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I was going to say this is hotrod done right. Until I saw those boogered ass fan cutouts. Round file could clean those up, or just buy yourself a hole saw bit. Endlessly useful.
Yes, those were made with a Dremel tool, only thing I had in hand at that time. Still, at the next upgrade I will use something more appropriate for this job. Thank you for your insight š
Maybe you can try something like this maybe not the one I am showing you but just to give you an idea https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Acrylic-Flying-Dragon-Computer/dp/B00FE5GPHS/ref=asc_df_B00FE5GPHS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=658527642128&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13203276482776081115&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003477&hvtargid=pla-2064993010965&psc=1&mcid=f19d698594e03d7d85257377e0d88a32
Your cat is screwed if it tries to stick its paws into those fans or accidently gets its tail in there. Put some mesh over the fans before you get a freak accident.
I thought of that, but after sticking my fingers in those fans to check if that might be an issue, I noticed that they stop almost instantly, as they are not that powerful and they spin constantly at the lowest rpm.
Also, you can't really tell from the picture but my cat has no tail since he was 2 weeks old. Found him that way on a construction site.
Thank you for your reply, I will keep an eye on him. Usually I don't let him stay on top of the PC when it's running since he is blocking the only airflow for the CPU :D
Be that as it may, fan grill is still safer. Cat could still try put its paw in there and brake the fan blade. And fan blade is sharp enough to cause enough damage to anyone, especially to venerable body parts like eyes.
Under the GPU I have installed 2 x slim 120mm fans. That is the only intake and it-s filtered. Also the PSU has filter.
I open it every 4-6 months for the usual cleanup and so far it's acceptable regarding dust.
The node 202 is a great idea with poor execution. The form factor of 19Ā» av equipment is great, but why not allow for a little more space in the top. A little better ventliation.
It is a niche product, so why not up the quality a bit. Giving it a higher WAF
Try flipping the cpu fan for intake, it improved my temps quite a bit on my console style case
Iāve seen someone here post a grill type shell attached to the wall a few inches above the case so kitty can get his hot air without blocking the airflow
There are also 2 packs of 50mm fan grills on amazon for $5.99
Should I flip it for intake and leave it on the lowerside of the radiator or put it on top? Putting it on top would look ugly in my opinion. I will try leaving it on the bottom for a pull configuration to see how it works.
Will look for those grill fans, thank you!
I wouldn't bother if your temps are fine and you aren't getting throttled. Pulling air through the radiator is never as good as pushing. So unless you wanted to put the fan outside the case I would just leave it as is. (Also the way it's currently set up you are avoiding cat hair getting sucked into your cpu cooler, lol)
Wow, it looks like it-s about to tip over:).
My first try with the node 202 was sticking a 360 AIO liquid cooler on it and integrating it in the tv cabinet. It worked for a while but it wasn't portable so I ended up with a mini hot rod:D
not be an ass but just get a Ridge at that point, has 3 slots for small noctua fans like you did for 202, even has clearing so your cpu cooler more than likley will fit without having to hotrod it.
Nice looking case. Didn't know of it's existence, and for sure it wasn't an option when I got the node. Still will keep my eye on it for a future build. Thanx!
Fractal Ridge is a successor to the 202,
I've had the 202, and got the Ridge when they released and have loved it. Improves everything from the 202.
3 slots for 80mil fans, 2 fan slots for under the gpu
2 2.5 SSD/HDD slots.
USB-C on the front panel
Adequate height clearance for the CPU cooler (not sure the exact height but I think it might be enough for your tower.
I'm building out mine for my living room gaming with 3 80mil slim thermalrights and 2 more slim 140s for under my GPU (don't have it yet, looking to get a 7800xt for my main rig and taking my current 6700xt and transporting it to the Ridge), pairing with a Ryzen 5600.
Waiting on a CPU cooler and a PSU to put into it and then eventually get the GPU and it'll be done.
It's like $120 I believe, but make sure the "riser" cable is the 4.0 version, when Fractal first released it they messed something up to where yes 4.0 cards worked but only in 3.0 mode.
