Scratch Build GET A LIFE - COMPLETED

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Cheapskate

Another rush for MOtY.

Yeah You're right on that one because I'm that kind of person that needs a goal or dedline as a kick in the butt. I also really wan't to see this thing done and since it's so close to finish I think it would be foolish to complete it right after any possible MOTY event.

Originally Posted by craig - toyoracer

So we wait a week. Hope it turns out well.

Thanks, so do I

Originally Posted by devilmad123

I think so

Originally Posted by digitalerr0r

your a phreak! luv the work (=

In occasion like this one, I take phreak as a compliment, Thanks

[The_Gnu]

TEASER!!!!
The parts are anodized and the assembly is about to begin. I was fearing the quality of the surface would be bad because of the 6082 alloy I used that isnt a prefered anodizing alloy.

But they all turned out way better than I expected. So here is a mini tease for you

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by wahoomcdaniel

Looks great. I am looking forward to your next reveal.

Thanks

Originally Posted by The boy 4rm oz

Such a tease, can't wait for more of this .

Hehe, I like to tease. thanks for following

Originally Posted by Angel OD

Thou shalt NOT tease! Come on, show your followers how it looks!

Muahahaha.. teease.
Don't worry, Ill show you. Ill try to give you a real update this evening of what I have done during the last week as I havn't eaxtly bin sitting around rolling my thumbs

Originally Posted by Stem83

is that it, you meanie, teasing us like that.

Yup, thats it, now it's done

Originally Posted by yassarikhan786

Looks really nice. Stop teasing us and post the pics!!!!

Haha hold your horses, Ill show you soon

Originally Posted by bugeye

Damn .... there goes my sleep pattern again

Opps I did it again

Originally Posted by craig - toyoracer

The worrying is over. Now on with the show.


Really glad for you that it turned out so well.

Yeah finaly the worries are over. A huge reliefe as it's now time to finish this baby once and for all

Originally Posted by Waynio

Ahh was semi worried with no updates for a bit & it's now anodised awww exciting been itching to see this in all it's coloured glory the teaser looks like it turned out perfect to me, I would rep now but I'll save it for the finished shots otherwise I won't be able to rep again so soon .

The lack of updates has been because I've been pretty busy with brushing all the parts for the anodizing. It took way longer than I expected but I see now that it's done that it was time well spent.

Originally Posted by RedManc

really glad the anodizing went to plan!

don't scratch it when putting all the bits together!!

Thanks, so am I
I've already bumped a few parts together but thankfully the anodized surface saved them from any scratches. But I always try to handle them like nitroglycerin since I know at this stage, there is no oportunety to just make a new one.






Anyway, Ill try to get on with another update tonight to show you how I did the brushing of the parts and what the results were.

Ce ya

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by tp148

Gnu, my company chose 6082 for it's machined parts based largely on how well it anodizes.
So you shouldn't need to worry!

Thats nice to hear from a source that is using it. Its been so hard to decide what to belive since I've talked to a lot of different people in the field and they all vary their opinions. Some say It's no problems, and some says it can give you really poor result. I think SAPA gives it a 3/5 on their anodizing scale where 5 is best.

The anodizer said that there could be some issues but that they could try to compensate for it in the process. And i think they could since Im really happy with the results.

I would guess the issue is more related to the anodizing process, maybe it requires to stay in the pool longer or a higher voltage and maybe that's why someone decide to call it unprefered.

Thanks for input.
Anyone else who have som more feedback on this 6082 topic is mor than welcome to fill in.

Originally Posted by Angel OD

LIAR! I know Swedes, and that's all they do!

Pfft.. If you turned of all those big fans you got running down there it wouldn't be so windy up here, and I could focus on my modding instead

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Angel OD

For your information; They are not called fans, they are called windmills and they do not create wind, they USE wind!

NO WAY!!!?? I thought you just turned them on when you didn't like the weather and blew it ower to us




Here is what I have been doing lately. i finsihed the backplate and then I started the long and never ending process of brushing the parts. I have spent around 25h just brushing and cleaning all the parts. I didn't think it would take that long in the beginning but since it's a total of 64 parts with countless of edges, it took a bit longer than expected. I was planing to do the anodizing last friday but I had to put it forward until yesterday since I wanted to spend some more time on the brushing. So yesterday, I did an all nighter and skipped the sleep and just kept on sanding for 11 hours straight to get all the parts ready for the anodizer on omnday morning. If there is something I don't whant to rush, its the surface.
It was kind of boring in the end but it was worth every second now that I see the result and I hope you think so too.

