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[BlitZ]

Well guys, I've been working on this for a couple weeks now, and for the most part is is complete.  I've taken this straight off my clan's forums, showing them a thing or two and trying to get them into some modding etc, so excuse the n00by bits.  Just click on the pics for big versions (only 1024x768 though, so not too harsh for you )

Well, I thought I had better start a new thread, as it will make things easier to track in the future.  I've been a little lazy with my past projects, just jumping in with my trusty jigsaw and showing everyone the finished product.  This time I thought I would guide us through a few things about case modding, So if anyone ever decides to have a bit of fun with their cases they'd be able to come back and see what I did and didn't do right.  Let's do this....  btw, just click on the images for a bigger version.

First up, the v1200 Plus arrived today, at my local PC store.  I was quite surprised at how long it took, was expecting at least 3 weeks for delivery but got it in under a week, so that was nice.  The total cost was $340 for the case.  On its way is a new PSU, the reason for which will be outlined in the near future...

First up, the case in question:  Lian Li PC-V1200B Plus II.  It has had a 5 1/4" bay removed (the floppy drive one), in preparation.  This pic was taken after I ripped the guts out of it



Next, the packaged internals, before I took it apart... (note the cool wheels - actually coming in very handy for moving the case a little here or there) -> and after

       

A few other things of note were the HDD racks and the front 120mm fan mount, pics below.  The build of these is just great, with washable filters and all, however a 120mm rad is soon to go in the front, so I won't be needing it.  However the mounting module I will be using.

       

The modding will start on the weekend, when I borrow a dremel from my mate, and get the template for my current 240mm radiator.  I also need to order some additional parts for my water cooling loop, but more to come on that later.  For now, enjoy the pics.

[BlitZ]

OK, I've finally got around to uploading some pics of the case, but I'm almost off to work, so I'll only make a start.  Here's a quick guide on how I cut the top of my case:

Tools (didn't take a pic sorry):

-Masking tape ($4 for good stuff)
-Set square and pencil ($7 at Bunnings)
-Jigsaw, Dremel, or both (with a metal cutting blade) (prices vary.  $50 for a cheap dremel, $70 for a cheap jigsaw)
-Drill and a couple drill bits ($50 for a cheapie)
-400 and 800 grit sandpaper ($3 for a sheet of each)
-Cup, plate, protractor, CD (anything with a round edge)
-Bastard File (with a rounded and flat edge) ($15 - $20 for a nice one)
-A set of clamps ($12 at Bunnings)

The first rule of cutting anything is to measure twice, and cut once.  The 240mm rad was an absolute terror to measure, due to the design of the metal brackets that the fans bolted to.  They weren't at all symmetrical, which meant a lot of measuring and re-measuring before I got it right.  In the end, I just circled the fan holes, and made my own cutting template from a set of consistent measurements (and my trusty cup).  Here's a few pics of the measuring and cutting process:

          

I left some play with the corners in order to allow for me to have some control with the file and sandpaper.  The final image on the right is after the holes have also been de-burred using a pointy dremel grinding bit.  A week later I added another hole for the rear of the case, in an effort to discard the side fan, and just use a single top mounted exhaust one.  I followed the same dimensions as the previous holes.  Here was the final result:

The next step was to slightly modify the motherboard tray so I would be able to route my cables behind the tray out of sight.  Being very pedantic with cable management (I hate them), I wanted to make the fitting and hiding as easy as possible.  I'll upload the photos soon of what i've done.

Onto the motherboard tray cutting.  I mounted the mobo and measured about 1cm from the SATA ports and also the 24 pin ATX lead.  Then, I found a 1/2" drill bit a put 4 holes at the top and bottom of each cut.  Then it was as easy as grabbing the jigsaw and bridging the gap, filing and sanding.  The ATX cut needed a slight semi circle file to allow for the clip to fit.  The other cut near the mobo tray was an extension to the top standard hole (on the tray) and a rear cut on the supporting arch for the ATX, SATA and PSU cables to sit in without obstructing the closed side panel.  I didn't take a photo of the final cut though, maybe later.

     

Next up, the mounting of the front 120mm rad.  It was a little larger than expected, which mean some more dremelling work at the front.  The side shroud stuck out higher than the aluminium sheet for the drive bays above.  The cut was a VERY snug fit, which is good cause it actually hold the rad in place a little really well.


