bit-tech.net

Mnpctech Case Design Competition nearing deadline

Published on 22nd March 2009 by Richard Swinburne

The second mnpctech Case Design Competition on bit-tech forums is coming to a close.

bit-tech forums are always exploding with modding ideas, ranging from the amazingly creative to the downright crazy. Some designs are stylish and clever enough to outclass even Q himself, while others are so absurd and crazy that they'd scare off even Marylin Manson.

Naturally, because boys will be boys, it was only a matter of time before we started ~~willy waving~~ comparing design skills. Bill from mnpctech, and local celebrity TheGreatSatan, graciously provided a bundle of prizes for the design competition currently underway in our forums.

Now in its second year, the mnpctech Case Design Competition asks you to draw a 3D model of your ultimate scratch build - the more outlandish, the better! The deadline, set for April 1st (yes, really!), is nearing fast and the pressure is mounting.

There's still almost two weeks left though, so start drawing right away and get your entry in! You can make your bid for another fantastic prize pool provided not only by Bill over at mnpctech, but also by community members Cheapskate (he doesn't live up to his name!) and Confusis.

There's really no excuse not to enter, either. Sketchup is simple to pick up and a great tool to learn, the 'no rendering' rule levels the playing field and there's prizes for 1st to 3rd plus extra for an originality award. Everything is shipped globally, and the winner from the last competition, Dark~3nergy, was limited to just pen and paper!

So, head on over to the competition headquarters in the modding forum now for advice and help on how to make your own entry, or simply stare at all the fantastic designs on display.

Finally, the boring official stuff: This competition is organised by the community itself, and not directly controlled by bit-tech staff, although bit-tech loves modding and says GET DESIGNING!

959 Comments

Discuss in the forums Reply

mnpctech 14th January 2009, 14:58

edited 5/04/09

The Official MNPCTech Case Design Competition II Winner Announcement!

1st Place is Scooby! for his awe-inspiring "Jenova" design

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/sketchup.comp.scoobyjenova1.JPG

2nd Place is jrs77! for his ultra cool "Bent Radiator" design

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/sketchup.comp.jrs77.jpg

3rd Place is Dark~3nergy! for the very small & stunning "The Tiny One" design

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/sketchup.comp.darktinyone.jpg

Heres Scooby's 1st Place Prizes!

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemod.120mmblowhole.mnpctech.com2.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemod.120mmblowhole.mnpctech.com1.jpg

Set of 4, Machined Billet Computer Case Feet made by Mnpctech.com

http://www.mnpctech.com/blowholefan.html" target="_blank">120mm Blow Hole Kit by Mnpctech.com

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemod.120mmblowhole.mnpctech.com2.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemod.120mmblowhole.mnpctech.com1.jpg

Set of 4, Machined Billet Computer Case Feet made by Mnpctech.com

http://www.mnpctech.com/CaseFeetMachined.html

http://www.mnpctech.com/CaseFeetMachined.html

This custom DDC pump top made by Cheapskate!

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/cheapskate_02/109-6.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/cheapskate_02/109-5.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/cheapskate_02/109-4.jpg

Brand new! Liteon 20x DVD Writer with Lightscribe DH-20A4H08C, donated by bit-tech member, jhanlon303

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/bittechdesignprize.john.jpg

2nd Place Prize for jrs77!

CNC Milled window by [URL="http://www.mnpctech.com/casemodstore.html" target="_blank">Mnpctech.com
3/16" thick acrylic. It has beveled edges with countersunk fastener holes for #8 socket head screws and holds 4x 120mm fans

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/facebook.casemodquad.mnpctech.com2.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/facebook.casemodquad.mnpctech.com3.jpg

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/facebook.casemodquad.mnpctech.com1.jpg

3rd Place Prize goes to Dark~3nergy!

Mnpctech T-Shirt

Mnpctech.com on the front the blueprint for the modern extreme machine on the back.

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemod_computer_shirt_mnpctech.com.jpg

Thank you to everyone who entered, contributed by commenting or just watched from the side lines. You all helped make this 2nd sketch-up competition a success.

Big Thanks to Cheapskate for helping keep everything moving!

Thank you to bit-tech and all of the staffers for allowing this competition! ;)

Lets do it again this summer, I promise to have even better prizes :D I owe everyone who entered their design a beer if we ever meet someday.

