Project: Aluchill[Scratch build]

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/logga.jpg




Sponsored by:
Alphacool
Sifvert
And a special thanks to Tom @ ChilledPC

Links:
Update #1 (Frame constructing and diy)
Update #2 (Frame finished)
Update #3 (Panel cutting)
Update #4 (Panel cutting & mockup)
Update #5 (Panel cutting & mounting)
Update #6 (Panel mouting, PSU opening, tray slide)
Update #7 (Back panel finished & WC stuff)
Update #8 (Shape complete, outer panel cut and bent)
Update #9 (5,25 Holder and diy)
Update #10 (Front Construcion)
Update #11 (Front Completed)
Update #12 (Rad mount and internal cover)
Update #13 (Fan grills and LCD-bezel)
Update #14 (Details before powder coat)
Update #15 (HDD-suspension and details)
Update #16 (Powder Coat & set back)
Update #17 (Finally! Assembly line)
Update #18 (Assembly continues)
Update #19 (EYE CANDY!)




About the project:

So guys, this is my first scratch build ever. I've always felt quite unpleased by modding a pre-made case so this should be very exciting.
As you have probably already realised by its name, this mod is going to be built using aluminum materials only. It's a nice material to work with, and its fairly light weight.
It is going to be packed with high-end water cooling and some nice components.

Hardware:
XFX 780i SLI motherboard
Intel QX9650 CPU
4x 1gb OCZ FlexXLC 9200 memory
2x 8800Ultra in SLI graphics cards
Corsair HX1000 power supply
Creative X-fi Fatal1ty Titanium sound card
WD 36gb 10k raptor
Samsing 400gb harddrive

Watercooling:
EK Supreme CPU
2x EK-FC8800 GTX/Ultra - Acetal
EK-NB 780i - Acetal
EK 780i Mosfet block
Thermochill PA120.2
Thermochill PA120.3
2x DDC3.2 with XSPC laing top
Feser compression fittings

So now it starts. Here are some pictures for you all.

Sketches:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/aluchill1.jpg

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/1222.jpg

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/aluchill2.jpg

The motherboard tray. Produced by Lian-li. And of course it's made out of aluminum.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img6573.jpg

The water blocks I will be using.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/parts.jpg

First I'm going to build the frame. It is going to be built using 15 x 15mm solid aluminum bars.
I'm going to join the bars using M5 hex cap screws.
The plan:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7243.jpg

And after some cutting with the mithrill saw I got all the pieces I need. The cuts and the bars are very nice and straight.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7242.jpg

In order to get the right angle I need, which is quite important when building like this, I'm going to use a 90 degree clamp.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7244.jpg

I will drill the holes using this drill:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7245.jpg

Start out with drilling the hole so that the hex screws will be counter sunk nicely into the bar.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7270.jpg

Directly after drilling
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7271.jpg

And after that I drilled the hole for the screws thread.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7272.jpg

Clamp two bars together like so:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img72740.jpg

Then manually drill the hole in the second bar which is going to be threaded.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7275.jpg

Tapping for M5 bolts:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7278.jpg

Some lubricant makes the process much easier:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7276.jpg

Then screw the bars together with the hex cap screws and we get this:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7280.jpg

Repeat this process 10 times and you have the top of the frame done
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7273.jpg

Repeat the process another 10 times and you have the basic frame done.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7281.jpg

It is not finished yet though. Have some bars left to mount.

Got a package from Alphacool containing a nice little display

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7283.jpg
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7284.jpg

Thanks guys! Should suit this project perfectly!

Nice start:up:
I want more photos!;)

I love scratch builds, and yours looks like its gonna be an awesome project! Can't wait to see more! :up:

Thanks guys!
Can't wait to see more myself :D

I swear I've seen those sketch ups before O_____o I must be going mad.

Anyhoo fantastic project and I'm itching for more. MOOOAARRRRRRR

You probably have. Started a thread a while ago but never got any work done. Now when I finally have started to build, I wanted to start fresh so I created a new thread. :)

Ahhh ok. Well I LOVE the design [that's why I remember it].

great craftmenship, looks like this is going to be a good one!
Subbed

What do you plan on doing with the drive bays/psu slots?

Hey guys! Time for an update again.
Went to the workshop and spent a couple of hours finishing up the frame.

