[PROJECT] "The blank.box"

I must say this is going to look great when its done!

I also have to ask how are you going about finding sponsors for a project like this, I would love to start modding to this extent but just don't have the cash to do this all on my own, I have some great ideas but no funding to proceed.
 
I also have to ask how are you going about finding sponsors for a project like this, I would love to start modding to this extent but just don't have the cash to do this all on my own, I have some great ideas but no funding to proceed.

Get a portfolio going. Show the sponsors you've got the skills to back up their investment. Then make some 3D models of your planned mod, and contact various vendors with all of the previous included.
 
I must say this is going to look great when its done!

I also have to ask how are you going about finding sponsors for a project like this, I would love to start modding to this extent but just don't have the cash to do this all on my own, I have some great ideas but no funding to proceed.

Email companys, ask nicely. ;) :p

Thanks!

wow, doing arealyl great hob here, thats gonna look fantastic...

Thanks! :)

What are you using for you 3D Renders? AutoCAD or Visio?

looks like sketchup?

Yes, sketchup.
 
Update 4-10-09

Arite... it's been a while, my bad... but it's spring break now and i've gotten some little bits of work done here and there!
I also have the metal and acrylic I got from the shops, but will have to post that later.

For now lets get to some pics!

Did a test fit of the rads in both cases, fits very snug and straight!
3305081911_de6d25ff58_b.jpg


Next I wanted to lay out what Watercooling parts I've collected for The blank.box so far. :D
3305087565_a124ecef2e_b.jpg


Notice the fittings on the right D5, will be doing this to the left one as well, but the pump and custom threading is thanks to Snyxxx! :up:
3305085651_fd4389b9cd_b.jpg


Heres some fans (need 10 more actually.... :eek:) and my rads so far!
I'm contemplating getting two MCR320 Stackable rads to add... but not sure, and I'm also going to get an MCR120. You'll see where that goes in the new renders I'm working on. :D
3305083819_d33b3398b3_b.jpg


Next, did some more cutting on the case... getting rid of the nastys in the front... hehe...
3431008650_5e280be74c_b.jpg


Tool of choice, trusty dremel and Gyros wheel!
3431007520_173a1b4049_b.jpg


The cuts:
3430194115_fb9a6f863f_b.jpg


3430192729_ef6814b8c3_b.jpg


This pic makes the cases look huge. xD
3430191377_a8b794d4e8_b.jpg


Finished product:
3431002076_e99fc35ed9_b.jpg



More updates hopefully tomorrow! Working on renders TONIGHT as well, new idea's. :D

Thanks!
~Parker
 
Man, what are the all components you're cooling that you need so many radiators? :eek:

That's probably enough, for, like 4x Quad Opterons + Dual 4870X2s.
 
AVT, planning to have 3 loops, adding an MCR120 aswell and POSSIBLY adding two more MCR320's (the stackable ones)...
Planning to cool an i7, mosfets/chipsets of X58 board, two GTX2xx (not sure which cards yet..) and POSSIBLY the ram hehe....

I call it... overly overly overkill. xD

OK now...

Update! 4-10/11-09

Got to some work this weekend!

Here is all the metals, acrylics, screws and cases to be worked on.
3435880645_ebd22e5f9d_b.jpg


This weekend I focussed on making the case's become one.
Here we go! :D

So from top to bottom here, gots some mini washers and aluminum rivets, and then at the bottom I have what I call some 'dummy rivets' (screws & nuts) so I can put the case together without having to permanently rivet it.
3436674772_fc9152c664_b.jpg


1/4" acrylics I got a while back, this will be used for secret surprise. :p
3436664596_0309d066df_b.jpg


And on the right, I've got this long 1/2" by 1/16" rusty metal strip, this will be main victim for today. hehe...
3436657000_247e759375_b.jpg


However, we'll start with this first:
3436650634_2739f57dfe_b.jpg


Ok so I want to put the case together, but notice the gap that the tops make between the cases:
3436639990_106d86c95b_b.jpg


Closer look:
3436631096_ef0b7d497d_b.jpg


So I just wacked it off... good ol' dremel :D
3435816315_3122e9e107_b.jpg

(of course, filing will come later...)