PM me your shipping address, I've got all of the prizes including Cheapskate and jhanlon303's donations.

Mankz 14th January 2009, 15:46

Good rules, and good luck ladies!

scooby 14th January 2009, 15:51

Awesome!!! Let the games begain!!!

Good Luck to all;)

Scooby:)

Dark~3nergy 14th January 2009, 16:46

:( no 3d rendering.

has anyone started yet ?

edit. can you be more precise on this rule :

Quote:

Start your design from scratch. You are allowed to import a limited amount of models to fill your case with hardware, but the feature of your entry should be the case that you designed from scratch!

Ending Credits 14th January 2009, 16:58

I presume this is the bit that matters:

Quote:

but the feature of your entry should be the case that you designed from scratch!

Xtrafresh 14th January 2009, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark~3nergy
:( no 3d rendering.

has anyone started yet ?

edit. can you be more precise on this rule :

[EDIT]:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ending Credits
I presume this is the bit that matters:

what he said!

To elaborate on that:
Just don't go crazy. *points at common sense rule*

The reason for this rule is that it's a bit lame to make your design more awesome by sticking an i7 build in there. Use the models you import to support and showcase your own designs. If you need a drivecage and dont want to spend a year designing one, by all means import it. As long as your own scratch build designs take center stage, it's fine. ;)

Dark~3nergy 14th January 2009, 17:15

nope, i mean this part

Quote:

You are allowed to import a limited amount of models to fill your case with hardware

does that mean we don't have the right to use as many components as we want ?

Diosjenin 14th January 2009, 17:24

April 1st... I might be able to make that work. Depends on how busy college keeps me this semester (probably very busy).

Still, I have the removable bays done already. If I can keep myself off of Mass Effect and figure out a way to make the PCI retention mechanism without resorting to actual screws, I might actually be able to pull it off...

You're not going to screw us over by waiting until April 1st and then saying it was an elaborate April Fool's joke, are you? ;)

- Diosjenin -

Xtrafresh 14th January 2009, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark~3nergy
nope, i mean this part

does that mean we don't have the right to use as many components as we want ?

umm dude, ending credits was replying to you, not rephrasing your question ;)

Answer to your question: sure you do. Use as many as you want, as long as the general design stays withing the assignment. If you want to build a huge storage array shaped like the Big Ben, feel free to use 500 models of drivecages and HDDs to illustrate what it does.

Remember though, we are designing a case, not a system.

This is also why i dont want to put an absolute number on it. One guy might need to use 30 fittings for an elaborate waterloop, and still have a very original own scratch build design, the next will import one Lian-Li case and end up with basically a modded case.

Xtrafresh 14th January 2009, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diosjenin
April 1st... I might be able to make that work. Depends on how busy college keeps me this semester (probably very busy).

Still, I have the removable bays done already. If I can keep myself off of Mass Effect and figure out a way to make the PCI retention mechanism without resorting to actual screws, I might actually be able to pull it off...

You're not going to screw us over by waiting until April 1st and then saying it was an elaborate April Fool's joke, are you? ;)

- Diosjenin -

One way to find out...

I'm not sure what you are talking about, but i really would like to see what you are up to. Compartimentalised PC that can be put together like LEGO? You have me intrigued ;)

wolfticket 14th January 2009, 17:30

Concider yourself spell checked ;)

talladega 14th January 2009, 18:07

oooh scratch build. :D

so can I enter something that I've started working on before today? it's not finished, as I will add a crapload more stuff to it now.

no render eh? dang it, and I just got vray setup real good. after the comp I'll post vray images then,

jezmck 14th January 2009, 18:08

If people could let me know (via PM) which SU components they use (if any) from the collection that'd be interesting.

Xtrafresh 14th January 2009, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by jezmck
If people could let me know (via PM) which SU components they use (if any) from the collection that'd be interesting.

Hey jezmck!

I see that i forgot to send people to your excellent site! I'll fix that soon if that's ok with you ;)

Dark~3nergy 14th January 2009, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xtrafresh
umm dude, ending credits was replying to you, not rephrasing your question ;)

Nah sorry, my Swiss way of thinking kicked in, I thought it meant "you can't use more then X models from the scc"
and i missed his reply sry ending credits :(

talladega 14th January 2009, 18:47

Quote:

If people could let me know (via PM) which SU components they use (if any) from the collection that'd be interesting.

