Gigabyte 30th Anniversary Mod Challenge -- Blue Fury Entry --

[DDCustomMods]

Update 11/1/2016



Good morning my fellow modders and tech lovers

It’s a new month and with it brings new updates on Blue Fury. First we can start off with a little assembly of the case. I was going to paint the rivets black, but after putting one white one in I decided it looks sharp and fits the theme.



Second we turn our attention to the top panel and get the 240 radiator hole/mount cut. Nice and clean cut before cleaning up with files. This will be hidden by the top vent.




Speaking of the top vent, here’s a shot with the primer base completed. Next is to paint it blue, probably first coat tonight. Came out looking pretty sharp if I say so myself. While I was bending the slats, I had the thought this probably would look better on InsolentGnome's Rehab build lol.



Then a shot of the GPU shroud painted black and testing the look and fit. I will need to paint those fan blades though somehow. Then we have to get the details painted on.




Finally a beginning shot of making the front 360 radiator mount out of an old beige ATX case's side panel. Hopefully I get all my clearances right.



Until next time, Happy Modding!

[DDCustomMods]

11/3/16 Update



Good morning to all my modders and fans,

Just a quick update this morning to share a bit of progress I was able to get done. Only a week left before I have to get my pictures taken of the final product. I’m unfortunately losing a couple days to get the build done because of a prescheduled trip out of state. I can work on getting everything submitted during that trip since I will have my trusty laptop with me. But let’s get on with the updates.

First we have the mock positioning of the PSU shroud, and I even threw in the motherboard just to show how close the shroud comes to the motherboard. I was super careful with all my measurements so everything should be a nice tight fit. I still have to cut the notch on the front side of the shroud to allow the fans and radiator to fit.




Speaking of the fans and radiator at the front you can see below is the panel, or scrapped steel if you prefer, that I’m using for my mount. Everything marked out and ready to be cut. I did actually get it cut out this morning and a coat of primer on it, but I forgot to take the pictures.



Additionally, last night I finished my 8-pin PCIE extension. Gotta love that heatshrinkless look! I am using my lunchtime from work to try and finish the 8-pin CPU power cable.



Other completed updates to the project include marking up the side panel for the window cuts, designing the GPU shroud’s details, and updating the concept inside picture to match my updated parts(except the motherboard).



Until next time, Happy Modding!

[NavyChief]

Really coming along nicely! Can't wait to see all that blue!!

[DDCustomMods]

Really coming along nicely! Can't wait to see all that blue!!

I got some good pictures showing the blue designs on the outside. Unfortunately my phone doesn't let me post pictures haha. Keep an eye out in the morning for an update. Got some decent work done this weekend.

I only have until Thursday to get everything done. I fly out Friday and won't be back until Tuesday. Missing that weekend is really going to hurt.

Happy modding all, keep those noses to the grindstone.

[NavyChief]

Same here. I will be out-of-town on Monday-Tuesday and Friday-Sunday.

[DDCustomMods]

Same here. I will be out-of-town on Monday-Tuesday and Friday-Sunday.

We definitely have our work cut out for us. Hmmm... I wonder if I can call in sick this week haha.

[DDCustomMods]

11/7/16 Update



Good morning to all my modders and fans,

So I was able to get a bit done over the weekend and wanted to share it with you. Things are coming together and just in time too. Still have some detail work to do still to mask off an paint(tonight’s task) so final assembly can commence. Plan is to take the final pictures on Thursday.

The first thing I took a crack at was trimming the size of the PSU shroud to allow it to fit snugly around the bottom fan. The bottom fan will much be dedicated to providing cool air for the PSU to utilize.




The top panel, proved slightly interesting. Had to trim down the size a bit to fit better without too much overhang. Remember those two fans that came from the case? They got mounted inside the top exhaust shroud to be hidden from view. One fan is a blue LED fan which should provide a bit of light coming from the top.



Then I moved on with the side panels. I was able to get both sides masked off and the window side cut. Then it’s a quick couple layers of primer, let that dry for a day and start laying down thin layers of blue. After I got three coats in, I let it dry. Once it was dry, I began slowly unmasking the sides. As you can see from the close up, ended up with very clean lines. I am definitely happy they came out well.








