A few changes to my pc60 rig

[mrplow]

I haven't dared post pics of my case since the big scary kids like hexadragon or Venom might pick on him, but I took delivery of my shiny aquatube today so I figured I'd have some before and after of the installation :)

I dubbed it "liquid li" since I'm a terribly unoriginal person and nothing clever came to me. I might try and think of a clever name if it ever really warrants one (i.e. gets 'finished')

The main modification was cutting a whopping great hole in the top for the rad (since I wanted to keep all the hard drive storage down the bottom)

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/topbare.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/radhole1.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/radhole2.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/topfan2.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/radfittings.jpg

Bit of a pain with all the filing after the dremel had done it's horrible job, but I think it worked out fairly well. The grill is a poor mans 'modders mesh' I picked up at b&q. The 'radiation' fan grill under it stopped such a ridiculous amount of air, it's now gone.
The rad's not at all secured to the top, it's bolted into some holes I made in the drive bays. I figure they're a lot stronger than the filmsy top piece.

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/wingrill.jpg
-the meshy stuff, not bad imo, quite cheap too - £4 for a sheet enough for side window and about 2 top windows worth if you will.

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/top1.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/top2.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/top3.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/top4.jpg

I was worried it wouldn't fit, but it seems to. There's sod all space for fittings though... hopefully someone will know of some cool right angle barbs or something I can use..?

If I can get everything measured, measured again, and finally measured out properly before light starts waning, I might cut the hole today. Bit of a pain in the arse that an 80mm holesaw is just too small.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Looking good. B) Nice idea with fixing the rad to the sides as opposed to the top. I had thought of making the hole for my rad match the size of the grill as opposed to the blow hole i have at the moment but the amount of filling that involved put me off.

Cutting and filing the hole for the Aquatube was a real drag as well.

Good luck!

[Pug]

Nice start Mr. Plow. :)

Funnily enough, I've seen some real hack jobs people have done to make a hole for an AquaTube (cold chisel, hand snips and a hammer to flatten afterwards :blink: ), yet the cover plate hides a multitude of sins afterwards.


Btw - In this pic
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/topfan2.jpg
is that a radiation symbol grille supporting the mesh or just a trick of the light?
It looks like a big chunk of your airflow is getting stifled is all... :unsure:

[bigZ]

As I said to u the other day timmeh, u can swap aquatubes with me if that helps, I've got holes in the bottom of mine, so it'd be more beneficial to you than it would to me, considering my current setup looks like this:

http://www.whos-j00r-daddeh.net/newcase.jpg

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Originally posted by mrplow@Feb 3 2004, 01:24 PM
The 'radiation' fan grill under it stopped such a ridiculous amount of air, it's now gone.
You need a holiday pug. :p

[Pug]

Originally posted by Da_Rude_Baboon+Feb 4 2004, 01:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Da_Rude_Baboon @ Feb 4 2004, 01:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin-mrplow@Feb 3 2004, 01:24 PM
The 'radiation' fan grill under it stopped such a ridiculous amount of air, it's now gone.
You need a holiday pug. :p[/b][/quote]
:o Oops!

Tell me about it! ;)

That's the downside of tabbed browsing in mozilla... reading/replying to 10 posts at once. :D

[mrplow]

Hehe, yeh the grill really sucked balls. It's gone now.

bigZ that'd be pretty awesome, probably make things a lot easier. I feel a bit guilty swapping though, since one day you might decide you want the bottom holes and then curse my name for all eternity... (of course you'll be in the room at the end of the landing so you could probably just come in and rip it out...)

Thanks for kind comments pug and baboon. I just looked at your pint sized lian li pug, the front mounted tube looks nice... I was considering the 3.5" bay but I thought off centre might look kinda lame... I'm seriously entertaining the idea of getting a plate of alu and making a new front cos, lovely as the lian li is, I really prefer centre-symmetry on the fronts of cases (more like the CM approach). I don't have a lot of tools though - basically a jigsaw and a dremel and the living room table - so it might be nigh on impossible to do...

:unsure:

[Pug]

Hmm, did you ever see Jack's ClearLI (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=26996&page=1&pp=20) over on Bit-tech?
Sounds just like what you're aiming for. :)

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

lol i remember that project log. It always amazes me that people buy an expensive case like a Lian Li when they dont like the styling. :blink:

I still think the best looking and cleanest Lian Li i have ever seen is Macromans Macro Case. Its what inspired me to buy mine and start modding in the first place. I also remember the first time i saw aqua-computer kit when a german guy posted his PC-70 on Bit-Tech and i knew i had to get an aquatube lol. :rolleyes:

[mrplow]

Yeah I followed Jack's mod with great interest (and amazement!)
It's one of the very nicest case mods I have ever seen I think, in fact it'd be amazing even if it had come out of a factory if you understand what I mean - the quality really does look incredibly professional..

I don't think I'd do quite the same thing (obviously I suppose, wouldn't want to be accused of a "rip" now would I?). I'd like to do something radical but I think I lack the skills really.

Maybe one day I'll decide I really do want to do it, for now I'll just keep slapping in stuff that people (like aquacomputer) have made professionally for me :)

[bigZ]

Originally posted by mrplow@Feb 5 2004, 01:04 PM
I'd like to do something radical but I think I lack the skills really.
loller, you should trade in your no-frills skillz for some Tesco Finest* Skillz tbh :wub:

[mrplow]

Originally posted by bigZ+Feb 6 2004, 01:22 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bigZ @ Feb 6 2004, 01:22 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-mrplow@Feb 5 2004, 01:04 PM
I'd like to do something radical but I think I lack the skills really.
loller, you should trade in your no-frills skillz for some Tesco Finest* Skillz tbh :wub: [/b][/quote]
:rolleyes: thanks timmah :lol:

[mrplow]

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/masked1.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/masked2.jpg

Ready to go *gulp* :unsure:

ps the writing you see there will be precision cut into the case with my dolphin mounted " LASER ".

pps not really.

[Pug]

Originally posted by mrplow@Feb 8 2004, 02:09 AM
ps the writing you see there will be precision cut into the case with my dolphin mounted " LASER ".

pps not really.Bwahaha! :lol:


Btw, what are you planning to cut with?
I don't see an extra line marked, so I don't know where you plan to cut (wasn't sure if you were planning to do the inner edge line) but with jigsaw or dremel, I tend to cut a hole just oversize of the AquaTube itself, then you don't have to worry too much about perfect edges.
Then again, there's always the really easy option (http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=18572&ts=41377). :h34r:

[mrplow]

86mm, goddammit

I have a screwfix 78(I think)mm holesaw. I was gonna use that and then use a dremel with a sanding thingy on it to move out a bit (with a compass, drawing a slightly bigger hole on the masking tape big enough to take the tube).

I might go and see if b&q has an 86mm holesaw, although they seem to be too lame to stock cool stuff like that.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

lol Good luck! When i asked in B&Q for a hole saw that big they told me they didnt come in that size! :o

I used the 76mm and then did some uber filing to get it to the right size. If your going down that route then by a full size file and dont try it with needle files! :p

[furious trout]

Dunno about B& Q but these guys (http://www.coolcasemods.com/customer/product.php?productid=251&cat=35&page=1)might be able to help...... ;)

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

There descriptions of the hole saws are rather misleading. <_<

The 80mm is actually 74mm and the 120mm is 116mm. I know this as i thats where i bought mine from. The 92mm will probably be around 88mm but thats going to be too big. :blink:

If your making blow holes they are the right size but if your actually wanting to cut a 80mm hole then they are no use.

[mrplow]

And they cost a crap load.

[mrplow]

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_1.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_2.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_3.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_4.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_5.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_6.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_7.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_8.jpg
http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/liquid-li/at_fitting_9.jpg

I didn't actually enlarge the hole at all after using the holesaw. The bolts to secure the tube just fit inside the diameter of the hole, which means the AT can be attached to the bottom of the plate but the case top does get between the plate and the tube. This in turn means the tube is kinda sunk down a bit, which I actually quite like the look of. The bolt heads are almost flush with the plate. I'll probably keep it like this rather than enlarging the hole, not sure yet though.

The yellow is a rubber band I found to replace the o-ring I never had (and can't find a stockist for yet).

Clearly there's absolutely sod all space for fittings. Either I'll have to rotate the tube round a notch (meaning I lose the little hole where your finger's meant to go, which isn't really all that useful anyway) or I'll have to take biggles up on his offer and yoink his AT which has the holes bored out in the bottom as well as the side (revision 1.1?)

