PHINIX NANO TOWER Smallest and most powerful mITX rig !!!

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10-29-2010, 06:18 AM
Alexandr0s

Amazing shot :eek:! There are some awesome colors in that picture :D.
10-31-2010, 08:39 PM
UrbanSmooth

Gratz on the magazine article! Looking great!
11-01-2010, 01:01 PM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexandr0s

Amazing shot :eek:! There are some awesome colors in that picture :D.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth

Gratz on the magazine article! Looking great!

Thanks guys!
11-01-2010, 01:03 PM
phinix_mike

OK, I finally received the rest of the item from Tom.
All this stuff is so beautiful, but don't want to spoil you guys and show it all now:P
I was very busy working on panels this weekend and don't have much to show of finished parts, except of this USB socket. I bought this nice USB socket which will be plugged to the mobo front panel pins. This is actually "mount plate" for this socket. It looks like this...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-11.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-12.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-13.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-14.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-15.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-16.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-17.JPG

First thing after I received the package, I unpacked it all and took it to the bathroom to clean it up. I gently took off the protective film and washed every single piece, then dried it one bath's edge. Even with lights turned off, all acrylic pieces looked amazing... So here they are... I guess you may already know which part is for, especially from those sketchups I showed in the past. I'll leave you with those photos for now... :D
...Enjoy:thumb:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-01.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-02.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-03.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-04.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-05.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-06.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-07.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-08.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-09.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../011110-10.JPG
11-01-2010, 01:06 PM
Monkeyface

Oh those looks fantastic, they are a really important piece of your project, and they came out great!
11-04-2010, 11:28 PM
aka_GK

yummy honeycombs :D
11-05-2010, 03:20 PM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyface

Oh those looks fantastic, they are a really important piece of your project, and they came out great!

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka_GK

yummy honeycombs :D

I hope people won't remember my Tower as a "bee house" ;)

My wife keeps telling me that it looks like one:mad:
11-28-2010, 03:58 PM
phinix_mike

Update time.

After few weeks it is time to show some good stuff;) I was pretty busy and couldn't find time to work on my Tower, but last few days were very productive, I could say:)

First, top piece of "power chamber" - Week ago I made this small change and used this new piece of acrylic that I showed you guys before. It looked nice after I mounted it.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-01.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-02.JPG

However, I was thinking about it and realised that I may have problem with it, after I install quick-release connectors. I needed another change in plans - problem was, those quick-release connectors need a bit of force to be plugged in. I had a feeling that pump stand is not strong enough to keep the pressure on the top piece when plugging those connectors.
So, this weekend I had new idea how to solve this:)

I added second long piece of alu to hold top cover.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-07.JPG

Then I realised that this nice yellow acrylic under the top cover will look nice only when removable piece from pump stand will be perfectly aligned. And that could be very hard every time I put rear main panel back with the pump stand into the Tower. It could be always uneven, looking odd. So decided that this thin long gap with yellow acrylic will be permanent.
I had to trim one piece of cover to make space for reservoir and third smaller cover that will be screwed to those two long aluminium supports. This third piece would be "mobile" and match the shape of the second "not moveable" piece.
Well.. see it yourself, cause its hard to explain;)

This is the final version of the pump stand with third smallest alu cover-piece...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-24.JPG

I screwed it to those two long supports... using all my nuts:blush:
I need to buy some more...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-23.JPG

Here is the whole thing - you can see three top cover pieces, two screwed together with middle acrylic piece, and third one, the one that comes with pump stand.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-17.JPG

It looks pretty cool, now imagine it will all be painted black, so those edges will be less visible and all will look nice:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-18.JPG

I bought this nice anti-vibration foam and cut it to size for the pump.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-16.JPG

Looks pretty cool...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-21.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-22.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-19.JPG

Now, this gap here between two layers of top cover will disappear when I will add thin foam under the whole pump stand later, so don't worry about it;)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-20.JPG

Look what a mess I made in my attic:jawdrop:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-04.JPG

My new invention - I mounted vice on my drill press:D

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-11.JPG

What I also did this weekend is - I cut out hole for PSU and CPU cable in top power chamber panel and put some edge rubber cover, or whatever its called...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-03.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-05.JPG

Other thing was to cut out some of the aluminium from top panel for power switch and USB socket. Old fashion drilling action:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-06.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-10.JPG

Final result - fits perfectly:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-12.JPG

I also made a nice support for leds under top panel - simple and functional.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-13.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-14.JPG

I also have made a cover for hole in left panel of power chamber - this is where GPU power cables will come out and pump will have its outlet connected to radiator. It also covers cables to led switches in the rear panel.
This is a first stage of it, not finished yet, I'm only showing you the idea how it will be mounted...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-08.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-09.JPG

I also bought a nice yellow temperature lcd monitor-display, will mount it next week...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-15.JPG

Last thing - I drilled and installed cable holders - this is where GPU power cables will come out from the power chamber, so they must be held in place...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-29.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-30.JPG

