Project: ATCS 840

[coolmiester]

Been wondering what to do with the new Coolermaster ACTS 840 for a while with no real plan as yet but felt if i didn't make a start at some point soon i'd be playing catch up which i've done in the past.

Anyway, whatever happens the chassis would be getting anodised black so decided to strip the whole thing down.

Pretty easy job in all honesty with only eight rivets needing removed to get the top off...............still got cut out the base to fit a 240 radiator but apart from that its ready to go get anodised.

BTW, very early stages so expect this one to take quite a while but at least its a start :lol:

Sponsors Include:
Coolermaster (http://www.coolermaster.com/index.html)
Intel (http://www.intel.com/)
HWLabs (http://www.hwlabs.com/)
OCZ (http://www.ocztechnology.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/coolermaster_logo.jpg (http://www.coolermaster.com/index.html)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/intel_logo.jpg (http://www.intel.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/hwlabs_logo.jpg (http://www.hwlabs.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/ocz_logo.jpg (http://www.ocztechnology.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_1.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_2.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_3.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_4.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_5.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_6.jpg

[coolmiester]

Still not sure what hardware is going into this and initially i had wanted to go i7 but i've still got a spare Skulltrail board though no CPU's or RAM but i do know it will be dual loop whatever hardware i end up going with.

So i thought i'd give something a little different a go which should end up keeping things nice and tidy and keep hose routing to a minimal.

The plan is to attach an Alphacool DDC top to the back end of a Dual Res.

I'll see how it actually performs first and i might end up making the two dual Reservoirs from scratch but i'm pretty happy with the outcome using the DD ones tbh.

Was a simple case of tapping 4x 6/32 holes into the backside of the res followed by a 12mm hole in the centre so the liquid can flow directly to the pump.

I'll also be tapping a G1/4 hole into the front of the res for easy filling.

Once i decide whether to use the DD Res or make my own i'll use clear silicon gasket seal before screwing the Alphacool top to the Res which should hopefully make it completely leak proof...............well that's plan A anyway :thumb:

The result is a nice compact res/pump combo which i duplicate for dual loop.

As always, on with some pictures ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_1.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_2.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_3.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_4.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_5.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_6.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_7.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_8.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_9.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_10.JPG

WOW it works :thumb:

Actually, i never doubted it wouldn't tbh but i was quite surprised it didn't leak even without any gasket seal but i guess its because the two contact surfaces are so flat there's no space for leakage.

Anyway, i'm a happy with the outcome and i can get back to me holidays tomorrow knowing i did good :D

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_11.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_12.JPG

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_14.JPG

[coolmiester]

Just before i started chopping this ATCS 840 chassis up i thought i'd give this top 360 radiator mounting a go using the included brackets.

I set it up using the two stock 230mm fans pulling through the radiator but it could also be mounted using any three 120mm fans which no doubt a lot of folk will do (not sure which option i'll go for just yet)

I got to say it all works really well though one thing i would add is a small blank plate or tape up the side gap of the 230mm fans so all air is directed through the radiator.

Just got to work out what to do with the grill now??

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_7.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_9.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_10.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_12.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_11.jpg

[coolmiester]

A bit more testing is in order to see what the best set-up is for the 360 rad in terms of noise and air flow.

Anyway, managed to sneak a bit of time this afternoon to de-rivet the entire chassis to make it easier for working on and anodising or powder coating......still haven't made my mind up on which to go for yet.

Chopped out a bit of the hard drive cage to allow for the GTX240 rad to be mounted to the base then used one of our silver honeycomb grills for a template to mark out what needs removing from the base section.

I'll have to make a decision on colour and by what method pretty soon but a quick mock up shows how it will look.

I'm happy with that!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_14.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_15.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_16.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_17.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_18.jpg

[coolmiester]

Not much of an update at all tbh but never-the-less i got a few pictures of the chassis back from powder coaters in satin black.

I also spoke to Willie at HWLabs (http://www.hwlabs.com/) earlier in the week who is going to pull all the stops and try to get me a custom GTX360 X-Flow radiator for the top as i find that its much easier to route hoses and it gives an overall much cleaner look so massive thanks the Willie for that :cool:

......i just got to work out how to put this oversized jig-saw back together :eek:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_20.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_21.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_22.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_23.jpg

[coolmiester]

Just playing a bit of catch-up there but this brings things up to date as of today - cheers :cheers:

Still waiting on a few bits so i can start the exterior so thought i'd put the chassis back together and i got to say its looking real nice and can't wait to start filling it full of new hardware.

As you can see, to fit the HWLabs GTX240, i had to remove part of the hard drive caddy so it can only take three now but then that's never bothered me in the past.

Also nice to see CM go with the black quick release buttons on this as they fit in much better with the colour scheme.

Man, i just love starting with a blank canvas like this....

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_31.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_26.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_27.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_28.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_29.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_30.jpg

[RedRaider]

:slobber: :slobber: :slobber: :slobber: :slobber:

[cian1500ww]

Looking great !!! I keep wondering why case manufacturers don't paint the interior of their cases in black or at least give the option of it. Everyone nearly always uses a black interior for their case build. Anyway keep the updates coming, any more decisions on the hardware ??

[zlojack]

So nice!

I love what you did with that pump/res combo!

[Xilikon]

Great start.

It is just me or do the new ATCS look more flimsy than the WaveMaster ?

[coolmiester]

Oh without doubt Xilikon, especially once you remove the aluminium top as its a crucial part of the cases rigidity and once removed the chassis becomes really unstable.

Having said that when its complete it is as rigid as any other aluminium case and you got to remember its massive in comparison to a Wavemaster.

Wavemaster = (W) 198 x (H) 458 x (D) 540 mm

ATCs 840 = (W) 243 x (H) 580 x (D) 630 mm

[Xilikon]

Nice, I'll follow this log with interest.

It's obvious the current trend is to have wider cases. The WaveMaster's weak point is the insufficient width and I have been struggling with tubing runs hitting the side window.

[Kayin]

I always found standard cases too thin too...

Great work as always... I'll keep an eye on this...

[Overclocking101]

nice m8 really nice

[Demthios]

I still love how you mated the pump and the res! Look forward to the rest of the build !!

[coolmiester]

I don't tend to keep up on all the latest hardware, so what board and hardware would you suggest for this mod - taking into account it won't be making it's debut till CeBit March 09

BTW, thanks for all the feedback on the mod, good or bad its all good to me :)

[iandh]

I really like what you did with the res.


