Project Outlaw - Node 304 Case Mod

[NocturneKittie]

I will be doing a permanent dedicated SFF PC build for LAN events. During my last trip to QuakeCon I had a bad experience when it comes to traveling with a mid tower while attempting to travel via Amtrak, it seems that no electronic items can be checked in . But can be used as carry on if size permits, hence this build log. My next two LAN events will require travel (one in Indiana and the second PDXLAN at Oregon). Even though I may drive to both there's the possibility that I may choose to fly and take my build as a carry on when I do.
 
Since I am a US Army Vet and decided to start getting involved with Operation Supply Drop I chose to do a military themed build. The case I will be using is Fractal Design's Node 304 in black, but will paint an OD Green. I intent to cut in a window on top panel, replace front panel and its I/O, add case feet and a carrying handle. I'll edit and add custom parts from MNPCTECH with links below. Thanks to Bill Owen for sponsoring me with parts for this mod (see links and pictures below).
 
I will post updates as build progresses. In the meantime it's time to break case down.
 
Specs:

• Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX PC case, black
• MSI Z97I AC Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard
• Intel i5 4690k CPU
• 8GB 9 2 x 4GB) Kingston Hyper Beast DDR3 2400MHz RAM
• Two 500GB ea. Samsung 850 EVO SSDs
• Sapphire Radeon R9 285 ITX 2GB GPU (temporary)
• EVGA SuperNOVA 650 GS Fully Modular PSU (getting next month)
• Four Noctua NF-B9 redux 1600, SSO Bearing Fan 92mm (getting next month)
• One Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM, SSO Bearing Fan 140mm (getting next month)
• Cooler Master Hyper D92, CPU cooler (getting net month)

Note will either use two 92mm 0r two 80mm case fans for custom front panel, will know more as I start mod.
 
 
 

 

 
Removed rubber "case feet" and discovered screws underneath. Seems like there's a bottom plastic like tray that can be removed as well.
 

 
I chose to remove this bottom "tray" for better installation of custom case feet.
 

 
This is the bottom plastic like tray removed.
 

 
Removed two front 92mm case fans, will cut out these fan mounts for custom front panel and replace with another 92mm or 80mm fans.
 

 
Removed built in fan speed controller since I will not use.
 

 
Removed PSU bracket and top bar which supports the three hard drive trays which I will not use either.
 

 
Removed the left side GPU filter.
 
 

 
Removed the right side PSU filter. 
 

 
Everything has been broken down and removed, will take measurements and prepare to start cutting and drilling before painting.
 

 
 
PSU bracket and internal PSU cable in one easy to find place/bag.


Mnpctech PC & Case Mod Product Links

Lamptron Bulgin Mounting Plate, 22mm by 22mm, Black by Mnpctech, http://mnpctech.com/bulgin-modmytoys-computer-pc-power-reset-switch-mounting-plates-vandal-anti-resitant-lamptron/22mm-22mm-switch-plate/lamptron-bulgin-mounting-plate-22mm-by-22mm-black.html





Mnpctech Red & Green Vandal Resistant PC Power Switch, 22mm, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/switches-toggle-pc-computer-power-reset/vandal-resistant-pc-power-switch-22mm-clone.html





Mnpctech Mini ITX Custom Machined Aluminum PC Case Feet, http://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-stereo-desktop-case-feet/mini-itx-pc-case-feet.html



Gaming or LAN PC Carry Handles are made from solid 3/8" diameter Stainless Steel, http://mnpctech.com/pc-case-lan-party-gaming-carry-top-server-tower-handles/pc-bar-handles.html




 

[El_Capitan]

Hmm... I might want my Node 304 back, lol.

[ccokeman]

Just finishing a similar build.

 

Key differences are not a lot of mods but 

 

5775C  CPU

Corsair H90

16GB of Corsair Vengeance 2666Mhz memory

750W TT PSU

GTX 980 

a 240 and 480GB SSD

Be interested to see how this one turns out.

[Locutus]

I personally don't like the MNPCTech carry handles, I prefer a big single handle, something more along the lines of the CM Storm Trooper. Maybe I just like the fact that would be a little easier to carry like a briefcase.

[BluePanda]

Those switches are awfully expensive. Can get about the same from china for far less on eBay. But I'm guessing as a build thread you didn't pay for them. Teehee.

 

Moar pics!!!

[NocturneKittie]

I personally don't like the MNPCTech carry handles, I prefer a big single handle, something more along the lines of the CM Storm Trooper. Maybe I just like the fact that would be a little easier to carry like a briefcase.

 

They have a variety of handles available. And thought about using a single handle as well. Thanks for stopping by.

[mnpctech]

Those switches are awfully expensive. Can get about the same from china for far less on eBay. But I'm guessing as a build thread you didn't pay for them. Teehee.

 

Moar pics!!!

 

I've messaged Bosco about offering OCC members a discount on their Mnpctech orders, and awaiting his reply.... He is the right person to ask, BluePanda?  

Edited November 7, 2015 by mnpctech

[BluePanda]

 

Those switches are awfully expensive. Can get about the same from china for far less on eBay. But I'm guessing as a build thread you didn't pay for them. Teehee.

 

Moar pics!!!

 

I've messaged Bosco about offering OCC members a discount on their Mnpctech orders, and awaiting his reply.... He is the right person to ask, BluePanda?

 

Hey that sounds like a neat idea there...

 

Yes, Bosco is the one to contact.

[ccokeman]

Sweet! 

[Bubbaxm2]

Can't wait to see how this turns out. I have a serious itch to do a mini atx build myself but having just got done with my air 540 build I have wait a bit to avoid a divorce lol.

 

Mnpctech discount? Hell yeah, sign me up!

[ccokeman]

Waiting for some final build pics! 

[bishop245]

Moar pics