101 replies to this topic

[mnpctech]

Finally finished the Deepcool GENOME PC for 2016 Computex, so I can back to my build (Yay!) I scored this new Bitspower Summit EF cpu waterblock cheap on Ebay, and I do like the smoked acrylic top.





Cooler Master Mastercase 5 got a new front bezel grill laser cut from 1/8" thick Transparent Fluorescent Orange acrylic sheet

[mnpctech]

Yes, I'm alive. Thank you for being patient. I had to halt progress on my build to fulfill commitments for Computex. Over the past 3 weeks I bought on 4790K for $225 shipped and $300 for reference GTX 980 on Ebay auctions. Fyi: Prices on used 980s are falling on Ebay as people upgrade to 1080s. I have one more build to finish, and I'll back on the track with this one!


Here is the PC I created for Deepcool's booth at Computex, http://mnpctech.com/...ase-review.html

Edited by mnpctech, 09 June 2016 - 05:41 AM.

[mnpctech]

The extended holiday has bought me some time to work on my build. I recently scored EK water block for the Gigabyte OC force motherboard. It directly cools Intel Z87 southbridge (PCH), PLX PEX 8474 PCIe lane splitter as well as power regulation (VRM / MOSFETs) module. This will also compliment the stainless steel liquid lines nicely.

[mnpctech]

Just a small update as my free time to work on this is getting more scarce. I've been bending the tubing and learning the ways of the Stainless Jedi. I love the look of stainless steel. It echos the fuel and brake lines on race cars, but has it's own learning curve. In retrospect, the scale of PC chassis is just too small for the 1-1/2" bends you get with the SS bending mandrels I've found.. Suppose I could go thicker wall and make custom mandrel, but I'll try 3/8" OD instead of 1/2" OD next time.

Specs: Stainless T-304/304L, Seamless Tube, 0.5" x 0.035" x 0.43"

[TheFrknPope]

Hey Bill very nice build, loving the theme! I had a quick question about the PSU shroud. As you know this case doesn't come with a full cover for the bottom of the PSU shroud. are you planning on doing a custom one or leave it stock with it open to see the PSU. I plan on making one when my case arrives just not sure of the material to use and how to go about making one. CM makes them as accessories, but they are 40$ not shipped. I feel like I could make one for cheaper and would look better. Thanks man and keep up the amazing work!

[bishop245]

As usual another sweet build Bill

[xenkw0n]

I have to spend my daily posting limit to let you know how amazing this case is.  The steel tubing for your water cooling setup is brilliant.

 

I have to ask, how are you painting these pieces?  I noticed you mentioned it's car paint but are you using a sprayer like they do for actual car painting?  I plan on trying to mod some old Chieftec Dragon cases I found and will most likely be visiting mnpctech for some parts.  Honestly though, I've never done anything like this before so I'm not even sure where to start.  I know I at least want to use a dremel to cut out the front grill and be able to mount 2 120mm case fans for intake... Maybe 140mm if the measurements work.

[mnpctech]

@FrknPope, Thank you, and Yes, I thought about making a PSU shroud, but haven't decided how I will design it yet... Maybe from a sheet of stainless steel to match the tubes?

@bishop, nice to hear from you again, I hope youre doing good!

@xenkwon, jump in the "mod pool" the water is awesome! we had to have the paint mixed and applied with HVLP spray gun, since it's factory paint. You can rattle can your case. I really like Plastikote Engine Enamel paints,


I cut and bent the final piece of SS tubing yesterday. I really liked the challenge in using something different. I also like it's bright metallic finish. It doesn't absorb smudges, fingerprints, so maintenance it easy. The biggest advantage to using stainless for PC water cooling is it's corrosion resistant properties. It does require specialized tools that include a hacksaw with bi-metal cutting blade, hand files and deburr tool. You must deburr the edges of the tubing to avoid slicing into rubber o-rings for your compression fittings. It also requires a specialty bending tool, like a hand pipe or mandrel bender. I recommend the 600 series bender by Rigid Tool or Imperial brand tube benders, these are the lowest cost. Type of stainless tubing I used for my loop is T-304/304L, Seamless Tube in 0.5" x 0.035" x 0.43"

Tools & Supplies Used:

*RIGID 600 Series Tubing Bender
*Table Vise with Terry Cloth towel, to avoid scratching tubing.
*Micro Hand File
*Hacksaw with Bi-Metal Cutting Blade
*Table top grinder
*50 grit sand paper

Edited by mnpctech, 15 August 2016 - 09:29 AM.

[xenkw0n]

Thanks for the tip on the paint!  I'll definitely check them out when the time comes.  Still trying to get my hands on the cases but once they do I'll start measuring and laying out my plans.  If I could even create something a fraction as nice as what you're working on I'd be happy.  I think my biggest issue is going to be finding a way to put in bigger fans for exhaust since there's not much room to go bigger than 92mm (stock = 80mm) - We shall see!  In case anyone forgets these cases I actually have 2 of them... I'm talking with a guy who has 2 more and that's more for parts/backups just in case   .

 

Here are my original ones from old Alienware machines - The blue one was from 1999 (Pentium 4 1.7ghz & Nvidia GeForce 3 TI) and the silver one is from 2001 (AMD Athlon XP 1800+ & ATI Radeon 9700 Pro).  The silver one was still running when I built my X58 system and put it in the blue case.  Eventually took the silver one apart when I built a new machine for a friend and another for a family member.  The friend eventually moved on to a new case and about a month ago I cleaned it up and moved the X58 system into it after buying a few new fans and some other add-ons.

 

Edited by xenkw0n, 15 August 2016 - 09:15 PM.

[mnpctech]

I have this brand new aluminum chenming tower I scored, DIRT CHEAP from here, http://orioncomputer.ca/t/chenming



If you don't use top optical drive, you can create 120mm exhaust blowhole in the top panel, and add two 120mm intake holes to the access panel... otherwise the chieftec requires serious fabrication to the chassis to allow larger fI did this chieftec dragon mod in 2003, the heavy gauge steel likes to EAT cutting wheels



I modified chassis exhuast from dual 80mm to 92mm




I changed my mind about the UV Orange front grill, applied primer coat while debate about leaving it matte black? or painting it the GULF blue to match the case body?



Remember Mnpctech 120mm blow hole fan grill kit?....looks evocative a fuel filler cap ring, and will be mounted in the top window of the mastercase, http://mnpctech.com/...case-top-window

Edited by mnpctech, 17 August 2016 - 05:14 AM.

[mnpctech]

Dressing up the 120mm Typhoon GT fan with machined overkill grill with Blue anodized washers for M3 screws, http://mnpctech.com/...s-corsair-xspc/



120mm machined aluminum Overkill Ring fan grill, http://mnpctech.com/...-grills-custom/

[xenkw0n]

Ahhh!! It won't let me order the other one still available.  Can't calculate shipping based on my address.  I guess because I'm in the US?

 

I'm really trying to find a few more of those Chenming cases... Chieftec Dragon... and I think Antec made one that was essentially the same.  Damn, you even found one with the window!

 

That is a really cool Harley-inspired case... You even have the Rampage III Extreme X58 motherboard in it...    I only have the lowly P6X58D-E on my X58 system.

 

 

EDIT:: Yea it appears they mostly only ship to Canada.

Edited by xenkw0n, 18 August 2016 - 10:50 AM.