And there we have it, quick and easy...
3436613496_4eab1630d9_b.jpg


now lets get to the real meat.....
I love these two tools.....
3435802985_54d94ecdac_b.jpg


Used the husky (oh i love the sound it makes when it runs... xD) to get all that grainy stinky nasty rust off....
3436595956_488fac574c_b.jpg


Close up:
3435780347_e07262636a_b.jpg


All shiny and clean now. :D
3436575252_93b3e07098_b.jpg

(and before the case gets some painting, I'll be putting some anti-rust primer on that piece of metal too, obviously, keep it from rusting over again.)

Ok now Parker... what did you do with that nice long piece of shiny un-rusted metal?
Cut it up, drilled holes, got some yummy dummy rivets and....
3436755356_1c27ce6a0a_b.jpg


AND.....
TA-DA!
3436020663_18a115a98e_b.jpg


Filled the gap PERFECTLY between the cases....
3436001949_15a7555f26_b.jpg


3436817474_fb0b557d06_b.jpg


3436800050_f2c1d3014f_b.jpg


The case is now VERY sturdy and I like the way it turned out...
Heres some close ups:
3436791724_7c7ddf351b_b.jpg


3436783056_94b8327673_b.jpg


I'll leave you with a little fun shot..... :D
3436775380_7165e9aa39_b.jpg



You should be seeing one or two more updates this week, already been working on more of the project..... :D
 
That last pic is very artistic :D

Nice job, I know from experience how hard it is to get a good flush fit between two similar cases, them never being designed for it and stuff :)
 
Thank you Elledan!
Yea it was difficult... but when I thought of the metal strips I was like "YEP! That'll do..."

Alrighty!
Yet another... quick...

Update! 4-13-09

Well I've been working long and hard hours on this part of the project... the part that helps me visualize what I'm planning to do...
The Renders. :D

So here we go...
3439134466_8ba90a85a4_o.png


3439134414_a3d4b67c49_o.png

Notice the stackable MCR rad's on top, I'm PRETTY sure i'll be doing this... but I'm not exactly sure lol... we'll see.
And BTW, the mobo and GPU's are just there for example, I'll be using i7 and two GTXxx series cards.

Heres the back:
3439134252_b782d6caf6_o.png


Other side:
3439134134_cd7fc748d7_o.png

The res/pumps will be held up via (UN) Designs Pump brackets and Z-Brackets.

Thank you Dave. :)

Now if you noticed, I've got an extra mini BP res above those two HD's, and also the Radiator behind it... but what you don't see is this:
3438372043_4306215f22_o.png

This will be my third loop, the chipset/mosfet loop, that'll be a DangerDen DB-1 pump, MCR120, and Bitspower 3.5in. Bay Res.

Now here is the front:
3438320907_120d439e81_o.png


The line down the middle will have a secret slot loading drive close to the top, but it won't be visible unless you put a disk it.

The three orange things will be some LED's... I'm still entertaining this idea.. but I'm thinking of using them as activity lights, or just for the heck of it....
Thoughts on that please. :)

Also, the case front will be completely custom made, I'm going to build it myself.... got some snazzy ideas, going to be really fun. :)


Now you also may have noticed that there are radiators in the very front of the case... how are they going to get ventilation?
This is how:
3438372079_ef0b4abf14_o.png

Two slits on the bottom front of the case.



Comments/suggestions/critique are very much appreciated! Let me know what you think!
:D
~Parker
 
i dont see how the front rads will get enough air from those slits. you might wanna consider opening it up a bit more in front, or else adding similar slits on the sides and top of the front fascia as well at the very least. i didnt read your whole thread sorry, but make sure you have enough intakes and enough outtakes to somewhat balance each other. it might be easier to make the fans in front blow out through those little slits than try to suck air in through them. just some suggestions. :p
 
haha. nice work. but you're previously stated "lan box" will not be all that great for lan parties anymore... its slightly large :p. looks like the party is going to have to be at your house now... and judging by the sounds of how your dad is... thats the place I'd want it.
 
