Worklog: Simply Elegant (Lian Li PC-A05B make over)

[l4n b0y]

Hi guys, first time poster here (not first time modder though ) I just wanted to share with you all my current work. I am open to any and all feedback, suggestion, praise, and scoff. I hope you all enjoy it, and maybe get an idea or two.

I have been wanting to do something different with my pc for some time now. Upgrades, as far as, mobo/proc/ram/gpu have crossed my mind, but, I don't feel the need to do that, as I am running everything I play/do, just fine. So, this is where I stand, Lets give my Lian Li a Makeover!

This makeover will entail new tubing, barbs, blocks, pump, rad, res, All EKWB brand. Also an automotive grade paint job on the internal part of the case. Possibly a few minor hardware upgrades. I'm aiming for class, and elegance, not flashy and flamboyant. I plan on putting my utmost concentration in this build. I hope it turns out well.

Current Hardware:
Case : Lian Li PC-A05B
CPU : Intel Core i7 950
Mobo : Asus Rampage GeneII
RAM : 3x2GB Gskill Trident (subject to change)
HDD : WD Black 1Tb (most likely going to add an SSD to the mix 128/256gb)
GPU : Gigabyte GTX480

Future H20 Items:
Rad: EK Cool Streams 240 & 120
Pump: EK DCP 4.0 w/4.0 Res
CPU Block: EK Supreme HF White Top
Mobo Block: EK NB/SB 5 (hopefully it fits)
Res: EK Black Bay Spin


Enough with that, here is what we are working with:

Case disassembly, and putting the components on my tech bench, as this PC is used daily.

Here is how it went:

Fast forward |>>|>>|

Thats all for now, MUCH more to come. I hope I have not missed anything..

 

[l4n b0y]

YAYA!!! GOODIES!!!
Some items in this photo will not be used.

Some EK LOVE!

Man these are SCHEKSY!!

oh, this is making me excited!

 

[l4n b0y]

Prepped and cleaned the case, getting it ready for paint. Going to keep the anodized black on the outside, and do white inside, white white tubing, black barbs. Might look good.. We'll see..
Anyway, cleaning a DIRTY case..

Taa Daa!! and she's topless now

 

[l4n b0y]

Here is the case primered ready for paint. Not much to see here, but I think its pretty!

The latest update, got the case back from paint, here's how it looks:

Hopefully gonna be getting most of the H20 parts, and a few other minor items in the next few days. Still shooting for a new SSD or two, and some MOAR RAM! Well see..

Much more to come!

 

[l4n b0y]

Here is a quick pic of the fan grills I did for the EK radiators. (rad in pic will not be used.)

 

[aigomorla]

Unlocked after PM's with OP!

You have the green light again!

 

[l4n b0y]

Thanks very much aigomorla!! I will do make sure to abide by the forum policies from here on out. I truly apologize about the mishap!

Anyhow..

I've been playing around with an idea in my head lately, let me know what ya guys think.

I want to make a sort of 'beauty plate' if you will, for the drive bay side of the case. here is what I'm thinking...

And just a quick design idea I conjured up in MSPaint.. lol

 

[lsv]

Very nice, I can't wait to see this completed.

 

[aigomorla]

the custom design your going to put on your case i approve.

just keep the offical banner away.

and yes more progress! nice worklog..

if u need something removed from other members please let me know, and i will clean your post so it reflects your worklog.

 

[l4n b0y]

Just doing tiny little bits here and there, I am mainly waiting on a rather large H20 items shipment at this point ..

Anyway, did up the front panel cables in white para cord today. I know it doesn't compare to you veteran sleevers' out there, but this was my VERY FIRST time ever sleeving anything, so go easy..

Also, Im still working on the Beauty Plate design..

 

[ctk1981]

Nice work and good luck with the rest. I built my aunt a computer using that same case, wouldn't do it again.

 

[l4n b0y]

haha, thx ckellly81, it is a very big pain in the butt sometimes, its a tiny case, with very little to work with. Now imagine a 240 rad, 120 rad, 3/4'' tubing, and a large pump crammed in there..

 

[l4n b0y]

Still unsure if I'm going to go this route, but here is a very rough etching. This was all done free hand, if I continue to go this route, I will come up with a better way to do it. The acrylic is painted, and etching was done on the reverse side, with the front side being all smooth.

 

[aigomorla]

lolz.. i liked the other style more with the arrows going in both directions..

 

[l4n b0y]

got some more awesome parts in!!! Man I cant WAIT to get this up and going! But you can't rush perfection.

Stay Tuned! MUCH more to follow.

 

[l4n b0y]

I was supposed to be getting another package today, but I was not home to receive. Now I must wait till Monday

It contains a few minor, although much needed, items. A scythe fan controller, some cables, sound deadening, and some MNPC Tech case feet. Also, some tubing, but I will need to reorder barbs, or tubing, as they are not the corresponding size . My mistake.

Anyone know if there is a noticeable difference in performance between 7/16ID opposed to 1/2ID tubing? I have 7/16ID x 5/8OD fittings, with 1/2ID x 3/4OD tubing.

 

[l4n b0y]

I truly apologize for the lack of updates fellas, I am just waiting on parts to get this up and going. I will update asa I get sthe items I need in order to start work again.

Still alot to come, Stay Tuned!

 

[aigomorla]

lolz.. dont worry.. lc projects are never ending and always evolving.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I mirror the poster above and their comment about preferring the custom design to have the designs both ways (i.e. your design in MS paint instead of the mock up you did).

I look forward to this. I want to see how this case turns out so I can use it to figure out how to rework my old Lian Li PC-V600 (like the old v1000/v1200 style, just much smaller).

 

[l4n b0y]

Got a little done today. Got the right size barbs in, 1/2ID 3/4OD, and prepared the rads, and res. Going to use all silver fittings on the res in order to keep the nasty stuff at bay. Also got my sound deadening, MNPCTech rubber case feet, white primo-chill tubing, temp sensor plug, and a few other thing in. I will be working on this all weekend, hopefully getting it pretty close to throwing hardware in. I am waiting till Christmas is over, then dumping a BRAND NEW system in it. NEW everything, mobo, proc, ram, psu, SSD, HDD. I have not decided what socket yet, but definately going to be Intel. This was not the plan to begin with, but they have been dumping a TON of over time on us at work, so now I am going to.

and some holiday time puppy chow, courtesy of the wifey!! YUM!

More pics tomorrow. Stay tuned!

 

[l4n b0y]

Alright guys, I wasn't able to fully set up my photo booth, but in any case, here are the pics, as promised! Did a bit of work, got the sound deadening in, case feet mounted, rads mounted, res installed, and some tubing ran. Also, got the new side panel in! I'm really enjoying this build. I'm loving the way its turning out!!

Without further ado..

 

[Subyman]

Looking good, sure is a tight build!

 

[l4n b0y]

Thx subyman!

I have an issue here white or red lights?? Got a bit bored, and decided to see what they would look like!

 

[Spikesoldier]

Thx subyman!

I have an issue here white or red lights?? Got a bit bored, and decided to see what they would look like!

white looks good against the aluminum, makes it stand out

 

[The Boston Dangler]

that is so clean, it's got to be primarily white light