Aether Series-Model One-Aether Boiler

[Vision]

This is my first real modification, and as such, all criticism and advice for further mods are greatly appreciated.

The inspiration of this mod was the idea of a computational or Difference Engine, utilised by some airship captain to plot courses to far off lands. The device applies the mystical substance of Aether to power these calculations. The core mechanics of this fantastical device was found by a group of marauders while exploring a bombed out airship factory. They rebuild the machine the best they could.

...or something like that. In short, SteamPunk is on the menu.

The case for this mod is a basic micro-atx beige box donated by a local computer shop.

Here is a detail shot of the interior. Notice the vertical harddrive cage. I need to move that in order to incorporate a front intake fan.

To achieve this, I'm going to mount the harddrive cage beneath the drive assembly. Somewhat like this...

The flex on the sides of the harddrive cage is somewhat concerning, but I don't think its enough to ruin the plan. If I had a harddrive, I would test it...knockon wood

Before attaching the two pieces, I took the liberty of cutting out some material to increase airflow (and because I can

I'll further smooth these with a metal file, and then use U-channel to clean it up nice.

Mounted, the new cage assembly looks like this

Thats all for now, I'll update later tonight.

Vision

[Vision]

..."Aether is a difficult substance to confine and harness. To combat the heat produced by this process. Aether based difference engines require a large turbine to maintain operable temperatures of the Aether Controlled Presureway Unit (or C.P.U.)...."

I got some work done on the cooler for this build. I'm using a CoolerMaster Eclispe I got on sale, and some slight tweaks made it just that much better. Before...

I thought some mesh would allow for a more industrial look. Hereis a mock up on the shroud.

Add a little copper paint (sorta copper anyway) and epoxy to attach the grill...

...and a little wire management

and you get a Aether Controlled Pressureway Unit Cooling Turbine.

The paint ended up creating a few cracks and some interesting...well, riverbed effects. Must have been the flexible primer it didn’t like. But the look is good- these kinda make it look more aged and rough, something I'm going for. The mesh got some dings and ruptures to add to that effect as well.

Which comes to a question- Should I put more holes in the mesh, so that more airflow occurs? The mesh was just some mesh I scavenged, not designed for airflow. Risk of overheating?

Cheers
Vision

[nevermind1534]

It looks like this is Packard Bell modding month lol. I just started a batman mod on a Packard Bell case. You also have the same coolermaster heatsink that I had on my cpu.

[DonT-FeaR]

thats really well done i like it

[nevermind1534]

Which comes to a question- Should I put more holes in the mesh, so that more airflow occurs? The mesh was just some mesh I scavenged, not designed for airflow. Risk of overheating?

I have thst cooler on my parents' computer right now on an oc'ed athlon 64 x2, and it runs really cool on the lowest possible setting. It's super quiet, too. I love the 4-pin, because it's completely controlled by the motherboard. I say that there's no way that it will overheat, as long as the ambient temp stays ok.

[Acey]

Hmm, I usually don't comment on start of projects but the Eclipse is lookin good so far. Keepin an eye.

[Vision]

Thanks for the replies! I don't have much done, but i should have a update soon.

Dear Nevermind,
Thanks for the info, I was starting to worry. I'll leave it and if a fire results, I'll allow for more airflow

And to everyone else, thaks for the interest!

Vision

[dfigravity]

Thats a great looking cooler bro!! I can't wait to see how the rest of this mod pans out!

[jdbnsn]

This looks like a very cool project. I may wait a little longer before starting the header just so I have a better idea of how to match the theme, but I'll get it done.

Jon

[Vision]

Cheers sir, I can't wait to see it! now...

Time for a update I think.

A little cutting to get things started. This vent is on the bottom of the case, and will be repaced with mesh.

The front of the case had a hard point for a usb board, but that was outdated usb 1.0 (I think...), and I happened to have a higherspeed usb hub, and a usb expansion card with a internal plug.

Here's my first mock up.

First, more cutting

Then a little bend...

And with a little scrap metal rentention plate you get...

I'm not happy with this for numerous reasons. The angle it's mounted makes it hard to plug into it, and it doesn't take into account the depth of the faceplate. I'll have the new mount tomorow with any luck.

Speaking of the front bezel,
before

That opening will get mesh and a collection of steampunk doodads and fiddlie-jigs surrounidng the usb hub.

The rear fan has been a bit of an issue. the case doesn't have a large enough area to mount it, so I had to change it. Trying to keep in mind this is sapposed to be build by a bang of no-goods with no paticular fabrication experience, I kept it primitive. I cut some of the material, then bent it back to create a sort of funnel to force the air in the right direction. some crafty mesh work should help clean it up-stay tuned

ok, thats all i have so far. hopefully tomorow results in some more work done.

Vision