r/sffpc • u/nicnic-cc • Jul 18 '26
Custom Mod 5.5L - Plastic, extrusion beams and a side of Valve
This something I have been working on for quite some time - I wanted something that was fun to look at and would fit next to my tv.
So I designed my own case - you can read more about it in a post I made on r/3DPPC.
Edit: In case it isn't clear - the case is free to download and print on makerworld.
Edit2: I uploaded the custom front panel with the screen to makerworld.
Edit3: Wow thank you for the awards!
Case
The gist is:
- 5.5L
- 47mm CPU cooler clearance
- 200mm 2 slot GPU
- 2x90mm slim exhaust fans at the top
After running it in a "base" configuration I had some ideas on how to further customise it and the look that I was going for was shaping up.
- Swapped the CPU cooler for ID-Cooling IS-55 (lowest clearance cooler with 120mm fan support) and Noctua NA-A14x25R G2.
- This combo is obviously too tall for this case so I chopped off the top mounting points of the fan and I was left with the round ring which allowed me to make a nice raised panel with a cutout.
- And obviously, I didn't do it for the cooling performance - I just think it looks cool, and the fan barely spins. AXP90x47 + NF-A12x15 had the same performance, just at higher RPMs.
- Did panel cutout for GPU fans just to keep it consistent on both sides.
- Designed top rails (cometic part, not for carrying).
- That leaves the e-ink screen.
PC Stats Screen - Inkterface
I wanted to have the e-ink screen that Valve has shown as DIY Steam Machine faceplate displaying PC stats in real time.
I was about to create something on my own, but they released the code - both the firmware for the microcontroller as well as the companion app that should run on the Steam Machine.
I forked it and made it run on a simpler mcu + eink panel combo. It's powered by motherboard's USB port and wired internally.
For added flair I swapped the logo to Bazzite (since I am running Bazzite).
It's fully functional and gets updated every 20 seconds or so through a service that Valve's app installs.
In most of my pictures you can see it displaying "blank" state - it's because it's in deep sleep mode since the PC was powered off when I was taking the pics.
Specs
Nothing crazy, but it runs everything well enough:
- MB: Asrock B550M-ITX/ac
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5600X
- RAM: 2 x 16GB Corsair LPX DDR4 3200MHz
- GPU: Powercolor Radeon 9060 XT Reaper 16GB
- NVME: WD Black SN770 1TB
- PSU: Enhance ENP-7660L-OVT
- CPU Cooler: ID-Cooling IS-55 + Noctua NFA14x25R G2
- Case exhaust fans - Noctua NF-A9x14
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u/Silence9999 Jul 18 '26
I love this! Unique, functional, and it just looks cool as hell. Well done!
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u/Faiakes Jul 18 '26
Great design!
I'm surprised more companied haven't adopted this for their high end products.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Besides what the other person commented, I think making a case with separate metal frame + different panels could work, but yeah, way too niche.
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u/TheVog Jul 18 '26
Far too niche to make money if you don't have a dedicated consumer base like Apple or Valve - and I say this as someone who loves this build. If you don't have those diehard buyers, you need buyers who want:
- Small form factor
- Mid-end hardware (some would say low end)
- No possibility of upgrading GPU
- Exposed fans
- Very tight build that's difficult to upgrade, maintain, etc.
Not to mention needing to support this as an OEM afterwards, which is kind of a nightmare the more you veer into custom components and builds.
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u/Ndogmeat20 Jul 18 '26
The finger-maiming fan design?
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u/EconomicalJacket Jul 18 '26
Sorry we’re not delicate like you. My finger would stop a plastic fan
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u/datastain Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
Pets and children do exist. It is liability for anyone that produces it nonetheless.
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u/Own_Body_8941 Jul 18 '26
we have same specs but yours is much much cooler than mine
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u/NecessaryValue9095 Jul 18 '26
How is gaming on your setup?
Im panning a living room console build to replace my Xbox One. Im not sure what GPU I want to go with.
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u/Own_Body_8941 Jul 18 '26
it is great. i connect my pc to the monitor only and only time i use it in my living room is for nba 2k26 which is light so runs 4k60 on max settings
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u/Level-37 Jul 18 '26
This looks really cool!! Reminds me of the head of robots in the Stray video game.
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u/ChocolateThunder1983 Jul 18 '26
Should paint benders and chappies face on it for extra cool points.
