Hey all! It's been a while since I have posted on what I have been up to. I am still making cases within my limited time, but my time is getting better, or should I say I now have a bit more time. I was also rejuvenated by learning of a cool product I can use to make the frames of cases which I am still not sure why I never saw it before. Instead of using an acrylic 3/8" (9mm) frame (expensive) to make the cases I am using some 25mm 80/20 T-Slot extrusion. I have been feverishly designing multiple cases in sketchup and working with Frozen Q on some of the designs.
 
Here is how I will be making the frame of the case. Each acrylic panel will attach to the aluminum frame. This time no fans will be mounted to any outside panel of the case itself and will be mounted to panels on the inside of the case (fan panels) The panels on the outside of the case will just be vented for airflow and be of 1/4" (6mm) acrylic or a combo of 3mm pieces for multi color. The "fan panels" on the inside of the case will be made out of 1/8" (3mm) acrylic and can be swapped out of the case to use different fan configurations...... like using all 120mm fans to using 140mm fans by just changing the fan panel inside the case (no need to replace the thicker more expensive outer case panel). The extrusion is 25mm thick (same as a fan) so the fan can be mounted on either side of the fan panel to give an extra 25mm of space for larger rads. More to come in Part 2....the Design & Sketchup Renders.
 
Part 1 The Frame:
 
I'll be using hidden nuts and screws (I'll be upgrading the screws a bit later) for a clean look.
 
 
25mm 80/20 brand aluminum extrusion 305mm length (12") also comes in black anodized!

 
M6 Screws
 
 
Tapping the ends of the 305mm extrusion for the mounts. Screw Tap is M6


 
 
Still need to drill an access holes to reach the screw in the adjacent joining extrusion. Will be a 6mm hole at 12.5mm in the center.


 
Joined with a clean look!
 

 
Thank you for looking....Part 2 The Design Coming Next!!!!

Part 3: The Mini ITX Build Log (same design, just smaller)
 
Okay, I really don't have the components for this case and I may just have to tear apart my gaming build, buy another mini itx mobo and gpu...we shall see!!!
 
This design is finished and I have all the CAD files ready to cut. This is the smaller version of the ATX and I do have a Micro design almost finished along with the ATX, not to mention  a tower design too! I'm having way to much fun with this!
 
Case size is 13.9" wide (355mm) x 14.4" deep (366mm) x 12.4" tall (316mm)
Acrylic will be matte black and frosted in color
9 total 120mm fan mounts and 2 total 80mm fan mounts
All fan panels can be removed to swap out with 140mm fans (for air only) I don't think a 140mm rad will fit
Top and bottom fan panels can be separated (remove on fan) and adjusted forward or backwards.
The I/O backplane is also made of acrylic!
 
Sketchup Renders:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Once again, thank you for looking more to come as I try to squeeze this build in with others!!!

Welcome back!

Hey,good timing on your return lol! I try to brag on you all the time man. Great to see you around, again.
I like the design ,great idea to use the aluminum. There is a member looking for a modded case, I pointed him your way@ Lazerwerx. http://forums.evga.com/Want-a-modded-case-m2315616.aspx#2320167 

Thanks all! It's good to have a little more time with my new position at my day job! Although not much extra... I'll be getting the case built a bit with a little work this weekend.....in between other custom jobs!
 
@ nikko, zophar, notfordman thank you!
 
@ knight....will do my friend!

I like the ITX, just never see myself going smaller than matx, gorilla hands and all.
But, would be cool to see what ya could do for ITX  12inch cubed case Kirk? Hahaha!

Thanks guys!!!
 
Update Time!!!!
 
I put in around 10 hours today to get almost all the pieces cut and put the case together somewhat to make sure it all fit right. No worries, those screws are temporary!!! My back hurts, my fingers really hurt from popping out all of those hex squares (note to self, just design regular grills)  I started with tapping the ends of the extrusion and drilling the access holes. My hands and arms got a good work out tapping 24 holes with a M6 thread.....going to be sore tomorrow!!! After the metal work was done it was off to cutting and mock assembly!
 
