Finally! Finally, I am making a small mod. It will not be larger than 30x30x30 cm and can be moves with only one hand. But lets start from the beginning. The basis of the mod will be the case/server called Datamate. Ist a wooden case that will soon be have its own kickstarter. But I was lucky enough to get my hands on it in advance. So this is how the original case looks like: First I made a 3D model of my design ideas. The mod will be places in the Borderlands universe and should look like an old power cell or data core.
After seeing many "big" and awesome projects, is good to see finally a small one Looks good! Subscribed.
Because the original case is to small, I cut new side pannels. To keep the original design, I cut vent holes in one side panel. Then the bottom plate was cut. I already include the hole for the fan for the radiator. After all 4 basic panels were cut, I glued them together and fixed it with screws.
Next, I removed the original cover from the case. It was just glued in, so I removed it just but heatin it up. For the cover, I cut a hole and fit it in. Then, I glued the wood for the front into place. After everything was set, I made a short test fit for the watertank. I built a cover for the backside and inserted a hole for acrylic glass. I covered all edges with body filler. After everything was sanded down, I applied multiple layers of spray filler.
Next, I cut small squares from HDF and glued them to the edges for more details. For the backside, I did an imitation of a punched sheet also made from HDF. Then everything was primed in black. After drying I dabbed on some silver color on the edges and some random spots.
To create a chipped effect, I applied liquide latex on some spots. Then I covered everything with yellow. I also added the typical white stripes from Hyperion and the chamber symbol. After all was dry, I removed the liquid latex to get the chipped effect. For the inside, I removed the uneccesarry parts from the mobo tray and added three angles. For the LEDs, I soldered a little board includind all the resistors. Most of the cable management was placed on the side cause of the lack of space in the inside.
Now thew last update before the final pictures I 3d printed a small griup to make the cover to be removed more easy. Also the feet were 3D printed. For more details on the outside, I attached some fill ports. But before I needed to cut them to the right lenght. On the bottom side, I installed some LED stripes for the illumination. As a last step, I changed the black water block to a transparent one and installed the tubing in the inside.
Looks awesome so far! It does hurt my soul a little when I see ICH dies without heat spreaders on them. I can't do it to myself.
Mod is finished and here are some final pictures. Also made a short video that shows more of the making process.