I have used a number of them to copy and make simple boxes instead of having the complex design of the components. Keeps file size down (especially from motherboard and video card).

not sure I could remember all the ones I use.

Cheapskate 14th January 2009, 18:58

The reason he's saying limit your imports is because it would be very easy for someone to import a model of The Empire State Building, import a motherboard, and say, 'done'.

If you would have to purchase the part, It's probably OK to import it too. You wouldn't be fabricating hardrives from scratch, just the mounting system for them.

Bill, yer gettin' PM.:D

Dark~3nergy 14th January 2009, 19:07

hey Xtrafresh, the link to mnpctech in the first post doesn't work. ;)

jhanlon303 14th January 2009, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark~3nergy
hey Xtrafresh, the link to mnpctech in the first post doesn't work. ;)

Take the final slash off after .html and it works:
http://www.mnpctech.com/casemodstore.html

john

stuartwood89 14th January 2009, 19:30

Im in this time. Glad I don't have school to worry about anymore.

Xtrafresh 14th January 2009, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark~3nergy
hey Xtrafresh, the link to mnpctech in the first post doesn't work. ;)

Sharp! Fix0red :D

tominated 15th January 2009, 00:00

i'd better start modelling, i have a few ideas. BTW: can we submit more than one different design?

Xtrafresh 15th January 2009, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by tominated
i'd better start modelling, i have a few ideas. BTW: can we submit more than one different design?

Nope. I'll add that to the rules. You can put as many designs in this thread as you like, but your final entry can only be one case.

tominated 15th January 2009, 04:32

ok, thanks xtrafresh

Cheapskate 15th January 2009, 04:50

Flood the thread with crazy stuff, tominated!

confusis 15th January 2009, 06:51

http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cubeah3.jpg

no mounts done, just preliminary hardware (just an idea of the m-atx hardware size). the motherboard tray and psu will be changed to custom items :)
side panel mounts will be totally revamped to something actually feasible as i may build this case after the contest :)

Dark~3nergy 15th January 2009, 07:08

nice confusis !
seems like you like orange very much :)

Xtrafresh 15th January 2009, 07:28

yay, we are off! Confusis gets the first design out :)

You will want to keep that thing away from children confusis, they might get the urge to "roll the dice" :p

confusis 15th January 2009, 07:57

yeah orange is awesome! not sure if i should do opaque panels or translucent orange panels with a subtle glow

had to be m-atx or the case would take up the whole desk, being a cube design. not m-itx because the hardware is frightfully pricey

the top panel hides the optical drive. pressing the top panel sets a (undecided) mechanical setup which raises the drive, then a second press returns it to its original state

http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=orangebox2zw5.jpg

edit: the side panels may be made of orange tinted acrylic, with the back face painted with an orange paint, (making the surface uber shiny/reflective) but with a pattern like :
http://www.adobetutorialz.com/content_images/AdobePhotoshop/ART-D/tutorial15/18.jpg
masked, then etched after the rest of the rear surface has been painted, so a cold cathode or LEDs inside the case emit a glow from the case in the lighter areas of the design only

prelimenary:
http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=orangebox3jy1.jpg

talladega 15th January 2009, 08:20

hmmm not sure if I should start posting pics yet. I am pretty much done.

Xtrafresh 15th January 2009, 09:38

that's what you think now... if you post it, you'll get feedback and ideas, and you'll be back sketching in no-time :p

confusis 15th January 2009, 09:43

feedback is the reason i post heaps of updates. :)

Xtrafresh 15th January 2009, 09:48

speaking of which... your ideas for the panelling are great, but won't it be too "busy" on such a small case?

Dark~3nergy 15th January 2009, 12:25

I've done some drawing (by hand) maybe I'll show them when I come home :)
and I also started to make some drawing in SU.

is it allowed to import models from other program into SU since SU has a nicer "not rendered" output compared to other 3d program ?

Xtrafresh 15th January 2009, 13:43

sure, no problem. ;)

Kumo 15th January 2009, 16:48

Nice concept. About raising mechanism.. Ikea sell something to open doors with a single touch and no handles. Like a spring. It maybe will has enough force to support the whole panel and gear (mounting one in each side).

Jipa 15th January 2009, 17:04

I just hope the winner will be a design that A) Is even remotely practical (i.e. not the size of a 747 hangar) B) Could be done, etc...

