Project: Ark Of Covenant PC Mod

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Nice job on the case so far. I imagine it would be a bitch to take to lan parties, but there are some sacrifices one has to make for an awesome case :p. Keep up the good work.
 
Give me time, give me a chance, It may be a bear to take to lan parties, but I have yet to build a special rig for transport or move around of this mod.
 
as neat as this looks, why does it seem to be far more case than computer? i know you want it to be life sized, but it's almost like making a replica of the arc, then just throwing a stock computer inside. how are you gonna make sure of all that space?
 
Stock computer my behind!, If you haven't looked through the whole work log, this big case will consist of a: slot 2 xeon dual board, a socket 754 with a amd 64, a socket 939 with a dual core, and either one of the following a socket 370 or another socket 939 mb.

So four motherboards in total will be going into this case and along with all other hardware to get them working. I will be getting a 4-port kvm, a raid-5 array with hot swap, a 17" or a 20" lcd, 4x power supplies, 1 quality surge protector and a few other computer items.

And also, This case Is not full scale as opposed to an exact replica of the Ark of the Covenant. Though it will retain the statues at the top of the ark, it will closely resemble it, but it won't be it.

And knowing what room I have now, than I had when I was plotting it out, I may surprise you with a added bonus soon. I have no plans to go by just pictures of the Ark of the Covenant, and try to produce a modern version of the ark while has the function of several computers.

As time goes by Everfalling watching the work log progress, you will see the 4x motherboards being put in.
 
Oh btw I hit a speed bump, untill I solve the motherboard mounting problems the log is on hold.

I have this problem, which way would you like to see the motherboards placed, upsides down perhaps, standing up, or on spacers tiered.

I need an simple answer to my problem, or should I just mount it like a desktop.
 
You might think about mounting the motherboards on 1/4" ply or MDF, and sliding the ply/MDF in from the top. Think K*'s crapper farm, or something along the lines of what Mashie did on Tranquility. You have more room and fewer machines, so you don't have to go as compact as he did.
 
thank you for the idea, I still have lots of clear acrylic laying about, so I'll mount it with two motherboards facing opposite of each other just like Mashie work log, but alittle different.
 
I have a minor update to the worklog, been busy with other things and work.
Have installed the single power inlet to the case, and am working slowly on the insides. Sometime during the rest of the week, I should have, or tried to work more on the case.

power1.jpg

inside1.jpg
 
Ok here is somewhat of an update, 2 motherboards are mounted and sometime tomorrow or next week one of the last 2 motherboards will be mounted.

Still saving up for a refurb or new Koolance Exos-2 watercooling system to cool this beast.

inside3.jpg

inside2.jpg
 
Ya it does look small compared to the rest of the chest.
I have been working back to back with 2 mods, this one and another one.
Today, I holed out a 92mm fan hole on the back of the chest and worked on the second removable 2x motherboard tray. Sorry no pictures today, maybe tomorrow, have to get some hardware also tomorrow.

I still have lots to work on, on the outside of the rig. All 4 sides will have wooden panels covering them, they will either fold up or be removed for a added project to go with this mod. The panels will be decorated by me, I used to be a good artist, lets hope I still have it in me.

Still saving up for the exos-2 refurb and the 26" lcd for the case, with the other processors and misc stuff to make it run.

Till later, or next update.
 
You thought wrong, me and two Nazi's had some Earl Grey tea, while having a friendly chat about global domination. Though I had the unfinished Ark Of Covenant mod in the dungeon or basement, did I not want to give up the exact location to them of it. After a few hours of chatting, they left on their way to look for the Ark Of Covenant pc case. Though I may have given them a hint that I might have it and have better plans for it than they do.

But Alas, the lord works in mysterous ways, so never think that this mod, has died, it and it's creator is busy off doing other jobs and enlightening others.

Time:
12:29 AM
5-12-06

Journal Entry end, till next time.......
Come On! are you guys going to make this case mod show up on the second page, or do I have to update again, forth motherboard is being installed today.
 
Ok since this worklog has gotten on the second page once again, do I figure you all need an update to this project.

As a moderate woodworker, does a person seem to have the need of several clamps. Well it came down to today, that I used them all up putting some molding on the upper part of the ark. Sheesh I thought I had enough clamps, well it didn't seem that way, I was laughing that of all things I have build, that needing more wood clamps was needed very soon.

So I installed the forth motherboard today, and 2 days ago, I mounted the third motherboard also. I installed one of the 92mm fans to the back of the case. I soon to have the surge protector end cable lopped off and attached to the power outlet on the case. Hoping I don't fry myself and need More Jigawatts to power it. Well I have to say that it weights about the same as the original ark, even though it is smaller.

Now to present the viewing audience more pictures.
Looking inside to see more motherboards, and yes a Gigabyte K8N nForce4 SLI is installed as the forth motherboard.
inside4.jpg


One motherboard from my folding server farm, it now resides in the ark, once I get the pieces reassembled it will be folding soon also, though the ark may not be done, part of it will be running.
inside5.jpg


Looking up from the dual slot2 P3 Xeon motherboard, molding attached 2/4 of the way around the top of the case.
inside6.jpg


And probally where I ran out of clamping power and clamps to do the rest of the installation of the molding.
inside7.jpg


I install the second floor tomorrow, start and complete the rewiring of the Apc surge protector for inside of the case.
 