Got the part done for the middle floor. The floor will separate radiators and PSU from the main computer components.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7286.jpg

Took a photo of a section of the frame with two joints. Just to give you a hint of what kind of precision this is.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7287.jpg

And finally got all bars together and finished up the framework.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7288.jpg

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7290.jpg

Next step will be to cut all the panels from this "little" piece of aluminum sheet.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7291.jpg

All the bends will be worked out using this brand new brake.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7292.jpg

Comments are welcome! :thumb:

I've always wanted to design my own case. Maybe sometime I will.

This looks great!

I always enjoy the fully custom builds...I'll be watching this one for sure!

Why not use all-aluminum watercooling gear as well?

or nickel plated copper :)

great so far... subscribed :up:

Fully custom builds are a challenge, but it looks like you have the right tools and motivation to do it right. This should be good!

:shocked:

SOLID ALUMINIUM FRAME *drool*

I can't wait to see this finished... the quality is outstanding.

Weigh it when it's done will you? I have a feeling it won't be light ;)

Nice work, custom builds are always the most impressive!

Reverse-ATX FTW!:cool:

looks cool nysoO, cant wait to see how you do with it :up:

subbed :cool:

Hey guys. Got some time to work on the project so here is an update for ya.

I laid the sheet metal on top of my workbench in order to be able to work with it.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7300.jpg

Going to cut out some panels using this jigsaw
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7317.jpg

New blades for cutting in metal
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7316.jpg

I problem that I ran into was how to make the cuts as perfect as possible. In order to solve this I took a straight piece of wood and clamped it on top of the panel. Then I just followed the wood with the jigsaw. Think it worked pretty damn good.
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7308.jpg

Like so:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7302.jpg
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7303.jpg

And after some sanding and filing to smooth up the edges I got this:
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7304.jpg
Pretty good huh?

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7305.jpg
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7306.jpg

Got two of them :)
http://bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7318.jpg

Just need to saw out the other panels which probably wont take too much time.
Made a little video for you showing the process of the sawing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2Fn-B4U6E
What do you think?

Btw, how do you change the main title? It says Oct 31 but it's supposed to be Nov22 .. of course

you're doing a very good job.

continue that!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NysoO

Btw, how do you change the main title? It says Oct 31 but it's supposed to be Nov22 .. of course

---

you can't. :( You have to PM an admin.

Love the build and <3 your workshop moar! Are you kidding me? I thought that was your school workshop from the last build? BTW, what's happening with your other build (which to be honest inspired me with the door cut out for my own) Water Inside?

deff subb'd!

Awesome workshop and build!

I'm like it :)

norim_13: Thanks! :)
LogAn'sRun: PM admin? Thats wierd..
The workshop is located at my paps work, so yeah it's pretty nice. Although there are LOTS of crap laying about. Water Inside is finished. The case is standing on a shelf right now :) Got a bit tired of it being so tight.
Eddie3dfx: Thanks!
BigJoe: Me too :D


Yet another update!

Got to love weekens :) Went to the workshop and finished the floor-panel and the middle-plate.

Pretty good precision huh?
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7319.jpg

Had to do a little "mockup"
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7320.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7321.jpg

Motherboard tray
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7322.jpg

Feels good to see things fit together so nicely :)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7323.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7324.jpg

The parts so far (Yes, I love smudging them panels with my fingers :P)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7325.jpg

More comments guys! :)

Try and get some age hardened wrought Al alloys .. better conductivity than copper ;O

Looks like a hand made V2000:D

nice work so far :) i love it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cegras

Try and get some age hardened wrought Al alloys .. better conductivity than copper ;O

---

electrical or thermally? i searched on google and i couldn't get a thing.
Thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cegras

Try and get some age hardened wrought Al alloys .. better conductivity than copper ;O

---

Haha :rolleyes:

RockfordFosgate: Maybe, It's a good design though :) Nice to have separated compartments for the cooling and the hardware.

Vatos_locos: Thanks :)

Lovely precision again... I want moar!! :D

it's going really good!

can you tell us how does a frame like yours (in solid aluminium bars) cost?

i'm interested in doing my own case to, and that frame looks really great! I want to do one of those!!!

lookin' sweet like always.

That's some tight precision, I'm impressed.

Are you leaving space for routing cables or did I miss something?