It's funny, Coolermaster is one of those companies that I love and hate equally.

Their products somehow manage to be high quality and crappy, and attractive and ugly, simultaneously. Overall I give that an A+ for some reason. :confused:

[RedRaider]

I don't tend to keep up on all the latest hardware, so what board and hardware would you suggest for this mod - taking into account it won't be making it's debut till CeBit March 09

BTW, thanks for all the feedback on the mod, good or bad its all good to me :)

What's your planned color theme?

[Snyxxx]

Great photos and photography skills.

Do you think the 90° elbow on the exit penalizes the flow in your experience? My testing shows a pretty good hit on flow rate.

I remember years ago you also did some flow testing when you drilled and tapped the hole in the top of the stock cover to increase inlet flow.

[coolmiester]

What's your planned color theme?

Could be Red and Black going by the Foxconn Blood Rage :cool: but maybe more along the lines of the Smackover in keeping with the Skulltrail as both cases will be on show together and i'm a sucker for keeping a bit of continuity running through even though both systems will be totally different you will still be able to tell they are from the same stable if you know what i mean.

Great photos and photography skills.

Do you think the 90° elbow on the exit penalizes the flow in your experience? My testing shows a pretty good hit on flow rate.

I remember years ago you also did some flow testing when you drilled and tapped the hole in the top of the stock cover to increase inlet flow.

Thanks Snyxxx, yeah 90° elbow's do effect flow but from experience this amount of lost flow won't directly equate to a significant rise in temperature so i'd much rather have the clean lines than worry too much about flow.

[Xilikon]

coolmiester, you could try that exit with 2x45degree BitsPower fitting so it's more smoother ?

[coolmiester]

Yeah, good thinking Xilikon, i'll certainly look into it once i start to attack the loops :coolup:

[RedRaider]

Could be Red and Black going by the Foxconn Blood Rage :cool: but maybe more along the lines of the Smackover in keeping with the Skulltrail as both cases will be on show together and i'm a sucker for keeping a bit of continuity running through even though both systems will be totally different you will still be able to tell they are from the same stable if you know what i mean.



Thanks Snyxxx, yeah 90° elbow's do effect flow but from experience this amount of lost flow won't directly equate to a significant rise in temperature so i'd much rather have the clean lines than worry too much about flow.

You know the color scheme I'd like to see in this build...:hmm:

[Baleful]

That's amazing that the pump/res combo didn't leak. Top notch work man.

[coolmiester]

Well, i know the colour scheme now - or at least for the time being anyway :cheerleader:

I'm quite happy tbh as its very similar to Skulltrail and if all else fails at least i'll have a couple of nice matching bookends if nothing else..............but man this poor little board looks lost in this case.

Actually, not much of an update but at least i can relax now and enjoy Christmas :)

Having said that, i need blocks - any suggestions??

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_32.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_33.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_34.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_35.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_36.jpg

[Snyxxx]

Heat sink hold-down HOOKs are so i478! :down:

[coolmiester]

Tell me about it Snyxxx though i guess beggars can't be choosers :(

[HESmelaugh]

This is looking very nice! That case looks great in all black! :-)

[R0bert]

Nice looking but the SmackOver is IMO awful board, and Intel didn't think about anything here IMO, who the hell will use 4 ram, it's 3 channel, not 4 as fas as I know..
Looking forward to some updates, though ;)
________
vaporizer reviews (http://vaporizer.org/)

[Septim]

it is a sponsored board... so no choosing which package arrives on your doorstep...

i am expecting nice updates from OP... even though we must agree that the board is soo... i am sure coolmeister will come up with something creative for this...

[Cutless009]

it is a sponsored board... so no choosing which package arrives on your doorstep...

i am expecting nice updates from OP... even though we must agree that the board is soo... i am sure coolmeister will come up with something creative for this...

:turd:

[Eddie3dfx]

Case looks amazing and really a top notch paint job.
I'm sure you will be able to wing something up for the heatsink.

[coolmiester]

:turd:

Creative criticism at its best there:champ:

[coolmiester]

VENTS - well it wouldn't be the same without vents but this time around they go in over rather than sticking out.

I figured the ATCs chassis was wide enough without sticky out vents so went for these which will eventually be stuck in place then filler to smooth the rim so they are seamless but before that, both panels will be powder coated and wet sanded to give a good base for primer and paint.

I also have a new sponsor by the name of OCZ (http://www.ocztechnology.com/) which i'm over the moon with tbh and are supplying 6GB of PC3-10666 triple-channel memory and couple of 60GB 2.5 Solid State Drives so a massive thanks to OCZ (http://www.ocztechnology.com/) :thumb:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/ocz_logo.jpg (http://www.ocztechnology.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_37.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_38.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_40.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_41.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_42.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_43.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_44.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_45.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_47.jpg

[mcoffey]

Incredible,

I could look at your build logs all day. I've learned so much from them. I was just looking at this case thinking how nice of a build it would make.

subscribed,

andyc

[coolmiester]

Incredible,

I could look at your build logs all day. I've learned so much from them. I was just looking at this case thinking how nice of a build it would make.

subscribed,

andyc

Cheers Andy, what a compliment that is :rockout:

....this might give a better view of the vents and window.......

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_48.jpg

[coolmiester]

OCZ came good with their sponsorship promise this morning when UPS dropped off two OCZ Core Series V2 SATA II 2.5" SSD (http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/flash_drives/ocz_core_series_v2_sata_ii_2_5-ssd) and 3x2GB OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum Low-Voltage Triple Channel (http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr3_pc3_10666_platinum_low_voltage_triple_cha nnel) which was very nice of them indeed and mucho appreciated so thank you OCZ for what will hopefully be the first of many.

Anyway, all the rest of the chassis is at powder coat so with any luck there should be a bit more progress tomorrow ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_49.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_50.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_51.jpg

[Sniper]

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/res_pump_10.JPG

WOW it works :thumb:

Actually, i never doubted it wouldn't tbh but i was quite surprised it didn't leak even without any gasket seal but i guess its because the two contact surfaces are so flat there's no space for leakage.


Just curious as to what you blocked off the threaded hole with in behind the pump? Nice build so far though! What board is that?

