Thinking of doing a SFF case mock-up... what material to use?

[TheInternal]

Hey all.

I'm still unhappy with the awfully loud CPU fan spin of my Scythe Shuriken Big on my I7 6700k in my Node 202 when the system is at load. Short of anyone confidently suggesting a low spin / low db volume fan that fits in the the lower headroom of the Node, I'm thinking of doing a mock-up for fabricating my own case to allow for a taller / quieter CPU cooler (and maybe a full size desktop HDD).

What materials would folks suggest for doing a safe / moderately sturdy mock up for testing fit and airflow? Corrugated cardboard? Really heavy stock paper of some sort?

Thanks!

 

[SumGhai]

Cardboard and foamboard from local office supply stores has worked well for me. I also use printer paper when nothing else is around, though obviously don't try to bolt any hardware to it haha.

 

[Sure_Sh0t]

All you need is a simple power saw and a power drill for tapping screws and you could use plywood or mdf.

Maybe that is too expensive for one mock up but the advantage is you could actually mount hardware in it and see if it works and use the tools for future projects.

My other recommendation would be thick corrugated cardboard.

 

[jtd871]

Hey all.

I'm still unhappy with the awfully loud CPU fan spin of my Scythe Shuriken Big on my I7 6700k in my Node 202 when the system is at load. Short of anyone confidently suggesting a low spin / low db volume fan that fits in the the lower headroom of the Node, I'm thinking of doing a mock-up for fabricating my own case to allow for a taller / quieter CPU cooler (and maybe a full size desktop HDD).

What materials would folks suggest for doing a safe / moderately sturdy mock up for testing fit and airflow? Corrugated cardboard? Really heavy stock paper of some sort?

Thanks!

Could you adjust the fan curve on the stock fan in the BIOS? Assuming that you have the Big Shuriken 2 Rev B, SPCR's testing indicates the sweet spot for noise the fan is around 1100-1300 rpm, although they found CPU delta temps above ambient of up to 43C at the low end of that range on a 95W CPU.

 

[BirdofPrey]

For mockups: cardboard and masking tape.

For your problem: have you considered making a fan shroud to separate the airspace above and below the cooler to guarantee hot air isn't getting recirculated? It may or may not help, but it's worth a try.

 

[Ceros_X]

Use old political signs.

 

[Kmpkt]

Lego

 

[Thehack]

Hey all.

I'm still unhappy with the awfully loud CPU fan spin of my Scythe Shuriken Big on my I7 6700k in my Node 202 when the system is at load. Short of anyone confidently suggesting a low spin / low db volume fan that fits in the the lower headroom of the Node, I'm thinking of doing a mock-up for fabricating my own case to allow for a taller / quieter CPU cooler (and maybe a full size desktop HDD).

What materials would folks suggest for doing a safe / moderately sturdy mock up for testing fit and airflow? Corrugated cardboard? Really heavy stock paper of some sort?

Thanks!

Cardboard is quite popular. Ponoko can also do laser cut cardboard if you need something more accurate. What do you intend to use in the final materials? Sheet metal?