First up is the finishing of the backpanel. Here Im adding a hole to be able to get a grip of the panel when you need to pull it off. It will also act as an airinlet.


Then is the brushing. Some of you might have read my "how to brush aluminium" guide and find some similaritys. However this is another but similar method to brush smaller parts and get straight and nice brushing lines. Very simple, just a flat surface ( i used the bench of the tablesaw, be carefull to pull down the sawblade protection). Then I used a sturdy piece of alu as a support. Holding the support with one hand while sanding the part along the edge with the other worked fine.

The grit of the sandpaper im using is 120, it's a pretty rough grit and greates a very nice brushed effect on the alu. In the end I took to smiliar brushings with a 400 grit paper just to remove any sharp edges created by the 120 grit.


If your going to do a lot of them I recomend clamping the support and sandpaper down to make it a bit easier.


A piece of wood works fine also, here im using a second support since the long alupiece is so hard to hold at an angle by itself.


Before and after brushing.


In the following pictures you can se some other supports I used to prevent the rounded edge effect you often get when filing by hand.














I decided to play with the different orientation of the brushing strokes. Since horizontal brush strokes are ofthen more vissible (because most light comes from above) i decided to make all the white parts of the mushroom with horizontal brush strokes and all other parts with vertical brush strokes. This created a very cool effect that makes shure you'll see the outline of the muschroom patern independent of where you're standing.

This I did because I was worried that, if all the brush strokes were angled the same way, the patern of the different part would just blend into one single reflection when looking from the side.


As you see in the following three pics. The effect changes when you look at it from another angle, but the pattern is always vissible. This is just brushed alu, no color.








But here there is color :P














I deliberety decided to make the green a bit darker than what you might first associate with the 1UP caracter. This is because I didn't want the whole thing to look like a toy as I think it would have done if it was a very bright green color. This is more of a military green and I think it fits verry well with the rest of the black and gray/silver pieces.


There you have some more results, You'll here from me pretty soon as I asume you want to see some assembly pics aswell :P

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Attila

Damn it! I was trying to hold off until you were finished, but I have to post.
That all looks absolutely stunning! Every piece, separately or all together. This is a tour de force.

Thanks Attila, thats a very nice comment so im realy glad you didn't wait until the end.

Originally Posted by Waynio

Bravo for the hefty brushathon was seriously worth every bit of effort & the different orientations of the brushing for the segments is a very sweet touch & not disappointed about the darker green, still looks freakishly awesome & can see why you figured it might make it look toyish .

Man I love this project it has retrotastic character, is small, complex awesome design, excellent function & will look utterly badass when put together can't wait for that, I really think this will be in my top 3 for moty, I really doubt I could kick this off my top 3 if we get 3 votes but wow it's gonna be tough voting .
So pretty please bit-tech give us more than 3 votes to spend so our minds don't malfunction too much .

All these awesome projects wrapping up round about now is giving me the feeling of Christmas as a kid with all the anticipation .

Thanks for the massive comment friend. It feels good that you have the same thoughts about the brushing and coloring as I do. It's always nice to get the ideas supported by others and especially a greate modder like you.

Originally Posted by Achron

*cracks knuckles*...

Bring it, MOTY contender!

Here.. let me crack them for you
Joking aside, it would be a true honor to be up against you Achron, in any competition.

Originally Posted by Nutman

Loooooove the green toned anodizing - looks really, really good!

Thanks mate, Im glad you like it

Originally Posted by Axly

Fantastic!
I tried to figure out what to write to make it justice, but I just can't.. This is such a great idea taken towards completion in such a fashion. I.. just want to touch it :P

Hehe any comment is good enough for me, im glad you like it

Originally Posted by yassarikhan786

The brushing really paid off as it looks absolutely stunning. I really love how you used a different brush stroke to make the pieces stand out. Simply Amazing and my words can't describe how awesome this project really is. A massive MOTY contender for sure.

Thanks Yassarikhan, im really glad the brushing turned out the way it did. I was a bit unshure if it would work but I think it did. A MOTY nomination would be a true honor for shure, thanks for your support

Originally Posted by RedManc

The two directional brushing was a great idea and one of the little details which bring a project to the next level, your project is there ... again!

The colours look to have been applied with great expertise they look fantastic, so while they are not in one big mushroom piece they look like the worlds best paper weights

PUT THEM TOGETHER FAST!

