Build Highlights





























Pimprig Tribute Case, these are the guys that will be leading up this project and coordinating all of the work.
Matthew "Red02 Wittenburg Team Coordinator/Public Relations matthew596 AT gmail.com

Bio - I’m sure most of ya’ll know me but for those newer guys to the site, I’ll give a little back ground. I came here to learn more about computers. Got sucked in (so to speak) and became a news pimp. Hooked up with Lokie for my custom window which is a bit of PR history. Got together with Zennzzo for a custom watercooling setup with some Delta screamers and finished my first mod which is now in my gallery. Kind of messed up with my wooden cube case, but I’m going to try and remake it. I will try my best to make this a worthy Pimped Rig.

Bill "mnpctech" Owen Manager
Bio - I was never interested in hardware until 10 years ago a friend who built his own PCs came over to revamp my 75Mhz Dell. I studied the entire transformation, and saw a parallel between what he was doing and my hobby of customizing cars. PC building & modding started as a hobby and eventually became a source for income. I started mnpctech.com in '00. Mnpctech manufactures its own line of case mod accessories and specializes in one-of-a-kind modified cases. My case mods have been featured in 14 publications wolrdwide. I joined PimpRig in `02 and have developed many friendships since my first
post. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this PC Apex community project.

"wordbiker" Assistant Manager
Bio - [font=Arial]My involvement in computers started around '99 with the purchase of an eMachines, eventually used enough to requiring some serious upgrading...which it just wasn't capable of! I surfed around at sites learning to build my own rig, discovered modding at the PR galleries, met some friends...and stuck around! Since joining I met my present business partners in Dragonmodz, have been selected as a staff reviewer, and have had a great time conversing with all the great people of similar interest in making kickass mods. I am very excited about the project, and even more excited about working with such an admirable group of peers.

Modders in alphabetical order


“AntiM”
Bio - To quote my favorite Dilbert cartoon, “You’re a filthy, stinking Mac user aren’t you?” I got into computers because of my job, when design and printing went digital, so did I. And for several years, I was perfectly happy playing with Unix, AIX and Mac machines at work and tooling around with a Mac at home. Then the original Unreal Tournament came out. After frying my PowerBook and having to send it back to Apple for repair, I decided I needed to build a PC if I was going to play competitively without destroying my gear. With some help from my buddies in clan [KS] (that’s Killing Squad) and a great deal of searching around the net, I built my first PC. Sometime later we managed to climb to the top of the Domination ladder at Proving Grounds. Coincidence? You bet…lol. But I had a new hobby, building PC’s.
Unreal Tournament has evolved into a game I’m no longer very good at, although I still enjoy it and Killing Squad and Proving Grounds have both faded away as so many things in life do, but while building my second PC I found an even more addictive passion. Modding was a logical progression…and water cooling? Well, water cooling is just cool. Modding led me all around the net and eventually to PimpRig/PCApex.
The high point in my modding adventures was being asked if I would consider being featured in the very first issue of PC Extreme magazine. I’ve still got that issue, I may even frame it someday. But being hand picked to be included with such a esteemed group of modders for this project is no less of an honor.


“Beachbum86”
-Hey fellow pcApex'ers , this is my bio cause everyone else had one and i wanted one too.
I first got into gaming/modding basically the same time i joined this great community. Before i was a member here the only thing i saw in a pc was a means to check the wind reports around my local area (i kiteboard in the summer) and to play Duke Nukem!. Then in November of '04 i went over to my buddies house to see something i have never seen before..... a pc with water in it . I was like, WTF! bro does it work ? The conversation that comenced turned me into the pc buff that i am today. In December '04 i was searching for a place that i could learn more about my new hobby and see what else it has to offer. All my n00b questions where answered in detail and hospitality. After my first few posts i knew that this was the place for me, not only are there people in this place that know pc's but also cars which is another part of my backround. Yeah, so basically pcApex is teh roxors and pwns all with a comunity that has no equal.

