Arc Midi R2 basement idea

[Captain Matt]

Hello LTT forum!

This is one of my first posts here. I am looking for some opinions on some potential mods I have in my for my arc midi r2.
I want to create a basement area, but I also want to finish framing the motherboard tray by using another piece of material placed upright.
I am split on what materials to use so that I can maintain good airflow, but also achieve an even cleaner look.
My options/layout are explained in the attached picture. I also attached a template for others who wish to draw out their ideas.

I think it would not make too much sense to have 4 fans in the front of the case blowing in opposite directions.

 

While this is mostly and aesthetic upgrade, I also see it as preparation for installation of a custom hardline loop. I am not sure of what exact parts I will use so the setup is pretty flexible. With both panels installed for the framing of the motherboard tray, I can't imagine cramming a tube reservoir in anywhere. The pump and small reservoir would have to be hidden behind either of the panels.

As for storage, I would create a bracket similar to the one Wilvids on OC3D created for his reservoir.

 

Additionally, would it be possible for hardwire a sleep mode button in addition to the stock power button?
I know the Sabertooth 990fx R2.0 features a 2 pin header for direct to bios.

 

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks!

-Matt

System specs:
AMD FX 8350
2 x 8Gb patriot RAM

ASUS GeForce GTX 770 OC Edition
ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0

[Tadgh]

Case modding really isn't my forte but have you considered using thick acrylic? Could be wonderful..

[Captain Matt]

Thick acrylic where? I am proposing two walls... This will be among my first case mods so could you provide a link?
 

Thanks for the first reply! Took forever!

[Destroyer]

These plans look solid, following this post to see the results

[Neroxis]

I've got the same case and have been thinking of doing something very similar. I was planning on taking a sheet of thin gauge aluminum and bending it 90°, either plasti-dipping or vinyl wrapping, and cutting out some holes for my WC loop. 

[Captain Matt]

I'm just adding a note here for myself:

I saw someone do a psu cover and integrate this in.

Kaze Master Flat II

I may integrate it but... If it has any useful functionality built into it then I may decide to put it elsewhere.

[Captain Matt]

Hey guys!
I went ahead and did the psu cover. Working with acrylic the first time was difficult at first.

The first few videos I watched said 'xacto knife', when they were actually using a scoring tool that doubled as a precision blade.

I have decided that I will not be doing the vertical cover. It would cut off too much airflow to the rest of the pc. Also, it would be impossible to mount 

even two 120mm fans to it without first cutting out the bay drives which I was not looking to do.

A note about fan curves and positive/negative case pressure:

I changed the two corsair fans at the top of the case to no curve and running at 40% via the AI Suite software. Surprisingly, the rear

fan feels like it moves more air and my temps dropped by two or so degrees.

Awhile back, I saw a JayzTwoCentz video where he recommended not using fan filters. Again surprisingly, it does make it a bit more quite but the tiny tiny

honeycomb mesh can be difficult to clean.

Anyways!
40% x 2 = 80%.

140mm airflow fan is not pwm and is run on 5-7 volts via built-in front panel fan controller.

 

Not originally detailed in this plan, I got braided cables, painted the corsair fan rings blue, and painted the pci brackets black. Really helped stealth up

the case.

 

One final detail; I grabbed some cheap Rhino aluminum screws from fry's to replace the stock black pci bracket screws just for more blue accenting.

 

The next mod I will do is grabbing some vandal switches and rewiring the nzxt lights to it thus eliminating the pcie bracket. At that time, I will also remove the

old white cold cathode light. Ideally, I want to integrate a potentiometer so that I can really choose how bright the lights are.

Also, I will probably try to integrate the original connectors that that when I get the white lighting strip I can just swap out the strip and avoid rewiring the switch.

 

7-5 = 2 volt difference

12-7 = 5 volt difference. Why these intervals? I don't know. It'd be cool to catch all the in between though.

 

Pics will be up after I complete or start the next mod!

 

TLDR:

>Painted fan rings blue

>Got sum blu screws

>Made psu cover

>Ditched vertical cover idea

>Got Silverstone braided cables

>Painted top fin of CM Hyper 212 black - masking was difficult!

>This build is pretty much complete with white lights, no water cooling at least for now.

 

Looking forward!

[Captain Matt]

Ahh yes, and if someone has suggestions for cable combs outside of e22, I would love to hear them!
I can't find any usa makers!

 

Thanks!

[Captain Matt]

Hey everybody!
The white light strip got here today. It is GORGEOUS!
If there is a color themed build, I will strongly recommend only white lights to go along with it.
The NZXT light strip has no bearing towards red, green, or blue, which is great!

Busy week so pic... soon. :)

I may make a new post in build logs and show all the steps of this!

I'm SO happy I can finally call my build done! COMPLETE. FINIQUE!

[Captain Matt]

Updated!
http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/345476-the-helm-my-finished-build/