Thanks RedManc, then I guess I'll need to figure out something more to bring it up another level

Hehe I bet it all could work as a paper weight once its assembled aswell A pretty heavy one

Originally Posted by bugeye

Hmmmm , I'm not sure I want to see any more pictures . I don't think I can take this much awesomeness from one thing .

Maybe if you were to post one or two pictures at a time with a break between posting just to give us a bit of time to recover ?

Sure why not
Or maybe not.. as there is still a lot of pics left to show

Originally Posted by myrizzle

This is simply jawdropping!

Cant wait to see the final result!

Thanks, me too

Originally Posted by PureSilver

Yes... YESSSS!

Originally Posted by KidMod-Southpaw

JHBHDGBDRHGJKHDKJ
Sorry, having an orgasm over the keyboard. Bloody hell! That's awesome!

Hahaha poor keyboard
Thanks

Originally Posted by quizz_kid

glad you chose a darker green... that color looks delicious!! liked the sanding just-alu-effect btw. might use it! keep going

Thanks mate.
Maybe I can convert you to Alu as you have almost converted me to wood.

Originally Posted by peteski

looking fantastic mate cant wait to see this all together keep up the good work

Thanks peteski, nice words

Originally Posted by Cheapskate

I think Redmanc summed up what I would post nicely; only I would have used the #7 sized font.

Quit replying and finish! It seems like everybody is teasing lately.

Thanks Cheap, I bet you would
But sorry, not replying is against my personal rules . If you take your time commenting, a comment back is the least I can do to show my appreciation. Even if it's only a

But don't worry, youll see everything finished very soon :P

Originally Posted by AnG3L

Thats just getting better and better bro!!! The black pieces looks like wood and its awesome!! I gotta ask you bro, how much does anodize costs there? Please PM me if you can! Thanks!

Thanks mate.
The anodizing cost 1000 SEK, thats around 140 USD. It's for around 70 pieces in 3 colors including tax. They will charge extra if you choose a color they don't have premixed or if they need to customize the fixture to hold your pieces. Luckely they didn't need to do that in my case so I think I got a pretty good price.

Originally Posted by [- pio -]

I wish I had more stars to give you!! Rep +

Edit: Have to spread some around first... BRB

Hehe thanks, that just means you have given me enough

Originally Posted by jeckulz

YES!

Just... YES!

Thanks

Originally Posted by craig - toyoracer

The effort was worth it. 25 hours of worth it. Can't say more than that.

Yeah I think it was. And Im finaly starting to get the feeling back in my fingertips from all the brushing. They were numb for several days and I was a bitt worried that I had destroyed something internaly as I didn't wear gloves and all the edges were pretty sharp. But now they start to feel like normal again, though the fingertips on the right hand have a bit thicker skin

Originally Posted by KoSoVaR^

WOW :O that amazing !

Thanks

Originally Posted by Shuttlemodder

looking great so far!!!
i'd be very very very proud of your work so far!

Thank you for the nice comment




Progress:
Today its big assembly day, and finishing up the last cables, hopefully I got some stuff to show you tonight/tomorrow.

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by RedManc

Corrected your mistakes, have fun with the assembly.

Hahaha nice one

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by riekmaharg2

Nice finish on those parts, looks great in silver and black

Thanks riekmaharg2, Glad you like the colors, looking forward to seeing your anodizing results aswell

Originally Posted by Angel OD

Stop rolling thumbs again Swede!

You again....you, you master of waterblocks.

Hold your horses, Im in the middle of taking photos of the assembly process so far, working as fast as I can.
(change fast to painstakingly)

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Angel OD

I'm not gonna bother you then, just make looooooooads of pics!

Taking pics is no problem, but sorting them out is the hardest part.

Originally Posted by AnG3L

Thats a pretty good price bro! In my place there is only one company and they charge a looooooot like its gold or something. And the other problem is that you have to get them a certain quantity as they only do massive production..... It sucks! Powder coating though has good prices and also laser and cnc so I shouldnt be whining that much looolz

Yeah the price was pretty good, I'll be using them a lot in the future Its sad when companys only take on large quantitys, the small firms are always the easiest ones, luckely mine was small enough to take on my project.

At first I was thinking of giving DIY anodizing a try but got to scared when I saw what acids that are needed. One mistake and your life can be ruined. One thing I really respect is acids.

