Jump to content

JValen_KenjiMG

Member
  • Posts

    18
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to ALXAndy in Triceratops Desk [Completed] [With Video]   
    Nice work man. Is that standard ply? little tip - always try where you can to use birch ply, if you didn't this time. It's more expensive but the finish is miles beyond regular ply.
     
    Good to see a young person doing things like this. When I was a kid I used to build speaker cabinets. There was no PC modding then
  2. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to DJ46 in Triceratops Desk [Completed] [With Video]   
    To be honest, when I saw how young you are in the video, I just immediately closed the tab. Well, it wasn't quite immediately, because I've seen enough to be shocked by the quality of the video and editing.
    I opened the tab again and watched the whole thing. You are ridiculously good. (I was about to add "for your age", but I've seen videos of adult tech enthusiasts that were multiple times worse)
    Needless to say - I'm subscribed and waiting for the next vid.
     
    /EDIT: Also, looking at the pictures, I remember seeing this build log before and never in a milion years I would've thought the person who built such a well made PC desk could be 13.
  3. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to kingkai112 in Triceratops Desk [Completed] [With Video]   
    Now got a YouTube video to go with it.
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvSn6sNXcTY
     
    This is uploaded on my channel so please subscribe as I have bigger plans for it.
     
    Maybe even in the top 500 tech YouTube channels... one day!
  4. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG got a reaction from Extingquish in Project Requilary   
    More shiny pictures of things!

     

     

     

     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    More to come as soon as I can get a day off.
  5. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG got a reaction from nj4ck in Project Requilary   
    I set the font to automatic I hope that fixed that.
  6. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG got a reaction from Nup in Project Requilary   
    Like lightning, creativity can hit a person from any direction. Inspiring them to take a new path. Project Reliquary is that path for for me. As a student of Engineering, and a Gamer I need the tools to stay successful and be able to create when I need and be a refuge in my down time. This build is an expression more to myself than to others but like every person every build has its story.
    - Jan 9, 2015



    The first pc I ever worked on was when I was very young in 1997. I was just helping my mother put in a 5” floppy drive and a Creative sound blaster sound card into her upgraded Windows 95 Packard Bell. Now its 2015 and I am beginning to upgrade from a 7 year old windows Vista laptop to my first enthusiast build. I have been slowly working up to this point since late 2012 when I realized I wanted to do my college projects from home. Very quickly I discovered that I would either need to buy a new machine or build one from scratch. Buying a new machine outright would have been fastest but there is no way I could have afforded it at the time in 2012. By January 31 of 2013 I had saved enough to just buy some parts and I got really excited and thought that by that time next year(2014) I would have a new pc. Yet life had some other crazy plans for me. December 27, 2013 was the beginning of a very strange journey. I was looking to buy a car for my mom it was something she really wanted and at the time I had a much better line of credit that she did. So we looked at a few and she really wanted the first one we looked at but we never bought it because by January 11 I began my one week hospital stay as I got really sick the week before. I was diagnosed with ADEM or Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. As the doctors told me it would take some time for my brain to heal about six months to a year. A few months roll by I got better and I noticed something scary. I was totally broke with only 50 dollars left to my name. Medical bills ate up almost all of my families savings in such a short time. By August my computer funds that I saved away disappeared.
    That did not deter me; by the end of September a friend of mine helped me out and I started working full time for a small security firm and I have been working almost non stop to recover both my health and my funding for the pc. Then a few days ago I finally saved up enough to have a cushion and bought the rest of the parts I needed and wanted to at least get the rig up and running.

    Parts and Random Thoughts:
    CPU: i7 3820 - * it was given to me in 2013. / I’m sure it will work well.
    PSU: HX 1050 - * this was also given to me in 2013. / Kinda overkill on power.
    Motherboard: Asus P9 X79WS / Asus hasen’t failed me yet.
    GPU: Asus GTX 970 Strix / It sags on the motherboard. I might need a support bracket; as I doubt fishing line might not be the best choice to hold it up with.
    Memory: Corsair Vengance 4X8 / Runs well so far.
    CPU Cooling: Corsair H100i / I need to buy 2 PWM fans for push pull config.
    Case: NZXT 810 Switch / Its a case with a nice amount of room.
    Case Cooling: 4x140 NZXT Fans / They are plugged into the NZXT Fan Hub that came with the case.
     
