Well I've been gaffing this off for a while now, so it's time to make good on at least one of those New Year's Resolutions.
Here is the worklog for my next machine.
This rig used to be a server for a hospital. My Dad does contract Desktop Support for the IT Dept. He was about to toss this thing in the trash bin when he remembered my request for him to keep his eye peeled for any useful components or cases he comes across. He gave me a call at work and told me he had a case for me. I was all ears. He said it was big. He wasn't fibbing. He brought it to me and I just about threw up when I saw that not only was it big enough to affect the tides, it was a Compaq. I have a certain aversion to the so-called Tier 1 OEMs anyways, and Compaq is the crown jewel on my list of proprietary-non-upgradable-yukko's.
Then something happened. The Humanitarian/Modder/Geek/Mechanic in me took over. I saw flashes of the opening clip at the beginning of the 'Six-Million-Dollar Man'. I can rebuild it. I can make it Better, Stronger, Faster.
Redemption.
The Humanitarian in me said, "I will redeem this machines' soul and try to make it respectable again."
The Modder in me said, "Look at all the room for windows, fans, lights, and LEDs!"
The Geek in me said, "It will have the finest components and will perform like a champion" (NOTE: the Geek in me is unaware of my account balance, hence the delay)
And finally, the Mechanic in me said, "Knock off all this stupid typing and let's get to frikkin' work."
I spent about an hour unclipping and unscrewing the arcaic hardware from the belly of the beast and when I saw the case in all of it's naked glory............
.........my mind went completely freaking blank.
I had no idea of what I intended to do with this gargantuan hunk of steel. (It is a heavy pig, even empty.) This has been and still is, a work, AND conception, in progress. To those of you who have done original conceptions, (Zackbass, web56n, DRxAndy, TAZ, Adisharr, GaryUT, DS, and any others) did your projects go like this at any point in the building? Every time I have decided on how something is going to be placed, the next step gives me a new idea, causing me to take two steps backward. Oh well, onward.
DISCLAIMER: The mods and materials for this project are conceived from ideas from many people, not just me. Modding is ART. Just as you see influences in classical paintings, you will see some of my modding influences from some of you. I have been a member of Sharky forums since its early days (had to re-register after the format changed) and have been a thread lurker for the most part. I don't post alot, but I read ALOT. I pay attention to things that are posted and have gained much of what I know about computers right here.
I dedicate this project to those of you who have helped and inspired me. (Yes, even you DS.)
So let's put a fresh reinforced cutoff wheel on the Dremel and get to work!
GLScooby
01-03-2004, 02:08 AM
I'm getting the pics, hang on!
Ashpool
01-03-2004, 02:09 AM
If we would get a pic somehow, then we'd get a better picture on what you mean.
Edit: Damnit, seconds late ><
knuckles644
01-03-2004, 02:11 AM
Not only that, you have a great sense of humor.
I can't wait to see this...:)
GLScooby
01-03-2004, 02:36 AM
I didn't get pics before the disassembly, so here is a few I took after some of the work was in progress.
I needed a mounting tray for the mobo and a hard drive cage, so I went to the computer show when it came to town and picked up a cheapie case for $7.00 (WITH a PSU!) and promptly hacked it up for pieces. I'll probably use the LEDs too. Here are the remains:
THAT IS A JOKE! IT CAN'T BE! IM MELTING! THE LIGHTS ARE GOING DIM! THIS MUST BE A DREAM!! AHAHAHA! YES A DREAM!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
How tall is that thing? 3 or 4 feet?
GLScooby
01-03-2004, 03:01 AM
The first thing I actually have decided on is mobo orientation. I am going to rotate the mobo 90 degrees to the left and have the I/O ports on the BOTTOM. All of the I/O's will be inside of the case. This makes for a hassle every time I need to get in, you say? From a previous thread in this particular forum, there will be a remote I/O box connected via jumpers from the main box. No pics of that one, still working on it. Here is the cannibalized mobo tray and I/O plate from the sacrificial cheap-o case, installed.