Yeah, your lucky on the cnc service instead, I've never used one so I don't know what It would cost me. But I might know in the future.





And now, on with the show.






Silver screws wouldn't look good on the cpu block so I decided to paint them black. They were sprayed with a black heat resistant car engine paint often found at auto shops. The color can withstand temps of 600°C and fully cures at 250°C. So I put them in the oven for baking. The surface gets really thin and it captures every detail, sticks in the m3 threads without any problems when screwing. It's also very durable as it can withstand the torque from a screw driver. Good solution if you want black screws but can only find silver ones.


The black screws turned out nice but hey... it's time to bring out the designer in me and scream at those copper pipes that doesn't go well with the green and black theme. The right pipe is not messed up.. well it is, but it's for a reason as you will se in the next update.






Oh yeah.. now that is much nicer. Don't worry, I didn't cover up any important contact area so this shouldn't effect its cooling ability.



I got hold of some nice m3x6mm screws aswell. Since I will be using a lot of these, It was really nice to not have to paint my own






We are getting there...



..Almost....done



..Just ned a few black ones..



..Done :P, You'll just have to wait till the finish to see the front all together since now I need to remove some of them to mount the walls. It might look as if this was a simple process to just screw the pieces inplace, but it's a pain in the ass to align all the cubes together and get the lines inbetween as straight as possible. You move one piece a tiny bit and then you have to move all the others aswell.






And some new parts I havn't shown before, the function of these I'll give you a chance to figure out yourself. But I can give you a tip, those four puny puny things attached to that M3 screw are über strong Neodym magnets. I don't know their exact lifting ability but they were able to hold a medium size plier



Glued in place









This is how the sidewalls are attatched to awoid any vissible screws. These screws will be hidden by the black pixel frame that is screwed on later from the other side.















Now it's time for some sleep and tomorrow or (techincally today) Ill try to finish up the assembly.

[The_Gnu]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback guys.
I've been busy assembling all weekend hence my lack of replies. Sorry for that.

Yesterday was probably the hardest part of the assembly so far as I assembled the mainboard, foot and the I/O. I will show you that and the rest in hopefully the last update today.

Originally Posted by Angel OD

My GOD that's hot!

Were you drunk when you posted this, or did you actually stay up until 4:37 in the morning, on will-power alone?

+rep for baking black screws!

Haha nope, but I shure wish I was drunk, It was pure willpower and coke. And also my sleeping patern is pretty messed up also.

Originally Posted by JA12

Nice and clean work but there's a potential problem.

Anodizing is an electrochemical process to grow natural oxide layer on aluminium (and other metals) much thicker because it's stronger and protects the alumium itself. Aluminium oxide (or alumina) in itself is used as an abrasive and as a thermal insulator. Might not be a big problem on large surface areas, but on contact areas...



I find nothing wrong in your instinct of self preservation but sulfuric acid is very useful acid and (relatively) safe to work with. It's not that bad

It's not toxic like hydrofluoric acid and nowhere near as corrosive as super acids. In the other end of sulfuric acid there's sodium hydroxide, a strong base which is at least as dangerous. Sold as drain opener (strongest in its solid form).

For anodizing you need to dilute sulfuric acid down to 15-20% and do that by adding acid to water. With hydrochloric acid there wouldn't be splashing effect if you do it the other way around, but still it's a good rule of thumb because the weaker solution is not always water.

Many thanks for your greate feedback.
I actually didn't know that anodizing was used as a thermal insulator, I simply thought it would work greate since there is a lot of heatsinks out there that are anodized. But I see your concern about the contact areas.

After your info, I was thinking of removing the anodizing from atleast the bottom of the CPU block, but changed my mind since Its design would probably only result in an uneven and probably worse surface area. So Ill test it as is and if the temps are awfull, I'll know what to try.

Thanks for your chemical knowledge aswell. I guess those acids are pretty safe to handle as you say, if you know what you are doing and use adequate safety precautions. It's just that I don't think I would feel safe having a big bucket of it around me. I know how clumpsy I can be sometimes and I think that some kind of splashing would eventually happen. When machining, I feel that I can somehow expect what can happen , in chemistry there is more the element of surprice..like splash,fzzzz,squuuiirt.

However it's possible that I'll give it a try in the future. Atleast since I found THIShttp://www.observationsblog.com/4/po...tery-acid.html guy who uses Sodium Bisulfate instead. Seems a bit safer.

Originally Posted by Achron

So....much....aluminum....

