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Hello all. Welcome to the build log for my first entirely self-built computer (and epic vanity project), IRONBEAST, which I have finally got around to start posting for your amusement. All questions, friendly critique and speculation about my sanity are entirely welcome. I hope you enjoy reading it.
Contents
- Introduction: Post #1
- Project Overview: Post #2
- Background: Post #21
- Build Status, 4th March 2015: Post #21
- Design Overview: Post #57
- Project Progression: Post #67
- Components Selection, Part One: Post #85
- Manifold Prototype: Post #95
- Components Selection, Part Two: Post #156
- RayStorm Lighting Test #1: Post #167
- Fan Backlighting Test Pictures: Post #187
- Subfloor Assembly Renders: Post #218
- Lower Radiator Configurations: Post #256
- Upper Expansion Ports, Concept Renders: Post #271
- Lower Expansion Ports, Concept Renders: Post #294
- Phase Three Test Rig Design, Part One: Post #403
- Phase Three Test Rig Design, Part Two: Post #441
- Build Status, 26th July 2015: Post #650
- Intial Benchmark Tests, 3DMark Fire Strike: Post #666
- Motherboard Cooler Design: Post #754
- Radiator Configuration Testing, Part One: Post #790
- Radiator Configuration Testing, Part Two: Post #793
- Phase Three Test Frame Construction, Part One: Post #856
- Phase Three Test Frame Construction, Part Two: Post #865
...
Introduction
Making my own computer is something I have wanted to do for almost 10 years, but have never had the time or the resources to properly devote to it. Thus I have always ended up being boringly pragmatic and buying off the shelf - until now. I know, I know. If I had even half a brain I would start with something simple, something restrained and sensible, something practical; but as you can probably guess from the name, I'm not going to. This is the best (and quite possibly only) opportunity I am going to get for the foreseeable future to dedicate myself doing something more than an 'ordinary' build - something a bit special.
As such I am, against my better judgement, going pretty much the whole hog first time out. The project will include extensive case modifications (including new metalwork), a full watercooling system, some custom paintwork, bespoke case lighting and ultimately a little overclocking too. It's definitely going to take a while, as I'm tiptoeing rather cautiously through each stage of the process. I will be relying very heavily on my CAD skills and modest engineering abilities, plus the sage advice of people here, to make a success of this.
And on that note:
Angle One, with side panel
Angle Two, without side panel
Angle Three, without side panel
Angle 4, without side panel
These are a few render images of what I intend to try and make - generated using the CAD model I've created whilst planning the detail of the build. This is, for those that are interested, an 'assembly model'; made up of individual part models of the various components. It will allow me to post a series of exploded and sub-assembly renders deconstructing the design, showing you stage-by-stage how I intend the build to be made (hopefully you can then point out all the places where I've been unusually stupid).
I will be trying to include as much content as I can in the build log; including drawings and diagrams, 3D renders and work-in-progress photos. (Warning: there will also be wordy and longwinded bits where I start to ramble on about stuff, apologies in advance.) You might have noticed that the Ironbeast design has some 'unconventional' elements to it, and a somewhat unusual layout. There are also a few other interesting features I have planned that the model doesn't show. I'll be explaining all these ideas, and the motivations behind them, in detail as the log progresses.
Things to expect:
• A powerful X-99 based workstation build
• Extensive custom watercooling setup
• 4-way SLI or Crossfire graphics
• Non-standard layout with centred and recessed motherboard
• Clean aesthetics with concealed cables and pipework
• Bespoke-made programmable lighting rig
