This Case Mod was done by bit-tech's MOTM Sponser, Mnpctech! Customize your PC or window with custom Stickers from Mnpctech HERE Read the Digital Version of CPU Magazine http://www.computerpoweruser.com/DigitalEditions/Default.aspx MSI will be using this PC for demonstrating their new Big-Bang Fuzion Motherboard at trade shows this year. My canvas will be NZXT Adamas aluminum mid-tower case. Currently at Newegg for $169.99 Motherboard Compatibility ATX, Micro-ATX External 5.25" Drive Bays 4 External 3.5" Drive Bays 1 Internal 3.5" Drive Bays 5 Expansion Slots 7 Front Ports 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE1394 Ac'97 and Intel HD audio support for 5.1 and 7.1 audio Dimensions (L x W x H) 19.29" x 7.48" x 17.13" Extra reinforced structure using welding technology 3mm top and bottom aluminum frame 2mm aluminum construction Patented screw-less side and front panel removal mechanism four included 120 mm ultra silent fans Before we get to moddin this case, let's take a brief tour. If you hate flimsy cases, you'll like the Adamas, it's 100% aluminum mid-tower is remarkably sturdy. NZXT incorporated a lot of extruded aluminum into it's design. The bottom and top panels are extruded aluminum that look very stylish. The structure of the case except for the bezel and side panels is entirely welded together. NZXT includes 4x 120mm NZXT factory fans pre-installed in the Adamas. 1x front intake. 1x rear exhaust. 2x access panel. The exterior finish is Matte Black powdercoat. Extruded aluminum top panel is stylish. It's welded onto the chassis. Front Ports 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE1394. Ac'97 and Intel HD audio support for 5.1 and 7.1 audio NZXT At the top we have four 5.25" drive bays, with the top bay being used as a stealth drive cover for your optical drive The chassis frame consists of "L" shaped aluminum that is welded and powder coated Black. I will be removing the HD cage to accommodate larger video cards The Adamas has been on the market since Oct 2006, back when video cards were much shorter. Both side panels have unique spring loaded release latches. These work really nicely for quick access. The case feet are threaded into the chassis and incorporate Black rubber on the bottom. The quick-release bezel is slick. The intake grill is made from extruded aluminum. It can be removed as well. After "quickly" removing the bezel, you can access the front filter. To help dampen vibration, NZXT inserted rubber strips into the 5.25 optical drive bay slots. I like seeing the switches and led lights fastened into the bezel and not glued! The floor of the extruded aluminum optical bay slides out after removing 2, screws. The first step in creating my FUZION theme PC is giving the Adamas a new exterior. Both side panels will show MSI's logo graphic of the exploded fragments. This design will be made 3D, by milling it into new panels that will start from 1/4" thick aluminum. The right side edges of the exploded fragment will be slotted openings, so they can be illuminated from behind. This will create a shadow-like effect onto the design. Intel Core i5 750 / 2.66 GHz processor MSI BIG-BANG FUZION Motherboard MSI's N465 Geforce GTX Twin Frozr II MSI R5770 HAWK, ATI Radeon GPU OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX120G 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) PSU (tba) Intel Core i5 750 / 2.66 GHz processor 8GB of OCZ's Triple channel "Blade" 1600 series OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX120G 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MSI BIG-BANG FUZION Motherboard MSI's N465 Geforce GTX Twin Frozr II pictured alongside their ATI R5770 HAWK Radeon The Corsair H50 "Hydro" cpu cooler showed up. It includes brackets for these sockets, LGA775, LGA1366, LGA1156, AM2/AM3. For the Adamas cramped space, this self contained water cooler should be a great solution. It includes a support bracket that must be installed on the backside of your Motherboard first. It includes brackets for these sockets, LGA775, LGA1366, LGA1156, AM2/AM3. 3/16" thick custom bezel. Update 5/26/10 Corsair's H50 cpu cooler isn't escaping modification either... so how about a Billet cap?... I also painted the frame of the radiator Aluminum Silver... I'll be painting the cylindrical housing as well.. I'm pondering ideas for covering the Black hoses.. I'm modifying this 140mm billet fan grill to fit the Corsair PSU, the frame overlaps it by 1/4" Re-installed the painted 5.25 bay sides [/quote] bill, do you happen to know what color the led's are on the front bezel? i was wondering if it was possible to change them to blue ? 8" Blue cold cathode lights from PPCs Enermax Apollish Twister 120mm Blue Fan Most Computer Chassis will accept 1/8” diameter Pop rivets, Gripe range .092" - .125" for Computers. http://www.mnpctech.com/Pop_rivets_for_computer_case.html I used Mother's brand BILLET Polish and 1000 grit wet/dry automotive sandpaper and a terry cloth towel. Ignore all of the grime surrounding the logo, I'm re-painting both of the side panels with another Aluminum Silver Enamel paint. Outdoors Luckily I bought the Chrome version of the loom as well. It's much more durable than the Anodized Blue... I'm using it instead. 8/12/10: Getting closer to finishing it. Just waiting for the replacement GPU and lighting. This is the customized Zalman fan controller and installation. I typically set the fan speeds once, and leave it alone. If your SATA cable doesn't have a latch, useScotch 4010 tape for added assurance Quiet 120mm Yate Loon, Blue LED Cooling Fans Updated 8/20/10 I installed the Blue Cold cathodes on front of the chassis to illuminate front bezel today. ' Updated 8/26/10 Heat shrinked the ends of the loom. I'm redoing the cables with supplies on hand... Here is everything powered with the Interior lighting Some final photos of FUZION. Unfortunately I couldn't stay late and take night shots, but in direct light, the Blue back lighting is still very bright. Here are some of the products from Mnpctech used for this PC build project. Most Computer Chassis will accept 1/8” diameter Pop rivets, Gripe range .092" - .125" for Computers. http://www.mnpctech.com/Pop_rivets_for_computer_case.html 120mm Black Honeycomb Grills, http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Custom_FanGrill.html Socket head stainless steel screws used for the fan grills. http://www.mnpctech.com/M4_radiator_grill_screws.html BILLET MACHINED ALUMINUM "Diamond Knurl" CASE FEET http://www.mnpctech.com/Aluminum_Computer_Case_Feet.html
here we go again, another beautiful mod coming from the experts... I hope the fusion between ati and nvidia works well... will be keeping my eyes open for this one
As you mentioned Bill, this case has been out for 4 years, and it's a great case. Too bad it hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. Granted, it does need to be modded to fit longer cards now, but it's still an excellent foundation.
Air, other than cooling the cpu with the H50 ....I didn't have any influence on what hardware and cooling was sent to me. MSI sent their own goodies for obvious reasons. craigbru nailed it. This case has been under the community's radar a long time. I chose the Adamas to hopefully bring it more attention. I won't tell you it's the easiest case to mod, I underestimated how I would customize the welded top and bottom "extruded alum" panels. You're not given a lot of options for removing and replacing them. However, they're unique looking, so I'm leaning toward leaving the top and bottom panels "as-is" The stock bezel is just a simple flat plate to replace, so it really opens your mind to conjure up fun ideas. I designed a new one with bigger intake, or course. They should only need one optical drive, so that left a nice amount of space to add the fractal design to the front as well. ...and the NEW bezel is purty.. "Mmmm ..bare naked billet" ...but don't get too attached to seeing it this way. I'm still debating about my ideas for the final finish. Right side panel.
Top notch work as always, man that front bezel looks amazing. Will be interesting to see what kind of performance the 260+5770 will have.