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Custom Aluminum Case

In case anyone wants to go at it a slightly different way, I am working on a mod kit for a Coolermaster to G5 look. The top and bottom handles are pictured with the panel for the front/top due later this week from the machine shop.

The bottom handles have a lip that folds under the case for better support. Picture has original round feet still on the case so it looks a bit off. Top handles replace the coolermaster top panel and will be welded on the sides. Front and top panel will be made out of the same mesh as the G5.

Unlike modding a G5, the ATX layout is already in place, no limitations to m-ATX. Just a thought as you go through your mods.

handles_small.JPG


handles_rough.JPG
 
The way the Lian-Li tops and front panels actually make one of them more complicated. The Coolermaster had a small aluminum panel over the top that is replaced by the handles and will be flush with the sides. For a LL, it would take more bends/be a larger hassle. the front panel on the Coolermaster had standoffs from the case frame, the removal showed a lip on all four sides. by removing the top and bottom lips, I am able to get the curved G5 style front that is also flush with the side panels. Base case was an ATC-200C-MX1. End goal is to have a kit with the 3 main panels and CD drive door panels available for as low of a price as possible.
 
Nice work, I look forward to seeing how the finished product turns out. Next up will be figuring out how to emulate the 9-fan cooling solution apple used...
 
Originally posted by dewhite
Nice work, I look forward to seeing how the finished product turns out. Next up will be figuring out how to emulate the 9-fan cooling solution apple used...
Click to expand...
:D Thats easy- Watercool!
 
Well, after thinking this through, I've decided that I will still be making my own G5-style case. Yeah, this case will be nice, but I want a removable motherboard tray (among other things). So, I'll be modding this case and using it to finish all planning and then I'll start on making my own.
 
Hey I just came back from Walmart and they had some Dremels (multi one) for about $38.
 
Originally posted by CrimandEvil
Hey I just came back from Walmart and they had some Dremels (multi one) for about $38.
Click to expand...

Sweet. Thanks!

I unfortunately don't have an update on the status of my order. I called yesterday and they said they expected the order to be processed by that night. The online order tracking says it's been processed, but I don't have a tracking number or anything. I don't even know if it's shipped yet. :confused:
 
Damn I just came back from there again (I got a drill but it wasn't good enough for case drilling so I had to return it) and it just started pouring rain/ snow! Took an hour for what normally takes 15 min just to get back. Hahaha
 
OK, I got an update on my case. It has shipped and says it'll be here by Wednesday. However, because of the short shipping distance, I imagine it will get here sooner than that...
 
It is here! The case was delivered this morning - a whole day early! :D

Now I just have to wait until work is over so I can go pick it up.
 
Iso.jpg


SideClosed.jpg


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SidewithCover.jpg


OK, there are a few problems:

The case only has 4 slots - 3 for PCI and 1 for AGP, but the motherboard has 5 PCI and 1 AGP. That wouldn't be too big a problem other than the fact that the slots in the case line up with the last 4 PCI slots on the mobo because the horizontal piece that holds the drives prevents the mobo from going any further up.

Any ideas? I suppose I could cut a hole large enough in the back of the horizontal piece and move the mobo further up. But then I'd have to relocate the drives...

I could also cut out the back panel and buy a replacement mobo tray.
 
Either go with a mATX board, or get a lian-li mobo tray and replace the back panel. Also, are you going for a full ATX PSU or a 1U?
 
I don't think that the motherboard layout is going to be much of an issue, you could either build your own tray, MATX or full, or get a Lian one. I think the biggest issue is going to be the PSU, either mod one or use a 1U. I would suggest going with a MATX for the simple solution, they make a few really great ones (Intel or AMD). Other then that it looks great!

I was just thinking that the best (but not easist) solution would probably be putting a full size mobo tray in there, build a HD rack like the one on the Super Lanboy, and figure out what to do with the CD enclosure.
 
Well, I just bought a Lian-Li motherboard tray. I think that's the best solution as I already bought an ATX board (NF7-S 2.0) a while back. It's going to require a lot more cutting than just using a mATX board, though.

EDIT: The tray cost me $21.95 + S/H
 
Originally posted by Aqua_Geek
Well, I just bought a Lian-Li motherboard tray. I think that's the best solution as I already bought an ATX board (NF7-S 2.0) a while back. It's going to require a lot more cutting than just using a mATX board, though.
Click to expand...
I have a mini that I could just thrown in there :), but atleast I'll get to see what I have to do to mod a full board in there.
You could just cut out the metal around the PCI inserts and the I/O port on the tray and cut out the part on the case that have to go
 
give it to me!!!111

plz :D ;)
 
Originally posted by Aqua_Geek
Well, I just bought a Lian-Li motherboard tray. I think that's the best solution as I already bought an ATX board (NF7-S 2.0) a while back. It's going to require a lot more cutting than just using a mATX board, though.
Click to expand...