Hawt.

Thanks Achron

Originally Posted by RedManc

Sensational! ... have you started building mine yet ?

as my last statement is rather unlikely you must at least post some High Res shots when you are done so we can have new Get a Life wallpapers!

Great job Gnu keep it coming

Thanks RedManc, yeah yours is almost done
I guess I could try and make some wallpapers if you want. The plan is to bring it to a friend tomorrow to have it photographed with some pro gear instead of my crapy cam. So hopefully I'll get some nice pics I can use for a wallpaper.

Originally Posted by The boy 4rm oz

This keeps getting better and better, I am very interested in seeing the temps this cooling will achieve.

Thanks, I did some basic testing earlier this year to test the heatsink, I posted some graphs of it aswell, temps where pretty good. It will be interesting to compare if there is any big difference after the anodizing and assembly.

Originally Posted by jeckulz

+1 to this mate.
Just uber sick!

über thanks

Originally Posted by Blooddrunken

It's looking so damn hot already.

I can't wait till it's finished and of course you get back on ProtoHype.

Thanks, Yeah protoHype is sitting and waiting, but first I got the green gadget pico-itx project to do, Im really looking forward to that :P

Originally Posted by Waynio

That green is awesome, perfect choice & learnt the right way to colour screws/bolts you can get all sorts of engine colour paints even candy type paints so this is handy black heat pipes as well can see why it's not a perfectly simple thing to screw the blocks in place too with the alignment .

Effing jeffing awesome rig & I'd love to own 1 of these 8-bit theme & sweet aluminium work is soooooo awesome think it's my favourite HTPC I've ever seen & it isn't even fully assembled yet .

Can't hold back the rep .

Haha your awsome Waynio, thanks

Originally Posted by KidMod-Southpaw

That's damn sexy! Sexual rep incoming...
Yeah... It's me again.

Thanks mate, always supporting

Originally Posted by yassarikhan786

That looks absolutely stunning. The anodizing is top notch and that green....Hawt!!!!

Thanks, Im glad you liked the green. At first when I saw it at the anodizer, it looked pitch black black, but now I think it looks really good.

Originally Posted by Cheapskate

Glorious

@AngelOD - I'm betting he didn't look at a clock until he got to that point. These things will make you lose track of time you know.
However, he may sleep all day today...

Thanks cheap, size 7 and all
Your right about the time, I was totally into 8-bit time, listening to 8-bit tunes and all.
But your wrong about the sleeping all day part, I can rest when Im dead, I was finsihing the assembly :P

Originally Posted by quizz_kid

It looks sooooo good. that green!! IMO the copper pipes looked really great as they were in natural, but it´s your super mod, not mine waiting... waiting... waiting...

Thanks quizz, yeah I actually like the copper color of heatpipes in general but I just didn't think it looked good with the green. It felt too 70s with the orange and green

Originally Posted by craig - toyoracer

Time is irrelevant at this point.

Awesome look, and as everyone else, that green is just the perfect accent color. Build on, Build on.

Thanks mate, time doesn't even exist at this stage :P

Originally Posted by bugeye

I'm not going to say anything .... I'm going to save myself for the money shot

Hope I didn't ruin your sleep again

Originally Posted by Hannes

This build is inhuman. There's no words to describe how I really feel about it, I don't actually know what I really feel about it. It's 100% right!

I think you described your feeling pretty good with those words, thanks man

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by murtoz

After picking my jaw up off the floor, I have only one thing to say to this:
MOTY

I bow for thee, thank you very much

Originally Posted by Hannes

No matter how much I'd like to see it finished, I don't want this to be over.

Neither do I, but there is a lot of 8-bit characters

Originally Posted by Angel OD

C'mon Son... We all want you to finish this, but Coke is not the answer...

Amazing look, can't wait for the rest!

And I also look forward to the PICO itx build! Can't imagine how you are going to top this one though!

I wouldn't be able to finish it without so yes..Coke is the anwser

Serioslu I think I've gone insane on my plans for the pico build.. the shapes are as far away from this project as you can get, apart from small and passive I hope Ill be able to pull it of though.

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Angel OD

I for one, am sure you are going to pull it off! With your skills, I'd say you can do almost anything m8!

Thank you Angel, Well, we'll have to see about that but it would help if I had your skills, cause then I could do everything

Originally Posted by sixfootsideburns

If you were my son I would be proud of you... but your not so alas, I remain envious of your skillz...

