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#81
09-10-2009, 06:28 AM
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Due to a few setbacks, the cube will be powdercoated on September 14, 2009, it takes about 3 days to powdercoat it, so I would say a realistic update would be Friday of next week. I will be prepping and doing a few minor sleevings, but expect a full on update next week. Thanks! and take care until then!
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#82
09-17-2009, 02:49 PM
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Evening everyone, and I am proud to bring you a glimpse today of whats to come for the Sestren build log.
I been working around the clock to improve everything that I can, and in the next few days, weeks. Expect a multitude of updates, I took to heart all your comments, from private messages, emails, and sponsorship feedback, and I hope to bring you the best possible build log. So without further ado, I am bringing in a new section of the build log, for a few items, I will do a "parts review" showcasing" a special part of the build log, and expect all new updates on the normal build log, to be of the same quality. There will be less pictures per update, but the quality will be there. I will try to be as consistent as possible, and I will update as often as it makes sense to. I hope to bring a new standard of quality and will do my best. Mean while please continue all your feedback, as I really appreciate it. Onward! - PC1X1  Enermax Magma Series: Twister Review  Quote:
Enermax Technology Corporation, est. 1990 in Taiwan is known as a worldwide leader in engineering solid and powerful computer power supplies. Enermax also specializes in computer cases, peripherals and other accessories. Enermax provides OEM “Original Equipment Manufacturing” services for various other companies, who use Enermax’s experience in the field to design and manufacture their own products. Enermax pools their vast Research and Development resources and ability to manufacture top components into their own line of products as well. With a reputation for quality Enermax is known throughout the enthusiast community as a reliable and solid company. Both in terms of their products as well as their outstanding customer support. With the same dedication that has made Enermax famous as power supply manufacturers, Enermax created the Magma line of computer fans.  Quote:
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The Enermax Magma Twister is highly recommended. -PC1X1 Last edited by pc1x1; 09-17-2009 at 03:23 PM..
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#83
09-17-2009, 04:11 PM
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Good choice of fans and some nice pics there,BTW what camera are you using?
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#84
09-17-2009, 04:27 PM
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Last edited by pc1x1; 10-03-2009 at 05:24 PM..
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#85
09-18-2009, 12:12 AM
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 Really nice fan, though. Does the batwing design really work? I might be tempted to pick up a few of those fans in the future myself.
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#86
09-18-2009, 08:15 AM
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 It should, as far as actual CFM, I had to be hollistic in my review, as you need laboratory conditions to really test, I did compare it to other simular CFM fans, and it was solid and it moves alot of air, and makes barely any noise. from my testing it really does work.
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#87
09-18-2009, 12:28 PM
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#88
09-19-2009, 10:59 PM
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#89
09-20-2009, 12:35 AM
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#90
09-22-2009, 07:58 PM
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Title: Quick Update
Date: September 22, 2009 Status: Pending Brief: Good evening guys, sit tight that the next update will come in a few days. I was unfortunately delayed due to dremel issues. I finally bought a dremel, and unfortunately it arrived dead. I have ordered a replacement and should be here by the end of this week. Since that happened, not to much progress, so expect the new update to come close to the end of September or early October. Again I apologize for the inconvenience, I am as inconvenienced as you guys, as I was hoping to have it assembled by now. The powercoating should be done early next week (after I get my dremel replacement, do a few mods, and then its off to powder coating, and then the update with the Red Cube. Sit tight, hang on , until next time! Meantime feel free to ask questions, etc. - PC1X1
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#91
10-04-2009, 09:38 PM
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Title: Parts Review, +Info!
Date: October 03, 2009 Status: Ongoing. Finish Parts Review, prepare for Red Cube Brief: Good Evening Everyone, lots to do today! Before you scream "Bloody Murder" this log is becoming a Review Log, and not a work log! I'd say Halt. As work on the worklog is ongoing, and as I mentioned previously I have had to pause for a bit due to getting the Cube painted. First I had to wait for my dremel to arrive to do the mods, the dremel was DOA, got replacement, did the mods, and dropped it off at Fusion Powder Coating here in Sunny Florida, and am picking it up early week of Oct 4th - Oct 9th. And I will resume operations and do all updates with the worklog in the same manner and production as the parts review. However so I am not standing idle, I decided to do some more Part's Review for you guys, this is where I show you a hands on impression of products I am using in my build. You will see it in the final product, when I actually get to the point in my build log that I use it, I will reference these, as my hands on impressions, and on the worklog it will be practical usage. So feel free to ask any questions as you may want to use these products yourself. Alot of things I use, I got ideas from other worklogs, so to make it easer for you, I have linked the products I am showcasing in these reviews in the Part's list. Big thanks for my partners in the build log, for providing, and helping obtain these items. The Cube ended up being Powder Coated Mettalic Red, and Black, so its not a normal powder coat, I asked for and paid extra for Show Quality paint. Fusion Powder Coating, normally works with Automobile and Motorcycle parts so you can start imaging the outcome! I am anxious as you problably are now, and I will post the picture of the painted cube ASAP. Expect another Part's Review tomorrow, and then I am done with reviews for a while, and then I will be working full time on the worklog, and hopefully, cross your fingers with me! I can obtain the rest of the parts and keep going. A factor that threw alot of things in the air, however is graphics cards. Right now its a race between 2x 295 GTX's and or 2x Radeon 5870x2s, and or 2x Fermi's. I am still evaluating all my options, and it will come down to performance and cost. As soon as I have a clearer decision, I will let you know. Also due to the recent price drops in SSD, they have now become viable options, and I will be using 4 solid state drives as my main OS drives, and I will send the Raid 0 Velociraptors into Programs/Data drives all powered by the 1680IX. Either way, its going to be very very fast. I have updated the first page, with all full parts list, and will make a few more edits here and there, when I either have the items, or have a clear decision on using that item. However 99% of the time, anything that goes in the parts list, I own, or have already made an arrangement for it to come. As some items are custom, I can't 100% confirm their existence yet. Anyhow that's pretty much it for now, expect more constant updates, and much more content in the coming weeks (honestly in a couple of days even!). I will push as far and as intensively as I can. I hope everyone joins me in the struggle that is this work log. It took me 12+ Hours straight for this update to occur from start to finish! I'd like to thank my producer, (Mom), and Logistics Director (Dad), as couldn't have gotten these pictures up without them. They also sign off layout changes, heh. Front page is officially done for now, go click on the first post again! Thanks alot for checking out Sestren! And make your voice heard, if you like it, make your voice heard, or type here, as the more support, the more influence and reach I can push for. And be back soon, as in a matter of days, a certain red metallic comes home..... I am ready. - PC1X1 Petra's Tech Shop: Smart Coils 5/8 OD Review By: PC1X1   Smart Coils are twisting plastic strips that are used to cover tubing so it doesn't kink or bend itself thus obstructing waterflow while the tubing is bent at awkward angles. This is important because a single kink can drastically reduce waterflow. Smart Coils are generally specifically made for certain o.d, or outer diameter tubing. Today we are taking a look at 5/8 O.D Smart Coils from Petra's Tech Shop. Because Sestren uses external radiators it is imperative to make sure all the angles from the external radiator to the inside pumps do not kink. So Smart Coils are applied at certain sections to prevent that from happening. You can apply smart coils by gently wrapping it around tubing that will be angled. It is interesting to note that alot of users use alot of Smart Coils to dress up their tubing, when it actually only needs to be applied to where the tubing is angled. Smart coils can be used sparingly. One doesn't need to use a large amount of Smart Coils. However since they denote a certain status quo and are generally attractive depending on the build, it is fun to put them all over the tubing. It won't hurt the computer in any way, just your wallet. Overall Smart Coils are pretty simple, put them where you want to prevent kinks and you are done, they are necessities in tight tubing bends, and generally inexpensive, so definitely pick up a few if you can and are water cooling. Do note however, that there is a small drawback to Smart Coils, and it isn't their application nor the functions, when coiled they work perfectly. Their only con is really their resistance. They can be pretty brittle sometimes. Personally I am only acquainted with this type of Smart Coils, which can be bought from Petra's Tech Shop, so this may or may not happen to all Smart Coils. However it seems to be the norm. If you apply the