Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 26, 2008, 10:49:02 PM
Post by: sdinet on October 26, 2008, 10:49:02 PM
This is the case from a 20+ year old Sharp X68000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_X68000), I will be converting it into a modern computer with liquid cooling, dual slot loading CD/DVD drives, and a quad core CPU. More to come!
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on October 26, 2008, 11:33:30 PM
Post by: pentium on October 26, 2008, 11:33:30 PM
Pity to see this happen but I hope it comes out really nice.
Are you also going to try and keep the liquid cooling in the case (and possibly cut holes i the case) or will you be creating an external box for the pump, tank and radiator in a matching black?
Are you also going to try and keep the liquid cooling in the case (and possibly cut holes i the case) or will you be creating an external box for the pump, tank and radiator in a matching black?
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on October 27, 2008, 08:14:07 AM
Post by: helf on October 27, 2008, 08:14:07 AM
please tell me the machine was dead! I've been trying to get one of these for ages. If it was dead, I'm all for the mod, be pretty nice :)
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 27, 2008, 10:57:30 AM
Post by: sdinet on October 27, 2008, 10:57:30 AM
YES YES, I got the case only off ebay (for $20!!!!). I would NEVER kill a complete X68000 for the use of a mod =)
My plan is to use the right side for the MoBO, CPU and GPU. Then use the left side for the dual optical drives (slim laptop drives), and have a 120mm radiator, fan and pump all embedded in the same tower.
So everything will be completely embedded with no external parts!
My plan is to use the right side for the MoBO, CPU and GPU. Then use the left side for the dual optical drives (slim laptop drives), and have a 120mm radiator, fan and pump all embedded in the same tower.
So everything will be completely embedded with no external parts!
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on October 27, 2008, 11:25:27 AM
Post by: helf on October 27, 2008, 11:25:27 AM
lol, ok, cool :)
I've always adored the x68000's case design. It will make an AWESOME computer case :P If it turns out well, I want to do one.. heh.
I've always adored the x68000's case design. It will make an AWESOME computer case :P If it turns out well, I want to do one.. heh.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 12:08:03 AM
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 12:08:03 AM
I still don't see how you will get the radiator to get the needed air circulation.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 08:02:43 AM
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 08:02:43 AM
I will use this handy dandy radiator grill =)
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 10:14:19 AM
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 10:14:19 AM
*grabs some popcorn*
This is honestly the only case mod that has interested me in ages. I cannot wait to see it done! :]
This is honestly the only case mod that has interested me in ages. I cannot wait to see it done! :]
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 12:29:00 PM
I can't wait to see it either. It sounds like one of those cube mods where the guy does not hack and whack at the case.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 12:35:49 PM
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 12:35:49 PM
One more thing... :]
What are you going to do about the ports on the front? You could fit PS2 sockets or such in the round ones. The trapezoidal one could be used for a SD memory card reader ;)
What are you going to do about the ports on the front? You could fit PS2 sockets or such in the round ones. The trapezoidal one could be used for a SD memory card reader ;)
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 03:09:09 PM
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 03:09:09 PM
I am going to put fan controlled knobs in the 3 round holes (the knobs are black with blue LED rings).
Also, great idea about the card reader! I have the perfect on in mind. Also I was thinking about a back lit digital thermometer which could go in that spot (to monitor the coolant temperature)
Here are some photos to keep everyone up to date.
I mounted a 12"x9" sheet of smoked plexiglass to existing mounting points, then mounted the PSU and motherboard to the sheet of plexiglass.
Next is to finish cutting the case to fit and secure the PSU and to create a smoked plexiglass and chrome cover plate for the IO ports.
Also, great idea about the card reader! I have the perfect on in mind. Also I was thinking about a back lit digital thermometer which could go in that spot (to monitor the coolant temperature)
Here are some photos to keep everyone up to date.
I mounted a 12"x9" sheet of smoked plexiglass to existing mounting points, then mounted the PSU and motherboard to the sheet of plexiglass.
Next is to finish cutting the case to fit and secure the PSU and to create a smoked plexiglass and chrome cover plate for the IO ports.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 06:09:44 PM
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 06:09:44 PM
Holy crap that is looking really good.
Will you be fabricating a new back to suit the board?
Will you be fabricating a new back to suit the board?