And for the end something nice to show - please have in mind this is only a mock-up:)
I just pushed those rings into this one support, it all looks wobbly and uneven, but.... I loved the look of it, so wanted to share:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-25.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-26.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-27.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../281110-28.JPG

That is all. I hope you like this update and please stay tuned for next time!!!:rock:
11-28-2010, 05:17 PM
Creekin

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinix_mike

I hope people won't remember my Tower as a "bee house" ;)

My wife keeps telling me that it looks like one:mad:

sorry, that comment just sealed it in my brain for eternity :rofl:
that and the logo ;)
also the macro shots dont help, i keep expecting to see a bee stick its head into frame :D

absolutely stunning work! :clap::clap::clap:
worth the wait for updates
:up:
11-28-2010, 05:45 PM
lowfat

Hot damn this is starting to look snazzy.
11-28-2010, 09:04 PM
Johnny87au

about time u've posted a update, moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
11-29-2010, 02:22 AM
voigts

Your build is very creative and well done. The details and design are really outstanding.
11-29-2010, 12:53 PM
aka_GK

wow, such a snug fits here and there! keep that baby up :up:
12-13-2010, 12:47 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creekin

sorry, that comment just sealed it in my brain for eternity :rofl:
that and the logo ;)
also the macro shots dont help, i keep expecting to see a bee stick its head into frame :D

absolutely stunning work! :clap::clap::clap:
worth the wait for updates
:up:

HAHA:) I know, it all look like it:)
Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowfat

Hot damn this is starting to look snazzy.

Cheers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny87au

about time u've posted a update, moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Thanks.. and yes, there will be more soon!:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by voigts

Your build is very creative and well done. The details and design are really outstanding.

Thank you very much! I;m glad you like it. I'm not particulary strong in design, but I really like this one too. It's not huge in all decorations and stuff, but I liek the way it all look together, I wanted to look stealth and clean. I hope that is how it will look at the end:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka_GK

wow, such a snug fits here and there! keep that baby up :up:

Thanks my friend! Sometimes I wish I had more space in it!:) But it all fits in perfectly, so I hope there won't be any problems when I will put it all together:)
12-13-2010, 12:48 AM
phinix_mike

OK guys, small update here - I made last small tweaks to my Tower aluminium parts, cleaned them up and flat packed it. Yep, it is THAT moment of the project where all pieces go to powder coat place. Courier will pick up the 5kg package full of aluminium today and will take it to Tom in ChilledPC, who will take this to powdercoating place. It should be with me in a week.
All I can do now is sit down, wait... and pray that when I get it all back and put together all the stuff will fit in! :D
If I find some time tonight, I will put on photos of last work I did and the whole Nano Tower flat packed:)
12-13-2010, 02:49 PM
phinix_mike

As I promised, here are few photos, some of my favourites from last work. I'm a bit tired and don't have access to my pc, so they don't have watermark yet. Will fix it later.

First, my favourite - acrylic combs in a nice pose:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-15.JPG

...and in the darkness...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-02.JPG

Here is the Nano Tower during "the glueing procedure":)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-40.JPG

Two done, two to go... mounting ready combs on the Tower...
Looking pretty in that light...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-33.JPG

And here is almost all aluminium pieces, Nano Tower in parts, flat packing time:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-36.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-37.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-38.JPG

Last photo for today - GUESS! What part of Nano Tower that is?! :)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-29.JPG
12-13-2010, 02:55 PM
ScottALot

This reminds me of the Gigabyte P67UD7

http://www.crosat.us/wp-content/uplo...D7-480x367.jpg
12-13-2010, 05:34 PM
hillywav

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottALot

This reminds me of the Gigabyte P67UD7
http://www.crosat.us/wp-content/uplo...D7-480x367.jpg

that Mb would be perferct for this case:clap::up:
12-13-2010, 09:26 PM
Church

hillywav: not exactly mITX sized board.
12-13-2010, 10:04 PM
Creekin

nothing a dremel couldn't fix churchy! http://forums.bit-tech.net/images/sm...bit-dremel.gif

or just reuse those sinks, nice pic scottalot :up:
12-13-2010, 11:32 PM
aka_GK

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinix_mike

Last photo for today - GUESS! What part of Nano Tower that is?! :)

cable management plate? :D
glad you case will finally be painted! hopefully paint layer won't be too thick and case will come up together easily
12-14-2010, 12:43 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka_GK

cable management plate? :D
glad you case will finally be painted! hopefully paint layer won't be too thick and case will come up together easily

Thanks mate! Yeah, I hope so too. I never had my cases powder coated, so don't know how much margin I should have left but I guess it should be ok.