    Future Upgrades | Reason | Expected Date
    HDD Storage 4TB Total (2x2) / Content Creation Storage / Q1 - 2015
    Monitor ultra wide or decent Color correction / Will replace 7 year old monitor / Q3 - Q4 - 2015
    Intuos-pro tablet small. / Would like to use for Ps & IL / Q3 - 2015
    Fan controller / Not sure about this one / N/A
     
    Reliquary Case Mod:
    Wood Casing and Accenting | Q4 - 2015/ Q1 - 2016
    Description:
    Design and create an exterior shell/shroud  for the NZXT 810 Switch and matching support bracket for the 970 Strix out of a light colored wood material. The final product should look and feel like furniture and blend naturally into the home while keeping a somewhat enthusiast look.
    Requirements:
    Material must be lightweight.
    Material must be a wood or veneer.
    Material must be stain/sealable and or be painted over.
    Material must be easy to be etched and laser cut.
    Gap/Space Tolerance +/- ¼” for panel behind Motherboard tray.

    The Old And Tired Lappy:


    The Goods:


     

     

     

     

     


    More random updates to come.

    Also noticed I spelled my own topic wrong lol. Its Reliquary. Feel'n derp.
  7. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG got a reaction from Tedster in Project Requilary   
    Like lightning, creativity can hit a person from any direction. Inspiring them to take a new path. Project Reliquary is that path for for me. As a student of Engineering, and a Gamer I need the tools to stay successful and be able to create when I need and be a refuge in my down time. This build is an expression more to myself than to others but like every person every build has its story.
    - Jan 9, 2015



    The first pc I ever worked on was when I was very young in 1997. I was just helping my mother put in a 5” floppy drive and a Creative sound blaster sound card into her upgraded Windows 95 Packard Bell. Now its 2015 and I am beginning to upgrade from a 7 year old windows Vista laptop to my first enthusiast build. I have been slowly working up to this point since late 2012 when I realized I wanted to do my college projects from home. Very quickly I discovered that I would either need to buy a new machine or build one from scratch. Buying a new machine outright would have been fastest but there is no way I could have afforded it at the time in 2012. By January 31 of 2013 I had saved enough to just buy some parts and I got really excited and thought that by that time next year(2014) I would have a new pc. Yet life had some other crazy plans for me. December 27, 2013 was the beginning of a very strange journey. I was looking to buy a car for my mom it was something she really wanted and at the time I had a much better line of credit that she did. So we looked at a few and she really wanted the first one we looked at but we never bought it because by January 11 I began my one week hospital stay as I got really sick the week before. I was diagnosed with ADEM or Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. As the doctors told me it would take some time for my brain to heal about six months to a year. A few months roll by I got better and I noticed something scary. I was totally broke with only 50 dollars left to my name. Medical bills ate up almost all of my families savings in such a short time. By August my computer funds that I saved away disappeared.
    That did not deter me; by the end of September a friend of mine helped me out and I started working full time for a small security firm and I have been working almost non stop to recover both my health and my funding for the pc. Then a few days ago I finally saved up enough to have a cushion and bought the rest of the parts I needed and wanted to at least get the rig up and running.

    Parts and Random Thoughts:
    CPU: i7 3820 - * it was given to me in 2013. / I’m sure it will work well.
    PSU: HX 1050 - * this was also given to me in 2013. / Kinda overkill on power.
    Motherboard: Asus P9 X79WS / Asus hasen’t failed me yet.
    GPU: Asus GTX 970 Strix / It sags on the motherboard. I might need a support bracket; as I doubt fishing line might not be the best choice to hold it up with.
    Memory: Corsair Vengance 4X8 / Runs well so far.
    CPU Cooling: Corsair H100i / I need to buy 2 PWM fans for push pull config.
    Case: NZXT 810 Switch / Its a case with a nice amount of room.
    Case Cooling: 4x140 NZXT Fans / They are plugged into the NZXT Fan Hub that came with the case.
     
    Future Upgrades | Reason | Expected Date
    HDD Storage 4TB Total (2x2) / Content Creation Storage / Q1 - 2015
    Monitor ultra wide or decent Color correction / Will replace 7 year old monitor / Q3 - Q4 - 2015
    Intuos-pro tablet small. / Would like to use for Ps & IL / Q3 - 2015
    Fan controller / Not sure about this one / N/A
     
    Reliquary Case Mod:
    Wood Casing and Accenting | Q4 - 2015/ Q1 - 2016
    Description:
    Design and create an exterior shell/shroud  for the NZXT 810 Switch and matching support bracket for the 970 Strix out of a light colored wood material. The final product should look and feel like furniture and blend naturally into the home while keeping a somewhat enthusiast look.
    Requirements:
    Material must be lightweight.
    Material must be a wood or veneer.
    Material must be stain/sealable and or be painted over.
    Material must be easy to be etched and laser cut.
    Gap/Space Tolerance +/- ¼” for panel behind Motherboard tray.