Dark~3nergy 15th January 2009, 17:12

well. I started this weekend but did do much, made most of it this afternoon. I hope that's not a problem :D
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/dark3nergy/GTR-R.png

stuartwood89 15th January 2009, 17:29

That looks awesome!

Anyway, I'm working on a nano-ITX case which I'm aiming to keep to the same dimensions as an ATX PSU. I've started out with a cube of the right size, and then tried to see what I can fit inside it.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/stuartwood1989/CaseCompetitionDesign1.png

Inside is a 120mm fan in the same position as on a PSU, a 2.5" SSD, a slimline slotload optical drive, and a nano-ITX board.

Once I figure out how to get this all fixed inside, I can concentrate on the design of the actual case.

Cheapskate 15th January 2009, 17:29

I'm still in the paper stages. I've decided to build a real freak. I'm going to have a lot of trouble coming up the shapes.

@Confusis- kick*ss! The pop top could be done with the simple hardware they make for glass stereo cabinet fronts. They sell them in hardware stores. You might need to build your own with a longer spring.(...And you have me re-thinking my own future build already.:D)
I've seen a company online that permanently etch photos onto plexiglas, you might be able to arrange something with them. (Edit3:www.art-hammer.com)

@Dark- Also kick*ss!

I'm sooo happy this started!!

Edit: more?:eek: Sh*ts really hitting the fan this time!:D
@StuartWood - You'd have more room with 4 60mmx10mm fans. No one will ever hear it anyway.

Diosjenin 15th January 2009, 18:08

@StuartWood: Working up - base material (case floor), slimline drive, thin layer of some material, then the nITX board. Maybe try to offset it from the material layer with some rubber washers or something similar - you probably won't have room for actual offset screws.

Oh, and park the SSD in front, facing outwards (like where the cables come out of a PSU).

Side view:

......FAN.....S
.....HtSnk...S
......nITX....D ---> Front
.....SLIMLINE

- Diosjenin -

ROB 636 15th January 2009, 18:17

Does it have to be a new scratch build or can I enter something that I have already designed? I need to make a few changes anyway.

mnpctech 15th January 2009, 19:00

Oh my!, we're already seeing some impressive entries here folks!

The prize committee, me myself and I are still deliberating about 1st & 2nd place prizes, but I promise they will be worth your efforts!

1st Place Prize TBA

2nd Place Prize TBA

3rd Place Prize, Mnpctech T-Shirt

Mnpctech.com on the front the blueprint for the modern extreme machine on the back.

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemod_computer_shirt_mnpctech.com.jpg

Mankz 15th January 2009, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartwood89
That looks awesome!

Anyway, I'm working on a nano-ITX case which I'm aiming to keep to the same dimensions as an ATX PSU. I've started out with a cube of the right size, and then tried to see what I can fit inside it.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/stuartwood1989/CaseCompetitionDesign1.png

Inside is a 120mm fan in the same position as on a PSU, a 2.5" SSD, a slimline slotload optical drive, and a nano-ITX board.

Once I figure out how to get this all fixed inside, I can concentrate on the design of the actual case.

What are the chances of that?? I was doing the exact same thing :p.

stuartwood89 15th January 2009, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mankz
What are the chances of that?? I was doing the exact same thing :p.

Really? Well there's no patent on the PSU sized PC case, so as long as they look different, it should be ok. It not like there's a problem whenever someone designs a case that fits an ATX board.

Mankz 15th January 2009, 19:34

Nah, it was just a wierd coincidence was all. ;)

Kumo 15th January 2009, 20:12

@stuarwood: Fixing shouldn't be too hard. Depend if visible screws in the outside are a problem or not (or depend of your tools and skills). L shapes angles, could do the rest. A good wiring work can be a real issue, IMO.

talladega 15th January 2009, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jipa
I just hope the winner will be a design that A) Is even remotely practical (i.e. not the size of a 747 hangar) B) Could be done, etc...

That is exactly how I am making mine. It's actually what I plan make.

Heres some pics. A couple different color schemes for the inside.

I think I'll add power cables and SATA cables yet.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper1640x480.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper2640x480.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper3640x480.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper4640x480.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper5640x480.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper6640x480.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g238/Brian_D_photos/Computer%20Stuff/NewPCv4Wallpaper7640x480.jpg

They all were originally exported at 4000x2008. I have edges turned off. Allows smaller pieces to be seen clearly like the lettering on the front.