Now you also may have noticed that there are radiators in the very front of the case... how are they going to get ventilation?
This is how:
3438372079_ef0b4abf14_o.png

Two slits on the bottom front of the case.



Comments/suggestions/critique are very much appreciated! Let me know what you think!
:D
~Parker

Suggestion: You should get some vents on the side of the "door" as well, I don't think there is enough space for the air to pass through, especially if there are two 2x120 rads;)
 
i dont see how the front rads will get enough air from those slits. you might wanna consider opening it up a bit more in front, or else adding similar slits on the sides and top of the front fascia as well at the very least. i didnt read your whole thread sorry, but make sure you have enough intakes and enough outtakes to somewhat balance each other. it might be easier to make the fans in front blow out through those little slits than try to suck air in through them. just some suggestions. :p

haha. nice work. but you're previously stated "lan box" will not be all that great for lan parties anymore... its slightly large :p. looks like the party is going to have to be at your house now... and judging by the sounds of how your dad is... thats the place I'd want it.

Sweet project!

Suggestion: You should get some vents on the side of the "door" as well, I don't think there is enough space for the air to pass through, especially if there are two 2x120 rads;)

Lots of great suggestions, the slits on the sides might be doable... But I really think theres gonna be enough air flow guys.... a sketchup model doesn't do it justice. :)
There'll be about 1 1/2" of airspace between the front and the rads.

Thanks guys!
 
Update! 4-15-09

Well, it's sorta a small'ish update, but here it is.

Recently I came across an amazing deal on some Diablo CSX RAM's... Mmmmm....
3389383105_16f9dc5922_b.jpg


3390194252_a5e9da57bc_b.jpg


They are the Diablo CSX 6GB DDR3 2000mhz. Can't WAIT to try em out! :D
Me loves some germany hardwarez.....

Not sure if they'll be used in The blank.box or not, but we will see!
 
Update!
6-3-09


Well, some good news and some 'bad' news (I guess heh...).

So, just recently I've been asked to fly out to Oak Brook, Illinois to work in the IT Department at IBLP Headquarters (Institute in Basic Life Principles) for 3 months (possibly more, but planning on 3 months).
It's a Discipleship / Work Study program, and it's something I've wanted to do for a year.
I fly out of the San Fransisco airport Sunday June 7th (in 4 days), returning flight will be in September.

Now, I'm not planning to bring the case I'm building as there aren't the necessary tools there and I simply won't have time to build things like that, so it'll all stay here which will put the build on hold for a while (thats the bad news).

The good news is that while I'm there I will be looking for hardware sponsors for the build so when I return I should be able to put the entire build together pretty quick.

But I'm not just going to simply leave ya'll hanging with this case half in pieces.... I plan to have it a single piece by Saturday night. So be looking for updates!

With that being said, please keep me in your prayers while I'm away.
I'd greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks all,
~Parker
 
Man this really reminds me of projects I used to do back in High School :p 18 months in the making, constant changes to all the parts and ideas :)

I don't think I ever had sponsors though, except for my parents....hahaha

Keep it up man, glad to see you stick with this project for so long!

Cheers
 
Well I'm back!
Making progress, check first post for updated hardware lists....

In the mean time... Some teasers for ya.
3975071541_ba17333f36_b.jpg



3975069871_788daea3ed_b.jpg
 
Welcome back, now finish this thing, I want to see the final product, its going to be amazing!
 
Will do!
I cleaned out the garage a bit, which means I've got more workspace :D
So expect an update very soon here. :)
 
Will do!
I cleaned out the garage a bit, which means I've got more workspace :D
So expect an update very soon here. :)

just saw your fs thread, and remembered this build log. what happened to this? "very soon" does not equal "a month and a half." :)
 
I'm back!

