like they are now, evenly spliting the center so they just cover the outside edge of the center fan hub.
I would also paint the fan so they stand out behind the white mesh, like some hot red like Shazza has done or an nice electric blue to stand out and add some flare.
I had this thought as soon as you put the front frame/grill on the other day but held back from saying anything. :rolleyes:
I realy do like the white mesh, looks excellent! :up:
Looks really good.
What is the purpose of the 6 holes under the name badge area?
I appreciate the contrast between the case and the mesh color, personally I feel black mesh would look even better. I'm a little biased to black though, as my case is completely black, but the mesh currently appears less computer mesh and more outdoors mesh if you will.
Forgive my quick photoshop work, I'll remove this as soon as you've seen it:
http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/p...guyscase-1.jpg
Did the red for fun
http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/p...yscase-5-1.jpg
The light gray seems to make the black lines pop, definitely growing on me.
http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/p...guyscase-3.jpg
That mesh is perfect. What color will the fans be painted?
I too like the black, and can imagine the dark grey, but I don't think it fully matches the color palette Kibbler has selected. It will not be balanced by what we have seen so far. Black is also do-able, but I bet the fans would show through a lot, especially if they are painted white or red, and I don't know if they are supposed to show through or not...
And I was wondering where that controller panel got to! can't wait!
The mesh looks freakin' sweet, kibbler! I really like lideric's photoshop pic with the mesh in the black/gunmetal grey personally, but i think it looks great either way.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/...a6f4ac6d_b.jpg[/QUOTE]Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Well done, mate. Looks good. That mesh makes that front look a lot better. I think that you should keep it that color as it accents the whole color scheme well.
Nice build.
It looks ok, doesn't seem to fit though. Maybe black would be nice - but maybe red would give a better contrast to the front-panel in front of it.
The White Mesh Look Alot better then Black But may be PS a Red Grill it Could look Good LOL
You using white waterblocks? Just wondering if white is coming into the scheme more?
Gonna try a Shazza-style SAAYA.
@whuzabi
Thanks for your input whuzabi, I'll keep it in mind. I also like the contrast between black and the aluminum.
@aka_GK
Thanks ala_GK, it's not painted yet, that's still bare aluminum, but it looks a bit like white because of the lighting and contrast.
I quoted your poem to show just how awesome it is. :ROTF:Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
Thanks a lot man. Another vote in for how it is now. :)
(how's B_F coming along been waitin' for your next update...:cool:)
@woffen
Thanks woffen. :)
@RCG_Bex
Thanks RCG_Bex, will keep in mind your input as well! :)
@Alexandr0s
1st of all, thanks!. 2nd, I agree about the light at the bottom, noticed it as soon as I uploaded the photos from camera to computer. That light is coming in through the PSU opening so it should not be a problem once the PSU is in place. I hope...
@kgtiger
Alright thanks a lot Graeme, in response to some of your points...
-The front panel design stands apart from anything behind it. They're not supposed to match up to the fan hubs. The fans are not supposed to be visible.
-As for painting the fans to make them stand out, again...not the intention. If anything I'm considering painting them black. Blue is not in the books either as there is no blue in the entire rest of the build.
-Other than that, the front panel is still subject to changes. Since I will be laser-cutting a few more parts I have been tweaking the design aesthetically + functionally. It may be another week or two before I will have the design finished and the final panel in place though, so apologies in advance for the hiatus.
@nlancaster
Thanks nlancaster, the 6 holes are for LEDs.
@Liderc
Thanks for your inputs Liderc, in fact please leave those photochops up and I wouldn't mind if you made a few more. I have an easier time visualizing different colors with them.
@Wezly
Thanks as always Wezly, you have a good touch for being cognizant of the builder's intentions and aligning your suggestions to it, so your suggestions can sometimes be exceptionally helpful.
Fans...will not be painted. At least they won't be painted to stand out. Black maybe, just to make them NOT stand out.
The controller panel is coming along just fine...I will be able to show it soon and I think you'll like it. ;)
@callen_1
Thanks man, your input logged and of course appreciated. I'm still pondering the color...or lack of color...
@Xion X2
Thanks Xion. I'm leaning towards your opinion. As it is now (well, not now now maybe, now it's only bare aluminum), or white, should fit nicely.