coils with tubing already filled with water, or even if its dry but its connected to something if you are not careful while coiling you may break the coils. While they can certainly be put on and put off, if you are gentle and careful, they are also prone to break. So I highly suggest you apply the coils prior to the build, and only after your tubing is coiled up, then put it inside your computer. Failure to do so, can result in losing a perfectly good pair of smart coils, which I personally lost. You can check out in the first stages of this worklog on that one. Overall I highly recommend Smart Coils, and pick up a few, just in case you break one. And specifically this one from Petra's Tech Shop, as it's inexpensive, does its job well, and when one of my coils was faulty, Petra's staff took care of it, and replaced it, and explained how to properly apply them. So it is highly recommend if you have areas in your water cooling set up that are prone to kinking, get yourself a pair of smart coils today. Petra's Tech Shop: 4-Pin Molex Extensions Review By: PC1X1    Here we have ATX spec, the mother of all power connectors! The 4 Pin Molex. The 4 Pin Molex is an amazing combination of two grounded signals and a +5 Volts line and a +12 Volts line. They are the building blocks of computer and alot of hardware electricity. While the 4 pin molex has been superseded by the new and slim Sata Power Connectors, it still soldiers on as the quintessential computer power connector. And just because there are smaller and slimmer alternatives today, doesn't mean that there isn't alot of hardware that still uses the good old 4 Pin. Coincidently it seems that the Wizards that are Hardware Engineers, have mostly made the 4 Pin Molex become the computer accessory connector. The Molex can still be used to power Hardrives, and other core computer parts, however as I mentioned Sata Connectors are better at that task, and some hardrives are even phasing out the 4 pin females. So you may ask, What is the 4 Pin instead is perfect for? Well basically everything else. Every single computer accessories you can think of. From Cold Cathode Lights, to that cool little Bay thingie that glow and you have no idea what it does, to water pumps, and everything else, is based on the good old 4 Pin Molex. Because it still a very versatile connector. It is universally used and thus has a large market penetration, and is highly mod-able, or customizable. Not to mention, motherboard manufacturers have also been using the 4 Pin as a power supplant to high end motherboards. Basically the 4 Pin Molex isn't going anywhere. So we have the gear that needs it, but in the quest of organized wiring, it is a bit cumbersome. The main problem with a 4 Pin Molex, is the same as DVI to HDMI, it does the same thing as its alternative. However it is bulky, and unattractive. Worst yet you need to route distances in your case, that can't be reached by the cables that come with your motherboard! However don't be discouraged because again our friends at Petra's Tech Shop, have what we need. *Please note that the pictures above are of the product that is being reviewed, however that product as since been upgraded with a male and female black connector, and has been resleeved with a third party sleeving to achieve that look. You cannot purchase a Extension in that condition, you have to sleeve it yourself! Basically you have two choices, either buy a standard extension that does not come sleeved or buy one that is. Unfortunately I have already sleeved all my extensions, and thus do not have any recent photos on how they looked prior to be sleeved, you may check the beginning on this worklog to see all I went through to sleeve them! It was a alot of work, but I had a solid foundation with Petra's Tech Shop Extensions. Petra's offered various sizes, and all of high quality. After spending thousands of dollars in accessories for Sestren, I needed dependable extensions, and I am highly satisfied with what I got from Petra's, just be prepared to do alot of custom work yourself to reach this level of quality. However the original extensions that came pre-sleeved weren't bad at all. In fact, they were of much better quality then I imagined. The stock that I got was from OK Gear, and was basically that, OK looking. It wasn't a custom sleeved job, but it wasn't a hack job either, it worked, and seemed to be using a derivative of PET Sleeving. So if you want to sleeve your cables and do not want to do it yourself, I highly recommend these, and if you want to do it yourself, be sure to buy the bare extensions, and then do the custom work yourself. For references on how to actually sleeve it and for pictures of the tools needed to custom sleeve your wires, check the beginning of this worklog. Petra's Tech Shop: 3-Pin Fan Extensions Review By: PC1X1    Following the same principles as the 4-Pin Molex, albeit specifically tailored for 3 Pin fan, these extensions are made to route those ever growing fans from your case right to your power supply. Basically the same Review applies to these 3 Pin Extensions, they work as advertised come in various sizes, and when sleeved look great! You can purchase them at Petra's either sleeved or non sleeved, and they are very inexpensive. They carry all volts needed by your fans, and I checked each of my extensions with a volt meter to ensure consistency. Like I mentioned before, I highly recommend them as a way to route your computer cables so your computer is more aesthetically pleasing and as a way to increase space and airflow inside your case. Highly recommended, especially if you have 30+ fans like I do. Last edited by pc1x1; 10-06-2009 at 01:36 PM..