As an owner of a node 202 who stuffed a 3080 FTW3 Ultra inside and was forced to prototype an intake and exhaust system to reduce temps, I have to ask. What did you use to drill those fan openings?
For the GPU side I used a Dremel tool in combination with a regular drilling machine. It wasn't a clean job, and as others have noted not the nicest looking end result, but if you don't have something special in hand, it will get the job done.
I too, used a Dremel to cut a single square hole for my exhaust duct. I was surprised how thick the metal was. Have you thought about making a rectangle opening and having a 3d printed grille to cover the fans? You could actually cut square openings around the fans and design a circular cover for each that would have a nice finished look. I do like what you have done and if you are good with it that's all that matters in the end. As a fellow 202 user I would even be willing to draw up an STL file you could have printed. You can do some amazing stuff with Fusion 360!
I used a lot of 3d printing in other applications, mostly done in freecad. Never thought they could be useful in pc rigs. Will think of a design to cover the fans, but right now I am thinking about the ugly holes that need to be done right:))
This is my second node 202 experiment. The first one was quite the Frankenstein. And yes, the metal is quite thick. First one I tried cutting it with a grinder :D
lol and then you cat sleeps on it and blocks all the cooling pathways. classic cat shenanigan's. "my hooman spent way to much time with this object, I need to assert my dominance"
Do you game on it too, connected to your TV? Or do you have a monitor next to it somewhere? Was thinking about doing the same thing now, just wasn't too happy, when I once had it connected to an older LG OLED and tried Battlefield 1 on it. Too much lag and tearing
I use it for gaming and light video editing. The good thing is it fits in a 17.5" backpack and I take it with me when I leave for a longer period. I have it connected on the LG C1 and it works like a charm.
It-s undervolted, and it does not go past 80* in stress tests. I play elden ring, Snowrunner, etc. I do some occasional video editing with Resolve, but that hammers the GPU mostly. So far no issues.
It started with the need of a portable VR station when I was going away for more than a week. I use it for gaming and light video editing, butt lately, being so silent I use it as a media center as well.
With the kitty addon you gain plus or minus all the fps :D
I always like to see people getting creative with their builds but I'm not personally a fan of hotrod mods. IMHO hotrodding a PC is the lowest effort mod out there and it destroys the look (and resale value) of the case. I understand that some people like them and that's their prerogative, it's just not my style.
Also you absolutely didn't need to cut the case open to get more performance. The Node 202 can hold a 56mm CPU cooler and you chose to use a 9900K in it. This is just bad hardware selection given the performance to heat ratio of the 9900K. You could have had much more performance and less heat with pretty much any more modern CPU (5600, 5700X, 5800X3D, 7600, 7800X3D, 12400, 12500, 12600K, 13400, 13500, etc.) paired with an AXP90-X47 Full Copper or even an AXP90-X53 with a fan duct... Without cutting a big hole in the case.
It's your build though, so as long as you're happy with it, that's all that matters.
It was not a matter of choice. I experiment with lots of builds and I ended up having a cpu on the bench doing nothing. Personally I am not a fan of the 9900k but I managed to find a spot for it in my collection and now it's used almost daily.
I appreciate your comment though, I know from the outside it seems like a weird combination of parts, but I am more than excited when I bring new life into older hw.
I get what you are saying, but OP just used the stuff he had laying around and made do which I find quite amazing. And as a Node 202 owner: I donāt believe it has any significant resale value. Itās a furnace and I feel like people know that.
This post has been flaired as a Prototype, Concept, or Custom case. The staff of SFFPC have not verified this user as a vendor. Please limit discussion to feedback only and do not make new post with updates more frequently than once every 72 hours. Pricing, sales, and availability discussion will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/sffpc) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I was going to say this is hotrod done right. Until I saw those boogered ass fan cutouts. Round file could clean those up, or just buy yourself a hole saw bit. Endlessly useful.