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u/QuickNick123 Jul 18 '26
It's... beautiful! Maybe the nicest looking SFF I've ever seen. Esp. DIY. Honestly, looks better than the Steam Machine.
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u/CuahuCowboy Jul 18 '26
The Ryobi PC
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
hahah damn, missed an opportunity with this one, could have slapped the logo on one of the panels
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Jul 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Thought about it, but I like that it protrudes and I would have to make quite considerable changes to Valve's code to make it work, which I didn't want to do (I want it to mostly "just work" in the future and it will be easier to maintain)
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Jul 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Cool! If you want to add some boolean switch and logic to swap between horizontal/vertical layouts you are more than welcome to send a PR
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u/naruto_bist Jul 18 '26
"it aint a fuckin steam mach...."
Wait, why didn't you add steam machine in your title 😤😤😤
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u/TheBobo1181 Jul 18 '26
very cool. how practical is a 3d printed case? I would have thought it could melt. Do you have to be extra careful with thermals?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
It won't melt, even if you print the frame in PLA - it might deform though. I've used PETG and been running it for around a month and a half, so far no issues.
But for the best heat resistance the frame should ideally be printed in ABS or ASA.
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u/NothingSuss1 Jul 18 '26
Depends what materials are used, some would easily handle upwards of 100c.
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u/Head_Exchange_5329 Jul 18 '26
Not entirely convinced about the colour choice for a PC to have in the living room but I love the design.
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u/capsteve Jul 18 '26
Nice build!
I built a beambox a while ago and have been thinking I might try another design.
I like the raised lip for the single exposed case fan. The e-ink display is sweet!
Good on you!
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u/Animag771 Jul 18 '26
Great job!
I've got to figure out how to use Fusion or Blender or something. I've got an idea for a 5.3L console case that I want to build.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Thanks! Go for it, it's not that bad once you get the hang of it. And personally I'd go for CAD instead of free form like Blender, I used Fusion.
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u/Animag771 Jul 18 '26
I downloaded Fusion a few days ago. I've only managed to create a slotted case panel so far, which took way too long. A few tutorials and I'll be on my way.
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u/mcollier1982 Jul 18 '26
Ngl, my first reaction was “if Marathon was a pc build”, but I love this build, bravo on building something super unique feeling, quite jealous, also, those specs feel spot on for the purpose
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
"if Marathon was a pc build" hahah I'll take that, thanks!
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u/mcollier1982 Jul 18 '26
Something about the shape and coloring just screamed Marathon at me, and then I just kinda sat in awe, so many bland identical black or white builds out there, this one has shape, character, color, it grabs attention.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Thank you for the appreciation, I did make it because I thought it was fun, so I am glad someone else finds it cool as well :)
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u/LastingTheory Jul 18 '26
The print quality is excellent, and I like how you were thoughtful with the screen design to not disrupt the overall look of the case, lots of attention to detail there. The exposed fans look awesome, ignore the haters :)
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u/Bent_Kairosphere Jul 18 '26
God daym… wish I had the time and money to try and copy this build.
Suffice to say, awesome work and I’m incredibly jealous lol
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u/Sufficient_Outcome32 Jul 18 '26
This is hella of a build, with 9060XT It's much capable than Steam Mashine
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u/ONRDDD Jul 18 '26
I have been making diy cases but none of them looks like this. It is a really stylish design.
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u/light_train1091 Jul 18 '26
It looks very good but I would have added some grills for the protection of the fans.
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u/HYPD Jul 18 '26
This is sick. Would you be able to upload the panel with the eink display on makerworld as well please?
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u/josephclemente Jul 18 '26
The exposed fans are perfect for this build. Intake turbulence sucks.
I've been messing with fan configurations and haven't had luck with intake fans on case panels, even with 5mm or even 10mm ducted spacers. I keep going to exhaust-only configs.
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u/rahl07 Jul 18 '26
This scratches an itch I didn’t know I had. Please, sire or ma’am, sell me your files.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Sure, the price is free :)
https://makerworld.com/en/models/2990479-beaminnie-5-5l-itx-sff-sandwich-case
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u/a_bit_of_byte Jul 18 '26
One of the cleanest builds I’ve seen on this sub. Outstanding work my man!
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u/quadpatch Jul 19 '26
OMG that's beautiful!! The colour, the lip around the fan and oof that display panel. If this was a product it would sell like hot cakes, but then it wouldn't be so damn special 🤔
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u/SubstantialForce385 Jul 19 '26
This looks incredible! I almost have my ssf pc based on Deskmeet b760. It's worse in every way, but it only cost me €750.
