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Julien Chiang | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Building A Really Personal Computer tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Building A Really Personal Computer

Have finally decided to do a detailed step-by-step setting up of my computer since I'm in the process of migrating it to another casing. I expect this to go on for a couple of months...

Latest update (13th Feb '05) -
Almost done! Top and insides are practically up.
Will have to start thinking of the front panel as well as how I wanna control my fans and lights...
By the way, I love my new PC! (Pics at the very last)


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1st Lianli casing I bought - PC70
1st Lianli casing I bought - PC70		 Didn't get the PC70-U cos no point having USB ports right @ the bottom of the casing when it's sitting on the floor
Didn't get the PC70-U cos no point having USB ports right @ the bottom of the casing when it's sitting on the floor		 A beauty indeed, @ it's stock form
A beauty indeed, @ it's stock form		 Power & Reset Buttons
Power & Reset Buttons
Backside
Backside		 PSU plating with room for 2 80mm fans
PSU plating with room for 2 80mm fans		 Bottom of case with 4 feet
Bottom of case with 4 feet		 It's internals
It's internals
The other side
The other side		 Notice the PSU space ain't particularly friendly for dual fans type PSU
Notice the PSU space ain't particularly friendly for dual fans type PSU		 Sufficient space for x6 5.25' and x9 3.5' devices
Sufficient space for x6 5.25' and x9 3.5' devices		 Removable hdd rack for x6 3.5' hdd
Removable hdd rack for x6 3.5' hdd
Removing the front cover
Removing the front cover		 Reverse side of front cover
Reverse side of front cover		 Bare front
Bare front		 Another 3.5' rack that's removable. Good enough for x3 more 3.5' devices
Another 3.5' rack that's removable. Good enough for x3 more 3.5' devices
Filter for intake fans
Filter for intake fans		 Filter removed
Filter removed		 x4 Adda 80mm fans inclusive
x4 Adda 80mm fans inclusive		 Almost fully stripped
Almost fully stripped
Removing the case feet
Removing the case feet		 Top support for PSU
Top support for PSU		 Some work need to be done to the PSU plating to make it compatible to popular PSU available in the market
Some work need to be done to the PSU plating to make it compatible to popular PSU available in the market		 Changing the rivets to 3mm bolts and nuts
Changing the rivets to 3mm bolts and nuts
If you've noticed, the plating has kinda changed sides
If you've noticed, the plating has kinda changed sides		 Next up, top cover
Next up, top cover		 Basically held together by 4 rivets
Basically held together by 4 rivets		 Simple job of drilling out the rivets, that's the front
Simple job of drilling out the rivets, that's the front
and the back
and the back		 Back to the PSU plate, fan grills need to be removed since they are obstruct too much air flow to be of any use
Back to the PSU plate, fan grills need to be removed since they are obstruct too much air flow to be of any use		 The other 2 80mm rear exhaust went through a similar treatment
The other 2 80mm rear exhaust went through a similar treatment		 Time to modify the PSU holder to have it accomodate dual fans PSU
Time to modify the PSU holder to have it accomodate dual fans PSU
Pretty sucky job
Pretty sucky job		 Add in rubber C linings and gromets, plus the gold C lining for the PSU, and it look much better!
Add in rubber C linings and gromets, plus the gold C lining for the PSU, and it look much better!		 Everything fixed
Everything fixed		 This is how the case finally looked like though, after I painted the optical drives, add in the rheobus and lcd
This is how the case finally looked like though, after I painted the optical drives, add in the rheobus and lcd
Closer shot of the window
Closer shot of the window		 A little closer
A little closer		 Side view shot
Side view shot		 UV red PSU sleeves
UV red PSU sleeves
Looking up
Looking up		 And looking down
And looking down		 The PC70 is everntually sold off. In it's place I got a PC60-U. That's the Asus AX7N8X-Deluxe mobo
The PC70 is everntually sold off. In it's place I got a PC60-U. That's the Asus AX7N8X-Deluxe mobo		 My Antec all sleeved up
My Antec all sleeved up
1GB worth of Mushkin rams
1GB worth of Mushkin rams		 Ever trusty 9800Pro
Ever trusty 9800Pro		 Tweakmonsters! If you haven't noticed...
