[Project]: Big Bro' Prodigy (BitFenix Prodigy E-ATX mod)

[Mgutierrez33]

Thanks a lot for your words, appreciate it!
The thing that you love that there is almost nothing original left (even tho you can clearly recognize the case), is it because you don't like the Prodigy or is it because you like seeing the Prodigy getting turned into something else?
I can't wait to finish it myself!

Oh no I LOVE the way the chassis looks AND functions in OEM form. I just really appreciate that despite this one being so heavily modded from what it once was it is STILL recognizable as having once been a BitFenix Prodigy. Srsly this rig needs to be on display at PC shows for BitFenix once it's completed, it's turning out to be masterfully done. If they DON'T catch wind of this and contact you showering you with praise, then they are dumb (though I will still buy their products x-P).

 

[Feronix]

Beast it is then! Pandas are still awesome though

I must admit that I haven't been paying attention to the OP, I just instantly click on this thread when I see there's a new post so I don't midd anything

I'll be waiting, patiently waiting how you're going to fit an E-ATX mobo AND a full watercooling loop in an effing PRODIGY while Bitfenix themselves are struggling to make a m-ATX version

 

[nikkop]

Oh no I LOVE the way the chassis looks AND functions in OEM form. I just really appreciate that despite this one being so heavily modded from what it once was it is STILL recognizable as having once been a BitFenix Prodigy. Srsly this rig needs to be on display at PC shows for BitFenix once it's completed, it's turning out to be masterfully done. If they DON'T catch wind of this and contact you showering you with praise, then they are dumb (though I will still buy their products x-P).

Ahhh, in that case! Haha.
Even tho I have plans on replacing the top-handles (schh! still a secret) it will still be fully recognizable! I will keep the feet as long as they don't break from the weight haha, all the mesh was over 2kg of added weight.

Haha thanks for your words, appreciate it.
I plan on finishing this build late this summer/beginning of the autumn and thus it will be ready for DreamHack Winter 2013 in case I will display it somewhere lol

You've seen their mATX prototype, haven't you? I think they could have made it better, I mean hide the PSU and stuff. But then again, what would we modders be if the case producers did all we did? haha.

Beast it is then! Pandas are still awesome though

I must admit that I haven't been paying attention to the OP, I just instantly click on this thread when I see there's a new post so I don't midd anything

I'll be waiting, patiently waiting how you're going to fit an E-ATX mobo AND a full watercooling loop in an effing PRODIGY while Bitfenix themselves are struggling to make a m-ATX version

Pandas are awesome indeed! But the beast-avatar looks more to fit a project

Hehe that's true. But for new readers and followers I think they do watch the OP. I've e-mailed the webmaster now again for the second time and hope I get some answer. I need to keep that OP updated! XD

Haha, as I mentioned above I should be able to finish this in the late summer/autumn, maybe around September/October - as long as something doesn't delay it.
Sure I take my time to make my projects, even tho they could have been made faster. But at the same time I enjoy taking it slow and doing everything exactly how I want it, I don't want to rush it. I always measure 20 times before doing any cutting, haha

The question is if I should keep all the water cooling inside the case or let some of it be outside. Imagine having radiators on the outside of the case and a copper/chrome pipe going from the inside of the case connecting the radiators and then back again inside the case. I think it would look awesome due to the fact that I want a industrial look.
Sure it would be more "stealth" to keep it all on the inside, but on the outside it may look more fitting for the rest of the look

I'm still thinking about everything! Like 70% of the time I spend on the project/build is thinking and testing things out But I'm sure it will all turn out great in the end!



/nikkop

 

[Feronix]

Mount the rads horizontally under the case and the fans on there will make it look like a tank

But in all seriousness, I understand that it might look cool, but doesn't it kinda of defeat the purpose of this project, which is not put a watercooled E-ATX build INSIDE a Prodigy?

 

[AverageNinja]

But in all seriousness, I understand that it might look cool, but doesn't it kinda of defeat the purpose of this project, which is not put a watercooled E-ATX build INSIDE a Prodigy?

+1, it would be better to keep it all on the inside of the prodigy imho

 

[Mgutierrez33]

Even tho I have plans on replacing the top-handles (schh! still a secret) it will still be fully recognizable! I will keep the feet as long as they don't break from the weight haha, all the mesh was over 2kg of added weight.

