[Project Log] Name not set[Scratch Build- Planning Stages]

[glent]

[Project Log] Squircle/ Rigid tubing [Scratch Build]

Current progress shot

Hardware

• CPU: Intel i5 4670k
• Motherboard: MSI Gaming 7 Z97
• GPU: MSI 270X 2GB
• RAM: Kingston HyperX Beast 2400Mhz 8GB
• HDD: 2x Kingston HyperX 3K240GB
• PSU: CoolerMaster V850 Fully Modular
• Case: Custom Scratch Built

Cooling

• Radiator- XPSC AX 360mm
• Fans- Cooler Master Jetflo
• Pump - EK DC12-400
• Blocks- [CPU]XPSC RayStorm XSPC / [RAM]Universal Memory Copper Waterblock
• Fittings - Bitspower Multi-Link adapter 90 degrees/ Bitspower Multi-Link Adapter/ [Many!]
• Tubing- ShakMods 10/12 Clear Rigid Acrylic
• Sleeving- Telios [Lutro0/E22]

Sponsors and special Mentions

MSI Gaming 7 Z97 Motherboard & MSI 270X 2GB GPU

8GB Kingston HyperX Beast 2400Mhz
2x 240GB HyperX 3K SSD's

Cooler Master V850 Fully Modular PSU
8x JetFlo 120mm White LED Fans

For going the extra mile to source the Bitspower Fittings and Hairibos!

For providing the Liquid -Mayhems Aurora 2 Red



Introduction & Planning/Concept
I've been sat on some ideas for a good while since I did my last Project "Time Filler back late last year. It was never going to be something I'd use the clue was in the name. it was more nothing more than something to take my mind of my bad health at that time.

My health is little better now, I spent some time recently using what I’d learnt on the last build, blending it with a pretty random idea I had, and aimed to turn it into something practical. Rather than use MSpaint which I've used the past...I know!

I decided to delve into 3D drawing applications and Sketchup was a logic choice. Now I have to be honest getting the grips with the software was tougher than I expected, Sure the tutorials are on YT but I wanted to just jump in and see what I could do...or not, needless the say the first drawing didn’t the hit mark…and wasn’t as I'd hoped. The overall shape is there, maybe if you squint your eyes or roll your head?

Nope. Afraid not. So yeah not great!, but working in 3D I could see this random idea I have working. I took the easy route and spent a few hours watching tutorials and getting the grips with Sketchup. Using some premade models from the online warehouse, Next attempt was a step in right direction.

Left [second attempt] Right First [ first attempt]

I've never used anything like this but I can’t recommended it enough for planning, being able to change things on the fly is extremely helpful

After laying the tubing route into place, I moved onto rendering, again much time was spent looking at tutorials and downloading free plugins and such. I’m still very much at the low end of learning curve, it’s been hit and miss but I’m happy at this point. I used many different render plugins and the images speak for themselves, some are poor others a little better.

Now the top chamber is set to act as point for all external cables, USB,Power, everything like that, I want to channel them and have they all coming out at the same point. I’m avoiding all clutter when possible. The render doesn’t show everything I have planned, like I said I’m learning as I go,

The case is split into 3 chambers. 2, large [left and right] 1 small [centre] and can they all can viewed internally from multiple angles... I'll be using short but neat cables for the PSU wires and such.

I’m not going for a more traditional route, hiding all cables around the back approach. The opposite I suppose, I want something that looks good no matter where you look. Now the design as is, does have some pretty obvious flaws and I’ve addressed most of them. Since I took the screenshots posted here, I’m meeting my brother in a few days to have the main frame fabricated.

FAQ
I've rounded up athe most common PM's, Tweets,Emails and grouped them here
Q- Dust! Whats the plan?
A - Filters will be added in due course

Q- Why is the GPU aircooled?
A- It's a non reference mid ranged card, no block exists. Options are the new alphacool ones or a GPU change, More likely the latter in time.

