Scratch Build Combine Ceiling Turret

[Mindphaser]

Hi everyone.
I am an entry-level modder from Ukraine.
This is my second modding project, the first one http://forum.coolermaster.com/viewto...p?f=49&t=14808.

I have no sponsors, so project budget is limited and hardware is not state-of-the-art.

Here is the hardware list
CASE: full custom
PSU: Flex-ATX Seasonic SS-250SU
MB: Gigabyte H55N-USB3
CPU: Intel i3-550
CPU cooler: Intel box (fan replaced)
MEM: Hynix DDR3 2x2G 1333MHz CL9
GPU: Asus HD7750 512Mb GDDR5
HDD: SATA 160Gb Samsung SpinPoint F1 8Mb
DVD: DVD-RW SATA Sony Nec Optiarc AD-7690H (slim slot-in).

Concept.

If you ever play Half Life 2, you have to remember Alliance turrets, including Combine Ceiling Turret:


So I’ve plane to make the case not in the style of the game but highest possible close to original source.

Also inspiration objects photos:






Layout

2D layout:


3D layout:


Here are the initial set of materials


So, the frame made from aluminum angle bars, side panels - glass-fibre plastic, and the rest during the process.

Getting started.

Install the CPU cooler – its height is not very pleased. Have to replace the fan by low-profile one.


To initiate the process make a power supply unit angular mounts:


Adjust the attachment holes and fan cut-out:


Time to handle a framework. The problem is that the case almost have no right angles, all surfaces are sloped - will have some fun.

[jhanlon303]

Interesting.

I watch.

john

[dirky90]

haha, this is going to be so good!! amazing concept drawings!! and you cant beat half life!!
if you are struggling for space you could drop to a 2.5??

rob

[Mankz]

Very much liking the idea of this.

[Mindphaser]

Originally Posted by dirky90

haha, this is going to be so good!! amazing concept drawings!! and you cant beat half life!!
if you are struggling for space you could drop to a 2.5??

rob

It's no sense to replace the 3'5" HDD to 2'5" one. In that place enough space in all dimensions. Anyway thanks for comment

[Waynio]

Interesting your other project looked crazy, good crazy.

[Mindphaser]

Originally Posted by Waynio

Interesting your other project looked crazy, good crazy.

Yeah, really?
I think that every techno geek should have a cyber monster like this

[Mindphaser]

Let's continue.
The pair of rear frame’s profiles:




Manual bending:


Angle revision:


Forming the rear side of the frame:


HDD mountings treatment:


Mid frame profiles cutting:


Trying on the motherboard:






Rear panel cutouts:


Have to make cutouts for memory modules too:


Frame assembly.

[dirky90]

wow, it looks so good so far!! I cant wait to see how this turns out. keep up the good work!!

[Samrobmoe]

This is looking truly EPIC, I literally cannot wait to see this finished in all it's combine-y glory

[Mindphaser]

dirky90, Samrobmoe Thanks guys, you will not be disappointed

[Waynio]

This is shaping up absolutely awesome mate, sweet bar work.

[SuicideNeil]

[Mindphaser]

The frame is almost ready, can place the hardware.
Installing PSU:


PSU cable assembly:


Here is the secret ingredient - furniture hinge.


“What for?” you can ask.
The fact that the lid will be a separate structure that is rotated forward relative to the frame.
Lid close position:


Lid open position:


So, a furniture hinge serves as a pivot joint.

A video card housing will slide back through the guide:


The conclusion on the results of fitting the power supply - there is a problem with wires.
In the sense of wires packing in a tight inner place.


P.S.: I almost forgot to say - no machinery tools used, except screwdriver. All works done by hand tools.

[Waynio]

Originally Posted by Mindphaser

P.S.: I almost forgot to say - no machinery tools used, except screwdriver. All works done by hand tools.

A whole lot can be done with hacksaw & files & some random bits from a DIY shop very nice work mate.

I would only get a manual drill if I wanted to do a blackout mod though, a mod without the aid of electricity, nice bragging rights come with that I think.


Edit: powerdrill still nice though & repped earlier.

[Bindibadgi]

Anyone else getting dead pics?

[Waynio]

Originally Posted by Bindibadgi

Anyone else getting dead pics?

Don't know but I can see them.

[jhanlon303]

Pics work for me

john

[Mindphaser]

The next assembly. Now the PSU fixed.
Graphics card and cooling system added for the sake of completeness:

[kinghong1970]

lol!

cabinet hinges, aluminum, computer and modding!

LOVE IT!