Project :: Moondust (formerly Silvershadow)

[Leeum]

Due to a lot of picture downtime I’ve moved the pictures to a reliable server (thanks cheebs!) I’ve also added a bit more detail in some areas of the log. Enjoy… :)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I’ve been floating round the forums for a while now, commenting on people's work and ideas, time to receive some feedback on my own. After many months of planning and saving for bits it's finally coming together; welcome to my project :) With so many influential modders such as Nexxo, coolmiester, G-gnome, Pug and many others, inspiration hasn't been hard to find.

My plan is to customise a Chieftec case to hold a big bore water cooling system, incorporating many people's ideas aswell as my own. After many hours of searching the web and forums I decided a Chieftec mid-tower would be perfect for holding all the gear. With the existing mods done to the Dragon series, I decided to go for the Matrix series to produce something a little more individual. I managed to get one of the last mid-tower models from Germany, it turned out to be quite a bit more expensive than the full tower but I was prepared to pay the difference for the non-blowholed side panel and overall smaller size.

Anyway enough banter, first of all I need to get the case ready to host my water cooling gear.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img0.jpg

My Christmas present that arrived from Tekheads, let’s open it up :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img1.jpg

Here’s the stock case, it’s a Chieftec Matrix MX-01WD in beige.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img2.jpg

A shot with the front bezel open.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img3.jpg

The side panel. I ended up paying more for it being non-blowholed but it’ll pay off when it gets cut.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img4.jpg

The side panel removed, nice and spacious case for a mid-tower.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img5.jpg

The HDD cages, pity these will have to be removed, means I’ll have to get an adaptor for my HDD to mount it in the large cage.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img6.jpg

The HDD cage holders, these are held in by 3 pop rivets each, 5 minute job with a drill and small drill bit.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img7.jpg

HDD cage holders removed, lots of space there now :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img8.jpg

Here’s a test fit with the XSPC R-120D, now you begin to see how the Chieftec mid-towers are made for water cooling.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img9.jpg

Next task was to drill the holes for the radiator, I used a template and the shroud to accurately mark them out. Once that was done, I decided to cut out a basic outline of the shroud for the radiator fans to freely pull air in from outside the case; this turned out to be a total pain as the panel already had holes drilled in for the 80mm intake fans.

After triple checking my marking I was happy it would work. Next day I took the naked case to the school workshops and made the cuts with a jigsaw.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img10.jpg

Considering it was my first time with a jigsaw, I think I did ok :D The cut needed tidying up with a hacksaw and a file before it was ready for some blowhole trim.

[Leeum]

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img11.jpg

I also gave the rear blowholes a little treatment of my own to allow for better airflow, I cut the pre-drilled grills with metal tin-snips, they also needed a file down to tidy them up.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img12.jpg

Here’s a test fit of the radiator installed from the front.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img13.jpg

From the inside.

I’m pleased at how things have turned out; the cuts should provide the radiator fans with enough airflow to do their stuff.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some pictures of the water cooling equipment that will be used in the project. Each of them will be modification of some degree to make it fit the theme and colour of the case.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img21.jpg

All the water cooling gear :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img14.jpg

Here's the reservoir I’ll be using, it's an Aqua Computer Aquatube in silver.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img15.jpg

Two of the threads have been tapped to ¼” BSP and fitted with ¼” BSP to ½” barbs for use in a big bore loop.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img16.jpg

It also has a lighting module fitted, it fits a 5mm LED to light up the inside :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img17.jpg

Here's the radiator, it's an XSPC R120-D. These radiators are fairly new to the market but from the reviews I’ve seen, it should perform well.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img18.jpg

One thing I really like is the chrome shroud, the reflection is demonstrated by an orange (nearest thing I could find lol)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img19.jpg

Here's the GPU block, it’s a Danger Den Maze4.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img20.jpg

Here's the CPU block, also a Maze4.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img22.jpg

The pump, a Hydor L30.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img24.jpg

The front section is only used when the pump runs in submerged mode.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img23.jpg

I decided to go for some aluminium fans to match the radiator shroud. These are Titan 120mm fans, they push 79.14 CFM each but air fairly noisy, I’ll be using a fan controller with them.

[Leeum]

After seeing coolmiester’s LED mods to the Maze3 series blocks, I decided to give the same process a go with the Maze4. I took the block into school and did a 5mm hole rougly 5mm into the top with the drill press.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img25.jpg

Here you can see a small cloud in the lucite at the top where it's been drilled in.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img26.jpg

A close up of the hole.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img27.jpg

Here's a test fit with a 5mm LED, there's no need to glue the LED inside, the hole tightly holds it in :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img28.jpg

Just to show the pleasing effect with the block I tried it with a lit blue LED, for a few minutes work with the drill it certainly paid off :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img29.jpg

I’ve decided to use a white LED for the block to match my silver/ white theme.

[Knipex]

Allways liked those Chieftec cases.

Nice work on the CPU block...

[Leeum]

Thanks :D Sorry for the massive update, forgot to start the log here :D

[Starbuck3733T]

Massive updates are never bad, man. I'm diggin it so far - anything special planned for the bezel?

[toby]

i like the cpu block, cant decide which colour i prefer tho

[Leeum]

Massive updates are never bad, man. I'm diggin it so far - anything special planned for the bezel?Let's say i could be taking a leaf from Pug's book with the hexmesh :D

[mnpctech]

Looks like a good start to a nice worklog Leeum :)

Speaking of Pug.. Last week I stumbled upon his old "case spy" thread by dumb luck (seriously) on ars-technica. This is when he did the mesh grill mod. I'm so bummed that I never saved the link :rant: Maybe Pug has it saved..

[Starbuck3733T]

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=77909585&m=5980958165&r=5940931365

Btw, arstechnica's new forum version allows you to search google for threads: I found the above link on the first try with the following:
"case spy infidel site:episteme.arstechnica.com"

[Leeum]

Remember the Hydor L30 pump? It was black and not in a good way, let’s see if we can fix that ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img30.jpg

Here’s the pump all masked up and ready to paint. The stuff I’m going to be using is PlastiKote vinyl dye.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img31.jpg

After 4 coats I left it outside to dry for a good few hours. I took it into the house to check there were no spots I’d missed or where the paint had ran.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img32.jpg

Here are the nickel plated hose tail barbs I ordered from Airlines, unfortunately I was unable to them to ½” hose, I had to settle for 12mm fittings which are near enough. I applied two passes of PTFE tape onto the threads.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img33.jpg

Here are the barbs fitted into the pump, I think they go really well with the newly painted silver.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img34.jpg

I also hacked off the mains plug; this won’t be needed as the pump will draw its power from a relay inside the PSU.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img35.jpg

Here’s the finished pump, had to shoot the photos in a different room this time as the kitchen is getting decorated.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img36.jpg

A shot from the front with the

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img37.jpg

A side shot with the front removed.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img38.jpg

From the front.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img39.jpg

Here’s the male molex for the pump’s power.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img40.jpg

While I was at it I wired and sleeved two white LED’s for the CPU block and the Aquatube and also sleeved the PCI plate for the motherboard’s extra USB connectors.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img41.jpg

The sleeved radiator fans.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img42.jpg

The nickel plated barbs for the radiator.

[biggiy6]

Very nice update I like the silver paintjob you gave to the pump it looks much better in that color. Looking foward to some more updates.

[fillip]

Very tidy work there man, nice going.

[UrbanAssassin]

Very slick. I love the radiator and waterblock!!

[Leeum]

Thanks alot for the comments guys. I think i'm boring people with WC stuff, panels will be soon :D

[mnpctech]

Agree whole heartly with others. Nice worklog Leeum :)

[Leeum]

Small update to the Titan fans, I gave the beige plastic innards a spray with vinyl dye.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img43.jpg

Sprayed fan from the front

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img44.jpg

From the back

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img45.jpg

While the insides were out I gave the frames a little polish.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img46.jpg

Installed on the radiator, now we’re in business.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img47.jpg

Close up of the top fan.

[zer0]

looks good i agree with you the insides did need a change cant wait to see more

[mnpctech]

Yes, much better.

[Negative Design]

wow...you even painted the pump!:eek: amazing,your putting alot of effort in making us druel! and I gotta say, its working!^_^
much respect!:D

[Leeum]

Thanks alot :D I was meant to have an update last night but i've ran into a bit of dead end as i can't use the polishing wheel at school. I just need some sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease and it should suffice :)

[Nexxo]

Details take time... as well I can tell you! :D But it will be worth it in the end. It all looks tidy so far.