Update! Finally!!
11-27-09


Oh my word.. well I got back from Chicago, and life swept me off my feet and flung me half way across the planet! :O
But I've made my way back, and got a few packages in the mail.

I now have a full running i7 System with these babies finally here.
I introduce my Asrock X58 Extreme and i7 920 D0 (B#: 3910A298):

4139961874_67c99ff0b5_b.jpg


Also finally picked out and ordered a disc drive, the Pioneer Slot Load DVR-TS08 DVD burner.
Also had to get a Slim Sata Power 7+6pin to SATA+Molex Cable:

4139963680_de7aac4177_b.jpg


4139966068_c1d589b2d7_b.jpg


Then I ordered a Psychopack Sleaving Kit from Murdermod, this should take care of my PSU:

4139969546_056fec7037_b.jpg


Can't wait to get started:
4139209517_ba5a84f9bc_b.jpg


Finally, heres a special sneak peak for you all. :D
The other night I decided to put together most of the parts of which I now have, and do a 'mock-up' of sorts, but this time it's going to be real life.
The photo speaks for itself, more to come but I just wanted to show you that it's finally becoming real! (ehh don't mind the apple sticker in the background)

4139207189_05c2f10985_b.jpg


More to come! Should get some more cuts done on the case this weekend.
Stay tuned. :-]
-Parker
 
Lol well me neither!
I'm good with both, will recommend both, but personally windows is just the best environment for what I do. :)
 
YO ITS AN UPDATE!!
(from 10-9-09)


Ok ok. Been procrastinating a lot with this project...
I've got like three updates I haven't even posted. So here i go!!

Day 1

I did some cutting on the front of the case, the pictures should basically tell the story themselves. ;)

4541626027_d58dfe4de6_b.jpg


4542260612_f644ff2474_b.jpg


4541628385_4859341c8d_b.jpg

(had to cut some little notches to clear the screws)

4542263270_66cda98a53_b.jpg

(mark out the cut!)

4542264494_9ba28174f7_b.jpg


4541632173_0ea2239f9a_b.jpg

BOOM cut... whats this for?

4541633521_a503533378_b.jpg

Oooooh... hmmmm

4541634907_ed3efdf182_b.jpg

Hmmmmm

4541636235_78d238b912_b.jpg

GASP another cut....

4542270768_59676b6d35_b.jpg

GASP2 what is this....

4541638901_77279b8b05_b.jpg

Ooooooh I see....

4541640265_f2c2873493_b.jpg


4541641571_efd721b9f5_b.jpg

Interesting...

4541642953_1633b02149_b.jpg

Case in one solid piece now!!
This project is beginning to lift off the ground! (wait... its just{/I] beginning? This project is almost THREE YEARS OLD!!!) xD

4541644063_1c33157711_b.jpg

Yippdeedoo!


Day 2

Moar cutting!!!

4541666095_67cbb01200_b.jpg

Waaat!? I haven't even started yet! Oh wellz....

4541667145_cc7c2f41f1_b.jpg

All fixed!

4541664925_d393e74586_b.jpg


4541668483_bdb40186be_b.jpg

Cut cut cut!!

4542302476_a57c13065c_b.jpg

Looking good!


Day 3

Lets test out the hardwarez on the tech bench... sweettttt.

4541683483_e7ffe016a7_b.jpg


4542317634_d1010a38df_b.jpg


4542319230_7cf87dbd09_b.jpg


4541687959_8d6be3f98e_b.jpg

(No I didn't pay $350 for this... that's ridiculous!)

4541689117_ed15ca9d5f_b.jpg

Little drop of MX-2

4542323382_b702726dd5_b.jpg

Stinky stock cooler on.

4541691999_84037b618c_b.jpg

Everything fits! Alrighty...

Keep in mind, I'm watercooling everything you see here.


Day 4

So lets make some mounting holes...

4542363004_a1bdbe6f5f_b.jpg

(I used the casing of an old PSU to get the holes exact.)