Tweakmonsters! If you haven't noticed...		 8 of them in total
8 of them in total
4 Criticool Water Plant Reservoir
4" Criticool Water Plant Reservoir		 2 inlets from a Y splitter to the CPU and GFX waterblocks
2 inlets from a Y splitter to the CPU and GFX waterblocks		 and a single outlet to the pump
and a single outlet to the pump		 All covered up with tinted window
All covered up with tinted window
And presto! I love the clear H linings!
And presto! I love the clear H linings!		 Looks cool with it's side panel off eh? Back to the rebuilding block once again!
Looks cool with it's side panel off eh? Back to the rebuilding block once again!		 Introducing the various components, 1st off, the mobo - the ever popular Abit NF7-S version 2. One of the best overclockers
Introducing the various components, 1st off, the mobo - the ever popular Abit NF7-S version 2. One of the best overclockers		 Version 2 gives official support for 400FSB
Version 2 gives official support for 400FSB
CPU - AMD Mobile XP 2600+, can't wait to see how high this baby will go
CPU - AMD Mobile XP 2600+, can't wait to see how high this baby will go		 GFX - Sapphire Radeon 9800Pro 128MB 256bits
GFX - Sapphire Radeon 9800Pro 128MB 256bits		 R360 core! Nice!
R360 core! Nice!		 Armed with x8 BGA Tweakmonsters
Armed with x8 BGA Tweakmonsters
Back to the PSU holder! Hee! Actually sold the previous PC70, got myself a PC60, and a PC60U; before ending up with another PC70
Back to the PSU holder! Hee! Actually sold the previous PC70, got myself a PC60, and a PC60U; before ending up with another PC70		 No hole saw nor rotary too, so gotta do it the hard way...
No hole saw nor rotary too, so gotta do it the hard way...		 Lotsa filing to be done
Lotsa filing to be done		 Cut a hole on my mobo tray too to facilitate easier changing of heatsinks and waterblocks
Cut a hole on my mobo tray too to facilitate easier changing of heatsinks and waterblocks
Another intake right @ the bottom blowing directly to the hdd rack
Another intake right @ the bottom blowing directly to the hdd rack		 Bottom view, cut this the same way as I cut the PSU holder, drilling holes and filing...
Bottom view, cut this the same way as I cut the PSU holder, drilling holes and filing...		 Intake mesh filter and a 92mm Delta
Intake mesh filter and a 92mm Delta		 Notice both front 80mm Addas changed to Papsts
Notice both front 80mm Addas changed to Papsts
Together with some pretty dirty aluminium mesh filters
Together with some pretty dirty aluminium mesh filters		 Moving to the rear, Adda fans changed to clear fans with blue LEDs
Moving to the rear, Adda fans changed to clear fans with blue LEDs		 Dual biohazard laser fan grills. Top grill need some filing cos it's too close to the PSU plating
Dual biohazard laser fan grills. Top grill need some filing cos it's too close to the PSU plating		 Decided to dump the dual 80mm and modify the exhaust for a single 120mm
Decided to dump the dual 80mm and modify the exhaust for a single 120mm
With a 120mm clear fan with blue LEDs, I'd be able to make use of this cool 120mm molded fan grill!
With a 120mm clear fan with blue LEDs, I'd be able to make use of this cool 120mm molded fan grill!		 Like this. Only this is a 80mm clear fan and 80mm grill within my PC60-U
Like this. Only this is a 80mm clear fan and 80mm grill within my PC60-U		 Drill out the bottom part too as the old holes for my previous drainage system is quite unsightly
Drill out the bottom part too as the old holes for my previous drainage system is quite unsightly		 My old drainage system
My old drainage system
Did some measurements and cut out 2 pieces of tinted 3mm acrylic to cover the new holes
Did some measurements and cut out 2 pieces of tinted 3mm acrylic to cover the new holes		 Testing to see that they fit
Testing to see that they fit		 A pretty messed up top cover. Gotta do something abt all the sticky residue and numerous holes...