[Leeum]

Thanks alot, praise from you is praise of the highest :D Thanks again for all your advice, i imagine i've filled your PM box alot these past few weeks :lol:

[Starbuck3733T]

Amen.

[Leeum]

Here’s the PSU I got roughly Novemver 2004, It’s an Antec SmartBlue 350W, solid rails and more power than I’ll ever need :D It wasn’t long before I had the thing pulled to bits in preparation for some modding.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/psu.jpg

After seeing G-gnome’s Orac I decided I wanted to chrome the casing as I was astounded how well his TrueControl came out. As my grandad has so many connections from his days in the industry I decided to give him a call to see if he knew any local platers. A few days later he was over to pick up the casing; I dismantled the PSU and annotated all the components so I knew how they went back together. Trust me, when it comes to 240V you don’t want to take any chances :p Next day my grandad returned with the casing wrapped in brown paper, he explained the casing couldn’t be chromed because it had a layer of lacquer over it, instead it was nickel plated. I un-wrapped it and found the finish to be almost identical to chrome and for £10, I wasn’t complaining at all.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img48.jpg

Next task was getting everything back into the casing in working order, it was quite a daunting task because at the time I had very little electronic experience, I’ve only started a systems & control course at school this year.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img49.jpg

I gave the casing a quick polish up with Mer non-abrasive polish just to see how it was going to look. Shiny :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img50.jpg

I then screwed the top on and proceeded outside with the extension lead to test it using the paper clip trick. The reason for testing it outside was because I had little faith in my soldering and expected the thing to go off with a nasty bang. Much too my surprise, it worked, I was completely amazed I had pulled it off.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img51.jpg

As I was on a bit of roll I decided to add some goodies to the cabling, no harm in that seeing as the PSU worked? How wrong I was.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img52.jpg

After hours of blood, sweat and tears from dismantling and pulling cables from their connectors I finished up for the night. I then proceeded to plug it into the house mains and power it up to test it was ok again for piece of mind. After all the hard work, it went off with an almighty bang, by this time I was tearing my hair out from the fact it had worked fine outside a few hours ago. Upon opening up the casing to see what was up I found the remains of green powder all over the inside, turns out a small green thermisistor had blown its top and fused the kettle lead. Perhaps the extension lead I used stopped the fuse from popping which would explain how it worked outside. By that time stuff like thermisistors were far from my knowledge.

The one and only ShinyMod from Moddin’.net (http://”www.moddin.net”/) kindly offered to have a shot of fixing up the old Antec. After weeks and weeks of ordering components, soldering and tripping the circuit breakers in Shiny’s house we decided to call it a day. I then ordered a new PSU which he kindly offered to transfer into the nickel plated casing, I also sent up a 240V relay for the pump’s power; I decided it would be best for Shiny to fit the relay seeing the bad luck I had from messing with the PSU. Seeing as I’d sleeved the cables, he also cut them and soldered them into onto the PCB of the new PSU to save me having to re-order a kit and do them again :D
After all this time you’ll never guess what was delivered to me this morning? Yup, the PSU Shiny has worked so hard on for the past couple of months. I finished sleeving the mains supply molex and polished up the casing ready for a photo shoot.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img53.jpg

Here it is in all it’s glory.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img54.jpg

A close up of the casing.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img55.jpg

From the back. If you look you can also see the internal fans, they also got some silver vinyl dye treatment ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img56.jpg

A shot to demonstrate the reflection of the nickel plated casing. These pics don’t do this baby any justice, I’m sure Shiny can agree ;)

[fillip]

That has to be the most protracted psu mod in history http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/ph34r.gif

But glad to see you finally got it all up and working. The nickel plating looks pretty good for just a tenner and all.

[Leeum]

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img57.jpg

The top removed, I decided to open it up to show you guys all the work Shiny has put into this.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img58.jpg

This is where the relay draws the main power to switch from.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img59.jpg

Here you can see the relay all nicely heatshrinked. Also note the MOSFET sinks, they had to be cut down with an angle grinder to accommodate the 92mm Antec fan.

I don’t know about you guys but I’m over the moon with the result. Just to remind you, the result is a completely custom PSU with nickel plated casing, pump relay and full UV sleeving and molexs. A massive shout to ShinyMod for all of his hard work he’s put in, I couldn’t have done it without him :D

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks alot fillip :D I can't stress how good it felt to plug it in this morning and not have blue sparks fly out the blowholes :lol:

[fillip]

Thanks alot :D I can't stress how good it felt to plug it in this morning and not have blue sparks fly out the blowholes :lol:
I always think thats a bonus.

[Pug]

Hehe. Lookin' good. :cool:

On a couple of related notes - my modded PSU finally bit the dust last week :(
... and for some reason, I can't log into Ars any more. :confused:

[Leeum]

Sounds like a sign mate, you're going to need to mod another so it let's you in :lol:

[toby]

good stuff!

[Knipex]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm Shiny

[Starbuck3733T]

Hehe. Lookin' good. :cool:

On a couple of related notes - my modded PSU finally bit the dust last week :(
... and for some reason, I can't log into Ars any more. :confused:

Agreed, my modded PSU is still going strong 2 years later (hehe! woot!). if you don't get ars sorted out, drop me a pm. I'm pretty close with a couple of the mods over there, and I nearly was one.

[Leeum]

Are my updates too big and too fast? :confused: I've got another one but i'm not sure if i should wait a bit. It's my first log and i've no idea ^_^

[mnpctech]

Leeum, all eyes are on your worklog :h34r: Post away :D

I'm pretty close with a couple of the mods over there, and I nearly was one.

That one still sorta irks me.

[fillip]

That one still sorta irks me.
why? http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/confused.gif

[mnpctech]

Sorry to derail Leeum! :o)

One of the 2, CC&F Mods announced he was leaving his position. Starbuckt was the popular nomination by member response. That Mod disappears (or did he?!) and Starbuckt was never appointed the open slot. All I'm saying is thats what appeared to happen from the CC&F member point of view.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Nice work leeum its turning into a really sweet case.

[Leeum]

Thanks :D I'll get that update posted tonight.

[Leeum]

Next we move onto the Maze4 GPU block. We can’t let a nice lump of anodised aluminium go into the case un-modded can we? :D The finish I was aiming for was similar to that Nexxo and Coolmiester achieved in their projects. If I’m honest I think it’s their inspired that’s got me into all this water cooling and shiny business, thanks guys :D We’ll have to get round to writing a guide together sometime.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/m4s.jpg

I believe this is Coolmiester’s first polished Maze4, looking very bling indeed :D Image credits to him.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img19.jpg

Just for the record, this is the stock Maze4 GPU block. I realise now how lucky I was to get the older revision without hi-flow barbs; this would’ve proved a pain later on if I hadn’t.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img60.jpg

I started by removing the bottom section of the block.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img61.jpg

I then removed the barbs with an adjustable wrench. I removed the remaining thread tape after this picture and blocked up the holes with masking tape. The only set-back when sandblasting the block is the anodising must stay on the bottom so no bear aluminium comes into contact with the water. In order to get a clean line around the block I bolted a plate of Perspex using the 4 holes on the underside, if I used masking tape it might’ve given a nasty finish around the edges. I then called my grandad again to source a local sandblaster.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img62.jpg

Here’s the block back from the sandblasters, note the small imperfections around the barb holes, these were caused by the masking tape. Not to worry these will easily be cleared up later, better than sand inside the block.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img63.jpg

Here’s a picture from the side.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img64.jpg

Bolting on that plate of Perspex really paid off, look at the clean line on around the bottom :D

Now we move onto stage 2, wet and dry sanding using 800, 1000, 1200 and 1600 grit. It took me god knows how many hours and sheets of sand paper but as you’ll see it all payed off. The sanding also took care of all those little imperfections where the sandblaster had missed.
Now for stage 3, some elbow grease in the form of heavy polishing with an abrasive such as Brasso, in this case I used Autosol and damn the stuff is good!

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img65.jpg

Here it is fresh from the garage, lovin’ that shine baby! :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img66.jpg

I then applied some fresh PTFE tape to the barbs and screwed them back in. The masking tape is to stop the wrench taking any of the plating off the barbs.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img67.jpg

I then screwed the bottom back on. As I gnarled the threads of the old bolts when I fitted the Perspex to the bottom, Coolmiester kindly sent me some new ones and the right size allen key, thanks mate ;)

[fillip]

nice. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Leeum]

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img68.jpg

Here’s the block ready for a photo shoot, sorry for the bad quality pictures.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img69.jpg

From the back, notice all the imperfections are long gone. The sanding took care of those ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img70.jpg

While I was at it, I lapped the bottom to 1200 grit, nice and shiny.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img71.jpg

Can you say eye candy? The money shot…literally :D

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks fillip ^_^ It's just a pity it isn't exactly going to be too visible where it is.

