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[SCRATCHBUILD] The Hikari Project


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Hello!

 

This will be my first buildlog here, so I hope you'll enjoy it!

 

I'm Hanshin, a french computer enthusiast living near Osaka, Japan.

I've been thinking of a project for some time, a scratchbuild project: The Hikari Project!

 

http://i.imgur.com/pi7c0jN.png

 

Made possible by my sponsors Corsair, EKWB, Hardware Labs, Cooling Lab and Pexon PCs! :thumb:

 

Thanks to Chris for helping me with the CAD side of the project.

 

For some time, I've searching for the perfect case for me that would be defined by the following criterias:

 

- Simple/minimalist aesthetics

- Uniform aspect and color to give a "monolith" aspect

- Capacity to build an efficient watercooling system inside

- ATX capable

- Easy to work with

 

After a few monthes of reflexion and designing, I came to a final idea. Let me introduce you the Hikari Project.

 

http://i.imgur.com/1wZFwOs.png

http://i.imgur.com/kFSzG4j.png

http://i.imgur.com/JEr7FD6.png

 

"Hikari" means light in japanese.

This case will be made in 5mm & 2mm Aluminium (5052 and 6061 alloy), laser cutted and powdercoated!

 

 

This is the hardware that will be used:

 

CPU: i7 4790k

Mobo: Asus Z87 Maximus VI Formula

RAM: 16GB Corsair Dominator Platinum 2400MHz

GPU: Evga Titan X

PSU: Corsair AX1200i

SSD: TBA

 

And the watercooling gear:

 

CPU Block: EK-Supremacy EVO

GPU Block: EK Titan X waterblock

MB Block: EK-FB KIT ASUS M6F

Radiators: AquaComputer Airplex Radical 2 360mm radiators x2

Fittings: EK-HDC fittings

Tubing: EK-HD tubing

Pumps & Top: TBA

Reservoir: TBA

Fluid: TBA

 

I hope you will enjoy this buildlog and see you soon for a new chapter! :D

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So the time for my first update has come!

 

Here are some renders of the case (sorry about the quality, I'm still a beginner). I'll try to not spoil every details to keep some surprises for after.

 

http://i.imgur.com/oxVfi4G.png

 

 

As you can see, the case is divided in two chambers. The radiators, the PSU and the pumps will be mounted in the bottom.

 

http://i.imgur.com/ubwC4nG.png

 

http://i.imgur.com/du40nlI.png

 

 

On the rear side of the motherboard, as I'm concerned about great cable management and ease of work, I tried to let a 5cm space. There will be a window on that side too, as I really want to expose the work that will be done there (and thanks to Pexon PCs, it should be awesome!).

 

The case itself consists in more than 42 pieces of aluminium (I use different alloys for the panels and mounting parts), for a total weight of aproximatively 25 kgs. Here is a preview of the cutting files:

 

http://i.imgur.com/4gx8rXa.png

http://i.imgur.com/Y9s1fzU.png

 

 

The production of the case has already started, and I hope to be able to show you more really soon!

 

http://i.imgur.com/j44pTUM.png

http://i.imgur.com/YGh7CIZ.png

http://i.imgur.com/uAbykIc.png

http://i.imgur.com/2ggQ9JT.png

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Time for an update!

 

A mysterious box from Amazon US was waiting for me today when I got back from work! I wonder what can it be? :p

 

http://i.imgur.com/jeT3xGJ.png

 

Time for unboxing!

 

http://i.imgur.com/vzIV5B8.png

 

It finally came! I wish NVIDIA would sell it directly in Japan like they did for the US but I guess the wait was a part of the game. redface.gif

 

http://i.imgur.com/xtM682u.png

 

This card is really a beauty! I can't wait to put it on the bench to test it!

 

http://i.imgur.com/L0ROs8l.png

http://i.imgur.com/ZvgguIV.png

 

Nice cooler, but with the help of EKWB, it shouldn't be on air for too long. =00=

 

 

Some other parts for the build made their apparition too!

 

http://i.imgur.com/IDn0AMV.png

 

I just need the RAM to come and I should be able to begin hardware testing.

 

The case should be ready very soon too!

 

Stay tuned!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Time for the weekly update!

