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Scratch Build – In Progress CUBO (FINAL PHOTOS page 6)

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by Gtek, 12 Oct 2010.

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  1. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Hi everyone,

    CUBO is my fourth scratch build project and this time I decided for mini-ITX from factor, and for a couple of reasons. First of all it should complete my moddig journey from mega to mini. My frist project was massive 3 in 1 PC fully watercooled, with tons of lights in it project 3, the second was a more standard single ATX form factor pc project ULTRA and than a air cooled microATX system, project BETA which is still under construction. So now its time for even a smaller one...

    Then it comes to design I sticked to simplicity. It will be very small case, with dimensions just 20x20x21cm so I wanted to keep it simple but nice, not too complicated. Some might even say that it will be boring, but... Anyway, I also didn't want it to be very underpowered, even if it's always a challenge with this form factor, but I will try to squeeze following stuff inside. 350Watt microATX PSU, slot loading DVD writer, socket 1156 motherboard something like gigabyte GA-H35N, 2x2GB RAM, full size video card with the length up to 17cm probably ATI HD5670 and a standard HDD/SSD. And also a couple of 80mm fans to get the hot air out.

    I chose aluminium as a primary building material and some prespex for one of the walls.


    3mm dark tint prespex, which will still allow to see what's inside, but just...

    [​IMG][/IMG]

    some 1.5mm aluminium sheets to start with

    [​IMG][/IMG]

    and a couple of quick sketchup pics for rough idea of the shape

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    hope you will like it :)
     
    Last edited: 9 Nov 2010
    Gtek, 12 Oct 2010
    #1
  2. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    First update, and first part coming from under my hand saw, drill and files. Still needs a few holes...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Gtek, 13 Oct 2010
    #2
  3. jrs77

    jrs77 Modder

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    Ah you gotta love those little miniITX cubes :blush:

    I wait for next year and the release of the new Fusion-APUs from AMD before I'll decide on building something small, but powerful. The currently available onboard-GPUs are not powerful enough for my taste and dedicated GFX-cards makes the cases still too big for my taste.

    Looking forward to the result of the Power and Reset-switches you've planned there.
     
    jrs77, 13 Oct 2010
    #3
  4. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Yeah, I like them, I accually build this one for my self :)

    Well I was thinking about killing the reset switch and leaving just a power button, but I'm not sure yet...
     
    Gtek, 13 Oct 2010
    #4
  5. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Looks like I'm in a right working mood today. Just finished motherboard tray. It's tiny, just 19x19cm.


    [​IMG]
     
    Gtek, 13 Oct 2010
    #5
  6. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Another quick update.
    Mobo tray and some more part together... bottom of the larger part of the case and joining/supporting parts.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Gtek, 14 Oct 2010
    #6
  7. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Another update with more pics.

    I made the bottom of the main compartment of the case and used epoxy to joint it to mobo tray. As you can see I'm using 2 methods for joining parts in this project. Where I don't want any screws to be seen I use epoxy and for "hidden" joins and where extra strength is needed I'm using M3 countersink screw and nuts (+epoxy in some cases). Both methods are applied trough the joining parts which allows me to use thinner materials in my build.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Gtek, 15 Oct 2010
    #7
  8. jrs77

    jrs77 Modder

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    Ah, I don't know about the glueing tbh. I had some joints made with Araldite failing on me allready.

    Riveting or screwing is definately the way to go imho.
     
    jrs77, 15 Oct 2010
    #8
  9. Alexandros

    Alexandros What's a Dremel?

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    I like the motherboard tray design :D! Also love the fact that you're using my DFI mobo design ;)
     
    Alexandros, 16 Oct 2010
    #9
  10. Paradox42

    Paradox42 What's a Dremel?

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    Wow, seeing lots of these miniITX projects floating around these days. (which is a good thing!) Keep up the progress, im a big fan of your project Ultra
     
    Paradox42, 17 Oct 2010
    #10
  11. The boy 4rm oz

    The boy 4rm oz Project: Elegant-Li

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    Nice start. I really like the design, very unique and simple in appearance. It should looks great when completed.
     
    The boy 4rm oz, 17 Oct 2010
    #11
  12. stonedsurd

    stonedsurd Is a cackling Yuletide Belgian

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    Nice job. Always good to see mITX scratch builds :)
     
    stonedsurd, 17 Oct 2010
    #12
  13. Dark~3nergy

    Dark~3nergy what was dat sandvich ?

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    :eeek: this is awesome !
    awesome metal working skills there !
     
    Dark~3nergy, 17 Oct 2010
    #13
  14. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Yes, I was sceptic about glueing before as well. But take Ultra, no screw or rivets at all... it really works mate...

    :D Thanks x2

    Yeah, I just had to build one :) Thanx. And I'm going to rebuild Ultra btw :thumb:

    Yes, thank you! I hope it will look good.

    Thanx mate!

    Oh thank you. I'm always jealous when I'm watching others metal working skills.
     
    Gtek, 17 Oct 2010
    #14
  15. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Chassis is coming together. There is just last bit missing. The main compartment back wall. It is the first part I made so it just needs a few holes drilled, a couple of other tweaks and it will be ready to join the chassis. all the surfaces are sanded down and ready for primer as well.


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    (I will need to do something about the photos as they become very blurry after I upload them :grr:)
     
    Gtek, 17 Oct 2010
    #15
  16. skullen

    skullen Minimodder

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    Nice one Gtek,looking good :thumb:
     
    skullen, 17 Oct 2010
    #16
  17. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Thank you skullen!
     
    Gtek, 19 Oct 2010
    #17
  18. andy_mcp1

    andy_mcp1 I may have an I.D-10T error...

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    Case is shaping nicely! Simple is often best, Ultra looked very sleek with it's clean lines! Have to admit i am always a litte envious seeing such clean builds, my material always seems to look a little tatty till the 11hour when it gets masked in paint. Top notch metal work :thumb:.

    What brand/type of epoxy are you using?

    Will be keeping an eye on this one.
     
    andy_mcp1, 19 Oct 2010
    #18
  19. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    Hi andy, yeah it paint will fix things a lot :)

    I'm using Unibond repair power epoxy as a temporary replacement for my beloved Liquid Metal :rock:
    But it works fine, just now...
     
    Gtek, 19 Oct 2010
    #19
  20. Gtek

    Gtek Doesn't raise the bar; he IS the bar.

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    I just love to make these small parts :D

    [​IMG]
     
    Gtek, 19 Oct 2010
    #20
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