RIVE Black Edition 350d

[cypto]

/* Project first started in the "Small Form Factor" section however will now reside here with future updates */

Not only is this a first PC build in nearly 10 years the previous being a pentium 4 with 2gb of ram, But also a the first time modding a case beyond adding a prespex window.

Initially it started with wanting to build a small but powerful 2011 system that could be moved around with ease. Corsair released the 350d and it was love at first sight. It was small enough to be portable but with plenty of room for a good AIO cooler and a 2011 motherboard.

A few months passed while saving to buy the parts for the rig however when the time came I was informed the rampage IV gene was out of stock with no ETA.

Good morning,

These are end of life now, we have ordered more, but no guarantee that we will get any stock unfortunately.

/* on a side note I do realise the rampage gene boards are back however this project has got my full attention + can't really put the psu bracket back now can I?

After this news and a few minutes moving things around the case this project began.

The goal of the project (in terms of modding the 350d) is to fit a full-size motherboard (rampage IV extreme black edition) into it without losing out on any of the motherboard features, that includes the extra pci-e slots.

And now for some progress pictures.

Below shows where the PSU will sit along with the paper template of the RIVE BE motherboard.

Few days later the back section was removed with a dremel cutting wheel to make way for the new section drawn up in Autocad. This is only a paper template the final piece will be cut out of aluminium sheet.

Any questions or comments feel free to ask. More progress pictures to come.

 

[cypto]

Are you adding a new motherboard tray? Fairly sure the eatx of the rive uses 3 extra mounting posts that won't be available in a matx only case...

Yup the piece of paper inside is the exact template of the RIVE board (not the black edition but as far as I have seen they use the same mounting points), there are 3 extra mounting points however they are being added into the current motherboard tray with a few drilled holes and 6-32 nuts on the back to hold the extra standoffs in place.

However creating a new motherboard tray has been an option, think of it as a plan B.

 

[cypto]

More updates!

Spent today cutting the sheet aluminum into shape with a fretsaw using the template. By the way if anyone would like me to upload the template used in this build feel free to ask.

Small test fit inside of the case after it had been bent into shape. The aluminum was bent using a hammer and a small off cut of 1/2inch steel in a vice.

A coat of self-etching primer and a coat of satin black paint later here is the result.

The photo seems to have washed out the colors slightly however here it is against the original backplate for comparison.

Top is the removed section and the bottom is the newly painted part.

On order are some black pop-rivets, 6-32 unc nuts and more dremel cutting wheels ready for when I modify the motherboard tray.

Once the rampage IV black edition is released the main computer side of the build log can start.

 

[cypto]

Ironically, it was also in stock 5 mins after cutting the back section out with an angle grinder.

However since starting the project and even at that point I was already hooked on modding the case for the RIVE BE.

Also by the end of it I will also have a 350d that will fit most atx motherboards for builds. No longer limited to the matx size.

 

[cypto]

Only a slight update guys, once I get hold of a good camera expect some closeup shots.

The case with the new rear bracket installed adding the extra 3 pci-e slots.

Other than the rear bracket, extra motherboard standoffs have been added to the rear motherboard tray. The section Highlighted in red had to be removed to prevent shorting the motherboard out as it bulges inwards.

Instead of tapping the holes for the standoffs 6-32 nuts where used on the rear side of the motherboard tray. The 6-32 nuts match the motherboard screw threads perfectly.

 

[cypto]

Haven't posted in a long time, and for that I am sorry.

But on the upside I did manage to complete the build. And it turned out great.

Fitting everything into the case is a mission however, everything needs to be placed into the case in a set order, otherwise the radiator and motherboard don't fit.

Final Specs.

1. Intel i7 4930k (4.6 @ 1.35v)
2. Rampage IV Black Edition Motherboard
3. MSI GTX 780ti with stock nvidia cooler
4. Corsair Dominator 4x4GB 16GB, DDR3 SDRAM, 1866 MHz
5. Corsair AX860 ATX PSU
6. 2 X Corsair SP120 PWM High Performance (front of case)
7. 2X Noctua NF-A14 PWN fans
8. CM Esiberg Cooler with Koolance 280mm Rad
9. Custom paracord sleeved cables

Drives
Samsung Evo 250GB + WD Black 3TB

Now for some images.






Overall the build turned out great, and there is plenty of room for expansion and the possibility of a full loop and res.