- Joined
- Apr 20, 2001
- Location
- Sacramento, CA
Project: Lian-LI PC-73SLB - Aluminum Fabrication!
I've started on a new case project in an effort to have water cooling, quietness and cleaness in my case. I currently have a Lian-LI V-1200B and while it's a nice case, it lacks room for a really good water cooling system. It also does not cool well internally and is kind of loud.
So I ordered up a Lian-LI PC-73SLB. Those of you not familar with this case will find that it resembles the more popular PC-75B in size and internals, though it does differ quiet a bit. I went with the case because I'm not all about 'flashy' computers. I'm more about having something that looks professional and/or has been professionally built.
Since I'm a fairly mechanically inclined person, I decided to look at cases and come up with a plan. My plan is to make a plenum that is 5 1/2" deep and mount a BIX 3, 3 Sanyo Denki Fans, MCP-350 Pump and a small resevoir. The radiator will also be configured with a custom made aluminum shroud that I'll bend and cut myself. Having a power shear and a power nibbler makes this job very easy. This plenum will be built from .050 aluminum and I will bend it on my box/pan bending brake.
The top of the case is cut for 3 openings that will house 120mm black stainless mesh filters. The filters will be flush with the top of the case. Air will be pulled in through the filters, into the radiator and will be expelled by the Sanyo Denki fans into the plenum. That warm air will be expelled out the back of the case through 2 modified 80mm fan holes. The idea of the plenum is to keep the warm air from affecting the ambient in the rest of the case. I will also be sound proofing the interior of the plenum to gain even more quietness. The only parts of the cooling system that you'll see are the pressure and return lines.
The top of the case will also be configured with a rear hinge so that it tilts back for easy maintenance of the internals.
If everything works out to plan - I'm going to start making on the side affordable custom built shrouds, fan deflectors, modified cases such as what I'm making here and custom aluminum external enclosures that can house your equipment. I support enterprise servers during the day... but I've really started focusing on building things as it gives you a sense of accomplishment. I'm not out to make a fortune - but for those who do not have the equipment, experience or the time - it may be a win/win for both of us. We'll see.
Pics of work so far. I just began work last night - this is about 2.5 hours of work thus far. The filter holes are roughed out and I've measured and cut my plenum encloseure.
http://www.dmwtech.com/gallery/pc73slb
I've started on a new case project in an effort to have water cooling, quietness and cleaness in my case. I currently have a Lian-LI V-1200B and while it's a nice case, it lacks room for a really good water cooling system. It also does not cool well internally and is kind of loud.
So I ordered up a Lian-LI PC-73SLB. Those of you not familar with this case will find that it resembles the more popular PC-75B in size and internals, though it does differ quiet a bit. I went with the case because I'm not all about 'flashy' computers. I'm more about having something that looks professional and/or has been professionally built.
Since I'm a fairly mechanically inclined person, I decided to look at cases and come up with a plan. My plan is to make a plenum that is 5 1/2" deep and mount a BIX 3, 3 Sanyo Denki Fans, MCP-350 Pump and a small resevoir. The radiator will also be configured with a custom made aluminum shroud that I'll bend and cut myself. Having a power shear and a power nibbler makes this job very easy. This plenum will be built from .050 aluminum and I will bend it on my box/pan bending brake.
The top of the case is cut for 3 openings that will house 120mm black stainless mesh filters. The filters will be flush with the top of the case. Air will be pulled in through the filters, into the radiator and will be expelled by the Sanyo Denki fans into the plenum. That warm air will be expelled out the back of the case through 2 modified 80mm fan holes. The idea of the plenum is to keep the warm air from affecting the ambient in the rest of the case. I will also be sound proofing the interior of the plenum to gain even more quietness. The only parts of the cooling system that you'll see are the pressure and return lines.
The top of the case will also be configured with a rear hinge so that it tilts back for easy maintenance of the internals.
If everything works out to plan - I'm going to start making on the side affordable custom built shrouds, fan deflectors, modified cases such as what I'm making here and custom aluminum external enclosures that can house your equipment. I support enterprise servers during the day... but I've really started focusing on building things as it gives you a sense of accomplishment. I'm not out to make a fortune - but for those who do not have the equipment, experience or the time - it may be a win/win for both of us. We'll see.
Pics of work so far. I just began work last night - this is about 2.5 hours of work thus far. The filter holes are roughed out and I've measured and cut my plenum encloseure.
http://www.dmwtech.com/gallery/pc73slb
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