Dark~3nergy 15th January 2009, 20:33

nice work on the tubes !
edit:/ turn on the shadows ;)

talladega 15th January 2009, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark~3nergy
nice work on the tubes !
edit:/ turn on the shadows ;)

i would have had shadows on but it takes away some of the detail.

for final pics I will.

thanks on the tubing. it's taken a while to figure out how to make the good.

Xtrafresh 15th January 2009, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROB 636
Does it have to be a new scratch build or can I enter something that I have already designed? I need to make a few changes anyway.

The idea is that your entry is something that you designed from scratch. If you have something laying around... fine, as long as it's yours :)

@Dark:
Absolutely amazing stuff! Funny though that you post it right after somebody saying "please dont let the winner be rediculously large! Your design is positively humongous!
Any reason why it's so large? It seems to me that the same design could be exectured a lot smaller, if only by rotating the board by 90 degrees.

Dark~3nergy 15th January 2009, 21:08

is 80*70*28cm big ?

it's mostly to keep proportions more correct and if it would have been smaller I wouldn't have room for the motherboard in the "open area". and that board is a matx but I'm going to put a regular atx board there with the IO facing upwards.

tominated 16th January 2009, 01:57

just my luck, sketchup is being naughty and wont let me make a fan hole. it'll extrude, but it acts like it's making a new shape instead of cutting out the hole into the panel

ROB 636 16th January 2009, 05:37

thanks Xtrafresh

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/Meat_Shield06/case%20idea/front4.png
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/Meat_Shield06/case%20idea/front5.png
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/Meat_Shield06/case%20idea/front6.png

ATX and 4 fans to be set at low.

It has big potential for water cooling in that space in front of the psu.

talladega 16th January 2009, 06:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by tominated
just my luck, sketchup is being naughty and wont let me make a fan hole. it'll extrude, but it acts like it's making a new shape instead of cutting out the hole into the panel

extrude the opposite way

The_Beast 16th January 2009, 07:59

The last contest wasn't for me, I wanted to do something different, out of the box, abstract, away from the pack.....

Now I just have to think of something different, out of the box, abstract, away from the pack.....

tominated 16th January 2009, 08:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by talladega
extrude the opposite way

that worked, re-drew the hole on the other side and it worked ;)

my design is coming along nicely

@XtraFresh
can we actually post multiple designs, but pick one to be put in the comp? I want to know other people's opinion on which one i should submit (if i do make multiple cases, that is).

Xtrafresh 16th January 2009, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by tominated
@XtraFresh
can we actually post multiple designs, but pick one to be put in the comp? I want to know other people's opinion on which one i should submit (if i do make multiple cases, that is).

Sure, no problem. Feel free to overwhelm this thread with designs! Now let's hope some manufacturers start looking ;)

dan-ere-07 16th January 2009, 15:46

ok im in =]
ive got my design, now just to draw it up and perfect it. i just hope its drawable hehe;)

Cheapskate 16th January 2009, 18:59

A word of warning kiddies: SU is very cruel to imported organic meshes. For some odd reason, the surfaces move.:|
I need to re-do something now because my smooth frontpanel has a dent in one side.
-Also, 20,000+ surfaces really freaks it out.
No pics yet because it looks like a potato.

dan-ere-07 16th January 2009, 19:06

ouch thats a lot =[
im at 16,000 edges and 8,000 faces.
and im no where near done!!

Dark~3nergy 16th January 2009, 19:11

show us what you are doing and maybe we can help you :)

dan-ere-07 16th January 2009, 19:19

ok your wish is my comand,
heres where i am so far, its just the skin so theres a lot more to do.
http://forums.bit-tech.net/albums/thumbs/0/77c26b92257787d682271e464b6e6708_621.jpg?dl=1232133500
http://forums.bit-tech.net/albums/thumbs/0/bda36a04846e17afd8670ae38746f63e_620.jpg?dl=1232133500

i have the outside designed (exept the front) but that will be the last thing i do.

can get bigger pics if you wish.

bentleya 16th January 2009, 19:37

not sure if i'm entering yet :)

skullen 16th January 2009, 20:03

There are some very interesting designs so far,this comp will certainly bring out some great designs,good luck to all ;)

Cheapskate 16th January 2009, 20:52

@Bentleya - You D*mned well better enter something!!!!!
You too, Skullen!

talladega 16th January 2009, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan-ere-07
ouch thats a lot =[
im at 16,000 edges and 8,000 faces.
and im no where near done!!

