Engineering Help Appreciated for WC setup

Those two drives were broken BEFORE I removed the covers :D
They used to serve the purpose of cool looking speakers but now they are mock-up parts.

Now for the long awaited daily update!

I finished the PCI and AGP brackets today and istalled the first large drive bay.

I also did some "strength testing" of the frame.
http://members.lycos.co.uk/zackbass1/StandingOn.jpg
Let's see a Lain-Li do THAT! And no, I'm not some scrawny nerd, I'm 6'4" and 220lb.

And here's a pic of the PCI and AGP card holder:
http://members.lycos.co.uk/zackbass1/PCI&AGP.jpg

Very nice work there bud...

Just make sure you are not shorting out anywhere :)

thats a sweet setup in the works!!!

and dammit i am fatter. i am 241 and 6'4" :(

Awsome work keep it up. Will you put casters on the case? It needs casters :D

Update Time! :D (groans heard from audience)

I finally got my radiator installed into the case. It's actually two small transmission coolers ($16 a piece :)) with a tube between them. I didn't have a good place to fit them inside the case that worked with my airflow plans so I added a top piece onto the case. It not only protects the fragile cooler but is very stylish! I also got the sheet metal I will be making many of the side covers from. It's .036 stainless sheet and looks pretty good from the testing I've done so far.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/zackbass1/RadiatorTop.jpg
http://members.lycos.co.uk/zackbass1/RadiatorBack.jpg

Great work!

But when I look at the size of that case compared to the mobo... GOD DAMN is that big! :eek:

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Colossus
Great work!

But when I look at the size of that case compared to the mobo... GOD DAMN is that big! :eek:

---

just more space to work... It's better to have lots of space than to be cramped....

And also, you're both too thin, I'm 6'3" and 280.

It's everyone's favorite time again, that's right: Update Time!

Premise: The time of year is spring, you know, the time when people take the covers off their swimming pools.

I have a steel frame with an unknown number of microscopic holes in it that must be fixed, if I can find them.

Coincidently, I also have an air compressor and a number of pipe fitting.

Edit: forgot to mention that using the air compressor, I pressurized the frame to 80psi.

I end up with this:

http://members.lycos.co.uk/zackbass1/Setup.JPG

And this:

http://members.lycos.co.uk/zackbass1/Test.jpg
Now that's what I call a boat anchor!

Besides finding several extremely small holes, I can't think of a better way to prove to everyone that the mock-up parts are are only that, they don't actually work. You have no idea how many times I have told that I shouldn't be using good parts to bulid around!

I know that you can't wait for more updates :p, but that's the best I can do.

That's an awesome way to test for leaks! So once you get those holes welded shut and a pump installed are you gonna fill that frame up soon? I'll bet that will be an interesting day, I can't wait to see pictures of that:)

Very nice! I wouldnt of done it any other way too test for leaks :)

So if the water will be passing around the metal frame.. What would you to determine water level?

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Colossus
Very nice! I wouldnt of done it any other way too test for leaks :)

So if the water will be passing around the metal frame.. What would you to determine water level?

---

You mean the water level during normal operation, right? I plan to just fill it up and check the level once a month maybe. If that is too troublesome it wouldn't be too hard to install a sightglass for the water level.

There's just a few things to finish up before I start it running:
1. Finish all the side covers (in progress)
2. Buy a pump
4. Buy waterblocks and other small items
5. Finish welding on the threaded fittings once I know where I need them to be

I hope to work out some good hours for my job this summer so I have a lot of time to work on this project. The sheetmetal cutting and welding is extremely tedious work as I don't have a shear or brake. Everything has to be drawn out and cut with the plasma cutter by hand.

Oh well, it's not like I'd rather be doing anything else!

Quote:

---

Originally posted by zackbass


Oh well, it's not like I'd rather be doing anything else!

---

Ah, a true modder.

This is absolutely incredible! Hats off to you! Keep us posted (as you have been).

Are you using this project as a means to learn welding, etc. or did you already have the skillset to some extent?

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Tripitz
Are you using this project as a means to learn welding, etc. or did you already have the skillset to some extent?

---

I didn't have much experience with welding when I started. I had done a lot of MIG welding but had only done few small repairs using the TIG. Most of what I knew when I started I learned from a book on welding.

I have learned a lot from this project so far. Almost every welding position and material type and shape has a different feel. The most valuble things I've gotten out of it are an extremely steady hand and practice.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by zackbass


I didn't have much experience with welding when I started. I had done a lot of MIG welding but had only done few small repairs using the TIG. Most of what I knew when I started I learned from a book on welding.

I have learned a lot from this project so far. Almost every welding position and material type and shape has a different feel. The most valuble things I've gotten out of it are an extremely steady hand and practice.

---

That's awesome that you are learning a lot from this. Its funny, but I find the learning part the most enjoyable part of the modding process. I learned a lot when I put my wc rig together and it is already giving me more ideas. Now all I need is a welder... :)