Thermaltake UK Modding Trophy powered by Scan Final Voting

MODZERO OCTO by HackJoe
Project log

HackJoe's summary:

MODZERO OCTO has been a lot of fun to work on. The initial concept and design was defined by the supplied flexi tube and the X31 chassis. I liked the X31 PSU shroud, magnetic top dust filter and cable management space behind the motherboard. These elements were retained, utilised or built upon. By mounting the 240mm rad externally it opened up lots of space inside the chassis to deploy a unique flexi tube loop design but called for new external panels to cover how the radiator was to be mounted.

The design concept necessitated these two aspects (loop and external assembly) complement each other, whilst retaining a sleek clean aesthetic and maximising the use of available space. I wanted to try and approach this differently, I'd not worked with CAD software to this extent before and until starting this project had never used Autodesk Fusion 360. I enjoyed the challenge and spent time over the first few weeks of the competition exploring how best I could utlise this tool.

Armed with my trusty steel ruler and a set of digital calipers I modeled the X31 as accurately as possible. Once I had the basic geometry I set to designing my panels. From my X31 model I was able to determine what I needed to cut out and where new panels would need to be mounted. It was a slow process and the design evolved with each revision. I don't have a workshop/garage and my arsenal of modding tools extends to a Dremel 3000, a power drill and a junior hacksaw.




I knew from the beginning I would be looking to have the panels fabricated externally. I got in touch with Parvum systems here in the UK and they kindly agreed to fab my parts. Originally Parvum were to fabricate only the internal panels and frosted outer panels as at this point in the build I was working with a very talented Illustrator on a detailed design that would be worked into aluminum outer panels. A busy schedule meant that idea got dropped pretty late in the game, I went back to CAD and reworked the outer panels to be the thicker 5mm Acrylic designing the build name into the front panel as an inlay.

Once the panels arrived the build really jumped to life quickly. The extensive planning at the design phase paid off. All the Parvum cut acrylic went together without fault, my measurements were bang on (much to my delight/surprise) and once the eight points of contact had been drilled out and the external assembly bolted in place, I was able to turn my attention to the loop. It's the main aspect from which the build takes its name. I had envisioned tubing runs like tentacles with no way of knowing flow direction, it was meant to resemble more of a chaotic flurry of connections rather than a clean directional loop.






The assembly under the shelf was a challenge as these connections dictate the aesthetic layout of the loop above. Lastly the RGB LEDs were fitted in place by removing the front external panels to reveal the 240mm RAD mounted behind. I used the strips from two of the Thermaltake RGB kits all connected to a single controller. With the build complete, it was a pleasure to turn it on for the first time and see the LEDs bring the external assembly to life.

The cycling spectrum of color evenly spread throughout the frosted acrylic sweeping curves and the half inch clearance of the original X31 chassis makes it look as though it's being absorbed. Whilst the eight tentacles project from the central reservoir appearing to consume and envelop the hardware. The shifting colour from the Tt Riing RGB fans is taken in by the white coolant, contrasting against the given color of the external assembly. The completed article appears almost alive.

It's felt great having been chosen to compete and the support from both Bit-Tech and Thermaltake has been brilliant. All the modders are hugely talented and I've enjoyed following each project develop. Big thankyou to Scan for providing the hardware, Bit-Tech.net for hosting the event and ThermalTake for all the goodies.





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