Final Paint

So I have actually finished the build overall in a physical build sense. I have been for the last few days playing with over clocking and trying to install games to try with. So far I am really impressed with EVERYTHING.

I would love to make this post all about my over clocking and experience with gaming on this beast, but I figured I should probably post about my story of getting it to this point.

I will start with what I said from last post, about the side panels. All cut up and painted, I just needed to put plexi-glass into those openings. What I use is Picture frame plexi-glass that I find from hardware stores. Home depot sells 18"x24"x1/8" sheets for just under $10.

What some people say to use for cutting is to simply score the sheets with an razor knife, and snap it. This method works when you need rectangular shapes, however one of the shapes as a bit different (the L-shaped windows). So I used my jig-saw with a bi-metal blade to cut the window. This can cause the plexi-glass to melt slightly and make some plastic burning like smells. Nothing terrible, but the results work.

For the L-shaped window

So now to install the window. A lot of people feel the need to bolt or rivet their windows onto their side panels. That's fine, but I absolutely hate looking at fasteners of any kind. My method is duct tape. This may seem very short cut like, or something that should be temporary, but it is not. I have tried many adhesives, but generally find that after moving the case a few times (to LAN parties and back) that the window eventually falls out. Another problem is that adhesive can be messy, while duct tape is easy.

Advantages to duct tape:
- Less drilling
- Cheaper
- No special tools
- A child can do this
- No unsightly fasteners
- No vibration noises
- No potential of cracking said window by over tightening the fasteners

Duct tape to the rescue

Can't even see the plexi-glass

You can only tell that there is plexi-glass in this one

from the reflection of the light above

And the front bezel. I do my normal prep work to the bezel by washing with soap and water. Using toothpicks and q-tips to clean grim from the little nooks and crannies. Remove all buttons, LED's, etc...

Prepping the front bezel

And today I am using Dupli-Color's Vinyl and Fabric Dye. This is an automotive product, usually found within the touch up paint sections of you local car store. They make this stuff in multiple colors and finishes. This is flat black, to match the exterior flat black exterior. 

Dupli-Color Flat Black Vinyl and Fabric Dye

After four coats, it's looking good

With everything installed, here it is!

 Done! I have everything installed now, including PSU, mobo, HDD, optical drive, radiator, pump, fill and drain ports, fan controller and fans. Time to leak test!