Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX

Written by Piloux

November 23, 2005 | 16:08

Tags: #acrylic #blackmesa-ii #fan-grill #matrix #piloux #psu #solder

Companies: #valve

Component Shopping

So let’s start with the first component I'm going to mod in this project: the PSU. I chose the Enermax Coolergiant 480W PSU because I like its different look, compared to other power supplies.

Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
This PSU have a fully pack of connectors (4 SATA, 1 PCI Express 16x, 24pin ATX v² compatible connector, 7 ATX molex connectors...) Furthermore, the Enermax has a unique dual-fan plus radial blower design, including a smartfan control function that provides excellent cooling, even have turning the PC off.

Before I start modding, let's look at the tools and components needed for this mod.


Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
When you first mod a PSU you have to separate the wires from the connectors to easily sleeve the whole length. For a basic molex power connector, maybe this is not such a difficult task, but when you come to the 24-pin ATX connector, it can be very challenging without the right tool. I didn't already have the specialist tool for this job, so I decided to build one myself from a piece of hard steel and some precision files. After some time spent filing and sanding, here is my tool.


Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
Other stuff I need is braided sleeve, jack plugs, red acrylic sheets, rubber grommets, XLR connectors, PVC electronic boxes, red LEDs with stainless steel holders, black M4 screws, bolts etc.


Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
Here are the XLR connectors. They are normally used in high-end A/V applications, but I will be using them for power only. They retail for about £5 for a socket + plug pair, and I'll need a fair few. Pictured are 5-pin connectors, but I will also use 3-pin and 4-pin varieties too.


Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
The red LEDs with their holders - don't they already look very Matrix-esque? Like the belly-button probe they put into Neo. On the right are all the jack plugs with their female frame connectors.


Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
I ordered 100 feet of grey braided sleeve from Cableorganizer.com. They sell all sorts of cool stuff to, err, organise your cables...


Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX Component shopping
And, of course, some cans of spray paint: a dark matt grey colour and clear sealer for plastics.
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