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 06:37:46 PM
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 06:37:46 PM
yes, I will make it out of the black smoked plexiglass, and cut out a rectangle to fit the standard metal IO plate that ships with motherboards.
Also I will cut a hole in the Plexi, and put a chrome grill over it to allow the PSU to exhaust its hot air.
Also I will cut a hole in the Plexi, and put a chrome grill over it to allow the PSU to exhaust its hot air.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 07:27:28 PM
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 07:27:28 PM
Looks like the bottom segment would hold a HDD or two :] man, those cases actually have lots of possibilities if you sat and thought through the design for a few weeks. lol.
*edit*
are you going to cover up all the unused IO case holes? :] just curious
*edit #2*
The single little hole next to the trapezoidal one is perfect for a headphone jack :D
*edit*
are you going to cover up all the unused IO case holes? :] just curious
*edit #2*
The single little hole next to the trapezoidal one is perfect for a headphone jack :D
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 08:04:17 PM
Post by: pentium on October 28, 2008, 08:04:17 PM
Wow. this is turning into something REALLY cool.
Hey, um, should you ever sell this computer, can I call first dibs on buying it? :)
Hey, um, should you ever sell this computer, can I call first dibs on buying it? :)
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 08:17:09 PM
Post by: helf on October 28, 2008, 08:17:09 PM
Quote from: "pentium"Wow. this is turning into something REALLY cool.
Hey, um, should you ever sell this computer, can I call first dibs on buying it? :)
*smack*
no. You are too late.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 08:34:50 PM
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 08:34:50 PM
Yes I am thinking about selling it when I am complete, for me the fun is making it. When I finish, I move on to my next project =).
Helf is first in line, but pentium you are 2nd!
Helf is first in line, but pentium you are 2nd!
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 09:20:36 PM
Post by: sdinet on October 28, 2008, 09:20:36 PM
I won't cover up the extra IO holes, instead I will fabricate a matching black smoked plexiglass cover with some chrome grills/vents to allow air flow for the liquid cooling.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on November 03, 2008, 08:34:42 AM
Post by: helf on November 03, 2008, 08:34:42 AM
any updates? :]
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on November 03, 2008, 09:33:58 AM
Post by: sdinet on November 03, 2008, 09:33:58 AM
YUP!! Over the weekend I went searching for some type of 90 degree angle arm to attach the smoke Plexiglas cover for the back of the computer.
I found the PERFECT material, its a Plexiglas corner guard for the edges of walls (to protect them from nicks and bumps, etc...). I will use this to affix the Plexiglas back plate to the Plexiglas subfloor I made which the motherboard mounts to.
It will be interesting cutting holes in the back plate (to accomidate for the metal insert which covers the USB, PS/2, VGA ports, etc). I may need to turn my jigsaw upside down and use it to slowly cut perfect rectangles and squares in the Plexiglas (SLOWLY, as not to melt the plastic).
Lastly, I will be ordering a 120MM radiator/fan combo and 12V DC pump (see links):
http://www.xoxide.com/integrity-pc-waterpump.html
http://www.crazypc.com/products/9310.html
I found the PERFECT material, its a Plexiglas corner guard for the edges of walls (to protect them from nicks and bumps, etc...). I will use this to affix the Plexiglas back plate to the Plexiglas subfloor I made which the motherboard mounts to.
It will be interesting cutting holes in the back plate (to accomidate for the metal insert which covers the USB, PS/2, VGA ports, etc). I may need to turn my jigsaw upside down and use it to slowly cut perfect rectangles and squares in the Plexiglas (SLOWLY, as not to melt the plastic).
Lastly, I will be ordering a 120MM radiator/fan combo and 12V DC pump (see links):
http://www.xoxide.com/integrity-pc-waterpump.html
http://www.crazypc.com/products/9310.html
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on November 07, 2008, 02:50:46 PM
Post by: sdinet on November 07, 2008, 02:50:46 PM
UPDATE!!
Have added the Radiator/fan combo.
Now I know it looks like the radiator is flush against the inside of the case, but it is not. There is about 1/4" space for fresh air to intake, as well there is a 1.5" hole behind the radiator (was there originally, WHAT LUCK!) , which allows air intake from in between the 2 towers.
Also, the covers fit on without touching the fan, also I will put a grill on the case cover to allow the fan to exhaust.
Will be adding the water pump and backplate cover for the motherboard ports this weekend!