[biggiy6]

Nice update now give us another right now!

Awesome job with the gpu block though it looks nice and shiney! It helps to have connections for your project, really saves some money.

[Leeum]

Thanks ^_^ Like they say, it's not what you know, it's who you know :D Atm i'm toying with the idea of painting the insides of the case silver or even getting them powedercoated silver. Slight dilema though, i'll post another topic tonight, i seek WizD expertise :)

[mnpctech]

Nice polishing there..

btw: You can remove yellow hue from photos by going to

Steps in photochop (generally applies to most photo editing wares)

image
adjustments
hue/saturation
(select) Yellow
(turn up) Lightness

Before
http://moddin.stupoo.co.uk/Leeum/ss/update1/img69.jpg

After
http://prudhoe.codeword.com/mnpctech/aWIZB/Leeumblock.jpg

[Leeum]

^_^ Thanks alot, i'll get those images tweaked and uploaded tonight :D

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Your flooring looks just like mine leeum. Riverside oak.

[/ot]

[Pug]

Sorry to derail Leeum! :o)

One of the 2, CC&F Mods announced he was leaving his position. Starbuckt was the popular nomination by member response. That Mod disappears (or did he?!) and Starbuckt was never appointed the open slot. All I'm saying is thats what appeared to happen from the CC&F member point of view.
Their loss == Our gain. :cool:

Matt - I might have to take you up on that. There's been a few threads I'd like to have posted too (and the search facility keeps asking me to login to view archive posts).
I'd like to get my name changed to Pug there ideally but I don't mind if I have to subscribe for that privilege.
Slight prob though - I'm still wading thru mail atm, so I don't know that they could send it me yet. :( I'll get on it...
[/derailment]

@Leeum - nice job on protecting the internals. B)
Came out real good. :cool:

[Leeum]

You’ll be gald to know that work now commences on the case :D

Shortly after my first PC build I stumbled across ShinyMod’s Solaris and Jordanis3r Tribal I and II projects (www.moddin.net/projects.asp). I was amazed at the tribal designs they incorporated into their cases, so much so I contacted the one and only Jordanis3r. After hour long conversations on MSN, he had a rough idea of what I wanted on the panels; he then began work sketching his ideas to scale in order for me to transfer over once he sent them through the post. The guy truly is an inspiration, his ideas are amazing! They arrived the other day and I started work, enough banter, the panels are ready to cut. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img72.jpg

We decided to take a different approach to mounting the Aquatube, instead of a square it has been rotated into a diamond shape.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img73.jpg

The template was used as a guide to draw it onto the top panel.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img74.jpg

His tasteful tribal products were then transfered either side to balance it out.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img75.jpg

Here’s the side panel, I just love the way it branches into two designs.

[biggiy6]

Nice idea with the mounting for the aquatube that is gonna look good. I like the tribal designs on the top and side, looking foward to seeing more.

[toby]

nice idea with the aquatube!

[fivecheebs]

hehe, yea alex is a good man :) He loves his tribal stuff, you seen his tatoos? ;)

I can see his inspiration in those designs ... this case is going to look really good leeum :) looking forward to the updates B)

[Leeum]

He sure is :D His tatoos are awseome, my wants one ^_^

[Pug]

Spot on, Leeum. ^_^

*stays tuned* :cool:

[Leeum]

Cheers Pug :D There's so much stuff i've got left to buy :blink:Anyone care to sponsor me 2x 80MM Aluminium fans, a 20x4 LCD and some Bl00 Motion dye? :p

[Pug]

Cheers Pug :D There's so much stuff i've got left to buy :blink:Anyone care to sponsor me 2x 80MM Aluminium fans, a 20x4 LCD and some Bl00 Motion dye? :p
Well, I'll stump the dye. :p
Send us yer addy. :cool:

[Leeum]

Wow :eek: thanks alot mate :D YGPM.

[Pug]

NP m8. I'll hit the PO now - should just catch the last post. ^_^

[fillip]

NP m8. I'll hit the PO now - should just catch the last post. ^_^
That's what you call service! http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Pug]

Back now... give it a day or so & YGSnailM. B)

See, you can blag a blagger. :p :D

Besides, postage to Northumberland is lots cheaper than postage to Oz... ;)

[Leeum]

Thanks alot Pug mate :lol: Here's the dilema i have atm. Do i set up the water cooling when the panels are done or wait until they're painted so i don't have to pull it all to bits. It's a tricky decision :D

[fillip]

Besides, postage to Northumberland is lots cheaper than postage to Oz... ;) Yeah, but you'll happily post to me when i'm over there wont you. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/happy.gif


... you will wont you? http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/unsure.gif

http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Leeum]

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/images/wizdrawks.jpg

It sure does rawk :D

[Pug]

Yeah, but you'll happily post to me when i'm over there wont you. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/happy.gif


... you will wont you? http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/unsure.gif

http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif
:h34r:


Hehe, of course dude, whatever you pay for... ;)

@Leeum - :D Go do us proud widdit mate. ^_^

[Leeum]

While work on the top and side panels of the case continues I thought I’d keep myself busy with a few updates over these holidays, so here’s a small update :D The next task on the list was to mount the pump in the case. The Hydor L30 is supplied with suction cups but I wanted a more permanent solution to allow the case to be moved without having to question the pump going anywhere. The first step was to run a 5mm drill bit through the pump holder to allow M5 bolts to go through.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img76.jpg

Before I did, I masked up the newly painted stand and marked on where the drill bit needed to primarily be. The only problem was to be revealed later on, the masking tape decided to take off most of the vinyl dye; this prompted the re-painting and clear coating of it and the pump.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img77.jpg

These are the bolts I will be using to mount it, a set of M5 countersunk stainless steel bolts with locking nuts, these are so nice I’ve decided to use them to mount the Perspex to the top and side panels aswell ;) I used countersunk bolts as there is little clearance between the holder and the pump to allow for button head bolts.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img78.jpg

Here’s a test fit of the stand, I lined it up with the two small marks the case came with so it was dead centre. Also notice the scratches the bottom of the case has acquired throught steel shavings in the project, once the
components are in those won’t be seen :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img79.jpg

Here are the holes marked and drilled.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img80.jpg

I slung in the newly painted pump holder and test fit the bolts, to my surprise
they went in without any persuasion at all :D I haven't cut the bolts to size yet as I need to put a few layers of neoprane under there to absorb any
vibrations.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img81.jpg

A shot from the back with the pump installed.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img82.jpg

From the other side.

[fillip]

Nice work there.

Bummer about having to repaint courtesy of super sticky masking tape though.

[biggiy6]

Nice update and nice painting. Everything flows together nicely and the pump and the pump and holder blend right in with the case.

[Leeum]

Thanks guys :D Yeah it's a bummer, the stuff comes off easily enough though, just takes a little turps ^_^ Let's hope i don't need to mask it off anymore :p

[mnpctech]

Good job Leeum. Keepin it clean!

[Vis]

All coming together very nicely. Should be a cracker when it's done.

[Leeum]

Thanks alot guys. Bit the bullet and ordered me a Maze4 Chipset block aswell. I can't help thinking the hardware going into this project is getting dated (Abit NF7-S, XP 2600 T-Bred, 9800 Pro) so my attitude is once it's finished it'll stay as it is, my next mod can be 64bit :)

[fivecheebs]

I can't help thinking the hardware going into this project is getting dated (Abit NF7-S, XP 2600 T-Bred, 9800 Pro)
hehe ... you keep saying socket A is still alive! I do think your right on both counts though to be honest. Socket A is still alive and can be fairly quick... there is no denying its dated however.

[Leeum]

That's the idea cheebs ^_^ The setup is worth more to me to keep it rather than to sell up for 64bit, it isn't even mainsteam yet ;)

[Leeum]

Here’s the fan controller I’ve picked up recently, it’s a Vantec Nexus NXP-201.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/nexus.jpg

The bezel itself is aluminium and the backlighting is blue, matches my colour theme pretty well, but as always I’m not putting it in un-modded :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img83.jpg

Here it is when it arrived from the front.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img84.jpg

From the back.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img85.jpg

Here’s the part of the unit I’m interested in at the minute, the electronics. As you can see the lighting is provided by 5 3mm LED’s drilled into some Perspex.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img86.jpg

Here is the unit powered up, as much as I like the blue backlight I feel in modding projects it can be easily overused. I decided to swap the LED’s out for white ones to contrast with several other white and blue items that will be on the front bezel.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img87.jpg

It was then off to the garage for some soldering, I changed the right LED first and powered the unit up again to make sure I had the polarity right.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img88.jpg

I then got the other 4 changed, it seems such a simple process but it’s such a damn fiddle.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img89.jpg

Here’s the fan controller re-assembled, much better :D

[fillip]

I’ll get that done when I’m back at school and I have access to the bench press; I haven’t got a drill bit or a drill that’ll take a bit that large. Stay tuned :)
*pictures leeum lifting weights*

Bench press = drill press/bench drill I presume or will you really be working out? http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/happy.gif

[mnpctech]

Is it bad for me to like the controller w/ just the perspex :unsure:

http://moddin.stupoo.co.uk/Leeum/ss/update1/img85.jpg

[fillip]

Is it bad for me to like the controller w/ just the perspex :unsure:


Nope, i have the same controller and I think it'd look cool. Would need tidying up a little if you were to head down that route

[Leeum]

Thanks guys ^_^ Yeah it's a bench press drill i'll use at school, however tempting it may be to work out with industrial machinery :lol: I need to fix the fan controller tbh, i need to find a KTB772 or KSB772 NPN transistor in the UK. I managed to fry the transistor on channel 1 as the fan decided to go it's time when i was testing it :rant:

[fillip]

Thanks guys ^_^ Yeah it's a bench press drill i'll use at school, however tempting it may be to work out with industrial machinery :lol: I need to fix the fan controller tbh, i need to find a KTB772 or KSB772 NPN transistor in the UK. I managed to fry the transistor on channel 1 as the fan decided to go it's time when i was testing it :rant:
If you want I can send you mine in a few weeks for a couple of quid to cover postage?
I'll give ya the entire controller so you have some spare bits, it's installed in my case atm but I don't really need it tbh, so let me get my exams out of the way and it's yours if you want it.

[Leeum]

If you want I can send you mine in a few weeks for a couple of quid to cover postage?
I'll give ya the entire controller so you have some spare bits, it's installed in my case atm but I don't really need it tbh, so let me get my exams out of the way and it's yours if you want it.
:eek::eek::eek: You'd do that? Ta very much mate, that'd be spot on ^_^ Drop me a PM when you're sorted out.

[fillip]

Yep, no probs. I'll prob hang on to the wires just for the connectors on 'em but since you have all that you can use on it with what you have there, you should be ok w/out them.

http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jaguarking11]

amazing that im watching the same thread from two forums. Keep up the gr8 work dude, and keep things neat.:)

[Leeum]

Ta matey ^_^

[Leeum]

Here’s my attempt of an update.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img90.jpg

I put the pump and radiator into the case for a test setup, I only put one fan on the radiator to make sure the tubing cleared it without any problems. The placement of the pump has worked out quite well; any heat generated will be cooled by the two fans behind it. Also see the small strip of neoprene under the pump; this should take care of any vibrations.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img91.jpg

I then cut a length of Tygon between the pump outlet and radiator.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img92.jpg

Since then my sponsorship goods arrived from Paul @ WaterCoolingShop.com, a big shout to him! :D The items he sponsored me are 2x 120mm fan grills, an LCD display, some tubing (I seem to be accumulating a lot of the stuff :)) and a dual UV CCFL kit.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img93.jpg

Here’s a closer look at the LCD screen. It’s the 20x4 Blue backlight and white text model :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img94.jpg

It’s been happily sitting on my desk while I’ve reviewing it. Here it is running LCDSmartie.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img95.jpg



As far as mounting it goes, while planning the project I always had it planned that I’d mount it in the two floppy bays; as I love them due to the radiator it seems the best option. Here’s a picture of the unit placed above for a size comparison.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img96.jpg

Better picture, should fit nicely in there :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img97.jpg

Here it is behind the floppy bays when they’re removed. The plan is to cut the floppy bay covers to accommodate the screen, I will then cut a polished aluminium bezel to be placed over the top which will hide the cut in the bays and will hold the LCD in place using 4 bolts. The same applies to the fan controller; I hope to start this over the weekend.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img98.jpg

I also attached the 120mm fan grills to the radiator fans; personally I think they look much better.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img99.jpg

From another angle :) I have work experience in roughly a months time so all systems go on making as much progress as possible.

[mnpctech]

Lookin good Leeum. Clean and purposeful

Just one observation, has the Blue heatshrink tubing not been shrinked yet?
or are those some kind of crimped sleeve collar?

http://moddin.stupoo.co.uk/Leeum/ss/update1/img99.jpg

[Leeum]

It is shrinked, that's as far as it goes i'm afraid :blink: Had to bung some electricians tape underneath to stop it moving :)

[fivecheebs]

Nice update mate :)

I also have a small observation, Can you mount your rad the other way up without changing the cut out / mounting holes? I mounted my rad that way up in my case and if it had been the other way up it would have been easier to fill and drain. If the holes etc will be in the wrong position then to be honest its not a real biggie.

[Leeum]

Aha, good plan Cheebs. I'll go check it out, don't see why not :D

[fivecheebs]

No probs mate ... I just wish i knew earlier. My BIXii isnt symetrical<_< so i cant swap mine over without removing the lot and fabricating a new part for the front, ill probably end up doing that though to be honest.

[Leeum]

The holes line up fine but the clearance between the bottom of the case and the barbs isn't enough to get the tubing over the top :angry:

[fillip]

The holes line up fine but the clearance between the bottom of the case and the barbs isn't enough to get the tubing over the top :angry:
What if you use a much longer piece of hose and loop it up above the pump and then back down along one side of it (the pump that is) to the rad' inlet.
It's not as neat but it may work :unsure:

[Starbuck3733T]

Doah!

[Leeum]

Finally, a small update to show I’m still here :) Apologies with the slow progress, I’ve been busy with my band and other stuff lately.

The next task on my list was to sort out some the rear fans. When I cut the front of the case I mentioned that I also cut out the pre-stamped grills out and filed them down. Due to the shape of the blowholes they looked quite strange as the metal gaps were showing.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img12.jpg

This is the only picture I have of my first workings with the rear grills. I since decided to improve on them as I was unhappy with the result. It was off to the garage again for some filing and drilling of holes so the fans can be mounted without the Chieftec fan cradles.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img102.jpg

Here’s the case from the garage. As you might be able to see, drilling the holes proved a pain as an 80mm fan lines up with the fan cradle holders punched into the metal. Despite centre punching many times I was unable to stop the drill skipping completely, I eventually got them done. There are a few scratches where the drill slipped and one hole had to be widened but I’m not too fussed as it won’t be seen :)

The fans I decided to use were Panaflo 4H L1A’s kindly sponsored by Dorothy Bradbury (www.dorothybradbury.co.uk), a big shout to her for her support.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img100.jpg

The fans as they arrived.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img101.jpg

The fans after some sleeving treatment.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img107.jpg

The bolts that will be used to mount the fans, M3 x 30 bolts ordered from Inox Fasteners.

It was then a case of putting it all together.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img103.jpg

Result :D Notice the bolts don’t go all the way through the fans, this was the longest size Inox Fasteners did in M3.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img104.jpg

A shot from inside the case.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img105.jpg

A shot from the back.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img106.jpg

Close up.

[mnpctech]

You did it!

I knew ya could ^_^

[Leeum]

Cheers mate :D Thanks for your advice ^_^

[Xarig]

Hey Leeum, so you hang out over here too:lol:

Project looking sweeet btw. I'm writing this using Aqua SLI:) Which is great, but I rather hurridly dismantled my other PC before taking across most of my data - hence I have no avatar:( . Anyways, keep up the great work.

[fillip]

hence I have no avatar:( .
You have to earn your Av's here anyway! http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

[BigBen2k]

Nice! I like the molding around the edge, where you mounted the fans. I must use the same...

[ỒĊBłůē]

Nice work there man.

Seeing your pics and looking across at my dragon, it makes me wanna cut chunks outa her.:wub:

[Note to self] - Patience.

I'll get going on her soon. ^_^

[fivecheebs]

Good worh there mate :D


http://moddin.stupoo.co.uk/Leeum/ss/update1/img12.jpg

hmmm separated at birth? (http://www.cheebs.co.uk/images/moddingpics/medium/tn_front_hole.jpg) :lol:

[fillip]

hmmm separated at birth? (http://www.cheebs.co.uk/images/moddingpics/medium/tn_front_hole.jpg) :lol:
Or same parents, I smell adultery. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Leeum]

lol cheebs :lol: I'm still surprised how well dual 120mm radiators fit in Chieftecs ^_^ Thanks for the comments guys, will have to check the forums at school as I have no internet for a few days :blink:

[Leeum]

Last 2 photos updated for your viewing pleasure ^_^ Few changes made :)

[Leeum]

In need of some quick advice, posting here as most of my input has come from you guys and it's always spot on ^_^ Progress has been much slower than expected and i've only just got my arse into gear with these panels. I have a possible layout for the bolt structure to hold the perspex and am going ahead with the drilling and the hole for the aquatube tomorrow at school.

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/toplayout.jpg

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/sidelayout.jpg

The blue things are panel washers that take M5 countersunk bolts. I've only got 8 of them as they cost me £8.00 (the prices for aluminium these days) :duh: The side panel only has 3 as the 4th would go where the handle is. Don't worry if they don't line up, i'm planning to mark them properly with your approval :thumb:
What's the verdict?

[Pug]

How about if you took the two side ones from the top panel and put them above and below the handle on the sidepanel?

The aquatube plate would serve their purpose, perhaps?

[Leeum]

Good idea, i've decided to leave it for a day to receive some more input :)

[mnpctech]

Tricky one... I like Pug's idea of making the handle look like its attached by them....

Another idea, inside or outside the tribal design at each point, (attached through window) or outside (through panel)

One in each corner of the top panel will have an Industrial feel.

[Leeum]

Cheers for the post :) I'm leaning towards Pug's idea as the perspex may gape at the left hand side of the side panel if I go with my idea and quite rightly, the aquatube does look a little cramped. I'll get marking tonight :D

[Leeum]

Sorry for the lack of updates, progress has been much slower than expected due to a head injury and loss of hosting. However, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been doing anything ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img108.jpg

A Maze4 Chipset block, the newest addition to the loop in Silver Shadow. You may notice I drilled a 5mm hole for an LED ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img109.jpg

Here’s a lighting test with white LED's in both blocks.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img110.jpg

The block was a present from an old friend, unfortunately the base wasn’t in good shape when it arrived from him.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img111.jpg

After some lapping treatment It was as good as new. The other blocks were also lapped as they got slightly scratched and dirty from lying around the house.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img112.jpg

Couldn’t resist this picture :p

[Leeum]

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img113.jpg

It was then time for some major overdue progress on the panels. I marked the centre of the Aquatube hole in order to line up a 76mm holesaw. Next task was to work on the bolt structure that will hold in the Perspex, I marked up some 5mm holes 2cm from the side of the panels. Once I was happy it was then off to the school workshops to use the drill press.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img114.jpg

Here are the holes drilled on the side panel. What I’m using to secure the Perspex is a combination of countersunk panel washers in anodised blue and M5 countersunk bolts. My application is as follows:

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img115.jpg

Washer..

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img116.jpg

and bolt :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img117.jpg

Here’s a close up, sorry for the poor focus.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img118.jpg

All the bolts installed.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img119.jpg

Here’s the Aquatube and the countersunk bolts installed on the top panel. The designs I drew have started to fade off due to on-going work, I’ll have to go over these before I begin cutting.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img120.jpg

A (crap) close up of the Aquatube bolts, the 4 corners are fitted with countersunk M4 bolts. I began trying to countersink them by tapping the holes to 5mm, but as the mounting plate is stainless steel I went through quite a few of the schools drill bits :D I got the holes done eventually but found they still weren’t big enough; I’ll finish off with a proper countersinking tool.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Looking good leeum. :thumb: I hope the head injury wasn't anything to serious.

[ỒĊBłůē]

W00t! Updates - you gotta love 'em.

Those blocks should look sweet when it's all finally installed - glad you haven't added too many LEDs.

Cutting the panels is the one thing I'm not looking forward to when I finally decide what I'm gonna do - good luck with it :dremel:

[Leeum]

Looking good leeum. :thumb: I hope the head injury wasn't anything to serious.

Cheers DRB :wiz: My injury wasn't too bad considering, I got off pretty lightly. The story is we were standing in a line throwing rocks at a can (as you do) and someone decides to go behind me and throw a rock :huh: I was quite worried at the amount of blood so I asked someone to phone an ambulance, good job I did, the paramedics told me if i'd tried to go home i wouldn't have made it conscious.

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/ow1.jpg

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/ow2.jpg

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/ow3.jpg

The gash has been glued, I have to wait 5 days until I can wash my hair :p I'm just waiting for my stomach to sort itself out, it's not taking too kindly to me eating anything :(

[Leeum]

Cutting the panels is the one thing I'm not looking forward to when I finally decide what I'm gonna do - good luck with it

Cheers :wiz: Before my accident I did get them cut, here's some WizD excluse piccies for ya.

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/topcut.jpg

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/sidecut.jpg

I decided to bite the dust and buy myself a jigsaw, i'm glad I did ^_^ They just need filed down and sanded ready for the painting stage.

Thanks for all the feedback peeps, it's really appreciated :thumb:

[ỒĊBłůē]

There appears to be a working brain beneath that mop top of yours ;)
...and it looks like someone tried to find it! Ouch!

Another WizD first - a modded head!

[Edit:] Nice work with those panel cuts by the way :thumb:

[Leeum]

Never thought of that :bounce: Thanks, I’m really pleased at how the cutting went, would've been easier if they were aluminium.

[mnpctech]

Wow, the last thing you would expect to see in an update :shock: Glad youre Ok.

The top panel is wicked :thumb:

btw: maybe you can use the "rock to the skull" incident as your on stage gimmick.... hehe. Ok, its still early for me <_<

[mrplow]

OUCH


and nice work :)

[Starbuck3733T]

You've made a blood sacrifice, now everything will be OK.

[Leeum]

Cheers peeps :wiz:

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

must have been a hell of a rock!

[fivecheebs]

Ouchie!

/me hands leeum 2 ibruprofen

[Leeum]

/me hands leeum 2 ibruprofen

/me takes graciously ^_^
The wound itself doesn't really hurt, it's more the random dizzyness and feeling sick :mellow:

[Knipex]

/me takes graciously ^_^
The wound itself doesn't really hurt, it's more the random dizzyness and feeling sick :mellow:

That would worry me.. And you still use power tools.......

[Leeum]

I cut the panels just before the 'accident', for the sake of the panels I wouldn't like to try when I feel like this :)

[BigBen2k]

Very wise, you were lucky.

Get a haircut. ;)

[ỒĊBłůē]

Get a haircut. ;)
Nah don't do that - the hair rawks! :thumb:

[fillip]

Nah don't do that - the hair rawks! :thumb:

Probably saved you a few pieces of grey matter aswell.

Great work on the cuts, nice to see some progression Leeum.

btw, did you manage to fix the Nexus fan controller with the spares I sent you or have you not moved onto that yet?

[Leeum]

Cheers people ^_^ Yup Fil, just a case of swapping the transistor over. Thanks again for the gear, saved me some ££ :thumb:

[RADCOM]

An excellent an well documented project. I can't wait to see the rest.
In light of this I'm going to have to spend much more time designing my water cooling project. I don't want my project to be just functional having seen the effort that the members here put in.:magic:

[Leeum]

Thanks for the kind comments ^_^ Don't forget to post a log of your own over here.

[Leeum]

I’m sure most of you have seen these pictures, here they are again anyway.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img121.jpg

Here’s the cut side panel, the cuts were made with a jigsaw. I asked at the school workshops to borrow one but they didn’t want to for safety reasons, I ended up biting the bullet and buying one :)

All the cutting went well; the area around the handle needs a little filing to round it off.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img122.jpg

Here’s the cut top panel. Sorry for no progress pictures, I got slightly carried away and got them finished in the one night ;)

In the last update I began to countersink the 4 outer holes of the Aquatube mounting plate, a 5mm hole still wasn’t big enough for the bolts to sit flush. I went down to the local DIY store and got a countersinking drill bit and got the holes properly done. Only problem was the vice made quite a mess of the surface as I never thought to mask it up, my only option was to sand down a layer.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img123.jpg

My weapon of choice, I didn’t fancy using a sanding block as stainless steel is so damn hard. I began sanding with 400 grit and worked my way up to 1200. I took my photos outside for a change as it was a nice day :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img124.jpg

You can see after 400 grit the surface begins to look much better :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img125.jpg

Up next was some polishing with Autosol.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img126.jpg

Check out the shine :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img127.jpg

Here’s some finishing pictures with the bolts, I’m fairly glad the Aqua Computer writing is still there as I like it.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img128.jpg

From another angle.

[mnpctech]

Lookin nice and shiny Leeum.

Nice photos too :thumb:

[Leeum]

Cheers Bill, I think i'm finally getting the hang of this camera :thumb:

[Starbuck3733T]

Splendiforous!