The back of this thing had all kinds of useless holes and ports with rolled edges. It took me hours to cut all of the rolled edges off. Here's the result:
If this thing never gets done, I can always put a mailbox on the front of it and move in.
Section 8 housing for geeks.....
knuckles644
01-03-2004, 03:12 AM
LMAO!!!:D
number1sixerfan
01-03-2004, 03:43 AM
omg that is a huge a** case. It's steel too? Jesus wait until all the parts are in it.:eek:
DRxAndy
01-03-2004, 04:09 AM
when i was planning for a new casemod to work on, the first idea that came to mind, was zelda. I mulled over it and wanted to be 100% sure, so i came up with a couple other themes, mostly movies - but none of them had what i wanted as much as zelda.
in the planning for the zelda case, i had hundreds of ideas rush through my mind over the span of time
the fangrill design, the front bezel, the interior and exterior color scheming, the drives, the fans, etc etc
once you get an idea, everything usually comes into place
haha well it does for me anyway
now onto comments about your case
daaaaaamn! that thing is huge!
it also has plenty of great potential too
you're going to need some wheels :D
thrawn86
01-03-2004, 09:28 AM
You could fit some SERIOUS cooling into that case :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:Like, a whole bunch of radiators. and stuff.
how much does it weigh?
zackbass
01-03-2004, 10:32 AM
Originally posted by GLScooby
This has been and still is, a work, AND conception, in progress. To those of you who have done original conceptions, (Zackbass, web56n, DRxAndy, TAZ, Adisharr, GaryUT, DS, and any others) did your projects go like this at any point in the building?
It happens all the time, and often for much longer periods than I'd like. Those are the times I usually just walk away from the project for a while (hours, days, weeks). Then something new hits me and I go running for my sketchpad and get back to work.
You've also got the "blank paper" effect to deal with at the start of a project. It's hard to visualize what you are doing until you have something done that you can build on.
As for getting new ideas in the middle of building, I've come up with a satisfactory solution. I'm doing all my work on paper and with CAD software before building. It's probably not a good solution for your situation, but I highly reccomend sketching what you want everything to look like before building.
About your case's size, start worrying about part placement
right now. The size will give you a false feeling that there is plenty of room, then once you near the end you find out that a key piece won't fit. Take a look at the radiator on top of my case:
That was NOT planned. The radiators I got were too big (they can easily passively cool my P4, GPU and NB) to fit inside with all the parts already mounted.
Oh yeah, my case is 22"x25"x7.25", you are not alone GLScooby!
If you plan on doing a lot of sheet metal work there a few tools that I highly reccomend: A set of aviation shears, a Pop rivet tool (if you don't already have one), and a Roper punch (http://www.eastwood.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=28041&I1.x=39&I1.y=21).
You mentioned taking ideas from other people. Everyone here has been influenced by other members, some more directly than other. CrawlingEye gave me the idea for the water in the frame of my last case. I hope you DO take some of our idea and make them into something real.
I hope to see some awsome work! I absolutely love to see heavy fabrication in custom cases and new ideas and I know that you can pull it off.
TAZTG
01-03-2004, 01:54 PM
Originally posted by GLScooby
.........my mind went completely freaking blank.
I had no idea of what I intended to do with this gargantuan hunk of steel. (It is a heavy pig, even empty.) This has been and still is, a work, AND conception, in progress. To those of you who have done original conceptions, (Zackbass, web56n, DRxAndy, TAZ, Adisharr, GaryUT, DS, and any others) did your projects go like this at any point in the building? Every time I have decided on how something is going to be placed, the next step gives me a new idea, causing me to take two steps backward. Oh well, onward.
I dedicate this project to those of you who have helped and inspired me. (Yes, even you DS.)
I agree with what you and Zack or stating. Alot of you have inspired me with my MODS. DS with his painting expertise (Inside of Case)! Scoob with how clean his system looked! DRxAndy & GaryUT for their Sleeving! Zackbass, web56n & Adishar for their planning and Attn. to Detail!
I am also like you when it comes to the actual Modding, I jump right in with a vague idea and then have to take two steps back because of a better idea. I have this problem when I go to stores and see Modding Gear all over the place. Hmm that would make a nice case or hmmm I could run my cabling through that or I could use that tool for future modding. Its an Addiction and I Love It.