A pretty messed up top cover. Gotta do something abt all the sticky residue and numerous holes...		 The best I could do. The big hole is perfect for my...
The best I could do. The big hole is perfect for my...
Black Ice Xtreme II Chrome version!
Black Ice Xtreme II Chrome version!		 Have always wanted to mod a windowed hdd, and to be able to show off that, I gotta cut a proper hole to my hdd rack
Have always wanted to mod a windowed hdd, and to be able to show off that, I gotta cut a proper hole to my hdd rack		 I sure hope it's structural stability isn't affected
I sure hope it's structural stability isn't affected		 The targetted hdd to be cut up
The targetted hdd to be cut up
A fully functional Seagate 5400rpm 10.2GB PATA hdd
A fully functional Seagate 5400rpm 10.2GB PATA hdd		 Rubber shield removed, notice there are only 4 screws to be removed
Rubber shield removed, notice there are only 4 screws to be removed		 It's backside
It's backside		 Had some practise beforehand with a defective Western Digital
Had some practise beforehand with a defective Western Digital
The screws are a bitch to unscrew...
The screws are a bitch to unscrew...		 Got myself 2 other guinea pigs! A couple of old working Quantum 6.4GB
Got myself 2 other guinea pigs! A couple of old working Quantum 6.4GB		 And that's the Torx-type screwdriver which I just got
And that's the Torx-type screwdriver which I just got		 Closing up on the tip
Closing up on the tip
See it's star-shaped head? Purrfect for those pesky stubborn screws!
See it's star-shaped head? Purrfect for those pesky stubborn screws!		 That's the mobo tray; expanded to hole back there so that I'll have access to the mobo holes from the back for my Abit
That's the mobo tray; expanded to hole back there so that I'll have access to the mobo holes from the back for my Abit		 NF7-S in place, plenty of space to spare
NF7-S in place, plenty of space to spare		 Finally drag myself to the supermarket for some ziploc bags
Finally drag myself to the supermarket for some ziploc bags
Smallest I can find, Perfect for hdds!
Smallest I can find, Perfect for hdds!		 No clean room, so the bathroom will be my operation theatre. Water Heater On.
No clean room, so the bathroom will be my operation theatre. Water Heater On.		 Operating 'table' set up.
Operating 'table' set up.		 Shower is on, bathroom misting up nicely
Shower is on, bathroom misting up nicely
Presto! Operation completed! I won't say it's a success until I have the hdds fixed into a PC and fully tested
Presto! Operation completed! I won't say it's a success until I have the hdds fixed into a PC and fully tested		 The 'casualities'
The 'casualities'		 That's the Seagate, First time I see this kinda cover
That's the Seagate, First time I see this kinda cover		 One of the 2 Quantums; they are more conventional looking
One of the 2 Quantums; they are more conventional looking
Decided to cut up the Quantum first, shuould have gotten myself a fully blocky shaped drive
Decided to cut up the Quantum first, shuould have gotten myself a fully blocky shaped drive		 so as to have a simple rectangular window
so as to have a simple rectangular window		 That's the rubber gasket
That's the rubber gasket		 1 mm tinted acrylic I got from ArtFriend @ Bras Basah Complex. They don't have clear 1mm...
1 mm tinted acrylic I got from ArtFriend @ Bras Basah Complex. They don't have clear 1mm...
Couldn't really be bothered for more filing since the acrylic will attach to the bottom... I HATE FILING!
Couldn't really be bothered for more filing since the acrylic will attach to the bottom... I HATE FILING!		 First attemp on the right, 2nd attemp on the way
First attemp on the right, 2nd attemp on the way		 This time around, I'm sticking to plain rectangles.
