Case Mod - In Progress Project Aurora (New Direction 20 Feb)

How about mounting an ATX PSU out side the case? (I'v done it to a friend's Shuttle). Since you'r already modding, you may want to consider this. Yes, it would be quite a lot of work to make it look good and extending cables, but imo, it's well worth it).

 

Will pull a 400w psu i have apart and see how much I can condense it down... Might be the only option being external, but the case is big enough as is without an extra bit on the outside :/

 

Does anyone know a company that supplies 1u PSU's over 350w and will ship to NZ? Or does anyone have one they want to sell to me?

 

FSP has 350W 1U power supplies. Scour eBay and the FSP/Sparkle website.

 

yeah found a few on newegg but they don't ship to NZ!
hmm

 

I'm sure you could find them on eBay and convince the seller to ship overseas?

IO left my 1U at univ, so no chance of me being able to send it off :/

 

ah poop!
I might figure out a way of shrinking the height of a normal atx psu... actually I think i know where a shorter one may fit!

if i cut out this cage:

a shorter psu may fit! woo

 

ahh dude i love how those dell cases open! hmm maybe i should think of how to mod mine! will definitely watch this one!

 

The section behind that drive cage (where the old usb ports and power button used to be) is almost the perfect size for an 80mm fan. score!

 

Do you really need a 5.75( or 5.25, can't remember lol) external drive? You may be able to take apart a ATX PSU and make your own cover for it and stick it there. Be warned: this is risky.

 

5.25.. Yeah I do unfortunately, Backups and watching dvd's. I will have to take apart an ATX psu anyway but it will probably be in the position noted. I'm going to have to invest in a good pair or rubber gloves i guess!

 

Ok... keeping Aurora Mark1 for my main rig. Going to modify it soon - better quality work!\

The new case will be an HTPC/Home Server. Now to find a Low power cpu/Mobo combo. For cheap! looking at one of these: http://ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=384988

 

Is that a dual core atom?

 

yeah. Or I may have found a cheap mobo from a later model optiplex that supports skt 478. I have a spare 2.6ghz Pentium HT around so maybe that's the better option. Still going to need a pci video card whichever route I take. Hmmmmmm

 

Wow... I won a prize on Thermaltake's New Year's Sweepstake...
one of these:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1348&ID=1642
wonder how i can add this to the design..hmm

 

Searched all thru NZ e-stores and trademe.co.nz and the Thermaltake BlacX isn't even available in New Zealand! score!

 

Update: Placing another order through MNPCTech for more supplies! Also managed to score a sheet of 4mm? 300mmx2000mm clear Polycarb from work for next to nothing! HDD racks and structural components here I come!
Buying from MNPCTech:
PC Cable Sleeving Kit color: Black
2x120 Slotted Rad Grill color: Black
M4 Thread x 30mm Length Stainless Socket Screw (Set of 4) color: Black Anodized X2



Plans:
Ditching the top and front panels
Maybe going for a top similar to cre8serv, my design from the MNPCTech design contest v1!

Sourcing a 240 Rad, some blocks and a res. Yes, folks, I'm going to get my feet wet!

 

I love the current side profile of the top and the front. It would be a shame if you got rid of it. Maybe you could use the fabulous black plates from the bottom part of your design case instead?

 

no access to cnc! which sucks as i would love it that way

 

Just been practicing acryl bending on some scrap. need a more efficient tool than a cigarette lighter though (works fine for skinnier pieces)