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Lutfi's Vintage Case Mod build log

Lutfi's Vintage Case Mod build log

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Q
Quackz_
Member
54
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#1
Hey everyone, modders and watercoolers!
From these recent discussions sparked by toolmaker and modo... (including threads with Rubix, Ryan, Muffin, and a few others I can't recall), I checked my case that's been sitting in my storage room for three years without use...
Here’s the situation!
Between 2004 and 2006, I modified an affordable Chinese case to this...
From 2006 to 2008, it was upgraded to new specifications, and I also made further changes...
Sorry, I don’t have any photos left; I thought it wasn’t necessary (and I wasn’t familiar with Tom’s setup in 2006, but I was with hardware).
Here are a couple of images now [:lutfij:1]... don’t worry, I can handle the cables well.
I swapped the plastic feet for stainless steel knobs, and the FP part used SS knobs as well, though smaller in size. I even designed it so the FP acrylic serves as a skirt, concealing the feet instead of forming a solid face plate... actually, it’s just face plastic. 😛
If you look closely, you’ll notice most of my wires are running under the case—like my KB and chargers for the mouse/camera, plus all the other gadgets that make a desktop cluttered.
From a specs perspective, it’s now just bare. But I’d love to turn it into a server or low-power setup for surfing, even if underwater—I know I don’t need it right now, but... I’d like to try. No, I don’t want it powerful enough to run Crysis on a 24" LED TV just for browsing the internet.
I was considering watercooling it around the end of this year, but I really value your thoughts on it.
On Modo’s thread where Re:3d linked a phobya case review, I thought, “Hey, I could also add anti-vandal switches too.”
I’d appreciate feedback, especially after I plan to install two anti-vandal switches: Power and Reset. Thanks, friends!
P.S.: This is what the watercooling components look like since I can’t vent heat from inside the case via air cooling—I thought about moving the heat outside with a watercooling system?
*** And for those thinking about how this case evolved from 2008 onward... well, that’s when I got my RE X48, and the heat trap inside was insane [:lutfij:2]. So I switched to the Tt Spedo I now have.
OR
Start fresh with a new case?
Thanks for taking the time to read this
[:lutfij:3]
Updates
[:lutfij:3]
04-26-2012---> Decided to name the project: Vintage case mod via -Jackson
06-27-2012---> Thread titled “Lutfi's Vintage Case Mod, Build Log”
Q
Quackz_
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #1

Hey everyone, modders and watercoolers!
From these recent discussions sparked by toolmaker and modo... (including threads with Rubix, Ryan, Muffin, and a few others I can't recall), I checked my case that's been sitting in my storage room for three years without use...
Here’s the situation!
Between 2004 and 2006, I modified an affordable Chinese case to this...
From 2006 to 2008, it was upgraded to new specifications, and I also made further changes...
Sorry, I don’t have any photos left; I thought it wasn’t necessary (and I wasn’t familiar with Tom’s setup in 2006, but I was with hardware).
Here are a couple of images now [:lutfij:1]... don’t worry, I can handle the cables well.
I swapped the plastic feet for stainless steel knobs, and the FP part used SS knobs as well, though smaller in size. I even designed it so the FP acrylic serves as a skirt, concealing the feet instead of forming a solid face plate... actually, it’s just face plastic. 😛
If you look closely, you’ll notice most of my wires are running under the case—like my KB and chargers for the mouse/camera, plus all the other gadgets that make a desktop cluttered.
From a specs perspective, it’s now just bare. But I’d love to turn it into a server or low-power setup for surfing, even if underwater—I know I don’t need it right now, but... I’d like to try. No, I don’t want it powerful enough to run Crysis on a 24" LED TV just for browsing the internet.
I was considering watercooling it around the end of this year, but I really value your thoughts on it.
On Modo’s thread where Re:3d linked a phobya case review, I thought, “Hey, I could also add anti-vandal switches too.”
I’d appreciate feedback, especially after I plan to install two anti-vandal switches: Power and Reset. Thanks, friends!
P.S.: This is what the watercooling components look like since I can’t vent heat from inside the case via air cooling—I thought about moving the heat outside with a watercooling system?
*** And for those thinking about how this case evolved from 2008 onward... well, that’s when I got my RE X48, and the heat trap inside was insane [:lutfij:2]. So I switched to the Tt Spedo I now have.
OR
Start fresh with a new case?
Thanks for taking the time to read this
[:lutfij:3]
Updates
[:lutfij:3]
04-26-2012---> Decided to name the project: Vintage case mod via -Jackson
06-27-2012---> Thread titled “Lutfi's Vintage Case Mod, Build Log”