 

So, as you can guess, this time, it's painting time!

 

In combination with the Tamiya paint I received earlier, I will use High Finish brushes from Tamiya too.

 

http://i.imgur.com/hnoOQOx.png

 

Time to get that motherboard naked.

 

http://i.imgur.com/OS8yF4s.png

 

The shield will also have some "treatment" after!

 

http://i.imgur.com/tjo29JV.png

 

So, after masking some sensible parts, I started painting the RAM slots and the first PCIe slot.

Working with high finish brushes like these ones has the advantage to be able to work very precisely without having to use a lot of masking tape.

I have been doing some model painting in the past with brushes so I had some experience before, but you have to be careful of overpainting and let the paint (especially enamel paint like this one) cure properly.

 

http://i.imgur.com/kVIkKRs.png

 

First coat done (the Sata ports have been done in gunmetal color, but I decided later to do everything in matte black).

 

http://i.imgur.com/RGgxCoy.png

 

So while the paint was curing, I had the time to take care of another package that came recently. ::pirate::

 

Corsair Dominator Platinum 2400Mhz

 

http://i.imgur.com/UruM0xH.png

 

And light bar upgrade kits.

 

http://i.imgur.com/hR1xurG.png

http://i.imgur.com/0h5fFfy.png

 

They look really nice but I had to do something with the color.

 

http://i.imgur.com/QfzbSrK.png

 

So after a few days, I was able to do four coats of paints for all the slots. The result looks really nice and resistant!

I gave my airbrush some work too, by painting the shield in matte black. Here is the Maximus VI Formula Black Edition!

 

http://i.imgur.com/HHcEQ3x.png

 

I decided to do the Sata ports in black too, as I wasn't satisfied by the finish I had with the gunmetal paint. So I had to sand it down, then paint it with my airbrush for a way better result (I don't know why it looks irregular on the picture though) .

 

http://i.imgur.com/Q3EhwEq.png

 

I couldn't resist so I tried to fit the RAM and it match perfectly! So happy of the result!

 

http://i.imgur.com/YmdhZU9.png

http://i.imgur.com/QDfrvqz.png

 

That's all for today!

 

Oh, I think something is coming soon too. :D:

 

http://i.imgur.com/WMQhLOb.png

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  • 2 weeks later...

Today, a new package arrived from Slovenia!

 

http://i.imgur.com/3Yh5bhD.png

 

A big thanks to http://i.imgur.com/52o8kYB.png for supporting this build!

 

http://i.imgur.com/PVdZLRE.png

 

Some teaser shots.

 

Supremacy EVO

http://i.imgur.com/V7dCfRa.png

 

EK-FC Titan X

http://i.imgur.com/qOwg6RS.png

http://i.imgur.com/LdDOmRD.png

 

EK-FB KIT ASUS M6F

http://i.imgur.com/XDvROFm.jpg

 

EK-FC Titan X Backplate

http://i.imgur.com/DbucxgF.png

http://i.imgur.com/zHgbfgL.png

 

EK-XTOP D5 Vario

http://i.imgur.com/Ddx0HqP.png

 

EK-HDC Fitting 12mm

http://i.imgur.com/4aV46Dg.png

 

EK-AF Angled 90°

http://i.imgur.com/5xSsjLy.png

 

 

Stay tuned, more goodness to come soon!

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Where's the rest!?:rant:

 

I wish Corsair can think as simple as your painting the Corsair Dominator Platinum bar Black!...:cool:

 

I mean they make'em, yet Corsair only sales white & blue plastic color strip with only brushed aluminum cover, instead of multiple color strip and multiple color aluminum cover.:mad:

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It's coming! ::pirate::

 

I agree with you, I wish black bars were an option when you buy upgrade kit.

The last orange edition is gorgeous, and I hope there will be different color options in the future!

But it is a very easy mod, you should give it a try. :o:

 

Time for a teaser!

 

http://i.imgur.com/cu674hU.png

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  • 2 weeks later...

Update time!

 

Let's start with the introduction of my new sponsor, Corsair (special thanks to Jon and Joseph)!

 

http://i.imgur.com/fNUJioH.png

 

First part of the package they sent me!

