DIY Table case pc.

[orcinhell]

Hi guys.

 

So this has been a project that has evolved then brought back down to earth when I realized I was biting off far more then I can chew. It started by wanting to add a window to my case as I plan to do a custom water loop and of course want to show it off. I have a R5 and contacted Fractal Design asking if they're releasing them separately (like the R4) of course they were not able to tell me about products that have not been announced yet (which I get) and do not allow direct orders.

 

I had seen side window mods before and Paul did a pretty good one for the R5 on youtube but I wanted to do something a little different. I plan to do a custom loop when the next gen Intel CPU's come out and wanted something custom and sleek as well as simple for future upgrades.

 

I also plan to use my R5 but as you will see it will remain in perfect condition and be able to be used elsewhere later on if I wish, the case will be removable and allow me to upgrade easily as well as bleed/drain the loop away from the desk. I was considering getting the RS case for its res mounts but realized if I remove the back cover I can place the whole case on a matching black wooden piece and mount things like the reservoir to that while keeping my case untouched. Plus the R5 case is extremely modular so I can take off and store things like the front plate with ease so it will more then do the job.

 

 

 

I am also a dumb ass and did it back to front. The window will really sit on the left side and computer right so just bare with me and invert it in your head : ). To give you a idea of scale its 1200 mm long 550 mm wide and be about 240 mm deep around the shelve area. The screen, 1990 mouse and keyboard are just there for illustration purposes.

 

 

 

the bottom will be measured perfectly so the case fits in snug. from the top I added a wood lip to hide the edges of the case and also allow me to place Plexiglass. The sides are not measured perfect and will not be solid wood, cut in vents will allow the case to breath and will be well hidden when looking though the window at the top.

 

 

This is the back of the desk, this will allow me to quickly unplug and pull the case out and mod easily as well as drain the loop etc... From the front of the desk and looking down it will look likes its enclosed and part of the desk, if light seeping in is a issue I can easily add a door to seal it up. I am also toying with the idea of making it a draw.

 

 

The plexi will sit in the wooden edge you can see from the top. The edges of the Plexi will be sandblasted and with the remaining room a strip of led lights will be places around inner boarder. The light hits the sand blasted edge and gives it its cool look of the edges being illuminated. I can also stencil logo's/words into the Plexi with a stand blaster and want to add my gamer tag but also want to keep the view of the computer unhindered. Maybe ill put my gamer tag near a corner or something.

 

http://www.amazon.com/LEDwholesalers-Changing-Controller-44-button-3215/dp/B0040FJ27S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1359696302&sr=8-3&keywords=led+light+strips

 

A light set like this will give me all the customization i want at a more then affordable price and not matter what colors my builds change to over the years Ill be able to match them easily. as of now the plan is to paint the desk black and I am yet to think of a good solution for legs that I like the look of.

 

What do you guys think?