And - nope:D that is nto a cable management plate:)
12-14-2010, 01:17 AM
hillywav

Quote:

Originally Posted by churchy

hillywav: not exactly mITX sized board.

gigabyte probably release mitx version for sandy anyway:yepp::D
12-14-2010, 02:28 AM
miahallen

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillywav

gigabyte probably release mitx version for sandy anyway:yepp::D

Yes, but word on the street so far is that it'll be their standard blue color scheme :rolleyes:
12-14-2010, 03:15 AM
hillywav

Quote:

Originally Posted by miahallen

Yes, but word on the street so far is that it'll be their standard blue color scheme :rolleyes:

based on this preview
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=263543

the gold parts in the heatsink can be removed so, i kinda expect to be doable to "paint" the gold/blue parts in the futher variation ;)

but hey, my bad when i forgot the case for mITX:rolleyes:
12-14-2010, 11:42 AM
Waterlogged

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinix_mike

Last photo for today - GUESS! What part of Nano Tower that is?! :)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-29.JPG

That looks like it might be the base part of the side panel behind the MoBo.

Case looks awesome phinix! :up::clap:
12-14-2010, 03:14 PM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterlogged

That looks like it might be the base part of the side panel behind the MoBo.

Case looks awesome phinix! :up::clap:

Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Well, looks pretty tricky this one.
Here is the answer: front panel! :)
Main front panel that will be covered with acrylic and aluminium cover pieces.
This is how it looks.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-26.JPG

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...3122010-27.JPG
12-15-2010, 01:17 AM
aka_GK

Mike, I'm pretty sure Tom knows his job and probably will ask powdercoater to apply thinner layer (I think they could) becuse there is no need for excessive durability in this application. I missed this moment when did coating so the case is glazed with very thick layer, I even have to peel paint in some place so that the panels and parts fit.
12-16-2010, 08:48 AM
Pupo

perfectly, so much attention to details :eek::eek::eek:
12-22-2010, 05:34 PM
lzxhenry

Awesome job... Looking forward to the final product...
01-02-2011, 10:04 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka_GK

Mike, I'm pretty sure Tom knows his job and probably will ask powdercoater to apply thinner layer (I think they could) becuse there is no need for excessive durability in this application. I missed this moment when did coating so the case is glazed with very thick layer, I even have to peel paint in some place so that the panels and parts fit.

Oh, I didn't know that you may get thicker layers. I hope it will be all ok when I get it back. Cheers mate!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pupo

perfectly, so much attention to details :eek::eek::eek:

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzxhenry

Awesome job... Looking forward to the final product...

Thanks!
01-02-2011, 10:04 AM
phinix_mike

OK, so we have a new year - 2011! Nice... that means we all got older! :p

Because of bad weather conditions I haven't received my powder coated Nano Tower pieces.
However I have few photos to share with, showing last moments of previous, 2010, year:)
I found few minutes today to prepare them and added them to my server, so here they are...

Here's how I was preparing front panel for drilling holes for leds. First I had to place hex shapes in a pattern I designed it in the past.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-02.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-03.jpg

Those aluminium hex shapes need to be painted first, then glued to acrylic ones, then to front panel...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-04.jpg

Here's front panel cover - beautiful..

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-06.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-07.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-08.jpg

..again, two shots of acrylic combs on front panel....

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-09.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-10.jpg

First comes main front panel, then acrylic piece...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-12.jpg

I made dots in places of acrylic hex shapes to drill holes for leds...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-05.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-13.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-14.jpg

Then I drew lines in holes in top cover to see where I need to drill holes for leds again...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-15.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-16.jpg

..and aligned led strips to make marks for holes...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-17.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-18.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-19.jpg

..and here how it's going to look like under the panel:) As you can see, led strips will be under the main panel cover so you won't see leds it selves, they will light up the panel right next to every edge. I think it will add a nice touch to the front panel.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-11.jpg

... holes drilled.. like a Swiss cheese:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-20.jpg

Those 72 holes for leds that come under the combs was the hardest part...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-23.jpg

Cage had to be modded for this part in left bottom corner comb...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-21.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-22.jpg

Last photo - Mobo's I/O panel - middle one in the Tower - also had to be finished before I sent it to powder coat. I cut out those big holes for mobo and graphics card. Also added long thin hole for graphics card back frame - it will have a small L shape profile bit to secure heavy card with water block... will show that soon.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020111-24.jpg
01-07-2011, 10:30 AM
aka_GK

I was hoping to see LEDs in action in this update :D looking forward to the next one
01-08-2011, 12:48 AM
cityofglass88

Subscribed. I am loving all the acrylic work.
01-12-2011, 02:52 PM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka_GK

I was hoping to see LEDs in action in this update :D looking forward to the next one

Uuuuu.. not yet:) LEDs are about to be prepared for soldering:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cityofglass88

Subscribed. I am loving all the acrylic work.

