[Scratch Build]- Squircle- Finishing Touches

[Glent]

 

Current progress shot 

 

 

Hardware

 

• CPU: Intel i5 4670k
• Motherboard: MSI Gaming 7 Z97
• GPU: MSI 270X 2GB
• RAM: Kingston HyperX Beast 2400Mhz 8GB
• HDD: 2x Kingston HyperX 3K240GB
• PSU: CoolerMaster V850 Fully Modular
• Case: Custom Scratch Built

 

Cooling

• Radiator- XPSC AX 360mm
• Pump - EK DC12-400
• Blocks-  [CPU]XPSC RayStorm XSPC / [RAM]Universal Memory Copper Waterblock 
• Fittings - Bitspower Multi-Link adapter 90 degrees/ Bitspower Multi-Link Adapter/ [Many!]
• Tubing- ShakMods 10/12 Clear Rigid Acrylic 
• Sleeving- Telios [Lutro0/E22]

 

Sponsors and special Mentions

Sponsored - MSI Gaming 7 Motherboard & MSI 270x GPU

 

8GB Kingston HyperX Beast 2400Mhz]

2x 240GB HyperX 3K SSD's

 

Cooler Master V850 Fully Modular PSU

8x JetFlo 120mm White LED Fans

 

 

For going the extra mile to source the Bitspower Fittings and Hairibos!

 

 

For super fast shipping and service

 

For providing the Liquid - Mayhems Aurora 2 Red

 

Introduction & Planning/Concept

I've been sat on some ideas for a good while  since I did my last Project "Time Filler" back late last year. It was never going to be something I'd use the clue was in the name. it was more nothing more than something to take my mind of my bad health at that time.

 

My health is little better now, I spent some time recently using what I’d learnt on the last build, blending it with a pretty random idea I had, and aimed to  turn it into something practical. Rather than use MSpaint which I've used the past...I know!

 

I decided to delve into 3D drawing applications and  Sketchup was a logic choice. Now I have to be honest getting the grips with the software was tougher than I expected, Sure the tutorials are on YT but I wanted to just jump in and see what I could do...or not, needless the say the first drawing didn’t the hit mark…and wasn’t as I'd hoped. The overall shape is there, maybe if you squint your eyes or roll your head?

 

 

 

 

 

Nope. Afraid not. So yeah not great!, but working in 3D I could see this random idea I have working. I took the easy route and spent a few hours watching tutorials and getting the grips with Sketchup. Using some premade models from the online warehouse, Next attempt was a step in right direction.

 

Left [second attempt] Right First [ first attempt]

 

I've never used anything like this but I can’t recommended it enough for planning, being able to change things on the fly is extremely helpful

 

 

 

 

 

After laying the tubing route into place, I moved onto rendering, again much time was spent looking at tutorials and downloading free plugins and such. I’m still very much at the low end of learning curve, it’s been hit and miss but I’m happy at this point. I used many different render plugins and the images speak for themselves, some are poor others a little better.

 

 

Now the top chamber is set to act as  point for all external cables, USB,Power, everything like that, I want to channel them and have they all coming out at the same point. I’m avoiding all clutter when possible. The render doesn’t show everything I have planned, like I said I’m learning as I go, 

 

The case is split into 3 chambers. 2, large [left and right] 1 small [centre] and can they all can viewed internally from multiple angles... I'll be using short but neat cables for the PSU wires and such.

 

 I’m not going  for a more traditional route, hiding all cables around the back approach. The opposite I suppose, I want something that looks good no matter where you look. Now the design as is, does have some pretty obvious flaws and I’ve addressed most of them. Since I took the screenshots posted here, I’m meeting my brother in a few days to have the main frame fabricated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ

I've rounded up athe most common PM's, Tweets,Emails and grouped them here

Q- Dust! Whats the plan?

A - Filters will be added in due course

 

Q- Why is the GPU aircooled?

A- It's a non reference mid ranged card, no block exists. Options are the new alphacool ones or a GPU change, More likely the latter in time.

 

Q-What is the liquid

A- Mayhems Aurora 2 Red

 

Q-The I/O port is restricted, isn't that stupid?

A- Not at all the base had a large cutout for access, also how often do you really need access? I have extensions from the USB 3.0 ports for any additional devices I may add in the future.

 

Q-What's the paint type, rattle can?

Poweder Coat

 

Q-What tubing did you use?

