The BumblBuild-[Scratch Build]

[GiraffePencils]

Hello all

Here I am with my first build log!!

Now before I go into this I warn you;

I'm not the best photographer

I'm not the best with render settings

So bare with some of it, and I'm open to any and all advice.


This build will be a '2 part' build:

Firstly I will be building my case, and transporting my current PC into this case.

Secondly I will be adding all the pretty new hardware and polishing the whole build up.

Depending on money availability (damn you Christmas!!!) these parts may blend into one


The Case:

Here are a few renders of the case, I'm really not an artist so the settings are all fairly default




The case is an aluminium frame which holds the components and an acrylic shell that keeps it all looking pretty


The Hardware:
Current hardware that'll be moved in stage one is:
i7 920
XFX 290x
6Gb corsair Ram

The Stage 2 Hardware will be:
i7-4790K
Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK
XFX 290x
Avexir Golden Blitz 16GB
SuperFlower Leadex GOLD 850W Fully Modular- Black


The Cooling:
The watercooling I will be putting into this build is:

Fittings: Monsoon hardline and soft tubing (spattering of other fittings for drain port etc)
Pump: EK PWM D5, With EK top.
CPU: EK Supremacy Clear
GPU: EK original CQC 290x block (Which I will polish clear)
Rads: EK 240 PE
Res: Bitspower 170mm tube
Controller: Was going to be an EK Acendancy but email from EK today says it's shelved so Aquacomputer aquearo
Temp sensor: XSPC G1/4" Plug
Fans: currently have 4 Piranha's in their boxes. But I've bought EK Vardars instead

Now This project started for me a while ago and I've been motivating myself through it.
I thought I should share my progress as I'm starting to lose track of what I've done for writing up later

Progress So Far:
Metal arrived:




Tools too:




Case will be constructed of Aluminium angle screwed into 25mm square bar.

Cut all the angle down to size(Thanks Dremel):


Drill and Tap all the Square Bar:




DISASTER!!!
3 holes to go and I get a little too excited and:


Snap my tap......
So annoying, that tap end is in there tight, nothing I can do is getting that out with the tools I have. It gouged a chunk out of my pliers

Lucky the bar could be turned around and I drilled the other side and it went together fine. A bit of filing flattened out the tap bit.


Countersink the Angle so the acrylic can sit flush on top of it, I didn't have a drill slow enough, so I had to do these by hand turning the chuck


It FITS!!


Sides together:


Finish the rest up:



Work going well

I am currently in the position of having incorrectly drilled 12 holes (measure twice, always measure twice) so I have filled the holes and tonight am going to get them in the right place.
These holes will be for mounting the internal components and motherboard tray etc.

To Tide everyone over I will finish with my first attempt at taking component pictures (photographers should look away now! )

 

[GiraffePencils]

I love scratch builds and this looks stunning!

Subbed!

Thanks, Not much to look at right now, but it's getting there

Looks great so far

Thanks


Mini update from last Night:

I went to get my prototype MoBo Tray cut and my file was not right
Some problem with the .dxf export.....I Dunno but a bit disappointing.

To console myself I finished off drilling and tapping the last mounting holes for the panels and countersunk the mounts for the Mobo tray and window.

Getting there

 

[GiraffePencils]

Looking good, will keep an eye on this!

This looks great from the renders!
Don't worry about the photos, they look great!

Good stuff mate.

Been mulling over doing a similar type of scratch build for a while now and this is pretty helpful

Thanks

Photo's just need more time/practice,
A tripod would help, maybe a light box/tent.

@petey well I could let you know now, I kinda regret the Square bar.
Box section could have done fine and saved a lot of weight. either tapping the box or rivnut it.
But I have the metal now, who cares if the case weighs a ton

 

[GiraffePencils]

Yeah, I was looking at box section and rivnuts actually Solid Alu can't be too cheap either.
Oh, I've also found the little cubes that Parvum use for sale at a competitor. May not even go with a framework after all or at least cut down on the amount of it.

ED: Just had a look at alu bar and it's a lot less expensive than I thought.

It was fairly cheap, 56 for everything i got including delivery.

I wish they were around when I started building, but oh well, plough through.

BTW:
YOUR BASKET
1 x Parvum Systems Modding Cubes £9.95
Total : £13.86 (includes shipping : £3.26).

 

[GiraffePencils]

Dammit, I've not been putting that banner up when I post....
that was kinda an idea I had....
Oh well, I'll keep it for posts that involve updates

Front grill has 2 options:
One: it gets cut by whoever I get the acrylic done by (I'm awaiting quotes)
Two: I do it... I have access to an A3 laser cutter, but the MoBo tray fiasco last night proved I'm incapable of getting filetypes right
so, Either me, or I pay for it.

If you contact uni's they tend to have laser cutters, but they shank you for using it

 

[GiraffePencils]

Nice work so far mate, looking forward to your updates.
Maybe it'll inspire me to pull my finger out and do some work on my pc!