Now comments on that Monster you will be redeeming. I like the idea of the I/O's staying inside and having an external box. Will you be making custom connections on the inside to the outside(Mobo-Ext.Box)? Keep us posted Scoob & Thanx :)
San7a
01-03-2004, 03:40 PM
Scoob, you're the man. You still have my pump and rad? :D
GLScooby
01-03-2004, 04:30 PM
Yes DS, I've got 'em. The Eheim 1250 and the Black Ice Rad. They are undergoing some customization of their own and were unavailable for the photo shoot.
Zackbass, Thanks for the insight. I draw everything first. I have stacks of misc paper from all over with jottings of random ideas. I've even got a few chumks of cardboard from doodles on a box here or there! I have the av shears and pnuematic riveter. I'm borrowing the roper from a friend, along with a few specialty shears and crimpers. As I'm sure you can appreciate, it tends to be the miniscule/intangible things that are the hardest things to do, and the most difficult for others to appreciate.
number1sixerfan, yes it is steel. The sheet metal I'm adding is mostly aluminum, except the I/O plate (the rusty one).
thrawn86, I weighed it with ONLY the sheet metal components you see above (no H/W). With sides and front also, it comes to 32 lbs......empty! (bend at the knees......bend at the knees.....)
TAZ, yeah, the I/O's will be in a seperate (maybe) box just like was discussed in This Thread (http://www.sharkyforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=212206)
I think the biggest stinker of the whole dang project is that once I finish the assembly, I have to disassemble it for painting! AAAAAGH! I'm quite sure not all of my ideas will make it into the final product, but I'll try to fit in as many of them as I can.
Hasta, it's Saturday. I've got work to do!
Gary UT
01-03-2004, 04:48 PM
Originally posted by GLScooby
This has been and still is, a work, AND conception, in progress. To those of you who have done original conceptions, (Zackbass, web56n, DRxAndy, TAZ, Adisharr, GaryUT, DS, and any others) did your projects go like this at any point in the building?
I painted the front of my case and the old drives 4 times before I got the new optical drives. That is when I decided to to match the color of the new drives, and came up with the beige and yellow colors. I finally instaled sockets for the power and HD led's, because I was trying new colors every other week. I still have not decided how to do the IDE cables, I don't like the big loop of cable between the drives with the round cables.
And just when I thought the case was finished I decided to put in a bigger rear fan. It never ends...
Gary
Candyman
01-03-2004, 05:37 PM
Hmmm...for the breakout box, you could mount a FrontX inside of an external 5.25" drive enclosure and just use blanks to fabricate the connectors that don't come with it (video, power, etc). But to be honest, I think you'd probably be better off just making your own. There really is not a whole lot of room on the FrontX faceplate, and it doesn't look that cool.
GLScooby
01-03-2004, 07:00 PM
Actually, it was hud43's idea in the older thread for the FrontX. Mine will be just like the title of the forum says.......
.....Completely Custom.
GLScooby
01-08-2004, 12:20 AM
No real modding update, but the purchasing dept has good news:
k, don't know what you've got planned for the front of that case, but that bezel (if you even intend to keep it) just screams to have something serious done to it....like maybe a plexi glass, edge lit design of some sort...dunno what you could put behind the plexi to back it with though, but you'd definately have to do something with that horrid plastic.
GLScooby
01-08-2004, 01:08 AM
I hear ya. That is one of the ideas that is currently lost in the emptiness between my ears. Showing off the res, rad, or some kind of design are all thoughts I've had.
It's a pretty safe bet the "logo of shame" will be removed/modded for sure.
Each of those cutouts on the front have 3 individual clear LED focusing extensions for the old modular HDD trays. They could come into play with my custom circuit for HDD and optical drive activity LED.(Thanks to Adisharr's help)
Since the case requires carbon dating to determine its age, there are no front usb ports either. I have a really slick, thin 4-port hub that will reside up front somewhere, behind or through the front door.