 

http://i.imgur.com/zoLXEL9.png

 

A Corsair Neutron XT 960GB!

 

http://i.imgur.com/KM5Is32.png

 

It looks gorgeous! But I guess it won't be red for too long. :p

 

http://i.imgur.com/8P46pQZ.png

 

6 SP120 fans for the radiators. Should I paint them too?

 

Still waiting for the last watercooling parts to come then I'll start the assembly of the loop!

 

Oh, and something came back from painting booth. :D

 

Some preview shots.

 

http://i.imgur.com/vH7TrKt.png

 

 

The assembly was flawless! Very happy with the result and with a nice paint this time!

 

http://i.imgur.com/o0kbrtr.png

 

Some preview of the rear of the case. Really love the ventilations! I still have to figure a little problem with the I/O bracket but should be ready soon.

 

http://i.imgur.com/FjRzfLg.png

 

I tried to fit the side panels for a preview. Working on a new way to attach them more easily, I hope I'll be able to show you more soon!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Looking fantastic so far.

Did you design that case from scratch yourself? I love it, it looks absolutely amazing, clean, efficient, solid, open and elegant.

 

I think you may have just found a new career calling hey?

Case manufacturing to put CaseLabs to shame, especially if you don't charge the obscene prices they do too :P

 

Paul

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Thank you for your comment, Paul!

 

Yes, it is one the few designs I thought by myself. I tried to put features of cases I like in one that would be simple, efficient and that would fit every environment.

 

I have been thinking more out of the box on some other project though, and I hope I'll be able to do it in the future. For sure, I wish I could live of making cases (if Corsair let me a chance, I would love to work for them :D:).

 

Love Caselabs cases, very nice quality but like you I wish their prices were more "mainstream".

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  • 5 months later...

Been so long since the last update!

 

A lot happened but back to the build: I will move back to France next year so I will try to finish this project really soon.

 

Some parts took really a long time to come and some changes occured with the sponsors, so here we go!

 

A big thanks to Pexon PCs for all the cables!

 

http://i.imgur.com/OqUbT7f.png

 

The sleeving job is astonishing! I made quite a lot of cables myself until now but I must recognize James is on another level when it comes to sleeving. :D

 

http://i.imgur.com/i4NtBSg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BifLDgw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aD2Ck3Q.jpg

 

There was a PSU tester in the package too! :thumb:

http://i.imgur.com/tCcy4lk.jpg

 

New sponsors of the project: Hardware Labs and Cooling Lab, who have provided two gorgeous Black Ice Nemesis 360 GTX!

 

http://i.imgur.com/0crOuRp.png

http://i.imgur.com/bGePkCN.png

 

 

A very big thanks to Wilbert and Hide for the support!

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/EGMBrdb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/d0KKuqu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/d36ohfZ.jpg

 

 

I also changed my plans concerning the reservoir since a change of sponsor, and I will go with the reservoir/pump combo from EKWB.

Still need to do some work because of size compability but I will be be able to show more soon.

I also buyed a Silhouette portrait. I can't wait to start working on the stickers!

 

This was the last update on the hardware that will be used in this build. Next one will be about the install of the hardware and the tubing I will do next week end.

 

Stay tuned!

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I will start this update with a thought for my country and the city I come from after what happened Friday evening.

Thank you to those who sent me messages to know if my relatives were fine. Hope tomorrow will be a better day for all of us!

 

So today I had some time to work on the build.

 

I was able to do the radiator mount system in the bottom chamber after some package arrived.

 

http://i.imgur.com/I3m1KXb.png

http://i.imgur.com/u4fmylU.png

 

I really love those bracket. They are very solid and do the job!

 

http://i.imgur.com/rlfv5Bc.png

http://i.imgur.com/97xkjCr.jpg

 

The left radiator on the picture seems to not be straight, it is just because I didn't tune the height yet .

It is perfectly mounted now.

I have enough space between the rads to mount the Silverstone CPF04 (fan hub) I have ordered. I will take more pictures once I have it!

 

 

Next, I had some old HDD trays in my closet. I found I could do something with them. After some cutting:

 

http://i.imgur.com/IkHaF6K.png

http://i.imgur.com/RUOXKuE.png

 

Yes, I will use them as guide rails for the radiator plate. :D

Need to glue , sand and paint them but doing some fit testing here.