Thanks
It took me too long to pull my finger out. I started this project over a year ago hahaha.

It's Time for a Mini-Update, It's a:


At the weekend I wore out my last cutting disk for the dremel
I have other not Ideal ones, but they're slow going

I was trimming the metal that holds the Rads in place, allowing more airflow. I was also measuring up the holes to mount the Rads.

I am going to have another bash at getting this laser cutting done on my MoBo Tray. I have saved this DXF in just about every blooming way I can and if it doesn't work I'm at a loss really.
I'll have to bring my laptop down and plug myself INTO the cutter and make it while plugged in, and that's gonna eat into the cost of the rental

Also I will try and get some feet made for the case. cutting them out of a spare piece of Bar. I might try for some step by step shots, but it'll be on the phone not taking the dslr to the workshop

FINALLY (In this update with no fancy new pics)
I am debating with myself weather I should move my current PC or bite the bullet and just buy the new hardware sooner. What do people think?

Thanks

 

[GiraffePencils]

new hardware sooner! you know you want to.

ooooooh, you're a bad influence



So I'm here for an update
Sorry for the photos, potato phone

I've been to the workshop tonight, I got my files right on the laser cutter (yay!)
LASER(trust me, it's in there)


so now I have my first pass mobo tray:


It fits in:



I also drilled my rad mounting holes:


Now it's hard to see there, but I'm well happy with those holes, they line up freaking perfect

Last but not least I cut up some bar that will be filed down to make feet:



I will file these into hexagons to follow the 'bee' theme and either polish them up or paint them

 

[GiraffePencils]

I think they would look nice polished!!!

Yeah, I'm getting the feeling they'd be nice accents to the dark case.



Update Time.

I have to say my enthusiasm is a bit dead today as the bank froze my Credit card and a bunch of payments didn't go through....
Silly bank, like I don't have a history of buying expensive electrical components online

Anyhoo, on-wards!

I drilled the rest of my Rad brackets, still need trimmed for increased airflow.
Need to file some bits down for neatness and evenness.

Speaking of filing:


FEET!!



3 hours of filing and they are all the same size and flat.

Need to get the corner's off, drill and polish and they'll be done

With regards to the Motherboard being purchased early....this is going to be tightly linked to funds:
I'll buy my son and partner their Christmas presents and then my family will have to wait and see if I love PC more than them

Until next time

 

[GiraffePencils]

Looking nice can't wait to see updates.

I think you got your comment in before I posted
Welcome aboard, I'll be filing more and the weekend. Might do some guide/log of sanding my GPU.
I'll most likely get the DSLR out for some sexy shots at the weekend.

 

[GiraffePencils]

Right all,
I'm here to give you all a wee update and to throw what's going on with me, and what I'm thinking about right now.

So first things first, I'm a games dev by passion. I'm currently doing a game jam to 'make a game in a month'.
This jam ends on Saturday so I might have to park updates till I'm done, but we'll see

This weekend I got far less than I wished to get done, Christmas shopping etc. so the feet aren't done

Also some of the screw holes need a few 'adjustments' with a file :/


On the hardware front (the fun stuff) it's looking like I'll grab the CPU, Mobo and PSU this month (Don't tell my other half and I'll hide the credit card bill )
I'll try and take some decent pictures this time, any advice? I'm thinking higher f (f20?) more light.

Also I may add a 'to do list' to the OP, score off as we go, for your and my benefit

ANYHOO!

Here's some pics from the weekend, not the most Ideal location in the spare room so pics pretty meh:



First of the Feet:

 

[GiraffePencils]

Fantastic to see someone making something themselves.

Thanks, it's quite fulfilling to make it tbh, though I really want my pc now


Hey all, As I said, kinda slow on updates but It'll come in drips

I am thinking about the mobo tray and humming and haaing about it.
Something about plastic makes me fear for the mobo etc..... considering making a metal one?
Anyone with more experience who can instil confidence in it?

Also I talked about a to-do list, so Here goes:
-Adjust feet holes so the feet attach.
-cut and file the rad mounts for airflow
-file the pillars to make the rads less 'snug'
-cut and file the PSU hole.
-sand case
-Paint case
-Polish feet

That SHOULD be the case frame done after that..... I hope

final wee bit, my feet need polished etc, but baby steps

 

[GiraffePencils]

Looking good!

I really like own build systems, I wish I had the craftsmanship required.

Looking forward for this one.

Craftsmanship, I'm not really that good, a lot of asking questions and taking your time.
you should pick a small mod and have a bash

Totally agree with you! Quite curious as to how this one turns out - this must be definitely one of the most unique builds I've seen if not the most unique! Subscribed!

Thanks, that makes me feel really good about attempting this

Oh this looks very nice

Thanks, welcome aboard



Wee update, I bought the mobo, cpu and psu in black Friday deals

 

[GiraffePencils]

Hey all,

Game jam over, If you want a link to my pretty low attempt at a game just ask, I'm not forcing it on you
Here's a quick update, BLACK FRIDAY!!!

