The thread TechyBen Actually builds something in!

[TechyBen]

So, I might have finally got my Tronxy x5s 3D printer (Nicknamed "Big Bertha") to work. So I am in the process of printing out a framework. I won't yet be adding perspex panels, so for now it will be 100% 3D printed... providing the printer does not break.

 

Design is currently a cross between a troll on LTT "just build it in the motherboard box" and a stealth build that I can fit inside just about anything (plans include a book  ) depending on how small the final build is.

I can currently fit a low profile GPU if going intel and 1050ti mini+low profile. If I decide to go smaller, I will use a Ryzen with iGPU instead (Case would be the size of the logo so cut out about 1/3rd of the size).

 

[kelvinhall05]

Following, ITX sleeper builds are my two favourite types of PCs, so this looks awesome

[TechyBen]

5 hours ago, kelvinhall05 said:

Following, ITX sleeper builds are my two favourite types of PCs, so this looks awesome

Yeah I should probably do a poll on what to hide it in. Win 95 box, Sim City box... Toaster. 

 

Phew, print did not fail this time (pic below). It had some trouble on the first layer... so I will have to trouble shoot a little more. However, it did not jam half way through this time (only took like 10 attempts  ). So looks promising. The design is still being tweaked as I go along, but now the printer is printing, should be quicker (though still a few days, each panel will take around 3 hours to print).

 

 

 

I got one or two measurements off (it's hard to judge things)... so have remeasured and adjusted. But the proof of concept seems workable.

 

 

The spare motherboard I am using has no backplate and is slightly warped in the middle. But it works 

 

So if I can get all the panels printed, I will build this one up as a Skunkworks PC (my current testbench is Mausasiive, and needs to be shrunk). Now printing the LTT logo, as I can add that at any time, while I change measurements and figure out how to clip/slot/glue the thing together (my 3D print pen broke, so 3D welding not an option )

[TechyBen]

Will be a couple of days before I get another go at printing the base + sides. Have the logo done. If LTT don't like it, I am sure I can swap it out for the GamersNexus logo instead. /troll 

 

[Tech_Dreamer]

Nice, Looks kinda weak tho , like it can chip off easily with regular force.  how does it feel?

[TechyBen]

The edges are fine. I can always up to 100% fill/make it solid. The logo actually missed the support, it was suppose to be stencil style (connected ends of the letters), but as I pressed the wrong button, it came out as a pure logo. Strong enough for looking pretty, but as said, I would use more structure/support if it was for someone else.

[TechyBen]

Panels coming along nicely. I've made a few little errors, so learning as I go. Like learning to triple check the G-code preview to make sure I've not missed parts off. XD

 

Gonna glue these panels together, as it's just a proof of concept. If I like it, the next design will be bigger, to transfer my PC into. And this little one will be used as a Retro, stealthed/sleeper PC.

 

I'll post pics up when I get it glued together, probably at the weekend.

[Dedayog]

Cool project but why are you using their logo?

[TechyBen]

5 hours ago, jstudrawa said:

Cool project but why are you using their logo?

Because I can. As said. I can swap it out. It's also to kinda troll them. The first size limit, is the motherboard box. AKA "Just build it in the box" from a lot of their builds, and especially the super cheap $69 Amazon build video.

After this, the entire thing will either be swapped out for my main rig (if I swap for a 1050ti half height it may fit, but I might hit the power limit of my mini PSU) at the same size, or for a Ryzen, making it even smaller.

 

In either case, it will probably then be disassembled, or resized.

 

Oh, possibly just because I got a LOT of orange PLA I needed to use. XD

[TechyBen]

Printing is done for now.

 

 

I may get time to glue it together later today.

 

I just need to remember to check my current PCs PSU requirement. I may need to get a 200-300 pico PSU, or downscale my GPU aims.  A 1050ti with nice i5 will pull around 250w, which is close to the max I can get from a pico supply.

[TechyBen]

Not power virus checked just yet... but benchmark/game testing suggests this rig currently pulls less than 200w from the wall... so I may be able to skip on the "retro gamer" and make it my current gamer PC. XD

 

[edit]

Yep, under 140w from the wall with furmark on CPU and GPU. hmmmm.

[TechyBen]

Proof of concept and everything fits.

My 3D pens broke, so I'd need to replace it, or on the next attempt make everything snap/clip together (seems possible, some experiments with this one work so far).

[BTA]

Mini builds are always lovely! Next time flip/mirror everything before printing, so you'll be showing the better side of the print. (fully flattened on the 3D printing surface)

[TechyBen]

1 hour ago, BTA said:

Mini builds are always lovely! Next time flip/mirror everything before printing, so you'll be showing the better side of the print. (fully flattened on the 3D printing surface)

Oh. I know that. I actually did this on purpose as I broke my print surface (new one in the post), and it has grooves in it now

That and the old pla is on it, and would discolour the white.

 

I may go all out if I get around to it, and print the base +3 walls in one go, with the top and read IO as another print. Will be sturdier, but longer to print, compared to 2 hour at a time for each panel as I currently have it setup.

 

I may also switch the PCI direction, so the GPU fan points upwards. But would need a new GPU and riser for that, so waiting a little before I sink the cost.

[TechyBen]

The right length PCI ribbon extender arrived today. Plus some nice buttons normally for the Lian Li cases. So I'll incorporate those. Oh, and the 1050ti mini/low profile too! XD

 So for now, I've got either the right hardware, or the right sized hardware to finish the design (any upgrades like CPU/RAM/Mobo will be a straight swap out). However, will probably need a new print on the base/sides to fit in the reversed GPU orientation (rotated it so fans match), and making room for the SSDs + button placements.

 

 

Have a Gigabyte 1050ti low profile in it... but as it was a scratch build last time I set it up, I've forgotten my Win10 password... so reinstalling.

 

Not sure when I'll get to reprint the case changes though...

[edit]

My current system tends to draw under 200w under load... with this test one drawing 100w with a celeron in. So I will see if putting a 35-75w i5 or i7 will still run ok with the pico/laptop psu.

 

Ram and CPU to order. Possibly a nice motherboard too. Then the book pages to cut out to put this thing in. XD

[thedemoncowboy]

Wow props. Shit!