Q-What is the liquid
A- Mayhems Aurora 2 Red

Q-The I/O port is restricted, isn't that stupid?
A- Not at all the base had a large cutout for access, also how often do you really need access? I have extensions from the USB 3.0 ports for any additional devices I may add in the future.

Q-What's the paint type, rattle can?
Poweder Coat

Q-What tubing did you use?
A- I was given some PETG from a friend a while a go. The OD is to large for the Bitspower fittings, even with filing/sanding. I used ShakMods 10/12

 

[altrewin]

Looking good! I love a good DIY case, I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

 

[glent]

Looking good! I love a good DIY case, I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

Cheers, I've got the green light to use as much fabrication time as needed from a local sheetmetal shop

I can get the main body done this week but the sketchup models for the grilles will take another week or two.

 

[Ajaxx]

Looks awesome in concept.

 

[stufflol]

Where did you download the Mobo model?

 

[GiraffePencils]

Looks really good

 

[andiuk007]

This one looks interesting, I have to sub here.

 

[WalderX]

Nice - looks like you got to grips with sketchup already!

 

[Uncle Petey]

Looks really nice. Is the GPU not going under water then?

 

[glent]

Looks awesome in concept.

Thanks, Im really confident and keen to turn this into something special

Where did you download the Mobo model?

Thier from Googles own 3d model repository - "3dwarehouse.sketchup.com"

Looks really good

Thanks

This one looks interesting, I have to sub here.

Cheers!

Nice - looks like you got to grips with sketchup already!

Yeah from the first sketch to the more recent ones, their better for sure, though im really still getting to grips with it.

Looks really nice. Is the GPU not going under water then?

I'm really unsure at this point, its almost necessary that I should,for a clean and mirrored look for the tubing, I have a secondary route preplanned just incase./ More details to follow.

 

[andyfrost01]

such detail going into this project

 

[fantasticCG]

Awesome!!!

 

[glent]

such detail going into this project

Awesome!!!

Right then boys and girls had a slight hold up but I've made some progress. Due to legal reasons I'm not able to show much of the actual fabrication process. So the exterior frame was made with two sheets bent that meet at the middle.

They have been a few blunders between the work my brother did and some of guys that helped with the welding. It’s not all bad though I'll just make this one....
MK1

The main issue is that the top plate has been fitted upside down, meaning the PCI bracket won’t work, it’s a two minute fix but once the rig started to shape, the sheer size of this thing really hit me. I have to seriously consider keeping as it, or downsizing. Its and empty frame and looks can be deceiving. Once the components and tubing go in it’ll fill pretty quick.

Any what I’m doing to do now is mock fit some parts and perhaps rejig the design, and then back to the shop. Until then, this is where I'm at

This plate top for motherboard and PSU is upside down...whoops

The mesh won't be staying, it was just a random off cut that was going spare. So yeah metal work looks so so at this stage, it’s nice seeing it in the flesh and putting pen to paper, then moving to sketchup and now this. Their much to tweak and I hope to have Mk2 ready for late next week

 

[deFiniLoGy]

Great work even for a prototype!!

 

[glent]

Great work even for a prototype!!

indeed, thing is though the more its sat here in front of me for the last week or so, the more I've realised it needs to be downsized for sure. With that said it was back to sketechup to trim it down some.

Aside from trimming it down a fairly obvious flaw is present in MK1, the bottom chamber had the most visual pleasing point imho, but was hard to see this area, being so low down. Obvious fix is to 180 degree flip the design, bringing the main tubing up top.

I've shrunk to overall sizes down from a mammoth 65Hx65WX40D to 50x50x40, now that might not seem that much, but really it is. The top and bottom chamber are now 100mm instead of 150mm. I rotated the radiator also to compensate for the reduction.

The middle chamber has also been reduced allowing the two side chambers more room,

Anyways this is where I'm at today. I may post some proper renders of the weekend or just wait till mid next week and post MK2.

What I’m showing atm is just a brief frame, the cosmetics changes I have planned will make a significance difference. The new design allows a fill and drain port to be added in more accessible and logical point too.