Have added the Radiator/fan combo.
Now I know it looks like the radiator is flush against the inside of the case, but it is not. There is about 1/4" space for fresh air to intake, as well there is a 1.5" hole behind the radiator (was there originally, WHAT LUCK!) , which allows air intake from in between the 2 towers.
Also, the covers fit on without touching the fan, also I will put a grill on the case cover to allow the fan to exhaust.
Will be adding the water pump and backplate cover for the motherboard ports this weekend!
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on November 08, 2008, 04:00:44 PM
Post by: helf on November 08, 2008, 04:00:44 PM
looking good :) can't wait to see it finished.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on November 08, 2008, 07:36:35 PM
Post by: pentium on November 08, 2008, 07:36:35 PM
Fan looks pretty tight to the side of the case.
Is this where that grille you posted a page back will come into play?
Is this where that grille you posted a page back will come into play?
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on November 08, 2008, 09:03:49 PM
Post by: sdinet on November 08, 2008, 09:03:49 PM
yes correct, the fan will be about 1/4" away from the side cover when closed, that is why I will be using the Grill from the previous page.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on November 10, 2008, 10:32:46 AM
Post by: helf on November 10, 2008, 10:32:46 AM
take me off the buyers list :P I didn't realize how close we are to a trip I have to take. I won't have the money for that at all unless something wonderful happens. :/
looking awesome though :)
looking awesome though :)
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on November 10, 2008, 10:47:07 AM
Post by: sdinet on November 10, 2008, 10:47:07 AM
cool np, Pentium PM me if you are still interested and I will give you the details, if not, I may keep it or auction on EBAY.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on November 10, 2008, 04:15:59 PM
Post by: pentium on November 10, 2008, 04:15:59 PM
Well, I might go for it as my current system died.
Hmm, I wonder if I can ask my dad to get it for Christmas? :wink:
Hmm, I wonder if I can ask my dad to get it for Christmas? :wink:
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on January 07, 2009, 08:52:05 AM
Post by: sdinet on January 07, 2009, 08:52:05 AM
This MOD is back on track, just received all of the water cooling parts! Pictures and updates coming SOON!!!
Oh, and GUESS WHAT! I just received my very own NeXT Dimension TURBO!!! I was completely shocked, I purchased what I thought was a MONO cube, and it arrived with a Dimension card and a turbo CPU =).
Also, included with the purchase is a BRAND NEW (still in the box) NS 3.3 upgrade kit. It came with about a dozen manuals and the NS 3.3 CD. Its in a brown box and still have the invoice and shipping stickers from NeXT.
Oh, and GUESS WHAT! I just received my very own NeXT Dimension TURBO!!! I was completely shocked, I purchased what I thought was a MONO cube, and it arrived with a Dimension card and a turbo CPU =).
Also, included with the purchase is a BRAND NEW (still in the box) NS 3.3 upgrade kit. It came with about a dozen manuals and the NS 3.3 CD. Its in a brown box and still have the invoice and shipping stickers from NeXT.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on January 08, 2009, 12:02:35 PM
Post by: helf on January 08, 2009, 12:02:35 PM
congrats :)
That seems to happen quite a bit actually.. I keep seeing cubes on eBay with dimension boards and NO mention of the board. You only see it in pictures of the back of the cubes. Last year, one near me sold for like $150 with a dimension board :( it was within pickup distance too, but I was broke. story of my life, it seems :P
That seems to happen quite a bit actually.. I keep seeing cubes on eBay with dimension boards and NO mention of the board. You only see it in pictures of the back of the cubes. Last year, one near me sold for like $150 with a dimension board :( it was within pickup distance too, but I was broke. story of my life, it seems :P
Title: X68000 Mod UPDATE
Post by: sdinet on January 12, 2009, 09:57:27 AM
Post by: sdinet on January 12, 2009, 09:57:27 AM
Sorry it's been so long. Here is what has been completed.
Add water pump, cpu waterblock and custom-made fillport (it is secured on the upper-right side of the pump for storage). Ran tubing and secured it with coil binding (from kinkos) to prevent kinks.
Also, I installed 300W powersupply circuitry, I had to remove it from it's casing to make it fit. I will be adding a plexiglass cover and fans to cool it and protect users from shock.
Let me know your thoughts!!
