Scratchdesk's Steampunk Case
- -How would you build your "Xtreme" System if you won the sponsored hardware:
-- My plan is to create a functional Steampunk inspired case. Now there are a couple others I've seen floating around the web and I wanted to create my own version with more functional components and styling. Sure some of it's for show but I wanted create a unique look with screaming performance!
-- To undertake this process I'm planning to tackle many steps at the same time. Cutting, sanding, molding and staining the wood will be the one of the first priorities. I intend on using the shell of an old Antec case as a base and mold the wood around it. Next will be the brass accents. For this I have to enlist the help of a friend with the tools I need. I will cut each piece of brass, sand it and finish it. Those are the two primary building objectives if I were to win. See below for a list of all the other features I plan on including in my design.
- -What is your "Xtreme Design" system's goal.
-- First of all my primary goal is to build a system with rock solid reliability yet very performance oriented. Due to the more intricate nature of my case design I wanted to be sure that the components inside the box would handle whatever I throw at them and the hardware this contest provides would suit my goals wonderfully!
-- Though I'm not the most experienced in overclocking I have been building machines for many years. I know what's involved and I'm planning on water cooling the processor and video card in order to reach extreme speeds that I know this hardware can support. I'm trying to milk every last process out of the box. Between running Windows media center and powering 5.1 channel surround to running as an extreme gaming rig that'll crunch every number you throw at it I have high expectations for this machine and the components inside!
- -How ASUS' "Xtreme Design" motherboard features help your system and daily life.
-- The Asus motherboard is everything I could hope for the be the central hub of this PC's performance goals!
-The power stabilization is very appealing to keep the system running smooth.
-The Auto Tuning option is a great way for me to boost performance simply and easily.
-The One-Touch Turbo Key is unique and can boost performance in times when I'd need it more.
-Being fully Windows 7 capable is wonderful because that's exactly what I plan I running in this beast.
-The Express Gate feature will allow me to quick boot the system to check my mail in the morning or run mp3's at night.
-The numerous stability features are great for keeping the system running smooth. Including the MemOK feature and the T.Probe Active Cooling System.
-And finally the overclocking functions are absolutely wonderful as they will provide me a stable base to create my first water cooled super PC.
- -Anything else that convinces us to pick your idea from the participating forums below.
-- I do hope you consider my late entry to this contest. I've been mulling an idea over in my head for a couple years and this will give me a much needed boost to bring this idea to fruition. With the support of some wonderful products like the Asus motherboard and SSD drive I can create a performance monster that will also be a show stopper for sure. If I were to win I look forward to posting all over describing the case build process and materials used for others to see and emulate if they so desire. I don't expect this to be a small task but with your help I am confident I can build the most Xtreme PC!
-- My design image and rundown of features:
- (almost) Fully Functional Steampunk Inspired Case
- Wood and Brass Design to Emulate the Steampunk Style
- ASUS Logo Carved into a Window on the Reverse Side of the Case
- Water Cooled with a Dual Fan Radiator all Housed in Wood
- Internal Laptop CD-Rom Windowed to Give the Effect of More Moving Parts
- Steam Device (likely a small fog machine) Housed Within the System Feeding an Exhaust Vent all Controlled by a Unique Lever
- Fully Working Lights and Switches all Over the Outside and Inside of the System
- Solid Performance both Overclocked or not that I can Always Expect From Asus Products
- Working Ignition System with Lights for Turning On, Off, or Resetting the System
- Fabricated Generator Housed Behind on of the Multiple Windows
- Fake Stove to Simulate the Power Core of the System
- Multiple Tubes and Levers that Control Different Aspects of the Final Design including Fan Speed and Lighting
- Working Gauges to Display Temperature and Power Settings
- ... and Certainly More to Come as the Process Comes to Fruition!
Thank you for looking!
New additions or things I forgot to mention:
-I'm looking into cooling this machine primarily using water cooling but certain parts will need some air cooling. I plan on making an interior seperator out of stained wood and mounting at least a single 120mm fan in it. That will isolate the motherboard and connected components and focus more air flow where it's needed through the case. There will be a front vent on the box that will feed air into the system through the seperator and out the back of the case.
-I'd like to utilize the unused space on the front of the machine where the 5.25" drive bays would normally sit for a micro touch screen monitor. I'd like this to be used for the Express Gate and for running a power point or similar presentation while the system is running displaying the sponsor, specs, and build information.