I have 166666 edges and 67326 faces. :)

confusis 16th January 2009, 21:10

72202 edges
31106 faces

and im bored with the design :S

stuartwood89 16th January 2009, 23:07

I'm starting to have trouble fitting everything in.

See, the SSD won't fit.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/stuartwood1989/CaseCompetitionDesign13.png

I'm also a little worried that an IDE cable will have trouble in such a small space here.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/stuartwood1989/CaseCompetitionDesign14.png

How long can an ATX PSU be anyway?

Kylevdm 16th January 2009, 23:12

Well i am hopefully going to be entering this time... I was considering remaking the tri-box design but have gone for something a little more adventurous...

here is tri-box

http://vandermerwes.co.uk/images/mods/tribox/tribox-1.png

tominated 17th January 2009, 00:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartwood89
I'm starting to have trouble fitting everything in.

See, the SSD won't fit.

Why not have the ssd above or below the mobo like the optical drive?

Diosjenin 17th January 2009, 01:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartwood89
I'm starting to have trouble fitting everything in.

See, the SSD won't fit.

I'm also a little worried that an IDE cable will have trouble in such a small space here.

How long can an ATX PSU be anyway?

IDE cables can be folded over themselves both longways and cross-ways as seen about halfway down this page, so you should be able to move that out of the way somehow. Though, really, I'd go SATA if I were you (and had the money to do so).

As for ATX PSU length - there's not technically a limit. The Zalman HP850 and HP1000 are about 210mm long, and the PP&C T12W is about 235mm. Obviously those are both extreme examples, but they're out there and cases are made to fit them.

- Diosjenin -

tominated 17th January 2009, 02:20

anybody know how to countersink screw holes in SU? i googled it and it didn't come up with anything that i could follow.

bradders2125 17th January 2009, 02:29

@Tominated - Not sure if there are other ways to do it but the way i do it is once the hole is where it needs to be select the circle which makes up the countersunk side. select the resize tool then just drag it and it creates a counter sunk hole.

Hope this makes sense, if not I can explain with pics and stuff.

Bradders.

tominated 17th January 2009, 03:25

yep, make perfect sense. i should have known, it's so simple!

Aterius Gmork 17th January 2009, 10:44

http://www.abload.de/img/bild28mw0.jpg
http://www.abload.de/img/bild4gal0.jpg

Still somewhat WIP. Might have to redo it though, it's already killing my rig (P4 3Ghz, 2GB RAM), I'm not even thinking about turning on shadows. Might have been a mistake to use 48 lines for all the the curves. In fact, it just crashed on me.

skullen 17th January 2009, 15:21

Got this so far ;)
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/kcisn22007/retrocase.jpg

Got rid of pic,sorry if it was like a design in the other comp,dont want to upset anyone.;)

Cheapskate 17th January 2009, 16:28

@Stuartwood - Where are you going to put the water cooling?:D I was thinking of doing a pico mod, but I wanted to build it into a trackball mouse.:) I may just build a giant mouse.:D

@Aterius Gmork - I like the double wall over the top! When the file gets too big, select/copy/new file/paste in place -is your friend. You can work on specific parts and then simply paste them into the main file when finished.

@Skullen - I like!:D -but that looks suspiciously like the charred remains of a certain case... Late entry for the previous contest?

I've gone through a whole bag of Doritos, and I only have a fanguard.
It took 10 minutes to put it together, and 3 hours to fix corrupted intersections. I can't believe they have the testecalles to claim there's a 'pro' version of Sketchup.

Aterius Gmork 17th January 2009, 16:32

Thank's Cheaps. Actually I am using a lot of groups. It works out alright so far.

Dark~3nergy 17th January 2009, 16:48

looks nice Aterius Gmork !

I'm going to start with something else, I don't like my previous one.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/dark3nergy/hmmmm.jpg

And I've no idea of what it's going to look like

and no, it won't have 4 network cards.

theAlien 17th January 2009, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartwood89

How long can an ATX PSU be anyway?

a couple of the bigger PSU's

150 mm (W) x 85 mm (H) x 230 mm (D) = SilverStone Decathlon DA1200

150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H) x 230 mm (D) = PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1200W

Alan

Cheapskate 17th January 2009, 18:15

I have a Dell server PSU that's 17" X 9" X 2.5".:D

m0o0oeh 17th January 2009, 19:05

A question if you'll permit me.