You've seen their mATX prototype, haven't you? I think they could have made it better, I mean hide the PSU and stuff. But then again, what would we modders be if the case producers did all we did? haha.

Yeah I did see their mATX prototype. They have admitted that it was far from being a finished product and wasn't really up to their standards as far as chassis work goes. I think the feet should hold up just fine despite the added weight, but that's just me and assuming that you DO want to keep the feet stock x-).

As for the watercooling bits, I PERSONALLY would want to fit as much of it as I could on the inside of the chassis, but in this case you might be able to get away with at LEAST having the res mounted somewhere on the outside and not completely destroy the aesthetic of the build. Admittedly it would be pretty difficult mounting enough watercooling bits to cool everything in this build inside that tiny chassis, but it's still standing strong to this point so I think it's possible (not having worked with one of these chassis before I can only speculate).

 

[nikkop]

Mount the rads horizontally under the case and the fans on there will make it look like a tank

But in all seriousness, I understand that it might look cool, but doesn't it kinda of defeat the purpose of this project, which is not put a watercooled E-ATX build INSIDE a Prodigy?

Underneath the case? :O Haha, well indeed it would look like a tank but it would add a lot of height, me no want that! haha.

And what you say is true, it would ruin the purpose a little bit. But at the same time I think that placing them on top would look badass in combination with the mesh and chrome pipes! :/
I guess I'll have to try it out and see what suits the best. Check below where I've done prototypes of placing the radiators on top

I'll have to try it out and then decide! Don't have the case with me atm so can't try it now

+1, it would be better to keep it all on the inside of the prodigy imho

Yeah I did see their mATX prototype. They have admitted that it was far from being a finished product and wasn't really up to their standards as far as chassis work goes. I think the feet should hold up just fine despite the added weight, but that's just me and assuming that you DO want to keep the feet stock x-).

As for the watercooling bits, I PERSONALLY would want to fit as much of it as I could on the inside of the chassis, but in this case you might be able to get away with at LEAST having the res mounted somewhere on the outside and not completely destroy the aesthetic of the build. Admittedly it would be pretty difficult mounting enough watercooling bits to cool everything in this build inside that tiny chassis, but it's still standing strong to this point so I think it's possible (not having worked with one of these chassis before I can only speculate).

Haha. Well I do WANT to keep the feet stock as they if anything scream "Prodigy". Hope they don't break lol since they're made out of plastic/rubber. Too bad they weren't steel :/

I think that it would be cool to fit it all inside just to use all of the space. But at the same time I feel like the top will look "empty" not having anything up there (in case I remove the handles).
I should be able to mount 2x 240rads inside the case but in that case I might have to sacrifice something else since there's not unlimited space inside the case haha.


And here I've made some prototypes showing off how I would place the radiators on top if I would do so. I haven't decided anything yet since I don't have the case to try it out at the moment (I left the case at my fathers house where I'm going next week).
It may end up like these prototypes or it may end up completely different with everything stuck inside the case. It all depends on what I figure out to do ^^

However, here they are. Let me know what you think! (Even though I know a lot won't like the idea of having the rads placed outside the case ^_^)

Seen from the side:
Reservoir placed inside.
Radiators placed on top with chrome pipes going from the bottom up across the back.

With the side panel:

Seen from behind:
Here we see the pipes going from the bottom up across the back and connect with the radiators on top.

Seen from the top:
Here we see the two radiators being serial connected to each other.
(the fans are only to illustrate the size and placement of the radiators. I probably won't have the fans like this).

Oh and yeah, the pump will be behind the motherboard, therefore the pipe is going on the other side of the case

So if I would place the rads on the outside, what do you think of this idea?
I know some (or mostly all) won't like the idea of placing them outside the case but I think it adds some industrial feeling to it! ^_^
However I haven't decided yet, these are just prototypes where I'm trying things out.

Let me hear what you think!
Thanks!

Best regards
nikkop

 

[nikkop]

I have some news regarding the placement of the radiators.

I have found a way to place the radiators + fans inside of the case Not bad! Since I guess no one liked them being on top I hope you look forward to see them inside the case!

Also when I tried the above prototypes out, having them placed on top, it looked like crap. Not good at all as I thoght it would haha

I should be able to come out with an update tonight regarding something cool that will make this build a little special!