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#92
10-04-2009, 10:34 PM
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Petra's Tech Shop: Petra's Gel Stuff! Review By: PC1X1   Here is Petra's Gel Stuff. Some unknown squishy substance that is used to reduce pump vibration and thus reduce noise. And the question is does it work? And the short answer is yes it does. Did I mention it is squishy? Do not eat... So when you aren't playing with Petra's Gel Stuff, or wondering what heck is this thing made of? You may want to put it under your pumps, and then clamp them down to apply a small amount of pressure. The pump then sits on the Gel Stuff like a cradle as it forms itself around the pump. So motion and kinetic energy from the pump is dispersed through a large surface area. And since the Gel Stuff, is tangible, or in lame sense terms squishy, the vibration tends to echo less. This is specially important in Aluminum cases, that are more prone to noise from pump vibrations. So basically as the name implies, it some sort of gel, and reduces noise and works wonders. Sestren, is very large, so very prone to pump echoes, and the gel stuff takes care of that better than the standard sponge that came with the pumps. Gel stuff is inexpensive and easy to apply, so if your having some pump noise due to vibration (not pump whine) then definitely be sure to check out the Gel Stuff. Due note though, that the Gel stuff does turn greenish, and seems to be prone to breaking apart easily, so do not be surprised to change your Gel Stuff after a few uses in your water cooling system. There is a low light picture above deliberately showing the wear and tear of a lightly used Gel Stuff. Aside from turning green, it works great, and is highly recommended. Now just to figure out what this stuff is made from? Also did I mention Do not eat it! Petra's Tech Shop: Wire Management Clips Review By: PC1X1  Today's specimen is Wire Management clips or the building blocks of any organized and routed case. Aside from the original, aka. Zip ties, Wire management clips are your best friends, in routing your cables. By routing your cables, you are making you computer more aesthetically pleasing, increasing its airflow be decreasing the surface area of wires that can impede airflow. These are very small clips that can route wires around. They are strong and well built and feature a very strong adhesive base. Unless forcefully pulled, they will remain in place. A lesson learned when I stripped Sestren again for painting at the painful cost of 30 clips. Generally one would want to put the clips in angles that they are not seen, to give that illusion of no wires. Since these particular clips are small they are by far the best for routing 3 Pin Fan cables. I use them alot through Sestren, and they can be used for various applications. Pro Tip: Put one with the hook face up, and then the next one with the hook face down, and you have just created a physical lock for the wiring! So be sure to experiment with all the combinations. Personally I would recommend a mix between various Wire Management Clips, being these are the smallest and thus most versatile ones, a few bigger ones, and some usesage of Zip Ties. And you too can achieve that clean wiring look. While cable routing is tedious and mostly a painfully frustrating process, the end result is clear. It makes it easier to management and upgrade your components. Makes your computer more pleasing, and gives you that satisfaction of OCD organization. I have searched high and low for the best clips, I mean I have 30+ fans, Pumps, and 500 ft of sleeved wiring in there! And these were the only inexpensive ones I could find at this size. The glue sticks well, a little to well! Pro Tip #2: Use Goo Gone to remove the residue! And you have yourself the best foundation for an organized and clean build. Also feel free to color them, I will be painting them Black soon! MNPCTech: T-Shirts and Grill Cut Outs Review By: PC1X1  Ever wanted to look stylish while modding? I mean you pay popular companies to wear and advertise their logos in your clothing! So while not pay for the hobby you love?! Enter the MNPCTech T-Shirt. The only T-Shirt that add Megahertz to your overclock. *Note: This claim is not verified by any credible source, and should not be taken seriously.... or should it? The shirt is standard Fruit of the Loom, silk screened t-shirt, and most likely will shrink a little after a wash. However it is very well done. The front sports the MNPCTech logo, while the back has a awesome cut out of a computer case being modded. More pictures of the back of the T-Shirt in the next installment. So whenever your feeling fly, and or need to be inspired by modding. Check out this great T-Shirt. It feels good, as its a standard good old Fruit of the Loom T-Shirt, but most importantly finally