1. do we have to physically build these things, or is this purely a design competition?

Joe

Kylevdm 17th January 2009, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0o0oeh
A question if you'll permit me.

1. do we have to physically build these things, or is this purely a design competition?

Joe

it is purely a design competition

Xtrafresh 17th January 2009, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0o0oeh
A question if you'll permit me.

1. do we have to physically build these things, or is this purely a design competition?

Joe

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kylevdm
it is purely a design competition

aye, what he said ;)

m0o0oeh 17th January 2009, 20:19

Cheers Xtra, and Kylevdm, my general perception of things is not the best.

Joe

stuartwood89 17th January 2009, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by theAlien
a couple of the bigger PSU's

150 mm (W) x 85 mm (H) x 230 mm (D) = SilverStone Decathlon DA1200

150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H) x 230 mm (D) = PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1200W

Alan

This helps me a lot, thanks guys.

Kylevdm 17th January 2009, 22:44

any idea when the comp will end?

bradders2125 17th January 2009, 22:51

@Kylevdm - In the very first post there is a bit which says The Rules. The fifth item on the list says "The competition will be closed for entries on April 1st, exactly at noon GMT".

tominated 17th January 2009, 23:24

just for clarification, is the comp judged on originality, practicality, asthetics, etc.?

Editor22 17th January 2009, 23:35

Well I'm fairly new to Bit-Tech and only started using sketch up this afternoon but here's what I knocked up as an initial plan.

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=100&pictureid=642

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=100&pictureid=640

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=100&pictureid=641

Havnt started to texture it yet or do any major detail work but the plan is to have it open like a chest for top maintenance and to have sliding draws for the HDD's, mobo & opticals.

m0o0oeh 17th January 2009, 23:44

@Editor, thats a very nice idea! I too have only just picked up Sketchup this afternoon, and am finding it.... trying... to say the least. Things get seperated, things go on the wonk (an awful lot!)

My WIP should be up in a little while.

Joe

Editor22 17th January 2009, 23:51

Lol yeah m0o0oeh curves are the thing thats really chewing me off at the moment as well as finding it impossible to move something to where I want it without it trying to snap to some far off plane :(

brinkz0r 17th January 2009, 23:58

Well well, I think I might just enter in this competition. No sketchup for me though, solidworks ftw ;)

Btw, that reservoir that Dark made last time did look familiar to me ;)

tominated 18th January 2009, 01:50

http://imageshack.us
just a preview of my WIP case

Sir Digby 18th January 2009, 01:51

Oh look now at what you made me do - turned me away from being a long time lurker :D

Anyway, I've only got the hardware layout roughly done but hopefully you get the idea :)

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=103&pictureid=649

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=103&pictureid=648

Oh, and its not that clear but its a screen on the side :)

jhanlon303 18th January 2009, 01:58

I won't be entering but I have a general question for all who have posted so far:

This is supposed to be a scratch build contest. Why does it look like case mods? Where is the "off the wall", Death Star plexi sphere with a mATX MB and parts, the Ed Roth Beatnik Bandit asymmetrical fiberglass case?

Where is Bad Assumption? Dark Blade? Josh's stuff? Come on scratch build is non traditional case mods. We already did that! Get the wild on.

john

mvagusta 18th January 2009, 02:57

Sir Digby's design is similar to some layout's i've had on the drawing board! Your's is cooler as mine didn't have an inbuilt screen or wc though ;)
One bit of cc is that you don't have much ventilation over the mobo. There's heaps down below, but how about... just one of the pair of 120mm's stays there, blowing in at an angle just like the one 120mm on the other side?
The third 120mm can go up top instead of the uneeded 80mm, and the top above the slots can be a vent instead of solid + all unused pci slots can be vents/have grill/mesh over them!
I'm guessing you'd have the psu breathing in air direct from outside? And that the wc & hdd cooling is isolated?
I like it Just need a cool & unique body.

500mph 18th January 2009, 03:00

I have a feeling something is going down.
April 1st is an "odd" date to end this.

