[FINISHED] Wiretap's v351 Project

[wiretap]

I went to Home Depot today and picked up a piece of 1'' square angled aluminum. I cut it to down to the proper length and shortened one of the sides to make the radiator bracket. It still needs to be drilled for the radiator holes, then riveted into the case where the fans are up front. The short side will bolt to the radiator (for easy removal of the rad), then the longer side gets riveted to the case.

 

[wiretap]

Just drilled my holes and mounted it to the radiator.. then did a test fit in the case. FREAKING PERFECT. I literally don't have a millimeter to spare. It's fits flush and perfect, with the graphics card having just a hair between. You guys are going to love the pictures coming up soon.

 

[wiretap]

My younger brother helped me out with the fabrication of the bracket. He's got a lot of tools that make the job a lot easier. (Scroll saw, grinders, rivet gun, clamps, etc) I riveted the bracket to the front where original fan mounts are. Everything fits like a glove.

Radiator installed.. motherboard tray and graphics card installed.

Literally, if it was any closer, it would be touching.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Wow, this really looks like one amazing project. As much as I love my behemoth cases, once I get some money together, I really have to try a mATX build.

 

[wiretap]

Power/reset/LEDs cables plugged in

3/8'' Tygon tubing with 5/8'' metal anti-kink springs

 

[Frankie]

I'm just curious, how much money are you going to be putting into this project? It looks GREAT so far. The anodized red looks really good with the black case.

 

[wiretap]

You can easily add up the cost of parts.. but the time spent on planning and detail costs far more. Custom fabrication, anodizing, sleeving, measuring everything out, etc.

Case - $120
Processor - $200
Motherboard - $200
Graphics Card - $400
Hard Drive - $200
RAM - $200
PSU - $100
VFD Screen - $100
Pump/res - $70
Radiator - $55
Waterblock - $80
Tubing/accessories - $50
Sleeving - $20
Fans - $50

 

[Frankie]

I guess that's what I'm curious about, the anodizing. Are you doing that yourself? How expensive is that process? Just curious.

 

[wiretap]

I did everything myself. There are guides you can follow.. and all the supplies you need are available on the internet and from industrial supply stores.

Example:
http://www.focuser.com/anodize.html

 

[wiretap]

My RAM is on it's way. I spent a little more than I wanted, but it's going to be hot. ^_^

 

[ScorcherDarkly]

My RAM is on it's way. I spent a little more than I wanted, but it's going to be hot. ^_^

What did you get, red and black dominators?

 

[wiretap]

Yeah. I got 6GB DDR3-1866 of Corsair Dominator GT. The DDR3-2000 was ridiculously priced most places. I figure the DDR3-1866 will do just fine overclocking.

 

[wiretap]

Memory arrived. If it had a human equivalent, I'd say it's equal to a cocaine snorting supermodel. Fast, sexy and expensive.

Corsair Dominator GT DDR3-1866 CL7

 

[qazwsxokmijn]

Holy.....****......

 

[Hades16x]

Be careful when attempting to anodize. I showed up at "the lab" while he was preparing to start. I wouldn't say its a PITA, but it sure isn't easy for someone not used to doing it.

IMHO, if I didn't know wiretap, I'd probably send the parts out to be done.

 

[wiretap]

Couple of pics with the DSLR camera. ^_^

My happiness level is starting to max out. It's turning out better than I imagined, surprisingly.

 

[wiretap]

 

[Knavish]

I'll be curious how you route wires from your PSU into the system. I had about 1 inch or less of clearance between (modular) PSU & the drive cage in my v351. The wires fit, but they really did not want to bend at such a tight radius.

Your system looks great. Your anodize-at-home method sure works well!

 

[wiretap]

I routed my wires perfectly. There's nothing hanging down except where my murder-mod style 24 pin & 8 pin ATX connectors plug into the motherboard. I got it all up and running and filled with water. This thing is dead silent.. it's amazing. I'll have some final pictures up later this weekend.

 

[wiretap]

Outside photos.

 

[wiretap]

Inside photos.

 

[alfa147x]

Congrats great build

 

[CurseTheSky]

Beautiful job. I love the color scheme and attention to detail.

 

[lsv]

Nice build, and great camera =o

 

[wiretap]

Thank you guys. =)

edit: A few more... some black light too.