Cooler Master HAF 922 project

[MonsterMawd]

My canvas for this project is the Cooler Master HAF 922

I'm using paper to make a template for 2x 120mm front intake plate.

Tracking template onto 1/8" thick aluminum sheet.

I used a Jigsaw with 18 TPI metal cutting blade to cut the design. I will refine and finish the cuts with a hand file later.

The 1/8" thick aluminum won't fit in my bending brake, so I used my bench vise to bend the aluminum.

I'm using a Mouse sander with medium Grit sandpaper to remove all of the blemishes and scratching in the surface of the aluminum

Aluminum plate surface is finished. Next step is fastening it on with pop rivets, more on this soon!

I've attached the new bezel plate on with pop rivets.

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

Overkill "Nautilus" 120mm fan grills, http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html

In order to use the Knock-out punch, you need to drill a 2" pilot hole.

Greenlee Knock out Punches
Greenlee part # 730EBB-120 Last time I inquired, they were around $450 in the states + Large 3/4" socket wrench, and 2" socket. I wouldn't use anything less than 19" long socket wrench. Estimated purchase price of $550 new.

 

[tkgclimb]

I had some of those fans, gave me clicking problems

 

[MonsterMawd]

Ouch, were you under volting them with a Fan controller?

 

[shovenose]

i also like ur speckled paint job (and all the poaint lojbs u do in general b/c they look profressional)but the speckled looks cool

 

[MonsterMawd]

Thank you shovenose

 

[tkgclimb]

I had them on a fan controller that was giving them plenty of power but they still didn't like it, they also seamed to be making too much noise for me even when connected directly to the psu. So back to newegg they went, hope you have better luck.

 

[MonsterMawd]

I did plan to use them on a Mitron Noise Isolator fan controller, 17 watts per channel Thanks for the heads-up

Overkill "Nautilus" 120mm fan grill with XIGMATEK XLF-F1254 120mm fan installed.

 

[blackhawk1928]

Your PC/case mods are amazing. You should try even making your own custom chassis so it looks even cooler, i can't imagine how awsome that would be Great work so far.

You should do something bad so everyone stops sounding like a broken record saying how amazing its turning out. lol

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Very nice. Looks good.

 

[dennis2]

I plan to buy the same case from newegg. nice mod

 

[MonsterMawd]

Ok guys, thanks for the comments, as always! and here is the custom HAF 922 front bezel and fan grills after receiving 4th coat of Charcoal Grey Metallic paint today. The finish on the bezel will buffed out.

 

[shovenose]

its cool..!

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Are you going to clearcoat it?

 

[MonsterMawd]

Yes, everything will be Clearcoated

I started installing the Acoustical foam in the HAF 922 chassis yesterday, starting on the backboard. It has Adhesive backing for easy installation. It cuts very easily with a scissors or Xacto knife. This foam will help dampen noise generated from inside the 922.

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

 

[MonsterMawd]

The deadline to finish "Overkill 922" is this Thursday, so it can be debuted at the Stompfest LAN Event this weekend,. April 10th - 11th. The final stages are custom paint, custom cable sleeving, sound insulation foam, Enermax cooling fans and Mitron Noise Isolator fan controller.

We thought the custom paint should incorporate some Sci-Fi elements with the "SF" logo from Stompfest with some Industrial cues, like this Yellow & Black Hazard area painted over the top panel of the HAF 922.

 

[MonsterMawd]

We needed a character that embodied the hardcore LAN Gamer. He knows how to build a killer system. Enjoys annihilating Noobs on their inherited Emachines. He likes getting jacked up on Caffeinated Energy Drinks and junk Food. You get the idea... Thats how we landed on the implementation of this "LAN Terminator" dude with the "SF" logo craved into his skull. Hes surrounded by circuits hardwired into the system inside. People should fear the guy that walks into future events with this case.

Check out Brad's airbrushed Red and Blue Glowing LEDS, and conduit tubing à la H.R. GIGER.

 

[Starges]

You guys are sick! That's some awesome piece of work...... 😉

 

[MonsterMawd]

Thanks for the post Starges! Installed the window and "SF" logo, installed front Xiggy grills

U-channel window molding, http://www.mnpctech.com/UChannel.html

I use the Clear 3M 4010 Heavy Duty Tape, http://www.mnpctech.com/scotch_4010_tape_of_the_casemod_gods.html

 

[MonsterMawd]

Here is some of the final assembled photos before it was picked up for the Stompfest event.

It looks like real Hazard Area tape doesn't it? It was done with paint by hand. The FUSE door is painted on as well.

The custom window has a "SF" logo in the center made from frosted vinyl.

The "LAN Terminator" on the side is surrounded by LEDS and circuits hardwired into the system inside. A subtle Blue glow beneath the chassis is a Yate Loon 120mm intake fan. The case is elevated with a set of machined aluminum diamond knurl case feet. These were given the same "speckle" paint finish as the rear exhaust fan grill.

The rear Overkill Nautilus Fan Grill was given a speckle paint effect. We used with Black self etching primer to do this. The grill covers a XIGMATEK XLF-F1254 120mm White LED exhaust with Carbon Fiber vinyl applied as a label over the fan hub.

The 2x 120mm fan intakes are XIGMATEK XLF-F1254 120mm White LED case fans with Overkill Nautilus 120mm Fan Grills and House of Kolor "Silver Metallic" and "Gloss Black" 50/50 mix paint finish.

Completing the custom window installation in the HAF 922 is U-channel computer window molding

The contours and recessed portions of the HAF 922 case were shadowed with an Airbrush to create more depth.

 

[MonsterMawd]

I posted a video clip of the case before it was picked up.


[flash=660,405]http://www.youtube.com/v/-2j3dv-dUCA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1[/flash]

 

[JohnnyLucky]

I just watched the video clip. AWESOME!

 

[MonsterMawd]

Glad you like it Johnny! 😀

 

[mushroomking]

That thing is absolutely stunning. My favorite part has be the fan grills though. Now you just have to start a line of cases people will actually like 😗 .

 

[Starges]

BTW, how much does that thing weigh as it is?
Also, do you sell modded cases, or do you just offer modding services?

 

[Chewbert]

Awesome work MonsterMawd, very inspiring stuff. When you paint your cases do you only scuff the outside coat before you apply paint? I've been completely sanding mine down to the metal underneath and re-priming them.. it seems to be the recommended method based on what I've read. If you have any particular primers to recommend (if it matters) or clear coat brands.. I'm a painting student at a local university and I've convinced my teacher to let me work on computer cases instead of canvas. I might start posting some of my work later.

Edit: Found your painting guide by following your profile to your website. Best guide I've seen on the web yet, extremely helpful. Thanks Monster!

 

[MonsterMawd]

@mushroomking, Thank you! I'm working on a Mini-ITX case, construction will be 100% milled aircraft aluminum.

@Starges, hmmm, estimating mods added 2 - 2.5 pounds to the stock weight.

@Chewbert, you can use a red scotch brite pad to scuff the surface. I can't offer advice if youre using traditional brush paints, but If you're using rattle cans, with patience and practice, you can achieve a professional finish. Here is a good guide


How to Paint Computer Case