Atom14 [Build Log]

http://i.imgur.com/gpfV1DS.png

 

Sponsors (Thank you!)

http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/Blog/2015-06/Introducing-the-New-Corsair-Sails-Logo/New-Corsair-Logo-Blog-image.png

 

ATOM 14 - Build Log by Jkraghify

 

Part List:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

CPU Cooler: Corsair H110i GT 113.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler - Thank You, Corsair!

Motherboard: MSI Z97S SLI Krait Edition ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

*Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive

**Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: EVGA GTX 980 Ti

Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case - Thank You, Corsair!

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit)

Sound Card: TBA

Monitors: Asus VN248H-P 23.8" Monitor X 3

Keyboard: Corsair K95 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard

Mouse: Corsair M65 RGB Wired Laser Mouse

 

*The ram set listed is a filler. I can't find my exact ram set for sale anymore. I have a 16 GB (4 x 4) kit of Team Group 1600 MHz DDR3 Ram

 

** The storage is also a filler. I cannot find the manufacturer of the second 250 GB SSD. I received it as a gift and know only the size.

 

PcPartPicker List for Pricing

Now, to start the log.

 

The goal of this project is to create a triple monitor setup that looks awesome on my desk while maintaining my workspace. I am currently a college student at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo studying Civil Engineering and my desk becomes cluttered if I keep my PC and my work on the desk at the same time.

I ventured into triple monitor gaming back in my last apartment, and my solution for space was to velcro the monitors to the wall - which seemed like a great idea at the time.

http://i.imgur.com/8uaVJFw.jpg

 

Now, I didn't think the velcro would eventually damage the wall, but it turned out that our walls were very delicate (they were even torn by poster putty and command hooks) and I damaged my walls.

 

I want to have the same sort of design, but keep the monitors from touching the walls.

 

One trip to Home Depot later, I had an idea - build my own wall.

 

http://i.imgur.com/LbY0j02.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/JOF0qRf.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/5NmWCWG.jpg

 

The benefits of this design include the looks, possibilities for cable management, places to put the keyboard, and frees space underneath the monitors for papers.

 

I test fit my monitors on the setup using industrial grade velcro.

http://i.imgur.com/8lMzTXq.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/zgR4sGD.jpg

 

I also found that electrical tape looks really nice on debezeled monitors.

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

 

http://i.imgur.com/qDrTG8A.jpg

 

 

And there! All set up! I will be modifying the case soon. I wanted to finalize the placing of cables so I can take my dremel to the case and put a few cable management holes in it. I am also planning on making a PSU shroud and painting the case and case fans.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Enx2Sjd.jpg

 

I will also be doing a hardware photoshoot when I take everything out of the case. After moving, I wanted to make sure everything still worked. Unfortunately, my GPU refuses to work with three monitors. In no configuration will this GPU work with multiple monitors. I am convinced there is something wrong with the GPU and I am in contact with Gigabyte right now trying to come to a solution. For this reason, I am looking for another GPU source so I can move forward with the triple monitor setup.

 

A close up picture of the modded K95

http://i.imgur.com/Wvo1eUz.jpg

Small Update - Gigabyte is being slow to respond to my request for an RMA... Still looking for a GPU to use for this build.

 

Anyways, in the meantime I went ahead and 3D printed a new PC part! Any guesses as to what it is? (I will show what it is used for in product photos coming next weekend!)

 

http://i.imgur.com/5Qu9zHL.jpg

 

And another view...

 

http://i.imgur.com/gSAz8Ov.jpg

UPDATE Sept 6

 

I have made significant progress on Atom 14. My summer internship ended last week so I have had much more time on my hands recently. Since last time I posted, I have made a power supply shroud, solved my GPU problem, installed a DIY LED lighting kit, and bought a DAC which I just realized does not show up in any of my photographs.

 

Anyways, I got the three monitors working, so if you are not interested in the PSU shroud or how I hid the HDD with the 3D printed bay converter - keep scrolling! There are lots of improvements in this post.

 

HDD Hiding: I removed the HDD bay for airflow and because I do not intend on using a disk drive.