I'm very happy though - it looks pretty darn nice...

...as does an AT in anyones case I suppose, so I haven't actually done anything special but I'm still impressed that it all work out so cleanly - I didn't even have to make the bolts holes bigger/longer like I usually do with my DIY bodgejobs :D

[Pug]

Excellent. Glad it was painless for ya. B)

I will be getting spare O-rings in for the tops but I gotta say... that yellow does look pretty funky against the bloo.
You may have inadvertantly started something there... B)

[Edit] As an afterthought, the 88mm holesaw (if that is the actual diameter) shouldn't be too big - the plate itself is 100mm wide and should cover the gap easily.

[mrplow]

Yer I'm loving the yellow laccy band now :lol: :lol:


It's not a fantastic seal though, will have to find a better one.


The fantastic aquacomputer grill is in. The top of the case is starting to look like an advert :wacko:


http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/2.jpg
The aquatube reservoir hole was already cut (as you know).
I drilled and tapped holes to bolt on the grill.

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/3.jpg
:pimp:

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/4.jpg
:pimp: x2

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/5.jpg
PC60 users might notice the floppy tray is upside down. I bolted it to the bottom of the optical drive tray thingy bit. I had to do that to fit in the screen at the front, and I put it back to shield off the screen electronics from view... I might get the pump in there too, once i get rid of the header tank from it... might need to find an elbow for the outlet...

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/6.jpg
The screen...

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/7.jpg
... bolted to the chassis. I was gonna bolt it to the inside of the bezel but then I realised how much of a pain in the arse that would be. Bolting it to the chassis made a lot more sense. Will have a piece of acrylic in front to protect the screen and to bring it closer to level with the bezel surface.


I managed to find some fittings for the AT. Pug if you see this, I feel like a bit of a dick for continually pestering you for the things then finding them fairly easily at another shop. I was looking for the wrong thing, basically. Many thanks for all the help you've been, it's very much appreciated. Definately awesome service here at wiz!


Tomorrow I intend to strip all that yucky masking tape off.. but I *might* make a final alteration to the front of the top panel. You might be able to work out what it is... I'm still not sure if it will work (as in look good).

[Pug]

Originally posted by mrplow@Feb 29 2004, 01:54 AM
I managed to find some fittings for the AT. Pug if you see this, I feel like a bit of a dick for continually pestering you for the things then finding them fairly easily at another shop. I was looking for the wrong thing, basically. Many thanks for all the help you've been, it's very much appreciated. Definately awesome service here at wiz!

Hehe, no probs buddy. I'll be getting some in anyway for the future as a lot of people are beginning to mix 'n' match this kit now.
Glad your loop's up & running too. B)

Did I miss the details on that screen btw?
Looks nice. :)
VFD, I presume?

That "final alteration" wouldn't have anything to do with those 3 circles marked out on the top would it? :unsure:

[bigZ]

Originally posted by Pug@Feb 29 2004, 11:20 AM
That "final alteration" wouldn't have anything to do with those 3 circles marked out on the top would it? :unsure:
Yeah that'd be it, I know what it is, but I won't say because timmeh will probably want to kill me :D

[Nexxo]

Looking good. B) You want ideas on how to mount the protective acrylic plastic in front of the screen, just look at my thread in this sub-forum. If that is a VFD screen, it's going to look fine!

[mrplow]

Arg, well... this didn't go exactly to plan... the holesaw was a bit wild :(


I'll need some chrome trim around there I think. Other than that, success. kinda.

:unsure:


http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/musk1.jpg

http://www.techangel.co.uk/~mrplow/w-c/musk2.jpg

I think some trim would actually make them fit in a little better with the chunky grill / AT plate anyway.


That aint no VFD, it's a TFT :)
(snap, nexxo ;) )



edit: is it just me, or do those pics look REALLY photoshopped?

[bigZ]

Originally posted by mrplow@Feb 29 2004, 04:45 PM
edit: is it just me, or do those pics look REALLY photoshopped?
yeah come on, show us the real pictures :lol: :lol: :wub:

[Darv]

Had a feeling those holes were going to be for a Musketeer. Nice idea that.

Trim would certainly look good. Especially if you could manage to find some that matches the brushed steel of the other AC parts. B)

[mnpctech]

Nice work mrplow. This is really coming along.

Luv the simple industrial design of the aqua computer grill.