Hehe, unfortunately im not available for adoption either, (atleast I hope so) so Ill stick with the envy. But I see it as a good thing

Originally Posted by wejjy

I love this, I have to be honest, I wasnt sure about the green...but wow! Im convinced now, it just looks better and better each time I log in and have a peek. Keep it up, I cant wait to see it finished!

Thanks Wejjy







I promised you guys a last and finsihing update yesterday as the case is now COMPLETE
But aparently since the cutt of for MOTY was last week, there is no need to rush things anymore. I'll just sort out the work done lately and take some time organizing the pictures and updates some more. And maybe I'll throw in a bit of extra for the fun of it

See you soon, and btw: IT WORKS!!!!

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by GuilleAcoustic

OMG ... if my daughter see that she will ask me for one to replace her 1UP plush (she used it as a pillow). Great job matey !

If I see your daughters 1UP plush I probably wan't one aswell
Thanks

Originally Posted by Waynio

I'll have to vote for this next year then , this is as awesome as modding gets when you've strived for absolute OTT quality & gone even further with mad neat features on top of an awesome rig .

Every time I thought wow you thought not wow enough & should push a bit further over & over until it turned into this insane awesome rig .

Hehe thanks for your support waynio.
You bet I'll vote on you this year, cause I can't see no reason for you not to be in it and wining aswell

Originally Posted by spigs_rex

wow that looks fantastic !! ...i want to touch it ...

Thanks spigs, but make shure to clean your fingers cause the black loves fingerprints

Originally Posted by AnG3L

You dawg I heard you like modding, so we ve put a mod in your mod to mod while you are modding... and then I took an arrow to the knee.

+rep you successfully baked my mind along with these screws bud!!

Haha lol thanks mate.
Yup, those screws got some nice licorice flavour to them.


And now....
..It's ime to play with some fiber optics :P

Since there will be no moving parts in this computer it will be dead silent. When I first powered it up earlier this year I thought it was dead since there was no sign of life at all. After a few secs, suddenly there was a picture on the screen. Thats when I relised what dead silent really sounds like

So it would be good to have some LEDs to show that it's up and running. And I hate those long black/red wires Can you guess the LED color?











And it would be nice to see when the bluetooth is active aswell.











Here you can see one of the possible flaws you can get when anodizing. This happened because the hole you see isn't all the way through. And because of that, it will hold some remains from the previous bath in the anodizing that can leak out. Luckely this flaw was on the best place possible as it won't be vissible in the end


I decided to use fiberoptics on the network connector aswell. The ends are just glued onto the connector and when it's pushed in, they are resting against the original leds mounted on the mobo and the light is transfered to where I want it.


And here is the mounting of the fiber optic ends. The fiber is pretty stiff and the same size (1mm) as the hole istelf so Its own tension will hold it inplace, won't need any glue once pushed in.





..who uses VGA port nowadays?... some extra space is more usefull to me so ...snip..snip goes the cutter.





This was the biggest setback I've encountered so far on this project, Since most of the drawings are in my head I havn't done a virtuall assembly other than in my mind. This was one of the hard to reach screws I was a bit conserned about. I wouldn't know if it worked untill final assembly. And it turned out I would need an allan key shaped like and "S" to tighten it. I knew there would had to be one way of tightening it but couldn't find it and was staring myself blind at this screw for several hours.
And then my girlfriend comes home take a look at the problem and solves the problem in notime... That's when you need a brake.







Mounting the mobo and the foot took a whole day because it was so fricking cramped by the connectors. The whole case feels like some kind of rubiks cube since you can only mount the parts in one perticular order. I guess thats what you pay for not allowing any screws to be vissible from the outside. Luckely we are not talking mass production on this one

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Nitrixflare

amazing work!

Thanks

Originally Posted by Achron

Boooo you took my fiber optics idea for my next case!

More more!

Yeah I tuned in on your brain and did some mind reading. Among all the G-code that was wirling around, I managed to pic up the fiber optics idea

Originally Posted by JCBeastie

Astonishing craftsmanship! This thing is going to be so beautiful completed... I fear I may be consumed by lust and envy!

Thanks, I hope I wont disapoiont you

Originally Posted by myrizzle

O..M..G..

Wish i had your skills!

Very nice comment myrizzle, bet you got skills aswell

Originally Posted by RedManc

such jammy luck with the problem with anodization happening where you cannot see!

at least we now know why we keep these girlfriends around!
keep the pictures coming!

