[Project] T.A.C. (Thermally Advantage Chassis) - Page 2 - Overclock.net

wastedtime · 07-13-08

Good choice on the fan. In fact since you are using a controller you can go with the 3000rpm version of the Scythe Kaze. You can always turn them down.

Not really sure about the controller . I personally prefer the Zalman MFC-1. I also have the Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme to control the Delta 4000rpm 220CFM fan in Azure.

duffsr · 07-13-08

Thanks Very much for the feedback!

I was measuring the distance between the case metal and the front plastic fascia, it turns out to be about 1.25". I don't think there is room there for the full 120x38mm fan in there. As that's where I really wanted to have the front fan I opted out for some 120x25mm Yate Loon 70cfm fans.

If i can find more space, I'll keep those Kaze's in mind though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wastedtime

Good choice on the fan. In fact since you are using a controller you can go with the 3000rpm version of the Scythe Kaze. You can always turn them down.

Not really sure about the controller . I personally prefer the Zalman MFC-1. I also have the Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme to control the Delta 4000rpm 220CFM fan in Azure.

I forgot to mention the criteria for picking out the fan controller.

1) 3.5" Only
2) No LEDs

As the front 5.25" drive bays are now becoming a fan housing, I'm only left with the Floppy drives.

Also, as T.A.C. is going to be a traditional desktop, I want to minimize the unchecked light coming out the front.

Thanks, Now I'm just waiting for about 5 packages to get here!

EDIT - Now I'm rethinking my fan positioning, I would have no problem getting the 38mm thickness in there. Time to see what my shipping status is.

Warfarin88 · 07-13-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by duffsr

Anyone see any issues with this combination of fan/controller?

From the egg reviews on that controller:

Quote:

Cons: I searched to try and find information on amperage and voltage for each channel. I could find nothing. I had already bought them so I sent an email to Silverstone support asking if I could hook up 2 fans to one controller. In their reply they said ""no"" because each channel was only rated at 0.40A and 4.8W per channel. Very low for trying to install 2 fans on 1 channel. So, 3 fans is all this thing will safely control. Disappointing but I should have done more homework. No instructions at all. You have to download a PDF from their site. No big deal, easier to read and all in English. That shouldn't be a con for most, but some will complain.

Note the bolded portion. Check that against your fan specs. If FrozenCPU's info is correct (0.25A on the KAZE, 0.30A on the Loon), it should handle them at one fan per channel.

Also in the reviews for that controller is this diddy from our very own CyberDruid:

Quote:

Pros: You get two complete control panels--a total of 6 rotary pots--and 1 very compact PCB that can be hidden away anywhere. Given the option to mount in the front or back I choose to take them apart and have the option of drilling a 5/16"" hole and moutning them where I like: on the top of the case. The aluminum knobs are very nice and overall this is one of my favorite controllers for case mods.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Buy two of these kits and make a custom 6 fan control panel be drilling 6 5/16" holes in an optical bay cover plate or anywhere you see fit.

If that's the sort of testimonial you were looking for.

P.S. Nice looking plan you have here. I'm anxious to see how this one pans out.

duffsr · 07-13-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warfarin88

From the egg reviews on that controller:
If that's the sort of testimonial you were looking for.

P.S. Nice looking plan you have here. I'm anxious to see how this one pans out.

+Rep, nice post and thanks for the help! I'm anxiously awaiting to see how crazy8's looks as well! I read the reviews and couldn't find anything blatently wrong so I hope we're good with that.

Right now I'm waiting for parts from 3 vendors and 2 overclock.net forum sales. This Friday I'm leaving for a week to meet and catch up with my family.

Tentatively, I'd like to get the 3.5 bays modded, the holes for the second front fan cut, and the modifications to the 5.25" cage to house the rotated dvd drive.

I'll be sure to post pics and keep everything up-to-date.

Thanks and feel free to leave thoughts!

duffsr · 07-15-08

Hello Overclock.netters,

Just yesterday I got a great second hand Coolermaster Geminii Heatsink.

Sadly due to a mix up between the seller and myself, we lost the Intel Mounting Plastic Washers and Hexagonal Nuts for the back of the motherboard.

I am trying to find a suitable replacement for these, but as of now:
-Coolermaster customersupport hasn't responded,
-HomeDepot doesn't appear to have anything that will match them.

If you or anyone you know has these locking nuts and would be willing to sell/give the Intel pieces, please let me know. Or if you know what piece could replace the nuts, Please respond.

http://www.coolermaster.com/uploads/...nII_manual.pdf

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Recharging the battery for the hole saw, pictures to follow!

duffsr · 07-16-08

And then there were holes.

(click the pic for the high resolution).

I bought a 4.5" hole saw and went to town. It worked far far better than I even imagined.

I performed a variation on the 5.25" drive bay fan mod. I epoxied first, then just sawed.

The case with its hole.

All put together.

A quick view of my workspace. It's very nice and calm up there (third floor of three story townhouse). Florida weather, it was raining in this shot, with the sun out, but a real nice breeze. Didn't capture the sky like I'd hoped.

And then I sanded the case down for about an hour. It came with this very thick textured Beige paint. Which is nice stock, but it had to go. So its gone.

----------------------------------------------------------

My Geminii is missing the back connections for socket 775. I found that standard motherboard standoff's can work in their place. I will have to pare them down and still get some washers, but it doesn't seem to be the deal-breaker I first thought.

I'm going on vacation Friday through next week, but I hope to have all the case prepped for primer before I go.

3 packages get here tomorrow hopefully!

redsunx · 07-16-08

Yup, I can tell this is gonna be a kickass mod already.

duffsr · 07-16-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsunx

Yup, I can tell this is gonna be a kickass mod already.

Thanks very much. I've been really inspired by all the great work I've seen here!

The front fans will be quite a bit closer together than my original concept, due largely down to the case I started with. Also due in part to my lack of experience.

I've had fun just getting started, can't wait for some of the meat and potatoes.

duffsr · 08-05-08

Sorry the progress here hasn't been as smooth as I had hoped!

Fear not, progress is being made.

I bought the BenQ G2400WD. Fantastic TN 24"lcd, and at $350 shipped, no complaints.

I then installed the Ergotron 45-179-195 VESA arm.

Installation was fairly complex, as I had to dismantle the factory clamp, install the through desk rod, drill a hole through my table, and then tighten the tension.

The end result is quite nice.

Concurrently, I've been dremmeling like a mad-man, as the steel case is quite tough. I finished the cuts to enable the side mounted optical drive, warranting a little sneak preview of the final product. (no worries, the lcd is not restricted in movement!)

Finally I can start prepping the chassis for paint while finishing up the cutting on the cover. More to come, thanks for looking!