[jaguarking11]

Wow Looks good. Looks real good. I may have to give the good old sander a try.

Hows your head btw?

[Leeum]

Wow Looks good. Looks real good. I may have to give the good old sander a try.

Hows your head btw?

Cheers :toast:

It all healed fine, just a little bald patch where the glue took out some hair :lol:

[Leeum]

I seem to be on a bit of a roll, may aswell keep on going ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img129.jpg

I de-riveted the bottom panel; this will need to be painted as it can be seen on the case.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img130.jpg


The cuts I made to the top and side panels were filed. I used needle files on the corners and then sanded all the cuts with 600 grit sandpaper.


http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img131.jpg

My next task was to get the panels sanded down in preparation for painting. I used 80 then 220 grit on the electric sander.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img132.jpg


A picture my dad took of me sanding :p

[Leeum]

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img133.jpg

Managed to catch the sun going down on these shots. The panels (mostly) down to the bare metal, I couldn’t apply pressure with the sander on some of the cut areas so they had to be done by hand. What matters is that the bumps of the textured paint are now smooth :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img134.jpg

From another angle.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img135.jpg

A shot to show how smooth the cuts are after extensive sanding :D
The panels are off to a local painters to be painted silver properly, should have them back this week and I can begin setting up the water cooling.

[Starbuck3733T]

Damn smooth! rock on! :rock:

[scopEDog]

I'm lovin this project, nice :cool:


Oh yeah...get a haircut :D

[Leeum]

Cheers for the kind comments ^_^

Oh yeah...get a haircut :D

hehe ;-)

[ỒĊBłůē]

Looking good there Leeum - very clean - glad you got the filing sorted.

I've hand-sanded my panels so far - figured I could use the workout ^_^

[Leeum]

Cheers :wiz:

I've hand-sanded my panels so far - figured I could use the workout ^_^

I imagine I could use the exercise aswell; glad my dad had that sander lying around ;-)

[BigBen2k]

YES! Take that sucker apart! Welcome to real modding!

[Leeum]

Cheers for the title change fillip. Got an update on the way...a teaser pic for my favourite forum ^_^

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/teaser.jpg

Painted in Ford Moondust Silver, the new inspiration for the Project name. Enjoy :magic:

[Starbuck3733T]

woooooooooooooooo! that's some great looking paint. professionally sprayed, I assume?

[fivecheebs]

mmm shiney :) Good work mate. any chance of a closeup?

[Leeum]

That's right Star, the guy got them in the booth the same time as the Ford Focus he was working on ;)
I'm still working on the pictures (it's a quite a bit harder than I thought to capture the reflection well) but this might help ^_^

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/teaser2.jpg

[biggiy6]

That is one NICE paintjob and the reflection is amazing.

[ỒĊBłůē]

OMG! That is one helluva paintjob.

Has it been clearcoated too?

[Leeum]

Yup, sure has. Only thing is there's been a little bit of overspray on the inside bottom panel. No problem, just means the thing will have to be lined with blue plexi ^_^
Will hopefully be setting up the watercooling tomorrow night, need to give the lacquer a while to harden :-)

[ỒĊBłůē]

Yup, sure has. Have you stopped grinning yet? :D

[Leeum]

Have you stopped grinning yet? :D

Nope :D Came home from school, went up to my room to get changed and found those on the floor.

:D

[fillip]

Sweeeet!

[mnpctech]

Yowzaa! nice paint job you scored Leeum :cool:

[dutchcedar]

Aye there on the paintjob!!! :thumb:

[Knipex]

Nice paint job.

[Leeum]

Cheers guys ^_^ Anyone any thoughts on what perspex to use? Can't decide between silver smoked or normal transparent.

[mnpctech]

Or How about a Light Blue?

[walkitiki]

Is the chassis getting a similar treatment? ..eitherway..I'd say smoked

[Gordy]

Looking good :)

[Starbuck3733T]

ohhhh did you play the old 'whatcha spraying today' trick? :rock:

That's one of pug's favorites :D.

[Leeum]

Is the chassis getting a similar treatment? ..eitherway..I'd say smoked

I was planning on getting the chasis powdercoated but I think i'll just keep them how it is ^_^
I'll go and have a look at a local shop for some perspex soon.

[Marquee]

Hey nice paint job. :)


How much might it to get a chasis powdercoated?

[Leeum]

I arrived home from school on the last day to find these beauties waiting for me in my room :D I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img136.jpg

:o

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img137.jpg

The two side panels in detail.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img138.jpg

A shot from the other side.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img139.jpg

Reflection of the rest of my room :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img140.jpg

I took the panels outside to see if I could get any better pictures but due to the light, I managed to snap up this one though :cool:

I’m off to a local stocker of Perspex on Monday to hopefully pick up some smoked grey/ silver stuff for the panels and then I can get the cooling setup.

[Leeum]

My hunt for Perspex took me to an industrial estate next to the Tyne Tunnel, Bay Plastics (http://%E2%80%9D%20http://www.bayplastics.co.uk/%E2%80%9D) to be accurate ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img141.jpg

This is what I came back with. I couldn’t find any smoked stuff in grey/ silver, what I did find was some 3mm thick nice subtle blue stuff.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img142.jpg

I then drilled the holes for the bolts and cut a square in the centre to allow the Aquatube to into case. The cut was made with a coping saw and the edges were sanded and polished.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img143.jpg

The protective layer was then peeled off.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img144.jpg

I then fitted the Perspex and Aquatube mounting plate to the top of the case.

After trying to fit the top panel back in place I realised that the top of the 5 ¼” bays was stopping it, this was because the Perspex added 3mm more thickness to the panel.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img145.jpg

My only option was to trim just enough off the drive bays, too much would mean I could no longer fit a drive into the top bay. The cuts were made with a hacksaw and then lined with blowhole trim.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img146.jpg

The top panel and Aquatube were then fitted to the case, here’s a (poor) shot from the top.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img147.jpg

A shot from the side.

I’m still working on getting the other updates up, bear with me peeps :)

[fivecheebs]

:whip: dunno whats taking you so long mate ;-) :-p

Nice work man.

[Leeum]

:whip: dunno whats taking you so long mate ;-) :-p

Nice work man.

:lol: I won't be long finishing that's for sure ^_^ Cheers.

[--Filip--]

Man that paint's sexy :D

[warpoc_muse]

very nice work Leeum

[Leeum]

Cheers to you both ^_^

[Bambini]

Man, I just started on page one... and read every page. This things coming together AMAZINGLY. I especially like that paint, and those tribal designs.

[CertainlySteve]

And I did the same. Nothing like a boring Flash MX 2004 class to catch up on some good reading. I like my reading with lots of pictures. Which is why this worklog made such a good read.

Nice work Leeum. As you'd say.... "Cheers mate :toast:" (Kinda funny from a mutt [American] like me)

[Leeum]

Nice work Leeum. As you'd say.... "Cheers mate :toast:" (Kinda funny from a mutt [American] like me)

haha thanks :lol:

[Leeum]

I had now progressed far enough in the project to finally get the water cooling set up.

First task was to remove everything from the temporary case along with the air cooling ready for some water block action. All the blocks were installed using AS5.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img148.jpg

Here’s the hardware mounted into the case.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img149.jpg

I then installed the rest of the water cooling before blowing all the dust off it (I’ve had the stuff for over a year)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img150.jpg

I then got the tubes all cut to size and clamped to the barbs. The setup goes: Pump > Radiator > CPU > GPU > NB > Reservoir > Pump.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img151.jpg

It was then time to fill it up with de-ionised water and hope everything was watertight, everything looked ok…apart from the water.

Shortly after the picture I had some problems with pump, every time I switched the pump off and then back on the impeller would jam, it seems this is a common problem with some L30’s. Hydor's quality control isn't up to scratch so the shafts are manufactured slightly too thick, as the pump gets hotter the tolerance gets tighter to the point where the magnet seizes.

I attempted to fix it myself by rubbing the shaft down with wet and dry sandpaper but I snapped the plastic part of the impeller in the process. Hydor UK kindly had a look in their warehouse for a replacement impeller to no avail, they instead kindly sent me a replacement L30! It was then a case of swapping the impellers over and getting the loop filled again.

However, I still had the frothing water problem. It seems the reservoir was not functioning as an air-trap and was pulling the bubbles back into the loop. Out of desperation, I stuck a sponge that came with pump in the reservoir and to my surprise, it did the trick!

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img152.jpg

I took this picture shortly after putting the sponge in the reservoir. It was then just a case of bleeding the bubbles out the loop.