Thanks!
01-12-2011, 02:53 PM
phinix_mike

Well, I did receive a package today... It is sooo good to see Mafia II in full details and high PhysX :D

OK! I promised you photos, here they are! As I said, these were taken at night time, using just few lamps that is why I couldn't show exactly the difference between those two colors - some photos show this dark graphite too bright, some too dark... But those lit up front panel photos are the best:) I love them... In real it looks even better!
I will comment them later, too tired after playing some nice games on my brand new GTX580:D

Anyway... here they are.. first batch of 79 photos of powder coated Nano Tower pieces:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-01.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-02.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-03.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-04.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-05.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-06.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-07.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-08.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-09.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-10.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-11.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-12.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-13.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-14.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-15.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-16.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-17.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-18.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-19.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-20.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-21.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-22.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-23.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-24.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-25.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-26.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-27.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-28.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-29.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-30.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-31.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-32.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-33.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-34.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-35.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-36.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-37.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-38.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-39.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-40.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-41.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-42.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-43.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-44.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-45.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-46.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-47.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-48.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-49.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-50.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-51.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-52.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-53.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-54.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-55.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-56.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-57.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-58.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-59.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-60.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-61.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-62.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-63.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-64.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-65.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-66.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-67.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-68.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-69.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-70.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-71.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-72.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-73.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-74.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-75.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-76.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-77.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-78.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../120111-79.jpg
01-12-2011, 05:23 PM
Alexandr0s

Ow wow, amazing quality on the coating :eek:! Looks great :D
01-12-2011, 08:03 PM
matt220

:shocked:

It looks more amazing then I could have ever imagined! I love the plexi lighting
01-13-2011, 02:54 AM
Church

Natural case :banana::banana::banana::banana: :)
01-14-2011, 12:00 PM
Smileypuppy

more pics pls ty :)

it's just so awesome, i need my fix man, c'mon!

:D
01-14-2011, 12:17 PM
aka_GK

gray black yellow combination look subtle yet gorgeous!
01-17-2011, 09:28 AM
Lagaaja

It has MDPC written all over it :clap:
01-17-2011, 02:09 PM
phinix_mike

Thanks guys!

Small update tonight:)

Just a few photos from last weekend.

Here is a acrylic bit under power chamber top cover.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-01.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-03.jpg

I have this 3 LED strip as a tester, wires pushed in PSU power cable:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-04.jpg

This is how it glows.. I don't know.. I just can't show you guys how nicely it looks, I tried many settings but this is the closest to real look of this light. It is very hard to make a photo of light and show its real color :wallbash:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-05.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-06.jpg

Here is power chamber partially built, top cover fits perfectly.
I put a table lamp under this cover to show how it glows but it was to powerful and it looks white in that photo below:rolleyes:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-07.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-08.jpg

This here is a part I mentioned before - it is a acrylic part of cover that goes on one of the sides of power chamber and covers GPU power cable hole.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-09.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-10.jpg

Now, this aluminium part on top is the one I painted with matte black spray paint - I say it looks good!:blush: Three layers, it took me like an hour or sth...:eyebrow:
Look how perfectly it matches powder coated piece under it! Fantastic, I love how everything I paint turns out - it takes time for all those layers but its worth it.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-11.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-12.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-13.jpg

Last two photos, first one is one side of power chamber, just to show how it aligns nicely with L shape support, both powder coated:D

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-14.jpg

..and Tower itself... well.. frame and few pieces of power chamber. That is ALL I'm going to show for now. Don't want to spoil final photos:) I'll try to work on painting this week and show next update in coming weekend.
STAY TUNED!!!:rock:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../170111-02.jpg
01-17-2011, 11:31 PM
UrbanSmooth

A work of art truly is unfolding here.
01-18-2011, 11:27 PM
Johnny87au

Quote:

Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth

A work of art truly is unfolding here.

+1, Any idea when this build is gonna be complete? Really coming together now just cant wait to see the final outcome! :up:
01-20-2011, 01:21 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny87au

+1, Any idea when this build is gonna be complete? Really coming together now just cant wait to see the final outcome! :up:

Thanks man! It will be finished in about a month. It may be delayed a bit - Dead Space 2 is coming out next week:D
01-20-2011, 01:22 AM
phinix_mike

Well, as I said at the beginning of the project - I wanted this build a smallest and baddest powerful machine ever built, so wanted a latest graphic card in it. I had GTX295 for a bit of a time and that was the latest and most powerful from nvidia garage. I wanted Fermi, before it came out. When it came out, GTX480 was not a perfect one, we all know it... Now when we have GTX580 I decided to go for it, NanoTower deserves it! :) So, I got it. I bought Gigabyte GTX580. After this I had to speak with Vincent from Bitspower about changing plans... few MSN conversations later - Vincent let me know that Bitspower HQ is sending me a beautiful latest GTX580 water block:D I've been tracking this package for few days now and I can say it's here, just waiting for delivery guy:) Yep, my GTX580 will be watercooled with this sweet block!
For now, just a product photo. This weekend - new update and new photos of this fantastic block:)

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...AC-BKCL_01.jpg

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...AC-BKCL_07.jpg
01-20-2011, 03:17 AM
Church

phinix_mike: hmm, can you exchange leds to some yellow or orange color on that full cover block?
01-20-2011, 03:24 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by churchy

phinix_mike: hmm, can you exchange leds to some yellow or orange color on that full cover block?

