Case Mod Project: "BIG-BANG" FUZION

MSI will be using this PC for demonstrating their new Big-Bang Fuzion Motherboard at trade shows this year.

My canvas will be NZXT Adamas aluminum mid-tower case. Currently at Newegg for $169.99

Motherboard Compatibility ATX, Micro-ATX
External 5.25" Drive Bays 4
External 3.5" Drive Bays 1
Internal 3.5" Drive Bays 5
Expansion Slots 7
Front Ports 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE1394
Ac'97 and Intel HD audio support for 5.1 and 7.1 audio
Dimensions (L x W x H) 19.29" x 7.48" x 17.13"
Extra reinforced structure using welding technology
3mm top and bottom aluminum frame
2mm aluminum construction
Patented screw-less side and front panel removal mechanism four included 120 mm ultra silent fans

Before we get to moddin this case, let's take a brief tour. If you hate flimsy cases, you'll like the Adamas, it's 100% aluminum mid-tower is remarkably sturdy. NZXT incorporated a lot of extruded aluminum into it's design. The bottom and top panels are extruded aluminum that look very stylish. The structure of the case except for the bezel and side panels is entirely welded together.


NZXT includes 4x 120mm NZXT factory fans pre-installed in the Adamas.

1x front intake.
1x rear exhaust.
2x access panel.


The exterior finish is Matte Black powdercoat.


Extruded aluminum top panel is stylish. It's welded onto the chassis.


Front Ports 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE1394. Ac'97 and Intel HD audio support for 5.1 and 7.1 audio




NZXT At the top we have four 5.25" drive bays, with the top bay being used as a stealth drive cover for your optical drive






The chassis frame consists of "L" shaped aluminum that is welded and powder coated Black. I will be removing the HD cage to accommodate larger video cards
The Adamas has been on the market since Oct 2006, back when video cards were much shorter.

http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com [...] zion9a.jpg
Both side panels have unique spring loaded release latches. These work really nicely for quick access.

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The case feet are threaded into the chassis and incorporate Black rubber on the bottom.

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The quick-release bezel is slick. The intake grill is made from extruded aluminum. It can be removed as well.

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After "quickly" removing the bezel, you can access the front filter.

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To help dampen vibration, NZXT inserted rubber strips into the 5.25 optical drive bay slots.

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I like seeing the switches and led lights fastened into the bezel and not glued!

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The floor of the extruded aluminum optical bay slides out after removing 2, screws.

The first step in creating my FUZION theme PC is giving the Adamas a new exterior. Both side panels will show MSI's logo graphic of the exploded fragments. This design will be made 3D, by milling it into new panels that will start from 1/4" thick aluminum.

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The right side edges of the exploded fragment will be slotted openings, so they can be illuminated from behind. This will create a shadow-like effect onto the design.

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The cnc milled plate for the left access panel. This will be back lit!

















If your SATA cable doesn't have a latch, use Scotch 4010 tape for added assurance



Quiet 120mm Yate Loon, Blue LED Cooling Fans

agreed, it's going to be a challenge from stand point for cpu coolers. I pre-fitted the side panels today.

Damn MM, you never cease to amaze.

Omg

It should fit a Kingwin XT-1264 is about 6" tall which is a good cooler that isn't quite as tall as some. It is almost as good as a Xigmatek HDT-s1284, which is a perfectly good cooler.

It is anything under 7" in width that bothers me.

WOW!!!!!!
THAT CASE IS SICK!!!
Nice Job Man, What do You Do for a living?

excellent choice... aluminum , but lets think what happen if this beautiful case made by copper?!!!

simply you are right about the weigh but about the stability ... actually I am in the middle of a project.inventing 100% copper case.I think it is the first one.I know that the copper is so soft.I just have stability in this case with 1mm leaf.I have to mention that it cost me more than 200$ till now(70% progress)

with in next 24 hours I will upload the pics and link.

Copper, Sounds like fun. Still Cant believe this case. It is insane. i Would Pay good money towards a case that looked That kick arse

Sweet Modding MonsterMawd

As I promised , I upload one pic for you guys.Just let me finish the job then I put the whole review and pics in a new topic.Here is the link:
http://www.2shared.com/file/125709 [...] 09018.html

By the way I forgot , Good job monstermawd ,it is so cool.

And copper is a fantastic conductor of Electricity AND heat.

So that could present a problem?

The MB would be plug by plastic outrigger.I can use insulator shields but it would reduce the performence.what would you guys suggest?

Thank you for the comments everybody. The side panels will be painted, expect for some portions of the billet aluminum that will be left exposed. I just got word from MSI that the hardware has been shipped. No specifics on that, other than the Fusion MB.

Very Nice man... You should Approach A major Manufacturer, You have talent
I would Pay well Over US$200 For A chassis Like That

It's purty, but don't get too attached to the "bare billet" pron. I'm still debating about plans for the final finish.

Yes, that would be fun... still debating about the design until I can see some color spray outs first.. was thinking a couple different shades of HoK Kandy Blues

Amazing work but I was wondering: will it have USB 3.0 and Sata 3.0?

But what about Asus being able to put a USB3 chip on there AMD motherboards and cool them with only air?

Oh! Well then i guess we have to wait a bit for it to be good thanks for the information.

^ Its going to look tasty! im actually excited to see this beast!

Yesterday I made time to start prepping the background of the side panel design for paint. I cut sheets of Red Scotch-Brite pads by 3M various size pieces for getting into the small crevices.These pads work great for de-burring and polishing metal surfaces. You can use them on metals, woods, plastics, composites. I use them for prepping factory paint finishes for primer coats as well. For the bare aluminum, apply a self-etching primer base coat before the color coat. This allows for maximum adhesion to the bare metal surface. The color coat will be Silver Aluminum. This will be applied to the background of the panel to cover up the fine swirl marks.

Scotch-Brite General Purpose 3M Scotch-brite Pads

It's going to be so beautiful!

keep on keeping on!

Thank you for tuning in and commenting everybody! Yesterday I sat down with my favorite roll of tape and Xcato knife and masked off raised portions of both side panels. I'm asked a lot about which masking tape I use for Mnpctech projects. I prefer to use 3M Scotch Green 233+ masking tape. It's highly conformable to curved surfaces on both metal and plastic. It has good adhesion in a large range of weather conditions. It will peel off without leaving any sticky residue. Most Auto Body Supply Stores should stock this tape. Otherwise it's readily available online. It has a premium price, but performs the best for most case modding applications. It may be hard to justify the cost of a premium tape, but I see it as an investment in protecting my work. I would rather spend $10.95 - $15.95 for a roll of 2" - 3" wide tape than replace or redo something that I scratched by accident.




latches were masked off after this photo was taken...



I'll be applying primer base coat this afternoon... will post another update soon!

jesus christ that is sexy