Now the loop was leak tested and ready to go, I then fitted the rest of the hardware. As the case no longer has HDD cages, my next task was to find a different method of mounting it.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img153.jpg

I then took a pair of HDD mounts, gave them a sand with wet and dry and a polish up to remove the rust.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img154.jpg

Screw a hard drive and a pair of Chieftec mounting rails and we’re getting somewhere.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img155.jpg

Once installed, nobody is none the wiser ;)

Now that everything was installed and ready to go, I plugged everything in to make sure it was going to run. Another case of press the power button and hope…

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img156.jpg

It’s alive :D

[Starbuck3733T]

Awww yeahhh.

[InigoMontoya27]

Lookin great, very clean, and I like the work with the HDD rails.

[CertainlySteve]

giving me ideas for my old baby, big blue... no... don't stop. Keep going. Keep going. I've been wanting to do a water-cooled setup for a while. :^D just havn't had the money. probably won't for some time.

[mnpctech]

Alive indeed :cool: Excellent worklog :thumb:

[Leeum]

Thanks for the kind comments :) I should have an update today, just filing some cuts i've made :dremel:

[scopEDog]

Nice and clean setup. Just what i like to see :thumb:

[ỒĊBłůē]

Aww come on Leeum - you're teasing us.

Looks awesome so far (congrats and all :toast: ) but...

bezel... bezel... bezel... (what's happening to it?)^_^

[Leeum]

bezel... bezel... bezel... (what's happening to it?)^_^

Watch this space :magic: I'll be getting it sanded down tomorrow, I was working on the LCD mount today but i've screwed it up... I'll have to see if I can fix it somehow :duh:

[zer0]

I'm glad that you figured out how to fix the foaming water and good luck fixing the lcd mout.

[Leeum]

Here’s an update with the side panel. Just like the top panel, the Perspex needed a few bits here and there cut out to accommodate various parts of the case chassis. The main part that needed cutting was a section for the case handle and lock.

As you can probably see, when I was drilling the top bolt hole I went too fast and cracked the Perspex :duh: Let's hope I get away with it.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img157.jpg

It was then a case of getting it screwed to the panel with the and hoping the crack didn’t interfere with any of the cuts. The case handle is abscent from the following pictures as it's going to be taken to the painters with the front bezel.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img158.jpg

Lucky? That’s more than lucky :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img159.jpg

A shot from the front.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img160.jpg

A shot with the panel against the wall.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img161.jpg

What happened next was more of pleasant surprise than anything else, it seems the Perspex is UV reactive which creates a funky hazy blue effect. Here’s a shot next to the running rig :D

That’s all for now, I’m hoping to get the front bezel to the painters this week.

Stay tuned :magic:

[CertainlySteve]

As Wayne would say, "SCHWING!!!!!" Awesome cuts leeum. And that is quite a pleasant surprise.

[ỒĊBłůē]

Nice one bud, that perspex works so well with the colour of the paint.

I'm looking forward to the finished pimp shots :wiz:

[Leeum]

Cheers for the awesome feedback guys ^_^

[Marquee]

The andized bolt look nice were did you get them?

BTW when I was buy fitting brass ones I couldn't find one for my pump same type as yours I use a L25.

Very clean work m8.

[Leeum]

The andized bolt look nice were did you get them?

BTW when I was buy fitting brass ones I couldn't find one for my pump same type as yours I use a L25.

Very clean work m8.

Thanks. The anodised washers and bolts are from BSR Aerotek (http://www.bsr-aerotek.com/store/) in the UK (who have a great new site design!)

I'm not sure what you mean for the pump but if you're looking for brass fittings you need 1/2" thread to whatever hosetail size you need :thumb:

[Darv]

Very cool!! :wiz:

[Starbuck3733T]

Oh man, they have all sorts of neat stuff. And they're in england, how lucky for you guys (for once.)

Keep up the good work leeum, the anondized bolts are that extra touch-o-class. There is still LIFE in the antec/chieftec/chenming style!

[fivecheebs]

Thanks for that link leeum. Theres a plethora of annodised fixings there :thumb:

That window looks sweet with the UV. Nice job.

[Leeum]

Thanks for that link leeum. Theres a plethora of annodised fixings there :thumb:

That window looks sweet with the UV. Nice job.

No probs, IIRC those hose seperators you had came from there. Damn good store with good service ^_^

[fivecheebs]

heh! Did jord give you that link then? Good fella :thumb:

[Leeum]

It seems I've been on [H]ard OCP front page without realising :D Linky (http://www.hardocp.com/newsarchives.html?news=QXVndXN0ICAgLDIwMDUsMTAsOTA =).

[InigoMontoya27]

I really like the coloring on that perspex, lit up or not. Thanks for the link for the anodized parts, cool stuff.

[fivecheebs]

It seems I've been on [H]ard OCP front page without realising :D Linky (http://www.hardocp.com/newsarchives.html?news=QXVndXN0ICAgLDIwMDUsMTAsOTA =).

Nice Job mate :thumb: and well deserved.

[Darv]

Nice one Leeum :magic:

[Starbuck3733T]

Nice Job mate :thumb: and well deserved.

Amen!

[Leeum]

Cheers peeps :thumb:

A few updated pics of the loop now running without a sponge :)

http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/newdye.jpg


http://www.aslr97.dsl.pipex.com/newdye2.jpg

My cam doesn't want to pick up the true colour, I turn the flash off and it just comes out as a bright blue.

Anyone have any ideas why the cam pics up everything white as 'in your face'?

[ỒĊBłůē]

Sweet plumbing work there Leeum :wiz:

From the pictures your coolant colour looks great - which way have I got to go for the true colour?

Anyone have any ideas why the cam pics up everything white as 'in your face'?I'd guess at your White balance needing adjusting.

[fivecheebs]

She looking brilliant man. Give yourself a pat on the back.

[Starbuck3733T]

White balance or shutter speed. Try to auto-focus lock on a brighter part and that should take care of the issue, it's not so much the balance as the overexposure around the blocks. It still looks dead sexy!

[Leeum]

Cheers guys. I'll have a play around on my camera :thumb:

[redfox]

Nice machine :) I like the color and the window design.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Thats looking fan-flipping-tastic leeum! :magic:

[Incomudro]

Nice job. Im digging the wire sleeving!

[Leeum]

Cheers guys, should have pretty major update this weekend. Sit tight :D

[Leeum]

My next was to get the front bezel ready for painting. It was outside to my usual sanding spot to get this done ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img162.jpg

This time I used a sanding block and 220 grit paper as the bezel is ABS plastic.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img163.jpg

I also sanded the fan controller, the bay covers and the case handle.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img164.jpg

Here you can see the compassion between the sanded front door and splatter finish bezel.

As I ran out of sandpaper to finish the rest of the bezel and case feet, I got a few bits and bobs done that I’d normally leave to the end :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img165.jpg

Take the standard Chieftec front panel LEDs…

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img166.jpg

With a little bit of swapping we now have a blue power LED and white HDD LED :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img167.jpg

Here’s the Bulgin blue ring LED switch I picked up a while ago. The only problem was the LED’s inside had been fried by using the wrong resistor. I could either use the switch as it was or attempt to fix it… I’m sure you can guess the route I took ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img168.jpg

By sawing the blue plastic section off the back and removing the internals, this is what I was left with. The centre section moves up when the button is pressed, this means I can glue another switch inside which it will press.

I then decided to experiment with a few LED’s. The choice is between…

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img169.jpg

Blue

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img170.jpg

White

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img171.jpg

Or both? This picture didn’t come out very good, it is actually half blue and white which personally looks pretty funky.

Let me know what you think. I’ll have an update very soon as the painter is back off his holidays this week ;)

Stay tuned.

[Starbuck3733T]

Wow! you did it leeum! you took apart a vandall resistant switch! And you put it back together and it still works!

*looks at mnpctech* he did it!!

[fillip]

Leeum, regarding the Bulgin switch, many people have said before if you dismantle one it can't be fixed, do you think if you had some other equipment to hand such as soldering/brazing stuff you could replace the interal led and then get the switch to work as normal? http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/huh.gif

[Leeum]

hehe cheers Star ^_^

I dout it fillip, the insides got all mangled removing the blue plastic section on the back. I'm not complaning though, i've got a working switch and I can choose the colour of the LED's ^_^

Another reason for taking the back bit off was because it was too long to fit behind the front bezel, it now fits fine :) Just something to bear in mind if you're planning on using a bulgin in your Chieftec mate :thumb:

[fillip]

Another reason for taking the back bit off was because it was too long to fit behind the front bezel, it now fits fine :) Just something to bear in mind if you're planning on using a bulgin in your Chieftec mate :thumb:

You mean it's too long unless I'm willing to butcher the main chassis http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/naughty.gif

Don't spose you have those measurements I was after yet do you?

