Scratch Build Project Malin *update 2/9*

[shinji2k]

Project Malin

Concept

I ended up with an extra i5 so I decided to do something simple to keep me busy during the winter. mITX seemed the way to go so I picked up some more parts and I was ready to go.





According to the internet, Malin can mean "little strong warrior".

Components

• i5-3570 (non K)
• ASRock H77M-ITX
• 150W PicoPSU
• X-25M 80Gb
• Noctua NH-L9i

[shinji2k]

Pile O' materials



These will be the sides.







Pieces of 1/2" to join everything together.



Sometimes hand tools just work better.

[shinji2k]

These will be countersunk eventually.



Cut the mid-plate.





Time for the bottom. More flat head screws are on the way so ignore the random hardware.





Case feet from an old Lian-Li case.









Cut the top panel. Nice spacers are on the way too, just using washers for now.





Picked up some maple for the front and back.







Threaded inserts for joining everything.







Here's where it sits for now.







I don't have much time during the week so hopefully there will be an update next weekend.

[shinji2k]

Originally Posted by GuardianStorm

Very nice so far, subscribed

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Mankz

Pweety.

Originally Posted by Mosquito

Nice work. Reminds me of the Mini-HTPC I built.

Hopefully it turns out as nice as yours!

Originally Posted by Editor22

What a wonderful start! look forward to seeing the progress

I hope you aren't disappointed.

I've already had a bit of a rethink. I was set on hiding as many screws as possible and made a lot design choices based on that, but then I have four right on top where everyone can see. That top panel is only there to mask the fan intake and cover the screws holding the side rails on so I think I will make another piece but just mount it with magnets.

I was also set on a minimalist, modern look but I've been thinking of adding some small accents. Some art deco-ish alu inserts in the wood may work and/or something on the side rails. It'll still be sleek and simple but I'm hoping to give it some character. I'll play around and see if any of my ideas actually look good outside of my head. Thanks for reading!

[shinji2k]

Originally Posted by exexs

Boner alert

I'm flattered?

Originally Posted by Ream

Cant wait to see the finsihed photos.

Me too

Originally Posted by dream1

Wow ooks good so far

I'd love to show you more but it's way too cold right now to be out in the garage, my little propane heater won't do much.

[shinji2k]

I prefer to have the countersink the same diameter of the screw, but I didn't feel like buying a countersink to fit my 6-32 screws. So I made my own. Grabbed a cheapo from a local hardware store and ground it down to 0.300".



Used it to countersink everything and install the mobo standoffs.









I also went ahead and finished counterboring the screws for the front and back panel.



Time for the cpu intake.







There should be just enough space under the mobo to mount two 2.5" drives. I'll probably only be using the one ssd but there was room for a second, so why not.



Rabbiting bit ready to go. Don't try this at home! I purchased a mini mill for cheap but it's back-ordered so I won't be able to use it for this project. I wish I had it for this.









I ended up redoing the wood pieces. It was really hard to get everything lined up when I installed the threaded inserts. I cut the new ones slightly oversized and will trim them down later.

It started to get late so that's it for now. It'll be pretty warm the next couple days so I hope to get some more done.

[shinji2k]

I squeezed in a little modding today. First up is finishing the hdd mount. Since I prefer to keep all my fingers, I made a jig to route the other side.









I had to order more 1/8" to redo the top and it came in today. I never bothered to show how I made the other panels so I'll walk you through my technique. First, a rough cut with the jigsaw.



Then to true up the edges, a belt sander at a 45 deg angle works wonders. Just move side to side with it and you end up with a nice edge.



I also received my neodymium magnets. I'll wait until I decide on how I finish the aluminum to glue them on to the top panel, but here's how it'll work.





I also trimmed down the new wood pieces.



I still need to do some fine tuning and cut out the I/O panel, but it's starting to come together

Thanks for reading!

[shinji2k]

Originally Posted by Laine

This design is so beautiful. It's simple yet so stylish and unique. Really loved the recessed rear panel.

I'm glad you like it! Hopefully I can get the rear panel finished ths weekend.

Originally Posted by haggisathome

cant say any better than that , nice work .

Thanks! I don't know if I can handle all this praise.

[shinji2k]

I had a bit of time so I finally got around to installing the Noctua. I've been using the computer for a while without a case so the stock cooler was already installed.

I've been trying desperately to take better pictures with my cheap point and shoot.









Isn't it cute?





I've taken worse pictures I guess. Unfortunately, I'm going to need some slightly taller mobo spacers. I never had a set idea for the hdd mount and it ended up a little taller than I originally planned for. But that's fine since then the cpu fan will sit right up against the top panel and it'll be able to draw in cool air through the top slot without any problems. I'll have to figure something out temporarily so I can start on the i/o panel.

[shinji2k]

Originally Posted by that_du^de

very nice work! what sise psu are you going to use?

I have a 150W picoPSU I am going to use. I probably could have gotten away with the 120W but I'd rather have that little bit extra just in case.

[shinji2k]

I was finally able to dedicate some more time to modding.

First I cut the opening on the rear wood panel, but I managed to not take any pictures. You'll see it later anyway.

Then I started on the i/o panel.





That scroll saw is a cheap POS but it's a lot better than using a coping saw.



After a serious filing session I ended up with this.



And more threaded inserts.











Crap, totally forgot about the power jack. There are also a few places that need tweaking on the i/o panel. That'll just have to wait until next time.