State of the project - need input/advice

notAfanOf · March 31, 2022

Hello folks,

I recently embarked on the wonderful (and frustrating) journey of modding my first case.

As you can see in the pictures I am neither an artist/designer nor an engineer, just a tinkerer - not here for your critique, but for your wisdom.

I want to shrink it as much as possible. I see the most potential in the front section, but I could also mount the gpu vertically, place the psu and rad at the front and reduce the height.

The main concern right now is the placement of the components for the best airflow, since that will determine what I will have to make from sheet metal over the next weeks.

Any (constructive) input is welcome! Feel free to ask anything (about the project)!

notAfanOf · March 31, 2022

@RAS_3885I drew up some sketches since my last post - would love to have your opinion!

RAS_3885 · March 31, 2022

3 hours ago, notAfanOf said:

@RAS_3885I drew up some sketches since my last post - would love to have your opinion!

Looks like it will be quite the project!

Initially I'd say option 1 (top left on your drawing) would be my first choice since it affords the CPU radiator fresh air. It's unclear, however, what the front case structure will look like with regards to vents/openings for air to enter. Are both sides going to be mesh, or just the right side as labelled? That option also give the GPU a good supply of fresh air while moving everything left-to-right smoothly.

Option 3 would be my least preferred since I think the radiator in that configuration would hinder smooth airflow through the case more than necessary and would be more prone to creating turbulent pockets of hot air.

Your penmanship is nice BTW Quite the nice "napkin sketch".

notAfanOf · March 31, 2022

3 hours ago, RAS_3885 said:

Initially I'd say option 1 (top left on your drawing) would be my first choice since it affords the CPU radiator fresh air

I thought as much - just wanted to give some alternatives.

3 hours ago, RAS_3885 said:

It's unclear, however, what the front case structure will look like with regards to vents/openings for air to enter. Are both sides going to be mesh, or just the right side as labelled?

The first sketch is just a rough visualisation - I work better if I can see things on a piece of paper. You know those design drawings of cars, with wheels as tall as a 10 year old, that look amazing - but nothing like the car that's gonna run off the line? It's kinda like that

I can meshify as much of any panel as I need - as long as there's a structure that holds the decoration. (btw is it recognisable? )

3 hours ago, RAS_3885 said:

Your penmanship is nice BTW

thanks it's far off my best works, I was just breaking in my new daily-use (fountain) pen. (A thing of simplistic beauty and my latest addition to my collection of cheap, yet elegant pens )