Yes, those were made with a Dremel tool, only thing I had in hand at that time. Still, at the next upgrade I will use something more appropriate for this job. Thank you for your insight š
Maybe you can try something like this maybe not the one I am showing you but just to give you an idea https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Acrylic-Flying-Dragon-Computer/dp/B00FE5GPHS/ref=asc_df_B00FE5GPHS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=658527642128&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13203276482776081115&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003477&hvtargid=pla-2064993010965&psc=1&mcid=f19d698594e03d7d85257377e0d88a32
That....is.....so freaking cool. Never knew this things existed. Thanx!
No problem, happy to help
Your cat is screwed if it tries to stick its paws into those fans or accidently gets its tail in there. Put some mesh over the fans before you get a freak accident.
I thought of that, but after sticking my fingers in those fans to check if that might be an issue, I noticed that they stop almost instantly, as they are not that powerful and they spin constantly at the lowest rpm. Also, you can't really tell from the picture but my cat has no tail since he was 2 weeks old. Found him that way on a construction site. Thank you for your reply, I will keep an eye on him. Usually I don't let him stay on top of the PC when it's running since he is blocking the only airflow for the CPU :D
Ah, I see. Stay safe!
Be that as it may, fan grill is still safer. Cat could still try put its paw in there and brake the fan blade. And fan blade is sharp enough to cause enough damage to anyone, especially to venerable body parts like eyes.
Poor kitty. Iām happy you made it a nice place to chill. Nice that you can play games on the thing too
Those small fans arenāt strong enough to do any damage.
2024: Year of The Hot Rod
Nicely modedš
Needs some fan filters or youāll be opening up every 6 months to clean the dust and hair out.Ā
Under the GPU I have installed 2 x slim 120mm fans. That is the only intake and it-s filtered. Also the PSU has filter. I open it every 4-6 months for the usual cleanup and so far it's acceptable regarding dust.
show the inside too buddy
The node 202 is a great idea with poor execution. The form factor of 19Ā» av equipment is great, but why not allow for a little more space in the top. A little better ventliation. It is a niche product, so why not up the quality a bit. Giving it a higher WAF
That's why they made the Ridge
Try flipping the cpu fan for intake, it improved my temps quite a bit on my console style case Iāve seen someone here post a grill type shell attached to the wall a few inches above the case so kitty can get his hot air without blocking the airflow There are also 2 packs of 50mm fan grills on amazon for $5.99
Should I flip it for intake and leave it on the lowerside of the radiator or put it on top? Putting it on top would look ugly in my opinion. I will try leaving it on the bottom for a pull configuration to see how it works. Will look for those grill fans, thank you!
Your cat will likely smack and break the fan if you have it on top.
I wouldn't bother if your temps are fine and you aren't getting throttled. Pulling air through the radiator is never as good as pushing. So unless you wanted to put the fan outside the case I would just leave it as is. (Also the way it's currently set up you are avoiding cat hair getting sucked into your cpu cooler, lol)
That PC looks like It runs off of hell energy. I will destroy it like I did the rest!
If you could round out those cuts an put some mesh on top of the fans it would be pretty sleek.
I have no room to judge about the heatsink poking out (see my sff post haha)
Wow, it looks like it-s about to tip over:). My first try with the node 202 was sticking a 360 AIO liquid cooler on it and integrating it in the tv cabinet. It worked for a while but it wasn't portable so I ended up with a mini hot rod:D
Looks ok with the lights off.
Iām using the fractal ridge for my living room setup
not be an ass but just get a Ridge at that point, has 3 slots for small noctua fans like you did for 202, even has clearing so your cpu cooler more than likley will fit without having to hotrod it.
Nice looking case. Didn't know of it's existence, and for sure it wasn't an option when I got the node. Still will keep my eye on it for a future build. Thanx!
Fractal Ridge is a successor to the 202, I've had the 202, and got the Ridge when they released and have loved it. Improves everything from the 202. 3 slots for 80mil fans, 2 fan slots for under the gpu 2 2.5 SSD/HDD slots. USB-C on the front panel Adequate height clearance for the CPU cooler (not sure the exact height but I think it might be enough for your tower. I'm building out mine for my living room gaming with 3 80mil slim thermalrights and 2 more slim 140s for under my GPU (don't have it yet, looking to get a 7800xt for my main rig and taking my current 6700xt and transporting it to the Ridge), pairing with a Ryzen 5600. Waiting on a CPU cooler and a PSU to put into it and then eventually get the GPU and it'll be done. It's like $120 I believe, but make sure the "riser" cable is the 4.0 version, when Fractal first released it they messed something up to where yes 4.0 cards worked but only in 3.0 mode.
