Case Build - CHRONOS MK1 -

iB CoMpL3XiTy

iB CoMpL3XiTy

iB CoMpL3XiTy

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Joined
10 Sep 2010
Posts
1,533
Location
Cornwall, England
Hey ;)

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I've not been overly happy with my current Coolermaster ATCS 840, mainly due to its looks and the fact I find it boring so I was looking around the interwebs and the only case I like is the TJ11 from Silverstone, though its price tag is huge and I'm not sure about those massive holes in the side of the case :p

So I've decided to design and construct my own case, now this case is just for me so I've designed it around my needs (very little in the way of optical or HDD bays, but loads of watercooling options)

The case will be constructed from Aluminium except for the mid-plate which will most likely be 5mm acrylic.

My other modding experience was Project Element (Link Below). This will be a huge learning curve for me, but I love a challenge :)

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18349822

I've done some sketches and renders, so here goes!

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The case will support a full thickness (60mm) 120.3 rad in the roof, a 120.1 in the front and 2 x (upto) 40mm 120.2's in the bottom

Tools and materials should arrive mid next week which will give me time to finalize the design stage and clear out the mess in the garage to make some room.

I will be using PC bits from my current rig as I don't have the cash for a complete re-build and watercooling will have to wait.

anyway please let me know what you think :cool:
 
Last edited:
Hey!

Goodies have started to arrive, got my lift off hinges this morning.

I've chosen these hinges as it'll make removing and installing the side panels really fast and easy :)

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They need alittle TLC and paint, but can't argue with £1.34 for a pair. :cool:

More goodies later!
 
a lot of aluminium arrived today! ( another 4 metres of solid square bar down stairs)

Almost got all that I need now, just waiting on the 5mm acrylic for the midplate and 2mm acrylic for the side panel window.

Hopefully I'll be able to begin work tomorrow, providing my replacement pillar drill arrives tomorrow.

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UPDATE!

I've been busy creating the L brackets needed for the Frame. Firstly I measured and marked the aluminium (Please excuse the mess!) ;)

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Drilling the 2mm holes and countersinking :cool:

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I used a mini-hacksaw for maximum control, Took ages to cut 20 L brackets

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They need filing down and cleaning :P

Next up will be cutting the square bar down to lengths

Thanks for looking!
 
Aero said:
How are you going to fix and attach the aluminium for the front of the case? Also how are you planning to shape it?
I assume you're going to use magnets to ensure the hinged door stays closed?

I fancy doing something like this myself I'm just trying to think things through (for once) before I leap into it.
Click to expand...

Hi

I'll most likely use black M2 x 6mm countersink screws to secure the uni-body panel to the frame. I'm going to out source a metal fab to bend the aluminium for the uni-body. I'll be doing an 90 degree bends as they're a lot easier.

Either magnets or a screw, not decided yet :)

Yeah definitely plan and prep as much as you can before doing a case build, its not cheap after all.
 
Hey guys, bit of a set-back, the L brackets don't hold the weight of the square bar tight enough so there's abit of a wiggle :/

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I knew this project would be a learning curve for me, luckily I have a backup plan which will hold the square bar tight against eachother much better and won't involve those L brackets which IMO aren't too pretty.

So my second idea is to secure the two lengths of square bar with two M4 x 35mm countersunk screws, see the image below (there will be two screws per join).

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I can still crack on with cutting the square bar to lengths whilst I wait on delivery of the M4 screws and Tapping set :)
 
Aero said:
iB would you not be better attaching gusset plates on each corner for strength purposes? I realize it might affect your paneling/construction but it should give you a stronger joint that will resist flexing better than your proposed options.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your suggestion Aero, I'm going to try without gusset plates and just go with M4 screws, if its still not strong enough I'll have to go with gussets, which like you said will effect my designs
 
Hey MonsterMoshi

I used Kerkythea (Freeware), Just go to the Kerkythea's website to download the software and also the Sketchup plugin and tutorials :)

I now use Indigo as it uses my GTX570's CUDA cores (though its not free).

Hope your case project goes well man and thanks for your kind words.
 
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