Thanks!
/nikkop

 

[Feronix]

WHAT, How did I miss that post above? '

Anyway, good to hear that you were able to fit them inside of the case. That just made this project 10x more epic than it already was

Looking forward to that update!

 

[AverageNinja]

Nice! Some watercooling will be the icing on the cake!
Good luck

 

[Mgutierrez33]

Thanks for the update nikkop. been anxiously awaiting even more updates on this thing, but in the meantime I have been showing off this build log to MANY of my friends... all of which are blown away, by the way. Keep up the good work!

 

[nikkop]

Some information that may be fun:

I actually managed to win a Prodigy white colored in a contest the other day . To be honest I think that a white colored will look better, especially with the mesh.

So I got an idea what to do with it and that is:
Having the black one (that I have worked on) as a test for cutting and mounting, and when everything is 100% done and fits I will do the exact same cuts on the white one. This will spare me from any wrong and/or bad cuts/modifications of the final product.
Sure it will take some time doing all the cuts again on the white one, but honestly cutting is pretty fast. What takes time with this project is all the planning. 95% planning, 5% cutting - that is how the time is spent, haha

So what do you think? Have the black one as a prototype and to use for cuts and try-out and then do all the final cuts on the white one to keep it all clean and perfect! No errors that is!

WHAT, How did I miss that post above? '

Anyway, good to hear that you were able to fit them inside of the case. That just made this project 10x more epic than it already was

Looking forward to that update!

Haha! I was actually surprised you didn't respond and I was like "Hmm, where's Feronix? Ok maybe he's on some vacation or trip, haha

Yea they will fit inside!

The update won't be about any case-mod however! But about a product/component that will make this build even more epic!

Nice! Some watercooling will be the icing on the cake!
Good luck

Thanks a bunch! Yeah I hope it will turn out great. I love the fact that I will actually put a 25cm reservoir in there haha. A little overkill but why not when there's space? Gotta use every last centimeter!

Thanks for the update nikkop. been anxiously awaiting even more updates on this thing, but in the meantime I have been showing off this build log to MANY of my friends... all of which are blown away, by the way. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for your reply!
Unfortunately I'm not able to push out updates as I would like due to that I have no stationary home at the moment (I'm not homeless but I'm visiting my old town and my parents = I have no place to work with it)
Glad to hear your friends like it too! Thanks for showing it hehe.

 

[GameDaneDK]

This is truly some amazing work you're doing here! Can't wait to see more!

 

[nikkop]

UPDATE 02/08 - Unboxing & Overview of GIGABYTE GTX 780 OC

This is truly some amazing work you're doing here! Can't wait to see more!

Thanks a lot, appreciate it!

Here's an update! Let me hear what you think about it all! Both the presentation/video and the product itself

UPDATE!

Unboxing & Overview of the GIGABYTE GTX 780 OC - 02/08 -2013

UPDATE 02/08 - 2013

Hi there!

As you may have found out from the topic of this update is that GIGABYTE have supplied me with another great product.

This product will really give this project that big extra touch, namely nothing less than a - GTX 780 OC (GV-N780OC-3GD) graphics card!

I'm very thankful and happy to have gotten the opportunity to feature this amazing GPU in my project and build and I think it will raise the awesome-factor even more!

So this update will be about the unboxing and an overview of the GPU that will take place in Big Bro' Prodigy. So for the moment what I'm pushing inside my poor (but lucky) Prodigy is an E-ATX motherboard (Z77X-UP7), a GTX 780, custom water loop with 2x 240rads + 25cm reservoir and more! Talk about compact

I have made an unboxing and overview video that I would ask you to check out (thank you in advance! ).
I'm trying to create my own and new style in this video so please let me know what you think! Example the texts sliding in and such stuff.
I will however also put up pictures and additional text to support the pictures.

So let's go!
______________________________________________________________

Here's the unboxing and overview video uploaded on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0INkyhlWRxw
______________________________________________________________

Pictures and additional text:

Here's the box of the GIGABYTE GTX 780.

The content of the box:

• GIGABYTE GTX 780
• 2x Molex to PCI adapters (6- and 8-pin) - in case you lack the cables from your power supply.
• DVD with softwares (Drivers, OC GURU II etc.etc.)
• Quick Quide - Useful if you are unsure how to install a graphics card.

