Case Mod Project: Corsair c70 Vengeance

[MonsterMawd]

It's good to be BUSY and I love Sci-Fi & Military theme builds. So I was very excited to receive an inquiry from Planetside2's Creative Director Matt Higby, about doing a New Conglomerate theme case for his new PC build.

"PLanetside2" is the sequel to the landmark MMO FPS has been revealed and is bigger and better than ever. PlanetSide 2 is a massive multiplayer online first person shooter. Game play delivers truly epic combat on a scale never before seen in stunning, breathtaking detail. Battles wage with literally thousands of players aligning with one of three unique factions in intense land, air and vehicle gameplay where the fight for territory is more than a victory, its survival. The "New Conglomerate"(commonly abbreviated NC) is Matt Higby's favorite faction. The NC is one of three empires waging for control over the planet Auraxis. They are characterized by hard-hitting weapons and heavily-armored vehicles that are designed with straight lines and hard edges. Their faction colors are blue and yellow.

Matt will be utilizing Corsair's H100 CPU cooler for the best optimal cooling.

I'll be creating a front intake with LEPA Chopper Cooling fan and 120mm Overkill Fan Ring

My canvas is Corsair's new Vengeance c70. It's a rugged, military inspired design. It arrives equipped with lots of features. It includes three Corsair 120mm fans, with the option to add seven more 120mm fans. Option to mount 240 or 360 radiator in the top panel. It has eight expansion slots. The retail price is $139.99. You can read my Corsair c70 Vengeance Case Review

we took time out to create c70 replacement windows here, http://www.mnpctech.com/Corsair_c70_vengeance_clear_window_replacement.html

Factory Specification List:
Warranty: Two years
Dimension: 19.7" x 9.1" x 21" / 501mm (H) x 232mm (W) x 533mm (L)
MB Support: ATX, mATX
Expansion Slots: 8
Material: Steel
Drive Bays: Three (3x) 5.25” bays, and Six (6x) 3.5”/2.5” hard drive bays
Cooling Fans Included: Three (3x) 120mm fans
Front I/O: (x2) USB 3.0, (x1) Headphone, (x1) MIC, Power, Reset Switches
Power Supply: ATX (not included)

Onto the first Case Mod!

The first modification is converting the c70's factory window to plain window without any fan hole perforations.

The c70 window assembly dismantled. Save the 16x Black screws! We will be using them to re-install out custom window.

The new window will be cut from 24" x 24" sheet of 1/8" thick, Clear, cast acrylic. I'm tracing the factory window dimensions onto the sheet.

 

[MonsterMawd]

Using Vertical Saw to cut the new window.

Going on 6 years ownership of my 14" Grizzly Vertical saw w/o a hitch.. You can use 1/8″ x .025 bi-metal blade for cutting acrylic and metal sheets. I usually cut 1/8″ thick sheets, http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G0580-14-22-Bandsaw-HP/dp/B0007D2WS8

This step is optional! I Rounded corners in the window with Hand file.

Using "Plas-Drill" 1/4" drill bit to make insert holes for the mounting pegs, on the 4 individual Black window trim pieces. The best drill bits for plastics are spur-point bits, also known as dowel bits. They are specifically angled to make smooth cuts in the material. A spur-point bit has a central point and spurs that keep the bit aligned, maintaining a clean, neat hole.

Place the acrylic sheet onto the panel and mark off the locations for mounting peg holes.

Using 1/4" Drill bit made for Plastic.

The acrylic sheet is placed on backside of the panel in this photo.

Reinstall the 4, Black window trim pieces into the panel. The pegs on the trim piece protrude through the panel and into your acrylic sheet, (after removing the paper backing on your acrylic sheet).

Remove the paper backing, then install the acrylic sheet. The pegs on the Black trim should protrude through.

Use the 16x factory Black mounting screws, you removed to install your new window. You will need washers. You can get washer from Hardware or Home Improvement stores. I chose these fan grommets as spacers, to mount the acrylic sheet.

Close up of fan grommets being used as spacers, to mount our custom window.

Our new window is installed!

Now Matt can view into his PC without anything obstructing his view. Next stage is customizing the c70's front bezel with something a bit more Industrial look..

I plan to Sleeving all of the PC wiring and Power Supply Cables with this kit, http://www.mnpctech.com/PC_Cable_Wire_Sleeving_Kit.html

 

[MonsterMawd]

Ok, I'm envisioning this PC to emulate Field Equipment used by the New Conglomerate... I want to make the bezel much more aggressive and Industrial look.

