Overview / Usage

I still consider myself to be a beginner when it comes to custom case mods as I have only modded two or three computers.

The design plan is making this computer case into a simplified version of a sci-fi space craft. The idea was based around playing games that take place in space, like Everspace and Elite Dangerous.

I plan on making the wings lift open for showing off internals and providing room to do maintenance of the parts. The front edge of each wing will also have a strip of mesh to help increase airflow as the cockpit and wings are going to be blocking the stock cooling vents.

Two windows will be installed on the side panel allowing for view if the reservoirs which will have a blue coolant along with internal lights. I am hoping to make them resemble the warp core from Star Trek.

I also have a goal to add in a lift system when the computer is powered on/off using clear acrylic. If done successfully, this should help to make it look like the case is floating above the desk/table.

Finally, I will try to make the cockpit display simple diagnostic information such as cpu, gpu, and coolant temps. However this will be a last minute add in if time allows. (This may be edited to only have an internal cockpit glow). I will also be figuring out some seat to fit into the cockpit.

Primarily this is designed as a unique case mod, however it would end up being used for gaming.

Methodology / Approach

I plan to use thin sheet metal to form wings and a cockpit, along with acrylic for a window. Possible tools are Dremel, tape, sheet metal cutter, heat gun. All meant for cutting and bending plastics and metal. Cardboard would be used for creating mock-up parts before using sheet metal to reduce scrap. Additionally I would like to have the system use dual water loops with the radiators mounted in the wings. If the case has no window, two will be added for showing off the reservoirs specifically.

I will be supporting the wings with L-bar and flat bar to both provide structural support and to help hold the metal in shape. I will add rivets where necessary to hold the wings and cockpit together. Mesh will be used at the entrance (front) of both wings to provide airflow for cooling.

If possible, I would like to add in some feet that are powered to lift the system up and down when powered on or off (Looks like this might not make the final build at the moment).

While the intel CPU will be the core of the machine, it's not going to be possible to show it off, so I will be stuffing an Intel bunny suit plush into the pilot seat instead.

Technologies Used

More of a parts list and less of a "technologies" that will be used:

Koolance PMP-400 Pump, ID 10mm (3/8in)

Koolance Pump Fitting & Reservoir Base for PMP-400, Rev.2.1

Koolance Reservoir Top with Fill Port (60mm OD) Reservoir Top with Fill Port (60mm OD)

Koolance Reservoir Body, 60x200mm (WxL), 393ml

Black Ice Nemesis 240GTS® Ultra Stealth U-Flow Low Profile Radiator - Primer

PrimoChill Vue Pre-Mix (32oz) - Opaque Cobalt

PrimoChill Vue Pre-Mix (32oz) - Toxic Candy

LIAN LI UNI Fan AL120 RGB Black 12cm FAN Pack With Controller

Steel sheet metal (various sizes)

Steel L-bar and Flat bar

7-inch (OD) clear plastic tube

Honeycomb or Round Mesh