“BigAkita”

Bio - I started modding PC's before it was called
modding. I was merely adjusting components to do what I wanted them to do. I came across PimpRig not too long after it hit the net and was impressed with the level of knowledge, the mods, and most of all… the community. Since then I was asked to staff to be a reviewer, was promoted to lead reviewer, and ultimately honored with an administrator position. I'm very proud of our community and truly believe that there is no limit to what our online home is capable of.


“GrandpaNoob72”
Bio - I've always been fascinated by computers. My first was a Timex Sinclair number with a 16K RAM add-on pack, eons ago... I've been a member at PCApex (then PimpRig.com) since about August of '04. I got tired of dealing with pre-made computers and the headaches over warranties and upgradeability (or lack thereof), and decided to build my own. The case was nice, but it was lacking "something"... I saw a box that a local computer repairman had pimped up and tricked out, and the modding bug had me. I came to find PimpRig thanks to Google, and I've learned so much more from the members than I could have ever imagined. Watercooling, overclocking, and friendships I wouldn't trade for the world.
I've currently got a project in the works, but am gladly back-burnering it to give something back to the site that has been my e-home ever since I joined up... I'm truly honored to have been asked to be a part of this project.

“Lokie”

“Masterp”
Bio- I'm from New Zealand - we have a little island off to the west of us called Australia, they speak funny, but they're nice nonetheless. I also like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain
I'm the odd one out here though - I am the noob on board. My first EVER computer was a used IBM 486 that I bought for NZ$300 about 5 years ago (yes, only 5 years ago). It was only when it died (shortly after) that I learned how to build my own rig - it lasted me until 2004, when I parted it out, hoping to build something better. While I was saving, I learned of modding and was amazed at the possibilities out there. I decided to get a case and mod it to pass the time whilst I saved - keeping the dream alive - it's in my gallery. Funnily enough, I ended up at PimpRig, made some good friends, learned a bunch, did one more mod and am not going anywhere else.
I'm stoked to be a part of this project and the community - to have the chance to give a bit back is an amazing opportunity. On top of that, of course, is the chance to work with some of the best modders in the business - stoked doesn't even describe it!

“Twizted”
Bio - Well, I am sure most of the peeps here know me. I initially got into PC modding after spotting a magazine call "MaximumPC" and seeing the cases offered inside but when I came to the back of the mag I found the (Rig of the Month) and I must say I was in awe. So, once I got home I started looking around the internet for more. I was like an addict looking for my next "Fix". Then I found PimpRig which I have been on PR since 02'.I met many of my current friends on PimpRig including Lokie with whom I co-founded DragonModz.net and later Wordbiker who is now a partner at DragonModz. I met them both through my custom electronics work. You might call me a bit of a "Nut" when it comes to electronics... About everything I do is related to it in some way... And more so LED's the principle founding product of DragonModz. I am looking forward to this project and I hope to be able to bring my Custom electronics know-how to this project and do everyone proud.


“musclecars&computers”


For those that want to make suggestions or any comments please direct those to this thread. Let the chopping begin!

Discussions about the project can be found in the regular Worklog Forum.

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I guess since the thread is open for "bidness", I'll throw out some ideas that I had from looking at the pics of the case that mnpctech_guy emailed us all...

For those who weren't on the mailing list, these are the pics I'm talking about:

Front
Rear
Chassis
Backside of front bezel

Ideas I have from looking at the pics range from the finnicky to the kind of mundane, I guess...

On the front of the case, the first thing that jumps out at me is the plexi (?) on the door. Since the old PR / new PCA base theme color is the silvery-blue, I thought we could swap out the dark plexi for something closer to the bluish tint, Tribal etch it along the outer edges, the PR logo in the center, and maybe even a "throbber" behind it, sorta like the CFH case front... Perhaps some clear/UV Blue edge ACRyan AcrylPanels (I have one here by my case that I would gladly donate BTW), custom-cut to fit in that spot... Perhaps Lokie and Twiz could work their LED magic on a custom LED setup behind / along the edges of the plexi, whether that be simply lighting it or working the DragonMeter technology into it...

For the outside front, perhaps a custom-cut intake grill (Grumble?) with the old Tribal PimpRig design worked into it? Single or twin 120's, LED or AOC aluminum frame fans behind it... The surrounding front panel could have the PR Tribal design etched into the aluminum, a la Bill's HellBound case (remember the etched drive covers?)...
On the back of the case, (BTW, thanks for the dimensions, Bill! ), Perhaps one or two 80mm fans, with Bill's Billet Aluminum Fan Grills, or a pair of Grumbles' custom masterpieces... Hand-polished, of course... Gotta get that BLING going on, right? That leads to the question of color, IMO. A color that could not only contrast sharply with the "chrome" / highly polished aluminum, but actually kind of fit, aesthetically. Perhaps even another material, I dunno...

The chassis' sheer humongoloid size has me thinking about what all we could use the 5.25 drive bays for (AFA the case cooling, etc.) I know the case is big, and probably going to weight about the same as a young elephant calf when it's all said and done. I'm counting 9 maybe 10 bays, and I can't imagine the need for us to fill each and every bay with an optical drive of some sort... If we went the watercooling route, there's the possibility for one hellaciously huge reservoir... It would add to the overall weight, I know... What I don't know is if we could fit a phase change setup in the optical cages (dunno much at all about PC setups), or how much more / less it would weigh as compared to a filled WC loop.

On the top of the case, a double or even triple 120mm fan radiator, with the fans on the topside and the rad inside the case. The fans would of course be capped with some custom grills (Bill / Grumble ? ), again hand-polished, of course...

On the inside, right along the side panel area where Bill marked "PRT Project", perhaps a mirror of some sort, to hide the inside of that side panel... Besides, a Pimp / Pimpette can't just roll out of bed and out the door without some Pimpin' Primpin', right?

Ok, my time is up... Who's next?

Howdy folks!
Bill hasn't posted here yet, but when we discussed this project on the phone, several ideas stood out:

• A simple yet bold graphic theme, something recognizable from a distance
• Windows are boring, but multilayered cutouts, etchings and graphics are cool

Bill also mentioned that he felt this mod should be practical to use and transport, and protruding pieces should be avoided. While I can see his points, this mod is from all of us. I'd like to see what everyone's ideas are, and go from there.
I threw a few crazy ideas out in the public thread about hydraulics, spinners, etc...and I do still like an auto theme. I've had this '59 Caddy as my desktop for a week now, and I still love the style elements.

I envision a Ratfink stylization of it, rather than a strict replica look. The front bezel could be utilized if it were polished to a high shine and used for a radiator surround, the rad being a heatercore for a more authentic look.
For some simpler ideas, I have liked the concept of using a duplicator controller in a case with enough bays. Here is a simple one. If the project included a second power supply, or a wallwart type was used, the duplicator could be used independent of the PC, and I am not sure if the drives could be shared, but that'd be a cool mod to work out.
OK, enough out of me...I'm not even one of the modders!

