craigbru
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« on: November 07, 2007, 04:16:46 AM » |
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Well guys, the dust has barely begun to settle on project L.O.S.I.A.S and I'm at it again. This time around of got a little help from NZXT, and lead designer Johnny Hou. As of three weeks ago, they supplied me with one of only two Rogues in the US, in hopes that I could create something pretty kick-ass. Well, who am I to turn down a challenge? I've got a thing for small form factor cases, and you can guarantee I'll use up every bit of room in this case when given the chance. Although I've got free reign with this project, there were specific goals that I set out to achieve. Let's see... for starters... Watercooling - Oh, without a doubt. This thing must be watercooled. How does dual loops and dual 240.2 radiators sound? A loop for the CPU, and a loop for the GPU's. LCD - I don't think I could build a case without one. How does a 10.2" widescreen sound? ATX motherboard - Been there, done that? Well, there have no doubt been mods before this that incorporated an ATX motherboard in a mATX case. However, due to the size of the Rogue, it's possible to fit one in the case a little easier than in others. The biggest difference here, is that all connections will be routed to the rear of the case. That's one thing most other ATX -> mATX mods haven't been able to achieve. Everything else - Well, this is a big category. Lots of little things that add up quickly. How about a hard drive rack that's removable without opening that case, integrated fan and lighting controls, custom plexi side panels, automotive digital gauges, and the list goes on. Other hardware specs are still up in the air, but the design goal will remain, regardless of the components used. That being said, would quad Crossfire be overkill? Nah, didn't think so... I've got big plans here, so I'll do my best not to let all of you down! Now that I've got the preliminaries out of the way, how about a few pics? Here is the case as it arrived to me.    Like a kid on Christmas morning, let's rip this thing open!   Most of you have probably seen the stock photos, but here are a few shots that you haven't seen before. I've started to disassemble the case. You can see shots with the face removed, followed by the hard drive and CD/DVD trays.        More coming shortly! |
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Maturin
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« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2007, 04:33:19 AM » |
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Wow, that thing looks pretty roomy. But for all that you have in mind it'll be sure to be a challenge  Nah, Quad CF wouldn't be overkill... How about 4 Dual cards for ...OctoFire? (if/when they make a mobo to support it)... and Watercooled of course, when they make the blocks. All I can say is... Muahahah.  |
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craigbru
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« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2007, 04:38:51 AM » |
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Everyone that has seen this case, wants to know about watercooling. Is it possible? Of course! This case does have plenty of room for expansion if you're willing to get a little creative. My little red beauties...  So, what do they look like in the case? Well, this is where we run into a minor clearance problem. As configured, one of the hard drive racks prevents the radiator from sitting any further forward than pictured. However, you could simply mount the radiator as is, or remove the rack on one side of the case for clearance. You would still have the rack on the other side of the case, and the 3.5" bay to utilize if so desired. Of course, with my plans, I could ditch both drive racks completely.   Oh yeah, now that's a little better!   |
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craigbru
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« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2007, 04:51:08 AM » |
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Ashtefere
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« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2007, 05:02:23 AM » |
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Holy shit that case is beautiful! we are the NZXT distributors for Australia and we havent even HEARD of that case yet... ill be ringing them shortly and getting an eta.
Is the front all aluminium? veerrrryyyy nice.
hmmm....
-Ash
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craigbru
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« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2007, 05:21:03 AM » |
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Holy shit that case is beautiful! we are the NZXT distributors for Australia and we havent even HEARD of that case yet... ill be ringing them shortly and getting an eta.
Is the front all aluminium? veerrrryyyy nice.
hmmm....
-Ash It's supposed to be introduced to the European, and North American markets towards the end of this month. And yes, this thing is solid aluminum all the way around! |
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Noswal
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« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2007, 05:36:34 AM » |
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Ooo, this one's got a door. Got any plans for getting a custom faceplate?
-Noswal
Edit: I have a suggestion for your water loop. Instead of two different loops, why don't you just organize a single loop so that it goes rad>vga>rad>cpu>pump? Then each part gets its own rad and you don't waste space, cash, or noise on a second pump.
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craigbru
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« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2007, 06:59:41 AM » |
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Ooo, this one's got a door. Got any plans for getting a custom faceplate?
