Phase III by cc3d

The Front Panel

Though the 'basic' front panel was cut out of aluminium, Chris became worried about the long-term durability of using the thin sheeting. So, with another (fourth and final) redesign, he cut the piece from thicker steel.


Along with drives and the watercooling reservoir, some additional functionality was needed. So, he added a temperature gauge and an array of ports that were scavenged from a 5.25" bay insert. Each piece then got its own faceplate, drawing attention to them from what could otherwise be a monotonously smooth face.

Please don't make me paint!

Now here's a man after my own heart - he's so not looking forward to the actual painting process that he'd try just about anything to avoid it.


In a desperate effort to delay having to do paint preparation, Chris decided to distract himself with another "dry fit" of his side panels on the frame. This time, he made sure to also do the lid, including properly hinging it.


However, the inevitable can only be delayed for so long - it was time to take one last look at his creation as it is so far, and then tear it apart. Yep, that's right, it was time to paint. With a heavy sigh, he tore Phase III to pieces and hung each part in his back yard...