Project Capella (Lian Li PC-P50R)

[Wezly]

I think I can be a little more decisive this time.
E brings the red anodized internals outside, but still has the white mesh that will hide the fans well and still compliment the white block tops and tubing.

I like that you chose the all curved faceplate for the example.

[kwscore]

C roxxxxxxxx

[aka_GK]

I like B and F.
F gives very uniform and solid look to the front panel, B looks a tad brighter (dunno what the right word is, I mean it is not so strict as F). Red LEDs will add some red accent and that would be enough red in my opinion

[Liderc]

I believe C or F would look the best in real life. If you could cut the front panel from the same brushed aluminum that the case is made of, it would transition nicely. If I had to pick one, it would be C, the red will make the black front lines pop and the red mesh would give the exterior some much needed color.

[dreamaxx]

I prefer B and F, because you are actually playing down the red in this build, so you don't want to overdo it at the front. In fact, you are playing UP the white more (with the white blocks etc), so I would assume white would look better.

F would be my favourite.

[CptDreadFlint]

I like CDF in that order (least to most).

Not because it's my initials, but because that's how it was fated to be in accordance to the pirate prophecy.

[kgtiger]

I feel dreamaxx makes a very good point.
As the case has alot of red I feel white would stand out more and be more of a focal point, however as the grill is cut nice and fine it wouldn't be to over powering either.

So I would vote of B.

By the way most of the sketchup back drops inside the case are white.
As the fins on the rad are black you would mainly only see a black back drop inside the case.

As you have said that you would like the fans to blend in and since the fins on the front rad are black, by painting the fans matt black and using black mesh,
this would help them to all blend in nicely and let the white grill stand out.

[Kibbler]

@Moitrux, Alexandr0s, Luke Skywalker (aka Red-5), Wezly, kwscore, ala_GK, Liderc, dreamaxx, CDFEFGHIJK, and Graeme
Once again thanks for all your inputs!

Let's do some data collection for sh-ts and giggles:
Can you imagine doing something for literal sh-ts and giggles? Imagine busking in subways for sh-ts and giggles, playing music so people can poop and snicker around you.

-Each singular "vote" represents a maximum of 3 points for each combination (A/B/C/D/E/F). For e.g., kwscore says "C roxxxxx" so that's 3 points for C.

-Multiple sub-votes with hierarchy of preference represents 3/2/1 points for each sub-vote. So when CDF says "CDF" that means 3 points for C; 2 for D; 1 for F.

-Multiple sub-votes with no hierarchy of preference (e.g. ala_GK says "B and F" when he's subconsciously thinking about Black Freighter), is 2 points for each sub-vote.

*Please inform your respective local governments that my consultancy services are available for presidential elections and that my rates are competitive.

**I have too much time on my hands.

Here are the results so far:
A - 5pts
B - 12pts
C - 9pts
D - 2pts
E - 3pts
F - 8pts

For what it's worth I vote B as well, and I agree with what Graeme said albeit less eloquently in my mind. The front panel design would really stand out with white.

Problem is there is no such (commercially viable) thing as white anodizing. I'll have to paint the piece myself or have it powder-coated, which will add a scant fraction of a millimeter to the thickness...and that might just be enough to ruin the lettering. I'm working on a way around this, maybe with a different structure around the name plate.

***

the pirate prophecy.

I'd wager it's more what you'd call a "guideline" than an actual prophecy...

[aka_GK]

(e.g. ala_GK says "B and F" when he's subconsciously thinking about Black Freighter)

ahaha that's hilarious, I must vote for B and C then

edit: do you intentionally miss "k" letter on your keyboard while typing my name for hundredth time? No problems with that, just asking

[C-J]

@C-J, Liderc, shazza, Wezly, callen, dreamaxx, kwscore, gmat, ipuoL, kgtiger, Jack
Thanks a lot for your comments and inputs so far guys, really appreciate it. The process is not transparent so you'll have to take my word for it: Your inputs do give me direction. Cheers for that.

Ok let's say...if I had a lot of cases to play with (I wish).

Again, let's call them A B C D E F, left to right. What do you think?

Personally my money is on B, then A, then F. I like how white makes the design stand out (A + B), and F is a good high-contrast combination that fits the cooling parts behind it.

What say you?



I sometimes get carried away in SketchUp...

I like your Choices of B, A, F. I think that B Looks Amazing On teh Case So thats my Vote !

[prava]

Hi fellows.

Astonishing work, Kibbler. I want to ask, though, why did you change your mind about the front of the case? IMO the one you designed and built first looks really awesome. Y really don't like the others as they are "too big" and not as stylish as the original one is. Although I have to say, with the original one it would look better if you used a more dense mesh, as It would look more solid in contrast to the sleek design that sits on top of it.

The ones you are thinking about look a lot meh for me. There is too much stuff for me, it's too dense...maybe I like simple but sleek designs...who knows

[Awers]

Glossy Red will be nice for it....

[Liderc]

I feel the white front panel will appear out of place, as there is no transition, it will swap straight from black to bright white. If you're liking the white, maybe go with the black front panel with white mesh(F), that way the white highlights the black lines on the front panel. A bright white panel surrounded by black metal will appear somewhat plastic because of the drastic contrast.

I think the picture of B looks good, but I feel as though many people aren't thinking about how it will look in real life, we have to remember that a picture on a computer doesn't always end up the way it will appear in reality.

ps. Had an idea, maybe use F and put white LEDS behind the black front panel lines, that could look very cool, like the mesh is illuminating the lines.