 

http://i.imgur.com/uGWScaa.jpg

 

So far so good!

 

http://i.imgur.com/u5F1Cs3.png

 

Once the plate is mounted, just have to screw it to secure it.

 

Today, I took the motherboard off the bench and put it for the first time in her new home!

 

http://i.imgur.com/2V0viaz.png

 

I couldn't resist and did a preview of what it looks like with the cables.

 

http://i.imgur.com/2jl6zHM.jpg

 

 

I also had the time to attach the reservoir mount to the case.

My first plans were to have the pump mounted in the bottom chamber, but I went with the reservoir/pump combo from EKWB instead.

 

http://i.imgur.com/vTn8Y5T.png

 

As you can see, the mount is upside down. It is because there's not enough clearance if I mount the reservoir the traditional way.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Hb4f6p1.jpg

 

I love the look of it. I think it will look better once I finished the middle plate (but that's for a future update)..

 

Also had some time to play with my Silhouette Portrait. Can you guess what it is? :D

 

http://i.imgur.com/mTXDUfZ.png

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Today, I had some time to work on the middle plate of the case.

 

I bought some acrylic sheets and got it cutted.

 

http://i.imgur.com/uFBzP0j.png

Mirror acrylic, clear acrylic and some milk acrylic.

 

http://i.imgur.com/0bvk7KK.png

 

I assembled the walls of the plate with acrylic cement. Crazy stuff!

 

http://i.imgur.com/WLfosX7.png

 

I received a led strip earlier this week, based on 5630 SMD modules. Power hungry compared to other modules but very bright and perfect for what I need.

 

http://i.imgur.com/l7fcGAy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/pW6rMzk.jpg

 

I stick the led strip on the walls I glued earlier and then put the clear acrylic part inside.

 

http://i.imgur.com/fvuYDmO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/n7JRiBl.png

 

I sanded the upper face of the clear acrylic sheet. Some people find that letting it clear or doing a check pattern is the best for light diffusion, but I obtained the best result by sanding it with some sanding paper (the picture have been taken after the first pass).

 

After a few more passes of sanding and some testing, I put the milk acrylic sheet on top.

I used some matte black vinyl paper on the upper part to hide the modules brightness you can see through when the lightbox is powered.

 

http://i.imgur.com/32hQtg3.jpg

 

Time to do some testing!

 

http://i.imgur.com/ixOWiZm.png

http://i.imgur.com/qdhzLvQ.png

http://i.imgur.com/pwyPEJW.png

 

I'm very happy with the result!

 

Now I have to do some sleeving and finish the I/O bracket, then I will start installing the hardware inside.

 

But that will be for the next updates. :D

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  • 1 month later...

Thank you guys!

 

Been busy between work and preparing for our moving next month, but I have been able to do some progress today. :o:

 

First of all, I have finally finished the I/O bracket. Had some issues to figure but very happy with the result!

 

http://i.imgur.com/hQZysuF.png

 

I have also received the fan controller/hub I was waiting for, the Silverstone CPF04.

 

http://i.imgur.com/LYDVtyg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TThkdxV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0amByIp.jpg

 

It is very compact and it fits perfectly between the two radiators.

 

http://i.imgur.com/29ljmtb.jpg

 

Painted, sleeved and Sata Power connector replaced by 4 pin Molex connector.

 

Next on list was the superb SSD Corsair provided me. First of all, take off the sticker.

 

http://i.imgur.com/hDrtQjU.png

 

SSD pr0n time!

 

http://i.imgur.com/0vpjWeP.jpg

 

After giving several matte black paint coats and putting on the stickers I cutted, here it is!

 

http://i.imgur.com/ePe6WeH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Yq6dPvH.png

 

You can't really notice it but the Corsair logo and the H of HKR are silver painted, but I can't really catch it on camera. :(:

 

Finally, I had time to work on the drain line of the loop.

 

http://i.imgur.com/9J6hwW8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/U1VJ6ef.png

http://i.imgur.com/iNsGhCZ.png

 

The rest of the loop will be made in rigid tubing, but I chose to go the flexible way for the drain line, as it will easier when I'll need to do some maintenance.

