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Project:
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The MTB Lubic Cube Project |
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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January 8th, 2004
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Introduction:
Custom case fabrication is considered an art form, restricted to those individuals who possess both talent and
tools available to build a computer chassis from scratch. What makes case fabrication unique is that there are
no rules or boundaries when it comes to designing a unique custom built computer case. In the past, I
have taken a standard case and modified it into something completely different from the original. To start off 2004, I was looking at moving away from modifying a standard
case chassis in favour of completing a project that was much more unique and challenging. The opportunity seemed
to present itself when I was called into the offices of Tradex Information Technology Inc and given a preliminary kit
that would be making its debut in North America. The name of the product was the Lubic 3519 Kit designed by
AeroCool Advanced Technologies Corp to be a new modular
concept of creating and designing a custom PC case. The MTB Lubic Cube Project is based on the Lubic 3519 Kit
and took approximately one month to complete. This article will document the entire construction process
from start to finish. As with all my previous articles, I always set out a list of objectives and here they are
in no particular order:
- Blue, Chrome and Black combination based theme
- Custom fabricated arcylic panels
- Custom motherboard tray and drive chassis
- Custom built Stereo VU-Meter
- Custom MTB window applique design
- Custom MTB fan grills
- Integrated front USB ports
- Integrated 20x2 LCD Display
- Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
- Aesthetics: 1 x 12' Blue Cold Cathode, 2 x Blue UV Quad LED Fans
NOTE: Proper precautions should be taken when attempting your own case mod project and as with all warnings,
you are responsible for your own actions.
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MTB Lubic Cube - Key Specifications:
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| Lubic 3519 Kit: Manufactured by Aerocool Advanced Technologies Corp |
| Case Dimensions: 448mm (L) x 448mm (W) x 448mm (H) |
| Material: Anodized aluminum framing and acrylic |
| Drive Bays: 5 drive bays (3 x 5.25" external, 2 x 3.5" HDD internal) |
| Expansion Slots: 7 |
| Fan Accomodation: 3 total fans (2 x 80mm rear, 1 x 60mm rear) |
| Form Factors: ATX, Pentium IV |
| Universal ATX I/O Shield |
| Special Features: Front USB ports, Integrated 20x2 LCD, Stereo VU Meter |
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System Specifications:
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| Intel DM850EMV2 Motherboard (Socket 478/400/500MHz FSB) |
| Intel Pentium IV 2.4B CPU |
| 2 x 128 MB Samsung PC-800 Rambus DRAM |
| 1 x Maxtor D40X-GL 60GB Hard Drive |
| MSI GeForce4 MX-440-T8X AGP 8X 64MB DDR TV-O Video Card |
| D-Link 530TX NIC |
| SB Live Value Sound Card |
| Raidmax LP-6100D Blue Aluminum 400W PSU |
| LG GCC-4120B Combination IDE Drive (12x8x32 CDRW + 8x DVD) |
| VLSystem L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit |
| Chieftech Wireless Keyboard & Mouse |
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Tools and Material Used:
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| Makita 10mm (3/8") drill model#6410 |
| Mastercraft saw mandrel (1 1/4" to 6") |
| 25 piece H.S.S drillbit set |
| Dremel Multipro 5 w/50 accessories |
| Solder gun w/lead free hi-tech electronic rosin core solder |
| Marr UV Black cable ties |
| Black wire split loom |
| Safety googles |
| MG Computing Products super compressed dust buster |
| 1 x 12" Blue Cold Cathode Light Kit |
| 2 x Quad LED 80mm fans |
| 1 x 60mm fan |
| Black heat shrink tubing |
| Black and red 22AWG wiring |
| 10 x LED Chrome Holders |
| 1 SPST mini switch |
| B2ModKits PC VU-Meter Kit |
| 1 x Dual USB Internal cable |
| 1 x high intensity ultra clear blue led, 1 x high intensity ultra clear red led |
| 10 x Lucite-Tuf acrylic sheets |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The preliminary Lubic 3519 Kit that I received was packaged in a colourful double wall cardboard box
suitable for a store retail display. A product shot is showcased on all sides of the package along with
a complete list of specifications and features. Towards the top left of the package is the official Lubic
logo along with a small window to allow you to view the contents.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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During my meeting at Tradex Information Technology Inc, I was advised that the Lubic 3519 Kit would not
contain all the parts normally found in the full retail package. With this information in mind, I
decided to take at look at the contents knowing full well that this would limit my ability to do a
really complicated case project. Once the package was open, there is an assortment of smaller accessories
which include the following:
- 14 x Aluminum Frame (352mm)
- 8 x Aluminum Frame (192mm)
- 8 x Stainless Steel Angle Joint
- 60 x #1 screw (M4x6)
- 100 x #2 screw(M4x8)
- 36 x L-shape brackets
- 9 x Motherboard standoffs
- 90 x Metal Slider (3-holes: 2xM4+1xM3)
- 1 x Power and Reset Switch PCB
Surprisingly, the Lubic 3519 Kit did not come with an instruction manual, but I did receive a few reference diagrams
which provided some sort of idea as to what can be accomplished with this product. Aerocool Advanced Technologies Corp does have
an official Lubic website which
provides some basic information about this kit, but the material is very limited and not very helpful. As part of the
accessory package, the Lubic 3519 Kit includes a small PCB which includes 2-pin header cables, a miniature Power and Reset
Button as well as Power and HD LEDs.
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