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Project: Linux Compile Box

fx9

[H]ard|Gawd
2FA
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
1,159
Project: Linux Compile Box Has been Canceled due to some personal issues


New modder getting into the modding scene. I'm a package maintainer for a linux distribution called Caos Linux and I needed to build a computer that combines power and looks. To maintain packages in our linux repository I need a 64 bit machine that can compile large Rpm's real fast. So I will be leaning towards a Quad Core Q9550 since I already have all the other parts to build it. Keep in mind that I do not need a really high powered video card for this build. I needed a video card that had open source drivers with out of the box 3d support for linux. This will be water cooled (quote from mythbusters: If its worth doing...Its worth overdoing.) I'm going to be modding an Antec 300 to fit my needs. Pictures tell a thousand words so here's what I'll be using:

Masterkleer 7/16" tubing, T fitting for the Danger Den fill port, Radbox v2 to mount the triple rad outside of the case, Zalman fan controller, Swiftech MCP 655 pump.
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Got a new package! I wonder whats inside...
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A Corsair 650W psu and 6 120mm fan grills
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I got a gift from Newegg, I guess I can use it on my Dell mini 9
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This is the motherboard I will be using for this build, Gigabyte EP45-DS3L
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This is the open source video card I got from someone in the For Sale thread on [H], a Sapphire X550 pci-e video card, it has out of the box 3d support for linux. No need to go all out since all It will be doing is compiling all day. Emphasis on cpu and less on video card.
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The ram that will be going on the board Corsair pc6400 DDR2 800
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Essential things to get first... Arctic Silver 5, there might be better stuff out there, but you can never go wrong with this stuff.
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Safety and Tools
I cannot emphasize enough to use safety gear before starting any project, you MUST have at least work goggles.
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Dremel, modders best friend, Jigsaw modder's 2nd best friend (not shown)
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One more thing, Ear plugs, dremels are hella loud at high speeds so I highly suggest these as I cannot stand the screeching sound when it grinds through steel
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Almost forgot, if you stopped by the dremel section at your local hardware store, and spot this thing below as an attachment, Don't get it, cause it is horrible as a jigsaw substitute. Unless you are cutting tree branches in your backyard then its fine but for any precision cuts, use a jigsaw.
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Here is our subject, that we're going to hack away at:
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Lots of potential inside of the case
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Lets get started!

First up is a window on the side of the case, use blue painters tape to protect your surface and mark the area you want to cut
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Make a small incision hole with a fiberglass reinforced cutting disc with a dremel and slip the jigsaw into it to cut away. I had a really hard time at the hardware store since they don't sell bi-metal jigsaw blades but you can use the Bosch T shank 36 teeth per inch blades, seriously these blades slice through the thick antec 300 steel case like a hot knife on butter. The Jigsaw is a Black and decker jigsaw I got at home depot for $30. After its all done:
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Test Fit it on the case after using the dremel grinding tool on the edges to remove shavings, looks perfect, now you will need window molding (my package is comming on tuesday, waiting for that to come in the mail)
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That will be it for now, until next week when I get my package from Petra's Tech shop I will have the rest of the water cooling parts. In the meantime I will take a trip to the hardware store to shop around for the things I will need. I'm looking to paint it flat black on the inside any recommendations for paint to use?

Any comments are welcome, thanks
 
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I maintain the contributions packages repository which is pretty much all desktop related packages. Fluxbox, IceWM, FWVM, Xfce, Enlightenment, lots of X apps.
 
looking good so far man, interested in seeing how your Antec 300 mod goes.:D
 
Update May 9th,

Went to the hardware store to pick up some Grommets that are 5/8" ID, these should be 3/4" OD I think. [EDIT] They are apparently 7/8" OD, These fit the Masterkleer tubing just fine as the OD of the tubing is 5/8".

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I also picked up mounting tape that will hold the window, as Bill Owen from mnpctech would say..."Tape of the gods".

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Its time to put the first coat of primer on some of the pieces that are ready for it. First the safety gear... 3M mask cause this primer stuff is bad if you breathe it in.

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Here's the stuff I'll be using, I gotta say in Florida it drys real fast.

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Tape off your work surface ready for the primer

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After a couple coats of primer, I started to notice that the primer color is black, but the color on the can says "Dark Gray Primer". Its really a shade away from being flat black which is why I'm going to have a tough time painting since Its really hard to distinguish which is painted and which isn't.

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I haven't started to paint the main case yet because I want to make the holes for the tubing to go into the case. Also I need to drill holes on the bottom of the case so I can mount the wheels on the case.

That's it for now I will continue to paint the other pieces tomorrow. Check back on Tuesday for updates, stay tuned.
 
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Nice cut on the side panel. I can't cut a straight line to save my life.:mad: If I send you the panel from my 300 will you cut it for me?:D
 
We need updates now!!!! Updates or ban!!!!

Just kidding, no seriously... I love this case, and am considering a water-cooled setup for it, too. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
 
Update May 12th,

Got goodies in the mail from Petra's tech shop. Yay!

Danger Den Chipset block (needs cleaning, yea its quite dirty)

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3 low speed Yate loon fans

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Swiftech GTZ CPU waterblock

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Blue cold cathodes

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Triple Radiator

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Petra's own PT-Nuke Biocide PH Neutral (non acidic) cause I'm going straight distilled water for this build. To prevent the growth of algae in my loop only need a couple drops of this.

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Oh.....What's this? a handwritten message from Petra's, seems they didn't have enough C molding for 10 feet. Well no matter, I'll get it shipped to me later when they get stock, no rush. Petra's customer service still awesome, how often do you get a hand written message from the place you ordered from? Thanks for the individual service Petra's, shows they care about their customers. :)

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Back to the goodies....Mounted fans on the rad with Radbox, looking good!

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State of the case right now....I have removed the front hard drive brackets to make more room for the pump and maybe future 2 radiators in that spot. I'm not sure I like the wheels though, they change the case's center of gravity and can easily tip over, I'll probably find a set of stationary feet for the case.

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Thats it for now, not sure when I'm gonna have time to work on the case again as life is getting quite busy.
 
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The project is looking great. Love the high quality photos that are sized perfectly for viewing.

I'm a huge fan of Petra's Tech. But where is your Petra Pen?
 
The project is looking great. Love the high quality photos that are sized perfectly for viewing.

I'm a huge fan of Petra's Tech. But where is your Petra Pen?

Oh I thought everyone had one of those... I actually have two Petra Pens from 2 different orders.

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Oh I thought everyone had one of those... I actually have two Petra Pens from 2 different orders.

Yes, I think they send them out with every order but it's always fun to see what style and color they shipped you.
 
Yes, I think they send them out with every order but it's always fun to see what style and color they shipped you.

Not every order, I've ordered from them without receiving one.
 
Mini Update May 14th,

I've drilled the holes ready for the radiator tubes to be piped in as well as added window molding around the panel and put the window on.

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Due to some unseen circumstances I have to cancel my build and hold off for a couple months. I will be selling off my Motherboard and ram on the forums if anyone's interested. Thanks for all your support [H].
 
Shame to hear that :( Hope things work out for you :)
 
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