Of course! You can use whatever color you like:)
I'm going to use yellow:cool:
01-20-2011, 03:32 AM
Lu(ky

You can also take off that top black plate with BITSPOWER logo on it and make your own to put back on it as well. Looking good..
01-20-2011, 06:25 AM
h20xide

Disgustingly beautiful/amazing.

Loving it
01-20-2011, 07:00 AM
theseeker

Outstanding job all around!
02-13-2011, 03:00 PM
phinix_mike

Thank you very much guys!

UPDATE TIME !!!

Yes, I know.. it's about time! ;)
I was busy (well, busy killing myself by going on a diet;)) so spent only little time on my Tower. However, I did a pretty big progress. How big? Let's say I can play Dead Space 2 on my NanoTower:)
Yep, hardware is installed and going strong! Today I went through hell cause had to attach all cables in power chamber and install PSU. Guys, I'll be honest with you - power chamber is so small and tight that I couldn't add now even a single wire:) Of course that was the whole idea - minimalism in every inch:D
I'm glad all fit in nicely, no issues.

So here it is, 47 photos, summary of last few weeks work.

Here's a Tower waiting for cables...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-01.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-02.jpg

Two weeks ago I started to cut up my beautiful PSU. I'm not gonna lie to you guys, that was heart breaking job:)
I started from labelling 24pin cable.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-03.jpg

What I wanted to do was to "sleeve" those wires, but not with sleeve, I wanted them to look as thin as possible, so used yellow 2.4mm heatshrink, 8cm length for each wire, just for pieces that will come out from power chamber.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-13.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-04.jpg

I really like the result... very nice:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-12.jpg

I also had to "amputate" most of the pre-soldered cables, like SATA line, 4pin CPU power, floppy bit. Then had to secure those wires...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-06.jpg

Next was soldering 24 pin cable.. Jeez, it was taking ages! I was doing 8 wires per night:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-05.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-07.jpg

I used Mark's method - taping wires first, then soldering:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-08.jpg

Next I had to attach all cables firmly to PSU.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-09.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-10.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-11.jpg

Also prepared slim SATA cable for DVD drive.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-14.jpg

...and started to attach SATA cables inside power chamber.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-15.jpg

Prepared power cables for drives...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-18.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-19.jpg

... in the meantime, look what I got! :) My missus bought me a present on my Name's Day:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-16.jpg

Hmmm.. I don't really know what I'm doing wrong but my soldering iron is going down pretty quickly.. this iron end is ruined after few hours of work:(

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-17.jpg

PSU in the Tower...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-20.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-21.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-22.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-23.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-24.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-25.jpg

That was just a try-out:) Then I had to attach SATA and power cables before screw PSU into the power chamber.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-26.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-27.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-28.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-29.jpg

...and PSU installed and covered:rock::blush:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-30.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-31.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-32.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-33.jpg

DVD installed...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-34.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-35.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-36.jpg

That 24pin cable looks pretty....:thumb:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-37.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-38.jpg

All done...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-39.jpg

...but does it play Crysis???

Hell yeah !!!! :rock:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-40.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-41.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-42.jpg

I started it without graphic card first, in case some soldering went wrong and PSU was going pufffff..... :) All went ok, it worked fine, so added GPU.

Changed back plate first to single slot one. Looks ugly but will be sweet after I install water block. This is GTX285 version, so no hdmi hole.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-43.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-44.jpg

Here is the latest state of Nano Tower:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-45.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-46.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130211-47.jpg

Sorry for those fingerprints and dust - I didn't clean it after installation. Glamour shots will be at the end of the project! :D

Now, there is still a lot of work ahead of me, so please keep an eye on this log, soon will be adding new update! :D

STAY TUNED FOLKS !!!
02-13-2011, 03:15 PM
ScottALot

ooh oooh ooooooh!! Keep going, it's looking sick!
02-13-2011, 03:25 PM
matt220

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...chreaction.png

accurate representation of my reaction :rofl:
02-13-2011, 07:07 PM
voigts

This is looking incredible. Talk about packing a lot into a little case.
02-13-2011, 08:21 PM
nullface

Make me one!!!
02-14-2011, 01:16 AM
barfastic

just read the entire log!

AMAZING work!

I can only hope i even think of a design like this, cause i will NEVER be able to make something like it!

Really good job!
02-19-2011, 03:09 PM
Rise

fantastic, keep it up man!!
02-19-2011, 07:25 PM
dacosta89

This looks great!!!

Keep going. :clap:
02-19-2011, 09:20 PM
defect9

these updates were so epic I had to wear 3 socks
02-20-2011, 04:00 AM
Alexandr0s

My reaction to the update was similar to this guy's reaction to Skyrim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9eGtyqz4gY
02-20-2011, 01:57 PM
phinix_mike

WOW! Thanks guys! I'm so happy you like it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexandr0s

My reaction to the update was similar to this guy's reaction to Skyrim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9eGtyqz4gY

Haha:) That's funny, thanks Alexandr0s!
02-20-2011, 02:00 PM
phinix_mike

Weekend update!