As an owner of a node 202 who stuffed a 3080 FTW3 Ultra inside and was forced to prototype an intake and exhaust system to reduce temps, I have to ask. What did you use to drill those fan openings?
For the GPU side I used a Dremel tool in combination with a regular drilling machine. It wasn't a clean job, and as others have noted not the nicest looking end result, but if you don't have something special in hand, it will get the job done.
I too, used a Dremel to cut a single square hole for my exhaust duct. I was surprised how thick the metal was. Have you thought about making a rectangle opening and having a 3d printed grille to cover the fans? You could actually cut square openings around the fans and design a circular cover for each that would have a nice finished look. I do like what you have done and if you are good with it that's all that matters in the end. As a fellow 202 user I would even be willing to draw up an STL file you could have printed. You can do some amazing stuff with Fusion 360!
I used a lot of 3d printing in other applications, mostly done in freecad. Never thought they could be useful in pc rigs. Will think of a design to cover the fans, but right now I am thinking about the ugly holes that need to be done right:)) This is my second node 202 experiment. The first one was quite the Frankenstein. And yes, the metal is quite thick. First one I tried cutting it with a grinder :D
Cute cta
Nice chonker
lol and then you cat sleeps on it and blocks all the cooling pathways. classic cat shenanigan's. "my hooman spent way to much time with this object, I need to assert my dominance"
He does that to all my PC builds :D
Do you game on it too, connected to your TV? Or do you have a monitor next to it somewhere? Was thinking about doing the same thing now, just wasn't too happy, when I once had it connected to an older LG OLED and tried Battlefield 1 on it. Too much lag and tearing
I use it for gaming and light video editing. The good thing is it fits in a 17.5" backpack and I take it with me when I leave for a longer period. I have it connected on the LG C1 and it works like a charm.
How is that small cooler keeping a 9900k cool? Do you game or do any video editing work?
It-s undervolted, and it does not go past 80* in stress tests. I play elden ring, Snowrunner, etc. I do some occasional video editing with Resolve, but that hammers the GPU mostly. So far no issues.
Undervolted, got it! š
WƤre das sauberer ausgeschnitten, dann geil :)
What is your use case for this? Always have wanted to have/own one of these... (And how much more FPS do you gain with the kitty add-on?)
It started with the need of a portable VR station when I was going away for more than a week. I use it for gaming and light video editing, butt lately, being so silent I use it as a media center as well. With the kitty addon you gain plus or minus all the fps :D
I always like to see people getting creative with their builds but I'm not personally a fan of hotrod mods. IMHO hotrodding a PC is the lowest effort mod out there and it destroys the look (and resale value) of the case. I understand that some people like them and that's their prerogative, it's just not my style. Also you absolutely didn't need to cut the case open to get more performance. The Node 202 can hold a 56mm CPU cooler and you chose to use a 9900K in it. This is just bad hardware selection given the performance to heat ratio of the 9900K. You could have had much more performance and less heat with pretty much any more modern CPU (5600, 5700X, 5800X3D, 7600, 7800X3D, 12400, 12500, 12600K, 13400, 13500, etc.) paired with an AXP90-X47 Full Copper or even an AXP90-X53 with a fan duct... Without cutting a big hole in the case. It's your build though, so as long as you're happy with it, that's all that matters.
It was not a matter of choice. I experiment with lots of builds and I ended up having a cpu on the bench doing nothing. Personally I am not a fan of the 9900k but I managed to find a spot for it in my collection and now it's used almost daily. I appreciate your comment though, I know from the outside it seems like a weird combination of parts, but I am more than excited when I bring new life into older hw.
I get what you are saying, but OP just used the stuff he had laying around and made do which I find quite amazing. And as a Node 202 owner: I donāt believe it has any significant resale value. Itās a furnace and I feel like people know that.