NocturneKittie 7 Posted September 3, 2015 Hello fellow Monkeys, It's that time again, this time I will be doing a permanent dedicated SFF PC build for LAN events. During my last trip to QuakeCon I had a bad experience when it comes to traveling with a mid tower while attempting to travel via Amtrak, it seems that no electronic items can be checked in :huh: . But can be used as carry on if size permits, hence this build log. My next two LAN events will require travel (one in Indiana and the second PDXLAN at Oregon). Even though I may drive to both there's the possibility that I may choose to fly and take my build as a carry on when I do. Since I am a US Army Vet and decided to start getting involved with Operation Supply Drop I chose to do a military themed build. The case I will be using is Fractal Design's Node 304 in black, but will paint an OD Green. I intent to cut in a window on top panel, replace front panel and its I/O, add case feet and a carrying handle. I'll edit and add custom parts from MNPCTECH with links below. Thanks to Bill Owen for sponsoring me with parts for this mod (see links and pictures below). I will post updates as build progresses. In the meantime it's time to break case down. Specs:Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX PC case, blackMSI Z97I AC Mini-ITX LGA 1150 MotherboardIntel i5 4690k CPU8GB 9 2 x 4GB) Kingston Hyper Beast DDR3 2400MHz RAMTwo 500GB ea. Samsung 850 EVO SSDsSapphire Radeon R9 285 ITX 2GB GPU (temporary)EVGA SuperNOVA 650 GS Fully Modular PSU (getting next month)Four Noctua NF-B9 redux 1600, SSO Bearing Fan 92mm (getting next month)One Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM, SSO Bearing Fan 140mm (getting next month)Cooler Master Hyper D92, CPU cooler (getting net month)Note will either use two 92mm 0r two 80mm case fans for custom front panel, will know more as I start mod. Removed rubber "case feet" and discovered screws underneath. Seems like there's a bottom plastic like tray that can be removed as well. I chose to remove this bottom "tray" for better installation of custom case feet. This is the bottom plastic like tray removed. Removed two front 92mm case fans, will cut out these fan mounts for custom front panel and replace with another 92mm or 80mm fans. Removed built in fan speed controller since I will not use. Removed PSU bracket and top bar which supports the three hard drive trays which I will not use either. Removed the left side GPU filter. Removed the right side PSU filter. Everything has been broken down and removed, will take measurements and prepare to start cutting and drilling before painting. PSU bracket and internal PSU cable in one easy to find place/bag.Mnpctech PC & Case Mod Product LinksLamptron Bulgin Mounting Plate, 22mm by 22mm, Black by Mnpctech, http://mnpctech.com/bulgin-modmytoys-computer-pc-power-reset-switch-mounting-plates-vandal-anti-resitant-lamptron/22mm-22mm-switch-plate/lamptron-bulgin-mounting-plate-22mm-by-22mm-black.htmlMnpctech Red & Green Vandal Resistant PC Power Switch, 22mm, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/switches-toggle-pc-computer-power-reset/vandal-resistant-pc-power-switch-22mm-clone.htmlMnpctech Mini ITX Custom Machined Aluminum PC Case Feet, http://mnpctech.com/pc-computer-stereo-desktop-case-feet/mini-itx-pc-case-feet.htmlGaming or LAN PC Carry Handles are made from solid 3/8" diameter Stainless Steel, http://mnpctech.com/pc-case-lan-party-gaming-carry-top-server-tower-handles/pc-bar-handles.html 1 bungwirez reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted September 3, 2015 Reserved for updates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Owen 367 Posted September 3, 2015 304 is a great little case! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted September 3, 2015 304 is a great little case! Never owned it before and I agree it's adorable as well lol. Thanks Bill :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted September 8, 2015 Small update: I have started the process towards a custom front panel mod. I have cut out the front brackets that help the included 92 mm intake fans. May replace with either two 80 mm fans or one 120 mm fan. More to come soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 18, 2015 Phew, it has been very hectic lately and drove from Fort Smith, AR to Portalnd, OR for PDXLAN :huh: Here are some updates (finally)! Measuring for custom power and reset switches plate Measuring for handles Paint and added a custom top fan mount for intake Added rubber channel Gotta show that Munky Army pride :wub: Placing manufacturer filters/mesh grills back Added custom front window Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 18, 2015 Added Operation Supply Drop Patch ATEAMGC Love Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InsolentGnome 58 Posted November 18, 2015 daayumn, you drove to PDXLAN from Arkansas? And I thought I had a long drive from central Missouri. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 19, 2015 daayumn, you drove to PDXLAN from Arkansas? And I thought I had a long drive from central Missouri.Lol, yes I did. It was insane, got a speeding ticket as well. Will not do another trip like this in a very long time, I will fly instead until then :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 19, 2015 Added COD Endowment Dog Tags to keep a military and gaming theme going. Also placed US Army decal on front window panel. Hooah! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 23, 2015 Final look and internal hardware :wub: Please see parts list at the following link: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/NocturneKittie/saved/Tmv7YJ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 23, 2015 Updated look during second use (LAN event). Changed case feet and handles for PDXLAN. These are from MNPCTECH as well 1 John-Ivar Rubach reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ToddK 16 Posted November 25, 2015 Loving the creativity here! :lol: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NocturneKittie 7 Posted November 25, 2015 Loving the creativity here! :lol: Thanks :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