    The Old And Tired Lappy:


    The Goods:


     

     

     

     

     


    More random updates to come.

    Also noticed I spelled my own topic wrong lol. Its Reliquary. Feel'n derp.
  8. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to ALXAndy in X-8 Featuring White Lightning. An 8 core Hackintosh...   
    And we draw ever closer. First up I want to mention my poor thumb...
     

     
    But enough of that gay banter ! let's get right down to business.
     
    So it was time to mark up one of the final panels.
     

     
    And using the dimensions I had previously marked..
     

     
    So it was back to the rotary tool to create that panel and adjust the psu box.
     
    Just remember, the word of the day is clinical.
     

     
    But hey, let's not get carried away. It's not done yet. I still have to make the floor pan.
     

     
    But man alive, I just can't get enough of this shit.
     

     
    OK so here is Mr Skull..
     

     
    And around to the business end. Note the fan controller has been modded into the back of the case shell. This controls the rear exhaust.
     

     
    Look in the background... IT'S ALIVE !! ALIVE I SAY !!!
     

     
    Oh yeah. Remember those floating fans in the roof?
     

     
    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.
  9. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to ALXAndy in X-8 Featuring White Lightning. An 8 core Hackintosh...   
    Case - £28
    Acrylic - £20 (two A3 5mm sheets and two yet to be seen A4 3mm sheets)
    Braiding - £15
    Two Silverstone fans with controllers - £29 (the most expensive part of the build).
    Skull - £3.
    Asst LEDs - £6
    Spray paint - £9
    Asst logos and stickers - £6
     
    I'm proving a point here. Yeah, my thread hasn't been nominated for build of the week or any other award, so what? It didn't cost thousands of pounds/dollars and any one could do it.
     
    That's what modding is all about. Not some dude with $9000 worth of tools at his disposal.
     
    When my thumb stops throbbing I have an appointment with the Dremel and the final two panels (one for the floor, one for the 5.25 bay). 
     
    BTW for those wondering..
     
    Xeon and board - £159.
    GPU - free.
    PSU - £40.
    Cooler - free.
    Hard drive - free.
     
    Total cost of the build? £315.
     
    Now put that in MAC terms? £2500.
  10. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to IMCustoms in Project Ultima [Build log]   
    Hey all,
    You may know me as JA90 or JA159 on forums and by my last big watercooled build Project Cristal Toxin, and here I'm again with something a bit more crazy for all of you 
     
    Project Ultima will be largely sponsored build by 4 part manufacturers and a few local businesses.
    And first things first, a big Shout-out and Thanks to all of the sponsors and the biggest of them (for now) are:

    1. DOO EKWB
     

     
    2. Bitspower International Co., Ltd.
     

     
    3. Cooler Master Technology Inc.
     

     
     
    4. Icemodz
     

     
    5. DOO Potez
     

       
    Now, the short description of the project 
     
    In one sentence, Project Ultima will be a both side wall mounted, enclosed rig with double loop water cooling system, with bent solid acrylic tubing, for all major components.
     
    I know that very small number of people likes to read boring long descriptions, so I present to you screenshots from my Sketchup drawing of the build ! 
    (Don't mind my modeling skills, I'm not a designer and the drawing was made to make my life easier with this complicated build and not everything in this drawing is they way it will be, so stay tuned)
     
    SO LETS GO !
     
    Lets start with a few pics without explanation and I'll explain the details later 
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    So, the details.. The start and reset button will be mounted on the bottom right part of the table, with or on USB 3.0 external hub. Also on that side, custom made headset holder.
     

     
    From the bottom, you can see the 2 vents (intake and exhaust) for some airflow for the main part of the rig (which will be filtered).
     

     
    The back side of the wall will accommodate firstly fans and radiators (with drain ports), to get heat and noise out of the computer room (which was the point of the project), and modem, router, NAS, fan controller (or Corsair link) etc.
    Don't mind the red lines, they are power lines in the wall, so I just marked them to take them in consideration, not to kill myself when I'm drilling. 
     

     
    Bottom part of the main rig area will house PSU, 4 fans (2 intake and 2 exhaust, bottom one's will be a bit faster), all of the cables (custom extensions that will go behind the removable MOBO and SSD's panel) and drain valves for both loops.
     

     
    Top part of the main rig area will house Custom made reservoirs with fill ports and removable top panel for ease of access.
     

     
    And finally, the main rig area itself.
    Removable panel which will hold the motherboard and 2 or 4 SSD's with custom 45 degree cut plexi "backplates". 2 separate loops, first for CPU, MOBO, RAM, and the second one only for GPU's.
     