Yeah I was very gratefull that it turend out allright. It was very usefull with a visit to the anodizer to see the process and get a feeling of what will work for future projects.

Originally Posted by craig - toyoracer

Great clean way to get your lighting.

Thanks it does the trick

Originally Posted by Livio

Such a great idea with the fiber optic cable! I can hardly wait to see the final assembly with lights on.

Thanks, I hope you'll like the result.

Originally Posted by GuilleAcoustic

You're welcome. This is the 10" tall one

I MUST HAVE!!!!

Originally Posted by wahoomcdaniel

At the risk of being repetitive, it's looking fantastic. Very nice work.
Your creation is almost ALIVE !

soon, very soon, Btw I've tested the hardware and it all works, so it will come alive

Originally Posted by dream1

Well men. This is just most beautiful case mod i ever seen. This waht I have seen is just incrdeble.

Very kind words. Many thanks

Originally Posted by Cheapskate

Props for getting fiber optics crammed in such a tight rig. Document the hell out of final assembly. You will find the thread useful if you have to service this system years from now.

Haha awsome point, I don't even dare to think of how it would be to disassemble it. But I think I got enough pictures with the 1500-2000 so far. Im just to lacy to sort the bad ones out.

Originally Posted by quizz_kid

good idea with the fiber optics... I think this mod needed something to indicate whats going on inside. complex assembly in tight spaces, I´ve been there TOOOO many times... I feel for you. but wow, it stating to take shape now... can't wait!!

Yeah, I think Ill add some LEDs on the inside aswell but I think a power led is a must.
Assembly in tight spaces is a pain for shure but thats the cost if you want it small

Originally Posted by AnG3L

I will sue you buddy cause I thing I cant stand any more heart attacks from this maximum awesomeness!!!

Okay, id better stop updating then....or?
Seriously...thanks Alex



Thanks you for all the replies guys, and Happy holidays to all of you. Now I think I'll take some well needed rest during christmas and catch up some sleep. Cee ya soon

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by bugeye

Damn ..... I've just got to say something . Not only fibre optics but cool looking fibre optics

I was hoping for this response.. thanks

Originally Posted by KoSoVaR^

I love it !

Thanks mate

Originally Posted by yassarikhan786

You are amazing mate, I want more pics !!!!

Im honored, there will be more pics soon. I have been taking some time of during the holidays but will soon be back on track.

Originally Posted by riekmaharg2

Your cabling work continues to amaze me

Thanks, you got some pretty fine cabling going on yourself

Originally Posted by weatherdown

it took me a good 3.5 hours to read this whole log...

i feel like i've been watching a good tv show that ends in an extremely suspensful way so that you're sitting on the edge of your chair with your mouth hanging open staring at a now blank screen thinking "HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME!!!!" "I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!"

in short, awesome work man. I hope to be able to start a mod someday... just have to not be deployed. This was a very enjoyable last few hours and i've subbed if only to see that suspense filled ending

I really apreciate that you took your time too read the whole log from the start, and timed it aswell I also like your reaction to it but I just have to say that......I like cliff hangers

But I feel kind this year, so I won't hold on to the updates for that much longer....maybe
Seriously, many thanks

Originally Posted by MeddlE

I've been lurking and following this project and am awestruck at the attention to detail and sheer class of the work on display.

I'm also dumbstruck that you were missed off the MOTY shortlist.

Thanks you very much MeddlE for your support.
I was hoping to make it to MOTY, but I thought that finishing it a few days before would be enough. But apparently the cuttof was some weeks before so I wouldnt have made it anyhow.
But that means I've got some more time to fintune the last pieces and maybe pull out a trick our two out of my sleeve.

Originally Posted by murtoz

This.
As much as I don't want the amazingness to stop, I want to see the final glory shots just as badly. Updates plz?

Thanks, you'll get to see the final shots soon. I promise. I've got some of them right here next to me, don't worry. But I'll add a few more things, and since I want to try to keep a line in this log, those final pics will wait untill I have showed the other parts that are left.

Originally Posted by Angel OD

I bet you that like every other swedish person, he's still hung over from new years...

Yep, your spot on. Ill post the next update as soon as I can get out of this bed, shouldn't be that many days left now

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by AnG3L

No words left man. The engineering and the design is ..... unbelievably excellent!!!!

Thanks mate, greate words from a greate modder



Okay, it's time to get back to business.
I've been taking a few weeks of from the project during the hollidays, but now Im starting to get back to normal and it's time to wrap it all up.

Since the case is so cramped as it is already, I didn't have room to stuff full length sata cabels in there. So It's time to make some custom ones. Also, those standard 90° angled connectors are turned the wrong way around from what I need, so that had to be sorted out aswell.

I have seen some DIY sata shortening tutorials on the net before. They used a removable connector that they reatached in the end. I couldn't find any of those around so I decided to give the normal cast connector a try.

Donor Cable


I bent the connector pins, cut the cable to the desired length and resoldered the wires. Have to make shure not to shorten any of the wires before aplying the hotglue.


There was no way I could reuse the original connector housing so I had to make my own using my trusty old black coloured hot glue.




Only one SSD drive, would make the inside of the case look unsymmetrical (not that it will be vissible anyway). And 60GB of storage is a bit small so I went for a stroll and got myself another similar one. Luckely, I already had a matching HD mount.




Don't worry, that white halfcircular sticker will be removed once I've made shure it works.

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Nutman

Excellent!

Thanks

Originally Posted by Waynio

Pure niceness .

Thanks, and yes, pure niceness from you

Originally Posted by quizz_kid

Mmm... Very very clean. Come on now. PUT IT TOGHETER!!

Thanks quizz, easy easy now, im not as fast as you with a new build every second month

Originally Posted by weatherdown

Looking good! Thnx for the update

Hehe thanks for the reply

Originally Posted by bugeye

'Awesome' comment and says it all , wish I'd thought of it . Plus 1

I totally agree on that

Originally Posted by yassarikhan786

Really brilliant .

Thank you

Originally Posted by Shuttlemodder

Really impressed with the sata cable.. I've got to make mine yet.. a whole inch long!
Its nice to see something to go by!!

Thanks.. looking forward to see yours aswell

Originally Posted by peteski

an inspiration as allaways mate. keep up the good work i feel it wont be long now

And nice comments as always peteski, and as you said, it wont be long now

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Cheapskate

and here I am wondering if I can make a sata cable longer. Nicely done.

Thanks mate, Im shure you can do that by simply cutting two cables and joining them on in the middle. And try to keep and reaply the shielding aswell.

Originally Posted by KidMod-Southpaw

Awesome- well done indeed!

Thanks

Originally Posted by DJ101010

Can't believe I just now saw this log! AMAZINGLY AWESOMELY FANTASTICULOUS!!!

Im glad you found and liked it, just in time for the final aswell

Originally Posted by craig - toyoracer

Very nicely done, those molded ones are a pain to work with. The removable housing type are so much easier to work with.

Thanks, yeah I guess so too, but never tried the removable ones. But since the small connector pins are really fragile, they are easily damaged when cutting away the molded housing.

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by Shuttlemodder

The Gnu - do you do paid work?
i've been trying to do the same sata cable for a week now... and i dont seem to be having much luck!

Usually I don't, since I do all my things manually and regarding the time it takes, most things wouldn't be profitable. But this is a pretty small task so send me a PM with what you need and I will see what I can do. I might be able to help you one way or the other

Originally Posted by AnG3L

Sexy sexy sexy!!!!! And precision work on these sata cables like a pro as always my friend!!!!!

Thanks mate, trying my best to keep up with all you other guys here.

Originally Posted by shomann

Sorry I am catching this so late!

Absolutely stunning work on the I/O ports. Easily the best I have ever seen. Looking forward to seeing this masterpiece finished!

Thanks shomann. Im glad you noticed the I/O ports since it was the most timeconsuming and frustrating part of the whole project.

Originally Posted by n1c3tr1

I wish I could buy something that looked this good. I would love to have something like that on my desk and use it for my day to day work.

Thanks, very nice comment of you. Easy day to day work and HTPC without the sound of a jetengine is what It's intended for. But unfortunately, I don't have any for sale at the moment

[The_Gnu]

Originally Posted by wratterus

Just read through the whole log, the attention to detail and quality of the work is just sublime, How I wish I had skill and patience like you. Awesome mod!

Thanks a lot fortaknign time and reading it all and your feedback... but trust me, you don't want my patience, it can be a real burden sometimes.

Originally Posted by Conica

Beautiful casemod, Love the attention to detail

Can't wait to see the final snaps of it

Thank you, nice to hear you like the details

Originally Posted by Furball Zen

Good gawd...is about all i can say.

Hehe thanks