[coolmiester]

I came across this water proof Silicon from Car Plan (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_52.jpg) which worked a treat at my local car accessory shop. and the board is an Intel Smackover (http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/DX58SO/DX58SO-overview.htm)


[edit] fixed link

[Sniper]

I came across this water proof Silicon from Car Plan (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_51.jpg) which worked a treat at my local car accessory shop. and the board is an Intel Smackover (http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/DX58SO/DX58SO-overview.htm)

Your silicon link is your ram in your board but thx nice ram lol

What did you do just cover the back of the pump with it?

[coolmiester]

Sorry Sniper........been a long day :crack:

water proof Silicon from Car Plan (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_52.jpg)

[Sniper]

Sorry Sniper........been a long day :crack:

water proof Silicon from Car Plan (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_52.jpg)

No prob so you just sealed the pump to the res & it didn't leak? Nice you were lucky eh? heheh. Nice though props for sure for that innovative idea!

[coolmiester]

OK, got a bit side tracked with those SSD's and Windows 7 but anyway, picked up the tins from powder coat today (Note: powder coat is only to flatten surfaces and will be painted and clear coated once the vents are finished)

I've still not decided on the final colour 100% but i've got a pretty good idea.

Anyway, vents are stuck in place and i've started with the filler and sanding but that will be repeated a few times to get it all nice and smooth.

I also got a 6mm thick piece of aluminium milled to replace the top vents and to replicate the front which still needs a little work and mesh fitted behind but more on that later ;)

These are the boring bits so not really a lot to show but things should start to pick up over the next few days......i promise :thumb:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_53.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_54.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_55.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_56.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_57.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_58.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_59.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_60.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_61.jpg

[lloyd_mcse]

that's awesome mate - been looking at that case myself :D

[coolmiester]

I don't think its any secret that the MC-Chipset block from Danger Den is going to be a main contender for i7 but rather than going for the Lucite top version, i decided to make my own from 10mm Delrin :)

Used a fret saw to cut the initial shape out and it still needs a bit of minor filing and then a polish on the bench polisher but that's a job for tomorrow.

Decided to re-tap the base to M4 for no other reason than i wanted to use black hex bolts and M4 was all i had.

Anyway, we'll see how it performs once i get the system up and running ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_1.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_2.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_3.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_4.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_5.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_6.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_7.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_8.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_9.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_10.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_11.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_12.jpg

[zlojack]

So your theory is that's going to cool an i7 better than what's currently out there?

I'm very interested!

[coolmiester]

So your theory is that's going to cool an i7 better than what's currently out there?

I'm very interested!

No idea how well it will perform but at least i can say i tried rather than condemning it without even trying.

[zlojack]

No idea how well it will perform but at least i can say i tried rather than condemning it without even trying.
Very true.

It's a small area so it should, theoretically, focus the cooling over the small core on the i7.

[Septim]

very nice DIY hold down acrylic. thick too to prevent from flexing/warping... how thick is it?

nice vents too and nice Rams and SSDs...

[coolmiester]

very nice DIY hold down acrylic. thick too to prevent from flexing/warping... how thick is it?

nice vents too and nice Rams and SSDs...

10mm Delrin which is plenty strong enough.

Never tried to flame polish Delrin before but thought i'd give it a go and it worked :)

Just need a matching NB one now ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_15.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_16.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_17.jpg

[Septim]

looks good, thought it was black acrylic...

is that NB clip type and through hole mounting possible? i saw above post it was clip type...

[Kayin]

I'm almost never a fan of Delrin, but you have managed to make it look not only elegant but appropriate as well.

Love the Intel board, my wife still uses an XBXII cause nothing is more stable. Won't trust my server to less.

[zlojack]

Nice!

I want to see test results!!!

[shazza]

Wow ... what a nice job. I remember seeing your mods when I first got interested in building computers (as in, just putting parts in a case). Your stuff just gets better and better.

[coolmiester]

As always, thanks so much for following and the feedback left :cool:

I know a few people seem to be getting a bit confused with regard to vents and side panels with me already having the panels powder coated and the vents being white.

Just to clear that up - i found a while ago that powder coat gives a great base for paint and gets rid of all the brushed anodised finish so that's why its been powder coated already.

The vents need to be secured in place and smoothed in with car filler (bondo) but will eventually be painted all the same colour.

Anyway, vents in place and started filling and sanding which usually consists of 3 or 4 goes to get it looking completely smooth but decided to lay a coat of primer on after the first go with filler just to show how far i'm off but it is easier to see the direction of the vent now its all one colour.....even though its just in primer.


http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_62.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_63.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_64.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_65.jpg

[Cutless009]

this is shaping up to be nothing short of the best mod Ive ever seen. Keep it up man.

[Septim]

how deep is that vent going inside case...

[coolmiester]

how deep is that vent going inside case...

27mm and there is still a further 40mm clearance which gives an idea to how wide this chassis is.

Sorry, for keep harping on about this and i promise this is the last and i'll get onto something a bit more exciting ASAP.

Anyway, i made a matching NB block and had the blue heatsinks changed to black so looks much better imo.

OK that's it...no more!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/i7_block_22.jpg

[Odin Eidolon]

great work as always CM>!

PS: i got the sponsorship! :eek:

[coolmiester]

Started to do a bit of work on the new top grill.

Started with a 6mm sheet of aluminium and the plan is to replicate the front piece which was always going to be interesting as the original front is extruded alu and i had to copy it with a sander!!!

I did try with my little mouse sander but i'd have been lucky to make CeBIT next year at that rate so went and hired a heavy duty sander.

Well that made short work of it but it was a work of art to get the chamfer perfect all the way down the length and not sure if it was pure luck or skill but got there in the end then finished it off with fine grit and my little mouse sander.

I've also had the same cut (only smaller) in the front section which will both have mesh added later.

I'll get the last couple of bits to powder coat tomorrow and all in all i seem to be getting there and i should have it off for paint at the back end of the week......touch wood.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_67.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_66.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_68.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_69.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_70.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_71.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_72.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_73.jpg

[mcoffey]

To much talent for anyone man to have CM:) I'm still just amazed each and everytime I view one of your logs. I learn something each time.

You are the gold medal standard by which others are judged as far as I'm concerned, and the best in the business. :up:

Keep it coming, looks fantastic,

andyc

[coolmiester]

Hahahaha, i don't know about that Andy but thanks for the vote of confidence man, that's greatly appreciated.

Just got to add i got a great GFX scoop coming off soon but my lips are sealed till mid February but its a gud'n :)

Anyway things should pick up end of this week beginning of next as i'm just about ready to go to paint........then let the loops commence :D

[Langer]

:htk:

[Septim]

:htk:
plus 1!!