     
     
    More detail about the rig and all the custom stuff I will do for it will be explained while I post my progress, and one more thing I didn't mention is the configuration of the rig..
     
    For now, the parts I have ready for this rig are:
    1. Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5;
    2. Intel 4770k;
    3. 4x4GB Corsair Dominator GT 2133MHz;
    4. 2x MSI 7970;
    5. 2x120GB Intel 330series SSDs (I'm waiting for Corsairs confirmation on 2 of GTX Neutron 240GB);
    6. Silverstone Strider+ 1000W;
    7. Cooler Master Aluminium series peripherals;
    8. Corsair fans and link;
    9. Lots of EKWB's and Bitspower's blocks, pumps, rads, fittings, tubes, etc.
     
    And that will be it for now, I will start posting my progress shortly (cause I already started working on it) and give me as much feedback as you can, I'll be happy to reply and take in consideration all of your suggestions and comments ! 
  11. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to smogsy in The Man-Cave [99.9% Complete]   
    new stuff
    SSD Transfer!

     
    SSD Storage 1.5TBish of SSD's
  12. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to smogsy in The Man-Cave [99.9% Complete]   
    cheers guys & yes its very secure  on a side note i looked that john lewis table & it looked like it would topple over! 
     
    But i just bought my bday present to myself 1TB Samsung EVO 840! (its the 14th)
     
    if your not sure
    one of these
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-2-5-inch-Basic-Solid-State/dp/B00E3W16OU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1420452217&sr=8-4&keywords=samsung+evo+840
  13. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to smogsy in The Man-Cave [99.9% Complete]   
    Cheers all,
     
    Bit of an update. i wanted the tv area to be a little less cluttered for even better Sound Acoustics ready for the sofa

     

     

     

    Got to have Linus?

  14. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Kryptyx in The Man-Cave [99.9% Complete]   
    If only you had the speeds I get!

  15. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Aibohphobia in Featured Build Logs Competition #002 - Submission Thread   
    Forum ID: Aibohphobia
    Build Title: Nova
    Thread URL: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/260501-nova-haswell-e-and-sli-gtx-980s-in-170l/
    Description: The microATX cases currently available weren't small enough so I made my own. The end result is Nova.
     

  16. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Geekazoid in Post Your 3D Models/Creations Here!   
    What Linus looks like in the morning. JK LOL
  17. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to FuzzyYellow in Fuzzy's G3   
    Thanks man! I plan to eventually get a 5.25" bay thingy for for front panel audio and usb, but I'm happy with it for now. It's also WAY quieter than my old case. Like, Way quieter.
  18. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG got a reaction from FuzzyYellow in Fuzzy's G3   
    Aw yeah I almost forgot about G3's. This is going to be fun to watch this progress!
    Following! 
  19. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Aibohphobia in Cerberus: The 18L, mATX, USA-made enclosure   
    $480 design/engineering services
    $70 setup fee
    $2048.52 manufacturing for one unit
     
    Total: $2598.52
  20. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to ace_finland in Sabranco Humvee video from CES added   
    Going to CES! Then back home to me
     
    Thx! Maybe ill make a video later when i drive it
     
    Thx!!
     
    Damn you! Already sent it away so can't fix it. Been stairing at the car for ages trying to spot things to fix but missed this. Now this will bug me forever
     
    Time for some final shots! Been a speedy build as it's going for a little trip as soon as it's finished.
    Decided to take the PC outside to get some shots in the snow. Got a bit of snow during the day and thought it was a good idea to get some "action" shots





    Had to stop taking photos outside, started to snow again and the computer was getting wet. Continued with some inside shots.
    Hooked it up to make sure it was still running. All good!



    Took a while to get the lights to the right intensity, 620ohm did the trick and lowered it enough to look good in photos and in real life



    Back in the box it goes, had to modify it a bit to get it back in the original box


    Used all the safety tape i could find, Should be safe now

    That's about it for this time! Hope you liked it.
    If anyone is going to CES this year you can have a good look at it there! Always wanted to go to las vegas but seems like my computer beat me to it
  21. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to zinton in Ghetto Test Bench Build   
    You could even cut off the extra bit and zip tie the plate to a plastic crate!

  22. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG got a reaction from PatarNoster in Dream Machine 2014/15   
    Looks Good! 
  23. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Aibohphobia in Cerberus: The 18L, mATX, USA-made enclosure   
    Pics!
     

     

     
    Here's the case with everything assembled. Cabling is a mess for now, I forgot to pick up some zip ties. I'm real happy with the 8-pin CPU connector though, it routed behind the tray nicely. Also the power cord tucks in neatly along the top edge of the motherboard, staying out of the way of the top fan.
  24. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Aibohphobia in Cerberus: The 18L, mATX, USA-made enclosure   
    Cerberus has landed, friends.