Today I will be picking up some non-conductive coolant and start-up the system for the first time (after I run for a couple hours to check for leaks).
Add water pump, cpu waterblock and custom-made fillport (it is secured on the upper-right side of the pump for storage). Ran tubing and secured it with coil binding (from kinkos) to prevent kinks.
Also, I installed 300W powersupply circuitry, I had to remove it from it's casing to make it fit. I will be adding a plexiglass cover and fans to cool it and protect users from shock.
Let me know your thoughts!!
Today I will be picking up some non-conductive coolant and start-up the system for the first time (after I run for a couple hours to check for leaks).
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on January 27, 2009, 07:37:45 PM
Post by: sdinet on January 27, 2009, 07:37:45 PM
about 80% complete!
The 300W PSU is working like a champ with the E6600 CPU and 9600GT!
Still need to mount the HD and laptop slot-load optical drives. Fabricate the I/O covers (backplates) and install the Exhaust grill for the 120MM fan.
Water cooling COMPLETE (CPU and GPU), 90 degree PCI-E bracket installed, low-profile 9600GT fits like a glove!
Here is the Mic-IN, Headphone and power button (Installing a WiFI antenna and USB port in the empty Phones and Joystick ports):
The 300W PSU is working like a champ with the E6600 CPU and 9600GT!
Still need to mount the HD and laptop slot-load optical drives. Fabricate the I/O covers (backplates) and install the Exhaust grill for the 120MM fan.
Water cooling COMPLETE (CPU and GPU), 90 degree PCI-E bracket installed, low-profile 9600GT fits like a glove!
Here is the Mic-IN, Headphone and power button (Installing a WiFI antenna and USB port in the empty Phones and Joystick ports):
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on January 28, 2009, 08:37:22 PM
Post by: sdinet on January 28, 2009, 08:37:22 PM
Installed the 120mm Radiator/Fan Grill!
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on February 10, 2009, 08:44:33 AM
Post by: sdinet on February 10, 2009, 08:44:33 AM
is anyone out there? anyone still following or interested in MOD updates??
I have been battling how to properly cool the power supply circuitry, and finally implemented a solution!
My original hope was to ONLY liquid cool it using a mosfet waterblock, except that no commercial solution would fit in the tiny space available. Therefore, I constructed a makeshift waterblock out of a 90-degree compression elbow. This seemed to cool down the mosfet's pretty decent, but the chokes and transformers were still heating up to pretty dangerous levels (200F).
I knew I needed to install some type of fan at this point... A 60x60x11mm fan fit, but there was no practical way to mount it, I ended up using some thermal adhesive (left over from mounting the mosfet waterblock) and it is holding up perfectly!
I also, installed power and hdd leds (white and low intensity).
Anyway, thnx so much for all the comments!!!! I am nearing completion and will continue to post pictures and progress =)
Here are the temps so far:
Ambient: 33C (not room temp, this is reported from speedfan)
Idle: CPU 41C, GPU 41C
Load: CPU 47C, GPU 43C
Here are some pics:
I have been battling how to properly cool the power supply circuitry, and finally implemented a solution!
My original hope was to ONLY liquid cool it using a mosfet waterblock, except that no commercial solution would fit in the tiny space available. Therefore, I constructed a makeshift waterblock out of a 90-degree compression elbow. This seemed to cool down the mosfet's pretty decent, but the chokes and transformers were still heating up to pretty dangerous levels (200F).
I knew I needed to install some type of fan at this point... A 60x60x11mm fan fit, but there was no practical way to mount it, I ended up using some thermal adhesive (left over from mounting the mosfet waterblock) and it is holding up perfectly!
I also, installed power and hdd leds (white and low intensity).
Anyway, thnx so much for all the comments!!!! I am nearing completion and will continue to post pictures and progress =)
Here are the temps so far:
Ambient: 33C (not room temp, this is reported from speedfan)
Idle: CPU 41C, GPU 41C
Load: CPU 47C, GPU 43C
Here are some pics:
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on February 10, 2009, 08:53:25 AM
Post by: helf on February 10, 2009, 08:53:25 AM
I'm still watching :) pretty sweet so far. cant wait to see it finished.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: pentium on February 10, 2009, 11:17:21 AM
Post by: pentium on February 10, 2009, 11:17:21 AM
sdinet, I still think this is a truly awesome system.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: dai_vernon on February 13, 2009, 04:08:43 AM
Post by: dai_vernon on February 13, 2009, 04:08:43 AM
Wow I must say this is a pretty amazing setup here. This is definitely a casemod for the ages.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on February 19, 2009, 11:28:10 PM
Post by: sdinet on February 19, 2009, 11:28:10 PM
Installed the wireless card (USB dongle attached via internal motherboard headers) and mounted the external antenna on the front of the case.