[coolmiester]

My apologies for this going on for so long but unfortunately its at that boring stage of just getting it all primed and wet sanded ready for paint.

I had hoped to get it down there today but a few of the bits were late getting to powder which had a knock on effect but it should all be ready to go early next week.

The top vent has turned out pretty nice though again its waiting for primer and i'm also making some shiny highlight rails for it.

On a positive note though, Zotac have me some real nice cards coming but won't be here till mid February so gave me a 9800GTX to get the system up and running with for the time being which was nice of them and my friends at Intel have got involved but more on that later.

Anyway a few pictures of it in primer......well most of it.....

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_74.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_75.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_76.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_77.jpg

[Baleful]

No apologies needed man, projects of your skill take time, it' completely understood. I love the way those blocks look on that board.

[mcoffey]

Man I wish they could set up a live streaming feed so we could watch you work and how you do things in person.

Be the hotest thing on the LC net IMO, people would come here to watch it in droves. I'd bet money on it.

andyc

[Baleful]

Man I wish they could set up a live streaming feed so we could watch you work and how you do things in person.

Be the hotest thing on the LC net IMO, people would come here to watch it in droves. I'd bet money on it.

andyc


Hmm.... :hmm::wasntme::D

[coolmiester]

For me, this is what modding is all about, there is nothing more satisfying than making something out of basically nothing and i'm never happier than with a piece of aluminium and a few tools.

I've made one for now but there will be one either side of this one, slightly shorter in length and there will be another three for the front section so i best get a wriggle on.

Mcoffey got me thinking so i made a little Youtube movie which i think could be a great idea for the future......

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KCi2nrImEqw

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_78.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_79.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_80.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_81.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_82.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_83.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_84.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_85.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_86.jpg

[Odin Eidolon]

great idea! will you make the case a mirror (dunno how to say it) like you did with the wavemaster (if i remember correctly)?

[coolmiester]

great idea! will you make the case a mirror (dunno how to say it) like you did with the wavemaster (if i remember correctly)?

Oh no, this ones getting an automotive paint job :cool:

........still not sure what colour thought!!!!

[Gazmtk]

CANDY RED!! :rolleyes:

[Odin Eidolon]

CANDY RED!! :rolleyes:

HELL YEAH!!!! :crack:

[coolmiester]

First of all i got to thank Intel for again making another killer mod possible by getting me a hand picked i7 965 CPU so at least while the rest of the case is away getting painted i can hopefully get the system up and running all be it on the bench and without the final GFX cards but its a start in the right direction as there is only 21 days to go.

Well, these simple little rails turned out taking a lot longer to complete than i'd originally thought but they are done now and look great so i'm well pleased with them and its another box ticked ;)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/skull/intel_logo.jpg (http://www.intel.com/)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_87.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_88.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_89.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_90.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_91.jpg

[Odin Eidolon]

:eek::eek:

awesum!

[RedRaider]

Very exquisite craftsmanship and what an awesome video...:slobber:

[Septim]

nice rails... looks like they were meant to be there in the first place... awesome mods as usual... :coolup:

[coolmiester]

I've never been so indecisive about what colour to paint a case so i've done a quick photochop to give some kind of idea what it would look like.

The safe bet is to go with black but i've already done black with the Cosmos so was thinking about being a little more adventurous but if it turn out bad there isn't any time to change my mind so i'd be stuck with it.

Gloss Black or Candy Red??

........oh decisions, decisions :confused:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_black.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_red.jpg

[Septim]

Candy Red with Black highlights...

[zlojack]

Red sure seems to be the hot colour in computer-land these days.

[Gazmtk]

Coolmiester just another spanner in the works for you, since your thinking Red or Black, why not Crazer Red? mix of both and something a little special for such a special case? :rolleyes:
Regardless of colour there will be no doubt this is one special build ;)

[HESmelaugh]

Wow, awesome modding here! Those vents on the side-panels are brilliant!

[Cutless009]

Hey man, if ur looking for good automotive quality paint and cant decide on a color, this is a thread on another forum I go to containing paint codes and examples of the paint on a car to help you choose.

http://zilvia.net/f/chat/173624-definitive-paint-thread-nuff-said.html

I hope it helps man :)

oh and if ur gona do candy red, do house of kolor candy apple, its expensive, but its amazing ^_^

[Gazmtk]

No Candy Apple Red is too Dark in my opinion I have it on my R1's second set of rims, It looks good on the bike, but I dont think it would do well on the case :(
HOK is great tho!

[mcoffey]

I'm all about gloss black myself. Nothing beats gloss black on anything if it kept right IMO.

andyc

[Gazmtk]

ohhh I love black dont get me wrong, but Black isnt the right colour for something special IMHO, Black with something with it yes, but not black by itself, black is a stealth colour, hides things easily, im sure Coolmiester wants to show its true glory.
But this is MY opinion only ;)

[Eternalightwith]

I prefer Puke green :puke:

[Gazmtk]

:nono:

[TedShred]

I voted black just cuz I think it would be a cool "twin" to your latest Cosmos. (Kinda the same awesome ribbed vents kinda thing.) With the differences coming from the shape of of the case (more angular versus roundy kinda thing) rather than the colour.

If that made sense. (I've taken a lot of cold meds today.)

Lookin' good man!

[coolmiester]

I totally agree Ted but i'd kick myself for not going for something a little more adventurous.

I've only got till tomorrow to make my mind up but i think i've decided on Ardent Red which is a Lotus colour with matt black grills along with the chrome rails which should hopefully look OK...........i hope :)

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/ardent_red.jpg

[Gazmtk]

OHHHH GOD YES!!!!!! THATS WHAT I MEANT!!! THAT!!! :slobber:
Its a nice vibrant red thats not too dark and not too pink, orange or purple!! you hit what I was thinking right on the head Coolmiester!! :)

Edit:
P.S.What about Satin black though, would go nicer with the Gloss Red ;)

[TedShred]

That's one sweet shade! That would look great. I like the satin black idea too.

[Gazmtk]

Everyone is gonna love that shade because its the Shade of Red that makes you 10% faster ;) LOL

[coolmiester]

My only concern is that i hope its not one of those colours that looks good outdoors and not so good under artificial light which a lot of automotive paint does.........guess there's only one way to find out :D

At this stage in the game, i just want some paint on there tbh as i'm starting to get stressed out.