[dreamaxx]

Err yeh, I completely agree with Liderc. B will look out of place, F is the best.

[Kibbler]

edit: do you intentionally miss "k" letter on your keyboard while typing my name for hundredth time? No problems with that, just asking

I owe you...a serious apology man.

It's totally my mistake. For some reason the first time I saw your name my brain registered "ala" and it stuck ever since, and I never took a closer look.

It's like going on the 5th date with a girl and still getting her name wrong.

I mean it's not *like that* like that but, it's kinda like that.

I'm terribly embarrassed. Sorry man.

@C-J, Awers, dreamaxx
Thanks guys/gal for your inputs.

***

I appreciate you guys taking the time/effort to expand on your thoughts, so I'm gonna take some time out to reply in more detail.

Astonishing work, Kibbler. I want to ask, though, why did you change your mind about the front of the case? IMO the one you designed and built first looks really awesome. Y really don't like the others as they are "too big" and not as stylish as the original one is. Although I have to say, with the original one it would look better if you used a more dense mesh, as It would look more solid in contrast to the sleek design that sits on top of it.

The ones you are thinking about look a lot meh for me. There is too much stuff for me, it's too dense...maybe I like simple but sleek designs...who knows

First off, thanks.

The original design is a "stars in orbit" idea. Capella, a binary star. So two stars. Pretty straightforward. The reason I thought to change it was because...well for lack of better words I felt it was amateur and plain. Curved lines oh whoop-dee-doo. It was too symmetrical, if there is such a thing. Predictable. There's nothing in that design that jumps out and makes people think "ooh now that's something I haven't seen before."

There are a few basic elements I want to keep (e.g. the text and the LED pattern, these were in place from the beginning), and I am (was) happy with the unique "tabbed" look of these elements, that's something I haven't seen done before. The rest, I must admit I'm not good at abstract design, so it took a lot of trial and error.

You're also right about using denser mesh, but part of that is balancing visual occlusion with allowing enough airflow (now that 980X is out I'm waiting for them to become available locally. This lady's gonna run hot!)

I feel the white front panel will appear out of place, as there is no transition, it will swap straight from black to bright white. If you're liking the white, maybe go with the black front panel with white mesh(F), that way the white highlights the black lines on the front panel. A bright white panel surrounded by black metal will appear somewhat plastic because of the drastic contrast.

I think the picture of B looks good, but I feel as though many people aren't thinking about how it will look in real life, we have to remember that a picture on a computer doesn't always end up the way it will appear in reality.

ps. Had an idea, maybe use F and put white LEDS behind the black front panel lines, that could look very cool, like the mesh is illuminating the lines.

All good idea, some new to me, some considered. I agree with you on color, kinda. Conceptually. And that's a good point about the difference between pictures and reality. As for LEDs, we'll see about that.

***

Now, all that being said, I put more hours into SketchUp and finally, after countless paper scribbles, I have something I can 100% comfortably say: "THIS. Is the one."

And I think you'll like it.

It is quite different from what I've done so far, but at the same time incorporates the elements that I wanted to keep together with some of your suggestions so far.

2nd batch of laser-cutting will happen next week.

[shazza]

"THIS. Is the one."

Planning on keeping us in suspense, eh?

[C-J]

@C-J, Awers, dreamaxx
Thanks guys/gal for your inputs.

Well Your Very Welcome



And More pics of this Amazing PC Budd !!! LOL

[prava]

First off, thanks.

The original design is a "stars in orbit" idea. Capella, a binary star. So two stars. Pretty straightforward. The reason I thought to change it was because...well for lack of better words I felt it was amateur and plain. Curved lines oh whoop-dee-doo. It was too symmetrical, if there is such a thing. Predictable. There's nothing in that design that jumps out and makes people think "ooh now that's something I haven't seen before."

There are a few basic elements I want to keep (e.g. the text and the LED pattern, these were in place from the beginning), and I am (was) happy with the unique "tabbed" look of these elements, that's something I haven't seen done before. The rest, I must admit I'm not good at abstract design, so it took a lot of trial and error.

You're also right about using denser mesh, but part of that is balancing visual occlusion with allowing enough airflow (now that 980X is out I'm waiting for them to become available locally. This lady's gonna run hot!)

Mmm, haven't you thought on making a mix? Original design + one of those you are actually thinking about, for once the design would be more rich (which I see is something you are looking for) and it would keep also the personal touch the original design has.

About the mesh...yea, I thought about airflow too. I see you are using Gentle Typhoon fans, which are specially good for restrictive ambients but maybe you don't want it that much, I don't know. If you can you should at least try to see how it looks like with a little denser mesh. I don't think it's something uber expensive not to try it

Keep up the good work ;D

[CptDreadFlint]

Any updates, Kibbs? Really interested in finding out what design prevailed!

[sniperbob]

+1 also interested to see which one you picked out!

[C-J]

Any updates, Kibbs? Really interested in finding out what design prevailed!

Ya! I really Wana See Witch is going on Lol !!!

[Wezly]

He didn't pick one. He's going without a front grille just to spite us all, but he won't tell us until the end

[Kibbler]

@shazza, C-J, prava, The Good Capt, sniperbob, Mack the Knife
Thanks guys for checking in, and sorry I have not updated in a while. But today. Today has been a good day. I'm uploading photos as I speak (type). New update incoming in 10.

Oh I almost forgot.


See you guys in a short while...

[CptDreadFlint]

Holy Cr@p! By Lord that turned out gorgeous, Kibbs!!!

[aeidau]

This build is awesome. I love your attention to detail. Nice work Kibbs