Mod of the Month - September 2007

Tribal HTPC

by Fozzy
Worklog

Most of the guys on my short list this month are rather new to bit-tech or even modding in general, but that hasn't stopped them from making some top projects. However, there's always a soft spot for when a regular contributor goes about a project, someone that I've seen the name of for years as I scroll through the list.

Fozzy may not have been here for years on years, but he's not a stranger to our forums and is one of the more helpful members on there. That's why it's been great to watch his latest project, the Tribal HTPC.

What he has done so far involves a grade-A frame, borrowing from the strengths and even the fabrication techniques of some of the best case-makers in the industry, including Lian-Li and Silverstone. Such big names inspire some big things to live up to - so let's see how well he's doing that.


As usual, Fozzy has started off his magnum opus with a clear plan of how he wants his HTPC to turn out. About the only thing that this Sketchup simply can't tell you is the one thing that makes the case so unique - its frame is constructed out of one solid sheet of thick aluminium.


The layout of the front and back of the case has been carved directly into this piece of sheet aluminium. The job was not easy, but the incredibly slow speed of drilling and cutting each of these slats must have given Fozzy plenty of time for self-reflection and deep thought. When he was done with all of that, though, it was time to hit the metal brake.


As it's pretty easy to see, that metal brake has been put to some great use. First came the basic frame, then followed by a duct to cover the PSU and CD drives.


The HTPC is coming along great so far, as evidenced by these last couple pictures. It's easy to see the Lian-Li inspired venting around the back by the PSU, as well as the careful consideration of a thick, uni-body frame which will greatly dampen vibrations.

Fozzy's Tribal HTPC is coming along well, but he's still got a long way left to go. So make sure you check out his worklog to see how the project wraps up!

In the meantime, if you think that the Tribal HTPC has got what it takes, make sure you vote for it in the discussion thread! Voting closes on October 9th 2007.