G
GASA30
Junior Member
36
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#2
That case seems like it's run its course and you should consider upgrading the case, why Since it's only a internet browsing pc I don't see why you couldn't go with a decent mid tower.
Also, do you like your supreme HF waterblock? I had a HF full copper but used it about three times and got rid of it because the copper stood out in the case to much, I wanted to know if I should pick up the plexi top version?
G
GASA30
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #2

That case seems like it's run its course and you should consider upgrading the case, why Since it's only a internet browsing pc I don't see why you couldn't go with a decent mid tower.
Also, do you like your supreme HF waterblock? I had a HF full copper but used it about three times and got rid of it because the copper stood out in the case to much, I wanted to know if I should pick up the plexi top version?

D
D4niels0n
Junior Member
17
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#3
Hehe, that's exactly what I was aiming for when sharing it here—to hear Tom's modders' thoughts. Still open to suggestions, and I'm collecting ideas so everyone can share their views—just no trolling, okay?---reminder for all: lol:
I haven't received the HF yet... I'll own the Full Copper Raystorm (for the AMS) and for this project, I'm going themed too. The anti-vandal switches are orange plus a 5mm LED for the res will also be orange. Copper is great—no compression needed since it won't be costly... I don't want to overspend on this build compared to my AMS version.
courtesy of
martinsliquidlab.org
If you use plexi top, it's... well, subtle in showing off the copper and you can power it with 5mm LEDs. I'd stick to vanilla plexi for the HF, keeping it simple without the LED just on the res/switches. The case innards will be full black—using matte black cans for that effect, and the sleeving—if I'm patient enough—will be carbon fibre grey. <-- If there are enough people agreeing this is one way to bring life to this baron case.
D
D4niels0n
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #3

Hehe, that's exactly what I was aiming for when sharing it here—to hear Tom's modders' thoughts. Still open to suggestions, and I'm collecting ideas so everyone can share their views—just no trolling, okay?---reminder for all: lol:
I haven't received the HF yet... I'll own the Full Copper Raystorm (for the AMS) and for this project, I'm going themed too. The anti-vandal switches are orange plus a 5mm LED for the res will also be orange. Copper is great—no compression needed since it won't be costly... I don't want to overspend on this build compared to my AMS version.
courtesy of
martinsliquidlab.org
If you use plexi top, it's... well, subtle in showing off the copper and you can power it with 5mm LEDs. I'd stick to vanilla plexi for the HF, keeping it simple without the LED just on the res/switches. The case innards will be full black—using matte black cans for that effect, and the sleeving—if I'm patient enough—will be carbon fibre grey. <-- If there are enough people agreeing this is one way to bring life to this baron case.

T
Toutouy
Junior Member
9
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#4
With enough effort I'm confident it will turn out really nice. A lot of paint and some custom pieces will complete the front of the case, giving it a great finish. I think this project would make a cool build log.
T
Toutouy
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #4

With enough effort I'm confident it will turn out really nice. A lot of paint and some custom pieces will complete the front of the case, giving it a great finish. I think this project would make a cool build log.

F
FredH01
Junior Member
39
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#5
Thanks - please vote for doing it. I plan to make the front panel in two layers. The modders will work on the front of the case and with the SS knobs, adding a 10mm Acrylic face (frosty or clear) where I'll place the anti-vandal switches (similar to the picture but without the red test-tube switch). I’ll order if this build is worth pursuing.
F
FredH01
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #5

Thanks - please vote for doing it. I plan to make the front panel in two layers. The modders will work on the front of the case and with the SS knobs, adding a 10mm Acrylic face (frosty or clear) where I'll place the anti-vandal switches (similar to the picture but without the red test-tube switch). I’ll order if this build is worth pursuing.

E
emmylee33
Senior Member
710
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#6
I believe it's a great concept to revamp an old case. It's similar to customizing a used car rather than bringing it back to its original state. Also, where exactly do you source those WC parts from?
E
emmylee33
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #6

I believe it's a great concept to revamp an old case. It's similar to customizing a used car rather than bringing it back to its original state. Also, where exactly do you source those WC parts from?

M
MlgTeletubbie
Junior Member
10
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#7
Thas frozencpu.com is it? I usually combine parts from different sites like I did with my AMS build, but this time I want to grab as much from one place quickly... should I go that route?
Junker - :lol: - I can't compete against an Evo
😛
just get it in shape to get me to the grocers
M
MlgTeletubbie
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #7

Thas frozencpu.com is it? I usually combine parts from different sites like I did with my AMS build, but this time I want to grab as much from one place quickly... should I go that route?
Junker - :lol: - I can't compete against an Evo
😛
just get it in shape to get me to the grocers

S
SkyCrowzK
Member
189
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#8
I used to drive an Evo...the most fun car I've ever had outside of a 911 Turbo (that wasn't mine).
Not quite the 600hp, 18ft drag boat we had when I was younger...a 508ci Chevy.
Sorry, back on task.
S
SkyCrowzK
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #8

I used to drive an Evo...the most fun car I've ever had outside of a 911 Turbo (that wasn't mine).
Not quite the 600hp, 18ft drag boat we had when I was younger...a 508ci Chevy.
Sorry, back on task.

T
TrayThrone
Member
136
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#9
Sure thing, I thought it was frozencpu but wasn't certain. Basically, just need to be able to get to work and back, plus the occasional trip downtown to update your files. 😄
That's a pretty solid comparison, I think. I really like the concept. In fact, I'm considering using an old case from my first desktop to build a radbox for a WC project sometime this summer when I can afford it. 💡
T
TrayThrone
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #9

Sure thing, I thought it was frozencpu but wasn't certain. Basically, just need to be able to get to work and back, plus the occasional trip downtown to update your files. 😄
That's a pretty solid comparison, I think. I really like the concept. In fact, I'm considering using an old case from my first desktop to build a radbox for a WC project sometime this summer when I can afford it. 💡

I
Itay22
Member
111
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM
#10
@ rubix - nah, a little fun won't ruin this thread, just to see how it looks from others' perspectives.
I still care about everyone's thoughts. Back in the Middle East, my dad owned a Peugeot—really cool car, vintage style. Then came the Chevy Caprice Classic—man, they're not just gas guzzlers! They drank like a camel but zoomed fast as a rat on Tabasco sauce, carrying seven people.
😛
It brings back the overkill chat we had almost a year ago...
😀
:lol: with homeboy in that fancontroller thread.
@ jrwizbang - we should promote moda to modder master
moda
(laughs) and then you could be his apprentice/padawan... oh, all those ideas popped into my head instantly.
It really hit me—will need to mount something on top of the case roof, route tubing through the back, drill holes for the grommets.
@ wolfram - I’m open to suggestions about what goes inside the case, especially for the HDDs. I can even mount an SSD on the back of the motherboard tray—about a centimeter between the tray and panel.
I
Itay22
04-27-2025, 04:08 PM #10

@ rubix - nah, a little fun won't ruin this thread, just to see how it looks from others' perspectives.
I still care about everyone's thoughts. Back in the Middle East, my dad owned a Peugeot—really cool car, vintage style. Then came the Chevy Caprice Classic—man, they're not just gas guzzlers! They drank like a camel but zoomed fast as a rat on Tabasco sauce, carrying seven people.
😛
It brings back the overkill chat we had almost a year ago...
😀
:lol: with homeboy in that fancontroller thread.
@ jrwizbang - we should promote moda to modder master
moda
(laughs) and then you could be his apprentice/padawan... oh, all those ideas popped into my head instantly.
It really hit me—will need to mount something on top of the case roof, route tubing through the back, drill holes for the grommets.
@ wolfram - I’m open to suggestions about what goes inside the case, especially for the HDDs. I can even mount an SSD on the back of the motherboard tray—about a centimeter between the tray and panel.

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