Seeking guidance on a custom-built project before beginning planning
Seeking guidance on a custom-built project before beginning planning
Hi everyone,
I'm not entirely sure if this is the best forum for it, but I think someone else has probably done something similar before.
I'm planning to start from scratch—maybe using acrylic and possibly water cooling.
Regarding water cooling, I'm really worried about leaks. Some people say it does, while others claim it's just a fitment issue.
Let’s move on to the build concept… I intend to create a 3D model for a visual preview later.
My current PC specs:
- Gigabyte GA-990fx-UD3
- Gigabyte GTX970
- AMD FX8350
- Arctic a11 cooler (currently!)
- Two 240GB SSDs (one Linux, one Windows 10 Pro)
- Two 1.5GB+ 3.5" SATA drives
If I can manage this, I’d like to house the motherboard in its own enclosure with cutouts for water cooling components or fan openings if I don’t want to use a wet setup.
What clearance would I need around the board? I’m aiming for a laser-cut case with minimal gaps. For water cooling, I’d like the cooling blocks to protrude through the top so I can seal them properly—preventing leaks from touching the board or parts.
If I skip water cooling, would it be possible to mount a fan over each component needing cooling and include an exhaust port on the back? Also, would the CPU cooler benefit from being enclosed or could it just sit out from the top?
Also, if I go with an acrylic case, would I still need a dedicated motherboard tray?
I was thinking of extending any ports to the side of the case so I can arrange cables neatly and position the PSU on the side.
Does this sound reasonable to anyone? Are there any key points I should keep in mind while trying something like this?
And don’t forget—what acrylic thickness should I use for maximum stability?
Cooling for CPU may be average but a lot of heat from MB is transferred to case and it's not only main chips that generate it. You may need more fans to provide more draft thru the case than it would be needed with metal one. Placing fans on individual chips like MB; SB and VRM is not going to help unless that heat is moved outside of the case and adequate amount of cool air brought in.
That brings us to another problem I noticed with cases with acrylic side/window, a lot more dust is visible and sticking to it. You may expect a lot more in all plastic case so you may have to provide filters for all intake fans. Computers are known to attract a lot of dust because high frequencies work like static electricity.
Ninety percent of the inquiries pertain to cabinet makers. All dimensions are available by measuring yourself for any standard ATX motherboard and case. The MB tray is essential for correct installation. The simplest approach is to purchase a case and remove its sides, bottom, top, and front.
90% of the inquiries come from cabinet makers. All sizes are available; you can measure yourself for any standard ATX motherboard and case. The MB tray is necessary for correct installation. The simplest approach is to take a case, remove its sides, bottom, top, and front. You'll also need improved cooling compared to a fully metal case since plastic doesn't absorb heat as effectively.
I've constructed a few prototypes using wood and various materials, presenting unique challenges. It's essential to carefully plan the entire project and work backward from the base dimensions. Most people lack access to advanced equipment, but with strong woodworking, plastic, or metalworking abilities, you can achieve a solid result. Just remember to avoid connecting any components to metal parts to prevent short circuits. A high level of precision and measurement will be necessary, as you'll need more space than you might expect.
The acrylic I'm getting laser cut will be straightforward once assembled...
I'm thinking of skipping watercooling since I'm still a bit nervous about it...
Regarding the mobo tray, I plan to remove it from a case. Do I need to ground it then?
Thanks again everyone!
Yes, you should connect it to the PSU. If you choose to place the MB on an insulating surface, you must also ground all the spacers. MB must definitely be grounded. As mentioned earlier, you require significantly improved cooling compared to an all-metal enclosure.
Aaahh... I forgot about better cooling. If I kept using air cooling, would it be okay to have a separate fan for each component needing cooling? I'm starting to think this case might actually be a good idea...
Cooling for CPU may be average but a lot of heat from MB is transferred to case and it's not only main chips that generate it. You may need more fans to provide more draft thru the case than it would be needed with metal one. Placing fans on individual chips like MB; SB and VRM is not going to help unless that heat is moved outside of the case and adequate amount of cool air brought in.
That brings us to another problem I noticed with cases with acrylic side/window, a lot more dust is visible and sticking to it. You may expect a lot more in all plastic case so you may have to provide filters for all intake fans. Computers are known to attract a lot of dust because high frequencies work like static electricity.