I will just have to double check there is no leak from the valve, or it could a real problem. :D:

 

http://i.imgur.com/CM4upBK.png

 

I also got the fan rings of the SP120 painted in matte black. I'm still wondering if I should paint the central fan in white or if it is good with only the ring ring.

 

I actually been able to do more progress, but you'll have to wait for the next update! :p:

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  • 2 weeks later...

We are moving in two weeks so I took some time to work on the build, because I'll have to send the case to France then (and won't be able to touch it until next summer when we'll move to Paris...).

So let me show you the progress I made last weekend.

 

First of all, A big thank you to all my sponsors: Corsair, EKWB, Hardware Labs, Cooling Lab and Pexon PCs!

 

http://i.imgur.com/xbeFE3U.png

 

 

I started by putting those sexy water blocks on the M6F. They look amazing!

 

http://i.imgur.com/UnsSM2o.png

http://i.imgur.com/tRfH40O.png

 

As the MB shield was off, I had some time to work on something I previewed in a previous updates, the motherboard logo.

 

Despite of the new M8F that has RGB capabilities, the Maximus VI Formula only offer red LED color for the central logo.

Well, until now. :D

 

http://i.imgur.com/ef7t7yG.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/6wNx3uz.png

 

I cut the logo using my Silhouette Cameo, and cut a small LED stripe that should fit perfectly.

 

http://i.imgur.com/oxa3YLX.jpg

 

Perfect length! Now need to cut the rear of the shield to let the LED stripe cable some space.

 

http://i.imgur.com/L9xomFx.png

http://i.imgur.com/cmpUEWZ.png

 

I really love the result. Can't wait to see it in action!

 

Now, time to put the shield back on the motherboard.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Gzfm5zb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1ufJjKE.jpg

 

 

Next on the list what the GPU block.

http://i.imgur.com/Wu4xA9F.jpg

 

I really love the black stock cooler, but something better is coming.

 

http://i.imgur.com/5ILN8Wo.png

http://i.imgur.com/SUQXOkH.png

http://i.imgur.com/kWhAXhw.png

http://i.imgur.com/uGPcNaG.png

http://i.imgur.com/L2SvyVI.png

 

 

EKWB goodness! :D

 

The rest of the day consisted in this:

 

http://i.imgur.com/chE2qbB.png

http://i.imgur.com/7b618wd.png

 

The bends from the radiator chamber to the upper chamber was a PITA to do, but I really love the result.

 

That's all for today, but as I'm a nice person, I'll give you a preview of what is coming in the next update. :p

 

http://i.imgur.com/8OzbTs3.png

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Time has come for the final update guys! :)

 

http://i.imgur.com/cShWGLp.png

 

I would love to start by saying a big thank you to my sponsors: Corsair, EKWB, Hardware Labs, Cooling Lab and Pexon PCs! . It have been a fantastic project to work on, and I couldn't have been able to do it without your support!

 

So after many hours working on the Hikari Project, the build is finally finished! Like I said in previous updates, I had a very short time left to finish the build, but I was finally able to do it (minus the power switch, but I have been waiting for Dimastech to send it to me for more than 2 monthes....).

 

But more than words, let me show final pictures of the HKR Project.

 

Let there be light!

 

http://i.imgur.com/HizQc7l.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/lDNtCh0.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/3y0ir8U.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/tRPXYyS.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/uQhvEpu.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/WZWoXqj.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/z0X6Gkt.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/o4KCD63.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/m2UkWIm.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/E62rQYZ.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/c6Lo8YE.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/qT7Qu6u.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/FnqU4EC.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/kI0Tqp9.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/SMHG2fw.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/ax8Kd7Q.jpg

 

And, in bonus, my setup before we move.

 

http://i.imgur.com/pxD8L8u.jpg

 

Corsair Strafe RGB keyboard, Corsair Scimitar RGB mouse, Corsair Void Wireless headset and Dell U3415w monitor (I will make some more screenshots of those awesome peripherals soon).

 

I'm really happy with the result. It's very close to what I had in mind the first time I imagined the Hikari project.

There will surely be a V2 (and maybe a mATX version) though!

 

Thank you for following the project!

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  • 1 year later...

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