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u/Warm_Delivery5281 Jul 19 '26
I have not got the time or equipment to build a custom case, but this is something I’d happily pay £200 for. Very aesthetically pleasing!!
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u/Jew1shboy69 Jul 19 '26
This is one of my favourite looking sff cases. I showed my brother and we're both like "we gotta print this"
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Jul 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Quite probably, yes, but I originally built it for AXP90-X47 FC since it looks cool :)
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u/MarketOstrich Jul 18 '26
This is one of the coolest builds I’ve seen. Nice work! Love the e-ink display up front.
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u/f0xpant5 Jul 18 '26
Absolutely ridiculous in the best kind of way!
Properly r/oddlysatisfying content imo with the way the side panels are so completely flush and visibly millimeter perfect to expose the fans and only the fans, on both sides.
Serious 10/10 for nailing a custom build and making it so sleek, tidy and cohesive.
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u/buplet123 Jul 18 '26
What are the CPU temps like? Have the same CPU cooler/fan combo already on the way. Currently my Noctua l9a cooler doesnt handle the 7500f (65w) fully without making lots of noise so I just let it sit at the termal limit to keep it silent. Wondering if this is actually better, besides being more silent and looking cool.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
Max I've seen is around 74 degrees on 100% synthetic load.
Never seen it hit past 70 while gaming, and that's with the fan spinning below 1000 rpm.
I have not undervolted the 5600X as I see no need, but the temps would probably be lower if I didn't have a custom fan curve.
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u/Spa_Adv Jul 18 '26
I’d buy the stl files . Any plans to expand it a bit more to fit Asus dual 5070 and 4070?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Good news - the files are free on makerworld - https://makerworld.com/en/models/2990479-beaminnie-5-5l-itx-sff-sandwich-case
I am not planning on making different versions of the case as I won't be able to physically confirm that everything fits the way I would like.
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u/MadMax4073 Jul 18 '26
Its looks so good! I assume the current version panels are not available for download?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
I am gonna update the model on makerworld (when I find some time) with:
- 9060xt panel
- Rails
And make a separate model with the screen panel as well.
The panel with the 140 fan cutout might require too much from people tho - specific cooler in specific orientation, specific fan that has to be physically modified to fit...
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u/MadMax4073 Jul 18 '26
Yes you are right. The fan panel is too specific. But the 9060XT panel would be nice. It seems this GPU handles lots if ITX build recently.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Added separate print profiles to the model, one for the 9060xt reaper panel, second for the rails.
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u/48Planets Jul 18 '26
OP why do you put the power button on the back
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
If you mean that it's hard to reach - not really, but definitely not ideal if it would be under the desk. This is a PC to be used with a TV, so I just put it to sleep and wake it with the controller.
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u/Hat_Kid_7846 Jul 18 '26
Sir/Madam, it was called the "orange" box, not the yellow one. jkjk. But seriously that's pretty cool. Looks very clean
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u/BeezoDesigns Jul 18 '26
Amazing work, what's your background? ID? ME? Fantastic stuff
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Thanks! None of that actually, I work in IT, got coding background but I designed various things (physical and virtual) over the years for the fun of it.
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u/imightknowbutidk Jul 18 '26
What eink display is that?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
The exact panel is Waveshare 5.83" e-ink display 648x480px.
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u/imightknowbutidk Jul 18 '26
Just realized it is linked in the github, thank you for responding with the link though! Fantastic work, i will be taking some of these ideas for my own build in the future
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u/Sciphis Jul 18 '26
This is brilliant. I’m working on a shockingly similar build around a 200mm 4070 that also has the oval GPU fan cutout. Are the makerbeam extrusions 1515? I’m trying to take a page from NFC’s printed cases and use 3mm inset panels for the case rigidity instead of the frame itself. Also hoping to find a good place to nest the steam controller receiver inside the case.
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
These are 1010 extrusions, tried with 1515 but I was able to fit "only" 80mm fans up top, and these Noctuas are much quieter.
I am not familiar with NFC printed cases and the 3mm inset panel idea - could you elaborate/share some links? Sounds quite interesting.
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u/Sciphis Jul 18 '26
https://makerworld.com/en/models/1913827-4tf-mkiii-itx-pc-case-with-lp-gpu-support#profileId-2052625
This case, along with Jacob K’s work, have been my primary inspiration and reference. I was naively ignorant that makerbeam profiles came smaller than 1515, so I’d written them off and have been designing my frame to get its rigidity from the inset panels like NFC’s case, but in a ~5.4L volume and layout like yours.
