Scratch Build – In Progress ATX Cube Case (26 Aug 07 - Completed! But not entirely...)

here's the intel spec on the AC97 header and pinout.
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-015851.htm
p.s. I've noticed a discrepancy between the intel and every other spec on the labeling of pins 4&7 (namely being reversed) so I'd test those before soldering to them.

The problem I've noticed with most front bay panels is that the audio patches from the back of the PC. Transitioning the mic shouldn't be a issue; but the speaker/phone may cause some issues, because the connectors usually have an internal switch to disable the rear ports when the front ports are connected (that's why there are return pins)

BTW; the pinout for the TRS audio connectors is: Tip=Left/mic-signal, Ring=Right/mic-bias, and Shield=Ground

 

Please invest in some SATA optical drives, IDE looks poor Also, if you weren't in SA I'd send you some 90 degree SATA cables to make it all more flush.

 

SATA Optical drives are quite expensive still. Maybe in the future I will get some, but not at the moment. Yeah, we dont have 90 degree SATA cables in SA yet. Maybe ,when I do another order from performance-pcs I'll get some.

 

They're the same price as IDE over here

Those front panel audio connectors: there's two types, one for AC97 and the other for HD Audio. It only supplies mic and headphones.

 

you could also get some IDE>SATA adapters on ebay. They cost only a few bucks with shipping included and work well.

 

Thanx guys. My audio is HD audio,front and back. I only need the front audio for headphones, but would like the mic hole to work as well just for in case I decide to sing a song or something

I got a few other replies on another forum. This is what I got:


Red on vizo = power. Yellow on superman = power



Okay, here the problems:

On Douglash's design I block off the ground cable, is that correct? and on
Samaya's design, I need an extra cable as the body from the green line out jack needs to go to Ret_R and Ret_L. Is this correct? I was told I canjust split the cable and use 2 pins, also the left and right on the line out jack must be swopped.

Okay, so which design should I use now?

 

For the headphones: neither; (assuming AC97 header on the MB; if Azalia, then it's a whole different ball game) the internal connectors for the phones is actually 5-pin (Gnd, Out L/R, and return L/R) while the connector to the front port is only 3-pin (Gnd and Out L/R). You could jump the out and return lines together; but then plugging in the front audio wouldn't disable the rear audio.

For the mic; just connect a check with a multimeter which color leads goes to which connector, Tip=mic signal, Ring=mic bias (power), and Shield=Ground

 

very impressive mod, cant wait to see this finished.

 

WOW, That is Great work! I love that bay, It's very good idea to do what you doing now, But sorry I can't help you Because I don't have a clue about how to do that, . Well done any ways and waiting your update. Good luck

 

Update time!!

Okay, so this weekend I did it all....well, almost...

First, I soldered the front leds and wired the buttons.



Then I installed the Zalman fan controller and the Vizo control panel. Just look at all the cables!!









I also did the front panel:



Oh man! That one was a B to do. So much sanding and fitting and sanding and fitting, but in the end, it was worth it.

For some reason, my dvd rom was a tad thinner than the Vizo and the fan controller, so I smoothed a piece of plexi and slotted in between the drive and the Vizo:



Okay, front panel done and looking awesome!!



Then I was left with the cables. I totally need to buy myself a cable tidying kit somewhere. Guys, where would I find one?? I tried my best to tidy it up, but I really need to get some cable ties and those little squares you use to attach the cable ties to the case.

Okay, so the entire outside is complete now:











And with the power on:





From the top:



Case feet:





Really sorry about the very bad quality pics when the interior case lights are on. For some reason my camera really sucks at taking pics of bright objects. I will try and take better ones and upload them.

So, the case looks complete, but I still need to add a few more finishing touches, especially on the inside.

The cables really dont look that bad, but I am still gonna try and hide all the small cables. Then, the front panel audio... i can not get it to work. I tried connecting it the way Samaya AND douglash said, but for some reason it did not work. So, its either I connected it wrong to the mobo or something else. So I am still gonna fix that. Also, I need to put in a few screws at the back of the mobo plate to attach it to the pexi properly.

I am seriously very very happy how the case turned out. The photos really dont do this baby justice!! It looks amazing! The plexi looks awesome! Thank you again Dae Ja Voo!!

Oh, and for those that were wondering, she is absolutely quiet! Really guys, I cant believe how quiet these coolermaster fans are, you can barely hear the computer is on!

And the final weight for this baby: 16.8 kgs. Not too bad hey.

 

nice work man, it looks great

 

Thanx man

 

great update!


performance pc's has wire sleeving kits, and im sure you could find a tutorial somewhere like the mod nation or something

 

Thanx Teyber, will check them out.

 

I _really_ like how this turned out man! Looks really sleek, especially with the lights off.

I can tell you're especially happy with the final product, and thats all that matters

 

Even with poor pics, that looks GREAT! Can't wait for better photos.

 

Ok, I'm not usually one to admire a lit up case, no offence to others, just not my personal taste, but that looks really nice lit up, good job.

 

Looking excellent! Came out quite nice, although I wish as you do the lit pictures came out better. No doubt it's most impressive in person. Here's a link to Performance-PCs' clip and tie section. I have dealt with them quite often for items I've needed.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=80

 

Thanx a lot dude. Yeah! I am totally happy with the case. I still cant believe this is my case and I built it myself

Thanx Dacust! I will try and get better pics done asap - promise!!

Thanx dude. Yeah, the case really comes alive when lit up. It really does look awesome.

Thanx mate I really do need to get some better pics up for you guys to see it in all her glory. Thanx for the link. I also deal with them and they are totally excellent!

 

Sorry guys! I just wanna show off a bit more

A few more pics: