Cooler Master Mastercase 5 / Pro Custom PC Build

[mnpctech]

They shipped mine $59, including cost of case via Purolator Courier, Just ask for Julie, [email protected]

 

Also please ask how many they have left? for anyone else who may be interested

 

 

I thought I'd like the Matte Black, but think Gulf Blue would look better for the front honeycomb grill insert...

 

[xenkw0n]

I actually already did email that address.  We'll see what they respond back with.  It's almost impossible to find these cases anymore let alone with one of the windows.  Maybe I can push my limits and custom build my own side-panel for that.  Would just be a lot easier if I had one - but probably less fun.

 

Here's one of the pictures of the system internals right now that I uploaded last week. Without the side-window it kind of lessens the effect but it looks interesting because I have the fan removed from the side-panel (won't fit with the Noctua NH-U14S installed) and with just the grill installed it glows red.

Edited August 19, 2016 by xenkw0n

[mnpctech]

You'll enjoy the aluminum version, so much easier to modify than steel!

 

Top blow hole exhaust fan grill, this reminded me of racing car fuel cap assembly, it's installed with 120mm Typhoon GT fan and M3 Blue anodized socket head washers, http://mnpctech.com/screws-anodized-m3-m4-30mm-35mm-40mm-red-blue-green-gold-ek-alphacool-hardwarelabs-corsair-xspc/m3-socket-head-washers/

 

120mm top blow hole kit, http://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-cooling-fans-grills-custom/blow-hole-fan-kit/

 

 

 

 

[xenkw0n]

Those washers look really nice on that case.

 

I have a question for you, I'm planning on cutting some holes into the motherboard tray on my Chieftec Dragon for some better wire-management and I was wondering if you had any recommendations on U Channel rubber to cover the cut edges. I noticed on the MNPCTech website that there is some for window mod kits and I assume that would work for what I need even though I'm not using a window on the motherboard tray. My only concern is that the rubber would have to fit on a fairly slim piece of metal so that it stays without needing to glue it or something. For simplicity sake I was planning on cutting straight edges with 90 degree angles and then cutting the U Channel rubber on 45 degree angles so they can match up easier.

 

Also, do you have any advice on a window kit? I noticed the Billet window kit on the website but I'm confused why that is so much more expensive than other custom-fit kits that seem to use a type of glass vs. acrylic. I was hoping to use one of those high-quality glass windows for the kit but if you can comment on the quality of the Acrylic on that billet series and whether or not it has any noticeable 'warping' that would be awesome. Even on my Phanteks Enthoo Pro case for my new computer I can notice imperfections when viewing from an angle and they tend to scratch very easily.

Edited August 25, 2016 by xenkw0n

[mnpctech]

I have a question for you, I'm planning on cutting some holes into the motherboard tray on my Chieftec Dragon for some better wire-management and I was wondering if you had any recommendations on U Channel rubber to cover the cut edges. I noticed on the MNPCTech website that there is some for window mod kits and I assume that would work for what I need even though I'm not using a window on the motherboard tray. My only concern is that the rubber would have to fit on a fairly slim piece of metal so that it stays without needing to glue it or something. For simplicity sake I was planning on cutting straight edges with 90 degree angles and then cutting the U Channel rubber on 45 degree angles so they can match up easier.

 

Yes, you would have to glue the u-channel edge trim. Have you considered these small or large PC chassis cable grommets instead?

 

 

Also, do you have any advice on a window kit? I noticed the Billet window kit on the website but I'm confused why that is so much more expensive than other custom-fit kits that seem to use a type of glass vs. acrylic. I was hoping to use one of those high-quality glass windows for the kit but if you can comment on the quality of the Acrylic on that billet series and whether or not it has any noticeable 'warping' that would be awesome. Even on my Phanteks Enthoo Pro case for my new computer I can notice imperfections when viewing from an angle and they tend to scratch very easily.

 

 

Cool, you have an Enthoo Pro... Great case, but agreed about the factory window quality... Phanteks, Corsair, Fractal-Design, and NZXT all have their windows made by same factory...and none of them has addressed the consumer complaints about the window clarity and quality,  

 

No warping with our 100% cast acrylic windows, but If you prefer Glass, you can find local Glass supplier and have sheet cut for you and mount it with 4010 HD clear tape on backside

 

Let me know if you decide to order from Mnpctech, I can set-up discount code for all OCC members 

 

 

 

 

[xenkw0n]

Thanks for the tips.  I have looked into those grommets but I don't have the tools to make the rounded cuts and I don't have the space to start buying more tools yet.  Basically working with what I have at the moment and using this case as a test run.  That's the reason I'm looking for more - I don't plan to just do this once and never again.  And I know there are better cases but this one in particular is nostalgic for me and that is the reason behind customizing cases, right?

 

Good to know about your acrylic windows.  I will definitely let you know if I plan to go down that route.  I don't want to have to deal with glass if I know the acrylic ones are nice.

[xenkw0n]

Now that I am moving onto deciding what to do as far as paint I am starting to get mixed input concerning primer. Some say to get primer and paint separately while others are saying they've had better results with all-in-one primer+paint solutions. I'm looking to go with a pretty generic matte black as my base color and will start sanding the entire case sometime in the next week. First I need to get the paint already applied to my case removed. It is a nice color of blue but I've had it for 16 years and I'm ready to move on.

 

Would you recommend I get a paint specific for plastic for the front panel or would it not make much of a difference if I prep it well enough like the rest of the steel?  Just concerned about getting color mismatch because of using different types of paints.

Edited September 1, 2016 by xenkw0n

[xenkw0n]

The negative feedback I heard concerning primer was probably due to someone not using a high quality brand like the SEM you mentioned in your video tutorial. I'll probably use the same brands you did in that tutorial along with the clear coat because I am in fact looking to do a 'car' theme like your build here.

For pieces that you have more than one paint color (Orange, Black, White), did you tape off sections, apply a base (assuming white?), remove the tape, let it set, then apply tape over the white to apply the orange/black? Is it good practice to paint shortly after applying the primer? Or could I wait a few days so that I can let my first color set before taping it off and applying another color?

Want to do it based on a theme I grew very fond of while playing Need for Speed: World;
 

 

 

[xenkw0n]

Orion computers finally responded to my emails and I just purchased the red version of the Chenming case for $50 US including shipping.  Comes with the window.

[mnpctech]

We use ROLAND CAMM-1 vinyl film plotter for making graphic stencil overlays for custom paint jobs

 

Milling billet cable combs for the 24 pin ATX cable, http://mnpctech.com/buy-stealth-cable-combs-for-pcs/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AkakmanH]

What an amazing build

Thanks

Looking forward to the final pics............

[xenkw0n]

So you use the vinyl to lay down over parts you don't want to paint a certain color?  How long do you wait after painting one of the sides before covering that portion up to apply paint on the previously covered portion?  Or am I totally missing the idea?

 

Those combs are gorgeous.  Are you personally coming up with all of these ideas?  They look gorgeous.