[Not a real build log] Build completed! RX240 in a Corsair 500R ftw.

Well, after a few days of building, some cuts, and electrocution scares, I've finished my build. Sure, it's not the best you'll ever see - I am on a serious budget - but I think it's pretty nice. Right now all I'm missing is an interior light and, maybe, some fans. If anyone wants to suggest some new fans and placement then I will consider them.

Anyway, I don't have a real "build log" at all, hence the subject. I do, however, have some pictures during the building process - which you will get.

I'm pleased that, with some modding, I was able to get an RX240 in the bottom of my 500R (all it really took was cutting a hole out of the bottom where the HDD cages were and drilling holes for the fan to mount). I also cut along the seam of my side panel (the seam of the big bulge) and put a plexi glass window in. Didn't see the point of doing all this work inside if it wasn't visible.

Anyway, pics! Sorry the quality sucks, sold my SLR to buy my processor/RAM/mobo in June.

This is my pre-WC shot. Not too much to talk about.



This is the hole I cut in the bottom to accommodate the RX240.



Power supply mod - removed one SATA line and one Molex line.



CPU Block, GPU Block, and RX240 installed.



Leak testing!



Testing my side panel with the custom window during leak testing.



First power on after leak testing.



In place on my desk, powered on.





That's it for now. Still need some fans for the top compartment (since it isn't being used right now). I *may* have decided against dyeing, if I haven't then I'm going to use my black dye bomb. But..I may not. Comments, suggestions (that don't involve me taking this apart for awhile), etc. are welcome and thanks for looking.

Also, thank you to everyone from OCN that helped with my questions, especially Hydrored and Angrybutcher.

Ok, opinions: My GPU, OCed to 935/1375 maxes at load at 39C. My CPU's highest core (which has always been hot) idles at 40-44C. Obviously, something's wrong. Used OCZ Freeze TIM on my CPU block and I'm sure I don't have in/out mixed up. Bad TIM application? ****ty block (XSPC Rasa)?

CPU is currently at 4.8@~1.45 (Vcore feels way high but I can't get it stable at less, and it's still kinda dicey at 4.8). I feel like, perhaps, I'm missing something in my OC settings. Suggestions?

Can a mod move this thread to Intel Builds so maybe it can get some love?

Oh whoa a response!

I cut it out with a mill. You could probably do it with a dremel if you have the steadiest hands ever. I just followed the seam of the bulge all the way around and drilled holes with a press. Didn't have to worry about imperfect edges or spurs but you could file them down if you had any. Ran a Sharpie around the edge to blacken it (lolz). Got a piece of lexan at home depot and there you have it. I did run into a problem though - if you follow the seam exactly then there is a clearance problem at the back since the case has to slide forward. I had to just grind the lexan down as much as possible at the top, there is literally like 1mm left next to the screw...but it fits.