TAZTG
01-08-2004, 06:58 AM
If you can put the USP Ports in the "logo of shame" area that would be awesome. Cut it out and MOD something that would fit and have some LEDS to light it up.
That TrueControl look cool, the external power connector could come in handy huh..;)
GLScooby
01-08-2004, 09:55 AM
Originally posted by TAZTG
the external power connector could come in handy huh..;)
Great minds thinking alike....
zackbass
01-08-2004, 04:52 PM
It would be really cool if you could retain some remnant of the case's former life. Maybe an applique of a burning Compaq logo or something along those lines.
What are you planning on doing with the faceplate controls for the PSU rails? It would be really interesting as those are something rare to see on a front panel.
The most important question is, what kind of look are you aiming for with the case? Industrial, military, techno, mission critical server, old school?
San7a
01-08-2004, 07:12 PM
Dang Scooby! You dropped some cash! :D
5siz
01-08-2004, 08:29 PM
Dfinatly nice purchases :D. I just went out and got an Antec True power 330w and it works wonderfully. Compared to my 2yr. old stock antec 350 watt, it works like an dream and my pc is SO friggin quiet, I can't hear it @ all right now... sounds like it's off ROFL! Keeps my pc just as cool to boot.
Can't wait to see her all put together.
GLScooby
01-08-2004, 08:42 PM
The company was generous with the bonuses this year, DS. That stuff ate a pretty good piece of it. All I have left to get in the way of major components is the cpu and vid. I'm going against my former ways and using the onboard sound. If it stinks, I'll get a card.
Zackbass, I guarantee there will be parody and effigy taking place.
I haven't gotten the opportunity to hold and inspect the voltage controls yet, but they will be incorporated in a custom fashion if the panel isn't too intricate to disassemble and assimilate.
As for the theme or 'look'.......
I can't remember exactly who said it, (I think it was Ashpool) but in his sig he once said the phrase I have tried to embrace in my own creations ever since reading it the first time:
"I am Anti-Premod"
Not to the fanatical sense, but in spirit and approach.
I don't want to build something that anyone with a credit card and internet access can just order and install. Hence, you will not see a Nexus controller, a DigiDoc 100000, or a mudflap girl fan grille in this case if I can avoid doing so. If the project takes longer due to a dumb LED mod, then so be it. I'm not in any way trying to dump on anyone else's setup or components. I'm just letting you know how I am doing MY machine.
So how does that translate into a theme?.....
I guess we'll both find out when it's finished! (even though they are never really finished)
'Custom' is the best answer I can give you. Will that do?
San7a
01-08-2004, 10:10 PM
Scooby > Superman
:D
5siz
01-08-2004, 10:53 PM
scooby, you're crazy man... I mean I like you...but you're CRAZY :D.
San7a
01-08-2004, 11:20 PM
Originally posted by 5siz
scooby, you're crazy man... I mean I like you...but you're CRAZY :D.
The great mind of a genius! AND MY HERO!
EDIT- Wow what an *** kisser. lol
XP1800
01-08-2004, 11:40 PM
Man Scooby your little rant made me think of all the cash I just spent on my rig:(
This summer though I'll get a little more creative:)
GLScooby
01-09-2004, 03:57 AM
My bucket of bolts is not worthy of being compared to the ultra sexy pc60 you are now sportin' my friend.
TAZTG
01-09-2004, 08:22 AM
Modding comes in many various forms. I am not as handy with tools like Zack and Scoob but I can mod a few things. If would be cool if I could build a case from the ground up & maybe one day I will take a big Leap into the Ultra Elite World of Extreme Modding and join ranks of Great Modders like Scoob, Zack, Adishar, web56n, and some buddies over at Gruntville.. Sorry if I left some folks off that list..
Hows that for a Rant LOL!! :eek: :p :p
GLScooby
01-09-2004, 10:22 AM
You can also look at it this way:
Everything I've modded up to now has been on easily replacable items. Wires, molexes, old hardware, steel cases. You're probably not gonna see the window mod on my 120GB SATA or a V-mod to the vid card.
Why? I'm too chicken.
You guys are attacking $150-200 aluminum cases with dremels in the laundry rooms and parking garages! To me and my miniscule bank account, that takes serious cajones! I see little difference in hacking up a PC-60 or putting a window on a HDD. There is risk involved, and you better have skills.
Now none of this means anything, TAZ, if I find out you are some kind of powerball lottery winner that has been throwing out PC-60's every time you make a mistake. That will just freaking disappoint me!
TAZTG
01-09-2004, 11:43 AM
Originally posted by GLScooby
Now none of this means anything, TAZ, if I find out you are some kind of powerball lottery winner that has been throwing out PC-60's every time you make a mistake. That will just freaking disappoint me!
Theres a saying here for the Maryland Lotto.. You gotta Play to Win, & I don't. LOL If I mess a up a Window Mod I just make the Window bigger. If I mess that up then I would have a Plexi Side Panel..
zackbass
01-09-2004, 03:42 PM
Originally posted by TAZTG
Theres a saying here for the Maryland Lotto.. You gotta Play to Win, & I don't.
There's another saying: Lotteries are a tax on stupid people. Now doesn't that make you feel smart!
I really like where you're headed with this case Scoob. I'll refrain from ranting about the premod junk flooding the scene to avoid criticizing anyone's work though.
I am not as handy with tools like Zack and Scoob but I can mod a few things.
The only thing I've got over anyone else is access to some tools and a tiny bit of experience with them. I can stick pieces of metal together, but I have absolutely no skill when it comes to detailing which is where all the good stuff is at.
I have stacks of misc paper from all over with jottings of random ideas.
I'll be very disappointed to hear that you don't have a scanner. ;)
thebove
01-15-2004, 12:27 AM
any updates on this project?
GLScooby
01-15-2004, 12:41 AM
They're comin'. I got the items I ordered from Newegg and it's looking good for a voltage control mod. I'm doing some more sheet metal work and will have the pics this weekend. I'm closing 4 houses this week so the schedule is tight!
I've been ironing out the last few details of physical arrangement of the components. There's a lot of room IN the case, but there is not a lot of room FOR the case! This is making me rethink the possibility of laying down the case and making it oldschool desktop style.....or not.
I made a critical error in my original idea. The way I wanted to run the tubing left the WB at the highest point in the system.....where all the air goes. So I'm moving around the pump and res to accomidate the tubing runs. Sounds silly, but it's true. Take my word for it!
GLScooby
02-23-2004, 01:15 AM
Wow. I let this go too long. Sorry for the lack of updates, but work is eating my time lately....
I've been doing some mundane sheet metal work on the case. I got the covers made for the the back, inside and front. Picked up a cheap-o 120mm fan to get the hole laid out for the placement of the rad. Oh yeah, my desk will get a heavy mod to facilitate the case to stand as nature intended it to.
I've been doing some thinking and have decided on an inside color and lighting theme. Been dinkin' around with UV tracing as well, but the fact that the stuff doesn't dry is disappointing and visions of smeared UV ink is not inspiring.
Physical layout is about 80 percent complete. I haven't come up with a res yet, and am not really excited about aftermarket ideas, so the search continues. If my glass drilling practice pays off, this will be the route I go. If not, I guess a bayres is in my future. I'm getting too antsy about getting this thing done!
I sacrificed my trusty old Antec PP303X 300W psu in preparation for the hacking up of the Antec 550W. Things are going well here.
I was also trying to come up with something a little more original for the hdd cage, but nothing final yet. Simplicity may be the key here.
I have a Sleeving kit and have started the task of sleeving the miles of cable that will be in this monster. The ATX extension was the toughest, but it's done and looks respectable.
I found some very cool led's that will be strategically placed. I also pulled out the old breadboard, resistors, transistors and 12V transformer from an idea in a previous thread. Don't wanna tip my hand on this one yet, but I think they are pretty neat.
I'll post some pics soon. Camera is on a loaner mission at the moment.
