This an idea that I've been toying with for some time... I made up a rough drawing tonight just to get some feedback from everyone. Please read the notes before commenting on the drawing.
Some external coolers I've seen have a rather large footprint compared to their cooling ability. I wanted to make up something that could easily sit next to a monitor on a desk without looking horrid or taking up too much space. I also wanted the noise from the fans isolated to the back of the unit as much as possible, so no front intake holes.
This will be sold as a barebones external cooler so users may install the components of their choice, or possibly as a pre-assembled unit for an additional charge.
Notes:
-This drawing is not complete. Certain components/features are not pictured.
-The seperate component panels will be laser cut from .080" mild steel, TIG welded into a single unibody, and then finished in gloss black powdercoat. There will be soft rubber feet on the chassis bottom for vibration reduction and surface protection.
-The top panel will unscrew allowing access to slide-out removable SS screen filters and the fillport for the res (screws into oval hole in front panel with acrylic window).
-The barebone unit will not have a radiator specific cutout, rather it will have universal holes for MCR320, Feser 360, 360GTX, PA120.3. It is designed to support up to a standard thickness rad in push/pull with 25mm fans, or a PA series with single 38mm fans.
-Vibration dampened mounts will be provided for both DDC and D5 pumps.
Questions:
-The side louvres were just for fun... should I stick with them or go to a more simple "stealth grille" styled hole pattern on side intakes?
-Should I keep the viewport res in the front? Would it look better round? How about switchable LED illumination?
-What would you prefer, the slide out stainless screen intake filters, or a lower cost unit with no filters?
-Should the front and back be slanted with the sides parallel instead (basically the opposite of the drawing)?
Any suggestions/observations/grinchiness welcome.
Thanks!
Bookmarks