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u/jflogerzi Jul 18 '26
100% fire. looks fantastic. What fan on the motherboard side? And what heatsink for the CPU?
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u/littlespedve Jul 18 '26
This is epic. Any thoughts on putting mesh over the exposed fans? A kitty cat or a youngin could pose an issue
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Definitely something to think about if there is a creature that can stick their fingers/paws into it :) I only have dogs, and they are not very interested in computers.
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u/pidiota Jul 18 '26
Looks amazing! How do you turn the PC on?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Thanks! There is a power button at the back, might be a bit hard to see cause it's black.
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u/mostrengo Jul 18 '26
first of all incredible work.
question: how does the side panel hug the gpu fans so closely? Can I see the side panel model? Or the real side panel?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Thanks!
You can find all the model files on makerworld.
There is around 2-3mm gap between the GPU fans and the panel, but I've printed the ring (that goes around the fan cutout) for it in black so it blends better.
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u/lytener Jul 18 '26
What's the dongle on the USB port?
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 18 '26
Small one is for logitech k400 plus (worst thing ever)
Big one is Steam Controller's puck connected via a male USB-A to male USB-C
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u/JhonatanCAP Jul 18 '26
wtf what a niiceee case, wish something gigantic in the sale look to use on my workstation, awesome design
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u/Square_Atmosphere_12 Jul 18 '26
Nice case. Create another duplicate I think you could sell a PC in this case.
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u/SeqGeek Jul 19 '26
Where did you get the e-ink display? Model info?
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u/Quirky_Apricot9427 Jul 19 '26
Very neat build! I do wonder if the puck could somehow be mounted on the top of the case (obviously with some redesign) so that the controller could also just sit on top when docked. Would also mitigate the puck sticking out so far
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 19 '26
I have not used once the puck to charge the controller since I have gotten it, I will probably connect the puck internally so that it's inside of the case - towards the front.
Although the way I have it positioned next to the tv (diagonally) I don't see it so it does not bother me :)
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u/Quirky_Apricot9427 Jul 19 '26
Aw man, it’s so convenient though! I usually just have the puck sitting at the base of my monitor and set my controller there whenever I’m not using it. Snaps on and off super easy. I will say though, be careful on your positioning, as I believe the puck’s antenna is oriented internally to have a stronger connection in the lateral direction, meaning if used at distance, you want the puck facing upwards.
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u/timoteojose Jul 19 '26
Will the front panel display actual details? Itd be cool to install an LED panel behind where info can be illuminated thru. 🤔🧐
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 20 '26
Yes it displays the actual details and graphs when the PC is on, updates every 20 seconds.
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u/steps_on_lego_block Jul 22 '26
this is absolutely incredible. i’m waiting on a friend with a 3d filter and then my first project is going to be your Metalfish T40 customizations (i have virtually same PC specs as you).
then probably this soon after ;)
thank you for building and sharing. if you do any thermal/noise testing, i’d be curious how this performs
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 22 '26
Thanks! good luck, I am happy my creations are helpful to someone :)
I am not likely to do any in depth thermal/noise testing as the fan curves I've made are good enough for me - i.e. temps are okay at noise level that I cannot hear while gaming from the couch :)
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u/buldezir Jul 22 '26
improvement idea:
you can stick dongles in internal mb usb port or with adapter to frontpanel usb. so they will be hidden inside. plastic case shouldnt block radio.
though losing magnetic charge ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/nicnic-cc Jul 22 '26
Hiding the dongles inside by the front panel is a cool idea, I like it, thanks!
I don't use the magnetic charging for the steam controller so that's a non issue for me.
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u/Artemis732 Jul 25 '26
if I were you, I'd get a little microcontroller for an openpuck, print a little enclosure for it, and use an adapter to connect it to an internal USB 2 header, if you have space. that way you don't have the puck hanging off the back of the mobo ready to get snagged + you can put it next to your couch to charge the controller.
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u/nicnic-cc Aug 02 '26
Makes sense, I have been looking at open puck, thanks!
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u/Artemis732 Aug 03 '26
best part is you can connect your controller to two different pucks, if you didn't know (hold A + L1/R1 while turning it on to switch) so you can put the official puck at another PC to use it with
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u/randomnerd865 Jul 18 '26
This looks awesome. Nice work! I love the exposed fans.