PSU, CPU and MoBo

Also my new phone in the pics, because why not

 

[GiraffePencils]

I was gonna get an Z3, but there was an issue with me having my partner's contract they wouldn't let me have 2
so I thought F them and bought this shiny thing much better than the htc desire lol

 

[GiraffePencils]

I might take you up on that offer, for now, focusing on this build

Now hardware's here I Really need to get a move on!!

in terms of painting... I was thinking Matt over gloss.
just as this is the frame when together:


And once the panels are on, there's only the smallest amount of the frame visible:


So I don't want a shiny bit catching your eye.

I also Have 50 UV lights I might put in left from another project, But dunno, might cheapen the look.

I have brought metal to work with me....Something about that plastic MoBo tray....it's putting me off lol
I'll see if I can attach the Mobo to a metal panel, just so in my heart I know it's secure

 

[GiraffePencils]

Looking forward to this one. Subbed

Welcome

Subbed! - Good job so far all looks great.

Thanks

Personally, I think the metal panel for the mobo would look better, or a least 'blend' in more with the framework. +1 Vote for a metal plate. Would you be painting the plate black as well, if you go for it?

Well I'm not in the mood for buying more metal, so The plan is prep this metal to maximize area (sadly it's not big enough to replace the mobo tray) and maybe set it in the plastic.
Have it sitting flush within the plastic, paint it black.
Maybe swap the black plastic for yellow?

I'll see, there's a lot to do before this stage.... I'm tempted to finish the rest of the checklist before I attempt it.

Just to recap:
TO-DO=
-Adjust feet holes so the feet attach.
-cut and file the rad mounts for airflow
-file the pillars to make the rads less 'snug'
-cut and file the PSU hole.
-sand case
-Paint case
-Polish feet

Pfft it's a lot and I really don't want to get impatient with myself here and make a mistake
I 'Plan' on doing everything down to the painting prep tonight.... Hopefully the dremel holds out, I was given a couple cutting disks. They're all I've got before it's hack sawing the rest hahaha

 

[GiraffePencils]

Couldn't you mock up a 3d design to see how each one looks, and then decide? I mean, a yellow tray would look epic especially when the mobo is black, adds a bit of colour contrast I think. But it's your build, do what you think works best!

The worst thing you can do is get impatient and rush it man, take your time and it will all come together.

I need to fix some design for the panels being cut so could be an Idea.

My partner's pulling the old "I forgot you were going to the workshop and I've started dinner" So it looks like tonight will be adjusting some holes for the feet to go on and then home....

I have a couple of things in mind I'll throw them all down and I dunno, have a vote or something

 

[GiraffePencils]

Right,
So, I got the feet holes all lined up and feet on.
measured up some of my cuts to allow the PSU to fit and measured my metal for a Mobo tray.
Here's a wee Idea of what I might do:



Paint the metal mobo part yellow, to give a nice wee accent, and have the black plastic behind that. Opinions?

 

[GiraffePencils]

I'd totally go for that if I were you! I have to say this just keeps getting better and better!

Thanks
More painting, but it's looking good. Might involve more mounting holes in the frame, but it's not the end of the world.

That top one looks boss, because its so different!

Actually no, they both look boss!

Well the top and bottom picks are the same, I just removed the pipework that hid the MoBo

On A wider note, that latest pick has a yellow band on both ends.
This is a result of feedback from the Parvum boys on the paneling.
Personally, I don't like it. I found the all black with 2 lines nice.

There's 2 schools of thought in my head, One I can add more detail, more honeycombing to the case.
But this would go against the minimalist, almost industrial look of the pipe work.

I have Ideas, Would people be up for me sprawling some designs? I know this detracts from the 'Build'

 

[GiraffePencils]

That's a hard one, because honey comb would suite the build very much. But as you said the industrial look plays a big part in this case, maybe honey combing some metal across some of the edges, not all of them but like little bits growing from the corner, so it looks like bumbles are been honey combing.

(That probably made no sense )

Do you have a 3D model template for your design? I'm not particularly great at CAD, but could see if I could help out with some designs (Granted they won't be great, but could be groundwork for something bigger and better)

I have models, but I'd rather try myself for a few designs, maybe down the line I'll get some help.
hope you understand.

Wow, this is an impressively solid build. How much does the case weigh at the moment?

Looking forward to the finished item!

I look forward to it too
I'm unsure, but at least 15Kg just the metal off the top of my head.

A little update from today's progress:

TO-DO=
-Adjust feet holes so the feet attach.
-cut and file the rad mounts for airflow
-file the pillars to make the rads less 'snug'
-cut and file the PSU hole.
-sand case
-Paint case
-Polish feet

need to Add
-cut metal mobo tray.

Can't think of much more progress, one piece of advice for everyone though:
have the item you're drilling mounting holes for THERE when you drill!

I have had to needle file adjust EVERY DAMN HOLE!
problems of using a shared workshop, have to bring it all with me and take it away.

Until next time, thanks for reading