This time around, I'm sticking to plain rectangles.		 I simply love the RTX rotary tool. Doing the same thing with my jigsaw will be real messy
I simply love the RTX rotary tool. Doing the same thing with my jigsaw will be real messy
Will be attaching the window at the top this time around. Gives more space for the hdd head to move about.
Will be attaching the window at the top this time around. Gives more space for the hdd head to move about.		 Top views. Window @ the bottom still look nicer eh?
Top views. Window @ the bottom still look nicer eh?		 Bottom views. Am thinking of applying some silicon to make absolute sure no dust can get in. Should I? Hmm...
Bottom views. Am thinking of applying some silicon to make absolute sure no dust can get in. Should I? Hmm...		 This is my 2nd attempt model. PC is off. By the way, 1st with the window inside was a flop due to insufficient clearance.
This is my 2nd attempt model. PC is off. By the way, 1st with the window inside was a flop due to insufficient clearance.
Woohoo! It works!
Woohoo! It works!		 More pics
More pics		 Can see the head moving
Can see the head moving		 ;) Can't wait to get my hands on another hdd. Still thinking of how to get some lights inside the hdd. Any ideas anybody?
;) Can't wait to get my hands on another hdd. Still thinking of how to get some lights inside the hdd. Any ideas anybody?
Yeah! Stuff from FrozenCPU arrived today!
Yeah! Stuff from FrozenCPU arrived today!		 TDX with accelerator nozzles
TDX with accelerator nozzles		 Guess it's time to retire my Spir@l...
Guess it's time to retire my Spir@l...		 This looks way too good
This looks way too good
Yum yum
Yum yum		 By the way, this is a AMD block
By the way, this is a AMD block		 Can't wait to mount it man!
Can't wait to mount it man!		 Side view
Side view
A protective layer
A protective layer		 Dangerden Fillport
Dangerden Fillport		 Instead of the top, may be mounting at the bottom...
Instead of the top, may be mounting at the bottom...		 ... more for means of draining my system... hmm...
... more for means of draining my system... hmm...
kinda wasted to be mounted at the bottom out of anyone's view eh?
kinda wasted to be mounted at the bottom out of anyone's view eh?		 Think it look pretty good
Think it look pretty good		 Dismantled, that's the cap
Dismantled, that's the cap		 and the nozzle as well as the locking 'nut'
and the nozzle as well as the locking 'nut'
Extra sata cable I ordered
Extra sata cable I ordered		 Sigh... shouldn't have ordered since the Ultra did include 1...
Sigh... shouldn't have ordered since the Ultra did include 1...		 Anybody wanna buy over? ;)
Anybody wanna buy over? ;)		 And presto! The way COOL Ultra!
And presto! The way COOL Ultra!
Drool....
Drool....		 Drool....
Drool....		 Drool....
Drool....		 Drool....
Drool....
The separate box of UV reactive cables
The separate box of UV reactive cables		 First peep
First peep		 Back to the cables
Back to the cables		 Minor complaint... those covers are really loose!
Minor complaint... those covers are really loose!
Mobo connector...
Mobo connector...		 and the rest...
and the rest...		 Window inclusive!
Window inclusive!		 Back panel
Back panel
Remember to set voltage to 230Vac!
Remember to set voltage to 230Vac!		 Big caps there
Big caps there		 With the covers off
With the covers off		 Bottom fan, that fan grill sure restrict air flow...
Bottom fan, that fan grill sure restrict air flow...
DROOL...
DROOL...		 PSU Specs
PSU Specs		 Ordered additional cales for my Ultra
Ordered additional cales for my Ultra		 That's the Y-split floppy power cable
That's the Y-split floppy power cable
Y-split molex cable
Y-split molex cable		 20 -> 24 pin mobo cable... to tell you the truth, I dunno what's this for...