advertises something you love. So you can be different from everyone else, and become alienated in your own hobby. Also makes great PJ's. I may or may not pick up girls, not enough testing has been done on that segment yet. More research required. Aside from the styling shirt, we have here radiator grill cut outs that can be used from testing fitting certain non existing custom grills for a certain build log. To actual modding of your case. Do you want to add holes to add a internal radiator to your case? Well look no further, as these are perfectly cut to simulatate actual Radiator size. So one can add a grill and or radiator with ease. Simply press these guys down and draw with the pencil an outline, or if you have the disposable income, buy several and simply use them as stencils for your projects. Either way they are great helpers to any modding project involving radiators. Highly recommend, and I would pick up a few, as their only drawback is that they are flimly, and easily belt, stepped on, or eaten by your family pet. MNPCTech: The Modder's Tool Box, Zip Ties, Mounting Tape, Dremel Discs, C-Molding, Carbor Fiber Film By: PC1X1      So what happens when the mod your are building, has wheels, pseudo carbon fiber, is water cooled, has radiators, needs heat disapation, and has the capacity for 2000 kilowatts? And is not a car? Well then you have Sestren, or specifically a mod. And to actually implement these mods, I need my good old trusty tool box. Here's a short review of some items I will be using on Sestren. Since alot of these items are fit and finish trim pieces, obviously I cannot use them in their practical purpose, however I can provide a first hand review, on their form and functions, and I will expand this later when Sestren is in the Fit and Finish phase. First we have the Zip Ties, like the previous review on Wire Management Clips, Zips Ties provide the foundation or basis for your wiring. These Zip Ties are standard fair, strong, durable, easy to use, and come with very good adhesive bases, as you can see in the picture. These are perfect for large wires, that will not fit in a management clip, i.e. 24 Pin ATX Power Supply Cable. However the most astonish fact on these MNPCTech zip ties? The kit is extremely cheap, cheapest place I found for these particular ties by a long shot. They are very dense black, and attractive, while the base has a nice contour. Plastic is problably ABS plastic, but is sturdy. Overall when used properly they are your best wiring friends. Next up we have Mounting Tape, this is a Scotch brand, which you can also pick up inexpensively at MNPCTech. I tried to find a comparison in Home Depot/Lowes, but was unable to find one. Obviously this package is still shrink wrapped, so I have not put it in practical use, however 3M is basically the industry standard on adhesives, they invented quite a few of them. So I wouldn't expect any less than a great product. So for practical purposes, I turn to MNPCTech's own website owner, Bill Owen who claims this is the "Tape from the Gods". And since Bill Owen, is a pro modder, and owner of MNPCTech, I take his word very seriously. You can also check out a video on how to make a floating window, that gave me lots of ideas on doing a few things for Sestren. The tape can also be used to apply Wiring Management Clips, that have had their backtape ripped out. Anyhow 3M makes good stuff, couldn't find an alternative for comparison, and the price is pretty good. So if you need to mount something I would take a look at this tape. I will post more impressions when I am using it in Sestren at a later date. Which leads us to Dremel Discs, or another Modder's foundation tool; the dremel. Since computer cases hold micro..etc components, cases aren't very big at all. Although Sestren would disagree with the norm, computer cases are generally small. So you need a small and precise tool. For cutting thin steel and aluminum, one would be hard pressed to find a better tool like a dremel. However just as you need the dremel to make the cut, the dremel needs its own accessory to actually implement the cut. And here is the Dremel Discs. These Discs are specifically made of Aluminium Oxide, and thus are more resistant and don't heat up. The best part, they are made specifically to cut metal, so with the right tools, anyone can do the job. It does take alot of patience and safety precautions, as one should always wear safety googles, work in a well lighted, and ventilated area, and read all pertaining manuals. You may be asking? Ok so its a circular disc, so what? It is a circular disc, but it is without a doubt the best disc I have used to cut aluminium with. The sweet spot I found is 25,000 or higher RPM on your dremel, and light touching the surface. Don't force your way as you will wear out the discs faster. However the best