Kidding, really.
Have fun designing guys! There are already some hard ones to beat here.

dark4181 18th January 2009, 03:16

This is awesome, I'm gonna have to break out sketchup

First prize should be MNPCTech building the winner's case for them. That would ROCK

Diosjenin 18th January 2009, 03:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhanlon303
This is supposed to be a scratch build contest. Why does it look like case mods? ... Come on scratch build is non traditional case mods. We already did that! Get the wild on.

I'm working on it, I'm working on it...

Geez. Patience, young grasshopper. :)

- Diosjenin -

Sir Digby 18th January 2009, 03:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvagusta
Sir Digby's design is similar to some layout's i've had on the drawing board! Your's is cooler as mine didn't have an inbuilt screen or wc though ;)
One bit of cc is that you don't have much ventilation over the mobo. There's heaps down below, but how about... just one of the pair of 120mm's stays there, blowing in at an angle just like the one 120mm on the other side?
The third 120mm can go up top instead of the uneeded 80mm, and the top above the slots can be a vent instead of solid + all unused pci slots can be vents/have grill/mesh over them!
I'm guessing you'd have the psu breathing in air direct from outside? And that the wc & hdd cooling is isolated?
I like it Just need a cool & unique body.

Thank you very much :D you've pretty much read my mind on what needs to change on the cooling too :)

Not looking forward to trying to make the tubing for the watercooling though :(

confusis 18th January 2009, 04:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhanlon303
I won't be entering but I have a general question for all who have posted so far:

This is supposed to be a scratch build contest. Why does it look like case mods? Where is the "off the wall", Death Star plexi sphere with a mATX MB and parts, the Ed Roth Beatnik Bandit asymmetrical fiberglass case?

Where is Bad Assumption? Dark Blade? Josh's stuff? Come on scratch build is non traditional case mods. We already did that! Get the wild on.

john

some people might not like designs like that. some, like myself, like subtle, clean and simple designs with innovation. some people may like the layout of normal atx style cases. i mean it's worked for over a decade, so obviously theres something in the layout.

dark4181 18th January 2009, 05:55

Ugh, I just discovered that I phail SketchUp 101

:*(

Can I just post a scanned hand sketch? lol

stuartwood89 18th January 2009, 13:03

Tip for anyone posting screenshots from SketchUp:

To get clearer images, without overly thick lines and staggered edges, you need to position your camera as normal, then go to File > Export > 2D Graphic, then type your file name, save directory etc. then upload like you usually would. Believe it or not, it's actually easier than screencapping, then pasting into Paint/Photoshop/GIMP etc then saving it that way.

Just a little friendly advice :D

mnpctech 18th January 2009, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by dark4181

First prize should be MNPCTech building the winner's case for them. That would ROCK

Hehe, I don't have the finances to cover that. I'll be posting 1st and 2nd place prizes this week. They'll be nice!

Mantronic 18th January 2009, 13:32

You can blame the person who invited me to come on over to the darkside for what I'm about to do.

For your consideration I present to you the Gin - Sonix By Stark!

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=105&pictureid=655

http://forums.bit-tech.net/picture.php?albumid=105&pictureid=656

Remember Stark will be happy to throw one of these bad puppies in for every hundred thousand you invest in their advanced robotics division by April 1st.

When your fraggin' bad guys nothing delivers total fun like Stark!

Sir Digby 18th January 2009, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartwood89
Tip for anyone posting screenshots from SketchUp:

To get clearer images, without overly thick lines and staggered edges, you need to position your camera as normal, then go to File > Export > 2D Graphic, then type your file name, save directory etc. then upload like you usually would. Believe it or not, it's actually easier than screencapping, then pasting into Paint/Photoshop/GIMP etc then saving it that way.

Just a little friendly advice :D

Strangely enough doing that actually makes my images less clear :?

m0o0oeh 18th January 2009, 15:22

Just a quick q. I want to make an in-built monitor, could someone tell me how to get a wallpaper (.jpg) onto the model?

Joe

::EDIT:: NVM, just worked it out.

Joe

jhanlon303 18th January 2009, 15:43

@mantronic

Don't forget the wheels and the blacklight - tonic glows under blacklight.

A small peletier based cooloer and I'm voting for this!

john

Kylevdm 18th January 2009, 16:34

A few quick teasers

bit-tech.net

Mnpctech Case Design Competition nearing deadline

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