TAZTG
02-23-2004, 06:40 AM
Take your time, its not like we have been sitting here tapping are toes and rapping are fingers on the desk waiting. Sleeving is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, just hope you ordered enough the first time. I am not sure what ya mean by UV ink doesn't dry? That would really suck. Wouldn't dust and crap stick to the ink. OK glad this project is back on track..:)
schultz
02-24-2004, 03:40 AM
just read through this whole thing...how did i miss this topic before!!!! :eek:
that is looking/sounding excellent man! like TAZ said, gald to see this sucker re-imerging into the light! i love watching mods like this unfold into something awesome!
here's another question...do you have experience with metal working scoob? and if so...where did you gain that knowledge/experience. one of the things i really wish i could do was metal work (with the purpose of being able to really build my computer from the ground up).
GLScooby
09-14-2004, 03:04 AM
Break out yer shovels! It's time to dig up this thread!
After a long work/school induced hiatus, the contest has got me back in the modding way. This pig will be ready for the contest!
First off, an apology to you schultz for not answering your question 8 months ago. I grew up with a 'gearhead' father, brother, uncle, and friends. I owe some of my metal working to shop classes I took in school as well. My college degree gave me alot of insight into metals and their properties too. Finally, 11 years as a nuclear trained machinist's mate in the Navy gave me plenty of learning and practical experience in mechanical/electrical/metal working. That said, most of what I do is pretty easy stuff that virtually anybody can accomplish with a little thought, time, and yes, tools. I'm sure zackbass will back me up on that one. You can see he not only has the skill, but from some of his pics you see he's hooked up nicely in the tools department as well.
The progress has been modest, but I've nailed down most of the major 'placement issues' I was fighting with earlier. I'm happy to report the lion's share of the sheet metal work is about done. Outside of the fan holes and window work, only minor dremel work will be needed from here on.
Okay, enough of my blathering. Let's see some pics.
When I last left you, I mentioned the back panel needed skinning inside and out to hide all the hideous holes and old I/O opening. Here is the back panel skinned:
The optical drive cage used those yukky proprietary Compaq brackets to mount the drives, so I cannibalized yet another case (Thank you Uncle Nick) and used only the top of the old cage.
Here are pics of the old cage (topless):eek::
http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Redemption%202%20014.jpg
Gonna break this up so I can get all the pics in....
The PSU is gonna get some heavy modding as well. I'll be taking some tips from GaryUT and a little spin on the cooling idea I helped DS implement on Fraggasaurus Rex. Fortunately, Antec PSU housings are all pretty much the same. I've got three of them to work with and pieces of all three will be present.
Here is the casing with the stock grille cut out and the start of the intake fan opening. PSU airflow will be completely independent of the rest of the case and will feature an intake and exhaust fan.
Like I said, there is still a little bit more sheet metal work to be done, but I'm pleased with this progress. Hope you are too!
TAZTG
09-14-2004, 07:13 AM
YEA, we lit a fire under Scoob... There are a few other folks that need to get back on track and finish up.
Scoob, its really starting to come together. Looks like you are creating a new Form Factor Case. Your idea is going to be sweet!
The first thing I actually have decided on is mobo orientation. I am going to rotate the mobo 90 degrees to the left and have the I/O ports on the BOTTOM. All of the I/O's will be inside of the case. This makes for a hassle every time I need to get in, you say? From a previous thread in this particular forum, there will be a remote I/O box connected via jumpers from the main box. No pics of that one, still working on it. Here is the cannibalized mobo tray and I/O plate from the sacrificial cheap-o case, installed.
I love our PS idea and think I understand what your saying. You will connect the strands to the connectors from your devices thus being able cutomize the lengths. Great Job and Thanx for getting back on track... :) :)
Adisharr
09-14-2004, 08:17 AM
Pretty cool thread - can't wait to see what come out :)
schultz
09-14-2004, 06:35 PM
Originally posted by GLScooby
First off, an apology to you schultz for not answering your question 8 months ago.
Don't worry about it man. But thanks for answering it now! :D
And glad to see this project back on track and moving! Looks like you are making some good progress! Half a month left for the contest! Go go go! :)
XP1800
09-15-2004, 12:42 PM
Glad to see work is once again underway! Keep the updates coming Scoob:)