quality I found on this disc, is the fact it did not heat up or warp my Aluminum chassis. As you can imagine, I am cutting through the motherboard frame, completely anxious, because if I screw it up, I can't buy one at a store, as I modded the plate to be removable. I would basically have to buy another Lian Li 343B, so I was extremely happy, that the discs not only worked, but made my job easer, and clean. This was my first time using a dremel, and it was pretty simple, be sure to check out MNPCTech's videos on how to use a dremel as they were great intros on what I was getting into. My only complaint with the discs is that they wear out fast, however it could have been due to my inexperience. I did talk to Bill Owen, on tips and why the discs wore out so fast as its became almost half size from only one mod, (the smaller one in the pictures is the one used). And Bill basically told me, I applied to much pressure, and I don't doubt him, as I originally out of fear, started out at 5,000 RPM, and kept moving up. As I gained confidence on the discs, and noticed they were working exactly like they should, I upped, until I found 25,000+ rpm to be the best. Overall great discs and got the job done, you will be able to see the results from the mod, when the cube comes back from powder coating. Also save your smaller and used up dremel discs for more delicate cuts, so even used they can still be reused for greater value! So after cutting the motherboard tray, I wondered what could I use to make this finish more profesional, I had already sanded it down. And again MNPCTech had the answer, C-Molding. Or U Molding as they call it, but I call it C Molding. Pro Tip: If it bothers you that I call it C-Molding, while reading this tilt your head to the right and its now a U. So while my cuts onto the motherboard tray for routing are currently secret, the molding is not. I put it on there to test, and it worked perfectly. Its made of a good feeling plastic, i.e. doesn't feel uber cheap, and is very dense black colored. Overall it will fit with the theme and augment the finish on Sestren. It is great molding, and you will see the results when the cube is painted. If you need to make any dremel cuts and want to avoid cuts from where you modded with your dremel or other tools that leave the area a little sharp. C-Molding is the tool for the job. So I have my mod done, everything is ready, I am building almost a car, I figured, what's left to get? Enter Carbon Fiber Film. This pseudo Carbon Fiber appplique can be used to augment your computers aesthetic looks. Because honestly, almost no one has real carbon fiber in their car, let alone their computer. And since our computers aren't going anywhere, at least not normally aside from Lan Parties, weight does not matter to much. At least not in small components, so real expensive carbon fiber would be of little to no use. However let's be honest, it still looks cool, and expensive. And adding lights to a computer is just aesthetics, so why not add some carbon fiber trim for that F1 look? The Carbon Fiber film looks great, infact its very close to real carbon fiber. So while using it alot may make people think your are "ricing" your computer, the same can be said for LEDs. So use it sparringly, and it can definitely give your computer a unique look. Its made of very high quality film, is again pretty affordable, and best of all, doesn't leave any gunk while applying it or removing it. So you can use it on your mouse, keyboard, or inside your computer. The possibilities are endless, and since Lian Li gave Sestren some pseudo carbon fiber on its top front, I will accent the insides sparingly and tastefully with it, stay tuned to see it in actual application! Hopefully these reviews gave you guys some insight on what I choose what I choose, and what I learned while building this computer. Be sure to ask any questions, and most of all, go out there and build your own worklog! Thanks for reading! No seriously it was pretty long! Until next time, stay tuned as actual parts are coming in through the magic that is MAIL! Talk to you later! Be sure to support great passionate stores, like Petra's Tech Shop and MNPCTech, they aren't gigantic major corporations, but enthusiasts like me and you, that share the same passion for computing. Give them a call, mention this worklog, mention your love for computing, as both Alex, Quoc, at Petra's, and Bill Owen at MNPCTech were super nice enough with me, in both making sure I got my orders right, and answering any questions about my project in their respective fields, and hence I want to repay their favors. Major thanks and kudos to them both, and its the sole reason I choose to work with them for Sestren, it's their customer service, and attention to our community. I am out! - PC1X1 Last edited by pc1x1; 10-06-2009 at 01:37 PM..