    Starting today, and lasting until March 31st, enthusiasts [removed] to read up on the case, our work, and the myriad tiers available to backers.
     
     
    ...And yes, that's right, we're on [removed]- after hearing feedback from you all, we realized that many people felt that it was the better platform to be on, compared to Indiegogo. As such, we've spent the past few weeks recreating our renders in photographs, and producing a video in collaboration with Alexandra Zanca, so that we could refactor our crowdfunding page and launch on the original crowdfunding platform! It's been a grind, to be sure, but we're very happy with the result, and think you all will be too.
    ---
    I'd encourage everyone to look at the page itself to see all the tiers and stretch goals available, and the details for each, but a summary of them is below (excerpted from the Kickstarter page):
     
    Our Tiers: For the crowdfunding campaign, we have a variety of tiers available that provide backers with Cerberus as a reward. However, for those who are interested in supporting our community-empowered work, but aren't interested in receiving an enclosure, we've partnered with local artist Carissa Reynolds, and commissioned a beautiful original watercolor that we'll be emblazoning on a limited run of products.
     
    For as little as $5 (plus shipping), you can support our work, while receiving a high-quality US-made item depicting Reynolds' stunning illustration. You can even pledge to a tier whereby you can commission a piece of custom Cerberus artwork by Carissa, just for you!   All of these options include the following, and provide healthy commissions to the artist: A pair of stickers, for just $5. A vivid poster, for $20. A comfy t-shirt, for $30. A Cerberus Art Pack containing all of the above, for $50. A Signature Cerberus Art Pack, that contains all of the above and is signed, for $100. A Cerberus Art Commission —which enables backers to receive a 6" x 6" watercolor rendering of a Cerberus, made by Carissa Reynolds and customized to reflect your preferred breed, pose, action, and expression — for just $175. Finally, you can even pledge to receive the watercolor itself, which we'll custom frame and have signed by Carissa, for $499.‌‌  

     
     
     
    For backers that want an enclosure, we have a few tiers available, all of which let you choose between white or black panels, and SFX or ATX PSU-compatible internal frames. Starting at $249 (plus shipping):
    The base Cerberus, available for a pledge of $249. Cerberus Plus ‌‌— an enclosure with your choice of a carrying handle upgrade, or an integrated side window upgrade — for $279. Cerberus Pro — an enclosure with both a carrying handle and a side window upgrade — for $299. Cerberus Signature Edition — a Pro version of Cerberus complete with a Signature Cerberus Art Pack — for $399. And finally, Cerberus Limited Edition: A Signature Edition Cerberus, with the ultimate in customizability: the ability to paint the exterior any color you'd like (that's available to our manufacturer) — for $999.
    Our Stretch Goals
    Our funding goal is $150,000, which roughly translates into 500 cases ordered, and at that quantity Cerberus is available in white or black as a default. However, we've also been able to work with our manufacturer in order to provide additional colors as stretch goals, if we reach higher quantities of cases sold.
     
    If we reach $225,000 (roughly 750 cases), we can offer Cerberus in a handsome Carmine Red:

     
    And if we reach $300,000 (roughly 1000 cases), we can also offer Cerberus in a deep Azurite Blue, similar to our very first prototype:

    Reaching those stretch goals won't be easy, but if we do, all backers will be able to enjoy an even greater level of customization, and pick their favorite color following the conclusion of the crowdfunding campaign.
    ---
    James and I have been looking forward to this day for well over a year, and it's simply crazy to us that the crowdfunding campaign has finally arrived. And although it's been a big push to properly prepare for today, we'll be working throughout the length of the Kickstarter campaign to do all that we can to promote our work, and give the campaign the best possible chance of success. Look forward to some appearances of our prototype with a few channels/publications - as well as some newfound press attention, if we're lucky!
     
    Of course, there's much that you all can do to support our work, too, from pledging to receive a case (of course), to pledging to receive one of the art tiers, to even simply posting on social media and letting others know about Cerberus. This project has been a community-based one from the beginning, and as such, every dollar and every mention makes a tangible difference. Furthermore, even awareness that doesn't directly translate into pledges accomplishes one of our most important aspirations: so preach the philosophy behind our work, and show the industry what's possible with the right amount of passion and purpose.
     