The system is going through its paces on the bench with the GTX9800 and SSD's in RAID zero and its running spot on but i just heard from Zotac today there could be a delay on the 295's which isn't what i wanted to hear but i'm in their hands on this one as they are announcing the release at CeBIT and i'm under NDA so can't post the reason but i could do without the added stress tbh :mad:

16 days till it leaves here :eek:

[Gazmtk]

Coolmiester, I hear you on the artificial light problem my old bike was a master piece but under light looked 'bland' but a mate of mine brought in some special lights he uses to show off his car and it created the right lighting to make it look as if it were in the sun ;) it was a really yellow light source and was really bright but we moved it right back and it did the job well, might be worth considering for you?

[coolmiester]

Either that or i'll just set it up in the garden for a bit of alfresco overclocking as its -3 hear in the UK.

At the end of the day, its only on the Coolermaster stand for a week then its back here in storage or stuck under a desk but cheers for the heads up Gazmtk.

[Gazmtk]

Its such a peice of art in the making, I would love for everyone one who walks by it to see your true tallent for all its glory ;)
Though your name is one of much weight already, I just would love to see it get the recognition it deserves for your many hours of work.

[coolmiester]

WOW what a way to end the week..........

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_93.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_92.jpg

[TedShred]

So much for the Friday the 13th myth!

Yowza! Very nice.

[Cutless009]

nice color man, just a shame about the orange peel.

[Odin Eidolon]

its lovely, i was not convinced of the color of the car you showed but i have to admit i was wrong.

[Baleful]

That is absolutely gorgeous man. As usual, good job!

[coolmiester]

Well that was an experience..............i thought it would just fly together but it turned out like trying to do the Rubik's cube all over again.

Anyway, i made a start and just had to get a few pictures before actually adding the hardware but i got to say, its definitely RED

Here we go to round the week off.............

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_94.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_95.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_96.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_97.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_99.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_100.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_101.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_102.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_103.jpg

[Cutless009]

beautifully done man, those side vents are smooth as a babies bottom, congrats!

[Baleful]

That's a little more brighter red than I personally like, but that is still sick man.

GOOD JOB!

[TedShred]

awesome job once again coolmiester!

[Gazmtk]

lol it could be a RRR theme Case, its the right colour ;)
Looks great btw! couldn't of asked for a nicer Red ;)

[Odin Eidolon]

the paint job is definitely awesome :eek:, are you gonna stealth that dvd drive? it spoils the look a bit. and maybe paint the kaze master too? that would be amazing:D

[HESmelaugh]

Wow.

This is just one of those builds that's in a completely different league than most others you ever see.

[Cutless009]

totally agree :bananal:

[Spotswood]

Another awesome build. :clap:

[RedRaider]

Absolutely Beautiful....:slobber:

I love the shade of RED...:slobber:

[Gazmtk]

I was waiting for you to Tune in Red ;) I thought you might need a bib over that shade of Red.... they should call that shade of Red.... 'SEX'

[coolmiester]

My apologies for this one post as its a little jumbled but i seem to have a lot going on right now and i still haven't even started putting the hardware in but hey.............nothing like cutting things fine.

Anyway, its a show case right?? so who needs a ROM drive??

The new Scythe fan controller looked way out of place so it was time to get busy and stealth the sucker as well as both Bay-Res's and the end result is way better and in keeping with the windows which i also managed to get done.

Knocked up a simple dual plexi bay with Poly Weld, covered it in black out film and mounted the Scythe to it which basically gives the same effect, only bigger and mounted above the two Bay-Res's you start to see the look that i was originally looking for especially in the last picture.

Next week i guess i best get busy on the inside.

Loads of pictures as usual......see if they make any sense!!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_104.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_105.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_106.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_106a.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_107.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_108.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_109.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_110.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_111.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_112.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_114.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_115.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_116.jpg

[Cutless009]

VERY nicely done man.

[Gazmtk]

Thats unreal Coolmiester!

[ballz0r]

man thats awesome!!!

what do you use to cut your acrylic? Looks like a jigsaw.

also can you post a link to that poly-weld adhesive you use?

[coolmiester]

Gazmtk, i honestly appreciate your enthusiasm which isn't far off mine tbh.........thanks buddy, its guys like you that make this sort of mod all worth while :cheers:

[Langer]

Pure sex.

[Cutless009]

Yah, I just decided to buy one of these over a lian li because of this. GEE THANKS CM, GAWD. lol.

[Gazmtk]

Gazmtk, i honestly appreciate your enthusiasm which isn't far off mine tbh.........thanks buddy, its guys like you that make this sort of mod all worth while :cheers:

Anytime Mate :cheers: :)
Glad I could render some support for you ;)

[trfnj74]

Amazing Work.....:htk:

[bianco]

great looking build coolmiester.

[smee]

holy crap, thats an AWESOME color of red, and i absolutely LOVE the way you did the front covers over the fan controller etc....

this is coming along QUITE nicely. !!!

[HESmelaugh]

Great mod on the fan controller!
And good decision ditching the ROM. I don't use ROMs on most of my build anymore either. Not internal ones anyway.

By the way: I quite like how the display of the fan controller looks when it's "naked".

[coolmiester]

man thats awesome!!!

what do you use to cut your acrylic? Looks like a jigsaw.

also can you post a link to that poly-weld adhesive you use?

Sorry ballz0r, missed this one.

I was recommended a product called Weld-On (http://www.ipscorp.com/assembly/acrylic) but couldn't find a retailer anywhere in the UK then someone suggested i use Poly Weld from The Glue Shop (http://www.glue-shop.com/) so gave that a go and its amazing stuff..

Providing the edges are perfectly flat, you basically hold the two pieces in place and run the stuff along the seam and it works on capillary action and gets drawn into the seam and literally melts the two pieces together.

To get the edges perfectly flat it needs to be cut on a band saw or similar as a jig-saw just doesn't get the cut straight enough.

Making A Plexi Res (First Attempt) (http://coolercasesuk.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3923&highlight=poly+weld)

[Odin Eidolon]

Awesome job on the fan controller, it looks pure computer porn!

[mcoffey]

I swear, the man could mod a frying pan and have it come out looking fantastic.

Very nicely done,

andyc

[TedShred]

man, that is TIGHT

also lovin' how you did the fan controller, and the whole front. I like that red more every time I see it.

[coolmiester]

At last, started to get some liquids into this thing, all be it only the CPU / NB loop but its a start.