20 -> 24 pin mobo cable... to tell you the truth, I dunno what's this for...		 And additional SATA power cable
And additional SATA power cable		 The good stuff! From SNT Systems, reseller for Aqua products from Germany
The good stuff! From SNT Systems, reseller for Aqua products from Germany
AquaJet
AquaJet		 This thing is suppose to spit water onto the acrylic creating a nicer effect
This thing is suppose to spit water onto the acrylic creating a nicer effect		 This darn thing costs me US$11.50!
This darn thing costs me US$11.50!		 A couple of UV AquaTube LED mods
A couple of UV AquaTube LED mods
Suppose to light up the AquaTube
Suppose to light up the AquaTube		 It's a shocking US$10.25 each!! I really feel stupid getting this...
It's a shocking US$10.25 each!! I really feel stupid getting this...		 AquaTube Mounting Bracket
AquaTube Mounting Bracket		 At least I think this is worth the US$13 as compared to the LED mods...
At least I think this is worth the US$13 as compared to the LED mods...
Dun like the picture fools you, it's actually pretty heavy
Dun like the picture fools you, it's actually pretty heavy		 Looks good eh?
Looks good eh?		 Practically from any angle I would say
Practically from any angle I would say		 Last pic of it
Last pic of it
Main star of the lot
Main star of the lot		 Presenting : The AquaTube Rev 1.1!
Presenting : The AquaTube Rev 1.1!		 That's the Titanium version. US$76.75
That's the Titanium version. US$76.75		 Those who are wondering, yep, this is meant for a 3/8' system
Those who are wondering, yep, this is meant for a 3/8' system
Total of six in/out lets...
Total of six in/out lets...		 More than sufficient for barbs and LED mods
More than sufficient for barbs and LED mods		 This anoized aluminium weighs a cool 500 grams
This anoized aluminium weighs a cool 500 grams		 That's where you top up your rig
That's where you top up your rig
Proctective plastic over the acrylic
Proctective plastic over the acrylic		 That's how it's gonna look like
That's how it's gonna look like		 Another top view
Another top view		 Yet another
Yet another
100% goodness!
100% goodness!		 After a whole month, this is what I've done. The top plate where the AquaTube and BIX2 will be mounted.
After a whole month, this is what I've done. The top plate where the AquaTube and BIX2 will be mounted.		 The original PC-70 top panel. That's the best I can savage from it's original condition...
The original PC-70 top panel. That's the best I can savage from it's original condition...		 Wondering abt the 'original condition'? That's the supposingly fan/light controller...
Wondering abt the 'original condition'? That's the supposingly fan/light controller...
... and that's my self made reservoir/air-trap mounted at the center
... and that's my self made reservoir/air-trap mounted at the center		 Here's how it looks like; series of pics leading to its creation is around here
Here's how it looks like; series of pics leading to its creation is around here		 How it looks... crap eh? Left it like that for a few months when I changed case to PC-60...
How it looks... crap eh? Left it like that for a few months when I changed case to PC-60...		 And now... with the Aqua Equipment...
And now... with the Aqua Equipment...
That's how it looks like when the pump is running. Slow shutter.
That's how it looks like when the pump is running. Slow shutter.		 Another shot with fast shutter
Another shot with fast shutter		 The overall look. Most prob will want to remount the filter....
The overall look. Most prob will want to remount the filter....		 Shot taken at a lower angle today. Notice the darn paint chip off to the right.... :(
Shot taken at a lower angle today. Notice the darn paint chip off to the right.... :(
How my system look like now... the darn CCL within my Ultra PSU is dead... Pic taken with flash
How my system look like now... the darn CCL within my Ultra PSU is dead... Pic taken with flash		 Same pic as above, no flash used.
Same pic as above, no flash used.		 Same pic again, 'night-mode'
Same pic again, 'night-mode'
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Guest 16-Mar-2008 08:23
Now this isn't something you see everyday...such an indepth visual walk-through to building your own personal computer!!! I simply love the entire concept and have truely enjoyed your journey which I know my son will also find interesting and fascinating!!! He didn't build his from scratch but someone else did so now he can see through your gallery just how too maybe do the same one day!!! Thanks again for sharing your work with us!!! :o)
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