Scratch Build – In Progress ::2in1:: Custom Aluminium/Plexi Dual PC Case Update #6

how are you gonna go about replacing a face?! hehe

I'm impressed, nice to see something original rather than the standard paint, window and fan job. I love your server case too, and im glad to see i'm not the only mp3 freak (154gb)

 

This looks so awesome so far. If only I could think up things so original.

 

Well I started work on the mounting for the two optical drives...but I think I may go a different route now as I think it's gonna look a bit too fussy. Here's what I did anyway...















What I was planning was to stealth the two drives using the two small blanks and then insert them into the large hole with perspex behind which would be glowing.

But as I said it all looked a bit too much...I'm not really a fan of stealthing anyway...I like to see wht I've spent my money on.

Cheers, CC

 

New Bits

I also got some bits'n'bobs in the post.


First up we have a second 400w silent Zalman PSU along with another Zalman silent CPU HSF plus two nexus fan controllers.


The Nexus fan controllers have built-in dual CC inverters plus two blue cathodes.


Really rather neat.


Next up a box of finishing of bits.


We have a couple of 120mm red LED fans and a single 80mm version. Some blowhole trim and some window molding plus some short single device IDE cables and some cable sleeving stuff which is UV reactive.

Now for some more moddin....

Cheers, CC

 

Very nice cutting. Good call on the plexi, it might not be the best with the sort of industrial look, which by the way I am becoming very fond of.

 

Update #5 :: Mounting the VFD and Fan Controller

Just to be a bit different I decided to mount the two fan controllers vertically. This will also make it easier to see that one is for each machine.



So with it marked out...



the holes got cut out using a 20mm holesaw and a 13mm drill bit. Then some filling and all was looking sweet.



Next I started work on the two brackets which would hold the fan controllers in place. Firstly I cut a blank the correct size and marked a line where I wanted the bend to be. Then I clamped the piece in my vice using a couple of off-cuts of the metal tubing to extend it's grip.



Then, using the hammer and the large piece of wood, I began to bend the metal slowly...working evenly along it's length.



Nearly there....



All done



Two brackets, one for each side.



Then using the same method....



I made a mounting for one of the VFDs to be installed.

More to come later...

Cheers, CC

 

Update #6 :: Progress Update

A small update of how things are looking right now.



This is the overall look at the moment. You can see that I've mounted the two fan controllers on the sloping section. I stall have to decide what to do with the rest of the space. I have a largish VFD to go there but that will still leave some space.



I have also got the two optical drives installed. Hopefully there will be a blue glow around the edge of the cutout but I have not tried that out yet.



I also fitted the front fan. I decided to mount it directly to the front panel instead of using the plexi mount as it helps keep the perpsex panel in the front secure.



Here's a close up of the mounting bracket for one of the fan controllers.



And a dodgy picture showing the VFD mounting in place.



Here's two of the hard drives mounted. I have put them right in front on the intake fan to keep them nice'n'cool.



The other PSU has been installed. It is the same 400w Zalman as the other PSU.



Also, the two rear fans have been installed...



Along with the Zalman HSF for the top PC...



Which is very large indeed.



Finally a shot in the dark showing the two fan controllers in all their glowing glory.

Cheers, CC

 

I love it!!!!

I agree with you about the not-stealthed optical drives: much better to see them!

Go on, you rock!!

 

Oh man... I love the way this thing is taking shape... Coming very close to perfection!

 

Awsome! Taking shape nicely and it looks so cool. You love that chequerplate (sp) stuff don't you?

 

wow thats a big computer(s) I like the way you turned the bottom mobo upside down, I think its daft the way case's are made (cpu and psu so close) for cooling freaks

 

Holy crap that is nice! The wtx style is perfect for the lay out. Man its hilarious to see those drives just dwarfed in that massive beast. And quick updates too. What a great project

 

Very solid. All your cuts are so professional!

 

If only this was watercooled... It'd be a monster then...

 

that IS a monster

 

Should be enough space to watercool this thing.. Hmm would need two separate systems.. Anyway

Looks better and better, keep up the good

 

So wrong!!! Nah, just a double rad x2 and big enough pumps in series... sorted!

 

Hell you could probably just build a refigeration unit into one side. Wouldn't increase the footprint that much. You'd need a dehumidifier or something too prolly.

 

m'bad.. would need two of something to keep it properly cooled, right?!
Two rads, one water system, or two separate systems, wouldn't be much difference, would it?
[edit]But that's a whole different discussion.. [/edit]

 

whoa... this things about 10x better than anything ZapWizards ever done xD

great looker, lots of work gone in... like it