Case Mod - In Progress Project: Hutch (Qmicra v2) The reservoir v.2! Aug 16

I like the simplicity. I’m gathering ideas for a future micro-ATX build. A dual cooling loop will be a must to support a Core i7 and two video cards.

This might be the case platform I’ve been looking for.

 

Yeah, it is a nice case. Very functional, but a bit minimalistic. Of course, I like it because it is easily modded.

 

Finally, after a few delays, and a much busier than anticipated summer, I've got the case cover finished. It just needs a little finish sanding, and it's ready for primer and paint.

Here I've got the mesh marked out and ready for cutting. I always mark my cut lines with masking tape. It makes it much easier to see during cutting. It also makes it pretty easy to file straight after the cutting is done. I just file right up to the edge of the tape, pull it off, and then sand the edges.



After a little JB Weld, the mesh is in place.



Let's get it on the case!





With the case cover done, I'm moving on to the PSU extension...

 

Love that case, great shape. More superb mesh work Craig, can't wait to see the PSU extension.

 

Thanks man! How's this for a quick update?

Of all the things I really like about the Qmicra case, there is one thing I don't... If you want to use a higher wattage power supply, you are limited to around 18 cm in length. Unfortunately, at that length, you run the risk of interference with any optical devices put in the bays. Well, that's exactly what has happened here. One quick fix would be to drop the drive to the lowest bay, but it's not an option I have with the radiator placed where it is. So, the decision was made to add an extension to the case.

Here is a quick idea of where the extension will be placed.



After a little bit of filing, I clamped the extension in place, and drilled the holes.





Once drilled, it will be held in place with socket cap screws.



With the extension done, I'll be moving on to the fan controller. Stay tuned!

 

Nice PSU extender, Lian Li?

 

It's actually left over from the Rogue. NZXT supplied a bunch of little goodies with the case that I didn't have a chance to use in the build.

 

Despite the delay in updating this log, work has been slow but continually progressing for this project. This is the first of many small updates that I've got backlogged, and will get posted as time allows.

After the last update, I began working on finishing the fan controller. Hutch wanted something simple, and out of the way. He prefers a clean look, and putting the the controller on the front of the case, wasn't something he was interested in. So, I looked for alternatives. One of the best places I found, was on the rear of the case. Being placed in the upper and side location like it is, still leaves it fairly accessible when needed. With the holes drilled, it was just a matter of finding an easy way to mount the controller.

Two more holes, and I was able to fasten the controller to the case with a pair of socket cap bolts. It really couldn't have been a much simpler solution...







Up next... pump mounting!

 

Finally an update! And it's a nice one as well, keep up the good work!

 

Sweet, Craig! Awesome work as usual. Looks like a Scythe unit based on the frame and control board.

 

Lol, thanks!

Thanks Jeremy! It is indeed a Scythe unit. Nice, simple, and effective.

 

Finally an update lol Can't wait to see how hutch turns out.

 

Nice mounting mate.

 

Lol, it has been a while, hasn't it?

Thanks mate!

 

Very nice construction and planning.

Looking forward to future developments.

BenJ

 

Thank you! It's appreciated.

 

Believe it or not, finding a location to mount the pump, was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make. I tried multiple locations, but none of them really felt right. It didn't help that the pump location was entirely dependent on where I was going to mount the hard drives. In fact, one of the biggest requirements for modding this case, was that I have room to hold four 3.5" hard drives. While that alone left me several options, not all of them were ideal. I had to be aware of airflow, ease of access, and aesthetics. Much thought was put in to a workable solution, and I'm happy to say that I've found one.

So, where does that leave the pump? Well, this case will only have one optical drive. That left the lower two drive bays empty. This provided the perfect spot to place a pump. In this location it will make for clean routing of the tubing, and thanks to a planned shroud over the center section of the case, invisible as well.

Here is the planned pump mounting location.



Next, I needed to slightly modify the existing slots to match the mounting holes.



All bolted up!



With the mount in place, it's obvious that I need to do a little more modification to provide clearance for the Bitspower fitting.



A little quick work with the dremel.



All mounted!



Up next, the hard drive mounts...

 

Looking pro! I also have a Qmicra2 and have noticed that even with the design incorporating a full radiator and all the pump was something that isnt really easy to place well without a lot of tricky plumbing. I am digging your solution though Compact and out of the way

 

Still doing ten pounds in a five pound box and doing it very well indeed

I watch

john

 

Pump mount integrates perfectly .