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

[DDCustomMods]

Modders Unite!

Here is my concept as it stands right now..... subject to change before deadline cutoff. Currently, I only have Powerpoint mashups. I hope to get some 3D models done up for everyone to enjoy. Let me know what you like/dislike about my concept. Would love this opportunity to compete.

This will be a reverse ATX mod utilizing a very budget conscious DIYPC Solo-T1-BK Black case (link)

I already have some of the parts needed to complete the concept build kit. Main pieces I'd have to purchase is the case and CPU.

Parts List - Remember.... budget friendly

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H (Stolen from my PFSense router)
CPU: Athlon II X2 220 Dual Core 2.8Ghz (Stolen from my PFSense router)
RAM: SAMSUNG 8GB 2x4GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 240pin DIMM (Stolen from my PFSense router)
RAM: Corsair XMS3 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 (Stolen from my PFSense router)
GPU: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (Borrowing from another local PC enthusiest
PSU: Corsair TX650 (Leftover from latest Night Shark upgrade)
SSD: Corsair Force 120 (Leftover from latest Night Shark upgrade)
HDD: ?
Fans: NB-Eloop 120mm(Stolen from my Double Dragon parts)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 in push/pull (Leftover from latest Night Shark upgrade)


Concept Front:




Concept Front-Right:




Concept Inside:




Thanks for looking!

[NavyChief]

Your powerpoint mashup is actually very well done!

The concept looks good and I can't wait to see more!!

[DDCustomMods]

Your powerpoint mashup is actually very well done!

The concept looks good and I can't wait to see more!!

Thanks Chief! I think the hardest part about creating the model in Sketchup will be getting the case front designed right. So many angles.

[DDCustomMods]

I found a little time to play around in Sketchup. The case isn't perfect but I'm still learning how to make complex polygons. Kudos to all the people who meticulously make PC components.

So here's some 3D goodness for all to enjoy. As always, let me know what you think.

Front Right




BackLeft




Right (Inside shot)

[DDCustomMods]

Happy to see such a variety of entries. I updated the 3D models to include the EK badge on the front, and dropped the color to the true black. Also whipped up a design for sleeving the cables. Additionally added the back wall design that sits behind the SSD.

[NavyChief]

The new designs work well together!

[DDCustomMods]

The new designs work well together!

Thanks chief. Fingers crossed that I can snag one of those concept kits so the build can begin

[DDCustomMods]

One more small change. Swapped out the "30th Anniversary" on front badge for their 30 logo.

[DDCustomMods]

So small update, I've been able to scrounge some Gigabyte parts together. They are nothing fancy but should be enough to meet the requirements. If I can scrape together the money to buy the case, expect updates almost every day once I receive the case.

[DDCustomMods]

Update 10/14/16




So I went through my parts to take inventory of what I have to put toward this build, so far it looks good. Not sure about the blue paint though.... it's a little more sky blue than I'd like. I might have to pick up some new blue paint that matches my electric blue of my sleeving. Speaking of sleeving, still have several feet left over from my Night Shark build that I can use to spice things up.




I went back and cleaned up the 24 pin, and am supergluing the 4 to the 20 pin. I have older power supplies if I find a motherboard that only has 20pins.

[DDCustomMods]

Just a quick update to say I have pulled the trigger on the case and it should be here Thursday. That gives me time to plan out some custom fabrication surprises.

Stay tuned for awesomeness!

Edit:

Fedex is on top of their game and it is supposed to arrive Wednesday instead (Cheer)

[DDCustomMods]

Small update

So while I wait for the case to arrive, I have begun doing some concept work on the PSU shroud and a couple custom pieces. Below we have some pictures of the sleeving process. I decided to use a 8-pin extension I had to conserve paracord. I believe my pin remover tool doesn't quite get far enough down for the male connector side so I haven't started on that yet. Progress is 24 pin complete and PCI-E 6+2 pin complete.

[DDCustomMods]

So exciting news! Just checked and the delivery was moved up a day.... to TODAY

So hopefully I'll have a good update with some hardware pics for everyone tomorrow.

[DDCustomMods]

Update 10/19/16




Good morning modding friends!

The case arrived 2 days earlier than originally quoted at the time of purchase *cheer* that’s 2 more days of hacking and slicing this case. But onto the case, let’s get it out of the packaging shall we?




The only issue I found with the packing was the front drive bay covers had fallen out and were rattling around inside the case when it arrived.



Isn’t she a beaut! Overall, a decent budget case.




First thing I noticed was how light the case was. But, since the last new case I bought was amost 10 years ago and steel, I shouldn’t be surprised.




Second thing I noticed were the multiple SSD mounts around the case. You have the option of mounting the SSD to the floor or to the side of the drive bay panel.





Additionally, it also has spots for watercooling passthrough in the back just above the exhaust fans, but I would recommend trimming the holes with u-channel or grommets.




The two fans that are included are a 120mm Blue LED and a 120mm Blue non-LED. For case fans, they don’t look to bad, we’ll see how they work when hooked up later on.




That motherboard tray sure doesn’t have much “tray” to it. But that will ease the wire management a bit.




Test fit of 3 120mm fans in the front of the case, it’s going to be a tight squeeze for sure.




Was able to reverse the case fairly easy. Most of the holes lined up perfect, just a couple new rivet holes to be drilled and two holes for the front panel clips. *cheer*




Time to hack up the front panel and get it ready for airflow.




All that intake space *thumbs up*

[DDCustomMods]

Update 10/21/16



Got some pretty good work done this morning.


First I managed to get the mesh installed in the front panel after a lot of sanding and cleanup of my cuts.



Then I turned my attention to my surprise design addition.... can anyone guess what it is?



Got everything marked out, now to cut and paint.