@norim_13: Thanks! Didn't cost too much, about 35 dollars I think.

@LogAn'sRun: You haven't missed anything, but you havent seen everything either ;) Holes for cable routing will be made :)

Wow, I cant believe how fun it is to work on projects like these. I can't get enough.
Been working about 9 hours this weekend. Takes time to measure everything and get things perfect. But planning really is the key to succes. I wont rush anything this time for sure.

Started of the weekend by ordering some stuff from ChilledPC

Products:
------------------------------------------------------
1 x Enzotech - Low profile Chipset block SLF-1
5 x YATE LOON 120mm - D12SM-12
2 x LCD Display Temperature Sensor (White)
3 x Rotary Elbow Adapter G1/4 ()
1 x Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound - 4g tube
4 x 3/8" BSP to 1/4" BSP reducer with Oring
1 x ThermoChill PA120.3
1 x XSPC Laing DDC Top with Reservoir
2 x Feser One - F1 - Cooling Fluid - UV BLACK 1ltr
1 x Anodised 120.3 Rad Grill with Mounting Holes
2 x 1/4" Inline Temperature Sensor (T)
1 x Variable SLI VID Connection Nipples G1/4" - 3 Slot
2 x Anodised 120.2 Rad Grill with Mounting Holes
1 x Vandal Resistant Switch Silver - White Ring
20 x Feser 1/4" BSPP High Flow 3/8" ID - 1/2" OD Compression Fitting
1 x Anodised 120.1 Rad Grill with Mounting Holes
1 x Laing DDC 18w Pump / Swiftech MCP355
1 x Chilled PC Lapping Kit
------------------------------------------------------

Started of with mounting the bottom plate. Using temporary m4 bolts.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7336.jpg

As I said, these bolts are just temporarily. Will be using Hex head screws later on.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7338.jpg

Cut out space for the PA120.2 radiator in the front.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7340.jpg

Positioned in the frame
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7341.jpg

Something like that. Radiator will be mounted directly on the front plate.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7343.jpg

Enough space for the fans
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7344.jpg

Then I wanted to mount the middle plate on the frame. Pre drilling the holes in the plate which will later guide when drilling in the frame.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7347.jpg

All holes drilled and the plate is carefully clamped on the frame.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7349.jpg

Mounted. Need to wipe smudges off.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7351.jpg

Cool huh? Nice and sturdy
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7352.jpg

Then it was time to mount the front plate. As usual I started of with pre drilling the guide holes.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7356.jpg

Again, plate is carefully positioned and clamped down.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7357.jpg

And mounted with some temporary m4 bolts.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7358.jpg

And with the smudges wiped off I think it is time to show how the case looks like. It is really starting to come togheter. I'm really happy with my work so far.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7359.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7360.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7361.jpg

I think it's pretty damn good.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7362.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7363.jpg

very nice, id use lower profile socket cap screws. your material maybe too thin to counter sink huh?
because some flat socket cap screws would look very nice. the overly industrial exposed socket cap
screw look is too overly used. just my opinion. anyways looks good keep it up.

I agree with you. Thats why I'm gonna use this kind of insex screws:
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/nouser/skruve5588c9c.jpg

That would be quite nice right?

Thermally.

Those things are engineering alloys, I think. Cold worked, precipitation hardened Al-alloy though. Heh.

Anyways, nice build. : )

Beautiful lookin' case you got there. Amazing craftsmenship :up:

This might have already been answered before but, what colors are you going to paint it?

thanks

Been working two days on this case, well not constantly, but just about 8 hours or so. Got the back panel mounted and cut out the hole for the PSU. Adjusted the frame a bit so that the PSU would slide in a bit easier. Got the motherboard slides mounted.

Back panel mounted.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7375.jpg

Made a couple of spacers so that the panels won't bend.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7376.jpg

PSU-hole masked and measured.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7377.jpg

Cut out. Need some sanding.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7378.jpg

After some filing and sanding the PSU went in perfectly.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7379.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7380.jpg

Mounted the slides with some countersunk m4 screws. I actually re designed the case a bit and moved the tray the the left so I will have a 15mm space for routing cables through the middle plate.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7381.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7382.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7383.jpg

Got the upper slider mounted as well.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7384.jpg

And the tray sits like so:
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7386.jpg

Works like a charm.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7387.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7388.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7389.jpg

And a video demonstrating the sliding mechanism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kn8Tnz1IAA

Now thats sweet

Loving it so far. The sliding mobo tray is great :up:

Thanks! :)

This project looks great! =)

By the way I have the same jigsaw! :D

If you didn't live in Sweden and lived in the states i would ask you to build me a case :rofl:

Wow, this project is coming along very nicely. This is going to be a beautiful case.