          

[BlitZ]

Now all the cutting has been done, it's time to look at assembling the PC and any other little modifications i've made along the way.  In other words, a little chance to show off how it looks.  Before that though, Let's have a look at a little thing I've come across called Lapping.  Basically, the removal of the thin nikel plating on the CPU Heatspreader to expose the copper below.  This works a treat for copper CPU blocks, both normal air coolers and liquid blocks.  As most Core 2 Duos are actually concave, it also increases the surface contact area to the heatsink, resulting in lower temps (and higher overclocks!).  Here's what I used:

-400 grit dry sandpaper
-1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper
-Brasso polish and paper towel (kitchen variety)
-Perspex surface (glass is better, but I had none)
- Masking tape
- Isopropyl Alcohol for cleaning (metho pictured but I didn't use it - it'd probably work also though)

Most of these things are common in the home, so dig around to find what you can.  I would have liked an intermediate wet/dry sappaper (say, 800 grit), but I had run out.  I used the 400 grit to wear down to the copper (just), then went nuts on the 1200 grit.  You use figure 8 motions, holding the CPU facedown on the masked sandpaper.  When it's smooth, take it off, polish up with Brasso (you don't really need this, mainly for looks), then clean with the alcohol.



From left:  1) Untouched CPU; 2) 1200 Grit finish; 3) Brasso + Alcohol wiped finish.  Shiiiiiiny!
          

Lastly, here's my brand new Noctua P12-1300's.  They are optimised for high density situations, like heatsinks and radiators, that air might have a tough time getting through.  They are extremely quiet (better than the old Xinruilian fans), so i'm stoked to have an all-Noctua case fan setup.  There are 3 of these fans, on the 240mm and 120mm radiators, all sucking air into the case.



Now, onto the (semi) final pics (for now)!

          


          

So there you have it.  There's a few other things to come, like a window, cable sleeving, VGA waterblock and the grills for the top holes, but for now, this is it.  If anybody has any questions, or wants to get into some modding, just let me know and I'll help where I can.  Also, any suggestions are always welcome.

Thanks for reading everyone!  I put a heck of a lot of effort into this to give you all a bit of an idea, and I hope you like it!

[BlitZ]

Reserved for the final mods.

PL - let me know what you think and any other suggestions you have!

Hope you all like

[MadDog]

Very nice job mate, looks great

Did you only put a 240 in the top because a 360 would get in the way of your MB?

[BlitZ]

I've had the 240mm rad for a year now.  I may have thought about a 360mm if I bought another case, but I'm pretty happy with this one.  We shall see how things go when I order the block for my 9800GX2

[amoz]

geez very neat job.
love the single rad placement and the mobo extra holes.
i bet your proud of the finish on your top holes.
Well Done
and cheers for sharing Blitz

[Peter]

Wow, impressive job BlitZ. Very clean finish.

Thanks for sharing.

Yes, those Noctua's do indeed look good

Now to see some results!

[The Wiz]

Nice work Blitz. Very clean finish as downforce said, looks awesome.

[BlitZ]

Cheers all.

moz: I'm pretty happy with the finish to the top.  Looking at Rod's beast, I really liked the pre cut holes for the rad, so I tried to copy that design.  I didn't use a template and they all seem to line up and look the same, so I can't complain!

Peter:  The Noctuas certainly are a lovely fan.  I ran into some trouble with the screws I had to mount them to the rad though.  The chassis actually stuck out too far for the head of the screw to fit into and stay perpendicular to the hole.  So I actually had to file down the sides around the holes to make them fit correctly.  A bit of a pain, considering the heads for the screws were not that big at all!

Wiz: Cheers!

A few other mods to make, I will be putting an AC Ryan 240 and 120mm rad grill on top, which should make things look a bit more uniform.  I will be cutting a window also, and perhaps line the mobo tray with some black perspex.  I have a plan for the drive bay pillar also, involving some LEDs and a hole punches steel sheet, similar to the finish on the front of the case...

[Nurple]

Awesome job BlitZ!!!

Looks very clean and love the placement of the 120mm RAD. Good job with the modding as well!

[the FAN-MAN]

dude i love the cable management!!!!

[BlitZ]

Well, the final stages of my build are nearing completion.  After seeing the benchies of the GTX280 and how close they were to the GX2 @1920 and 1680, I figured i'd keep the GX2 and just water cool it.  This arrived in the mail today, all 1.125kg of it...  Nabbed the last one for $200 at the flabbergast sale, which isn't too bad for 2x blocks and lots of copper

Excuse the bad picture quality, was taken on the mobile.  It seems to have the focus area of a pin head.  Installation may well be tonight.  maybe.

[Nurple]

*drools* Can't wait to see the install mate!

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