My Zotac GTX 295's left Hong Kong yesterday and according to TNT track and trace they landed at Heathrow at 9.30am this morning so i would imagine they will arrive tomorrow...........only problem is that they are two of only three samples here in the UK and i got to fit the damn blocks myself but i guess that's the price you pay for getting early samples and its no biggy to be fair.

Anyway, its leak testing at present and all looking well.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_117.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_118.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_119.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_120.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_121.jpg

[smee]

WOW!
You made that intel board look pretty nice, and I LOVE those delrin block tops........ so nice.
Keep it up!! Can't wait for the cards to come in. :)

[Cutless009]

I think I just wet myself a little.

[Langer]

What are you using for hoseclamps Paul?

[Kayin]

Those are permanent clamps. Good damn luck swapping a rig around like we do.

[Langer]

Prometheus will see no swapping.... hence my interest.

[coolmiester]

Yeah they are double eared O clamps (http://www.airlines-pneumatics.co.uk/webcat/Detprod.asp?ProductCode=S080031) which are pretty permanent tbh but this rig isn't going to be getting swapped out any time soon and i'm not a big fan of compression fittings.

Evil was meant to be sending me $200 of his ones for this and the skulltrail but they never materialised and time is getting on so needed to use something :shrug:

Must admit though i think i fucked up with the colours and am going to try red and black coolants tomorrow.

[Cutless009]

Must admit though i think i fucked up with the colours and am going to try red and black coolants tomorrow.

Go red, would look great, blue is meh.

[Langer]

Red UV tubes with non-UV black coolant would look really sexy IMO.

I am still waiting on evil and his clamps as well... too bad they looked to be real elegant.

Thanks for the link man - any benefits of single vs double ear?

[coolmiester]

Red UV tubes with non-UV black coolant would look really sexy IMO.

I am still waiting on evil and his clamps as well... too bad they looked to be real elegant.

Thanks for the link man - any benefits of single vs double ear?

I think single ear would be better or easier as you have to get in with the pinch pliers to crimp them up but double was all i had to hand.

Not sure what happened with Evil, he sorted price and shipping etc out then said he would get back to me later that day with payment options but that was the last i heard so am a bit pissed off with that as he knew i had a deadline and would rather he just said he couldn't do it :shrug:

Anyway, Take 2

What the hell was i thinking of going with blue :crack:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_123.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_124.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_125.jpg

[Cutless009]

much better. now I can go cream myself.

[Gazmtk]

:slobber: I am totally stunned Coolmiester! I am wearing my Stunner Shades just so I dont overdose on amazement!
It looks fit for a king ;)

P.S. I love the Red ;)

[HESmelaugh]

Yep, waaaay better with red fluid!

Looks absolutely stunning.

[coolmiester]

I've been concentrating on the external so much it hadn't really hit home until these Zotac GTX295's turned up today, how killer this hardware actually is and can't wait to get it up and running.

295's will remain air cooled for the time being which is quite a novelty for me until the blocks and black coolant arrive but at least it gives me a chance to test fit them and check they are both working and any issues with drivers and Windows 7 etc plus there is still 101 other things to do but all in all i'm pretty happy how its coming together.

Question is.............will it boot!!!!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_126.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_127.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_128.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_129.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_130.jpg

[TedShred]

so red for the cpu loop and black for the gpus, sounds good!

I love it how your builds always remind me of sports cars/ bikes.

[RedRaider]

Coolmiester...

Bro, you need to re-sleeve those power cables...:wth:

[bianco]

would coolermaster be able to give you red version of those drive bay quick release clips?
it should be a nice accent to the internals.

[Cutless009]

Can I have one of those copies of GRID you got for free :P xD Nice cards man!

[FrostByte]

you should totally bring that rig up to QuakeCon this year, ill be lookin for it there.

[kgd1]

Wow:eek: That looks sweet man.:D

[coolmiester]

Well, not to good I installed two Zotac GTX295's yesterday on a single OCZ SSD and ran into a few problems.

Apparently i should have let W7 look after the drivers but in my haste i downloaded the latest 182.06 from nVidia and installed them only to find when i went to the nVidia control panel and enabled Sli, both cards were trying to be master verified by the blue LED showing on the back of the cards.

After a bit of research i found Intel released a new BIOS for the DX58 with Sli support BIOS Update (SOX5810J.86A) (http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?ProductID=3018&DwnldID=17136&lang=eng) so installed that which pretty much took care of the master / slave cards and now have the blue LED showing only on the top card when Sli is enabled.

Still having issues though when running 3dMark 06 - sometimes it makes it all the way through and other times it freezes so will have a bit more play around in this new BIOS to see if there is anything that can be done there.

When 3dMark 06 does complete, i'm getting anywhere from just over 20000 to nearly 24000 all at stock setting which leads me to believe there something isn't quite right as i've never come across such a deficit running a bench apparently at the same settings???

I've loaded XP64 on the other SSD and getting around 19500

I'll keep playing though see if i can get them running a bit more stable before overclocking

[Gazmtk]

I wish I had answers or could help you solve your problem :(
Just an idea, have you tried running each card seperately then trying to change which is the master? Just thinking back to drama's I had with my 7900gt's in SLI, I know its different but I thought I would ask because one liked being the master and not the slave, no idea why??

[zlojack]

XP can't do quad-SLI, so no surprise that you're getting 19k there.

As for the Windows 7 issues, I suggest you start over and let Windows install the 7 drivers or first you could try the 185.2 betas, which were the ones that allowed me to run SLI in 7.

[RedRaider]

you should totally bring that rig up to QuakeCon this year, ill be lookin for it there.

I will be at QuakeCON this year and hopefully most of the staff at RedRaider Technology that lives in the US will be there as well...:woot:

[coolmiester]

Hey, thanks for the input which is much appreciated, especially about the 185.2 betas.

Just reloading a clean install of Windows 7 and will try using their drivers first of all and see how that goes then if that don't work i'll try the 185.2betas :cheers:

Anyway, something to take my mind off software / driver problems for the time being just turned up so its time to stop being a guinea pig for Microsoft and nVidia and start getting these blocks installed as i've only got a week from today before the complete case leaves here and i still got to strip the skulltrail and get new fluid in that :eek:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_133.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_131.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_132.jpg

[coolmiester]

You know when you genuinely want to thank someone for saving you so much time and effort.....well thanks zlojack :2up:

The 185.2 betas worked a treat and everything is running stable so i can now get on with getting the blocks installed, happy in the knowledge that providing i don't mess up all should be well once its back together.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/3dmark_25025.jpg

[zlojack]

Nice stuff, CM!

