Ordered
another S400, this time in black. I've also gone and measured out all the size constrains within the top part of the other case I already got, ie. the
S400 streaming system, and listed them in the
S400 liquid cooling customization thread. Used several helpers like folded cardboard and a digital caliper. When I closed down said caliper, I noticed a discrepancy of 0.1 mm on the zero setting, so the available space might actually be a tiny bit bigger (by the fraction of 0.1 mm).
My plan is as follows:
a) Test fit the Silverstone Vida 240 radiator inside the space for the top fans
b) Mark and note down the potential positions for the radiator
c) Figure out potential PSU placing options (taking FormD T1 and A4 H2O as layout examples) using the SF750 and the SAMA IM01 PSU bracket(s)
d) Plan out different routing for the PSU extension cord, including different location of the extension cord
opening, because CONTRARY to what is shown on product pictures,
the outlet opening is ABOVE the mainboard IO shield, NOT above the GPU!
My guess is the image being used is the original picture from the V1 version, but what is sold on Amazon is the V2 version, which is also slightly wider (155 mm vs 150 mm in V1).
e) Put together the whole system - without the CPU, because thats part of this very system I'm writing this post with rn - so everything is already placed where it should belong, and decide on the position of the radiator.
It could also be facing outwards, but I want it, at least in theory, to be protected by the case frame. So my goal is to cut out only the required space for setting up the fans, and somewhat reuse the existing top as a fan holder.
f) Cut the top at the decided position, either removing the parts or reusing some to create a fan holder / rig, and then assemble the system accordingly.
g) Figure out an option to enable quick removal of the fans sitting on top for transport.
Fallback plans:
1. Structural instability counter-measures:
If the overall structure turns out too instable, I am going to:
a) either use the system seen with the FormD T1, that is: a bar on each side of the frame, to stabilize the whole case and allowing for either mounting the radiator on top or supporting a potential radiator bracket.
b) or only use an additional radiator bracket, with potential struts in front and back of the case, to be able to both attach it and add more structural integrity
For this, I'm going to
reuse the handy dandy SAMA IM01 fan / radiator side bracket, as its nearly as long as the whole case. I dont use it anyway, so its all good - and even I was required to, I got two of them, so there is no issue
2. Failing in creating radiator fan removal for transport:
If this somehow doesnt work out, I'm planning to:
a) either create an additional closed top - either 3d printed or a simple, classic welded steel pan with lots of holes drilled
b) use a simple top lid with either bars / struts / or some kind of strong magnetic attachment option
This would also mean figuring out the attachment / mounting options for said top.
3. Fallback cases:
If nothing works out, eg. during cutting a new hole for the PSU extension, or the overall top cutting / restructuring process, one the following cases would be used as a fallback option.
a) Dan Case A4 H2O in BLACK - I would probably vinyl-wrap the front, and figure out styling options of the rest; from the parts used in this soon-to-be build, it would be the easiest back up choice, both in terms of pricing and availability (I'm located in Germany)
b) A4 H2O in silver - if the black one isnt available out of some reason
c) Silverstone SG16 in white - Planned as the new case for my streaming system, but in theory, this could work very well as my main system, too. In theory, there should also be enough space to setup a 240 AIO. We will see when it arrives.
d) 2nd hand / used Ghost S1 with top hat (although the top hats seem to be still available brand new, floating around eg. Proshop or Caseking), IQUNIX ZX-1 Water Cooled, or FormD T1 - as long as its already available in Europe
e) Fractal Design Terra - and then finding a top hat option .. dimensions are VERY similar to the S400
Or maybe, a BOTTOM extension would be even better? Similar to how its done in the FormD T1 (but also the NR200 and the SAMA IM01), you just rotate the case by 180°, and use what was once the bottom as the top. Add a hat to that, and maybe reuse the existing top lid, be happy ever after
f) K49 Pro - its a Ghost S1 clone, with magnetically attached top lid
g) one of the numerous available variants of the 10 x 31 x 40 cases, eg. the Aerocool Playa Slim, or the Chieftec UNI UE-02B - going with a semi-/half sandwich design, so the GPU and the AIO radiator are split with a divider, with the mainboard having the PSU located in the place the GPU would normally be located.
...
x) Going back to the Meshroom S.
cu, w0lf.