[Pug]

Oh ye of little patience...

:p

http://www.wizarddesigns.co.uk/imgs/aquaero_500.jpg

;)

[Darv]

Originally posted by Pug@Mar 2 2004, 02:04 PM
Oh ye of little patience...

:p

http://www.wizarddesigns.co.uk/imgs/aquaero_500.jpg

;)
Oooh!! I want one of them soooo much :wub:

[mrplow]

Originally posted by Pug@Mar 2 2004, 02:04 PM
http://www.wizarddesigns.co.uk/imgs/aquaero_500.jpg

;)
Dude, if you get that in I'd be very tempted to paste it over the muskateer holes. Although, that'd br yet another aquacomputer ad on the top of the case :rolleyes:



Main reason I did this was cos it was something slightly different... I know it doesn't look too fantastic yet, and obviously not as stylish as that AC jobby, but it's mine.

(Cue links to loads of cases where it's been done before)

I was actually gonna ask if you had any plain aquacomputer drive covers (i.e. from the HD coolers or something) so that I could cut out a nice surround for them.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Originally posted by Pug@Mar 2 2004, 02:04 PM
Oh ye of little patience...

:p

http://www.wizarddesigns.co.uk/imgs/aquaero_500.jpg

;)
OMG thats beautiful! :o :D :wub:

I dread to ask how much...

[mnpctech]

Matrix Oribtal just got bitch slapped :lol:

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

ROFL! :lol:

[fillip]

Originally posted by mnpctech@Mar 3 2004, 01:03 PM
Matrix Oribtal just got bitch slapped :lol:
didn't they just... :blink:

shame it only seems to come w/ blue screen

.: Fillip :.

[Mrhardware]

Who cares,

That would look bute in my metalic blue enermax ali case. :rolleyes:

[fillip]

Originally posted by Mrhardware@Mar 3 2004, 07:56 PM
Who cares,

That would look bute in my metalic blue enermax ali case. :rolleyes:
no desire for one of these case though. :p

[fillip]

I tell ya... nothing is sacred anymore!!! <_<

b*****s!!!! (http://www.koolnquiet.co.uk/index.php?main=product&id=295&cat_id=46)

Look familiar...
hehe

.: Fillip :.

[Darv]

But it won't be a patch on an Aquaero.

Aquaero's can control and monitor aquastreams. Can monitor flow rate, water temp, system and cpu temp. And it can be used to control fan speed.

And more that I've forgotten or that hasnt been made yet.


TBH I cant see anything competing with it properly and can't wait for it to be finally released

[mrplow]

Did it ever occur to you that it might not actually be AC who make that thing / designed it?

:rolleyes:


Anyway these german w/c companies all churn out the same stuff. Alphacool/Aqua-comp/Innovatek. It's good stuff though, who are we to complain? :D


ps would anyone actually trust their credit card to "Kool 'n Quiet"? :wacko:

[fillip]

Originally posted by mrplow@Mar 4 2004, 12:10 AM
Did it ever occur to you that it might not actually be AC who make that thing / designed it?


V. true. didnt think of that. :rolleyes:

I imagine it has identical functionality to the AC version anyway.
Innovatech also do replicas of the Aquatubes among other stuff ( not taking into consideration what i just said above there!!! :p )

It's a lot of money to pay though whoever it's from.

.: Fillip :.

ps would anyone actually trust their credit card to "Kool 'n Quiet"?
Credit card yes, debit or otherwise :unsure:

.: Fillip :.

[Edd]

Hmmm, can we get a price on that LCD?
LCD is something I'm considering for the future and that looks sweet.

[Pug]

Hi Edd.
Don't have a price (or a release date) set yet.

I've had their 4-line display in and out of stock for a while (the one in HexaDragon). It still looks sweet and does a good job of monitoring but this is the one I'd really like myself too for the extra control options (never mind the AquaStream integration, which I don't know if the Inno offering has...), if nothing else. :wub:


Mr Plow - I only ever had 3 of drive plates spare.
I modded a Teac CDrom as a test run with the first one, a Pioneer DVDrom with the 2nd and I have one left for my spanky new DVDrw.

I'm going to see if I can get some in for future sale, seeing as I took photos of the whole procedure this time for a WizD tips & tricks thread... ;)
(just need to find the time to write it up properly now)