I just got a phone call informing me that the trays are on backorder and won't be in until next week. So, no modding this weekend :(
 
Originally posted by Aqua_Geek
I just got a phone call informing me that the trays are on backorder and won't be in until next week. So, no modding this weekend :(
Click to expand...
Oh well you can't have everything I guess ;)
LOL!
 
Hi! Does anybody know the dimensions of the Lian-Li 6x series motherboard tray that I ordered? I need to know if I'm going to have enough room for a 1U PSU at the bottom of the case or not.

Using SketchUp, the height looks to be 12", but I need an exact measurement. I'm really only worried about the height, but the depth would also be helpful.

As always, THANKS!

Also, apparently the store I bought the tray from has been closed... I hope it's only temporary...
 
aqua: did you buy from so-trick? if not you might want to.

crim: i kind of doubt that that tray will fit. keep in mind that the g5 case is only a little wider than a 5 1/4" bay, and a cd is just ta little smaller than that. but is the same size as a 120mm fan. the tray has a 120mm fan mount over the io bracket, so it'd need to be cut. i also wouldn't want to cut up a $50 mobo tray, either.
 
Originally posted by CrimandEvil
You could buy one for $199..or go on eBay and get one for ~$400. LOL!:D
Click to expand...

where did you buy it?

damnit! dont tempt me!!! :eek:
 
rogue_jedi, he wants to know the size of the tray. I would imagine that some modding would be inorder for an ATX board to fit into a Mac case. Since that tray looks pretty much like the one on So-Trick computers I would imagine that the dimensions would atleast be close. On a side note I think that I should get one when So-Trick gets some more in.
 
rogue_jedi: No, I bought it from here because of the price: $21.95. The one crim linked to is almost an inch wider than the G5 case. I will be modding the tray by cutting off any excess metal past a 1/2" lip around the I/O and slots (well, that's the plan at this point - it will most likely change after I get the tray).

Quick question: do I want to get a 1U PSU or just stick with a regular sized one? I can fit either - the 1U might be a tight fit (2/10" or so between it and the tray); the regular one would have to be put in the front bottom corner of the case or rotated onto its side and mounted flush with the door side of the case at the rear (which would probably not be good for processor temperature). Any thoughts? I am currently leaning toward the 1U.
 
I don't know quite know the technical term but how about extending the connector wires? Like this (that "mod" had to be good for something ;)) or like with Antec's Overture case. This way you can still use an ATX PSU and you are going to water cooling right?
 
Yeah, I'm going to watercool. I'll probably just mount the radiator onto the inside of the front panel and have my reservoir above it. I think I've kinda scrapped the chiller idea until further testing. If I can get it to work, I can always incorporate it into my custom case that will be built after this.

I am leaning toward the 1U PSU because then it would not be visible above the bottom edge of the door (which is ~2" tall vs the PSU's 1.6"). And I also just realized that clearance between it and the motherboard tray is not an issue because the PSU is 4" wide and the case is 8" wide. I don't think I'll need more than 300W for this thing - 1 HD, 1 DVD+/-RW, ATi Radeon 9800 (Pro? XT?), a few fans - so that shouldn't be an issue. Finally, if I place it at the back corner, I still have space for the pump at the front of the case.
 
From ATI: "RADEON™ 9800 Series of products requires connection to your PC's internal power supply for operation. Consult your system builder or OEM to ensure your system has an adequate power supply. Otherwise, ATI recommends a 300-Watt power supply or greater to ensure normal system operation where a number of other internal devices are installed."
 
Hmmmm... Still waiting to hear back from the store I purchased the mobo tray from...

I would just call them up and cancel my order, but it would do me no good as So-Trick is currently out of stock also...
 
Originally posted by Aqua_Geek
Hmmmm... Still waiting to hear back from the store I purchased the mobo tray from...

I would just call them up and cancel my order, but it would do me no good as So-Trick is currently out of stock also...
Click to expand...


Hmmmm ? Seems one is in Stock.
 
OK. I went ahead and ordered a mobo tray from so-trick and cancelled my order from the other place. Now we're almost ready for some modding, which means I now have to shell out some cash for a dremel.

On a separate note, I noticed that the back top handle on my case is loose! It seems the weld has broken or something like that. The removable side panel and the back top handle are not even anymore - the handle sticks out 1/8" or so. This kinda upsets me, but I don't think it's enough to make me want to ship it back and wait for another one.
 
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