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#93
10-05-2009, 07:59 AM
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Title: Quick Update
Date: October 04, 2009 Status: Are you ready to rumble? Brief: Some grills are arriving today, with more to come a bit later, so yes I can confirm at this point. Due to popular demand, I changed the reactor grills, heh. So we'll have some pictures of those and a review soon. Aside from that I am just waiting for confirmation to pick up the cube. I should be picking it up Tuesday, so expect an update on the build log, with actual work on the cube, Wednesdays or Thursday. I'll work on condensing the reviews for next time. Thanks and check back soon to see the red cube, we are almost there, I can confirm its painted! Talk to you later! - PC1X1
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#94
10-07-2009, 11:42 PM
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Title: Worklog Update
Date: October 07, 2009 Status: The Red One Arrives! Brief: Good Evening everyone, after much anticipation, Sestren has returned home. I would like to first off, thank Patrick from Fusion Powder Coating for an absolutely fantastic job on the 343B. The Powder Coat came out great, and exactly how I wanted. It is now red hot with passion! I would like to again thank my sponsors, and you guys for the feedback on the reviews. Any and all feedback I listen to, and correct anything that you guys mention. As you can see how the updates are shaping up. Its thanks to the awesome feedback I receive and keep it coming! On to business, Sestren has finally returned home, so it means it's time to boogie. Expect many updates, as I am assembling it, so many "Worklog" Updates to come! Overall I am very satisfied with the outcome of the powder coat, its great to see a vision start to take shape. It wasn't without incident however, as if you recall originally it was supposed to be a metallic red. However after speaking with Patrick, the owner and the one who powdered the cube personally. He advised me to withhold on the metallic, because due to the cooling properties and how thin the Lian Li Aluminum is, there was a chance that it may not come out even. So of course I took his professional advice, and I am glad I did, as it came out awesome none-less. Looking at it, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am a big fan of a certain red F1 racing team, so I am sure you can see a little bit of the influence there, heh! So theres definitely some "Passione" in there. So stay tuned for some tasteful carbon fiber touches here and there. The cube is currently wrapped as its not ready to be worked on for now, I shall be working on it this weekend, so thats October 9th, 10th, and an update should follow a little bit afterwards. I am still securing some parts for Sestren, and depending on how some things go, it should be complete, around Q4 of this year, and or Q1 of next year. I am still waiting for some graphic card releases, as well as other parts that are coming. None-less I will still be working on whatever I can, so there will not be any droughts on updates, I expect to be pretty consistent, I have a schedule laid out. Overall I am pretty invigorated to work on it, as any who see a dream becoming reality would be. I hope to continuing to strive and bettering myself with each update. And I welcome you to join me in this pursuit. Thanks alot everyone, every time I see that little views counter go up, there's a smile in my face. Here's some of the parts featured on the reviews and where you can buy them. Especially check out these awesome Grills from MNPCTech. The pictures speak for themselves. Be sure to check out the first page for a complete part's list! Here's Petra's Tech Shop: [3] Petra's Gel Stuff [4] Smart Coils [X] 4 Pin Molex Extensions [X] 3 Pin Fan Extensions [X] Small Wire Management ClipsAnd here's are the Stars from this update! The MNPCTech Accessories! Here's MNPCTech: [2] 360mm Black Steampunk Fan Grills [7] 80mm Black Gears Grill [X] Zip Ties with Adhesive Base [1] MNPCTech T-shirt [1] 360mm Radiator Cut Out [1] 240mm Radiator Cut Out [1] Roll of Pseudo Carbon Fiber [1] Scotch Clear Mounting Tape [X] Dremel Discs [X] C-Molding BlackFeatured in this specific update are: [2] 360mm Black Steampunk Fan Grills [7] 80mm Black Gears Grill [X] C-Molding BlackUntil next time! - PC1X1   Description: Sestren has returned, in this picture you can see 80mm Black Gears grill, the modded removable motherboard tray, the vented PCI case slots powder coated black, the back plate of the 343B also powder coated black, the 343B chassis, and lastly MNPCTech's 360mm Steampunk Grill also in black.  