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Well, I guess it's my turn to throw in 2 cents worth of ideas - would have posted earlier, but I type with the 2-finger-chicken-peck method
Firstly, the words that are swirling around in my (otherwise vacant) head whenever I think of this project are "P.I.M.P. with function"
Something that's slick (smooth, has bling), with a clean appearance and a slightly menacing "edge" to it. All the while being easy to use, move, install hardware and most importantly, keep it cool.
In keeping with GK's style (after all this case IS for him - right?) I think that some tribal styling should be incorporated too.
I'm fully liking parts of GPN and Word's ideas - The caddy idea is awesome - but I like the idea of taking the "feel" (forgive me if I'm sounding "art" here) of the car as opposed to modding the case to look like specific parts (I hope I'm not getting my wires crossed here - WB - is that what you meant? )
As per GPN72's post - a fancy front intake will be a must, the door will need a little modification too.
Plain windows have been done to death - I'm with Word on something multilayered - perhaps using mirror or tinted acrylic as a base layer (so you can only see inside when powered on) - a layered panel/window would be great for hiding an ugly panel intake fan.
As for the drive bays (and where the drives stick out behind them) I think that they should be stealthed from view with something.
If I had free reign on this case, here's the other stuff I'd personally go for:
In keeping with functionality:
If this case is going to be moved around/transported here are some things that I've considered:
I'd use some recessed case handles (perhaps with stealth covers to keep the case from looking too industrial) for portability, Castors on the bottom - recessed a little into the base (which may require fabrication of a new floor) to keep the case reasonably low.
As for the rear panel, If there would be enough space, I'd go for perhaps also fabricating a new one out of either mirror plexi or steel to accommodate another 120mm exhaust using the space with the 80mm mount and the pop out I/O ports (see the black square in the attachment).
I don't know what type of cooling will be used on this case, but I'd like to at the very least make provision inside the case for the largest watercooling parts available (double or triple fan rad, Eheim pump and a decent sized res) with an easy spot to drain the system if it needed to be taken somewhere. That way, there will be ample room for whatever GK wants to throw at it in years to come.
As for the aesthetics of the case:
I actually like the dark plexi on the front door - It looks a little more menacing
I'd probably change it to something else that isn't see through (maybe with a backlit metal or plexi design mounted on it??)
Also, for better drive and case cooling, about putting in another 120mm fan behind the window in the bottom couple of bays - side vents to facilitate airflow will be needed of course, might look cool lit up behind the window too.
The part that's really sparked my interest is the activity LED panel on the front side - I reckon it's a GREAT spot for something cool - maybe swap the dark cover with some other acrylic (frosted?) and let Twizted go nuts with a dragonmeter?
I'd ideally like to see the interior coloured and the motherboard / video card stealthed (as some of those suckers are UGLY!) with exposed cables being coloured (vinyl dye) then sleeved in the same colour as the interior (i.e. camouflage the ones that just can't be hidden).
As for the colour, I'm still a fan of the purple metal flake with either gold (can use brass) or polished aluminium/chrome accents with yellow or white lighting as opposed to GPN's colour suggestion (in line with the old PR site colours) - That's just me being selfish though
I guess the biggest thing holding any further ideas up at this stage is what this case will be used for - game rig, server, media PC *ahem* I guess once we've got a rough idea, we can decide on what to do with all those bays
Anyway, that's all for me for now - I'll be out of town for the next 4 days with no access to either email or the web, so I hope you all manage to throw some more ideas in the ring
GO PRT TEAM!!!
Oh, I forgot:
PCA MEMBERS:
Send donations via Paypal to twizted@dragonmodz.net
Get yourself on the list!
Let's all do our bit here to help give back to this place

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Great ideas MasterP!
Yes, I am thinking more of styling elements, such as Bill's previous car-themed cases. Although some did utilize actual car parts, the goal was not to make it look exactly like a car, but to add elements that are reminiscent of the same design ethics. To me, the heavy bezel is screaming for a grille treatment, rather than the more "airplane" turbine fans. There are turbine and aircraft elements in the 1959 Caddy I posted, as well as rockets, tarins...all sorts of influences that could lend some very cool lines if applied to a PC case. No, I don't see adding so much crap it ends up looking like a demented christmas tree, but some subtle alterations in line can go far.
I also agree with the tribal elements MasterP suggested. This '59 caddy has some cool flames with a tribal flair (yeah, I know...I'm stuck on the Caddy idea).

To take MasterP's cue and "talk art", I can see the reverse of this paint scheme working for the case. A metallic candy purple base with a good contrasting tribal flame overlay, window cutouts integrated with the flamed theme, and some polished and chrome accents. If I also were to go wild with it...I'd do fins with working LED taillights, chromed front grille and maybe even a servo-actuated convertible top, the windshield formed of plexi and sporting an LCD screen. Yeah, I'm nuts...wanna make something of it?

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Now I have to say that pink and pale yellow look amazing together!

