A Quiet Build

Media_Evil

Media_Evil

Media_Evil

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Joined
24 Mar 2023
Posts
5
Location
UK, Hampshire
So I decided to build a cool and quiet rig for gaming and UE5 + Some Modelling + Whatnot

Requirements:
  • quiet
  • proper airflow
  • water cooled
  • easy to maintain
  • 560mm radiator
  • as tidy as possible
  • as cool as possible
  • as compact as possible
  • a decent audio interface
  • speedy front IO
  • decent looks
  • monitoring panel
  • resistant to leaks
  • upgradable (with other water cooled components)

Nice to have:
  • cheap (I don't have much hope here)

I searched if there were any reasonably-sized PC cases which could fit a 560 rad. No results. So I decided (not a matter for discussion) to build a custom PC case of aluminium extrusions and some bespoke machined parts (perforated side panels, machined mounts, machined and bend sheet metal parts).

ATM I am searching for companies that could offer some of the aforementioned services (bending, machining, waterjet cutting) for a (relatively) affordable price (e.g. I asked for a quote for radiator mounts and been quoted like 2k). The parts I used are not that important. I could provide details if there would be an interest, but for know all you need to know is it is a 4080 FE + 7950X direct die. Side panels are meant to be waterjet-perforated 1.5mm copper sheets (no special reason, no I don't think that it would affect cooling performance).

Case WIP (Design)
Pump mounting slider
Radiator mount
Mounted radiator
PSU mount
Shroud with a cutout for an external audio interface
Am IO tray that keeps cables inside the case and matches IO cutouts on the front
Bare frames and panels

I apologize for external links, but I couldn't upload any images.
I would appreciate any insight, or offers (PM).

ATM I am looking for a CAD model of any ATX motherboard (the model should not be be a converted polygonal model), and for a way to attach internal header cables to the tray (I have no idea how I am going to do that). This would be it for now. I hope you found this log interesting, or even better, you have an advice or comments.
 
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Create a free GrabCAD account. Plenty of ATX boards modelled there. A lot of the time they're modelled using Inventor but regularly have STEP versions too.

As for manufacture, I've used Fractory before and they're OK for pricing. One-off runs are always going to be horrible money, but cetainly not 2 grand just for some bloody radiator mounts :P They do laser cutting and folding and I think machining too. The machining will be stupid money though.
 
A little update. I decided which feet I am going to use for now, so updated the model, decided how I am going to fix the audio interface inside the shroud (one, two) and how I am implementing the front IO (I am using corresponding couplers and a 3D-printed piece to hold them firmly in place). This way I don't have to do dirty hacks like just gluing things in place. Eventually I would like to add another panel that covers the radiator module at the top and features a panel with performance monitoring screen. But that could be done a bit later and would be compatible with this design. As of now, I am lacking competence to design and program such device.

Regarding a grabcad account, I do have one, however many models there are just converted polygonal models which kill my current two-core ~1.5GHz laptop. All I needed was the exact dimensions, positions of the mounting holes, and CPU/GPU slots. I ended up just measuring my motherboard... far faster then searching for some creative pieces which may have nothing to do with the ATX spec.

I hope so far this was an interesting thread. Looking forward to some critique or comments. ATM I consider the design finalized and after I validate tolerances I would begin asking for quotes. Cthulhu save me, I mean my wallet.
 
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I work in a small engineering company, we can laser (&punch), press & weld. Either Aluminium, Mild Steel or Stainless.

Can drop me a PM if you wish I can have a look at what you're after and might be able to quote?
If you got CAD files or drawings even better.

Got local contact with powdercoating company we use also.

Thanks.
 
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