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Case Mod - In Progress Phanteks Enthoo Luxe Star Trek, 3-Way SLI ASUS Gaming PC, FINISHED 6/26/16

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by mnpctech, 18 Aug 2015.

  1. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    I'm back in the workshop with another build. This will be a liquid cooled 3-way 980 GTX gaming system for a friend. I'll post photos of the hardware as it arrives to me. The theme will be inspired by Star Trek. I'll be performing some case mods to the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe Full tower case. I really like this case for it's features. I've added the 2 and ordered a shipping crate from OriginPC, to save myself time. It includes foam and inner cardboard shell. Scale USS Enterprise was added to the photos for fun for The Mod Zoo staffer, Graham. Phanteks Luxe / Pro Clear panel is finished. I posted a video to illustrate how it mounts in the chassis. I'm still waiting for shipping crate, so I can start preparing the PC for shipment.



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    I'll be hardlining with 1/2" OD x 3/8" ID PETG tubing, Mnpctech offers 24" & 12" pre-cut tubes here, http://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-alphacool-ek-bitspower-hardwarelabs-heatkiller-liquid-cooling/petg-tube-clear-bend-petg-tubing-mnpctech/

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    fyi: will be expanding into metric sizes later this year
     
    PETG Liquid Tube Cutter, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...-grills/petg-and-pvc-ratchet-tube-cutter.html
     
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    Silicone Bending Cord for Acrylic or PETG, http://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-alp...8-id-rigid-acrylic-or-petg-tubing-1-2-od.html

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    Mnpctech created a full view replacement window panel to show off the hardware in his Phanteks Enthoo Luxe case. It's CNC machined from 3/8" thick 100% cast acrylic.

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    Remove this Black factory case screw. You will replace it with the included Black Thumb screw included with the panel.

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    The bottom of the clear panel has groove that mounts over the lip of the Phanteks chassis.

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    The clear panel is mounted onto the chassis vertically, from the bottom first.

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    The clear panel includes this custom made lock washer. The raised portion of the washer must be positioned over the clear panel.

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    Use the included Black Thumb screw and lock washer to fasten in the clear panel.

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    I like the clean look of this Antec 380 front grill

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    The very 1st "Ph-antecs" case mod

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    Shrouding the Phanteks Luxe chassis is really easy....

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    Just make a cardboard template

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    Used my template to cut a piece of White opaque acrylic... everything took less than 30 mins... I will use adhesive backed velcro to attached the shroud, so it's easily removed.

    Stay Tuned for more soon!
     
    Last edited: 8 Jul 2016
  2. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Haven't seen you logging here in a while.
    -Haven't seen you building much in a while, though...
     
  3. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    You're right Cheaps.. was tied up with the Genesis Gaming PC staff build for Origin PC. Next stage for this build was cutting a window in to chassis and shroud. This will be for viewing the Enterprise Warp Drive HD Activity meter. I used a Dremel with cutting wheel to make the first incision, then a Jigsaw with 18 TPI bi-metal cutting blade. The edges were filed before installing Black Edge trim u-channel on the chassis. I may place a Light Blue transparent window over the opening or leave it as is.

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    Black U-channel Rubber edge trim for finishing window or fan cut-outs, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/u-channel-pc-computer-window-rubber-trim-molding-cable-management/

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  4. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    I mentioned starting another Star Trek theme project on Twitter and majority of responses suggested adding a Warp Drive. We already committed to using the Koolance RP-450X2 Dual 5.25in Reservoir, so a Warp Drive theme Reservoir didn't make sense. (I promise making one if I ever do a 3rd Star Trek theme PC) My 1st Trek build was for Comic-Con and David Gerrold, I partnered with Mike Okuda, who designed sets for the Next Generation series. The PC case was based on Spock's Tricorder. This Warp Drive from Playmates will serve as our Power and Hard Drive activity meter. I got this set for a song on Craiglist

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  5. InsolentGnome

    InsolentGnome Minimodder

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    That is freaking awesome! I love how they labeled the 'engineering stool'.
     
  6. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Haha! I need to re-watch Star Trek Generations now! Our 1st wave of parts has arrived. Here is our parts list from Koolance.com, I've linked everything below and waiting for Res and pumps.

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    1x
    http://koolance.com/rp-452x2-dual-5-25in-reservoir-for-1-2-pmp-450-s-pumps

    2x
    http://koolance.com/pmp-450-pump-id-13mm-1-2in


    1x Koolance 380i CPU Block
    http://koolance.com/cpu-380i-processor-water-block

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    1x Koolance Drain Valve,
    http://koolance.com/vlv-bl1x2-ball-valve

    2x
    http://koolance.com/nozzle-coupling-adapter-swiveling-male-male

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    1x Pair of 3-way SLI Bridge connectors for liquid cooling,
    http://koolance.com/video-connecting-block-2-cards-cnt-vdb1


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    3x
    http://koolance.com/video-card-vga-nvidia-geforce-gtx-titan-x-water-block-vid-nxttnx

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    3x 980 GTX Backplates,
    http://koolance.com/video-card-vga-nvidia-geforce-gtx-titan-x-back-plate-acc-pltnxttnx

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  7. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    I can't see the box well. I'm hoping they didn't put a Kirk figure in with all those female character figures. -That's dangerous!:lol:

    You must still be in contact with Koolance from the Genesis rig fitting.
     
