Mod of the Month April 2011

NS-5 by Rankine

Project Log: Here
Forum newcomer Rankine definitely holds the crown for the most weird and wonderful project this month. His I, Robot-inspired project was actually completed last year, but Rankine is gradually posting a write-up of his project on the bit-tech forums.

Its unique design and fantastic end result (only viewable in a video link in his project log if you want to avoid spoilers) definitely deserves a spot in the limelight, so it's well worth following his updates to see how the fantastic project came together.


The project began with two large frames being cut from a sheet of 6mm plywood. A ring of plywood was also glued in place to provide a focus-point for the otherwise flat surface.


The large panels were separated using additional sections of wood to make a space inside for the hardware, while additional details were added to the outside. The whole contraption was then sanded and filled, and this process was then repeated to make another section.


The sections received a coat of primer followed by glue and metal sand to provide a fantastic textured-look. This was then sandblasted and painted matt black, and Rankine has also made a custom drive cage for the slimline optical drive and hard disk. The rest of the hardware includes a Zotac mini-ITX motherboard, an 800W Corsair PSU and various water-cooling components.


In one of the more recent updates to the project, we see the fantastic paint job in all its moody glory. The project is now beginning to take shape, and here we can see two sections of the case standing together for the first time. Having seen the finished article, we can say this is definitely one to watch, with the promise of some serious eye candy further down the line.

If you'd like to vote for NS-5, head over to our forum.