[Leeum]

Don't spose you have those measurements I was after yet do you?

Doh :duh: I'll get those done tomorrow for you, the tape measure has finally turned up lol :wiz:

[fillip]

Doh :duh: I'll get those done tomorrow for you, the tape measure has finally turned up lol :wiz:

Cool, still no real hurry. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/thumb.gif

[Starbuck3733T]

Wait a sec...

the insides got all mangled removing the blue plastic section on the back. I'm not complaning though, i've got a working switch and I can choose the colour of the LED's
... so the insides got mangled, but it still works??

[fillip]

Wait a sec...


... so the insides got mangled, but it still works??

I think he means the actual switch mechanism got borked but he's replacing it, he's replaced the LED as seen in the pics, that's all so far.

[fivecheebs]

Here you go star...



By sawing the blue plastic section off the back and removing the internals, this is what I was left with. The centre section moves up when the button is pressed, this means I can glue another switch inside which it will press.

:thumb:

Looks nice leeum. Have you actually finished the switch mod yet? If so i'd like a pic of it.

[Starbuck3733T]

Doah! GG reading comprehension!

[Leeum]

Looks nice leeum. Have you actually finished the switch mod yet? If so i'd like a pic of it.

I'll be getting that sorted tonight, sig tight ^_^

[Leeum]

I’ve finally had that well needed day off (to talk to my teacher about grades for 10 minutes) to get some work done on the mod.

You might remember my plans a few updates ago to cut away the floppy bay covers to fit the LCD inside, I since scrapped the idea and decided to take a different approach.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img172.jpg

I started by cutting a piece Perspex the same size as the dual floppy bays, the edges were then sanded and polished.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img173.jpg

I had a go fitting some mirror window tint but didn’t have much luck as the stuff is really hard to work with. Coolmiester offered to help out and fitted the stuff himself, he made an awesome job :D

My task for today was to finish the sanding of the front bezel.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img174.jpg

Here it is after the sanding work.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img175.jpg

A close up of the floppy bay area.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img176.jpg

I sanded the ridges of the power and reset buttons right down and enlarged the power button hole for the Bulgin switch :-)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img177.jpg

Here’s how it looks with the bits installed. The reset button sticks out a lot more now it’s been sanded down, it makes it a lot easier to press though ;)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img178.jpg

Then with the mirrored plexi fitted ;-)

[Leeum]

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img179.jpg

This is how the LCD will be mounted, (obviously a bit tidier for the finishing stage ;-) ) the insulation tape stops it going anywhere and once the front bezel is snapped back into place it will be held in place.

Time for some eye candy :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img180.jpg

This is how it looks in daylight.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img181.jpg

A closer shot.

…and now some shots in the dark.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img182.jpg

:D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img183.jpg

Different angle.

All the sanded bits n’ bobs will be taken to the painters on Monday, then it’s just a case of doing the bits I’ve forgotten about and fitting everything back together.

Stay tuned :dremel:

[walkitiki]

That's real slick, it looks great Leeum!!

[fivecheebs]

Nice job man. The mirror tint was a good idea. :thumb:

[ỒĊBłůē]

Slick indeed. Nice work there dude :thumb:

Thumbs up to Coolmiester for his help too! ^_^

[Leeum]

Cheers for the kind comments y'all :thumb:

[biggiy6]

I like the mirror tint alot!

[Starbuck3733T]

Leeum, that mirror tint is genius!

[Leeum]

Cheers all :thumb: (hic) :D

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Yah bugger that was going to feature in...:h34r: Said to much...:inno:

This mod keeps on getting better and better leeum. I'm looking forward to seeing it all go together.

[Defyant]

i get a bit wrapped up in my own modding sometimes... and don't take the time to look thru other modders worklogs, (appols)

everynow and then one catches my eyes ...and BOY this ones got me tranced

What a classy looking case, clean modding and a excellent worklog:thumb:

[Leeum]

Cheers for that Defyant, praise from you is praise of the highest :D

[mnpctech]

another vote the mirror tint idea :thumb:

Bulgin looks good in Chieftec :eyebrow:

[Leeum]

Got a bit of news ^_^ I've just entered my old and new prod log threads into the A.C.Ryan worklog contest.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/worklog.gif (http://www.acryan.com/contest/ACRyanGreatWorklogContest-Intro.shtml)

Click the picture for a link to the contest. Get modding, logging and submitting peeps :wiz:

[stesio54]

hi guy!
i'm mr first enter on acryan contest :D

interesting modding man!
i have an hidor seltz 20...how and if its possible to convert it to 220v@12v?

pm me or other man ;)

let's get moddddddd :dremel::dremel::dremel::dremel::dremel:

[Leeum]

Cheers stesio ^_^

The pump doesn't run on 12V, it's 230V running through a molex.

Thanks for dropping by and good luck with the contest :D

Leeum

[stesio54]

Cheers stesio ^_^

The pump doesn't run on 12V, it's 230V running through a molex.

Thanks for dropping by and good luck with the contest :D

Leeum

....i have this idea after write it :D
so...if i use this solution and the idea of fix the pump by 4 screw....you dont get ungry whith me right :)??
:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:
good luckk to you too :dremel:

[Leeum]

....i have this idea after write it :D
so...if i use this solution and the idea of fix the pump by 4 screw....you dont get ungry whith me right :)??
:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:
good luckk to you too :dremel:

Not at all. Just be sure to put a layer of neoprene/ foam underneath to kill any vibrations :thumb:

[stesio54]

Not at all. Just be sure to put a layer of neoprene/ foam underneath to kill any vibrations :thumb:
there is a layer of acustic dumper :thumb:
thx for the prcisation and kep on modding :dremel:

[Clockwork]

wow, awesome awesome awesomness!

[Leeum]

The project is on the home stretch now; I figured I’d show a few progress pics of the internals before I reach the finishing stages. I received the final parts back from the painters tonight…I’ll hold you all in suspense ;)

In preparation for the front bezel coming back, I got the case riveted back together. I previously used self-tapping screws but the bezel wouldn’t fit as the heads were too big.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img184.jpg

Pop :D

Now the internals, after getting the loop up and running I tried a couple of UV dyes before finding the perfect one.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img185.jpg

I first ran a mixture of BlueMotion and Blue revealing dyes but as you can see, it failed to match the cable sleeving.

I decided to try something with a darker shade; I drained the loop and filled it with some fresh water. I then added some Dark Blue UV Dye from Coolercases, it only took a couple of drops and the water had change to an awesome colour.

I let the system bleed motherboard side down, once the pump intake hose below the reservoir intake hose solved the problem of frothing water right away.

Here are the pictures at the current stage, I nabbed the Graphics department tripod for the weekend so they should be better than usual :p You’ll have to newly painted bits and bobs and the untidy cabling.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img186.jpg

Full on shot from the top.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img187.jpg

From the side.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img188.jpg

From the left side.

and when the lights dim down… :D

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img189.jpg

As you can see, the new UV dye matches the internals much better :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img190.jpg

Zoomed in slightly.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img191.jpg

Side shot.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img192.jpg

Zoomed in again.

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img193.jpg

Here’s the lit up top section of the case. There’s another 2 UV cathodes mounted at the top to make the UV Perspex on the top panel glow :)

http://www.cheebs.co.uk/leeum/Moondust/img194.jpg

The Aquatube is fitted with a white LED but as the water is blue, it provides a nicer colour than a plain blue LED :)

That’s all for now, updates will be on a regular basis now as the project is drawing to a close :(

Until then, mod on :D

[walkitiki]

Looking fantastic Leeum! A great variety of color!

[fivecheebs]

WOW!

Thats brilliant that you got such a good colour match! Good Job Man.

[stesio54]

goooooooooooooooood job man!:thumb:

[lbreevesii]

nice work man. really shows the potential of these cheiftech/*tech cases. I've got one myself for my main rig, I love it. I really like what you came up with on the radiator placment. Unfortunantly i need that space though...when/if i go water cooling i'll probably put my radiator at the botton of mine.

[CertainlySteve]

mmmm thats damn sexy.

Austin Powers Goldmember modified quote: "I love BLLLLLLLLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!" :D Cheers ;^) :toast:

[jaguarking11]

I love the work. It is very nice and those thick pipes look awsome. It looks more like an engine than a pc now. Love it.

[GodsUnicorn]

Very, very nice mate........

I just live a few miles down the road from you, when can you drop it off ??