First Off, Huge thanks to Thermaltake, and Enermax who have sent me parts to make this mod happen!
First off, I would like to state that this is a sponsored build. As such I would like to thank Thermaltake, Enermax, and Sapphire Gaming for their contributions to this build! Many other sponsors have offered to help with this build, and I will update this posting with sponsor info as I get it.
This log will be kept up to date to the best of my abilities, however for the most current updates I recommend following me on Facebook or Twitter. (
www.facebook.com/nick.gasia or
www.twitter.com/CompRite205)
Now that all that is done! On with the build!
This build is in honor of the professor on the cast of Gilligan's Island, who recently passed away. Don't know what Gilligan's Island is? Are you sure YOU were not trapped on a deserted island for 11 years? (Or 30?)
I am starting from the base design of a Thermaltake Tsunami Case. Yes, its like 10 years old. Here is the reasoning for doing so. In the final episode of Gilligan's Island, they were rescued due in part to a massive tsunami that they rode out into the shipping lanes in their bamboo huts. So how fitting would it be to use a Thermaltake Tsunami case and remake the entire thing out of bamboo? Thus a mod is born...
I started by stripping down the case, punching out all the rivets and getting a feel for the design of each panel. The base design was nothing particularly unique. The front panel however, is special. For those of you who are not familiar with the case, see the image below.
I am going to replicate this out of bamboo and try to keep the feel of the case as close to this as possible.
Here is where things change. I want to bring this case back from the dead, so to speak. I will be upgrading the usb ports to 3.0, installing HD Audio, NeoPixel based LED Lighting system, and a few other improvements to hardware.
Modding:
I just can't stop there though... so...
I will be adding 3x120 fan mounts to the top, while staying within the original design size of about 18"x18"x10". I also will be adding 2x120 fan mounts on the front. This is to allow me to install the full loop water cooling system I have planned out for it. The top panel, instead of being a flat top with the front panel header, we will have a modular sequence of vents, all made of bamboo that can regulate and direct airflow, but at the same time still lay almost flush. I will be moving the front input/output panels to the front of the case, and flush mount them inside of the frame.
Accessories:
I will for sure be modding a set of headphones from Thermaltake (Model T.B.A.) and replace the plastics with coconuts. What Gilligans Island tribute build would be complete without coconut accessories? I will look into what I can do to a keyboard, but I am still very much in the design phase on that.
All of the Fans, that are being sponsored by Enermax, are going to be disassembled and rebuilt with as much bamboo as possible. Currently I plan on replacing the shroud, and fan blades for sure. I am still working on a motor mounting system for them.
Time Frame:
Hardware from sponsors are en-route now. I ordered 500+ feet of bamboo to come in sometime this week. I am hoping to have a completed mod by July for display at PDXLAN Summer Lan. But for sure by The Charity LAN in November.
Pictures will be up when I start the building phase. CG/CAD Drawings will come as I finish them.
Keep tuned for updates later this week!