[Build Log] Project Stalker - [Complete]

[ImBleu]

The door-handle aesthetic kinda kills it imo. Maybe find another way that makes it look less out of place?  

[MEC-777]

The door-handle aesthetic kinda kills it imo. Maybe find another way that makes it look less out of place?  

 

Yeah, I'm putting my mechanical engineering and custom fabrication skills to work. Will come up with something much cleaner and stealthy.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

 

It won't look much like a briefcase without that handle anymore. Might have to change the name...

[MEC-777]

Alright, changed the project name to something more suitable. 

[cragger89]

This is cool.

 

I had a Core 2 Duo specced PC by  HP in that exact same case. It's used as an HTPC by my best friend still till this day.

 

Cool build!

[MEC-777]

This is cool.

 

I had a Core 2 Duo specced PC by  HP in that exact same case. It's used as an HTPC by my best friend still till this day.

 

Cool build!

 

Thank you. Yeah, it's actually a really nice, clean looking case with a surprisingly efficient internal layout.

[MEC-777]

Got a lot done this weekend. Stripped the case down, cut and formed a carry handle in the top, cut out the front to mount the H55 and painted all the bare metal.

 

Pics:

 

Ready for paint:

 

Turned out really nice with a soft satin finish:

 

Now to put everything back in. Spent a good 3 hours + on cable routing etc.:

 

So it's about 90% complete now. Still need a CPU and two cable extensions (USB front panel and power switch/LED/HDD LED). Did a little research and apparently with BIOS version F4 for this motherboard will allow overclocking with the G3258.

 

For anyone who has a cheaper or older case with bare metal inside, painting it all black can have a profound impact on the aesthetics. Looks so much better and cleaner, IMO.

 

More pics coming shortly...

[MEC-777]

Some preliminary "final" build pics. Quite the transformation, I must say. Turned out better than expected. Can't wait to fire this thing up and put it through it's paces.

 

Just a reminder of what it started out as: 

 

And now the reveal:

 

Removed all the stickers except this one.

 

The carry handle incorporated into the top. Clean, simple, discreet and doesn't take away from the overall look of the build. Special thanks to @Antibull and @ThatCoolBlueKidd for stopping me from bolting an external handle to the top. This looks MUCH better, so thank you for your input.

 

And now for the guts:

 

Did the best I could on a budget of basically $0, combining spare parts and parts from other previous builds. That's why you see a mix of sleeved and un-sleeved cables. But a little cable management goes a long way whether they're sleeved or not.

 

More updates to come...

[Antibull]

Holy cows it looks amezing Nice cable management

[ImBleu]

Its starting to look really good MEC, How sharp is the handle though or did you file it down?

[MEC-777]

Its starting to look really good MEC, How sharp is the handle though or did you file it down?

 

Thanks. Yeah I filed down all the edges with a small grinding bit on the dremmel tool. It's not really sharp at all, surprisingly and there's enough room to get your hand in without scraping your knuckles. The edge that was curled under makes for a perfect handle/grip for your fingers so you're never touching any sharp edges and your hand won't easily slip out.

[dragoon20005]

oh so the cut out is like a handle to hold the PC

 

how heavy is the thing with all things installed?

 

i updating my new Q6600 log tonight with pictures of the build

[Antibull]

You maybe can finish it with this (the handle ), so it wont cratch, Don't know if it would look nice;p 

 

 http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/u-channel-pc-computer-window-rubber-trim-molding-cable-management/24-x-12-clear-and-colored-acrylic-window-sheets-for-computer-case-windows-and-mods-clone.html

[MEC-777]

oh so the cut out is like a handle to hold the PC

 

how heavy is the thing with all things installed?

 

i updating my new Q6600 log tonight with pictures of the build

 

Yeah, the handle is so I can easily transport the PC to friend's house or LAN party etc. Just makes it easier to move it around in general. It's decently heavy with most of the weight packed in that PSU, but not unmanageable by any means. 

 

You maybe can finish it with this (the handle ), so it wont cratch, Don't know if it would look nice;p 

 

 http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/u-channel-pc-computer-window-rubber-trim-molding-cable-management/24-x-12-clear-and-colored-acrylic-window-sheets-for-computer-case-windows-and-mods-clone.html

 

I initially had plans to use something like this on the bare edges, but after filing them down, they really aren't as sharp as you'd think. Will definitely keep this in mind though. Was wondering where I could find something like this. Thanks.  

[dragoon20005]

Yeah, the handle is so I can easily transport the PC to friend's house or LAN party etc. Just makes it easier to move it around in general. It's decently heavy with most of the weight packed in that PSU, but not unmanageable by any means. 

 

 

I initially had plans to use something like this on the bare edges, but after filing them down, they really aren't as sharp as you'd think. Will definitely keep this in mind though. Was wondering where I could find something like this. Thanks.

post pic of it running when it ready and let see how much GHz the Pentium can muster from watercooling

 

my Q6600 is done only need to do testing

[MageTank]

Yeah, the handle is so I can easily transport the PC to friend's house or LAN party etc. Just makes it easier to move it around in general. It's decently heavy with most of the weight packed in that PSU, but not unmanageable by any means. 

 

 

I initially had plans to use something like this on the bare edges, but after filing them down, they really aren't as sharp as you'd think. Will definitely keep this in mind though. Was wondering where I could find something like this. Thanks.

 

Might i suggest you go with a folding handle? You can put a metal frame along the top interior of the case, with a handle that folds down flush against the exterior. It only needs to protrude outwards when you intend on carrying it. Once you get it to your destination, just slap it back down onto the internal dug-out spot. It would be very similar to this concept

: 

 

Anywho, build looks amazing. Glad everything has worked out for you so far.

[nmil]

Might i suggest you go with a folding handle? You can put a metal frame along the top interior of the case, with a handle that folds down flush against the exterior. It only needs to protrude outwards when you intend on carrying it. Once you get it to your destination, just slap it back down onto the internal dug-out spot. It would be very similar to this concept

: 

 

Anywho, build looks amazing. Glad everything has worked out for you so far.

I like the look of this solution much better than the current hole. Great build by the way.

[MEC-777]

post pic of it running when it ready and let see how much GHz the Pentium can muster from watercooling

 

my Q6600 is done only need to do testing

 

Well I don't know how much of an OC I can get on a 4-phase H87 motherboard, but if I can at least hit 4.0, I'll be happy.

 

Might i suggest you go with a folding handle? You can put a metal frame along the top interior of the case, with a handle that folds down flush against the exterior. It only needs to protrude outwards when you intend on carrying it. Once you get it to your destination, just slap it back down onto the internal dug-out spot. It would be very similar to this concept

: 

 

Anywho, build looks amazing. Glad everything has worked out for you so far.

 

That looks pretty nice, indeed. But it would have to be all black so as to not stand out. For now, the cutout handle works well enough.

[MageTank]

Well I don't know how much of an OC I can get on a 4-phase H87 motherboard, but if I can at least hit 4.0, I'll be happy.

 

 

That looks pretty nice, indeed. But it would have to be all black so as to not stand out. For now, the cutout handle works well enough.

They make them in multiple colors, but yeah, your method is still very acceptable. If you are looking for a cheaper, long term solution later on, you can always take a chance on this: http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Hardware-Company-RH-0520BK--Recessed/dp/B00JQYVK82/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432179049&sr=8-2&keywords=recessed+handle

 

You might want to take additional steps to reinforce the frame of the PC, to make sure the top of it does not flex or bend when you carry it by the handle. I do not know what these things are rated to carry, so i would also be mindful of your cases weight. You stated you were an engineer, so i probably do not need to give you any advice on that front. I am also sure you can easily come up with more tasteful solutions if you feel the need to do so. Great build BTW!

[MEC-777]

They make them in multiple colors, but yeah, your method is still very acceptable. If you are looking for a cheaper, long term solution later on, you can always take a chance on this: http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Hardware-Company-RH-0520BK--Recessed/dp/B00JQYVK82/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432179049&sr=8-2&keywords=recessed+handle

 

You might want to take additional steps to reinforce the frame of the PC, to make sure the top of it does not flex or bend when you carry it by the handle. I do not know what these things are rated to carry, so i would also be mindful of your cases weight. You stated you were an engineer, so i probably do not need to give you any advice on that front. I am also sure you can easily come up with more tasteful solutions if you feel the need to do so. Great build BTW!

 

Thanks, yeah I'm always open to suggestions and what not. Lots of people have great ideas that you might not have though of otherwise.

 

The way I made the cutout handle actually keeps the top panel rigid because of the way the piece was bent and curled under. Also, the top, side and bottom is all one continuous panel which has been riveted to the interior frame. It's a very strong chassis with minimal flex. I was surprised to see just how strong it was given that it's just a relatively "cheap" case for a cheap pre-made desktop PC. The sheet metal of the panels is also fairly thick as well. Thicker than the panels on the Thermal Master TC-102 chassis I used for the Frankenputer build.

 

Will definitely keep these handles in mind for the future if I ever decide to change it up.  

[Guest]

Brush that front panel of the case... Followin'

[MEC-777]

Brush that front panel of the case... Followin'

 

I saw LTT's video on the different techniques for re-creating the "brushed" look, but I think I'm going to leave it as-is. I like the way it looks. I want people to look at it and think it still has 9 year old hardware on the inside.

[SomeGuyInSpace]

yo this is badass im going to start on one RIGHT NOW! Just kidding but i do plan on doing a sleeper like this in the future

[Mayhemster]

Commander Riker approves of the PCIe cable clearance.

 

 

 

Haha! Ok, Loving the build, but had to drop mad props for STTNG in the back ground, so epic. Keep it up!

[MEC-777]

Picked up the brain of the machine today. The infamous G3258. Can't wait to pop this little guy in and see how it overclocks on this board.

 

Also finally got the internal USB extension cable I needed, so it's basically ready to rock. Will update in a few days or so with overclocking results and some gaming benchmarks.

 

 

[Vebb]

Nice.

 

But why is there 2 static presure fans in that case.  (i though airflow would be the problem )