LockBreaker: Thanks! The jig suits its purpose.

PsYcHoNo0b727: :D

atomic ferret: Thank you and I hope it will :)

And yet another update for you guys! Decided to work on the case today. Perfect day for some work.
Finished the back panel (Well, some threads need to be done but besides from that) and also got my Feser 1/4" BSPP High Flow 3/8"ID - 1/2"OD Compression Fitting. Perfect size if you ask me, the 1/2"ID compression fittings tend to look a bit big but these look nice and sleek.

The project is really coming together, although there are lots of things to do. Next time I'll probably start working on the outer panel. I'ts a part of the build that I have taken a bit later because of it beeing a bit difficult.

The Compression fittings. They are quite nice. Will look a lot better than traditional barbs with zip-ties.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7393.jpg

Hehe :hehe::D
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7396.jpg

Screwed into place on the NB-block
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7419.jpg

Looking good on the Supreme :)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7420.jpg

And there they are :)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7421.jpg

Need a hole in the back plate so it's possible to insert the mobotray. Masked it out and drilled "sawblade-holes".
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7422.jpg

Cut out, filed and sanded.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7423.jpg

When sliding in the tray I noticed that the tray was making contact with 3 of the mounting screws of the back plate. So I had to take a round file and fix it. No biggie and it looks alright.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7424.jpg

After that it fit perfectly :clap:
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7425.jpg

View of the inside.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7426.jpg

From the front.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7427.jpg

Can you see it? :)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7428.jpg

great project! you're going really great!

Are that aluminium bars that you used for the structure very expensive? how much does a complete structure cost?

Thanks

Looks great this far, gotta love the scratch builds!:up: One question tough, why the small fan?:(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lagaaja

Looks great this far, gotta love the scratch builds!:up: One question tough, why the small fan?:(

---

No space for something bigger :shrug:. Nothing to worry about, will probably put it on 2volts or so :rofl:, just to keep the air circulated by the motherboard ^^

small fan, isn't that a standard size?

Anyways, looks awesome, I see you're taking advantage of the Christmas Break!

Amazing build. :clap:
Its sort of a dream for me to build my own custom case so seeing this project makes me envy at you :shrug:

Keep up the good work. :up:

BTW, what finish are you going to use on the aluminum ?
Any chance you are going to anodize the panels ?

Great another pro moder to make me look bad.. :rofl:

seriously awesome work dude.. :up:

case is looking good, one thing i dont think i could do is make a decent case from scratch, keep up the good work :up:

Fitting loveness. :D

Cant be better. Lovved the last update. Those compression fittings from BP looks astonishing. Have to buy some myself.

This is one very creative build with plenty of fine details. Love it, I really do! :)

Hello again! This update is quite big, atleast for me. I got all the parts and WC needed to actually make the case complete. And I got the outer panel cut and bent. I'm not going to talk too much so here's the pictures.

First off. My parts from Chilledpc came and I was pleased to see that everything was in it's order.
Special thanks to Tom@ Chilledpc.co.uk for helping me out with this.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7434kopiera.jpg

So this is the part of the build that I've been fearing the most. Just because of the sheer complexity of bending sheet metal and calculating bendradius and so on. Started off with marking and masking where to cut.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7435.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7436.jpg

And the sheet metal for the panel was cut out succesfully.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7437.jpg

I'm not sure you can see it on this picture, but the cut was perfectly straight.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7438.jpg

Then in order to get the "Street-look" of the case, the idea of having the case leaning forward, I had to make a couple of skew cuts.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7439.jpg

Then the moment came. This is where nothing were allowed to go wrong. I clamped down the panel in the brake and made the first bend.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7440.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7441.jpg

Then I only had to make my last bend. I was really nervous at this point, my hands were a bit shaky cause' there was no room for error here. BUT! When I had made the last bend. I removed the panel from the brake and slowly tried the fit. And too my big relief the panel fit PERFECLY! Wohoo! (Shaky hands, therefore shaky pictures at first)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7442.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7443.jpg

Check out the precision.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7444.jpg

Outside of the bend. Really nice and smooth.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7446.jpg

Ah :D
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7447.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7448.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7452.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7453.jpg

Perfect, just perfect.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7454.jpg

And the streed-rod look. Think it's really nice.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7455.jpg

Started doing some mock up with the grilles.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7457.jpg

Love this angle.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7458.jpg

I think this will be pretty awesome.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7459.jpg

Thanks for now :)

Wow nice!

