GPU backplate materials?

[IHazABone]

Hey, so, I'm in the process of building a backplate for my 7770 (as I hate the PCB with a passion) and later my sound card. I'm pretty sure I'll be walking down to Home Depot today to buy a 12x12" 1/8" aluminum sheet, so that would be the actual metal I'm using, unless there are any objections. I want to paint it about a matte black, but I'm not very experienced with the different kinds of paint - what should I use for this? I'll be printing a decal on top of this, too. Would a powder coat work?
Thanks.

 

[minerva330]

I can't comment on the paint aspect but unless you want to dish out for copper, silver or gold, aluminium is the next best choice. Make sure to posts pics of the process, I am interested. good luck

 

[IHazABone]

This is my first attempt at ever doing something like this, and I'm doing it primarily because of that - I've always wanted to. It might be a complete failure. Who knows. I'll keep up a progress report.

Considering how expensive power coating is, I might go for matte black acrylic spray paint. I do believe acrylic is non-conductive without additives, and heat resistant to a degree that I won't be reaching.

 

[minerva330]

Check out this sticky: http://www.overclockers.com/how-to-paint-steel-aluminum-plastic-and-acrylic/

They have a whole section on painting bare Aluminum

 

[IHazABone]

Check out this sticky: http://www.overclockers.com/how-to-paint-steel-aluminum-plastic-and-acrylic/

They have a whole section on painting bare Aluminum

Thanks, I'll look into this!

 

[IHazABone]

So I walked down to Home Depot today, and they didn't have aluminum sheets or plates of any kind. Nor did Home Hardware, Lordco, or a vegetation/garden supplies business. I'll have to get the stuff custom cut tomorrow. But I've decided that 1/4" would be better than 1/8". Has anyone had experience with this stuff?

 

[minerva330]

While this forum is great, I am not sure how large of a mod community it has. You may have better luck over at www.overclock.net or a more mod focused forum

 

[IHazABone]

I've tried to make an account there quite a few times, but the confirmation email has never come and I can't post. So.

 

[minerva330]

That's odd, I signed up a few months ago with no problems. You check your spam folder?

 

[IHazABone]

Yeah, it's no worry though.
On related topics: looks like I'm going to go for 1/4" aluminum, brush it, and paint it a very dark matte grey (probably acrylic paint), finalizing with a red (build colour) decal on top. Will the acrylic paint be okay under heat and on brushed aluminum?