I’m not able to post potential parts,specs and such until I finalize current conversations with some people. I’m not aiming for extreme or even high end tbh, it’s more a visual project than a power house.

 

[JCX50]

Concepts are very in depth. Loving the designs! I am always a huge fan of straight tubing like that.

 

[GiraffePencils]

Those renders are fantastic,
Mine are all balls as I use blender and am stuck in my ways

 

[glent]

Concepts are very in depth. Loving the designs! I am always a huge fan of straight tubing like that.

Thanks, Theirs just something about using fittings rather than bends that appeals to me too.

Those renders are fantastic,
Mine are all balls as I use blender and am stuck in my ways

Hmm I've a way to go yet but from the first attempt to more recent version,it is progress!

So I just wanted to check in and layout some plans. Give a little update on where I'm at currently. I'm a little behind schedule for a few reasons. Mostly lack of machine time at my local CNC/Fabrication. It's been has been a nightmare try to get shop floor time since they took on additional work. Target for MKII is middle of next week.

The real issue the tubing and the guess work involved at this point. If I had the motherboard and blocks to hand, I could map out the holes that need cut
and have them lasered out before the main horizontal shelves are fixed. The plan was always to have the case fabricated and drill them my self.

The problem I've inherited with overall size reduction is trying to drill out these holes by hand is going to be tricky now, given that the middle chamber is now set to be smaller than before. I would struggle to get a drill in their and work freely. The plan now is to have the top self made up but not fixed yet. This will allow me to mock it into place and remove it, in and out to mark for tube routes and any cuts I need to make.

The downside of this approach is of-course is time. I should have most of the case ready soon but I'll need to mark the holes,cut them out, test fit the rigid tubing and then find more time to have the top shelf fitted again. Using some sort of brackets,bolts on the top shelf has crossed my mind. It does open up options for upgrades,changes and maintenance but would take away from the clean look I'm going for. I dont want to use bolt or rivets that would be seen on the exterior.

This has caused a "what if we do it this way..." chats that has snowballed for a week or two now. As is, I'm not sure what is the right path to take.


Paint and finish where set to be done locally but the business is relocating, and with the projected case weight, shipping isn't' really an option. I'm now searching for someone else to do the powder coating and I can't at this time find anyone. I have sent out a ton of email and made a few calls, fingers crossed I hear back soon.

The important above all issue, is that of fitting choice, As you may know we aren't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to rigid tubing and fittings. All have pros and cons. I've worked with the V1 Ghost fittings from Primochill, they have since been tweaked and are more aesthetically pleasing.

Even If I was to use the Primochill fittings in the loop,their are sections that require tight 90/180 bends and I know they would be better suited with 90degree fittings. I'd prefer not to mix fitting types and brands.

The most viable solution for the look I want, is to use the newer Bitspower Multi-Link adapter 90 degrees fittings
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-498-BP

and
Bitspower Multi-Link Adapter G1 / 4 inch OD 12mm
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-500-BP

After some research, particularly from Bill Owen and his team of monkeys, The Bitspower fittings are the best choice here. I wouldn't need to mix any brands and it would look more universal. The pitfall of course is that these are premium fittings. Coming at at £11.99 each for the 90's, the projected cost went through the roof.

Even after a design tweak I'm still looking at 35pcs [90s] and a few regular fittings too. This has pushed the cost way above what I had hoped for int region of £450. I will be looking at the best option over the next few days before making a firm choice. The cheaper approach is to add some bends to the tubes here and their, this could push the cost down a bit but would spoil the look imho.

Just as they have in the past Kingston have stepped in and offered their support. I must express my gratitude to them for being part of the build. What they'll been offering I'll be showing in due course. Their may be another sponsor or two but again more about that soon

To wrap up up, I'll get MKII put together this week. I'm not at home just now but I will get some updated renders up to show the tweaked design, inc a GPU in the loop. Theirs is much more I want to share but one step at a time.

Till next time.

 

[EYE_ON_ME]

Wow that looks great.

 

[WalderX]

Nice rendering work dude - its gonna be great! Subbed.