Alienware ALX 1.5 BLACK EDITION Case Worklog

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 07:33 PM

Hi guys,

I am relatively new to the forums and I thought I could share my case mod worklog with you guys on this section, and then follow it with a thread on the build @ the liquid cooling worklogs section when I start that part. I had Bill Owen from MNPCTech work on this case for me since I simply lack the skill and also the fact that this cases are not exactly easy to find nor cost effective for a beginner modder to play with as a "test subject", so I just left it to the professionals

I hope you guys can enjoy it as much as I have been

. The specs for the hardware going on the case are in my sig.

lcrava

**Solid Snake** · 09-20-2008, 07:40 PM

we hope your project

modding modding

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:02 PM

So MNPCTech finally got my case and they'll start working on it soon. I am really excited to get this going. I'll be posting the new pics I get from them as well the whole rest of the build. I'll be getting the chassis frame back first, and then the rest of the parts. Right now this whole thing will be flat black with a side window. Comments, ideas and opinions are more than welcome!

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:05 PM

The plastics between the grilles were cut and will be substituted by modder's mesh to improve looks and airflow. Also, the last 2 internal HD bays were cut (leaving 4 HD bays remaining) to give more space for the reservoir and pump of the GPUs loop. There will be 2 92mm fans behind the HDs pulling air in. Everything will be painted flat black, stealphy styli... lol

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:09 PM

Now let's get to the good stuff. Here's the window being cut on the side panel. As you can see the original plan was for a smaller window but I wanted is to be as big as possible. This case is very tricky to work with, but Bill is a mad pro and that's why I know it is in good hands . The ALX design incorporates a plastic shell over it’s aluminum case panel. You must cut two windows in the panel in order to see inside the case. This is a basic run through of what was involved in making the window. If you’re attempting to perform this same mod, feel free to contact Mnpctech with any questions, pcbuilder@mnpctech.com.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:12 PM

Now what's left is to cut the window on the aluminum inner panel. All the way to the final product

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:14 PM

Here's the chassis painted flat back. It looks awesome

**Solid Snake** · 09-20-2008, 08:14 PM

someone knows if sells the case of ALIENWARE ?

only the case

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:16 PM

The top grille looks simply sick and he added a honeycomb mesh to the mix.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:20 PM

With the final coat of Flat Black Enamel. A nice satin smooth look about it

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:23 PM

It is time to paint the little Alienware dudes and the lower portion of the panels will get some carbon fiber accents.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:27 PM

The key component in creating the carbon fiber weaved effect, a sheet of Non-Slip Tool Drawer Liner. The base coat paint is PPG, Bright Platinum Metallic, (other suggestions, gun metal grey metallic, dark grey metallic). He used a HVLP airspray gun (w/ air compressor) and is doing 1 to 1 mix of the Bright Platinum Metallic and PPG DT860 reducer and a pic of Paint (after moxed with reducer).

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:30 PM

To keep curious fingers, pets, etc from entering the case thru the vents, plus it looks cool! The Honeycomb Modders Mesh is being mounted behind the side panel air vents and everything will be painted flat black. After the mesh is cut, the inside of the vent is molded by hand. Then clean the mesh of any dirt or oil with Laquer thinner, then sand the surface with medium grit sandpaper to prep it for the Flat Black paint later. After forming, cleaning, and sending the mesh, I use cable or zip ties to temporarily fasten the mesh onto the vent. To mount the mesh, the 3M's Scotch DP-190, 2 part epoxy, will be used. This is a special applicator gun by 3M, so you squeeze equal amounts. Then you need to let DP-190 cure for at least 24 hours, before painting the vents.

**YMAA** · 09-20-2008, 08:31 PM

Bill Owen is awesome, really knows his stuff. Tool_462 over at XCPUs.com got to meet and interview him.

http://xcpus.com/GetDoc.aspx?doc=59&page=1

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:32 PM

Now 2 coats of Bright platium metallic basecoat are done.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:35 PM

Non-Slip Tool Drawer Liner, easy to cut with a scissor! HoK Shimrin Black.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:37 PM

Couple of light coats to blend in pattern and after Clearcoat.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:39 PM

After applying flat clear, to match the flat black finish

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:42 PM

Here's a video of some of the paint job:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv1MZ8WYklk

Top panel assembled and compared to the original.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:45 PM

Wondering whats on the inside of the front bezel door? probally not, but while I'm in there anyways, It's just a led behind the Alienware front logo.. probally green. The curved acrylic rods are the lenses for Power and HD activity LEDS...those are different...

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:48 PM

Top rad shroud compared to original. The blue led in the bezel door, and the main alien dude. The new side panel intake vent and the sleeved wires.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 08:58 PM

Beneath the plastic exterior lies a Chieftec Dragon... built like a TANK

Tracing template for window over Lexan. Comparing to the original.

**lcrava** · 09-20-2008, 09:04 PM

Bill mounted bezel back on the chassis yesterday . He was out of the shop for past week sick, but recovering now.

ALIENWARE will wear these Billet Machined Computer Case Feet. The Machined Aluminum Feet come with Beefy Black Rubber Feet and then PPG Automotive Flat Black Enamel Paint cover the aluminum grooved rings.