Second Floor installed, and one computer running. I still have to get the second side panels with hinges installed, top to be worked on. Still building up money to get the Exos-2 too and the processors also.

This is all I have so far, oh the surge protector built into the case works also, works through the single power outlet on the side of the case.

ark8.jpg
 
You know what this project reminded me of? Anyone here seen the sequel to Stanley Kubrick's movie '2001' called '2010' (with Roy Schrider and John Lithgow). It was a dismal failure at the box office (I liked the movie). Anyway, the geeky nerd guy who designed HAL, had a huge computer in his office named SAL. That's what your project reminded me of. All you need to do is make it a big black ark! Keep up the great work!

Steven
 
Now it is up to you the viewers to pick the color choice:
Should it be:

A. Keep with the gold as the original ark color.
B. Go with the sprayed painted red trim and black on the rest to match Hardforum itself.
 
Scorpionjwp said:
Now it is up to you the viewers to pick the color choice:
Should it be:

A. Keep with the gold as the original ark color.
B. Go with the sprayed painted red trim and black on the rest to match Hardforum itself.
Click to expand...

Goooooooold.
 
ooooooo

Go blasphemous and do the Red/Black....god is sure to strike you down or something...
 
Scorpionjwp said:
Now it is up to you the viewers to pick the color choice:
Should it be:

A. Keep with the gold as the original ark color.
B. Go with the sprayed painted red trim and black on the rest to match Hardforum itself.
Click to expand...

I'm voting B
 
Gold. Otherwise people will look at it and wonder 'what the heck is that'?
 
I'll stick with the gold look, I wish I had a few updates but I currently don't have any.
I have to say, I have stopped spending money toward pc parts for the rig, I have more important work to do on the case alone, than the computers in it.

I have planned on a Aquos 32in or a 27in lcd tv on the display, put I have yet to start on the lid of the case or the upper trim of the case. I have today went to radioshack to buy a 8-port phono panel mount and two switches, which each of the 2 switches will turn on 2 motherboards.

Tomorrow I will swing past Lowes, get more greek trim and wood for the upper part of the case. I have yet to get the pieces for the second panels for the outer part of the case. Then also have the iron poles for the sides, I have the hardware available to mount the poles, but don't have the poles to do so.

I'm not sure about using a piece of formica for part of the top of the chest or buy a piece of thick panelling for the top. Oh and I'm not carving out the statues at the top, I have something special in mind. The first case mod I have still got to finish gave me an idea for the statues.
 
if you're going for the gold, go Gold Leaf. It's real gold, pounded flat until it's microns thick. It comes in a stack of leaves 100-500 sheets per stack approx 4-5 inches square. It's a pain to apply (compared to a spray can) but the effect is awe-inspiring. You clear-coat over it so it won't oxidize and get dull. Go for it. After all.. it's the Ark we're talking about here.
 
Ok I have 2 updates, working on the top of the case:

overall4.jpg


And I need help wiring up this to the motherboard via cables to the motherboard.
audio.jpg
 
Another update to the top of the case

I'll work on tomorrow to get the piano hinge attached and the lid attached to it.
arktop1.jpg
 
Is there going to be a screen attached to the ark, or will it be a plug? Because I can imagine a screen on the lid looking very cool.
 
TheOneGreatX said:
Is there going to be a screen attached to the ark, or will it be a plug? Because I can imagine a screen on the lid looking very cool.
Click to expand...
Mount a 42" plasma on the underside of the lid...that would look sweet.
 
Ok I have a short poll for what will go underneath the lid of the ark:

1. A wide screen Lcd
2. 2 lcd's mounted as dual displays
3. A Sharp Electronics Aquos 32in Hdtv


I have another surprise when I attach the lid of the case, you shall see that after more work is done on it. I am going to get a Logitech diNovo cordless mouse and keyboard or the Logitech G15 keyboard.

And someone link me to some good speakers that could go good with this case mod.
 
Dude! this thing should be like an insanely awesome coffee table. Throw 2 LCD's under the lid, put some speakers in it, and put some padding for your feet to rest on...You could be gaming/folding in the living room!!!! yes, yes, definatly 2 LCD's...dont get an actual 32" TV for a computer, thats bad...Oh yea, and hydrolics...with a remote control...have people come visit your house, sit them down in the living room and casually reach over for the remote. *pushes button* opens up, smoke machine inside with a strobe light. It'll be magical!!!! *takes a breather*.

Don't mind my insanity, im sick today.

ValeX
 
Scorpionjwp said:
.

Tomorrow I will swing past Lowes, get more greek trim and wood for the upper part of the case. I have yet to get the pieces for the second panels for the outer part of the case. Then also have the iron poles for the sides, I have the hardware available to mount the poles, but don't have the poles to do so.

.
Click to expand...