A- I was given some PETG from a friend a while a go. The OD is to large for the Bitspower fittings, even with filing/sanding. I used ShakMods 10/12

[Bagmup]

Epic...subbed.

 

Nice first post haha, welcome to LTT 

[Luckris]

[ShadowCaptain]

I have something out of the box in mind but it might prove a nightmare…we shall see., I’m not going  for a more traditional route, hiding all cables around the back approach. The opposite I suppose, I want something that looks good no matter where you look. Now the design as is, does have some pretty obvious flaws and I’ve addressed most of them. Since I took the screenshots posted here, I’m meeting my brother in a few days to have the main frame fabricated.

 

I love the design and look, and those are some beautiful renders.

 

However do you not think it will look ugly with the cables sticking out the top? What if you inverted the design and had the IO on the bottom with some small feet, then you could run the cables wherever you want?.... just a thought, though that might be incredibly impracticale

 

Look forward to see more of this

followed!

[CtW]

[insert "dis gon b gud" gif here]

Seriously, this looks amazing! I can't wait to see how this thing turns out!

[Glent]

Epic...subbed.

 

Nice first post haha, welcome to LTT 

 

Thanks for the welcom

 

tight.gif

 

I love the design and look, and those are some beautiful renders.

 

However do you not think it will look ugly with the cables sticking out the top? What if you inverted the design and had the IO on the bottom with some small feet, then you could run the cables wherever you want?.... just a thought, though that might be incredibly impracticale

 

Look forward to see more of this

followed!

Thanks for the feedback, Indeed this was a clear issue with the version of the mockup I posted. See below for the new revisions

 

[insert "dis gon b gud" gif here]

Seriously, this looks amazing! I can't wait to see how this thing turns out!

Thanks for the that

 

Due to  legal reasons and complications, The company involved said they would rather I not to show much of the actual fabrication process or their equiptment. Anyways the exterior frame was made with two sheets bent that meet at the middle.

 

 

 

 

 

Their was a few blunders between some of guys that helped with the welding. It’s not all bad though I'll just make this one....

MK1

 

 

The main issue is that the top plate has been fitted the wrong way, meaning the PCIE bracket won’t work, it’s a two minute fix to cut it out and flip it over but once the rig started to shape, the sheer size of this thing really hit me. I had to seriously consider keeping as it, or downsizing. Its and empty frame and looks can be deceiving.  Once the components and tubing go in it’ll fill pretty quick.

 

I decived to mock fit some parts and  perhaps rejig the design, and then if needed go  back to the shop. 

 

 

 

 

 

This plate top for motherboard and PSU is upside down...whoops

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mesh won't be staying, it was just a random off cut that was going spare. So yeah metal work looks well..so so at this stage, it’s nice seeing it in the flesh and putting pen to paper, then moving to sketchup and now this.

[Glent]

The mock up version  sat here in front of me for the last couple of weeks or so, the more I've played around I realized it needs to be downsized for sure. With that said it was back to sketechup to trim it down some.

 

Aside from trimming it down a fairly obvious flaw is present in MK1, the bottom chamber had the most visual pleasing point imho, but was hard to see this area, being so low down. Obvious fix is to 180 degree flip the entire design, bringing the main tubing up top. 

 

I've shrunk to overall sizes down from a mammoth 65Hx65WX40D to 50x50x40, now that might not seem that much, but really it is. The top and bottom chamber are now 100mm instead of 150mm. I rotated the radiator also to compensate for the reduction. 

 

The middle chamber has also been reduced allowing the two side chambers more room,

 

Anyways this is where I'm at currenty.  just waiting for more shop time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I’m showing atm is just a brief frame, the cosmetics changes I have planned will make a significance difference. The new design allows a fill and drain port to be added in more accessible and logical point too.

 

I’m not able to post potential parts,specs and such until I finalize current conversations with some people. I’m not aiming for extreme or even high end tbh, it’s more a visual project than a power house.

[Bagmup]

Awesome, just awesome.

[Glent]

Awesome, just awesome.

 

 

 

 

I'm a little behind schedule for a few reasons. Mostly lack of machine time at my local CNC/Fabrication. It's been has been a nightmare try to get shop floor time since they took on additional work. Target for MKII is middle of next week.

 

The real issue the tubing and the guess work involved at this point. If I had the motherboard and blocks to hand, I could map out the holes that need cut 

and have them lasered out before the main horizontal shelves are fixed. The plan was always to have the case fabricated and drill them my self.

