Simple, Powerful, Custom

[Terminashunator]

  BUILD LOG - (you name it) I can't be bothered to think of a name. I want some good ideas.

The color is matte black exterior RED or black interior.

*Specs*

Processor: Intel Core i5 3570K @ 4.0Ghz, 1.15v ish.

Memory: 8GB Patriot Viper Red 1600, 2x4gb

Video Card: XFX Radeon 7770 Stock everything

Hard Drive: Western Digital WD10EADS 1Tb Green Drive

CPU Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 101i, in Pull stock fan at 12v

Goals

1. Make the case work cooler

a. Install 2x 120Mm fans in the roof for exhaust

b. Cut front intake fan clean

c. Cut rear 2x 60mm exhaust clean, install wire finger guard

d. Replace PSU fan with PWM 92mm fan, motherboard controlled, as air intake.

e. Maybe H60 /H100?

 

2. Must... look... faster!

a. New faceplate

b. Paint interior and exterior black

c. Remove drive cage, mount hard drive to front of case

d. Repaint exterior, Install handles, install 120mm fans, paint IO shield

e. install front 80/92mm fan with opened front

f. Remove DVD drive

g. Cut side panel, install LEDs

 

3. Wish List

a. H100i or H80i in roof, or paint Hyper 101 and insert LEDs

b. New PSU, Silverstone SFX Gold 450w

c. New GPU, I think single GTX 770 or 7950 CFX add glossy backplates to graphics cards

d. New SSD, 128/256 GB, New hard drive 2Tb 7200 WD Blue

e. 32Gb ram for Ram cache for World of Warcraft Directory. Add Red LEDS to Ram

f. 2 120mm fans for Roof, robust internal cage for structural rigidness

g. Front USB 3.0, front Mic, Headphones, and iPhone headset connections

h. Wireless card, TV Tuner card,

(For the pictures, please excuse me, i have a terrible camera)

 

I specifically chose this case because of the size. I love it. I love how small it is, I love the layout. Only thing I don't like is it's airflow. Or lack thereof. OBSERVE. DAT FRONT. 1X 80mm fan. That's it.

Let's see if the back exhaust is any better. . .

Two 60mm Fans.. JOY >_<” I even put some mesh PCI slot plates in (When the computer was fully assembled). The power supply has a fan, though!

 

 

That is 80mm. It was so obnoxiously loud when I got it, I immediately voided the warranty and put a 50ohm resistor on that fan. It's silent now. No, really, silent. No, not really really, but it's so quiet I cannot hear it with it in the case. The power supply isn't great. It's not even okay. Every day I worry I'll come home from class to a burnt down house. 

 

Jeremy Clarkson would like the brand name. POWER

 

Surprisingly, it WILL run my 7770, Overclocked i5 3570K, 1Tb Hard drive, and charge an iPod and still remain under 250w from the wall. I used a Kill-a-Watt, it's 60% efficient =\. Absolute garbage. 

 

Did you notice the PCIe 6 pin cable I made an adapter for? Yeah, everything here is safe and not tampered with... Suuure.

 

 

Don't believe me when I say I had that gear stuffed in that case? 

 

In theory, if the power supply HAD the current, the case could support two GPUs in crossfire, however I desire going to 1 GPU, as no SFX power supply can comfortably run two video cards that are even worth CFX/SLI . Now, I want this case to be relatively portable since I housesit often enough. 

 

Did you know door pulls make cheap, simple handles? $3 each at Home Depot.

 

 

Now, take a look at this. YES, I know it's in a 4x slot. This is a demonstration of concepts. I run it in the 16x slot typically. So shush.

 

Now, see that? On the right? That's a XFX 7770. It BARELY fits in the case in the second CFX/SLI position. Meaning, a second graphics card would barely fit, and there's about 1/2” space between the card and the bottom of the case. Indeed, I could create a vent in the bottom and force it to fit. 

 

Also, see that ram? That ram can be illuminated with a light pipe and two LEDS, which I plan to do. One LED worked well, and I can run them off the 12v connection right next to the 24 pin. Install the handles would mildly risk bending the sheet metal, so i'd be required to attack spacers/ stress distribution plates to spread the weight.

 

 

Potentially, I want to install a monitor to the back side of the computer. It's possible to connect a iPad Retina display. Though a 10” display on the back would make it difficult to adjust, but it would be an interesting tinker.

Also, a card reader in the front it would be dang fancy. With Wifi and Bluetooth!

-----

 

More to come in the next few days. Planning on chopping the air vents this week~

[Terminashunator]

UPDATE!
Since my laptop chose to quit working I had to rush-job put the computer back together. In that time I did quite a lot.

 

 

A couple of things before I tie the bow and call it a day. I don't have a side window, and that makes me sad. 

 

I want to upgrade the GPU at some point to a 7950, 660ti or a 770.

 

Once I get a new GPU, I'll grab the modular Silverstone SFX 80+ Gold power supply. Hence, why I haven't painted this power supply. The hard drive is mounted using some Meccano Erector set bolted to the case, it transfers heat SO MUCH better than the stock drive cages. There is a strip of white LEDS in the roof, hidden that are run off a motherboard fan header, so I can dim/ turn them off.

 

Those handles are simple drawer pulls that I use Meccano Erector screws to bolt to the case. Once I get to the R3 of this case, I'll reinforce the bolts with a plate. It's completely safe to carry, I still fear it will bend the metal.

 

Temperatures are great, considering all the cut corners. I Boinc 24/7, and when i don't I play World of Warcraft, Borderlands 2, Prototype, and some emulators. I get around 40c delta, I have a very hot room with no AC.

 

On the to-do list is ridy thigns, get a USB 3.0 front header, Front Audio, make a front panel to HIDE THE GAPING HOLE, side window, and perhaps a liquid cooler for the CPU?

[ProGearUk]

where did you get the switch from.

[notenoughtv]

where did you get the switch from.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=60_374_118

[Emkryan]

If you're going to keep this case you might as well call this build log the jerry-rig

[ProGearUk]

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=60_374_118

Thanks I am trying to find some in the Uk and I have found a place

[slasher0161]

I like that you have made this case have some character and embraced it.

[Terminashunator]

where did you get the switch from.

It was ripped from salvaged US Army surplus radio equipment. 

 

If you're going to keep this case you might as well call this build log the jerry-rig

Right now it's called Crusher i5, since all my computers use the "Crusher" moniker. I really, really do intend to clean, refine, and personalize this chassis. It was a cheap newegg fine when i was in need of a new case, and I really enjoy the challenge. 

 

I like that you have made this case have some character and embraced it.

Thank you! Most people get a econobox Dell, or make their own rig, but never really think outside the shopping cart at retailers. I don't have much money to myself so i use what I have around the house. Sure, the case looked better before it tasted my jig saw and drill, but the air flow difference and pure badassery of putting the case on a steel dieet was fun. My next case will be better because this was my first attempt at modding more than LEDS and fans.

[Emkryan]

Right now it's called Crusher i5, since all my computers use the "Crusher" moniker. I really, really do intend to clean, refine, and personalize this chassis. It was a cheap newegg fine when i was in need of a new case, and I really enjoy the challenge. 

What's the original name of the case?

[slasher0161]

The best way to learn is by doing. I have a soft spot for stuff that most people would throw away to the trash and making it useful, I guess that is part of the reason I currently have 4 cars and a backlog of side projects because neat things keep popping up and my first thought when I see them is "I can do something really cool with that, better not let it get wasted" (Its also the reason the girlfriend rolls her eyes every time I get a childish smile on my face and tell her about my next project).

[Terminashunator]

What's the original name of the case?

 Topower TP-1687BB

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811237025

 

It came with the power supply, though I know I shouldn't be using it. It's not terrible; doesn't get hot, Voltages are way reasonable, and it can deliver 250w of the 300w no problem.

 

 

The best way to learn is by doing. I have a soft spot for stuff that most people would throw away to the trash and making it useful, I guess that is part of the reason I currently have 4 cars and a backlog of side projects because neat things keep popping up and my first thought when I see them is "I can do something really cool with that, better not let it get wasted" (Its also the reason the girlfriend rolls her eyes every time I get a childish smile on my face and tell her about my next project).

 

 

This is the main reason I have two Rubbermade's of salvaged E-Waste from old electronics and in teh back yard have old scooters, bikes, Army radio equipment, etc. I can't get rid of something that still is in reasonable condition and has uses. Though i've gotten better about it.

[CJPowell27]

Before you decide to upgrade your GPU I think you should invest 40 bucks into a CX 430, you wouldn't want all that money going down the drain when your PSU explodes.

[Terminashunator]

Before you decide to upgrade your GPU I think you should invest 40 bucks into a CX 430, you wouldn't want all that money going down the drain when your PSU explodes.

This is a SFX case. It physically won't fit. I have a OCZ ModXstream I can toss in. It just won't fit inside the case.

[Jumper118]

loving the hole for the fan in the top. great workmanship there  :wub:

[CJPowell27]

This is a SFX case. It physically won't fit. I have a OCZ ModXstream I can toss in. It just won't fit inside the case.

any good brand that will fit would do

[Terminashunator]

any good brand that will fit would do

You're right I know it's not wise to push my luck with an included case power supply

[_wky]

I like how you used the door handles. I'd have never thought of that.

[Terminashunator]

I like how you used the door handles. I'd have never thought of that.

They work REALLY well. Quite heavy and durable. Only thing I'd suggest is to put a backing to reinforce the handles so I don't pull the bolts through the metal. I drilled the holes right, but I'm still concerned about it.

[_wky]

They work REALLY well. Quite heavy and durable. Only thing I'd suggest is to put a backing to reinforce the handles so I don't pull the bolts through the metal. I drilled the holes right, but I'm still concerned about it.

Some washers or something like that would be ideal I think.

[Terminashunator]

Some washers or something like that would be ideal I think.

Yeah you're right, though I have some side-panel steel laying around I could use as well.

[_wky]

Yeah you're right, though I have some side-panel steel laying around I could use as well.

That would do as well.

[Terminashunator]

I had to tear apart my rig because the power supply was showing signs of near death. I installed the parts into an NZXT Beta chassis with an OCZ ModXstream Pro 500W with some other parts. I'll upload some new pictures, I'm proud of the cable management and noise, considering I used parts I had around the house. Luckily, nothing broke from that bad PSU

[Terminashunator]

So i ripped apart the case. I wasn't pleased with my last paint job. Sloppy.

 

Here's some of the hardware that was removed. The handles were from Home Depot for drawers. They are super heavy duty. Flip switch has been reused from old electronic hardware. I need to cut a window in the side, shown. 

 

I wish I could find a SFX PSU with a 6pin that isn't expensive. I spliced on that 6pin in the place of two molex and one floppy connector. I'm going to split off a 12v line for fans.

 

I need to cut this PCI slot since it interferes with the HDMI on my Video Card. Also, dual 60mm fans suck for noise, I want to put a 80mm or larger fan in at an angle. 

 

This mesh is restrictive. I plan on cutting it apart and opening it all up.

 

This hole is what i cut so that I could put a 120mm fan in the roof for exhaust. It works amazingly well.

 

Problem is, when the PSU is in the chassis, I put so little gap between the fan and the psu. The fan fits, but a radiator would not. Sadface. Maybe i will mount a 120mm radiator to the front? No idea yet though.

 

 

I'm planning on installing the this in the front. (: But with a switch, for nighttime mode. 

[Terminashunator]

I got tired of my stupid ATX chassis for a mATX system. I was also going to install a H60, but turns out my NZXT Beta would not fit it.

;;

So I broke out the Meccano.

 

 

H60 in the front,

9" Video card in the bottom. I can crossfire, if I had the PSU to run them both.

USB 3.0 jack in the back

Meccano Hard Drive mount

 

 

Meccano to hold the H60 in. Mwhaha.

 

How things fit inside.

 

So this is for now, I'm gonna Polish things. Going to craft a better HDD mount, cut the front for the H60 more, get a new PSU "soon".

[Lord Pantaloons]

I approve of the use of Clarkson