Nice cutting! It's starting to look like a Dell XPS though...

love it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dM@n

Nice cutting! It's starting to look like a Dell XPS though...

---

Just want to make clear that I had this idea long before Dell released their XPS series. To say the least I was a bit upset when I found out that their cases would be using the parallellogramal look. But I don't care. I think it looks nice and except for the parallellogram my case does not look nothing even close to Dells XPS.

And BTW your case is better constructed then such cheap ass Dell casing :D

I whish I had the tools you've, then I would build me one heck of a benchtable from ALU.

that reminds of a bulk tank from a dairy farm, no idea why, but great job

This is looking really nice! Great job with the case.

Zw_Roodbaard: Thanks :)

just a noob: Lol:p:

atomic ferret: Thank you!

looks awesome wish i had the time and the tools to make my own case :up:

I like the seamless look of the outside; pity it has to be broken by the radgrills. Would it be possible to just cut/mill the grills from the casing? If done right, it could look spectacular.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by headala

I like the seamless look of the outside; pity it has to be broken by the radgrills. Would it be possible to just cut/mill the grills from the casing? If done right, it could look spectacular.

---

I see your point of view and yeah, it would look nice, but I havn't got the tools to make it perfect. You know I could spend a whole lot of time on drilling and cutting and sanding each and everyone one of those holes, but it would be very time consuming and hard to get it aligned perfectly. Also, the color between the grills and the casing make such a contrast on those pictures. But they will blend in nicely when I get the case painted flat black just like the grills.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NysoO

I see your point of view and yeah, it would look nice, but I havn't got the tools to make it perfect. You know I could spend a whole lot of time on drilling and cutting and sanding each and everyone one of those holes, but it would be very time consuming and hard to get it aligned perfectly. Also, the color between the grills and the casing make such a contrast on those pictures. But they will blend in nicely when I get the case painted flat black just like the grills.

---

Yup, then I'd say you're making the right choice. It wouldn't look good unless it was laser/CNC/jet cut.

Hello boys n' girls!

Got some stuff bought and bend so I thought I would make an update.

This is what I got this week
Lian Li PSU plate (Bild kommer)
BeQuiet! Noisedampening (bild kommer)
Sleeving kit from MurderMod.com (I'm first in Sweden yay, thanks Dualbrain!)

Made a 5,25 holder and did a mockup of how all the frontstuff is supposed to be ligned up. Also got my QX9650 lapped. Got my HX1000 sleeved.

The victim
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7466.jpg

Sanded 400 - 800 - 1000 - 1500
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7470.jpg

And after 2000 - 2500: mirror finish :up:
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7471.jpg

This is how it is going to be mounted behind the front plate
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7474.jpg

Bending the 5,25 holder
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7475.jpg

Perfect fit :shocked:
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7477.jpg

I gotta get some thin glowes. My fingers keep making these irritating marks. Although it doesn't hurt anything, but damn it's annoying to look at.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7478.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7479.jpg

Got my murdermod sleeving. Excellent stuff!
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7485.jpg

This was quite a surprice. Nice drawing dual!
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7486.jpg

Very pleased with the result.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7488.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7491.jpg

And the victim for this mod was a HX1000
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7493.jpg

Lian Li-plate
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7496.jpg

The surface of a dampening board
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7497.jpg

The layers consist of: Rubber, foam and fabric
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7499.jpg

The boards are nice and quite heavy. Seems to be quite decent.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7500.jpg

Got some stuff left to do but I have to wait for an order with some rubber grommets etc.