 

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

 

Power Supply Shroud: I used the table saw for this one. I cut two pieces of Lexan, then bent the larger piece 90 degrees. I attached these two pieces later on using acetone.

 

http://i.imgur.com/a4k2hHL.jpg

 

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

 

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

 

Last Friday I bought a 980ti to put in the build! I have not found the desire to paint it, but I do want to laser cut a custom backplate from acrylic when I get back to San Luis Obispo. (I've never made a backplate before, can anyone give me some advice on getting dimensions right and what screws/spacers to use?)

 

http://i.imgur.com/z8TKjVL.jpg

 

The screens reflected off the card here. It actually has no blue on it.

http://i.imgur.com/6Zbeq7O.jpg

 

 

LED kit: I used a house lighting kit I found on Amazon (link) that runs on 12 volts. I connected this straight to the yellow and black wires on a spare molex connector and it works like a charm.

 

molex pinout diagram

http://cdn-2.retroblast.com/graphics/molex.gif

 

LEDs installed!

http://i.imgur.com/cxCC15E.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/dYN4LxE.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/rsbWLw7.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/mdNmm22.jpg

 

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

 

Next on the to do list is to get the LEDs behind the monitors as well. I want to stencil in the build name on the side panel as well. How is this for the side panel?

 

http://i.imgur.com/nHek4lb.jpg

Small update: I got the RGB lights working behind the monitors! It looks great. Soon I will be laser etching the Side window and painting the opposite side panel, but I am moving back to Cal Poly today. This means I have access to many more tools than I do now, so I should be able to push a new update at least once a week, I just need to get everything set up after the move and get my classes in check.

 

Anyways, here's a picture of the PC in green mode!

 

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

Final Touches...

 

I finally got settled into my new residence. Sorry for the slow updates, but it was hard to make progress on the PC while moving around.

 

Anyways, I got it set up and laser etched the side panel!

 

http://i.imgur.com/F9CE4aH.png

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/ynaVH2h.png

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/71rENG5.png

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/0B2DILz.png

 

The last thing I want to do is make a custom backplate for my 980ti. I'll be sending EVGA an email come Monday.

Have no understanding of why people do this. 3 vertical monitors are same aspec ratio as 1 big one. Better to buy 1 4k n not have bezels. Still nice build tho.

Is there a way to cut the excess strip that you don't need for the case, if not, where is a good place to hide the excess of the strip? I'm working with a Corsair 600t Case for reference.

 

Thanks!!

Have no understanding of why people do this. 3 vertical monitors are same aspec ratio as 1 big one. Better to buy 1 4k n not have bezels. Still nice build tho.

 

I did this because I bought three monitors on sale (together they cost $300) for landscape surround. One of my friends said I should try portrait surround and I immediately fell in love with it for two reasons:

-I do lots of spreadsheet work, and this setup gives me three long lanes to work with

-games are way bigger and feel more captivating.

 

Admittedly, a 4K panel would probably get the same job done, but since I have only a single 980ti I would have to lower settings more than I already do.

 

Is there a way to cut the excess strip that you don't need for the case, if not, where is a good place to hide the excess of the strip? I'm working with a Corsair 600t Case for reference.

 

Thanks!!

 

If you are referring to the LED strip, then yes. The particular LED strip I used could be cut after every three LEDs

This video here shows you how to cut the LED strips

[ame]

[/ame]

Good build, look like very similar to mine http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showpost.php?p=805468&postcount=10

Very similar! My housemate also has a 450D with the drive cage removed. How are you liking Black & White + RGB?

Amazing job! :D::D:

You're using a remote control for your LEDs? Try to mod them and use an arduino:

2PCS Arduino Pro Mini Module Atmega328

[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78HCgaYsA70]Arduino Tutorial: How to program the Arduino PRO mini[/ame]

 

To power the RGB-LEDs use this guide, but be careful with the fritzing-image. He made a mistake with the red wires.

RGB Led Strip controlled by an Arduino

That looks like it would be a really fun project! I was actually looking at using another case lighting solution, but I want to be able to hook it directly to my PC somehow. My little brother is playing with an arduino right now... Maybe I'll try it out with him in the summer!