    Anyways, there's one more section I'd like to except from the Kickstarter page:
     
    Finally, our thanks to everyone who made Cerberus possible Cerberus is a passion product fueled by the enthusiast community we call home, but it’s just one of many ideas and designs we’ve worked on in the past year and a half. Even so, to get Cerberus to this point required that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and utilize a trove of community feedback throughout the development process. As such, we'd like to recognize those who got us here:  
    Finally, our thanks to everyone who made Cerberus possible
    Cerberus is a passion product fueled by the enthusiast community we call home, but it’s just one of many ideas and designs we’ve worked on in the past year and a half. Even so, to get Cerberus to this point required that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and utilize a trove of community feedback throughout the development process. As such, we'd like to recognize those who got us here: The HardForum, LTT, and SFF Forum communities, which have contributed an unfathomable amount of commentary, criticism and praise over the past year. The NCASE team, and many other creators, for inspiring us and trailblazing the way community-designed products like Cerberus can be made. Protocase and Sliger Designs, for working with us endlessly to develop prototypes and the final design. Rick Trilling, for his superb pro bono legal counsel. Paul Lazarovich, for his assistance with editing our website copy, as well as for all of his advice on promoting and sharing our work. Jeffery Weber, for creating many of the digital assets used on our website. Carissa Reynolds, for offering to do a commissioned work in support of Kimera Industries. Alexandra Zanca, for filming & editing our Kickstarter video. Anyone and everyone that has assisted or contributed to us, in ways big or small — whatever contribution you've made, know that we wouldn't have gotten here without it! It's through all of our hard work, and the assistance of everyone above, that this project will be successful. Thank you!  
    It's you all that have made our efforts meaningful, and you all that will make production of Cerberus a reality. Thanks again for the feedback, the enthusiasm, and support.
     
    — Hercules in Homer's Odyssey
     
    We are so excited, and so incredibly proud, to be able to introduce Project Nova's final form: a product that's the result of nearly two years of work, three generations of prototypes, hundreds of thermal and performance tests, and ongoing community discussion throughout. When James and I [to be clear, I'm James but I'm just copying what Joshua wrote] first began to work together, I don't know that either of us knew where Project Nova would ultimately take us - and yet, as we look at the final version of our project, everything about it seems completely logical, and beautifully inevitable. Our patience has been mightily tested over the past few months, but we are now able, at long last, to reap the rewards.
     
    Friends, followers, and newcomers: the wait is finally over. Say hello to Cerberus.
     

     
    The last substantive update we've provided on Cerberus, in terms of features and functionality, was all the way back in Fall 2015, and although we've mentioned or alluded to some of the changes we've incorporated since, their sum vastly exceeds the individual value of each one. The final version of Cerberus, even with its clear lineage with past prototypes, is very much distinct in both form and function. It is the essence of Project Nova, but refined in a manner only possible with experimentation and the passage of time.
     
    Of course, our work has hardly been limited to design: everything from our manufacturing pipeline, to our crowdfunding campaign, has been in active development for months, and some of our most substantial (and late-breaking) developments will come from those fronts as well. A good design is merely half of the equation when it comes down to delivering quality enclosures to you all - a capable manufacturing pipeline, strong crowdfunding campaign and robust fulfillment plan all carry just as much weight, and therefore took up just as much of our time and energy to perfect.
     
    In any case, the updated product page on our website details the fundamental features of Cerberus at a high level, but for our followers I wanted to provide a write-up that focuses on the specific changes we've introduced into this final version - as well as some more words spent on how Cerberus will be built and sold in the months ahead.
    We've waited long enough! So let us begin to explore, starting with the newest features we've incorporated into Cerberus's design.
     
    Part I: Features
    Dimensions
    Cerberus's final dimensions are 303 x 170 x 354mm, leading to an overall volume of 18.2L. Though this is a tad bit larger than the last prototype, the benefits of the minor space increase are substantial (and to which I'll elaborate on in a moment), and the increase itself constitutes a mere 5% difference that's imperceptible to the eye.
     
    Portability and space efficiency were among the original tenets of Project Nova's design, and they remain in full force within Cerberus. For portable workstations, multi-GPU rigs and VR-focused contexts, Cerberus's combination of component flexibility and size make it a revelation, and a substantial leap forward, for enthusiasts and for the industry as a whole.
     
    Aesthetics
    Cerberus sees a dramatic refinement in appearances for its final iteration, and its facelift is undoubtedly one of the most exiting updates we've made. Our last prototype embraced an industrial look to match the utilitarian focus of the design, but Cerberus strikes a much better balance, finding a way to retain that practicality and marry it with a refined, minimalist, and distinctive look.
     
    Much of this evolution is a direct consequence of the materials and manufacturing methods made available to us through our manufacturer. For example, through them, we've been able to secure industrial-grade powder coatings that will be available in Obsidian Black and Pearl White as standard - with a rich Carmine Red available as a stretch goal for our crowdfunding campaign. And across all the coatings, we've selected a fine-textured matte finish that imparts an ultra-premium feel, exudes vivid color, and provides exceptional durability. For the black powder coat in particular, the texture and color lends Cerberus a particular sheen that catches the light in an interesting and eye-catching manner, shifting the hue ever so slightly as you shift your perspective.
     