Lancool K58 bezel

The K58 over the c70 bezel.

K58 bezel over c70.

Removing the Corsair c70 front grill.

 

[stickg1]

I like your work. You gave me a good tip on that drill bit. I have used an assortment of drill bits to drill through my acrylic sheets and it seems like whenever I get to the last few holes the acrylic cracks! What speed do you recommend as well? I'm tired of ruining perfectly good sheets of plexi! I started drilling halfway through and then using the size of screw I was going to put through the hole to finish it off but I have to hand screw it and it is very time consuming.

 

[MonsterMawd]

You dont want to use standard bit or use Plexiglass, becuase it WILL crack and Plexi also melts when cutting with Jigsaw, vertical saws etc....I Only use Cast Acrylic sheets for my projects..... here is a good source link to drill bits for Plastic only,

http://www.tapplastics.com/product/supplies_tools/plastic_tools_supplies/tap_plasdrill_bits/161

I will be creating a unique cooling fan intake. I want to simulate hydraulic lines connecting to the sides that look hydraulic hoses. Here is what I have in mind of parts so far....

120mm LEPA Chopper LED Cooling fans Link,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835494009

120mm Overkill Fan Rings Link, http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html

 

[MonsterMawd]

The New Conglomerate Badge will be on the right side panel. Instead of just painting it on the panel, how about a Three Dimensional version? Hell Yeah! So I surveyed my pile of acrylic.. I got some Transparent Blue and Clear. No Yellow, but I can always paint it!

All of the acrylic I'm using is Cast Acrylic, 1/8" thick. I printed out the logo, cut it, and traced around it, onto a 12" x 12" sheet of Clear acrylic.

I used the Vertical saw to cut the traced pieces from the acrylic sheets.

Cutting notches in the wingspan.

Refining and defining the cuts with Hand File.

Detailing the star, from the center of the logo.

I'm debating about implementing some metal into the piece as well... Maybe mount the logo on metal shield... (back to the bench!)

 

[MonsterMawd]

Instead of just applying the logo on the factory case panel... I want something with a more industrial and rugged look.

I want the perimeter of the factory frame for a new backing plate on the right side panel.

I used a Jigsaw with 18 TPI cutting blade to remove the center of the factory window.

I used a hand file to clean up the edges of the factory window frame.

I'll be mounting the logo on this aluminum plate with louvered vents. I cannibalized this sheet from AMS gtower CF-1009 case side panel, which was discontinued several years ago.

I painted the frame with Plasti-kote "Aluminum" color Engine Enamel Paint.

Aluminum panel mounted on modified c70 factory window.

 

[HEXiT]

nice job so far...

 

[MonsterMawd]

Thank you HEXit!

I've painted the New Conglomerate shield

I prepped the acrylic surface for paint by 1st scuffing the surface with Red Scotch brite pad.

Next step is applying Primer coat, I used RUSTOLEUM Enamel, from Home Depot.

I let the Primer cure for 2 hours...

I applied RUSTOLEUM's #7747 Sunburst Yellow, Enamel paint

I let the Yellow cure overnight....

 

[MonsterMawd]

I'm creating a junction box for all of the simulated hydraulic lines from the Intake Fan. This will be located on the front of the chassis. I'm using an outdoor Outlet enclosure. I've attached Round hole Modders Mesh with DP-190 Epoxy. The enclosure will be painted Silver aluminum.

 

[MonsterMawd]

120mm Blue LED Cooling fans arrived. I love Prolimatech fans. I've used them frequently in my builds over the past year. They push good airflow with low dbs, pre-sleeved connectors and your choice of optional speed resistors, if the client requests near silence.

Factory Specifications:

Dimension (L)120mm X (W)120mmX (H)25mm
Bearing Type Sleeve bearing
Rated Voltage 12 VDC / 9 VDC
Operating Voltage Range 6~13.8 VDC
Rated Current 0.3 Max.Amp
Rated Power 3.6 Max.Watt
Rated Speed 1600 RPM / 1200 RPM
Airflow 72.67 Max.CFM
Noise Level 29.1 dBA
Net Weight 107.2 Gram
Connector Terminal Connector(3-pin plus 4-pin molex)
LED Blue

The floor intake and rear exhaust fans will have these custom "New Conglomerate" logo inspired fan grills. These were laser cut from 1/8" thick Blue transparent cast acrylic sheets.