Soaking in all these great ideas you guys have, and all this talent on the team, I am so flattered to have been asked to be in on it.

Wordbiker is going on about caddies like hes got access to swipe some parts
Erik, playin on your caddy grill idea... Are you thinking of manipulating portions from a real grill or fabricating a version to scale? Can you draw up some sketches?

Quote: Originally Posted by Masterp As for the drive bays (and where the drives stick out behind them) I think that they should be stealthed from view with something

Good call Masterp. We're not obligated to work within the confindes of the stock bezel. We can chop it to accomondate new features ...or build a new one from scratch.

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This may not fly, but wanted to suggest it anyway. If we are going to go with the Caddy theme this is one idea I have.
On the front if we are going to do a fan, use the billet fan like Bill has at MNPCTech. And you know how all the classic Caddys have the big white wall tires? Well make a whtie wall around the outside, and it will look like an old Caddy hub and wheel.

Or we could do the same fan and make the lights inside red, then make the fan look like the tail light if the caddy. As in the pic from Erik.

The attachements illustrate what I mean better.

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While I am fond of the Caddy concept, as I have stated...this is not my mod! Please my fellow modders, suggest your own ideas as I am suggesting mine. We can take a look at all of them and come to a group concensus on what is practical, what is within our abilities to complete...and what best exemplifies a PIMPed tribute to our collective histories.

Having said that....yes, I do see a custom grille being made. Although the shape of the case is completely different from a car and precludes any sort of exact replication, a grille with the same style elements could really add some bling to the bezel. My idea was presented as a suggestion to think outside of the box. I don't see adding premade items as very creative, and trying to apply items that just don't fit but are easier to apply at the cost of losing the artistic thrust could just ruin the whole aesthetic. One huge advantage we have operating as a group is a depth of custom fabrication ability. Basically, if any one aspect of the appearance is important enough, we should fabricate it completely from scratch, rather than take the easy way out. This ain't no pre-mod folks.

My grille concept is to come up with a design (I will try to sketch something by tonight) that can be CNC-milled in 3D. If the material used is aluminum, it can be polished to a near-chrome sheen. Since this is representative of a bumper, it should have the same function as an actual bumper, protecting the bezel from bumps and scrapes associated with transporting the case, and being made of metal also addresses the issue of having fragile objects hanging off of it that could easily break. These bumpers could also wrap around the sides of the case slightly, and the rear of the case could implement some as well, both as styling elements and tough metal protection for a sleek detailed paintjob. Even the side trims could be done up to protrude slightly, protecting the finish from rubs...just as on a car.

Ok... I like the Caddy theme idea... nothing says Pimp like a caddy... Erik and I were throwing ideas around on Skype earlier and he mentioned his ideas for a fully 3D front bumper and grill, and then mentioned using casters as wheels but replacing the wheel with a custom one like is used for the higher end RC cars and even running a skirting down the sides to simulate the caddy low sides and fender skirts..... with this bit of brain storming I had the idea to possibly expound on this by suggesting we make a covered rear for the case built in such a way as to simulate the rear of the Cadillac bumped, trunk and all.... have it made in such a way as to allow routing of wires out the bottom through into the desk so no wires are visibly protruding from the rear but leave it high enough in the rear that if at a LAN party the wires could simply curve out from under the back.... Or you could even fashion some sort or exhaust pipe for the wires to all be bundled into when the exit the bottom.... the issue of ventilation came up and for that we could put a 5th wheel/continental style wheel grill on the trunk area to accommodate this need.... The break lights could be made functional for HDD activity, or even Network activity... having a dim red for power and brighter red for activity (breaking ) (I have done this with the M5 Stuart BF2 Tank Mod Lokie, LMC Roberta and I done when I was in Wisconsin this past fall.....

I know we do not want to put a timeframe on the project, but I do think we need one on the idea. With out that I think some people have a wait and see approach on submitting ideas.

I like the caddy idea too but its a very tall case...I know we could chop it but I would hate to be called copy cats. Remember the 57 chevy mod? The classic car them has been done and if we do go Caddzilla style it has to be top notch.

