Fractal Solo

Kilbane

Hagrid Look-A-Like
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Hi guys, as most of you are aware, I was selected as one of 5 members to create a custom build for Fractal Design and OC3D. First off I would like to thank both companies for the opportunity and support of this build.

The original pitch and ideas for the build can be found here :

http://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?t=72513&page=5

As can be seen, the original build was called the "Darkside build". Due to the changes within the original post, the new name as seen above is "Fractal Solo". The design has moved towards more of a tribute to Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon.

The start of this build log will center around the case and cooler provided for the build. I will give a brief description of the plans for each section that I plan to modify.

To start, the Fractal Design Define S case.
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The case is clearly designed for space and cooling options, with great modifying potential. The case is simple (In no way a bad thing) with good lines. The only thing i found is the matte finish to the panels is a real fingerprint magnet.
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The top of the case features modular vent opening, allowing for a compromise between airflow and silence.
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I have no current plans for anything on the top of the case, obviously this may change as the build progresses.

The front panel will be the main focus of the build. Featuring a 3D mould of the iconic Han Solo in Carbonite. The front panel will be cut to allow the mould to be mounted from the rear of the panel in the hope to avoid it looking like it is merely "stuck on".
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The surround will be colour coded to the build colours, black and red.
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Behind the front panel is a well made dust guard that is easily removed. This has lead me to the decision to mount the cooling radiator at the front of the case.
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The windowed side panel will be laser etched with a technical style drawing of the Millennium Falcon. This will be done by a local company to myself http://www.bespokelaseruk.co.uk/ who specialise in bespoke laser cutting.
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The only other plan with the case is to replace the PCI expansion covers as the come standard in white.
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To finish with the case, here are a few more images showing the case internals.
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Also supplied was a Fractal Kelvin S24 cooler.
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Which comes with 2 silent series HP 120mm fans.
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The fittings and tubing on the S24 will be changed out to improve the look within the build. The fittings are all standard G1/4 threaded, so opens up a whole world of fitting options.
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Also supplied to help out with airflow were 2 Fractal Design 120mm Venturi fans.
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So there you have it, a basic outline as to what I have to work with for the exterior of the build. I will cover the internals of the build in the near future once everything is ready to progress. Wouldn't want to give it all away in the first post now!

So by the end of the Journey, the case should look somewhat like this :

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Thanks for looking guys, updates should be frequent as to cover each stage from here on in.
 
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FLIP YEAH, what a start!

Keep up the quality mate. BTW. I would resize the images to 700px wide so there isnt that ugly bar at the top.
 
Sick photography skills dude, I have loads to get done tomorrow. But it's exciting times now that all 5 Fractal Builds are in the wild. :lol:
 
Sick photography skills dude, I have loads to get done tomorrow. But it's exciting times now that all 5 Fractal Builds are in the wild. :lol:

Cheers dude, years of playing with cameras has finally paid off lol
 
Cheers guys. All 5 fully live and progressing.
As for the side window, that should be going down to be done next week, just have to finish tweaking the design this weekend to ensure I have all the sizing right and need to sort one or two other bits out before it can be done.
 
Little off topic, but i actually have a storm trooper MTB helmet on order.

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Huge fan of Star Wars so yeah... following this build with bated breath
 
Little off topic, but i actually have a storm trooper MTB helmet on order.

bell-star-wars-helmets-danny-sun-21.jpg


Huge fan of Star Wars so yeah... following this build with bated breath

Like the lid mate. I endeavour to make it worthy of the Star Wars name.
 
You will be the safest rider out there, you won't hit anything!

/backtotopic :p

Hahaha yeah.

@Killbane

Anyway, What are your plans for creating the frontal pièce de résistance? Special custom molding or similar? or planning to get some crazy milled work.
 
@Killbane

Anyway, What are your plans for creating the frontal pièce de résistance? Special custom molding or similar? or planning to get some crazy milled work.

All should hopefully be revealed tonight, just waiting for a delivery so i can take a couple of pics for part 2.
 
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