Mod of the Month - August 2008

Case from Alu and Perspex

by rambo
Worklog

Our first contestant this month is a relative newcomer on the bit-tech forums, but it certainly doesn't look like he's a neophyte at modding.

Though I've had a watchful eye on the progress, it was actually the vote of confidence from fellow community member Mankz landing in my inbox that led me to take a deeper look. It's not often that a mod is striking enough for someone to actually take the time and email or PM me about it.

The incredibly apt (and somewhat uninventively long) name of 'Case from Alu and Perspex' really describes a perfect image of what you'll see here. Rambo has created a great, clean "no frills" case that may not look like it's all that special at first glance. However, the devil is in the details, as the saying goes - and there are lots of details here.


As most good modders tend to do, rambo began this case by planning his mod. In fact, I'd say he planned it painstakingly - there are no real details overlooked. And as soon as he was satisfied with his efforts on the design stage, it was time to step over to the CNC machines to begin to shape things like the ATX backplate.


The perspex was next on the milling tables. What started off as a few well-cut pieces ended up being some precise hole layouts.


And from the perspex, rambo moved on to his aluminium. The solid bars were milled to create an intricate interlocking joint that could easily hold together ia a single screw.


Little details in the case are abundant, such as the custom watercooling. On one hand, there's the sheer effort put into milling perfect cubbies for the radiators and their protective grilles. But it goes to a whole new level when suddenly the reservoir is built into the side of the tank with careful design.


Even the CD drive has received some extra special attention as rambo replaced the entire front part of it with a cut and anodised aluminium panel. He's also added some other fun tricks (including a kitty-targeted surprise with the CD drive) before piecing the case together for a test assembly.

The case has progressed a bit more since its last pictures here, but I think I'll let you take a spin on over to rambo's worklog to catch up to where it's currently at.

While you're on your way, take a second to vote for Case from Alu and Perspex as August's Mod of the Month!