That was a soldering weekend!
I decided that to solder all those SMD led strips I need to do it very precisely, so I took a small trip to Maplins and bought this:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-01.jpg

Those are VERY handy helping hands:)
So I cut up those strips to 3 led bits and started to solder them together so they create 3x6 pattern that will go under side "acrylic combs".

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-02.jpg

Look how nice and small these solders look. I love it:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-03.jpg

Slowly.. one after another...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-07.jpg

First set done...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-04.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-05.jpg

They had to be arranged to this...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-08.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-06.jpg

As you can see, I had to cut small wire pieces for those small loops.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-09.jpg

After few hours, I had all 4 done:D

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-10.jpg

I had to cover-push those sets to the panels from behind...:worried:... I mean.. from the rear... I mean...
Anyway.... I made rectangles from 0.5mm thick aluminium sheet, rounded corers and covered them with semi-clear "frost" film I got from Mark. This was necessary to make sure those leds won't conduct electricity to the panels.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-11.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-12.jpg

I soldered long wires for later mount, glued those leds to the rectangles and attached them to the panel.
After half an hour, I had one panel done - two sets ready to go!:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-18.jpg

Now, next thing I did was to finish reset switch.
So I used old reset micro-switch, M3 dome nut and small piece of acrylic. I painted black that nut and piece of acrylic. Reset goes right above fan controller. Acrylic piece pushes reset switch and reset switch pushes this nut to the hole in the rear panel. So all nicely look like this:)
Of course I will add double sided tape between switch and acrylic piece that is why now it looks a bit.. wobbly...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-13.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-14.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-16.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-17.jpg

Of course those screws will be cut to size:)

Here is how it looks from behind:D

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../200211-15.jpg

OK! That is it for now! I hope you like it!
02-20-2011, 03:07 PM
Alexandr0s

Great update! Those ledstrips look snake-like :p:. What fancontroller are you using btw? I really like its size and simplicity :).
02-21-2011, 12:31 AM
barfastic

AMAZING.... everyupdate is jaw dropping!
02-21-2011, 12:42 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexandr0s

Great update! Those ledstrips look snake-like :p:. What fancontroller are you using btw? I really like its size and simplicity :).

Quote:

Originally Posted by barfastic

AMAZING.... everyupdate is jaw dropping!

Thanks guys!

Fan controller - I don't really remember which one that is, I took it from Phinix Cube build. I think it was some simple and small 3.5" bay Scythe, but not 100% sure.
02-21-2011, 04:45 AM
Alexandr0s

Ye, that's what I thought :). Thanks ;).
03-13-2011, 03:18 AM
phinix_mike

UPDATE TIME !!!

OK! So, after all those whining about, I had to re-assemble the Tower to fix a bit those wires;)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-01.jpg

I have cut and painted those two small bits to hold a PCI-E cables cover.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-02.jpg

..and this is how it is going to be mounted, using velcro pads (it has to be removable).

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-03.jpg

I have also attached watercooling to CPU...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-04.jpg

For some reason this back-plate is always on its side...heh...:eyebrow:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-05.jpg

There! Better? :worried:

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-06.jpg

I like how those hoses are so soft and easy to move around...

Watercooling mounted... CHECK!

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-07.jpg

DVD mounted...CHECK!

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-08.jpg

Top fan mounting.. CHECK!

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-09.jpg

You can see here how little space is left for graphic card... 3.5cm

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-10.jpg

Nano Tower resting... chilling...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-11.jpg

I still need to do some drilling in the bottom acrylic panel, measured it all up and ready to drill...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-12.jpg

I fit in right side panel, it was pretty dark inside, so had to use lamp for this one.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-13.jpg

Right side panel fits in... CHECK!

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-14.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-15.jpg

Now.. today I won't be working a lot on Tower... it is time to have some cake:D

So, enjoy these photos and see you soon!
03-13-2011, 04:22 AM
Alexandr0s

Update time?!
Update time!

Looks like you decided to go for an easier way to mount your slimline dvd player than me ;). Mine's a real PITA to get out of the case. Luckily it doesn't need to leave it often ^^.

Great update, thanks :)!
03-14-2011, 03:08 AM
Dahmer

Aw man this insanely amazing, wish I had your skills and steady hands. Great work!
03-14-2011, 06:23 AM
theseeker

Outrageous build!
03-14-2011, 03:38 PM
UrbanSmooth

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt220

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...chreaction.png

accurate representation of my reaction :rofl:

ROFL! Mine toooooooo!
03-18-2011, 12:59 AM
phinix_mike

Thank you guys!

Small update today - just wanted to show you how this ring cover look like.

Before that just one more photo of that really nice fan:) I love the color of it.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-17.jpg

Now, I showed these before, these are small comb pieces that will hold all rings.
I glued them together with third one, straight rectangle with holes for leds.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-18.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-19.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-20.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-21.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-22.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-23.jpg

Then I added top and bottom small rectangles.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-24.jpg

I pushed in those rings to see how it is goign to look like - please have in mind they are only pushed here, that is why they are uneven...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-25.jpg

I like how they glow in my hand:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-26.jpg

Then I took them out and glued them in, all straight:) You may notice it is missing one ring on top - I need to get one more.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-27.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-28.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-29.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-30.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-31.jpg

After that I spent some time on soldering 10 leds, then pushed them in those holes. They come in easily but firmly, so I dont need to use glue or anything. Perfect fit.
Then I couldn't stop myself from trying them out.
So here are photos of this ring cover, lit up like christmas tree:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-32.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-33.jpg

..b&w anyone? :)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-34.jpg

I played a bit with my camera and tried to get a bit darker ones - I like how you can see every edge of each piece of acrylic, like a skeleton rentgen photos:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-35.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130311-36.jpg

I spent a lot of time on painting stuff. I painted all aluminum hex shapes for front panel. First 3 layers of black matte paint, then clear laquer, 2-3 layers. All look beautiful.
I also designed and cut out temperature lcd holder, which will be attached to this ring cover and stick out on the right side of it. I still need to file the edges and polish it, then paint it black. This will all happen this weekend, so please stay tuned! :thumb:
03-18-2011, 02:29 AM
arkadur

very nice!
but what about the missing first ring ?
03-20-2011, 07:00 AM
dacosta89

Great looking case!!! :clap:

Just one question: What are your plans to cooling the vga?
03-20-2011, 08:28 AM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkadur

very nice!
but what about the missing first ring ?

Thanks! As I mentioned I will get ne more next week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacosta89

Great looking case!!! :clap:

Just one question: What are your plans to cooling the vga?

Thanks! Post 345 will give you the answer;)

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=345

It will be water cooled, that is why I have EK pump, res and quick connectors.
03-20-2011, 08:58 AM
Vinas

That's a really nice choice in fans! I think that rings around the res look really nice and give it a chagrin custom kind of look.

Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
03-20-2011, 07:33 PM
fatherTime27

I am truly jealous
03-22-2011, 02:22 PM
dacosta89

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinix_mike

Thanks! As I mentioned I will get ne more next week.

Thanks! Post 345 will give you the answer;)

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=345

It will be water cooled, that is why I have EK pump, res and quick connectors.

LOOL I totally forgot :shocked:
03-22-2011, 09:26 PM
Spazloy

i just read through the last 3 updates twice.

words cannot bear the weight of how much win this project contains.

you make my wallet burn and my system just begs to be taken to pieces just to add in some of your design ideas.

you are a complete inspiration to all of us.

so all i can say is... nice 1 bro :D
04-03-2011, 01:11 PM
phinix_mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spazloy

i just read through the last 3 updates twice.

words cannot bear the weight of how much win this project contains.

you make my wallet burn and my system just begs to be taken to pieces just to add in some of your design ideas.

you are a complete inspiration to all of us.

so all i can say is... nice 1 bro :D

Thank you very much! Its nice to see you guys like my updates.
Inspiration? I think we all here are inspirations to each other.
That is why we all love modding! :D
04-03-2011, 01:11 PM
phinix_mike

It's time for a little update.

I needed to design and make this temperature lcd sensor stand, used a black tinted acrylic for this. Color didn't matter cause it was going to be black painted anyway.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-06.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-07.jpg

It will be attached like this.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-08.jpg

And here is painted and attached to the ring cover. I used double sided tape for it.
Cables will be cut to length and sleeved later, when the whole thing will go inside of the Tower.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-17.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-18.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-19.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-20.jpg

I also painted this USB socket that goes on top. It was ugly cream color, but wanted it nice black deep color. Cable was sleeved as well.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-11.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-12.jpg

To finish some other bits I used this double sided tape - I have attached aluminium painted cover to acrylic piece of that GPU cable cover I showed before.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-13.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-14.jpg

I did some work on rear panel too - cut to length fan cables and sleeved them. All three of them:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-09.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-10.jpg

Then sleeved power button cable...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-26.jpg

Also sleeved each of those single wires, using yellow heat shrink - to add a nice finish.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-27.jpg

I'm not sure I showed you guys my special "painting chamber" in my attic:)
After applying few coats of paint, fumes in the air are so "thick" that I'm done for the rest of the day;)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-05.jpg

New bit!! New bit!! I haven't even showed you the idea of this bit before:)
I decided to change the design of the top panel, adding this nice cover. It has holes for power button and USB socket. Remember that older version of it, with small hole plates? I didn't like it so designed these. Tom cut it quickly for me on his CNC. Both acrylic and aluminium bits are same size, I drilled those holes in acrylic bit for 3mm yellow leds which will be pushed in to light up the whole edge of this thing...

