The "I thought this would be cheaper" rebuild

SilicateWielder · July 2, 2019

As a brief notice, I'm already midway through the restoration portion of this build

Hardware list (This is a transplant, all hardware has already been purchased):

Spoiler

CPU: Ryzen 7 2700x

CPU Cooler: Swiftech Apogee SKF

GPU: GTX 1080 6GB

GPU waterblock: Thermaltake GB1080FE fullcover waterblock

RAM: 32GB G.Skill RGB 3000mhz DDR4

MOBO: X470 Gigabyte Aorus 5 Wifi

PSU: Corsair RMx Series RM850x

Sound Card: Soundblaster Z (Yeah, yeah, I know)

The system receiving the case transplant has been my daily driver since September of last year, and recently I've lost the need to have 32GB of RAM so I may donate half of that to another family member (Build log coming up soon!)

The whole project came about when I realized the case I'm using now is not only cumbersome for doing maintenance due to how heavy and large it is, but I've just been having a bad time with it, the USB 3.0 ports run at 2.0 speeds, the headphone jack works only half of the time, and the thumbscrews are stripping out after doing regular maintenance I also have issue with panels warping. not to mention the case weighs half a ton just by itself and makes lifting it onto a work surface impossible for just one person. I'll likely be selling it off as I've learned huge cases just aren't for me

Anyway, back to the topic of this post, the case I've selected is my old reliable, having gotten me through four systems if I remember correctly. but after spending about a year in my basement it needs some TLC and a new paintjob. I don't have any pics of it when I dug it out but it's definitely seen some water.

Here is the todo list so far, it may change as I progress with this

Dissassemble case by removing all rivets and screws
Sand all parts (mostly by hand as I don't own a power sander, but plan to buy one)
Repaint using automotive primer and enamel (Lemme know what colors you folks think would look nice)
Reassemble and install new rivets
Print a new faceplate/bezel (The original has become brittle and the IO is in desperate need of upgrading)
Find someone who can CNC acrylic or tempered glass to create a new side-panel window

I'm going to try and re-use the original lighting tubes and make them RGB controllable, maybe, I'm not sure yet.

I don't know what the case is, as I received it second hand about 5 years ago. My estimate is that the case was from circa 2006 given the original hardware that was in it is from that era, if anyone can provide some info on the case it would be greatly appreciated. I have pics below of the case from when I recieved it, and later on with the last build it saw. I don't have any more recent pics prior to dissassembly.

Spoiler