Here's the beauty, the GTX 780 with the Windforce 3X 450W cooler. It performs as good as a GTX Titan but comes much cheaper, being a lot more "bang of the buck".
Example: In Sweden the GIGABYTE GTX 780 is 25% cheaper than the chepeast GTX Titan.

Dimensions of the card:

• L = 292mm
• W = 129mm
• H = 43mm

The height of only 2x PCI-E slots enables SLI-configs

Since this is a factory overclocked graphics card the clock frequencies are higher than the regular GTX 780. It performs more or less like a GTX Titan thanks to the OC.

• Core: 954Mhz - 11%~ higher than stock core.
• Boost: 1006Mhz - 12% higher than stock boost.

The brand new Windforce 3X 450W cooling solution consists of:

• "Triangle Cool" Technology (please check the video where I explain it @06:03)
• 3x Ultra quiet fans - Quiet even under heavy load (yes I've tried it out myself! )
• Two massive heatsinks
• 6 copper heatpipes - 2x 8mm & 4x 6mm
• Able to dissipate 450W of heat.

Two nice things on the back of the graphics card.

1. "Anti-bend" mounting, a metal piece preventing the PCB from bending due to a heavy cooler. Not bad! (makes me feel safe )
2. Black PCB! Finally black PCB on GIGABYTE cards, awesome for the color scheme - black goes with everything.

Video outputs:

• Displayport
• HDMI
• Dual-link DVI-D
• Dual-link DVI-I

Four screens can be run on the same time on a single GPU! Also of course 120Hz screens and such.

Driven by two connectors. 6- & 8-pin.

Additional photos:

And finally up and running!

______________________________________________________________

Please do take a look at the video I've posted as I would appreciate that a lot! Also I explain it all better and in more detail than with the pictures and text - the photos and texts are complementary for the video in case you don't have the possibility to watch it.

So this graphics card beast will be in this project, how awesome isn't that?! I look forward to try it out and do some benchmarks, try the cooling solution out, overclock the card and stuff a like!

Anything specific you're wondering about let me know and I'll try to answer it!

I’d love to hear what you think about the video and what you think of the GTX 780 inside of the Big Bro' Prodigy!

Thanks in advance,
Best Regards
Nikkop

 

[garih]

you gonna be watercooling that badboy?

 

[Tripp]

Its not a reference card, so I doubt he will be putting it under water

 

[The Orange One]

Epic card there

 

[UkGouki]

congrats on the card i would love for gigabyte to send me one lolz...

 

[Feronix]

2x 240mm rads for only a CPU is slight overkill, so I'm assuming that you're going to make her wet?

Congrats on the card man, Gigabyte seems like a good sponsor to have

 

[nikkop]

you gonna be watercooling that badboy?

At the moment I have no plans regarding watercooling it as I think that it performs great temperature and noise wise
However, who knows what the future holds?

Its not a reference card, so I doubt he will be putting it under water

Actually this one is a reference card. The GTX 780 I've gotten is the first revision but they are at the moment changing to revision 2.
The second revision isn't reference and has a better power phase design (8+2 phases instead of 6+2), 8+8pin connectors (instead of 6+8pin) and stuff a like.

So watercooling my card (revision 1) is possible with a Titan-block, however I'm unsure about the second revision. It depends on the block manufacturers.

Revision 1:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4621#ov

Revision 2:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4673#ov

Epic card there

Thanks a bunch! Will be exciting to include in this build

congrats on the card i would love for gigabyte to send me one lolz...

Thanks man. Yeah, I was pretty happy when the package arrived Looking forward to unleash this beast! (I can't do that at the moment as my PC isn't set-up).

2x 240mm rads for only a CPU is slight overkill, so I'm assuming that you're going to make her wet?

Congrats on the card man, Gigabyte seems like a good sponsor to have

Haha thanks. Most of my products have been from GIGABYTE even before I got the sponsored products and I've always been satisfied

Overkill indeed but to be honest the reason I chose to have 2x 240 rads was to show that I can fit 2x 240 rads inside the case - just because I can! haha Making the GTX 780 wet, no plans on doing that for the moment. Will see about that later

As I mentioned. It may happen that the final "Big Bro' Prodigy" may be white! I haven't decided what to do with the one I won yet. Maybe I'll do something else with it

BR
/nikkop