     

     
    Of course, changes weren't limited to our selection of coatings. Cerberus's panels have also seen a complete redesign: gone are the sliding hooks, and all the seams and bends they introduce; all panels on Cerberus are now uniform flat sheets of metal, with sharp edges that complement the enclosure's minimalist design. The face of Cerberus has eliminated several bends along the edges, embracing a simplified gull-wing-like profile. The I/O for the enclosure has been moved to the top, lending the front a cleaner and more understated look. And, best of all, we've adopted an industrial-grade pin-and-clip system to secure all panels to the chassis, relying on 100% steel hardware to provide convenient toolless removal, without the fragility of the plastic clips commonly used in industry.
     
    Finally, the external vents themselves have been adjusted, with smaller cutouts, minor adjustments to positioning, and the elimination of the non-functional vents behind the motherboard tray.
     
    Infinite Vents
    Speaking of vents, perhaps the most impressive single feature we're introducing with Cerberus is an original and innovative mounting system, that we've decided to call "Infinite Vents". For past prototypes, we relied on traditional static mount points that essentially pre-determined where and what kind of hardware could be installed - but for Cerberus, we wanted a solution that could more effectively use the limited internal space of a SFF enclosure.
     

     

     
    After considerable experimentation, we've developed a low-restriction vent pattern of tessellated slats, which freely allow air through whilst providing a continuous plane upon which hardware can be mounted. This means that, wherever there are Infinite Vents, anything from storage to fans to radiators can be secured to the enclosure, at precisely the desired location, with nearly infinite adjustability.
     

     
    Another benefit of this vent design, coupled with the alterations in Cerberus's dimensions, is greatly increased component compatibility. 92mm, 120mm, and now 140mm fans can be mounted on the front or bottom of the enclosure. Pairs of 2.5" and 3.5" drives can be secured anywhere along the Infinite Vents by use of the included brackets. 120mm and 240mm radiators can be installed. Pumps and reservoirs are now more easily and readily installed, for the adventurous. And we've even put in place two additional 2.5" mount points on the motherboard tray itself, adjacent to the motherboard, for users who have many drives, or who otherwise want to keep the vents free to hold additional hardware.
     
    With Project Nova, options for internal hardware were numerous. But with Cerberus, they are seemingly infinite, achieving a level of customizability that few enclosures of any size have been able to provide to date.
     
    ATX PSUs
    Cerberus's default configuration is that of mounting a SFX or SFX-L power supply at the front of the chassis, and we recommend this method for the great majority of enthusiasts and builds, even across most dual-GPU rigs. However, given the desire by some to use standard ATX power supplies, our most recent prototype included a (clumsy but functional) optional bracket that allowed for such units to be installed on the back, above the motherboard.
     

     


    With the final version, however, we've been able to work with our manufacturer to provide a much more elegant solution: enthusiasts can now decide at the time of purchase whether they want SFX or ATX support, and they'll receive an enclosure that was designed and built specifically for that form factor. In this way, we're able to do away with brackets entirely, provide a clean and more rigid frame, and eliminate the extra cost of a bracket for those who choose to go the ATX route.
     
    Options
    Finally, throughout Project Nova's evolution, we've been working on the option to add an integrated handle, in order to provide the absolute best possible portability to those who desire easy travel above all else. With Cerberus, we're now able to provide this solution as an upgrade that's custom-made for the enclosure, rather than as an off-the-shelf add on.
     
    Each handle we make is custom-designed and carved from solid billets of aluminum, with chamfers and a powder coat finish offering superior ergonomics and just the right amount of friction to provide a confident grip. And the handle itself integrates directly into the internal chassis of Cerberus, with a pre-installed bracket providing the strength necessary to support carrying even the heaviest of rigs around.
     

     

     
    Another popular (and frequently requested) option was that of adding a plexiglass window to the bottom of Cerberus, for those who desire to showcase their meticulously-built desktops from the outside, and we're very happy to say that this too will be available as an upgrade option for enthusiasts. With the recent attention that AMD, nVidia and component manufacturers alike have given to the aesthetics of GPU shrouds, the window is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your build, and show off the potent hardware that powers it.
     
    Part II: Manufacturing
    Now that the picture of what Cerberus will be like is complete, we should take a step back and explain how Cerberus will be made. As we've stated on numerous occasions throughout the past year, a considerable amount of our work and development on Cerberus involved us finding a manufacturer that would meet our exacting standards of quality and reliability.
     