Second, I shifted my attention to the GPU which took a mask, primer, and coats of white. I think I got pretty good coverage. Got the fans installed back on the GPU also but I’m waiting for the shroud to finish before getting pictures of it.





Next, I took a shot at the front panel. Getting it masked off was a little more difficult given the multiple levels of depth. But low and behold that seemed to come out alright as well.




Moving forward, I worked on getting the front fan mount in place. I made sure to do several test fits before drilling final holes and getting it mounted properly. Once mounted and secured, I could start getting the fans installed.





Lastly, I did some painting of some detail pieces. Painted the RAM white to contrast the black and blue. The primer’d fan is actually the CPU fan…… I painted it white then realized that it wasn’t staying as I’m throwing in the Corsair H60. Oops. Oh well, my next AMD build will have a nice white CPU fan haha.




Still left to do is to cut out and paint the white lettering and details. I got the final white pinstripe painted on the GPU shroud this morning. I need to finish mounting the fans and get the H60 in place. Then I can focus on getting all the fans hooked up, motherboard in place. The secret motherboard shroud is the only big piece I have left to do. I just need to do some cleanup trims and paint.

Just a side note, my work provided a couple 3’x5’ sheets of the copolyester that they manufacture to use for my builds. Going to take a small chunk for the window. The rest will get used as I switch gears next week and get back to Project: Military Tech.




As always, would love to hear what you think!
Until next time, Happy Modding!

[DDCustomMods]

Update 11/9/16



Good morning my fellow modders and fans,

Just thought I'd share a quick update and preview of things to come. Some good news and bad news. The bad news is I came down with a virus that has put me under the weather but the good news is that means I won't be traveling out of state this weekend and have a few more days to take my time in completing it. Meanwhile, it's lots of fluids and bland foods for me. Anyways back to the build....

I just heard that my 3D printed pieces will be delivered today, so I'll be sanding and painting those awesome pieces this evening. Big thanks to DreamPC4Me for providing the 3D goodness.

I was able to get all my front fans and radiator installed. I do have to address the problem of an upsidedown Corsair logo, but..... that shouldn't be too bad.





I also got my window cut and mounted. The edge of the side panel cuts weren't as clean as I wanted, going to try to find me some black trim locally to give it more of a professional feel. I think the white rivets really help the build. Black and Blue with just a hint of White. I think it's coming together well.




Additionally, here's a sneak peek of the GPU with the GIGABYTE mask cut out. I was able to hit it with 4 coats of white between last night and this morning. I should be able to have an update of the GPU shroud and SSD covers tomorrow morning or Friday morning. I can't wait to peel that tape off and see how it turned out!



Until next time.. happy modding!

[NavyChief]

Looks like you are on track to finish on time! Looking good!!

[DDCustomMods]

Update 11/10/16




Good afternoon my fellow modders and fans!!

We have more progress completed and even more pictures.

First, I have to thank DreamPC4Me for providing the awesome 3D printed pieces for this build. That front badge would've been a pain to craft without his help. All through the process he was quick to respond and very professional. Currently he is doing a build for the Make A Wish foundation. Show your support for a good cause by subscribing to his YouTube channel or his Twitter feed.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtq5VMDSqQg4YdaJv6ScJYA
https://twitter.com/rbillyguns


Onto our Blue Fury build!

First I unboxed the 3D printed motherload. I enjoyed unwrapping each piece. First the front badge components, then the surprise GIGABYTE in 3 different sizes.









After taking a moment to absorb the awesomeness , then it was time to set up my sanding station. Pieces lined up were 150, 220, and 400. Got everything sanded and hit with a good coat of primer. The cable combs needed a quick once through with the round needle file.









After the sanding and priming, I turned my attention to unmasking the GPU shroud. After confirming that I was satisfied with the end result, I got it installed on the card. Personally, I think it came out well considering the simplicity of design.






Last but not least is the SSD covers, with the H60 radiator installed there will only be room for the one.




As always, let me know what you think and offer any suggestions hints you have. Always looking to grow as a modder and builder.

Until next time.... Happy Modding!