I was frustrated at first with 7 with the drivers, but I also had some other issues which eventually prompted me to return to Vista for daily use. 7 is going to be awesome, no doubt, but I don't think it's quite ready for prime time yet.

[Cutless009]

that is some gorgeous numbers from a gorgeous rig, congrats CM, you deserve whatever sponsors you get by a long shot.

[coolmiester]

That was a job and a half getting those blocks fitted but all done and ready to plumb in

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_135.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_136.jpg

[TedShred]

good stuff :up:

Did you make that 90 degree fitting on the bottom?

[coolmiester]

I know we're all probably getting a bit sick of this by now but hey its nearly done now.

Got the second loop filled with black and the blocks all stickered up and was really happy to get the hose running through the cards again..........i just love that for some reason.

So here how it stands at the end of another week and i'm off to the pub for a well deserved beer and forget about computers for a few hours!

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_137.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_138.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_139.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_141.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_142.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_143.jpg

[Ricey]

As usual, its stunningly beautiful. Another standard by which all else are judged. As always.

I really dig your Danger Den stuff.

[Baleful]

I know we're all probably getting a bit sick of this by now but hey its nearly done now.


NEVER!!!

I'm sure you already know, and you hear this on all your builds, but this is absolutely beautiful. Nice work man, I especially like the custom mounts for the DD blocks, matches the board quite nicely.

[Gazmtk]

Coolmiester I would never get sick of it, its watching a thing of beauty take form :)

[coolmiester]

While out at CeBIT, promotion is the name of the game and literally everything has a logo so i always do my best to promote sponsors while trying not to turn the case into a walking bill board but try to keep things in perspective with the case's overall appearance, as done right it not only promotes the sponsors and gives them a return on their investment but also raises my own awareness which i don't consider a bad thing.

Anyway, i hand cut a Zotac logo out of 3mm aluminium and polished it along with an Intel logo which matches the one on the Skulltrail Cosmos S and looks nice mounted on the gloss black bezels while still in keeping with the over red / black / chrome thing..............and before anyone askes, the "O" in Zotac will be painted orange before it leaves :)

I've also re-routed the hose slightly to make it look more pleasing on the eye and put new hose and liquid in the Skulltrail and will update photo's ASAP but for the time being here's a couple from today but both cases are just about good to go so a little pressure is off i must admit and i might get a good night sleep at long last.

Me and Tom have a busy busy 10 days ahead from Thursday what with driving the cases over etc and being out at CeBIT for the week then bringing them back but i'll do my best in keeping a picture log of the whole event from my laptop.

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_145.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_144.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_146.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_147.jpg

[zlojack]

Man...a case like that is one to keep for years!

Great work.

[bianco]

another awesome build to go with your ever increasing collection!
hopefully, you would post some pics of the build running (lights/etc).

just curious CM, what happens to your finished products? (especially the skulltrail build on cosmos and the yellow yamaha themed one).

[TedShred]

that really is awesome Coolmiester.

you know, on the subject of lights, I can't recall seeing any cold cathodes in your builds. do you use them ever?

[coolmiester]

BIG thanks to everyone for following the worklog - its the old cliché but it really does make it worth while.

The Skulltrail has just been re-hosed and is going out to CeBIT to keep this one company and the Yamaha Stacker is one of my daily drivers as its rock solid and never misses a beat.

Lighting - well i tried UV cathodes but it looks horrible - the red turns too pinky and the black goes blue which just looks so wrong so i decided to light it with only one white cathode.

I'll get pictures of both cases a little later.

[HESmelaugh]

Great stuff!
Does that mean I'm going to be able to see this beauty IRL at the CeBit? That would be great!

[Odin Eidolon]

CM, a question, what do you do with all the fantastic cases and pcs you build?

[coolmiester]

Great stuff!
Does that mean I'm going to be able to see this beauty IRL at the CeBit? That would be great!

For sure HES, this one is on the Coolermaster stand and the Skully is on the Zotac stand so don't forget to take your camera and post some pics for RRR :)

I'll be loitering around all week also so don't forget to say hi :cheers:

[coolmiester]

CM, a question, what do you do with all the fantastic cases and pcs you build?

I keep em :)

Some of the early stuff gets the hardware ripped out as it goes out of date and spread around family and friends but i keep most of the cases.

I got like a case museum at home :D

[HESmelaugh]

For sure HES, this one is on the Coolermaster stand and the Skully is on the Zotac stand so don't forget to take your camera and post some pics for RRR :)

I'll be loitering around all week also so don't forget to say hi :cheers:

Will do! :)

[Odin Eidolon]

I keep em :)

Some of the early stuff gets the hardware ripped out as it goes out of date and spread around family and friends but i keep most of the cases.

I got like a case museum at home :D

LOL if a thief comes to your house this night, it'll be me :D

[Gazmtk]

This is QUALITY at its finest here guys! :slobber: it makes alot of other builds look ugly in comparison just by its sheer beauty!
Coolmiester you have inspired me to do something, but its on the hush hush atm, when it comes to light I will give you credit for the inspiration ;)

[elite.ire]

I keep em :)

Some of the early stuff gets the hardware ripped out as it goes out of date and spread around family and friends but i keep most of the cases.

I got like a case museum at home :D

id love to see some pictures of your collection :D, id bet its immence :)

[coolmiester]

My mum just called round to see the finished case and immediately said, oh WOW its so influenced by Miami art deco which maybe true in a subliminal sense as i've stayed there many times though i personally thought it was more 60's hot rod influence but the first page on google images showed the Marlin Hotel which does bear an uncanny resemblance to the front of the case but it also had a red and chrome caddy of some sort parked out front which i found quite strange in a funny sort of way :eek:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/marlin.jpg

[Odin Eidolon]

CM, do you know if a 3,5" device could fit inside the top, substituting the external pop-up ports? i would like to fit a fan controller there, and to click to open it only when i need it

[coolmiester]

CM, do you know if a 3,5" device could fit inside the top, substituting the external pop-up ports? i would like to fit a fan controller there, and to click to open it only when i need it

That flip up IO panel measures 5" 3/8th by 3" 1/8th so yeah i would say it was doable :up:

[Odin Eidolon]

That flip up IO panel measures 5" 3/8th by 3" 1/8th so yeah i would say it was doable :up:

WOW thanks, maybe even a 5,25" device could fit there

[coolmiester]

WOW thanks, maybe even a 5,25" device could fit there


Oh yeah, thats how you right it lol...........been working in metric for too long lol

Bit small for 5.25" drive though.