Description: Here is an aerial view of the previous picture. Notice how glossy the red powder coat came out. One can see their own reflection. It is also very natural and smooth throughout. Great job from Fusion Powder Coating indeed. I will remove the plastic wrap from the actual chassis as soon as I am ready to work on it, so no worries. It will have its own feature.  Description: Here's an up close shot of the 80mm Black Gears Grill. Notice how well made the cuts are. I was throughly impressed with the quality. At first I was hesitant since its acrylic, but its fit and finish are the best I have seen. Expect a full part's review at a later date.  Description: An upclose shot of the 360mm Steampunk Grill, notice how it reflects and matches the powder coated back plate. The details are amazing, right down to the MNPCTech logo, everything is very well made. Expect this part's review along with the other grills.  Description: Here's a front shot of everything, and you can see the mods I did to the motherboard plate. First it wasn't removable, but since it was a nightmare to actually tighten things inside the Chassis, I decided to make it removable, by removing the rivets, and tapping, so it self holds itself with bolts. Expect a more throughly detailed explanation later. Also notice the contemporary designs on the right side of the motherboard plate. I did that consciously, as I was expecting the gear grills to arrive, and wanted something to match their designs. The openings will be used to route PSU ATX cables throughout the chassis, and the smaller holes are for all the 3 Pin fan cables. Notice how well the C Molding blended with the design.  Description: Here's a side shot of the action, where you can see the reflections of the powder coating again. Also notice on the top side of the motherboard tray. There is more C Molding. This is crucial and a part that is largely ignored, that cuts alot of builders. While the Lian Li case is already wonderfully build, and thus seldom hurts me, the C molding is a great looking finish, that not only is functional, it is pretty.  Description: Here's an upclose shot, so one can see the details. Again C Molding does a great job as a functional finish. And if you look to the right most motherboard tray opening, you can see that the opening undulates almost like a figure eight. This was intentional, as quite honestly I thought it looked cool and contemporary. It was quite a bit of dremel work, and I couldn't have done it without MNPCTech's Dremel Discs. See my review for more info.  Description: Here's a side shot of the action, notice how glossy that black is. It almost drags you in. Couple that to contrast the passionate red, and you can start seeing the aesthetics of the build. Once its fully assembled, there is extensive use of color balance, and areas to draw your eyes in. I can't wait to put in the motherboard and the other equipment. I am very satisfied with how this came out. So stay tuned for more! Talk to you later! Last edited by pc1x1; 10-08-2009 at 12:10 AM..
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#95
10-08-2009, 05:36 AM
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Bet it feels good to be on the home strech
 . I myself am going to have some fun this weekend putting back together my server and possibly doing a switch on my mobo from my main rig. Hopefully also figure out that damn DVD drive issue.
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#96
10-08-2009, 09:09 AM
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#97
10-08-2009, 11:08 AM
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. Had to wait till the Girlfreind was out of town to do more work, else things would have started to fly.
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#98
10-08-2009, 11:15 AM
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#99
10-08-2009, 12:01 PM
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Your parts reviews are killing me.
I am interested in your build, but I think I'll wait for the final pics to avoid a slow, painful death.
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#100
10-08-2009, 12:54 PM
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