The "NOTalis Project" Silverstone SG05 ITX case

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10-09-2009, 07:46 AM
Bill Owen

The "NOTalis Project" Silverstone SG05 ITX case

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...talis-logo.png

The NOTalis project was the result of E.E.L. Ambiense's recent 4 day visit to Minnesota. We've talked about getting together for the last couple of years. We both agreed that a Mini ITX project wouldn't suck up too much of his 4 days. He suggested the Silverstone SG05. E.E.L. made some conceptual drawings from home so we had a plan. The SG05 arrived 2 days before he did. I brought it to the machine shop on Thursday to mill a new bezel design. E.E.L. was inspired by the Nautilus submarine's window from Jules Vern's 20,000 Leagues under the sea (disney movie 1954).

We titled the project "NOTalis" because it sounded funny.

The both of us had always talked about experimenting with instant rusting techniques and products. We're both fans of Piloux's Blackmesa HL2 case mod. A historical chapter in case modding. We planned to use the same product Piloux used. I believe we found the current version by Sophisticated Finishes. Piloux never explains his application techniques in detail which forced us to experiment a lot. It can be a little frustrating to use this product because you must wait for the results. You just learn to keep busy with other things, like sleeving a PSU or cutting a 240mm fan grill. We discovered on the last night that a heat gun sped up the rusting process.

We only spent two evenings working on the project. We were both amazed we didn't need more time, but we work very efficiently together.

Since it was E.E.L.'s first time here. I brought him to some interesting local businesses and eateries. We spent a great deal of our time just talking shop. So this get together was historical for us. We made a point to record everything knowing it would be shared here with you.

We'll be including these PC Cable management clamps with the case
http://www.mnpctech.com/CableClamp.html

http://www.mnpctech.com/pc_computer_...h.com_demo.jpg

Silverstone SG05 Mini ITX case

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech1.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech2.jpg

OEM 120mm fan location (modified to 140mm)
http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech3.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech4.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech5.jpg

3/4" thick block of 6061 aluminum
http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech6.jpg

140mm intake design inspired by "Nautilus" submarine window from Jules Vern's 20,000 Leagues under the sea
http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech7.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech8.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p..._mnpctech9.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9a.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9b.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9c.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9d.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9e.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9f.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9g.jpg
10-09-2009, 08:21 AM
miahallen

Fantastic :D...where is the rest :p:
10-10-2009, 03:13 AM
Bill Owen

Thank you miahallen. Iron Mods is awesome. The 240 size Steampunk acrylic radiator grill is a good fit for the SG05. Keep in mind the SG05 has a one piece cover. You will have to modify the rear chassis pillar to clear the grill's mounting screws. This mirror finish won't exist much longer..heh

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...npctech9h2.jpg

The SG05's rear slot covers and Mnpctech
80mm "Gear" style acrylic fan grill were getting their first application of Duplicolor brand automotive sandable primer. The Brown primer is a great base coat color for the rust effect we applied later on.

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...npctech9h3.jpg
10-10-2009, 08:02 AM
Boulard83

wow, I want to see the finisahed product !
10-12-2009, 02:57 PM
Bill Owen

I'm deciding whether the 240 steampunk radiator grill's fasteners will clear the chassis support beams without any modding. Modding commenced soon after

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...measuring1.jpg

E.E.L. starting dissecting the 300W FSP PSU that was included with the SG05.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...alis/psu_1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...alis/psu_2.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...alis/psu_3.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...alis/psu_4.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...alis/psu_5.jpg

E.E.L. removes the warranty sticker, yay!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...alis/psu_6.jpg
10-12-2009, 08:13 PM
neonblingbling

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Owen

[img]http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/silverstone_SG05_mini_itx_case_mod_mnpctech1.jpg[/img

Dang! I wish I could mill out what ever I wanted out of aluminum. That looks sweet.
10-13-2009, 02:15 AM
Bill Owen

Thanks for the comment! I taped off the shell with 3M 233+ tape, I make the initial cut with a dremel and reinforced dremel cutting wheel before using jigsaw with 18 TPI cutting blade.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ill_jigaw1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ill_jigaw2.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ide_grill1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...grilltest1.jpg

I will use rounded side hand file to refine the cuts

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ll_filing1.jpg
10-13-2009, 02:52 AM
Anemic

Wow, this looks REALLY awsome. Can't wait to see the fisnisht build!
10-13-2009, 02:54 AM
LogAn'sRun

Bill - some advice for you - I love this project and follow it over at BT, but I think you would get more traffic if you moved it to here or here if it involves water on XS. The sub-forum you're in now really doesn't pertain to what you're doing and the people that follow case mods look in those 2 sections hourly. Trust me, you'll get a lot more traffic there. Just ask a mod to move it for you.
10-13-2009, 02:59 AM
Bill Owen

Thank you Logan!

will do
10-13-2009, 08:17 AM
Kaldor

Looks really cool. Love the CNC work. Mega dollar, unless you know someone. Ive been hoping someone would do something with the ITX Silverstone case for awhile now. This going to be water or air cooled?
10-13-2009, 09:05 AM
shazza

Fun project!!! Looking forward to seeing what you guys do with this little guy.
10-13-2009, 01:04 PM
Bill Owen

Thanks for the comments and waves @ shazza.

Using this angle grinder to give the 2x120 steampunk grill look more delapitated. These are professionals, so please don't copy the grinder in the vice trick at home :)

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/grinder1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/grinder2.jpg

Sanding it with Medium grit sandpaper before applying primer and instant rust

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/sanding1.jpg

Heres the page link for the Steampunk radiator grill we used that was designed by E.E.L.

http://www.mnpctech.com/Steampunk_Bl...or_Grills.html

http://www.mnpctech.com/radfangrill....ampunkdual.jpg

After an hour our steampunk grill looks like this

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._primered1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._primered2.jpg

E.E.L hits the PSU's housing, he removed the stock stamped grill from and base unit as well...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._primered1.jpg

Heres the Sophisticated Solutions products.

Video Guide to using Sophisticated Solutions Instant Rust

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...tion_rust1.jpg

E.E.L. first applies the iron solution to the surface

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f.../psu_iron1.jpg

Here's what it looks like in the middle of corrosion...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sing_rust1.jpg

E.E.L. masked off the base unit with Scotchbrite green tape and did the same thing to it...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...su_masked1.jpg
10-13-2009, 01:17 PM
Origin_Unknown

wow - alot of care and planning gone into this!
10-13-2009, 01:53 PM
weston

wow I've seen an airbrushed antique look, but using actual rust is probably a first. Looks pretty good so far!
10-14-2009, 02:44 AM
Bill Owen

Thank you for the comments! :up:
10-14-2009, 03:14 AM
omaryunus

good stuff bro :up:
10-14-2009, 07:53 AM
punkrockpolak

Looks awesome! That intake cover is especially cool.
10-14-2009, 10:38 AM
Bill Owen

Thanks for the comments everybody! Here's the front cnc milled panel after applying SEM self etching primer.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._primered1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._primered2.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._primered3.jpg

Iron Metallic Surfacer is applied over the SEM primer coat

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._ironwork1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._ironwork2.jpg

E.E.L. is rawking along with the PSU and also applied the instant rust effect to the 80mm laser cut Gear grill

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ell_grill1.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ell_grill2.jpg

Cool, oversized case thumb screws get transformed as well

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...is/screws2.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...is/screws1.jpg

These XL size thumbscrews used to be included with the Thermaltake Tsunami case, I save them :D

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...humbscrew1.jpg

Cheers to a great PC Mod Jam Session!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ild_toast1.jpg
10-14-2009, 11:17 AM
illidan

awesome!

great paintjob as always :)
10-14-2009, 04:49 PM
mojododo

As usual, a ridiculous amount of detail in the builds. This is really taking hold now and is looking amazing. Cant wait to see the next set of progress shots.
10-14-2009, 05:07 PM
_Billa_

Very nice project, i loved the "old and rusty iron" paint, amazing job. Keep posting!
Oh man, i wish i had access to an cnc T_T
10-14-2009, 07:03 PM
cobra_kai

Wow, that instant rust stuff is really cool! Looks incredibly realistic
10-15-2009, 03:14 AM
Bill Owen

Glad you like it! Thank you for the comments! :)
10-15-2009, 05:35 AM
ridney

wow amazing mod as always! :up:
10-15-2009, 01:29 PM
Bill Owen

Thanks for the comment!

E.E.L applies the Sophisticated Finishes "Iron Metallic Surfacer" to the primer coated aluminum bezel

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9k.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...mnpctech9j.jpg
10-17-2009, 02:44 PM
canadiantire

Hi Bill , nice to meet you, i am your fan
10-18-2009, 03:24 AM
Bill Owen

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiantire

Hi Bill , nice to meet you, i am your fan

Hello, nice to meet you too canadiantire.

I will have some progress photos up soon! :up:
10-18-2009, 07:04 AM
Mabyboi

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiantire

Hi Bill , nice to meet you, i am your fan

why hello there crappytire, many people hate canadian tire, im surprised you used that name :rofl:
10-18-2009, 01:22 PM
Bill Owen

No feet on the SG05?! Ok, trip to Microcenter! some cheapy "StarTech" brand rubber stick-ons will do the trick. I would have used our machined aluminum case feet, but they would have hit the ITX MB..heh

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f.../casefeet1.jpg

E.E.L. is finishing up on the PSU modification.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...finishing1.jpg

E.E.L. is also applying the final layer of rusting agent to the rad grill

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...finishing1.jpg

Thats looking pretty darn realistic E.E.L.!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...el_rusted1.jpg
10-19-2009, 06:24 AM
Bill Owen

Applying the final rust application on the Silverstone SG05 shell.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...g_around1a.jpg

E.E.L. staying at something, Ghost Rider Media PC on wall of Mnpctech studio

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._nothing1a.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._touchup1a.jpg

You can keep layering the Sophisticated Finishes Instant Rust until you achieve the results you like

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._touchup2a.jpg

I'm covering the PCI slot covers and case screws with the rust application.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._chassis1a.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._chassis2a.jpg
10-19-2009, 02:20 PM
_Billa_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Owen

You can keep layering the Sophisticated Finishes Instant Rust until you achieve the results you like

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._touchup2a.jpg

Is that an atcs840 in the back? :p
10-19-2009, 04:01 PM
Bill Owen

NZXT panzerbox, thats our "WOLFESTEIN PC"

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/s...TPanzerbox.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...aintColor6.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...aintColor7.jpg

Back to NOTalis

E.E.L. weathered up the scrap mesh with some holes here and there that are strategically placed so you see them inside the counters on the acrylic grill itself to give it a more detailed layered look.

It looks pretty cool.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...assembly4a.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...assembly5a.jpg
10-19-2009, 04:30 PM
_Billa_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Owen

NZXT panzerbox, thats our "WOLFESTEIN PC"

WOW :shocked: , amazing paintjob! I wish i could do something like that, but i am a noob at painting things, haha.
10-19-2009, 04:42 PM
dengyong

Will the rusted surface stay bare or will it get a sealer ?
10-19-2009, 06:42 PM
punkrockpolak

Quote:

Originally Posted by dengyong

Will the rusted surface stay bare or will it get a sealer ?

I'd like to know that too. How's the texture of the rusted surface? Does it feel really gritty or flake off?
10-19-2009, 07:37 PM
omaryunus

lookin awesome as always bro :up:
10-19-2009, 07:54 PM
Computurd

yeah that is awesome, very realistic, like if you touch it it will flake
10-19-2009, 08:57 PM
Lagaaja

Hexagon mesh kinda disables the whole point of the 240 grill tough:confused:

Anyway great work, that rust paint is sick! Subscribed:up:
10-20-2009, 10:44 AM
Bill Owen

We clear coated it with Enamel Matte Clear. It doesn't rub off :up:

E.E.L. shares the latest update, Alright, keeping the momentum going, here's another update!

we continue to assemble the chassis and get things to come together like a good little case should. :)

I'm finishing up on final assembly of the chassis insides.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild1b.jpg

If you scroll down with these pics really fast, it's alsmost like a movie! :hehe:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild2b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild3b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild4b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild5b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild6b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild7b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild8b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f..._rebuild9b.jpg

...aaaaand done.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...rebuild10b.jpg

Here's some closeup shots of the shell/side grill assembly so far to show some cool detail.

This is the Honeycomb Modders Mesh we used.

http://www.mnpctech.com/ModdersMesh.thm.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...closeups1b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...closeups2b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...closeups3b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...closeups4b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...closeups5b.jpg

More will be coming soon!
10-21-2009, 12:36 PM
Bill Owen

Keeping the ball rolling, here's another update. Let's get to it.

This is the last night we worked on the project. It was basically the 3 night, but only spent 2 days on it. We were down to the wire at this point. And it was late; really late.

Continuing assembly of the front, let's get to the fan itself. It's a Xigmatek 140mm fan. Specs on it are pretty good considering the actual noise it makes.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...gmafan1c_1.jpg

After inserting the front bulgin and collar for it on the front, we need to drop the fan onto the back of the front panel. I really wanted to drop some 'weathered' mesh on the front as well to match the side grill, but in the interest of time (considering we had none) we needed to just finish the thing.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly2c_2.jpg

Now, here's where we ran into a slight problem. Again, it was late; really late. We were pretty beat and Bill wasn't feeling to hot health-wise either. Well, we kind of forgot to grab some screws from the hardware store for the fan mounting. We also didn't realize the bloody fan was closed-cornered too. :wallbash:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly3c_3.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly1c_4.jpg

So, we decided to do things the hard way; mod the fan. Of course, that also assumes we have screws for that as well. If I recall correctly, the front screws were drilled and tapped for 8-32. So we proceeded to scrounge through all the little toss-piles of junk hardware laying around at MNPCTech HQ. We looked for probably 20 mins. or so and Bill was pretty much POed at this point, lol, but I kept looking. And sure enough, found four (4) screws that were just the right length and fit to mount the fan if it's modded. So we're back in business!

Bill quickly notched out the closed-corners on the fan with the trusty rotary tool. It's been a long time since I had to do that; I reminisced of the dark days of early Yates on radiators, lol.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...gmafan2c_5.jpg

And now it was a bit easier to get the fan installed. Quick spin of some screws with an allen-wrench and it's good to go!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly4c_6.jpg

Now the front can be installed properly on the front of the chassis. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the Transformers transforming sound while viewing these pics. :hehe:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly5c_7.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly6c_8.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...sembly7c_9.jpg

There's still more coming...
10-21-2009, 02:40 PM
neonblingbling

Out of curiosity, how come your group decided on using 8-32 screws? Easier to thread? When ever I grab machine screws/nuts, I always get 6-32 since it seemed like a common threading for PCs (along with M3).
10-22-2009, 01:42 AM
Bill Owen

Just personal preference is all, it also depends upon the project. A lot of the parts we manufacture for the case mod store use 8/32 screws.
10-22-2009, 07:53 AM
_Billa_

Wow man, i had to do that modding thing to many of my fans to mount them on my rad hahah. When you dont have the appropriate tools, it takes a long time.
10-22-2009, 10:51 AM
clayton

I'm wondering what would be the hardwares inside this unique chassis?
10-23-2009, 02:26 AM
Chosen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clayton

I'm wondering what would be the hardwares inside this unique chassis?

Obviously something based on the Zotac 775 board :)
(wild guess)
10-23-2009, 08:04 AM
Bill Owen

The case is finished. We're deliberately linking the video off site, so you can watch in HD.

Watch "Project NOTalis: The Case Mod Movie" in HD

and the finished project photos.

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com8.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com1.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com2.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com3.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com4.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com6.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com7.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com9.jpg
10-23-2009, 02:40 PM
kuhla

Awesome.
10-23-2009, 02:45 PM
illidan

more than awesome :)
10-23-2009, 03:30 PM
dualbrain

Very nice Bill and team. The small detail with the broken mesh is superb :) That is what I love about modding so much.
10-23-2009, 05:49 PM
Junimrox

OMG! The painting is veeeery good, even the switch got prettier. You could have painted the fan too, maybe using a white fan for easier painting. but the orange looks great, looks like Lego.
10-24-2009, 04:00 AM
Bill Owen

Thank you, no painting involved. We show you how we did in the video

Watch "Project NOTalis: The Case Mod Movie" in HD

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/p...ctech.com6.jpg
10-26-2009, 04:41 AM
Chosen.

This is superb, thank you for sharing the process and kudos for the results.
10-27-2009, 11:08 AM
Bill Owen

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chosen.

This is superb, thank you for sharing the process and kudos for the results.

Thank you Chosen :up:
10-27-2009, 01:56 PM
_TheMaster_

this is awesome modz :up:
10-28-2009, 12:28 AM
omaryunus

great job bill and gang :up:
10-29-2009, 02:28 PM
Bill Owen

Glad you like it! Thank you for commenting :)
10-29-2009, 03:53 PM
ben333

Awesome video :) I've seen many case modding videos and most of them were very long and drawn out, showing everything that happened and just plain boring. This wasn't short, but you guys kept it interesting - it was a good watch. The case looks great too, I'll have to try that rust paint.
10-30-2009, 06:37 AM
Bill Owen

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben333

Awesome video :) I've seen many case modding videos and most of them were very long and drawn out, showing everything that happened and just plain boring. This wasn't short, but you guys kept it interesting - it was a good watch. The case looks great too, I'll have to try that rust paint.

Cool! Glad you liked it Ben, Thanks for sharing your comment :up:
10-30-2009, 06:41 AM
downlinx

bill your such a troll, good job though