Nice progress Jimmy :)

This is going to be a very very very clean build, but yeah almost every thing from Sweden is made with a very good quality :p:

Sleeving that HX1000 must be a pain in the *ss :ROTF:

Zw_Roodbaard: Thanks! Yea, the sleeving pretty much took the whole weekend to complete. Well worth it though! :)

Update number 10 then eh :)

Finished the back plate by tapping for the thumbscrews. Got the 5,25 mounted and started on the front. Here are the pixxors!

Tapped for my thumbscrews. Tried the fit and it was great.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7511.jpg

Also got holes tapped for the tray
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7512.jpg

Got the 5,25 mounted
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7513.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7514.jpg

Cut out the front "design"-panel.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7515.jpg

Mockup
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7516.jpg

Drilled holes for the fancontroller.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7517.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7522.jpg

Perfect :)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7523.jpg

Cut a hole in the front for the 5,25 compartment
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7524.jpg

This is going to look pretty slick
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7525.jpg

Thanks!

Are you going to anodize, powdercoat, paint, polish, or brush it?
That thing would look so sexy in an anodized finish or even just polished up and lightly brushed.

Very nice build, i admire your craftsmanship

Probably going to brush it + anodize black.
Just trying to find a company who can anodize it for me. The range of such companys are a bit limited here in Sweden.

A full weekend filled with modding, nice!

Mostly been working on the front. Just got it finished and it feels very good. Not much left now before it goes off to paint / brush / anodize. Needs some holes, a cover etc. But I'm starting to see a light in the end of the tunnel.

Pics of todays update, here ya go!

Cut out a hole in the front bezel for the Alphacool LCD display.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7527.jpg

Fits snuggly
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7528.jpg

Got mounting holes drilled for the display and also cut out a opening for the DVD reader.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7530.jpg

Tried it on the case to see that things fit as they should.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7532.jpg

Going for a stealthed DVD reader. Had to make this piece separately. Took a bit of work to get it perfect but I nailed it I think.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7533.jpg

Cut out a hole for the grill in the front. Also got the mounting holes drilled.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7534.jpg

Positioned the front bezel on the front panel and drilled all the mounting holes.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7538.jpg

Also cut out a hole for the grille in the front panel. Filed and sanded it a bit.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7539.jpg

With grill and all the new holes I tried the fit of the front on the frame.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7540.jpg

Tried a flash-pic. Normally the flash will enhance any defects such as scratches etc. But as you can see I've managed to keep the case from getting any.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7541.jpg

Cover for the LCD display marked out.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7542.jpg

Cut out and drilled. Also tried a little brushing.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7544.jpg

And drilled a hole for the power button.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7545.jpg

Front completed.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7547.jpg

And a test fit on the case with the outer panel positioned. Looks cool :)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7548.jpg

wow, great work man. I am very impressed and I love the look of it! It looks like you're coming close to completion...

are you keeping track of the cost of materials (just for the case construction itself)? I'm looking to do make my own as well and I was just wondering how much that ended up costing you.

this is AWESOME! :shocked: you have some great skillz :up:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rise

wow, great work man. I am very impressed and I love the look of it! It looks like you're coming close to completion...

are you keeping track of the cost of materials (just for the case construction itself)? I'm looking to do make my own as well and I was just wondering how much that ended up costing you.

---

Thanks!

To be honest I don't really have a check on the costs. But the materials for the build is probably somewhere around $120 - 130, using the current currency. I could imagine the materials being cheaper in USA.

This case is just way too awsome and it aint even finished yet. Keep it going!

Congratulaions :clap:

Nice job!

just brilliant work :up: great job :up:

That front looks awesome.

holy sickness, might have to build something using similar methods. Just need all those tools. damn. :P

looking SCHWEEEET :D:D:D
you are getting it anodised / powdercoated right?
Nick

Wow, lot's of comments since i checked last time. It's very fun reading them, thank you all!

retrogamer1990: I was looking at anodizing but I think it might get a bit expensive. But on the other hand I believe powdercoating would remove the brushed characteristics that I want so I really don't know what to do. Have to check around and see what the actual prize is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NysoO

Wow, lot's of comments since i checked last time. It's very fun reading them, thank you all!

retrogamer1990: I was looking at anodizing but I think it might get a bit expensive. But on the other hand I believe powdercoating would remove the brushed characteristics that I want so I really don't know what to do. Have to check around and see what the actual prize is.

---

In my opinion, I'd say clean it up so you don't see any scratches, then give it a nice brushed finish with the steps shown, followed by a nice coat of polish.

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthrea...ushed+aluminum

This is an example of an aluminum build thats been heavily polished (you can see a slight brushed finish)

http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2005...wmd_g-gnome/24

example of the steps from the bit-tech diy-alum brushing. It's the cheapest finish you can create and imho looks simply stunning.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a10...u/Dsc09574.jpg

can't you just clear coat brushed aluminum to get the look while preserving the finish?

Eddie, what you're saying is true. Brushed bare aluminum looks really slick but in the long run I think I would be more happy with a black case. I got hold of a company, actually close to me, that is powdercoating. I'm gonna pay them a visit and check out a couple of samples to see how the surface looks like after powdercoating. I have to think this over. There are a lot of things that you can do to the case which will look good.

sandblast + powder for t3h win? Would look stunning.

Hi,
Where did you get the Lian Li-plate for de PSU?

Thanks

EDIT: and, by the way.. can you post the circuit of the fan controler?

Simply Amazing!!!

I also would like to know what circuit you used for the fan controller.

Thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by norim_13

Hi,
Where did you get the Lian Li-plate for de PSU?

Thanks

EDIT: and, by the way.. can you post the circuit of the fan controler?

---

performance-pcs.com has all lian-li accessories

The front plate is looking spectacular. I really like the layered pieces.

Nyss - if you need a recommendation on a powdercoater, send me a PM, I had a place that I liked and the coating was done well (semi-blank). ca: 1000:-

Otherwise, on the skills alone, man you make me jealous as hell. I might have to commission you for my next case when the time comes xD

Awesome work!

This looks so good! Slightly similar to the XPS which works really well :) I agree that the brushed finish with clear anodising should look amazing.

Thank you all! Your kind comments are much appreciated!
Going to put down the time and answer you all one by one beacuse of this :)

N3t1: It would, really. Although I'm striving for a brushed look I think it might wind up beeing flat and smooth. We'll see ;)

norim_13: I got my backplate from dustinhome.se (http://www.dustinhome.se/pd_5010206251.aspx). But as suggested you can get them from PPC's.

The circuit of the fancontroller "belongs" originally to a Sunbeam 4channel rheobus. So what you're seeing is a stripped one.

Nemon: Thank you! As said above, It's a stripped Sunbeam rheobus.

atomic ferret: Thank you! :)

LogAn'sRun: Tja mannen :) Thank you! Haha, I think this case will be enough for a while :D. Didn't you send me that info earlier last year? Neither the less I'm going to check with these guys that I got hold of. They're located in Högdalen. Link: http://www.stockholmsindustrilack.se/pulverlack.html
And they put a estimated price of 800 kronors.

Henry8601: Thanks man! Yes, It has got a little XPS in it but, I don't know if I meantioned this before, but I had the Idea of a leaning case long before XPS introduced their XPS series. So personally I don't see it as a rip off. But that's whats so great about internet. You can check a lot of cases and get inspiration. For example in this case you might see a little: TJ-07, XPS, Lian LI V2100, Murderbox. I've tried to take the best of both worls and combine it into one single piece.

Yet another updates for ya people :)

Have got a few things sorted. That includes an anti-vibration rad mount, a internal cover and I also got tubing and such delivered.

I think you have got a hang of the process now so I didn't take any photos of the marking and bending. But as you can see i got the cover cut out and bent.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7558.jpg

It is mounted using thumbscrews.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7560.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7562.jpg

I did a little thinking of how to mount the radiator and this is what I came up with.
Got 2x 15mm wide "strips" cut out. And drilled 6mm holes at the ends, in which I put some soft rubber grommets.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7563.jpg

This is how it looks like in close-up (Yeah, it needs some sanding)
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7565.jpg

Checked the position of the radiator.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7567.jpg

And bolted it down with some M3 regular screws.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7568.jpg

Tried to mount my yates.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7569.jpg

Countersunk the holes in the plastic frame and mounted the fans with M4 hex cap screws.
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7570.jpg

Pretty slick
http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7571.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7572.jpg

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/39/226/img7573.jpg

VIDEO OF RAD MOUNT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlE0RfHUE8A

Wow, I really like the countersunk fan screws!

youve inspired me to atempt to build a case for my M-ATX build using the same techniques that u did. Just sick man!!

Really nice project!!!!
Good work!