     

     
    During this search, we quickly realized that domestic manufacturing of Cerberus - compared to relying on third parties in China or Taiwan - would yield impressive benefits that lined up well with our biggest concerns and priorities. A US-based manufacturer would enable faster and more constant communication between us and engineers on the floor, for example, expediting production and enabling any issues to be resolved quickly. A local factory could produce enclosures rapidly, and get them to many of our campaign backers weeks or even months faster. And quality controls and engineering inspections could remain airtight, and follow our exact criteria.
     
    Knowing all of this, James and I set forth on a multi-month odyssey, reaching out to a laundry list of manufacturers of all sizes, located throughout the United States. And every time we combed through our options, made calls, and sent out emails to potential partners, one firm stood out above the rest: Sliger Designs, a manufacturer based out of Sparks, Nevada.
     
    Our manufacturing pipeline is so important that we've actually made a page on the website detailing what it looks like, and why it matters, so I won't elaborate too much on those points here. But to summarize: As we've worked with Sliger for the past six-or-so months, making the last run of prototypes and finalizing our design, their communication and craftsmanship alike have been superb, and we've been thoroughly impressed with the level of transparency and access we've been given into their production processes - all of which fulfill our primary concerns of ensuring timely delivery of quality cases to our backers. Furthermore, the facilities, capacity, and talent they have at their disposal is impressive, and builds significant confidence in their ability to deliver what we - and you all! - are looking for in a case.
     
    Simply put, we are stoked to be able to work with them on Cerberus, and the prototypes they've provided to us already are a testament to the quality they can deliver, and that we've been looking to provide, come time for production. As a luxury enclosure, Cerberus is meant to be crafted, not made, and Sliger's engineers genuinely fulfill that title of being "craftsman" within their discipline.

    Part III: The crowdfunding campaign

    Finally, we end with perhaps the most important announcement of all: the timing of our crowdfunding campaign. Kimera Industries will be launching a Indiegogo campaign in support of production for Cerberus on March 1st, just over a few weeks from today.

     
    Throughout the campaign, enthusiasts will be able to pledge to tiers that provide the default Cerberus configuration, as well as units that come with the optional handle and/or side window. For the campaign as a whole, we'll also have an additional stretch goal (beyond the standard funding goal) for enabling Carmine Red as a color option for backers.
     
    We're not keeping our tiers to enclosures alone, however, and I'm excited to share that we'll also have a variety of tiers available to those who would like to support us, but aren't interested in receiving an enclosure themselves. Many crowdfunding campaigns will typically provide rudimentary tiers that have logo-emblazoned stickers or shirts as the reward, but for Cerberus, we wanted to do something a little more unique, and more special. As such, we've partnered with an incredibly talented local artist, and commissioned an original work in watercolor in celebration of the campaign.
     
    Rather than slap our logo on some cheaply-made swag and shove it out the door, we've worked with Carissa Reynolds to have this beautiful illustration produced, and will instead be putting her work on limited edition stickers, prints, and shirts - all made by domestic manufacturers, using the highest possible quality materials. In addition, the artist-signed print itself will also be available as a tier, with custom framing at the backer's discretion included (assuming I don't buy the print myself)!

    And finally... our thanks

    To be honest, we weren't sure how to wrap up this announcement, other than to repeat over and over and over again how humbled and thankful we are for all of the dialogue, engagment, and support we've received over the past two years in connection to this project. So I'm just going to go ahead and do that:
     
    Thank you to our first followers, and those who provided critical feedback and insight during the earliest stages of Cerberus's development.
     
    Thank you to the professors, industry insiders, fellow project creators, and other community members that contributed their time and expertise (often pro bono) in order to realize our vision.
     
    Thank you to the manufacturers and other third parties we've worked with, building prototypes, iterating designs, and spending long afternoons and evenings spent fixing those darn half-a-millimeter tolerance issues.
     
    And, most of all, thank you to everyone reading this right now, for your interest, your support, and your care. We'll find a way to pay you all back, we promise!

    In just a few weeks, we'll be launching a crowdfunding campaign that could flounder or flourish, but no matter the outcome, we couldn't be more proud, and more fulfilled with the work we've accomplished. As we feverishly promote our work, and prepare the crowdfunding campaign for launch, we'd like to encourage all of you to explore Cerberus, provide your thoughts and feedback, and get the word out about our impending campaign, as March 1st will be here sooner than you think!
     
    Original post:
     
  25. Like
    JValen_KenjiMG reacted to Laputacake in Dream Machine 2014/15   
    Wow, its actually running unity . Nice build anyway
×