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-22.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-23.jpg

Here it is on top 10mm acrylic panel.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-24.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../030411-25.jpg

I hope you guys like it! :blush:

It was also time to do some work on front panel. I had a nice acrylic and aluminium hex shapes for the front, so next move was to drill a huge holes in each acrylic hex and glue them to aluminium ones.
But this will be shown in next update :D

Stay tuned !!!:dremel:
04-03-2011, 02:01 PM
defect9

oh. my. god.

that top addition is sexeh!
04-03-2011, 03:08 PM
UrbanSmooth

Mike, amazing job as always!

As small as this little build is, it has so much detail. MDPC!!
04-03-2011, 03:25 PM
Spazloy

came... nuff said
04-05-2011, 02:11 AM
ryan.1e

beautiful little mini-tower. what are you using to make the cuts in the alu and acrylic?
04-10-2011, 10:56 AM
NFC

Absolutely love this. It is definitely my favorite mod on Xtremesystems!
04-10-2011, 11:22 AM
theseeker

Just keeps getting better!
04-10-2011, 11:31 AM
nigelke

insane build I just love it :)
04-10-2011, 06:35 PM
h20xide

I have to say, you are a god.
04-10-2011, 07:03 PM
Spazloy

i totally agree with oxide.

also oxide, im coming to oz soon. what would you say is the best place on the west coast?
im currently exploring NZ. (done south and im on the north island soon, then off to sydney for 2 days then on to darwin to go down to perth over a month)
04-10-2011, 09:11 PM
h20xide

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spazloy

i totally agree with oxide.

also oxide, im coming to oz soon. what would you say is the best place on the west coast?
im currently exploring NZ. (done south and im on the north island soon, then off to sydney for 2 days then on to darwin to go down to perth over a month)

PM sent mate
04-23-2011, 01:08 AM
UrbanSmooth

Hey, Mike, any updates forthcoming?
04-25-2011, 06:37 AM
phinix_mike

Here it is ! Update time!!! :)

Hi guys! Happy Easter! :D

Thank you all for comments - and waiting! :D
I've been busy in last couple of weeks, again...
Did some work on my little Tower so it was time for an update.

I have installed slim dvd in the front, using thin aluminium strips and some velcro pads. As you can see those mounting I made are suppressed on rubber washers, so vibrations from dvd drive won't go on Tower.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-11.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-12.jpg

Also after a week of painting all parts, I put together pump stand. I left few bits unpainted to make a nice contrast.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-13.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-14.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-15.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-16.jpg

Also braided led cables in side panels and attached 2-pin connector for easy disconnect.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-17.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-18.jpg

After that move I was able to install front and left side panel.

Here's how the Tower looks right now:) All braided wires waiting for connection junction.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-19.jpg

Also braided wires on that reservoir ring cover, added 2-pin connector for thermometer that will be plugged with Bitspower plug, also braided on photo.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-20.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-21.jpg

Another thing I did was I finished right side panel, added "led modules":D

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-22.jpg

Look what mess I made on my desk!!!

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-23.jpg

After that it was time to finally finish front panel. Before i attached leds to the back of it, I had to glue all 14 hex shapes on the front.

First I had to drill 12mm holes in each of those acrylic hex shapes.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-01.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-02.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-03.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-04.jpg

Then I had to paint all aluminium hex shapes.
I used matches to stick them with masking tape.
Put them all up and spray painted, satin black.

Hex army...:)

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-05.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-06.jpg

Then I glued them all together with acrylic shapes.
Here is front panel and glued hex shapes. I decided to glue them to main panel using double side tape.

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-07.jpg

...and finished front panel. ALL DONE! FINALLY! :D

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-08.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-09.jpg

http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../250411-10.jpg

I like the look of it in the sunlight. Pretty:blush:
Then I spent 100s of hours on soldering leds behind it. I pushed in one led in each of those holes through the panel and to the acrylic hex shape, where each head of leds were angled 90 degrees to light up acrylic edge. Lot of work, but it was worth it.
I tried it and plugged front panel to PSU... It was breathtaking....
Unfortunately you guys going to see this on the final update and final presentation of the Tower.
Soon.. pretty soon:) About 3 weeks from now:)
04-25-2011, 06:41 AM
h20xide

Another breathtaking update, keep it up!
04-25-2011, 08:27 AM
dacosta89

Can't wait to see this finished... looking great!!! :shocked::shocked:
04-25-2011, 10:10 AM
theseeker

Quote:

Originally Posted by h20xide

Another breathtaking update, keep it up!

+1 :up:
04-25-2011, 02:40 PM
defect9

always awesome updates!

the satin black finish is beyond beautiful. it contrasts so perfectly with the yellow glow
04-25-2011, 03:34 PM
Alexandr0s

Stop being so awesome, you're making me feel bad about my case :p:.

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XtremeSystems

**** PHINIX NANO TOWER **** Smallest and most powerful mITX rig !!!

PHINIX NANO TOWER Smallest and most powerful mITX rig !!!