 

 The problem I've inherited with overall size reduction is trying to drill out these holes by hand is going to be tricky now, given that the middle chamber is now set to be smaller than before.  I would struggle to get a drill in their and work freely. The plan now is to have the top self made up but not fixed yet. This will allow me to mock it into place and remove it, in and out to mark for tube routes and any cuts I need to make.

 

The downside of this approach is of-course is time. I should have most of the case ready soon  but I'll need to mark the holes,cut them out, test fit the rigid tubing and then find more time to have the top shelf fitted again. Using some sort of brackets,bolts  on the top shelf has crossed my mind. It does open up options for upgrades,changes and maintenance but would take away from the clean look I'm going for. I dont want to use bolt or rivets that would be seen on the exterior.

 

This has caused a "what if we do it this way..." chats that has snowballed for a week or two now. As is, I'm not sure what is the right path to take.

 

 

Paint and finish where set to be done locally but the business is relocating, and with the projected case weight, shipping isn't' really an option. I'm now searching for someone else to do the powder coating and I can't at this time find anyone. I have sent out a ton of email and made a few calls, fingers crossed I hear back soon.  

 

The  important above all issue, is that of fitting choice, As you may know we aren't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to rigid tubing and fittings. All have pros and cons. I've worked with the V1 Ghost fittings from Primochill, they have since been tweaked and are more aesthetically pleasing. 

 

Even If I was to use the  Primochill fittings in the loop,their are sections that require tight 90/180 bends and I know they would be better suited with 90degree fittings. I'd prefer not to mix fitting types and brands. 

 

The most viable solution for the look I want, is to use the newer Bitspower Multi-Link adapter 90 degrees fittings

 

 

 

 

and 

Bitspower Multi-Link Adapter G1 / 4 inch OD 12mm

 

 

 

After some research, particularly from Bill Owen and his team of monkeys, The Bitspower fittings are the best choice here. I wouldn't need to mix any brands and it would look more universal. The pitfall of course is that these are premium fittings. Coming at at £11.99 each for the 90's,  the projected cost went through the roof. 

 

Even after a design tweak I'm still looking at 35pcs [90s] and a few regular fittings too. This has pushed the cost way above what I had hoped for int region of £450.  I will be looking at the best option over the next few days before making a firm choice. The cheaper approach is to add some bends to the tubes here and their, this could push the cost down a bit but would spoil the look imho.

 

 

Just as they have in the past Kingston have stepped in and offered their support. I must express my gratitude to them for being part of the build. What they'll been offering I'll be showing in due course. Their may be another sponsor or two but again more about that soon

 

 

Despite a slow start,  I *should* be the next ISERIES Event here in the UK 

Till next time.

[Prokart2000]

ok @CtW 

[ShadowCaptain]

Thanks for the feedback, Indeed this was a clear issue with the version of the mockup I posted. See below for the new revisions

 

Awesome revision 2 looks way better

[Father Fuzzy]

that's a great lookin cube

 

lookin  forward to more of this

[fcemiliano]

Those rounded edges look so nice

[Quantum]

looking forward to your progress

[Glent]

ok @CtW 

haha

 

Awesome revision 2 looks way better

100% better yup

 

that's a great lookin cube

 

lookin  forward to more of this

Much more coming very soon

 

Those rounded edges look so nice

My favorite part too

 

looking forward to your progress

soon!

 

 

 

Quick update with more to follow tonight or tomorrow, The bulk of the case has been fabricated today with the a few smaller cosmetic and structural supports to be added soon. 

 

I've also located a local business to do the powder coating. I'm still sat on the fence about fittings and tubing route but now that I have a live version to work with rather than 3D model, I should be able to make a firm decision soon. More images to follow ASAP

 

low res quick snap from phone sorry

 

 

Till next time

[Glent]

A few more snaps, better images to follow

 

 

 

[ShadowCaptain]

#inb4applesueforrectanglewithroundedcorners

 

No seriously though its looking smart as hell

[Bagmup]

This is just awesome, it has me thinking about doing a scratch build next time.

[ericlee30]

Wow, this build is going to look sick

[asusfan]

looks amazing so far, love the fact you pre planned this and do all them 3D drawings.

[Glent]

#inb4applesueforrectanglewithroundedcorners

 

No seriously though its looking smart as hell

 

Hehe it could happen,

 

This is just awesome, it has me thinking about doing a scratch build next time.