  8. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    hahahaha! No Kirk, or any characters... It was just the engineering room and warp drive...hence $20 price. Koolance isn't sponsoring this project. Origin PC reached out to them to sponsor our staff build. I don't think if they had, I would have known how nice their products have gotten. I'd always avoided their blocks in the past, because they looked "Aesthetically Outdated" when compared to EK & Bitspower. However these Black Acetal blocks are really nice at very reasonable retail price.

    Last night I created Star Trek style badges for the rear 140mm exhaust and front bezel grill while binge watching the Walking Dead. I want a brushed steel look for both of these.

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    Epoxied acrylic onto back of badges, to raise them off surface just a tad

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    120mm version Overkill fan ring from Ronnie Hara's "Game of Thrones" build. I've made 140mm version of the rear exhaust fan ion this build, PC Cooling Fan Grills, 80mm, 120mm, 140mm, 200mm, 230mm

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  9. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    The Enterprise Warp Drive will serve as our HD activity meter. I've cut Darkside RGB light strip to fit inside. I've modified the drive's door with clear acrylic window to view PowerLED mounted inside.

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    Removed top of HD/SSD bay. The Warp Drive will be attached to this for easy installation or removal.

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    Darkside RGB light kits, http://mnpctech.com/pc-led-lights/


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    Superbright 5mm LED mounted insode Warp Drive door for indicating Power On.

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    RGB light strip inside Warp Drive

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    More to come soon!
     
  10. itrush07

    itrush07 Minimodder

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    Wow, this is one of a kind.. where's the final product? Can't wait to see it and how heavy is it?
     
  11. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Thank you, Still in progress :dremel: :D

    Testing PMP 450/S Vario speed D5 pumps and Koolance RP-452X2 Dual Bay Res Rev 2.0. You can set this up for dual or single loops. I like using this set-up because it's very efficient and saves space inside a chassis this size.

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  12. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Heres some examples I'm playing around with for paint and graphics. Spock's image may change. I want to mill a memorial plaque to place somewhere as well. Today I've been researching different ways to create illuminated LCARS screen that may go on this side or backside of chassis... Maybe as illuminated SSD cover..


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  13. InsolentGnome

    InsolentGnome Minimodder

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    The cut-away would be awesome. And even if you can't get the cut-away, that angle of the ship really fills the panel nicely!
     
  14. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Agreed. Even if you get Brad to do a smoky artistic rendering of a non cut-up ship. Might be a Sketchup model of the Enterprise online you could render in the same position for reference.
     
  15. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    100% agreed, it looks good at that angle... we could edit the detailing
     
  16. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Will is using 9x SSDs in this build. I was thinking it would be fun to implement LCARS as SSD covers for some of them. Maybe as light box. Star Trek LCARS displays were created by using a large pieces of film, backlit by gel lights. Turning individual lights on and off could give the appearance of animation, behind a static piece of film. I’ve read online that some people have had success is making them with Transparencies for Inkjet Printers. I’ve ordered some to experiment.

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    Mike Okuda was responsible for designing the LCARS diagrams, as they’ve become known as Okudagrams.

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  17. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Will loves his RAID array. 9x SSDs will require refining our mounting locations in the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe, which shares same chassis Phanteks Enthoo Pro. Yesterday I modified the Phanteks factory 3.5" cage mounting base to a 2.5" cage with removable trays from a Supermicro S5 chassis. Using this cage will buy me 5 mounting locations (one on side) while clearing our Warp Core. After making all of the appropriate cuts, I scuffed the cage and base with Scotchbrite, applied SEM Self Etching White primer before applying Rustoleum Gloss White Enamel paint. Tentative plan for the remaining Five SSDs is to two mount two on backside of the Phanteks Luxe chassis and fabricate an illuminated shell for remaining three SSDs. This shell would have the LCARS display covers and be mounted behind the 5.25 bay with a window made in right access panel.

    Steps in painting parts to match the White Phanteks Enthoo Luxe/Pro/Primo chassis.

    1. Scotchbrite surface to promote adhesion for the paint. (Not necessary to remove factory paint)
    2. Clear off surfaces with Tack Cloth
    3. Apply SEM Self Etching White primer, allow cure for 30 minutes
    4. Apply 5 coats in 5 min intervals of Rustoleum brand Gloss White Enamel paint from Home Depot
    5. Allow Rustoelum paint to air dry cure for 24 hours before handling
    6. (Optional) Apply Matte Clear coat finish to paint.

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    Prepped surface of the Supermicro PC 2.5" Drive cage for custom White paint with Red Scotchbrite, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...buff-scuff-scotch/3m-scotchbrite-pads-en.html

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    Last edited: 31 Aug 2015
  18. LooseNeutral

    LooseNeutral What's a Dremel?

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    O.O YAY! Looking good Bill. Those Koolance gpu blocks do look beefy. Nice. Haven't nosed around here in a bit. Good to see you on a new build.
     
  19. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Hey Loose, highly recommend the Koolance products, I've been very pleased with everything they make.

    For anyone who already owns a White Phanteks Enthoo Luxe, Pro, or Primo who is doing their own case mods, the White aerosol paint that I used is Rust-Oleum's "Stops Rust" line of paints, Model # 7792830, 12 oz. Protective Enamel Gloss White Spray Paint. It's very good match to the factory color. I do recommend applying 4 - 5 coats and topping it off with Enamel Clear to help protect the finish.

    Rustoleum Product Page, https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust

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  20. bionicgeekgrrl

    bionicgeekgrrl Minimodder

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    Nice work thus far, look forward to seeing how this looks when finished :)
     

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