-Noswal
Edit: I have a suggestion for your water loop. Instead of two different loops, why don't you just organize a single loop so that it goes rad>vga>rad>cpu>pump? Then each part gets its own rad and you don't waste space, cash, or noise on a second pump. I'm going to modify the existing door. Nothing from Front Panel Express this time around (with the side panels being the exception). A single loop would save some cash, but dual loops will allow for cooler CPU temps. Multiple video cards in the same loop, would raise the overall water temp more than I want. I'm hoping for some serious CPU overclocks, and I need the headroom. ;-) |
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craigbru
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« Reply #8 on: November 07, 2007, 04:36:16 PM » |
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Just a quick update here. The Rogue is now live on NZXT's site. I'll also add a few comments about the case. The build quality is excellent, and the engineering is well thought out. This thing is beyond solid. I feel this thing could survive a trip down a flight of stairs and be no worse for wear. There's no bias here, it's simply a well built case, and I wanted one as soon as I saw it... I've spent a few weeks with the case already, and it was hard not to just throw hardware in here and run with it. It took me a while to actually figure out what I wanted to mod. It was such a good foundation to start with. With L.O.S.I.A.S., there were some very obvious changes I needed to make. With the Rogue, I realized it would be much easier to fit all my hardware in the case. Obviously, that wasn't going to do at all. I needed more of a challenge. Well, with most of the project now planned out, I think I've found it. |
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burnin8r
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« Reply #9 on: November 07, 2007, 07:53:54 PM » |
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looks like a nice cube, really looking forward to your worklog developing like the sugo.
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hugh
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« Reply #10 on: November 07, 2007, 10:14:12 PM » |
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wish i'd waited for this instead of getting my TJ07  this thing looks like it's gonna be insane, and i don't even want to KNOW how much all this is costing you! what is your job? can i have it? pretty please! |
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Ashtefere
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« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2007, 03:24:35 AM » |
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DAMN you craig... Im getting one of those cases too, and copying your radiator idea.
Ill keep the rest of my innards though.
Im getting an idea with the radiators... if you used an all aluminium radiator (better than the brass chamber crap we usually use) and welded it to the sides, would that increase the performance of the rad? thereby increasing the surface area of the cooling element?
-Ash
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craigbru
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« Reply #12 on: November 08, 2007, 05:09:58 AM » |
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Interesting idea Ash. It may help with heat dissipation, but to what degree, I'm not sure. It's definitely an original idea.
I've got some brushed black aluminum sheeting that I'm going to be using for radiator mounts. The radiators aren't actually going to be mounted to the side panels on this case. I don't know quite how to explain it, but I should be able to show one of the mounts sometime next week.
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craigbru
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« Reply #13 on: November 08, 2007, 05:13:56 AM » |
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wish i'd waited for this instead of getting my TJ07 this thing looks like it's gonna be insane, and i don't even want to KNOW how much all this is costing you! what is your job? can i have it? pretty please! You're right hugh, you probably don't want to know how much this will cost... ;-) I'm actually a production scheduler at a manufacturing plant. It's a good job, but I'm a single dad with two kids. I offset my toy purchases by working as a carpenter, and fixing computers in my free time. I'm a busy guy! |
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Noswal
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« Reply #14 on: November 08, 2007, 07:13:01 AM » |
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Obviously, that wasn’t going to do at all. I needed more of a challenge. Okay, how about fitting in usb powered speakers next to the lcd. And using this: http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11605 as your lcd (has a built in webcam). ;-P -Noswal |
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craigbru
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« Reply #15 on: November 08, 2007, 07:52:44 AM » |
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Very nice find on the LCD! If I can find an American vendor, it's a definite option. The webcam is a unique touch. As far as the speakers go, if they could be cleanly integrated, then why not?  |
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craigbru
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« Reply #17 on: November 08, 2007, 04:49:59 PM » |
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I did a little more looking around myself, and details on that particular model are a little sketchy. I have the ability to source LCD's from here, and will most likely do that once I'm ready to purchase. |
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MrbLOB9000
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« Reply #18 on: November 08, 2007, 09:25:29 PM » |
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wow, that page looks like a geocities user page from the late 90's but they do seem to have some cool stuff.
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craigbru
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« Reply #19 on: November 08, 2007, 10:15:04 PM » |
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I'll agree that the page isn't that great, but the hardware sure is. There's also some pretty cool stuff here. Who couldn't have fun with a 2.7" LCD? |
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hugh
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« Reply #20 on: November 08, 2007, 11:11:14 PM » |
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*raises hand*
meeeee
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MrbLOB9000
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« Reply #21 on: November 09, 2007, 12:10:51 AM » |
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According to digitimes the prices of 7" LCDs are probably going to go up, I guess because of all the low end laptops (OLPC XO and Eee PC, etc) and all the digital picture frame being sold, who knows what it's going to do and it may only be like $3 increase but just thought I'd give you a heads up.
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craigbru
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« Reply #22 on: November 09, 2007, 03:57:13 AM » |
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Thanks for the heads up!
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Ashtefere
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« Reply #23 on: November 12, 2007, 07:59:56 AM » |
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Mmm... need more info on that case. Do Want. DO WAAAAANNT!
MOOOAAAAARRRR!!!!!!
-Ash
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MrbLOB9000
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« Reply #24 on: November 12, 2007, 09:00:25 AM » |
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heh, he was apparently in omaha at a lan party this weekend... because he hates you and likes to punish you... or something.  |
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