@C-J
Thanks C-J, like I said I'm leaning in that direction as well. :)
@dreamaxx
Yup white waterblocks wherever possible. I already have a Supreme HF white top. Whatever GPU block I get (only EK offer white, so it'll be EK) I will also pair it with a white acetal top.
lol ... I just appreciate everyone making the time to make a comment, but realize some folks may not want to re-read the entire response each time ;)Quote:
Gonna try a Shazza-style SAAYA.
I actually prefer the white mesh, but whichever one you decide to go with will fit the final product, I'm sure!
Let me know what other colors you would like to see, I'd love to be of help.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
I have had a breakthrough with where to mount my radiators, and I also thought of putting one of those displays in my desk XD
So your implementation may drive me over the edge....
Btw, I think the fans would show up more if they were black. You should probably test that out first :D
White mesh then :)
Although I like the light grey. I think white will match better.
that looks amazing kibb.
i'd vote for any color that matches either the fan blades or the silvery/white-ish trimmings/brand of the case
Sorry man, I'm really frustrated because I wanna help but just... can't. the mesh looks great. full stop. but I can't choose a colour I like. I think I'll leave it to you, your design choices thus far have been superb!
Just thinking though, how about the black mesh with white lighting behind? I'm still a fan of the black/dark grey mesh but it makes it difficult to see the design on the front. If there was lighting behind however, it should highlight the design and still allow the black mesh to blend with the rest of the case. Like i said though, just a thought. I don't even know if it would work :p:
The "red for fun". Because, it's fun. And red. And red goes faster, as you already should know :D
Honestly the red grill looks bold. I would do it !
If you can paint it the same red as the case then I would go for that. Black hides the design, unless like Callen said, you light it up. Grey is ok but there's just no repetition for the colour anywhere else in the case.
I guess white would match the side panel if you choose to keep it.
What ever color you go with, I'd stick to a darker tone. Bright colors can get annoying to look at after a while. That's why i like the gray photoshop look, but a darker red could also look sweet. Black is a fail though. My two cents.
My friend loves orange, and he's sold 2 cases on eBay because there was too much orange, and it started to bug him.
HEy Kibler great front panel !:D
Well, Sliver/Gary Or Red Are looking Good in the PhotoShoped Pics So I vote for thos
Having "nom" as one of your tags is the most superior thing I have seen online.
Ever.
Great feedback you're getting here, Kibbs. I'm torn with all of Liderc's mockups. Gradient of all three?
EDIT:
LMAO!
Umlauted nom.
Hysterical! :rofl:
Coming along swimmingly. Just waiting on a package. Hope to post soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Tried to get the red as close as possible to the red you have on the case since some people seemed to like the idea.
http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/p...guyscase-6.jpg
Edit: Looked back at some of your older photos, looks like your red is much higher gloss, hard for me to portray that.
Looking back at those other pics, I'm thinking a high gloss gray may look good to match your Lian Li emblem above the panel.
@shazza
Thanks very much for your vote of confidence! White mesh vote +1. :up:
But that begs (please) the question, can something be anodized...white? I figured anodizing is analogous to dyeing fabric, so insomuch that a shirt can be dyed white...hmm. It may have to be paint after all if I go with this. I'll report back on this.
@Liderc
Sweet, thanks for your help man. The ones you've put up (and the latest red) have already been tremendously helpful. Appreciate you trying to match the red so closely, I can see the effect really well and it's helping me decide.
That said, note that the LED tab will be populated with red LEDs, a red mesh on top of that of may be too overwhelmingly...red.
@Wezly
Sweet, I will go through the newer LCD mounting arrangement (situation) ASAP (which may be another week...hang in there). Good call about blacking fans, though, that hadn't occurred to me and it may have been a disaster.
@dreamaxx
I'm with you on the white, I'm leaning towards it but not rejecting other options just yet though. Need to do invest some time into advanced chromatic visualization (aka daydreaming).
@bianco
Thanks as always bro. Fyi the branding tag will be removed so I'm not so concerned about matching it.
@callen_1
nobody knows the trouble I've seen
nobody knows but Jesus
And callen knows as well apparently because that is exactly why I'm frustrated. Color choice and panel design. For the past week I've spent a couple hours every night in front of SketchUp fiddling with designs and so far nothing has stuck 100% as "dats the one!!11bbq"
Backlighting is a really interesting idea and I am cautiously intrigued. But I suspect the backlight would only come through the holes in the mesh, which don't line up with the front panel design (I'm calling it the metal mask from now on)...it will create a blobby indistinct outline. Something to ponder definitely.
@gmat
Another vote for red, thanks man. You're right about that, red would for sure STAND OUT (see what I did there?)
