Shazim's PC Desk/Case Watercooled Mod

[Shazim]

Hey guys, I decided to enter my desk/scratch build mod into this competition. In summary, I wanted to integrate my L-shaped desk and computer into one, and this is what I came up with .

I will post final pictures first, and the work log will follow after. I am mainly copying my entire worklog posted on my blog/portfolio here.

=======================================================================================================

Showcase:

Here is my completed PC Desk/case mod project The work log can be seen below.

Here are the specs and parts for this computer:

-Asus Gene IV Motherboard

-i5-2500k Processor

-Radeon HD 7950 Graphics card with Water Cooling block (EK)

-3x Dell UltraSharp (U2312HM) Monitors (in Eyefinity setup) with a modded ergotnomic mount.

-3x Gelid UV Reactive Green fans

-XSPC Raystorm CPU waterblock

-XSPC RX360 Radiator

-PrimoFlex UV Green tubinh

-Swiftech pump

[Shazim]

The Inspiration

I have always been fascinated by desk/PC case mods such as thisone. I really wanted to make my own mod like this, so I finally decided to attempt it on May 2012. I didn’t really want to buy a new desk (using the Z-Line Belaire Glass Desk), or go out to a metal working shop to get pieces made, so I decided to play with MDF wood to build a frame of the case. To get an idea of how the case works, this is how the original desk looked like:

Here are some of my initial sketches/measurements for the case (the measurements were actually done after I knew where all the parts were going):

[Shazim]

The Worklog

The monitor and the mount

The first thing I went ahead and ordered were 3xDell monitors for an eyefinity setup. I also purchased thismount with them. The BIGGEST problem was that the base of the 3 monitors was MASSIVE, bigger than I expected. So what I did was create my own, smaller mount with plywood, and then painted it black. I figured that if the base could not handle the weight of the monitors, I would secure it to the wall (with those fence clamps).

Prepping the desk, finding where everything goes

The next step was to find out how exactly I wanted everything to fit inside this area. I figured a microATX would suffice for the dimensions, but I had to jet out the case about 2 inches from the back to allow me to have a completely flat, and square front side (giving me enough room for keyboard/mouse).

I got alot of help from Motopsychojdn over at TomsHardware (if your reading this bud, thanks so much!) on the initial design and how we could manage good airflow inside a wooden case.

[Shazim]

Time to make.

With everything mapped out, I was ready to start building. I went to homedepot to grab most of my supplies, and cut the wood myself via jigsaw.

Everything from here on out was, measure, cut, measure and so forth…a picture is worth a thousand words.

Everything from here on out was, measure, cut, measure and so forth…a picture is worth a thousand words

[Shazim]

The End

Thanks for taking a look at my project, I hope you guys enjoyed viewing my work as I did making it

Here are answers to a few common questions I get:

How much was price of entire desk? Including monitors about $2000

Is that a kink in your tubing? Yes there was a kink on the radiator tubing that I have fixed since then. The wrapping around green tubing is one of the support pillars and is not part of loop (just decor).

Are the monitors too high? The monitors are on an adjustable stand, I like them this height (forces me to keep my back straight = eye level).

Isn't your desk crowded? I dont have an issue with it, I have a good chair which allows me to rest me arms on the armrests comfortably...its also a L shaped desk so I have room to put my coffee or book or anything next to me

What are you going to do if you have to move? The desk was made for the intent to be moved if needed. I can fully dissasemble the desk. I can also easily pop out the front plexi glass, and pull out the base allowing me to easily clean/refill my watertank.

The lights would distract me while gaming! - There is a switch to turn off the lights, I usually keep them off and ON only for show-off purposes

As seen on:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/26/desk-case-pc-mod-ditches-glass-metal-for-wood/

http://www.pcworld.com/article/258322/c ... #tk.hp_new

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/s ... um=twitter

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... 575&type=1

https://twitter.com/CultOfRazer/status/ ... 2190425088

http://www.facebook.com/Xoxidemodding/p ... 5457700573

http://www.reddit.com/r/battlestations/ ... pc_modded/

(Front page Reddit!)http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/xhb7z/here_is_my_gaming_rig_a_custom_watercooled_pc/

My portfolio: http://www.shazim-mohammad.com