Go for it, its so much fan

 

Wow, this build is going to look sick

 

Thanks man

looks amazing so far, love the fact you pre planned this and do all them 3D drawings.

Yeah Im glad I took the extra time.. 

 

 

 

So then a long overdue update for you guys. Apologies!

I've made logs in the past but I wanted to do go the extra mile this time around. Sometimes a picture can't show and emphasize where you going, or what you did. For this reason I made the decision to add a VLOG to coincide with this log.

 

I will say, at this point the videos are raw, no flashy editing or glamour shots to show of course. It's just me chatting about the build and the end goal. Future videos will be shorter and more focused

 

I*'ll have to have a chat with Mods before posting the link*

 

It's been a slow month but progress is starting to take shape now. First thing I ordered was http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-180-XS

It was on “deal for today” I believe. I didn't strictly need it but at the price it would be rude not too.

 

 

 

Starting point was tackle was the first mid plate that the motherboard will mount too. The weld points needed some mass filing, to allow it to sit neatly.

 

I also test fitted the bottom side section, I've yet to cut the two SSD Windows.

 

 

 

MK 1 side by with MKII

 

The side effect of taking the middle section in and out, filing and such caused some damage at the cases weld points here. I will patch them up before paint of course

 

 

I lost a fair amount time with the start of the world cup too, and complaining about the amount of crisps you don’t get in a so called extra fill pack

 

 

A nice package came from CoolerMaster arrived.

 

I'm absolutely thrilled to have their support. The PSU is perfect managing the cables in the build. The Jetflow fans with White LED's will add some nice lighting effects and epic airflow too 

 

 

I will add some shots of the included parts, cables adaptors and such. I'll be honest I was just too keen to test fit everything!

 

Tested fitting the PSU and prayed the screw holes lined up

 

The Jetflows fitted for mock up, blurry motherboard???? 

As said above, I will add some more pics of the Fans and the PSU Soon

 

 

I’m thinking about using something like the NZXT Grid to manage all the cable at one central point in the mid chamber Time will tell 

 

Adding cable routes for the Fan cables was done with a drill and file

Still rough at the moment

 

 

I had another package arrive that allow me to move forward significantly also

 

 

Again I can't express my gratitude enough to MSI UK for their support.

 

I will be Working with Gaming 7 Z97 Motherboard and 270X Gaming edition GPU. Do keep In mind what I said at the start of the thread. This was never meant to be a power house.  I had always been on the fence to add a GPU with block into the loop or not. I've decided at this point in time not to do that. The loop design however allows me to implement it with ease in the future. Again the desire to get everything in their, got the better of me, so more images to follow soon

 

 

 

 

Same image from earlier, no need to hide the Board and GPU now

 

 

With the parts now here I could crack on and add the mounts for the motherboard

 

 

With help from my assistant of course

 

It made sense to incorporate some “MSI Gaming” theme touches into the build. The first thing I wanted to add was something to the bottom plate around the I/O area. Using the MSI dragon I took a sheet of 3mm  acrylic and attempted to make the tail. Results aren't bad considering it was all done by hand and many, many, many hours of sanding and filing went into it!

 

 

The process was rather unothordox but kept me busy haha

Lots of mess

 

and so the sanding begins

 

and the tail fins 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally the reservoirs, again unorthodox approach! I have two 50cm versions here to hand, from a retired build. Scratched up and of no real uses. I will be using the 25cm version in due course, so I cut one in half to allow me to mock them up

 

 

 

 On top of this I've had a random idea to bring in the MSI dragon claws and well. You’ll see....Using a clamp, the res and heat gun I made this.

 

 

 

 

 

I added some white paper, just to aid with separating the colours. The real issue is the scale of the tail and hands, to me don’t feel right, so we’ll see how I goes.

 

 

Lastly A good friend of mine supplied with me 10x1m lengths of PETG tubing, in short it’s much more resilient then generic tubing! Again more details to follow. Thanks Dave!!!

 

So that's where I'm at guys, lots of polishing and edges to clean up. 30th birthday on Friday, A few delivery s due this week or next and then I will be placing the order for the projected 51 fittings. 

 

Till next time, thanks for reading

[Glent]

double post

[CtW]

Ya done double posted.

[Glent]

Ya done double posted.

Fixed

[asusfan]

I just love the workmanship gone into this build, man i wish i had the time and funds to do a fresh custom build like this. 

 

good job, now i think i will pick up my jaw...