Both cases ready for packing to start their journey on Thursday.

GPU loop reversed but looks much better imo :cheerleader:

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_159.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_156.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_157.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_161.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_151.jpg

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_153.jpg

[Odin Eidolon]

Oh yeah, thats how you right it lol...........been working in metric for too long lol

Bit small for 5.25" drive though.

Both cases ready for packing to start their journey on Thursday.

GPU loop reversed but looks much better imo :cheerleader:

*pics*



well, it will need some modding then ;)

i will not be at cebit this year, but a friend of mine will. what stand are you gonna be?

[bianco]

wow.... side by side... the red atcs is more striking than the black cosmos...
great builds from a man with great skill
:up:

[yeow_z]

the red one is fckn awesome man!! very well done lot of works!!:htk:

[TedShred]

those look amazing side by side!

[coolmiester]

The Background
Anyone that has followed the prod logs on various forums of both Tom (frozensnail) and myself may know that we were commissioned by Coolermaster (Hall 24 – Booth E39) to mod their new flagship chassis to further enhance their booth presence at CeBIT which proved to be a massive crowd favourite last year with the Cosmos so this year it’s the turn of the new ATCs 840

Basically we are left to our own devices to do as we please with the mods so this year Tom went for a gloss black and chrome, triple loop creation running Carbon CPU block which is a world first as far as we are aware and I went for bright red, black and chrome with my now seemingly characteristic side vents.

We do get access to early prototype chassis but it still doesn’t give us a whole lot of time to get these things complete and as usual it was a race to get finished with many delays and set backs along the way but we always seem to manage one way or the other.

I also have a previous Cosmos S Skulltrail system going out to CeBIT which will be on show on the Zotac booth (Hall 20 - Booth D12) so had to make sure that one was also up to scratch with a complete hose and liquid change along with a good old spit n’ polish.

6.30am Thursday 26 February
The journey begins, well for the cases anyway and as there isn’t a courier in the land I would trust these cases with, it comes down to me and Tom to make sure they arrive at CeBIT in one piece.

Thursday, I do the 540mile round trip to Toms leaving my cases with him and come Friday, Tom does leg two of the journey getting all three cases over to Coolermaster NL just mind as he slept in again and missed the ferry but I guess and returning home on Saturday for a quick wash and brush up ready for me to pick him up early Sunday morning so you could say its been quite a few days for the pair of us…….and that’s before we really start our main road trip.

http://www.snailmods.com/_notes/MODS/ATCs840/cebit_1.jpg

http://www.snailmods.com/_notes/MODS/ATCs840/cebit_2.jpg

http://www.snailmods.com/_notes/MODS/ATCs840/cebit_3.jpg

http://www.snailmods.com/_notes/MODS/ATCs840/cebit_4.jpg

http://www.snailmods.com/_notes/MODS/ATCs840/cebit_5.jpg

[RedRaider]

Hahahaha....

I see you took your skinny running mate with you again this year...:)

[Baleful]

Amazing work man, still can't get over how well your case came out. That red is just sick.

[RedRaider]

RED.....FTW

[TedShred]

woo hoo! gotta love a road trip

[Septim]

absolutely gorgeous... visually stunning... drool worthy...

[Cutless009]

lol that carbon overclock case looks like complete shit sat next to your creation.

[HESmelaugh]

I saw this build live at the Cebit and it's really gorgeous. Easily the best show-build at the entire fair.

IMO, it should have been more prominently displayed and lit by the people who did the CM-booth.

[Gazmtk]

Coolmiester it turned out GREAT mate :slobber:
pat yourself on the back for me, this is the kind of build that originally got me into PC modding, someone who took the time to pay attention to detail :)

[coolmiester]

Thanks for the input, i had a great time at CeBIT i must admit even though Tom got a bit of family bad news on Saturday morning so we had to hot tail it back to the UK which we did in 12 hours 47mins to drive 808 miles (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_173.jpg) travelling through five different countries along the way - Germany / Holland / Belgium / France / England

Needless to say i'm well fucked now but it was certaily an experience :)

Map (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_174.jpg) in case your interested

.........and i got to start a new mod this week :eek:

[bentleya]

Paul, why did'nt you get the ferry in Holland? easyier for you lot up north :)

Sweet, can't wait for another one of your mods :)

[TedShred]

12 hours 47mins to drive 808 miles (http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/atc_173.jpg)

- pretty good fuel economy too!

lookin' forward to your next project

[coolmiester]

For all those unable to make CeBIT 09 i did a quick 33 second video of the ATCs 840 on the Coolermaster stand showing the new Zotac GTX295 Infinity Series in Sli

http://www.coolercases.co.uk/atcs_840/infinity_yt.jpg

[RedRaider]

R3 TV......FTW

[coolmiester]

Good old Tom giving the low down to the Inquirer.

Coolermaster Case Mod @ the Inquirer (http://intruders.tv/inqtv/2009/03/31/coolermaster-case/)

[Baleful]

That case is just beatiful, again, nice work man.

[THP Dan]

amazing cases!!
i love the look of them swirs on the GPU blocks.

[mcoffey]

Just so incredible,

After seeing this, pretty much the only new build case I'm interested in doing. I'd like to get one with a black powder coated inside, and do a build. Coolermaster really did a hell of a job on the stock case by itself. With what CM did with this one, really peaked my interest.

andyc

[funkysnair]

never thought about getting a coolermaster case but im thinking about it now!!

great job m8...

[Mr_Armageddon]

Your mods are absolutely amazing. Such quality craftsmanship is greatly admired. The color scheme looks beautiful, and great job with the custom Derlin water blocks.

Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[coolmiester]

Nice little feature on the making of this mod just hit Bit-Tech front page :)

ATCS 840 Smackover by Coolmiester (http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/case-mod/2009/06/08/atcs-840-by-coolmiester/1)

Feel free to add comments with any criticisms either good or bad as all feedback is positive to me and i really like to hear peoples thoughts an how they think i should of done things differently.

[Worthy]

Thumbs up Cool. It's nice to have you and your skillsets here.
I have no input to offer.

[Economist]

Wow that is some serious skill there.

[trfnj74]

You know your the shit when some one does a write up and your rig....Awsome work :up:

[coolmiester]

LMFAO, i'll take that as a compliment............cheers guys :crack:

[DexNfX]

Pretty creative on how you mounted the pump to the res. Inspirational! :champ: