Did you jump on that sale at NewEgg, sparkyftw?

Now that you told us you bought one, you realize that in between Carl + Run N. Gun, there's some high build standards to uphold? (But ya also got a lot of inspiration there too!)

haha yes I did jump on the sale. Plus, I somehow recked BOTH of my cases.

Unfunctionally I may not mod it like they did. I need this to actually house a PC in... One of 3-4 PCs actually. Maybe someday

Uploaded the latest modeling files for you (courtesy of rado)
http://premium1.uploadit.org/soundx98//Base_rev3final.rar

So you know, the Viewer will NOT show the dimensions (the area is grayed out) unless you have a valid license for Pro/E.
There is a 15-day trial for both x86 and x64 OSes available.

The great and illustrious Radodrill (new and improved and sportin' pimpin' teeth and hat) also needed some additional dimensions for the front area of the case.
Hope this helps someone else modding the Antec 900 case.
(like his sparkyFTWness)

from back of bezel to front 20mm (from rear to 1st angle, parallel to side) x 22.5mm (front angle) x 8mm (parallel to rear) x 13mm deep on indentation.







Then rado came up with this


So dang happy I can't stop my feet from dancing

Hey, I always thought it was uncool for pimps to dance!

Nice work, guys! I smell a new modding guide coming up for the front pages! (Hint..Hint..)

A bit of clarification: The professional version of edrawings has the measure tool available; the standard does not. A license for edrawings pro can be purchased from edrawings and they also offer a 15 day trial license; but a Solidworks license is also a valid license for edrawings (a Pro/E license is not).

PTC (who produces Pro/E) also has a Java/web browser based viewer, but the details don't show up as well (particularly transparent parts).





All I can say is keep your eyes open; I may end up doing a beginners guide to Pro/E, even so I'm really still a beginner as well :tooth: (just started using Pro/E this past summer).

There will also be a worklog for the base either in this thread or a new one around January.

Go for it!
But not before you finish the base



Hopefully even sooner if my prayers are answered

So Carl, what would you say the the needed basic mods with one of these cases?

Your sparkyFTWness
Seriously,
The first thing I looked at was the stock position of the fans.
I think they are too low as most CPUs are towards the top.
At least with my combination, moving the top fan up 2 bays helped with air flow.

Run N. Gun's thread shows some hole locations for cable pass through that make a lot of sense.
Now it's gonna depend on mobo layout as fas as the holes go, so for cleanest cable management you have to cut.
If your cables are too short, you may have to keep everything inside the case. I think it's harder than cutting holes.
So put the PSU in and start measuring!

As I remember your Mushkin is modular, may make it easier for you but I'm pretty sure those MOLEX connectors are pretty long (3 + Floppy connector?)
Once you lay the PSU tentacles out in the case it will help you decide whether to cut or not (you may have to or forever be known as MrMessyCables).

Pretty easy case to paint once you manage to get the top off.
just remember whatever you do make sure you prime it first.
The Ultra-Flat Black (Walmart) is as unique (and forgiving) as Run N' Guns eye-catching yellow (bright gloss colors highlight imperfections).
Cases are personal for a lot of us and you need to "like" whatever you wind up with.
I've often suggested putting a piece of colored construction paper (or a plastic report binder painted with your color du jur) and keep the side off for a few days and see if you still like "dirty pink" as a color.

Needed mods?
None, other than for some VERY VERY strange reason Antec has decided to make the Power/RST/and HDD LED ables about 6 inches too short.
If you'd have any hope of hiding them, fuhgedaboutit..
SO they show or you extend them.

Unless you are using multiple HDDs lose one of the HDD "drive cages" and you'll have better airflow.
If there is no HDD in them there is no sense in having them in there.

Shout if you need a hand, not that far away.

I got enough MNPCTech "Brushed Chrome" film left to make you a couple of accent strips for the drive bays like I did on mine if it'll help you out.

How come you guys keep making fun of me in this thread?

You can only stay if you post your favorite pimp costume
http://www.pimpcostumes.com/categories/Pimp_Costumes/

No thread crapping, this a professional worklog

And not just a hat either

haha Carl thanks man on the advice.

I am thinking color layouts in my head, Thinking maybe a nice burnt orange and a flat black (no gloss for me).

Probably would have to change out all the fans too to shine orange.

And thanks for the offer on the film. Also since I have been ruining cases lately, I have plenty of spare front panel cords to go around.

Now to look for a pimp costume.

sup sup my fine brutha

That's sparkyftw

see it here http://diy-street.com/forum/showpost.php?p...28&postcount=35

hush you, its mre of a "this is a bad looking network"

ok Carl I need you help

you know that flat part at the top where you can put your grillz when you aren't wearing them?

What is the size of that, I have an idea for my mod and since I don't have the case yet, I can't go any farther with it.

You mean the cell phone holder?
I get 170mm wide x 100mm deep.
front indentation is 13mm and rear side is 30mm.

Thought that some might be interested in the LCDC software that controls the Matrix Orbital displays and and the LED indicator that will be incorporated into the "radobase"

As I mentioned earlier, you really don't need an MO display for the software as It allows you a virtual desktop display as well.
They will also show the GPU Indicators (LEDs)
If you want to try it out for 30 days free head over here:
http://www.lcdc.cc/downloads.htm

I certainly don't mean this as a tutorial.
The software is actually very easy to use once you get the hang of it.
(Put the bong down and read the instructions)



Once you install the software you'll be presented with the Menu.
Pretty easy set up but a lot of options.
I've got all my voltage, temps, and fan speeds read by the Custom DFI MBM file.
There are plug-ins for Everest as well if you feel adventurous.
Hale, there are plug-ins for the Weather, seti, F@H, HDD and RAN Usage and Available space, Network IP addresses, you name it.



Here's a shot of the screen builder and it allows you to select/build any screen you want.
And with Custom Characters you can do logo's and animations.
Remember, The virtual screen on your desktop displays the same information as a Matrix Orbital display would.
You could set it up for 2 lines or 4 lines



Under "events" you can set up the GPOs (LEDs) which are represented by the little circles in the blue virtual display.

Here I have named the Event "PWMIC", and have the LED (GP06) set to strobe if the temp is greater than 40 C.
You can monitor/select any sensor from the drop down menu



You can have a number of "states" on the LEDs
ON
OFF
FLASH
FLASH INVERTED
STROBE
STROBE INVERTED
CYCLE
TOGGLE (On/Off)
TOGGLE (On/Flash/Off)
FLASH ONCE
PLAY SEQUENCE
STOP SEQUENCE
TOGGLE SEQUENCE

Now the idea here is to mount each LED in a different "layer" (top-middle-bottom) in the "radobase"
As the LEDs flash they can light up different sections of the "radobase" and give the oh so uber kewl "chamfered" edges a slick "glow". w00t

LED 1 Status Example (let's say the top section)
ON/ Connected to teh interwebz
OFF/ Disconnected from teh interwebz
FLASH/ Chipset Fan Has stopped
STROBE/ Graphic Card Core above selected temp
ON/STROBE/OFF (Sequential) New E-Mail Received

LED2 Status Example (the middle)
OFF/ CPU Temp below 35 C
(Now I am thinking that I also extend the HDD LED off the mobo and put that in the middle section as well.
That way when the CPU is running cool and the LED is not on, the middle section will serve as the HDD activity light)
ON/ CPU Temp above 35 C
FLASH/ CPU Temp above 40C
STROBE/ CPU Temp above 45C
ON/STROBE/OFF (Sequential) CPU Temp above 50C

LED3 Status Example (Bottom of the "radobase")
ON/ PWMIC (Or Chipset or whatever) Temp above 40 C
OFF/ PWMIC Temp below 40C
Flash/ PWMIC Temp above 50C
Strobe/ PWMIC Temp above 55C
ON/STROBE/OFF (Sequential) PWMIC Twmp above 60C

Bet you have the idea now

I haven't decided on the exact settings for each layer/section of the base.
Not sure if it would be better to dedicate each section to CPU/PWMIC/Chipset as I really would like to monitor my GPU as well.

I do promise to host the final "example" file in the future which should allow you to just "plug it in" to LCDC and modify it to your specific rig.

Whew, Hope I didn't bore you to tears.

As Haris Pillton would say:

"That's hot!"

LOL, I think Paris Hilton would say "That's What?"
Makes you feel good that you aren't the only nerd out there, right Steve?

Those displays are pretty cool, I always wanted this one for my MozartTx, bit pricey though.

Exactly why I like the LCDC software.
They are pricey, $100 is as much as the case was.
But they can give you a ton of information as well as a custom setup for your rig.
Just need to decide how much time you want to devote to the setup.
The LCDC 30-day trial software gives you a chance to see if you are going to like the display before you invest the money.

I had one of those, and it was pretty nice. It's actually the same as iMon SoundGraph. The remote is even identical except for the Tt logo.

thanks for those measurements, but I need 3 more.



the 3 lines are marked on the ends. That would help a ton. I am drawing up some plans in turbocad and I want them exact (ish)

LOL, next time make the pic a little smaller
Think I understand what you are asking.

back is 120mm, angle is 35mm, side is 80mm, front is 170mm

USB is 15mm x 7mm

haha thats the actual size taken from the newegg pic.

Thanks.

Time to start my thread with my ideas.

just to tell carl, and the rest of you here... my case came today... time to start cutting

Good luck. I cut my hands up last night cutting the mesh for my case.

A sacrifice has been made, the computer gods have been appeased. I wish you the best of luck.

Oh, I was going to ask you, does it have most of the holes in the mobo tray predrilled?

sweet,
now are you gonna tell us if it is the latest version with the cable management?
or do I have to come over there and beat it out of ya?

I'm dead serious, don't make me come over there!
We want pics of EVERYTHING.
(hale, you should of gotten a pic of the UPS guy kicking it up the sidewalk)
no sandbagging now...

Get organized and plan the mod and worklog for us.
(select a nice pimp outfit as well of course)

LOL, you a funny guy Carl.

I took a nice chunk out of my knuckle when I was using a screwdriver and a hammer to knock off some pop rivets on an old case I had laying around. Hit the screwdriver with the hammer and of course the rivet 'popped' but then my hand went down too, and caught the nice sharp unrolled edge of an elcheapo hard drive cage.. that sucked.

Haha carl I haven't opened it yet, need to clean up the photo area, and then get a light bulb in the light fixture, then I will grab a camera and open her up.

And don't worry, pimp suit will happen

First off, yes I know I stole thee title from Carl. He will probably come shoot my kneecaps out with his nine like the pimp he is.

Anyways due to an awesome rebate on newegg and promo codes, I picked up a wonder antec 900. It came today UPS (with no feet marks), a day earlier then expected. Naturally, I sat around for a few hours, played some DDR with my little cousin, procrastinated. Finally a few minutes ago I decided to rip her open and see what we have to work with.



What a pretty box. Anyways I only took one more shot for Carl. Yes I did get the one with the wire management holes already cut.



Now for some teaser pics.


haha just playing. I have some ideas in my mind. I was going to add something to the cell phone holder area, but I like the pad it comes with, and as this IS a LAN case, I don't think that is going to change, as it is useful, and thats what this whole thing is about.

so I am off to rip into the heart of this wonderful beast. I hope I can get some pics up tonight of any work I can do.

Wish me luck.


edit: what a great way to start, the pics are already not working. Stupid webFTP. Temps will be on photobucket until I can sit down and actually fix my FTP

http://ocidb.com FTW

haha I have my own server and website (which is horrible cause I don't put anything on there) which I was going to add the pics too.

go Dan go!!

Got a Super LanBoy carrying strap if you need one.

haha I still have the one from the meet. But I think that wouldn't work on this.

So here is where I ended today.

The case has been stripped down to its bare components mostly. I really love this case from taking it apart.



That small parts container was worth what I paid for it (10 cents I think). Everything I took off the case went right into that.

Tonight I am going to take apart the HDD racks, and then tomorrow I start the paint prep. Still don't know where I am to paint this thing.

Another awesome mod from teh soundx.

Can't work out which is better the llan li v1000 or the antec 900.

Naw, it's this one. Nice mod m8.

gracious, those Brits are some smart fellas ain't they
Thanks for the compliment centy.

I forgot to ask, where did you get the multi-coloured motherboard backplate?

Even that looks nice against the black of the case.

took a while for me to understand
It's from my DFI "Venus" Board

I am using my custom DFI MBM5 file for my NF4 and 939.
http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showthread...8&highlight=mbm

A lot of folks with newer CPUs than I (and much bigger wallets) are using Everest (I do too).
Matt Auger of LCDC has developed an Everest Plug-In as well.
Link to LCDC 30-Day Trial (or you can buy it for $9.95)
http://www.lcdc.cc/downloads/LCDC_Install.exe
Link to NEW Everest plug-IN
http://www.lcdc.cc/downloads/plugins/beta/EVE_plugin.zip
Once you select "Shared Memory" under Preferences in Everest, you can select from all or Everest's options.







