Bitfenix Pandora quick weekend modding - it went big...

[HCP]

Well, someone got to do it with the Pandora, so why not me ?

 

First part of this mod is a weekend mod, i need to free up my current workstation case for a project, so im putting it into the Pandora.

But, is it possible to just use a case without some modding? nooo

 

Later on, a part 2 of this project will be made with some more crazy stuff.

 

But, here we go for part 1

The Pandora on the table, its the Black version with window.



After a couple of minutes, its naked!
Time for the work to begin
Radiator in the picture is only used for mockup, not used in a loop

[Laputacake]

Interesting, Subbed

[KingDaddyDaniel]

I've just got to say, this case is gorgeous. I'm looking forward to see how much sexier you make it

[HCP]

When i was cutting and looking at this, it probably will be more than a weekend mod

Starting off with some templates to see how it may look.




And short after, the acrylic floor.
Time to think about holes and exits i need for cables, reservoar and front facing radiator.
Im not really pleased with the sharp edge on the floor, probably add some rounded edge to match the rounded front panel.

[HCP]

Can´t call this weekend modding any more

 

Next step was to remove the top buttons, i dont like them, too big for something i hardly will use.

I moved the power/reset to the back of the case with small push-buttons.

 

Made the top panel into a smooth panel instead, added a picture of the original panel also for comparison

 

 

Aaaand, what i wanted. Except for color...

 

[KingDaddyDaniel]

 

Can´t call this weekend modding any more

 

Next step was to remove the top buttons, i dont like them, too big for something i hardly will use.

I moved the power/reset to the back of the case with small push-buttons.

 

Made the top panel into a smooth panel instead, added a picture of the original panel also for comparison

 

 

 

Aaaand, what i wanted. Except for color...

 

 

 

how did you do this?

Can we see the buttons in the back?

[Rale]

how did you do this?

Can we see the buttons in the back?

 

bondo+sandpaper?  looks good though never knew it was there if you had it painted the right color.

[GhostWindGamer]

Wow this is really cool subbed

[HCP]

how did you do this?

Can we see the buttons in the back?

Just took the insides of the top buttons and drilled holes in the back for them. No need for nice buttons back there, function only.

pics comes on this later

 

 

bondo+sandpaper?  looks good though never knew it was there if you had it painted the right color.

 

Yeah, the white is just primer for wet sanding

Dont know if i want to keep the color yet, or paint it some other color.

[ZaBoss]

What did you use to cut the glass? It looks really nice, also interesting build. Subbed!

[HCP]

What did you use to cut the glass? It looks really nice, also interesting build. Subbed!

In some pics, top left you can see a small table saw.

Proxon KS230, nice little saw to hide away when not in use.

http://www.proxxon.com/en/micromot/27006.php?list

[HCP]

Painted the top now and when added the clear coat, it reacted with the color... bleh
Time to sand it down again, re-paint and re-clear it

Well, need to put time into the floor also anyways!
More updates soon

[Antibull]

I would buy this case if it hadn't that ugly display in the front different colors black when it is off. 

 

But always nice to see some one build in a new case  

[HCP]

I would buy this case if it hadn't that ugly display in the front different colors black when it is off. 

 

But always nice to see some one build in a new case

There is a Core version also, without the display and just a logo

[Rale]

Looks like you had some silicone in the air when you painted it.  May want to try wiping it down with some lacquer thinner before you hit it again, cleans most of that stuff off of it and flashes off pretty quickly.

[Antibull]

There is a Core version also, without the display and just a logo

 

Those exist . I now know what case I am buying next summer ;3 

[HCP]

I was stupid thinking i could be pleased with just one weekend of modding

This has escalated to something more, as usual...

 

I wanted to make some sort of floor to cover up the cables a bit, and somwhere to hide the pump and part of the reservoar.

BUT, using the the cutout in the window to display the SSD, why not put the reservoar and pumpc-bombo there, so, i got to work

 

I have a bunch of ITX motherboards, so i will go with that for this one. Maybe update later.

 

Made some smooth backing to cover the holes and whatnot inside the case.

Also has begun on the floor, due to width of the Pandora i had to cut out the PSU from the side.

 

Some have asked why sinking the pump and res? - because the watercooled GPU will hit, or get a awkward position if i do not sink it into the floor, or put it horizontal and my DDC pump doesnt like that (the manual say). And already have alot of pump-res combos, not keen on ordering new stuff so i go with what i have

 

Some pics...

 

A overview

 

 

 

The floor hiding everything below

 

 

 

A quick rendering of the floor, just to get a feeling of what i´m aiming for.

Pump/res is not designed accurate, just the measurements

 

[Norman_the_Owl]

Wow, this is pretty impressive...I like it keep going

[Magic Puffin]

Subbed because of that interesting case I have never seen before!

[HCP]

Test-fitting the floor to see where i need to mod it more to keep clearances for fans and case.

 

Now starts the really fun work with cutting holes for all acrylic pipes for the pump and res

 

[d33g33]

Thank god, some mod work, praise you!

[HCP]

Something like this....

 

Time to hit the sander and prep the panels for paint, or wrap. Haven´t decided yet wich way to go.

 

I dont like the waterblock for the 7950, but its the only i have that fits in this case, Pandora is only 16cm total width.

I´ll have to look for a nice backplate, or make my own.

 

 

More problems.

 

Was planning on using the PrimoChill Ghost fitting, but that one on the GPU is too wide.

The side panel is 100% tight against the GPU block, and that fitting is 2-3mm more.

 

Ghost fitting that´s too big down right.

The two top ones is what i have to choose from.

Maybe incorporate a metallic red theme... hmm

 

Or... use Ghost fittings all over, except for GPU where i use the black ones? (top left)

 

 

 

Here´s how it stands out.

 

 

 

This is how it looks trough the panel, pump got pretty nice positioned

 

 

 

I tested the Ghost fitting with side panel on, it doesnt bulge, and its not visible that the fitting is head on with the side panel window.

That would be the best solution, i like the Ghost fittings.

 

 

 

Third day now, still stuck on how to route the acrylic tubing

 

Any suggestions ?

 

First routing idea.

Pretty straight forward, one of the pipes has 5 bends in it. Not sure if i´ll pull that off

 

 

 

This one is more complex, where the inlet for the CPU goes BEHIND the GPU.

And the other one just trough the GPU and down.

Its really tight pulling anything in front of the GPU due to case width (only 160mm)

 

 

Bending testing goes well, the left one is done.

Doing some testing with the right one, trying to run it paralell with the other.

 

Quick notice...
The black PSU/Floor shroud is NOT the final finish.
Black paint is just a easy way to see scratches and other surface damages needed to be fixed

[ALXAndy]

Hey fella. Just stopping by to say I'm a massive fan of your work and your exemplary wood working skills.

 

Already liking what you have done with the res there, really looking forward to seeing this come together !

[HCP]

Ran out of pipes, so i got stuck.

Yesterday i got a message that the delivery will take alteast 10 more days...

 

So, i did some testing...

And, i´m just stuck again, i like the copper in some way, and the acrylic in another.

 

Acrylic or copper ?

 

[CaptainSteve109]

 

Ran out of pipes, so i got stuck.

Yesterday i got a message that the delivery will take alteast 10 more days...

 

So, i did some testing...

And, i´m just stuck again, i like the copper in some way, and the acrylic in another.

 

Acrylic or copper ?

 

-pic-

What color coolant were you gonna use?