Greek? I would go with a more historical and accurate architectural design. Greeks weren't even around during the time of the Ark. The Ark itself was a small box made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold. It measured 1.15 metres long, 0.7 metres wide and 0.7 metres high. It was carried by two long bars, also made of acacia wood overlaid with gold.
Exodus 25:10-22 ;)

Research some older Hebrew architecture to at least get an idea. I think this a GREAT project by the way. :)
 
You know one thing I seem to dislike is when I have to Quote myself because someone failed to read the first post in this thread:

For Dark Prodigy: it's modernized version of the Ark, I'm building and no, I'm not building a exact replica also. If people in modern times seen the ark with their own eyes, I might consider making a replica of it, but since it seemed to been missing for a long time, longer than I can count, I Can't! I also assume that you haven't watched any Indiana Jones movies either.

Also if you haven't noticed, I really haven't had the time to go to the Middle East to gather some acacia wood, much less afford to do so.

Well you know the funny thing, I was at lowes getting some trim, I was going to get something else besides that trim, but I heard a divine voice telling me to get the Greek trim. Why I don't know but I got it, and the same holds true for the case itself, it was a divine intervention that told me to continue on this case.

If the original ark, cannot be found lest it be that it must be rebuilt, or alas a similar size of ark.
 
I think it would be somewhat interesing if someone started building desks like that. A desk where your computer was intergrated in one of the drawers or something...that would be awesome.
 
Scorpionjwp said:
You know one thing I seem to dislike is when I have to Quote myself because someone failed to read the first post in this thread:

For Dark Prodigy: it's modernized version of the Ark, I'm building and no, I'm not building a exact replica also. If people in modern times seen the ark with their own eyes, I might consider making a replica of it, but since it seemed to been missing for a long time, longer than I can count, I Can't! I also assume that you haven't watched any Indiana Jones movies either.

Also if you haven't noticed, I really haven't had the time to go to the Middle East to gather some acacia wood, much less afford to do so.

Well you know the funny thing, I was at lowes getting some trim, I was going to get something else besides that trim, but I heard a divine voice telling me to get the Greek trim. Why I don't know but I got it, and the same holds true for the case itself, it was a divine intervention that told me to continue on this case.

If the original ark, cannot be found lest it be that it must be rebuilt, or alas a similar size of ark.
Click to expand...

Relax friend...no need for the dripping sarcasm, its just an observation with some historical background information. Like I said, I think the project is great (guess you missed that). I realize its a scaled replica version and its ridiculous to think that anyone would expect you to journey to Jordan to procure genuine materials (though it would be neat =) ).

To go with the original gold idea is the right choice IMO (more historically accurate). The greek choice of trim just puzzled me is all. By the way, I did read your first post prior to writing my comment and I've seen all Indiana Jones movies.. ;) And like I previously stated...great project.
 
Scorpionjwp said:
You know one thing I seem to dislike is when I have to Quote myself because someone failed to read the first post in this thread:

For Dark Prodigy: it's modernized version of the Ark, I'm building and no, I'm not building a exact replica also. If people in modern times seen the ark with their own eyes, I might consider making a replica of it, but since it seemed to been missing for a long time, longer than I can count, I Can't! I also assume that you haven't watched any Indiana Jones movies either.

Also if you haven't noticed, I really haven't had the time to go to the Middle East to gather some acacia wood, much less afford to do so.

Well you know the funny thing, I was at lowes getting some trim, I was going to get something else besides that trim, but I heard a divine voice telling me to get the Greek trim. Why I don't know but I got it, and the same holds true for the case itself, it was a divine intervention that told me to continue on this case.

If the original ark, cannot be found lest it be that it must be rebuilt, or alas a similar size of ark.
Click to expand...

So... then basically it's going to be a big fancy wood box called "the Ark" then. I was hoping for an Indiana Jones replica, so I guess my earlier post about Gold Leaf is moot. Paint it purple and orange and call it "modern ark"
;)
 
I'm trying my best to replicate the Indiana Jones one, but w/o having some hard evidence to look at than rather to see pictures on the net for guidance, I'm trying.

I am not also a skilled woodcrafter, so getting the actual parts done of this replica is nearly impossible. I use what I have of readily made materials, either it being from Lowes, Woodcraft and or Homedepot. If I could get my hands on some gold leaf I would put it onto this chest, but the only concern now is the statues on the top of the lid, which will mimic the ones found on the Indiana Jones Version.

When I got the Yellowheart wood, which is goldish color into itself, I was hoping to use the yellowheart on the rest of the case. But when the cost proved to be expensive upon itself, I went with poplar and ash for the rest of the chest.

And no it is not just a fancy box, it would be called what you would say as a post-modern day Ark of the Covenant case. Also it helps through its own little way through folding.

Also Yes I'm saving up for the 32" Sharp Electronics Aquos Lcd screen to mount on the underside of the lid. When I arrive home from work today at around 5ish, I'll mount that piano Hinge and work on more of the top of the chest.

All I could do is to put a mockup of 2 stone tables and a third shattered one to resemble the 15 commandments. The one and Only Mel Brooks comes to mind to do this mockup.
 
one idea that just came to mind to keep this pretty cool inside would be floor fans on each end. but i know your going more for the original look.
 
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