AntiM, BA, Beachbum86 & Grumblestiltskin

Do you guys have other ideas you would like to share?

Although I love an old Caddy as much as anybody, I don't see how that can be pulled off without it looking gaudy.

When I look at the front bezel, I picture an acrylic tube running up and down the right side backlit and integrated into the water system.

The interior needs to lose all of of the drive racks except maybe one on top or bottom for a DVD-RW (unless there is a fan connector) and whatever is needed for hard drives.

For some reason I keep thinking diamond tucked leather for the interior. It could be done on a backboard then mounted.

These are just some random thoughts.

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around all that case. Tall opens so many possibilities and slams the door shut on others.
Ever seen the wallpaper called "bedazzled"? I thought it might make a nice effect somewhere. It's basically glass beads on a flexible wallpaper.

I like B.A.'s diamond tuck idea, it's not that hard to do. It does take up a lot of room though.

Is it my turn.....is this thing on ??



Ok wrap your imagination around this idea....

think convertable...
my personal taste in water cooling is being able to see the gear, like the radiator. Ok now, chop about 4inches down from the top of the case, but leave about 3inches uncut from the front. then fabricate a concave plate,pan,bottom...etc 2" deep to cover the hole . smooth that all out with choice of body filler and/or fiber class(this will be painted same colore as the case [purple/gold ?] ). then place the radiator on standoffs (think of a good material to use...chrome....glass..think pimp/classy) the rad will be paitned whatever color we use for our accent color, tubing going down into to case through the concave peice should be braided with a choice material. a second rad up front can still go in....but as you all know multiple rads is awesome.

ill work on a photoshop image. the image in my head looks pimp and is 100% doable.

Just an idea

Quote: Originally Posted by BigAkita Although I love an old Caddy as much as anybody, I don't see how that can be pulled off without it looking gaudy. When I look at the front bezel, I picture an acrylic tube running up and down the right side backlit and integrated into the water system. The interior needs to lose all of of the drive racks except maybe one on top or bottom for a DVD-RW (unless there is a fan connector) and whatever is needed for hard drives. For some reason I keep thinking diamond tucked leather for the interior. It could be done on a backboard then mounted. These are just some random thoughts.

I like the diamond tuck leather.... but.... that stays right with the car/caddy theme?...

But if we did do that..... I would go with a micro grain leather with smaller diamonds... say... 4 or 5 per square inch.... I think it would look amazingly vivid and would make for serious pwnage... you would see it and think nah.. not real... but with a few close ups so you could see the stitch and grain.... awe factor x10

OK, time to break out the log stirring stick....

Twizted and I were just talking on Skype, and he said something profound: We need to hate this case.

I think what that means is we need to throw out our wildest ideas, as if we really did hate this case, and were willing to take a sledgehammer to it and rebuild it from scratch. Sure, we will eventually have to settle for what we can practically build, but now before we have even settled on a theme, let's pull out the stops, take out our sledgehammers, and get to work like John Henry.

For instance: We should be asking ourselves, "What specific items do I hate about this case?" "What would I definitely throw out, and what is worth salvaging?" "What would it look like if I dropped it off the roof of my house?"

I threw out the idea of a classic hotrod to evoke images of chopping, channeling, shaping and generally hopping up what is by all means a fairly boring case. We have some serious talent and resources at our disposal. I want to see the crazy ideas, the dream case ideas, the stuff you'd do if you found Bill Gates' wallet and could build a PC to place in his office and blow his mind...

Later, we can tone it down to approachable levels, but right now we're brainstorming.
Let's hear what you all feel is your idea of PIMP incarnate...

There are two things I will always associate with PimpRig: the PR Blue and the tribal theme.

I know both have been done before, but maybe that would be part of the challenge for us. To make it look better, and different than anyone has before.

With the "pimp" theme I think there is so much chance for an over the top case. While PimpRig used pimp and hoe as it's underlying theme, it was always tastefully done.

Just my .02