I'll let the pictures to the talking....my fingers hurt to type!
 

 

 

 

M6 Screws with T-Slot Nuts

 

 

 

 
Fan Panels in place on the bottom

 
 
More pics to follow.....can only upload 10 at a time!
 

Pictures look great. Keep 'em coming.

Looking absolutely fab now!
 

That's going to look awesome once all the protective paper is off. Not to say it's not already looking fantastic.

Awesome work as usual. We need to get together and add something to my case so i can get into the cpu mad reader mod. Got denied last time. 

Mine is incredibly strong. This new design should make it pretty much bullet proof. I know there is a few cases on here that were done by his handy work. 
 
EVGATech_DaveB he also did this case for me. I would not hesitate to stand on it. This new design i think you could drop and it would bounce lol
 

Like the rad mounts on those frames, could even do push and pull fans on some of those mounts?

Thanks guy's! I ordered the correct screws for the build yesterday, all hex key button top and flat top. The flat top are huge!!! The tops are 12mm wide so I don't think I'll go with the flush mount look. The button tops are similar to what you see on the top right now, but all screws will be in black.
 
@zophar Once the screws arrive the paper comes off.....I am excited to see what it looks like!!!
 
This build will most likely be the most extensive one I have ever created or until my wife screams and yells at me. I can hear it now "what are you going to do with that?" then when finished, "now what are you going to do?" ...........Build another larger size!!!!
 
I have decided what color scheme will be going into the build and what will come next. Orange, Black, Frosted, and a bit of Silver will be the colors. I don't have components for the build yet except for the CPU (4790K) as I am still researching and want to make sure the case fits perfectly first!
 
What I have thought of so far:

• All hand made to length sleeved cables in silver and uv orange for the psu. PSU, thinking EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2
• GPU (not sure which gpu, but it will be EVGA brand, 970 or 980) 980 would be great but the wife would most likely put the hurt on me for spending that much!
• Hard line tubing in uv orange for the cpu and gpu. This will be my 1st go at Hard Lining!
• GPU Waterblock, still unsure until I have a card in hand and it will have a custom acrylic matching back plate, any suggestions on the block? I would like to place some orange L.E.D.'s in it as well.
• Two 240mm Rads either mounted on the front of the case or both in the mobo chamber (might paint them UV Orange)
• Frozen Q CPU Block in frosted and uv orange with a small "E" on the center piece http://www.frozenqshop.com/cold-fusion-waterblock-intel-amd-copper-base/
• Frozen Q LF Reaction 160mm Cylinder Reservoir in Silver and Orange http://www.frozenqshop.com/lf-reaction-160mm-cylinder-reservoir/
• Fittings (still looking) any suggestions on brand? black, white, silver...help!
• Mobo, ITX (EVGA Stinger) Not sure which one yet
• 13 total 120mm fans, no LED, but Orange UV (if I can find some with PWM)
• Pump, need help selecting this from you guy's as there are so many and I need a small strong one, any suggestions?
• Two 2tb HD's in Raid 1 for storage HGST Brand
• Two SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB 3-D Vertical in Raid 0 with custom acrylic covers to match
• Memory, orange color, not sure which ones yet

@ EVGA TECH Dave_B, I think it only weighs 8-10lbs, but you can stand on it!
 
@knightsilver, yes the mobo chamber can mount fans on either side of the fan panels, so I will be going for push/pull
 
@violence, ahhh, remembering the largest case I ever built. Don't feel bad about being denied, here's my denial:

 
Thank you all for your kind comments!!! More to come!!!!
 
Kirk (Gone Cruising)
 

@Gone Cruising
 
You asked for a pump suggestion, for a quite, powerful and small I recommend the Swiftech MCP50x, fairly new but it is a SOLID pump.  That's my 2 cents.
 
Also, that is a sweet case, little open air  system like that, really nicely done.