Installed a 120MM Grill (matching the Radiator/Fan exhaust Grill) to allow a view of the CPU and PSU waterblocks, as well as to provide ventilation to the PSU fan.
Let me know your thoughts, and thanks for the wonderful comments!!
I found some USB to laptop optical drive (IDE) adapters on ebay, I will soon attempt to install the slot-loading optical drives (I am really running out of internal room though, will be able to install 1 drive, but really hoping for dual drives).
Installed a 120MM Grill (matching the Radiator/Fan exhaust Grill) to allow a view of the CPU and PSU waterblocks, as well as to provide ventilation to the PSU fan.
Let me know your thoughts, and thanks for the wonderful comments!!
I found some USB to laptop optical drive (IDE) adapters on ebay, I will soon attempt to install the slot-loading optical drives (I am really running out of internal room though, will be able to install 1 drive, but really hoping for dual drives).
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: dai_vernon on February 19, 2009, 11:43:05 PM
Post by: dai_vernon on February 19, 2009, 11:43:05 PM
Is there anything else that you can do with the other space? Something like a 3.5in card reader or something? It'd be awful to see such a great casemod hit a snag.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on March 06, 2009, 11:04:38 PM
Post by: sdinet on March 06, 2009, 11:04:38 PM
here is a video I put together on the X68K Mod, please check it out if you have some time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwvr-5Gbvk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwvr-5Gbvk
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on February 03, 2010, 10:56:35 AM
Post by: sdinet on February 03, 2010, 10:56:35 AM
I know it's been WAY too long, but I am still working on this MOD.
I have installed 3x30GB OCZ vertex SSDs in RAID 0 for my boot drive!
Also, I have hand made a micro reservoir, it was ALOT of work (had to custom order 45/64" bit, 11.8mm bit, and a G1/4 tap).
Also, drilling a hole that large into a SMALL plastic top/bottom cover plate is NEAR impossible. I NEED a laser cutter asap!
Below are the photos:
I have installed 3x30GB OCZ vertex SSDs in RAID 0 for my boot drive!
Also, I have hand made a micro reservoir, it was ALOT of work (had to custom order 45/64" bit, 11.8mm bit, and a G1/4 tap).
Also, drilling a hole that large into a SMALL plastic top/bottom cover plate is NEAR impossible. I NEED a laser cutter asap!
Below are the photos:
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: sdinet on February 03, 2010, 10:57:15 AM
Post by: sdinet on February 03, 2010, 10:57:15 AM
My specs of the system are as follows:
Q9550 CPU OC'D 2.8ghz to 3.02ghz
Micro-ATX MSI G45M
4GB DDR2 1066mhz
320GB 7200RPM 2.5"
3x30GB OCZ Vertex RAID 0
Low Profile 9600GT Video card (GPU OC'D 600mhz to 760mhz, MEM OC'D 900mhz to 1ghz)
Power consumption at the wall outlet: 100watts idle, 205watts 100% CPU & GPU load.
Q9550 CPU OC'D 2.8ghz to 3.02ghz
Micro-ATX MSI G45M
4GB DDR2 1066mhz
320GB 7200RPM 2.5"
3x30GB OCZ Vertex RAID 0
Low Profile 9600GT Video card (GPU OC'D 600mhz to 760mhz, MEM OC'D 900mhz to 1ghz)
Power consumption at the wall outlet: 100watts idle, 205watts 100% CPU & GPU load.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: helf on February 03, 2010, 11:27:02 AM
Post by: helf on February 03, 2010, 11:27:02 AM
nice man :) I'm building myself a new pc right now with a q9550 and 8gb ddr3. Cant wait.
Title: New Computer Mod! Liquid Cooled X68000!
Post by: itomato on August 05, 2010, 09:19:15 PM
Post by: itomato on August 05, 2010, 09:19:15 PM
that is one sexy box! Way to go! :D