There is a virtual display option for your desktop.
So you can literally program in just about anything you want.
I'll have one of the M.O.s displaying the components in the system
ie,
Antec 900 Mod by soundx98 (scrolling)
Cooling By Zalman (enters screen from left)
Lighting by AC Ryan (enters screen from right)
DFI Nf4 Ultra-D (with nVidia logo)
AMD Opteron 170 (with AMD logo)

I look at it this way, an LCD will run you about a hundo.
Lot of dough. But with these programs you can see if one is right for you.
Or just have kewl info running in your "Virtual Display".

Think it's slick as hale myself

I just found out the other day that Everest has built-in support for my Logitech G-15 keyboard. Very easy to set up, too. Too bad the only thing that reads my cores' temperatures right is Core Temp

The amount of information I am getting with the LCDC Everest Plug-In is just sick

Reading the Memory Timings from the Everest Plug-in Hard Drive Info from the MBM5 Plug-In



Some of you may now that I am a bit if of a geek when it comes to monitoring utilities

I'll be adding two of the Dallas DS18S20 High Precision One-Wire Digital Thermometers.

Gonna be sleeving them Blue to match the color scheme.
They plug right into the Matrix Orbital display (haven't decided which one) and are available from on-line sites or www.matrixorbital.com for $9.85 each.



DS18S20 PDF http://premium1.uploadit.org/soundx98//DS18S20.pdf

They have an accuracy of +/- 0.5 C from -10 C to +85C and the ability to measure temps from -55 to +125C and convert the temperature within 750ms.

Yet more wires to fit in but I'd like to look at logging both the PWMIC Heatsinks AND the PWMIC itself under idle and load conditions..
I've convinced myself that the PWMIC sensor is in a poor position for accurate PWMIC temp measurements since it is so close to the CPU.
It's also nice to have two free mounting probes to check for hot spots within the case as well as components on the board.
I mean I know where they are but I'd like to know the actual temps

Thermal Hotspots by arctic-K20 here
http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=d...spotsweb6vj.jpg

Thermal images at BigBruin here
http://www.bigbruin.com/reviews05/nf4therm...ndex.php?file=1

Hopefully I can get another 4-6 months out of the DFI 939 (Jebus, what a great run) and then afford the CPU/mobo/Ram upgrade.
Certainly an 8800GT or a Radeon 3800 is planned for a little sooner than that.



So rado and I were chatting:

radodrill: dude, dude, I thought of something!

soundx98:
What's up Pilgrim?



radodrill: We need to come up with a unique connector for the LEDs.
I say we take a PCI bracket with a DB-9 connector or something.
Then we terminate the MO cable to it on the inside.
And then terminate the LEDs coming off the "radobase" so it plugs right into the PCI bracket.
That way you can run the cable under the motherboard.

soundx98: wooooo, I like that.

radodrill: I could hear the grunting as you put on that sleeveless cardigan sweater from the other side of the country.
What about mounting the HDD LED?

soundx98: I had a dream last night.

radodrill: About how to mount the LED?

soundx98: No, I was at an orgy with a lot of nekid women. Just great though.
But, I have been thinking about the HDD LED.

How about a piece of plexi about 65mm W x 55mm H that we mount between the graphics card and the Hauppage 1600 Tuner card.
We bring the HDD LED off the mobo and into the plexi.
It will be recessed about 2 inches from the AcrylMirror Panel 2 and 4 inches off the mobo so it should "pulse" real sweet near the center of the case and window.

radodrill: It would be a great place to have a logo or symbol etched in.
I like that idea Carl.

soundx98: I gotta go, my mom is calling.

What, the pimp suit ain't warm enough for ya?

Soundx that last post just made my day.

..my mom is calling...lmfao

I only wear it on weekends when I am out with my ho.
I was going to an "oldfaht's meeting" last night so I dressed appropriately.
Wore a sleeveless cardigan and hiked my pants up so I could buckle my belt right under my nipples



And you just made my morning



Actually it was Jo and Susan
Whoops, reelly didn't mean to let that cat out of the bag.

ROFL

Carl you're a funny man

Wish I had that kind of attention :angel:

I hope you didn't forget the big wrap-around sunglasses that go over your bifocals. You know, these:

http://www.belowtopsecret.com/thread181473/pg1

That's a great update. I enjoyed the laughs and learned something along the way, too! Wattabargain!