4542361334_ed17508a04_b.jpg


4542359658_ded477b886_b.jpg

Cutting time again!

4541724927_459602c4a3_b.jpg

Sweetness!

4541723311_ca17f3bb51_b.jpg


4541721345_659b18f253_b.jpg


Time to mount the fan grill!
4541719455_d559d4bfac_b.jpg


4542351162_cc80c15a56_b.jpg

Cut out...

4542349580_06a83cbccb_b.jpg

Filed down a bit

4541715075_0b8ef68a84_b.jpg

I think this'll work....

4542346642_c8bfaa9391_b.jpg

Good jorb homestar!!

4541712059_79423338d2_b.jpg


I likes it.
Well what does everyone else think so far? (even though the best has yet to come....)

Next update comes in an hour. Hehehehe.... ;)
~Parker
 
Hey! Another update!
4-15-10


Check it check it check it out!! Its watercooling time guys and gals!! :D

READ:
First and foremost, the motherboard I have does NOT have a chipset waterblock set made already like most of the popular Asus/EVGA boards, etc...
So I had to find some blocks that would fit. I found a good NB block, and a Mosfet that would fit close enough... but needed some slight modifications (I needed two mosfet blocks to make it work).
Like always, pictures speak for themselves... so Here. We. Go.

Meet the mosfet:
4542383410_78aabab4a6_b.jpg

Ouch it doesn't fit against those caps...

4542385008_d9ed1a5c67_b.jpg

Those bumps? Thats why it doesn't fit...

4541752857_494a211ed1_b.jpg

Bumps all gone now! (with the help of my hand dandy flat sander!)

4542387820_d2928d5eb4_b.jpg

Ooh nice.

4541755467_9057d44369_b.jpg

And it fits!!!...

4541756731_edbc8f8e4b_b.jpg

OH DANG... its short by 1/4in.!! what to do what to do!!!

4541758255_d328000547_b.jpg

Thats why I got two blocks....

4541759747_874cef4d76_b.jpg

Cutting time!

4541761131_80fe9cbabd_b.jpg

What the heck are you doing parker....

4542397510_3a6c57af80_b.jpg

Umm... okay...

4541765279_dde1930eb4_b.jpg

Yea, and?

4542400216_102faf23b6_b.jpg

Nasty file work... what are you doing???

4542401484_bedf411100_b.jpg

Oh okay..... what?

4542403984_540c7e2e75_b.jpg

Whats under that wood!??!

4541771415_e68db0489f_b.jpg

Whoa dude! Its Arctic Silver 5 Opoxy Paste!!

4541772689_fd55dd62f6_b.jpg

Did you just seriously extend a mosfet block??

4542407752_1196f21276_b.jpg

Wow...

4542409078_e6b524796a_b.jpg

Oooh shiny...

4541776635_35b44fb014_b.jpg

It fits!!

4541777921_d3b6fa88c1_b.jpg

Dude nice!

4542413080_b1ed9244a0_b.jpg


4542414490_61ca47a1ee_b.jpg

Snug as a bug in a rug? You betcha! The block is one solid piece now and fits perfectly on the board. :D


Next we have the NB block. This is a lot simpler.

4542381994_a435711ecc_b.jpg


4542380762_a4c9472176_b.jpg

It would go right there... oh wait... I don't need 4 screw holes.

4542415538_c9ca2dc3a2_b.jpg

So I cut off the two extra screw holes, AND I shaved off a bit of the delrin to fit around some caps...

4542416730_183ba911ce_b.jpg

Fits perfectly!

4542419914_c82e3e39b2_b.jpg

Would ya look at that! With a little bit of reverse engineering and innovation with a little bit of creative thought, I now have my own custom waterblock set for this board. :D

What do you guys think so far? Comments/Suggestions/Criticism?

Lats,
~Parker
 
Fairly impressive work with the MOSFET block, though I wonder how strong that epoxy is going to be under stress. I've never used it for anything like that.
 
Back
Top