@Pado
Right on all points and I have been considering the same things, so it's good that you're echoing my opinions so far. :cool:
@Dreddy71
Hmm...
You know that's a good point about "looking at after a while." I'll keep that in mind for sure. :up:
@Raiden
Thanks man!
@C-J
Silver is how it is now (bare aluminum) so that's an option. I hesitate on red because red/black is not a contrasting pair (Notice road signs, no red/black. Yellow/black is apparently the most contrasting pair e.g. road signs, bumblebees, scrambled eggs + pepper, all important things. Even higher contrast than white/black according to some study).
This is a good time to say that I am really enjoying this dialogue with you guys, discussing colors/designs etc. Makes the worklog come...alive, if you catch my Tokyo Drift. Thanks for that. Whatever I end up doing let it be known that I appreciate all of your inputs, they do not fall on deaf ears even if the final result doesn't follow every suggestion.
:welcome:
@CptDreadFlint
Ah HAHAHAHA I didn't add the umlaut nom I can only add max 5 tags, someone else must have!! :ROTF:
"Waiting on a package" - If worklogs were RPGs "waiting on a package" would be the stats grinding. Story of every worklog.
***
Fuel on the fire
I put together a few SketchUp designs. Let's call them A and B and C (left to right). I don't want to go too deeply into the designs as I want to have it ready for cutting next week. Nonetheless you might have opinions on things I haven't noticed before, so here goes.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/...57705343_b.jpg
<3 <3 SketchUp.
Design C looks Very Kool, Something that looks Stock but is Very Unique!
And For the RAD if the Vote still Counts, Matte or Gloss White like it is LOL
Really liking C. Gives your case some very cool flowing lines.
I agree about the Red front, I felt like it would be overwhelming once I went back and saw how much red was inside your case.
nom, nom, nom (wasn't me) ... Here's my thought on the front panel design:
B) out - like it, but it reminds me a lot of Callen's design (that's okay, not like you're going to be looking at it everyday, but ...)
C) like it - agree with C-1, it's Koooool. BUT (always another BUTTT here) I wonder what it will look like with the mesh. Will it mesh with the mesh? Dunno.
A) My fave - it's wayyyy different, just enough graphic going on there without overpowering the meshiness.
B
Please!
Although.... While it does match the clean lines of everything else....
C, or, heck, A compliments the tubing....
My new vote is for C...
Or maybe it's A...
Ugh... Forget I said anything about preference....
The original fit nicely, the straight lines of B are clean, and C has nice flow and softens the front of the case... I honestly couldn't say either way until there's more development on the inside of the case, or the new window...
BTW, how's that coming along?
B.) is my favourite for obvious reason :p: but on a serious note i really dig A.), simply for the awesome and unique design. I also think C.) looks great too, especially for the practicality (as it's more of a grill for the fans). So, here's my proposal; just merge the two? could that possibly work? do a sketch-up, chop chop :clap: lol :)
Love C
me to C looks great
A looks good with the mesh. And it also reminds of the Lian Li logo (intended or not ?).
Also some badass things come in red & black. Think of it. Killer spiders. Classic muscle cars. Poisonous frogs. EVGA mobos. Pizza with olives.
And the stock red inside that P50 looks so nice. You should show a part of it outside :)
i love A! But your build will also be awesome when you do not take A, but it would be better :D
I still like A, it's unique, looks nothing like a standard grill, yet adds a touch of kibbler flare. :up:
I would like to see (A) being black and mesh being white.
Great build, very proffesional! :clap:
And I like design C the most, but I would go thicker and lesser lines... The curvature is really nice man.
@C-J, Liderc, shazza, Wezly, callen, dreamaxx, kwscore, gmat, ipuoL, kgtiger, Jack
Thanks a lot for your comments and inputs so far guys, really appreciate it. The process is not transparent so you'll have to take my word for it: Your inputs do give me direction. Cheers for that.
Ok let's say...if I had a lot of cases to play with (I wish).
Again, let's call them A B C D E F, left to right. What do you think?
Personally my money is on B, then A, then F. I like how white makes the design stand out (A + B), and F is a good high-contrast combination that fits the cooling parts behind it.
What say you? :)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/...63ca1efe_b.jpg
I sometimes get carried away in SketchUp...
A) Looks definitly better :D
I like B. I'm not really digging the red on A :(.
I must agree with you there. A and B certainly stand out, the white making the design pop. :yepp:
I still like your very first design for the faceplate though, a simple and classy design. :up: