CMS83X MK3 Stacker

This will be my third attempt at what I think is one of the most awesomest cases ever.

First was way back when w/ an 830.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oldstacker.jpg

Then a few years later w/ an 832. I have used this case to death. Exterior is still flawless but the interior is in terrible shape.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/IMG_1317.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ified-Full.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...fied-Close.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ystemclose.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...tiresystem.jpg

This 'new' 830 when I got it.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...12build-43.jpg

The old 832 as it sits now. I will need to use some of it for parts. I don't suppose anyone has an idea on how to remove powder coat? I've been told brake cleaner should work.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...12build-39.jpg

Was playing around w/ ideas...
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...12build-47.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...12build-24.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../backlight.jpg

At some point I started to sand down the plastic pieces because silver plastic just ain't cool bros.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...asticPrep2.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...asticPrep1.jpg

Had to tap a few new screw holes as Asus seems to use their own special layout. But if fits well enough.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-29.jpg

And a few other pics. The Hyper212+'s are going to be used for testing and fitting purposes. The CPUs will of course be watercooled.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-24.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-28.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-27.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-25.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-26.jpg

Test fitting. Literally no room for cable management, which obviously I expected.
http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1538930/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1538931/
So I cut the few holes I needed. May need one or two more yet but not for a while.
http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1538932/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1538933/

One thing I can say is the quality of cases back then is so much higher than now. The motherboard tray is 2.5mm thick aluminum. Exterior panels were 3.0mm thick. Then compare against my PC-A77F Lian Li which uses 1.5mm all the way around.

And a few pics of shavings because they look cool.

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1538934/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1538935/

Worked on the cable management retention bars.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...S/export-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...export-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...export-3-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...S/export-4.jpg

Crimped the 24-pin yesterday.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...export-2-2.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...export-3-2.jpg

And then just a few more pics of random stuff.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...export-4-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...S/export-8.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...S/export-7.jpg

I polished up the Supreme HFs the other day. First block I did w/ my old polishing techniques.
Stock vs polished
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...S/export-9.jpg

Then I went OCD on the block.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...export-4-2.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-34.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-35.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-36.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...xport-32-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../export-33.jpg

Did a test plumb of the loop. Coolant shade turned out rather well.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3965-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3964-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3961-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3968-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3971-2-1.jpg

Sleeved an 8-pin tonight.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3975-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3979-2-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_3978-2-1.jpg


Finished up the 24-pin just now.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3982-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3983-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3980-1.jpg

Test fitting the cables. Will need to cut myself another rentention bar closer to the 24-pin + 8-pin.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3987-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3986-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3988-1.jpg

Did the other 8-pin.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3993-1.jpg

The cables at the PSU. Only a few wires are too long.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3995-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3997-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_3998-1.jpg

Awesome! Keep on the good work :up:

Looking good! One of my favorite cases of all time no doubt.

Ahh so that's where the rest of that build went?

-PB

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by paulbagz

Ahh so that's where the rest of that build went?

-PB

---

Yup. Theses CPUs don't have the clockspeed required for the gaming I do which is why I pulled it from the other system. Going to use it as a HTPC / folding PC now. :D


I ordered some acrylic tubing and fittings today for the build. Probably won't be here for another 2 weeks or so though.

Nice man...gotta love CM cases.
You're doing a terrific job.

Haha I love the photography more.

Got lost in your Photobucket for hours one day :P

-PB

I'm in love with Stacker 83X and always appreciate a nicely modded one. In all of my cases, it's still my favourite. Too bad you canceled your project. It was going very good :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by emir

I'm in love with Stacker 83X and always appreciate a nicely modded one. In all of my cases, it's still my favourite. Too bad you cancelled your project. It was going very good :(

---

I didn't cancel any project. I just split them. I am still working on this one as well as the Lian Li PC-V77F.

I painted the GTX650TiBo heatsink and slot cover today.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4024-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4023-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4017-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4020-1.jpg

I got the acrylic and fittings last night. I am impressed w/ the finish on the compressions. I'll be heading off for some vacation for 2 weeks so I won't really get to work on the tubing for a while.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4028-1.jpg

This whole tube bending thing is rather easy. I was honestly spending 2-3 times as long trying to train bends w/ regular tubing.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4033-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4037-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4035-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4036-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4039-1.jpg

Worked on the Stacker again today for a few hours. Got the pump and reservoir mounted. Then worked on the tubing again.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4041-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4042-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4044-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4047-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4049-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4046-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4048-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4050-1.jpg

Besides the drain the plumbing is done.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4055-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4053-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4054-1.jpg

Some very nice work sir, i love it :up::cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SnW

Some very nice work sir, i love it :up::cool:

---

Thanks for the comment.


Murdering out the motherboard. Ran out of ProGrip so I couldn't do the IO ports yet. I didn't paint the fins. Just the heatsink cover, heatpipe (not the ends), and the tops of heatsinks.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4058-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4059-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4060-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4061-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4062-1.jpg

Did up the last retention bar. Working on some cable management before bed.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4063-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4064-1.jpg

Here is a few more pics w/ some better light.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4067-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4066-1.jpg

Today I worked on cutting the case up for better cable management, air flow, and looks.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4068-1.jpg

Some action shots. :rolleyes:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4071-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4075-1.jpg

A couple of pics of the drain from the other side.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4072-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4073-1.jpg

The MiniNG for the pump.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4074-1.jpg

Removed the regular ATX motherboard supports as they block a lot of the view. Drilled out some cable management holes while I had it out. I also cut out a lot of the top grill at the top of the case. Better air flow for the PSU. Plus you'll be able to see more of the system from the top mesh window.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4076-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4084-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4082-1.jpg

First attempt at a wire holder made of sleeve. 2nd attempt will be much better.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4078-1.jpg

A better shot of the 24-pin in place. I unfortunately found out that I can't reinstall the motherboard tray w/ the retention bars in place. So I have to pull off all the cables to get it back in the case. :(

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4080-1.jpg

Some WIP pics from this morning.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4087-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4089-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4090-1.jpg'

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4091-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4092-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4093-1.jpg'

and then the nightmare of wires at the PSU. The big downside to having your entire 24-pin restrained is this. I will have to adjust the length of every single cable.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4094-1.jpg

Managed to get quite a bit of work done today. I'll just let the pics do the talking.


http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653158/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653159/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653160/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653161/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653162/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653163/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653164/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653165/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1653166/

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4114-1.jpg

Painted some of the old silver trim pieces today. I accidently bought semi-gloss instead of flat but it still turned out ok. The insert w/ the power button was done in plasti-dip first to give it the texture.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4120-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4123-1.jpg

Not planning on using the other 2 front usb, audio, mic, firewire so I'm going to attempt to bondo it. :D

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4126-1.jpg

Well it seems the DDC-1T is outrageously loud and sounds even worse when slowed down. So I'm going to see if it sounds any better with one of these.
http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1657817/

http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61/id/1657818/

Powered on the T-Balancer MiniNG for the first time ever today. Works pretty decent in manual mode. I have found that GTs sound awful w/ a PWM signal, horrible motor noise. But in analog mode they sound awesome @ 5-7V.

I finished the PCB swap today and it slows down fantastically.

Couple of WIP pics.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4145-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4143-1.jpg

A few new WIP pics.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...G_4149-1-2.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4150-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4154-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4161-1.jpg

Worked on the power cables for the GPU + MiniNG yesterday evening and this morning.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4166-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4168-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4170-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4171-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4173-1.jpg

I love what i see!!

New heatsink for my GTX650TiBo came today.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4332-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4333-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4331-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4330-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._MG_4329-1.jpg