March Project Log and Case Mod Index update

March Project Log and Case Mod Index Update

We're finally getting some decent modding weather here in the UK, and as March comes to a close, we're looking forward to being able to take our work outside without losing the feeling in our fingers. We're also looking forward to seeing how a few projects are progressing in our project log forum - there's some cracking work on show as usual, and this is our our monthly roundup of a selection of the best projects of the moment.

We'll also be taking a look at the bit-tech Case Mod Index. This is our very own index of case mods, sorted by case manufacturer so you can see exactly what has been done to a specific case. It's a handy tool if you need some inspiration with your new case, or if you're not sure which case to buy next for your new modding project.

If you'd like to submit your project, drop us a line at modding@bit-tech.net, with 'submit my mod' in the subject line, along with the following details:

• Forum name
  
• Case (make and model)
  
• URL to your project log (which must be in bit-tech's project log forum)
  
• Project name
  
• Whether or not your PC is water-cooled

Your project needs to be complete and with significant modifications - these can include spray paint/powder-coat or water-cooling hardware.

There are now over 60 projects using over 40 different cases from 14 different manufacturers in the Index, so if you've ever wondered what other people have done to your case in the way of modding, make sure you check it out. We've added several new case lines, including the SilverStone TJ11 and Thermaltake Mozart, and many new projects to our ever growing index.

Back to in-progress projects, and we've been keeping a close eye on several of these projects for a while now as each has huge potential for being one the best projects that we'll see in 2012.

The first is Battle Dragon Bag by monkeyfun. This scratch build actually started in September last year, but it's really come on in recent weeks and is one of our favourite small form factor projects around at the moment.


The dragon logo took some serious work to cut out, but monkeyfun shows us how he did it in his project log, which reveals a fascinating step-by-step process which eventually ended up with the cut-out section you see here. Due to the small size of the project, the internals will be a little cramped, but this hasn't stopped monkeyfun from going with water-cooling to beat the heat.

The metal frame of the case has been completed and the components are gradually being installed and we're looking forward to seeing what monkeyfun will do with the exterior.


This next modder just can't stop it seems, and in his next, undoubtedly awesome project, forum member kier has started work on the case of the moment - the Cooler Master Cosmos II. The project, entitled Cooler Master Cosmos II MbK is a beast and a half, but kier has already tamed it and added his delicate, clean, water-cooled touch and the project is shaping up to be gargantuan water-cooled feast of eye candy.


We can already see the familiar mid-section action going on, with several white acrylic details finding their way onto the case already. The water-cooling aspect of the project leaves no holes barred - not even the RAM escaped the attention of an EK waterblock.

Below we can see just how things will be plumbed in and keir has already started work on the cable routing, include this expertly-braided 24-pin ATX connector, which winds its way through a section of acrylic. There's sure to be plenty more eyecandy where this came from so head over to keir's project log to catch the latest updates.


Our final project we're taking a peek at this month is sure to be another great water-cooled build of 2012. Thief by stren makes use of one of the largest off-the-shelf PC cases we've ever seen, which is the TX10 by Caselabs. Unbelievably, it can happily house two EVGA SR-2 motherboards - quite a feat when most cases can't even fit one.

The Asus Rampage IV Extreme is the motherboard of choice and the water-cooling gear stren has opted for looks spectacular. The project is well under way and with updates hitting the log every week or so, you'd be well advised to keep a close eye on this one for the latest eye candy.

As always, if you think your project is worthy of being immortalized and featured on bit-tech's front page, email us at modding@bit-tech.net.