Project Medusa [complete]

[Fonzie Scheme]

PROJECT: MEDUSA

Medusa

 

• Intel core i7 3770
• EVGA Z77 Stinger [mini-itx]
• Kingston HyperX 1600Mhz [8GB]
• Samsung 840 Pro [512GB]
• Seagate Barracuda Green [2 x 1.5TB Mirrored]
• EVGA GTX 670 [4GB]
• Seasonic Platinum 660
• Cubitek Mini-Cube [modified]
• Stock air cooling w/ Noctua fans (*Noctua NH-U9B wouldn't fit on this board)

*disclaimer: better choices could have been made in the selection of some the components but I got nervous and clicked 'checkout'.

 

This is my first legit build so I thought I'd share it here, I usually hang out in the twitchchat during the live steam. I finally finished cutting and polishing the lexan side panel and everything is buttoned up and running. I still have to troubleshoot a power issue and run some tests but as far as the build everything is done except for the filter on the intake fan (7.99 for the filter 9.00 for shipping)! Thanks for checking it out, I've posted a few bloopers at the end of the post!

 

 

 

 

My attempt at a sexy shot using my crappy camera and non-existent skills.

 

 

Sorry for the poor camera work

[Tmh85]

Why the amazing teasing? 

[Fonzie Scheme]

It's what I do! I'm afraid the build won't live up to the tease though

[WunderWuffle]

It's what I do! I'm afraid the build won't live up to the tease though

Why buy an overclocking oriented motherboard and buy a non-k CPU?

[Fonzie Scheme]

Good question, I wish I had a better answer. It had everything I needed in terms of ports and I figured being a higher end board the components used would be top notch. It also looks badass (* for an ity-bity itx board).

 

* components not so top notch. I traced a power issue back to the motherboard and they're sending me a new one now.

[TheEpicCanadian]

I'm excited :3

[Fonzie Scheme]

Medusa

 

Preparing some wire for the graphics card power cable. I've also included a couple of shots from the start of the build.
 

 

First coat of primer:
 

 

After wet sanding the primer:
 

 

Flat black inner panels:
 

 

Color coat before clear and polish:
 

 

Testing out the unique drive mounts:
 

 

I'm getting pretty close to finishing the build, if everything works out I hope to have it up and running this week. The drive mounts are nice and solid but didn't leave a lot of room for the cables to the drives, which is why I'm building the power cables from scratch. I really wanted to find some left and right 90 degree round SATA cables but haven't had any luck yet, the straight ones will work but they are under some stress. Let me know what you think so far.
 
 

[ForsakenLive]

Love those colors!

[Fonzie Scheme]

Thank you, I was really not sure if I was going to keep the color or not. I almost sanded it off and painted the whole case black! I'm kind of glad I didn't though, plus getting a nice finish on the paint is a tonne of work. I never really expected it to be as hard as it was and there are actually some fine scratches that seem to be beneath the clear coat and I really don't know at what stage I went wrong. It's going to have to do for this build though.

[Det]

This looks REALLY good! Can't wait to see the rest

[CommonCurt]

 

Nice keyboard

[Fonzie Scheme]

Ah yes! The keyboard, it's a Topre, but... what about the build?

[Homicidium]

Liking the looks of it! Can't wait for the finished build  

[Shrubpig]

That's an awesome paint job on the case 

[Fonzie Scheme]

Thanks, I just received a package from Mouser Electronics from UPS! Looks like I'll be doing some wiring tonight Now to check on the rivets 

[Fonzie Scheme]

Got some good bits today.

 

 

 

Molex crimper and the bits for the SATA power cables, some sweet little hook & loop fasteners (velcro) $1 for 12 sets and the countersunk rivets. Unfortunately I also became a victim of freight-rape. The store that brought them in for me charged me 3x what the rivets were worth for freight! They also ordered 4x what I had asked for but since they were kind enough to bring them in for me I guess I can forgive them. I also picked up some fancy beer just because.

 

p.s. Thanks Curt

[CommonCurt]

Ah yes! The keyboard, it's a Topre, but... what about the build?

 

The build looks great as well. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Fonzie Scheme]

Thank you and thank  you for modifying your previous post. I'm just working on wiring right now. The case has been riveted back together and I hope to power it up for a little test run tonight. Then all that's left is to cut the lexan side panel and button it up!

[Fonzie Scheme]

Medusa

 

Well I've got power to the drives wired in and the 6 pin ends on the GPU power cables but I think that's all for tonight. Here are a few shots of the project:

 

 

 

 

It was close with these rivets, I was right at the end of their grip range but luckily I managed to get them nice and snug.

 

 

Pins for the SATA power connectors standing guard.

 

 

Some pins crimped and ready to go.

 

 

I need to get some more zip ties for the power cables tomorrow.

 

 

Power to the drives pull through to the back.

 

 

An attempt at keeping some of the cables in place.

 

 

The drives in place and wired up.

 

 

More cables... I think the side panel is going to fit without issue... hmmm.. I might have to put some extra wire in just for proper cable management

 

 

I know it's not pr0n but I'll try and get some for the big finish I'm tempted to pull the trigger on a used Canon t4i. Let me know what you think.

 

 

[MogIsWinning]

I'm excited for final photos

[Fonzie Scheme]

Medusa

 

Wiring is finished and the system is currently running, the magic smoke still hasn't been released!

 

 

... a couple more shots of wire!

 

 

 

 

I think the wiring turned out OK but once again ended up being a lot harder than I had anticipated, especially when a bad crimp lets go and you don't have a pin puller!

 

[nickpc]

looks good

[Fonzie Scheme]

Thanks

[CyBaNeTiiKz]

Shortest GPU cables I have ever seen haha! Nice Compact Build!! Love it!!

[Fonzie Scheme]

Thanks, the case is really nice to work with especially if you plan on a custom paint job. I put most of the parts in with the lid off. I also like that the 120mm is delivering fresh cool air directly into the GPU intake. I still have some setup to do before I run some tests but it seems to be idling a little bit hot. According to the onboard readout it's idling at around 47 degrees.