* I don't offer laser cutting as service, but "Laser Cutting Inc." does! They welcome small specialty jobs from PC Modders, Here is their website, http://www.lasercuttingservice.net

 

[MonsterMawd]

Rollin along here! Yesterday, I mounted the New Conglomerate shield onto the left side panel. I used socket head fasteners. This afternoon I'll start hand painting everything with distressed and weathered paint effects. Matt made it clear that he wanted the surfaces to look weathered. He sent images of the NC soldiers for inspiration.

Matt wants the finish of the case to reflect the weathered armor on this New Conglomerate Soldier. I'll be using an airbrush and combination of different paint brushes, and sponges to weather the edges of exterior.

 

[MonsterMawd]

shots from the paint booth.

The paint I applied is Acrylic Lacquer Metallic Blue.

Under normal circumstances when applying Metallic Paint, you must apply top coat of Clear, but I deliberately skipped the Clear, to create this Dull SATIN finish.

Remember, I don't want the case to look shiny and new. I'm going to distress and weather the exterior, so this PC looks like it's survived some action in the field..

I've painted the junction box and Modders Mesh in Silver Aluminum.

Lancool K58 bezel with Round Modders Mesh.

Next step is installing the front intake fan and connecting the hoses..

 

[Solar AU]

great work. pls keep posting these.
i really liked the "BIG-BANG FUZION".

This one looks very good too!

 

[MonsterMawd]

Thank you for the kind words and watching Solar AU!

Matt wants the exterior to look aged and weathered.

Water Drop Masking: "Distressed & Weathered Look"

1. Spray entire surface with Water Spray Bottle
2. Use Airbrush over water drops with Enamel Paint
3. Allow to dry 1 minute
4. Use Paper Towel and Dab up the water, Don't Wipe!

Airbrushing shadows with Iwata around the NC shield, with Brown

Airbrushed mix of Grey / Black enamel paint over the vertical vents in the panels, to create aged effect.

You can see the water spots in the Blue exterior..

Scratched and scuffed the shield with red Scotchbrite pad and 80 grit sandpaper...

I'll be in the workshop on Sunday, applying more surface effects and adding some Yellow striping, inspired buy the NC armor.

 

[MonsterMawd]

I worked on distressing the Yellow striping, I used combination of 80 grit sandpaper, wire brush and Red scotchbrite pads.

 

[MonsterMawd]

120mm rear exhaust fans with "New Conglomerate" logo inspired fan grill. These were laser cut from 1/8" thick Blue transparent cast acrylic sheets.

Progress on front bezel frame, this is from Lancool K58 case.

 

[jrwizbang]

This is coming along fantastically! Keep it up, looks awesome so far.

 

[MonsterMawd]

Thank you Jrwizbang! Finished installation of Turbine Intake module. I envisioned something evocative of heavy duty power equipment, with lines connecting to the sides that look hydraulic hoses.

120mm Overkill Fan Rings Link, http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html

 

[MonsterMawd]

I've finished the shroud for the Corsair H100 240 radiator, it's cnc milled from 6061 aluminum, 3/16" thick. I'll be adding more details to it this week.

 

[MonsterMawd]

For the Corsair's H100 radiator, I'm using two 120mm Modders Mesh fan grills for the custom 240 machined aluminum grill. Here are the steps I took in painting them to match the grill frame.

I'm using 3M RED Scotchbrite hand pads for cleaning and scuffing the grills for a primer base coat.

For the Primer coat, I used RUST-OLEUM Enamel Primer. It's available from Home Depot or LOWES, in Black, Red or Grey color. I used Black

After the RUST-OLEUM Primer has cured for 30 minutes, I applied the color coat, which is Plastikote's Engine Enamel, #207, Aluminum. Manufacturer Page here, http://www.plastikote.com/products/Specialty/Engine-Enamel.html

Ending results are a very good color match to the actual aluminum grill frame.

 

[MonsterMawd]

Ok, current Details for the 240 radiator grill today, H100 installed with the Blue LED Prolimatech fans inside, next stage is airbrushing tomorrow, adding weathered and distressed effect around the edges and perforated grill inserts.

 

[amuffin]

Looking great so far!

I've always liked all of the mods you've done!

 

[MWisBest]

Looks very nice! Can't wait to see the finished product

 

[hellfire24]

OMG! that's a sweet mod!
keep up the good work