"BATTLEFIELD 3" PC Case Mod

[Mnpctech]

Here is the "BF3" theme case mod in anticipation of Battlefield 3: BF3 release on 10.25.2011 by Electronic Arts. Fractal Design's Arc Mid tower case was chosen for the project.

Fractal Design new "Arc" Midi Tower Case.

Fractal design Arc Mid tower fully dismantled for custom paint.

The name badge in the bezel was filled with Evercoat's Everglass" Fiberglass "short hair" filler.

After sanding the filler with Medium Grit sandpaper..

Scuffing surface of steel chassis parts, plastic bezel with Red Scothbrite Pad, to create paint adhesion for the Primer.

Dissected and Magnified each segment from camouflage pattern on 8.5" x 11" paper. Each segment was traced and cut in cardboard for individual stencils.

RUSTOLEUM Specialty series "camouflage" paints. I purchased these from Home Depot

Camouflage paint job is finished.

Camouflaged motherboard tray? Yes, the entire interior was painted.



For a rugged military look, we chose these recessed PC case handles, Recessed Computer Case Carry Handles

The recessed PC handles are ready for installation and spring loaded, so they don't flop while transporting your PC.

Using stencil included with handles along with measuring square to determine exact location for the recessed PC handles

Using 1.5" Dremel reinforced cutting wheel to cut opening for recessed PC handles

Using 1/4" drill bit for mounting holes of the recessed handles.

Cutting 3/16" thick aluminum Diamond Plate to use as accent plates for the handles.

Khaki base coat applied to the Diamond Plate accent plates.

Recessed PC handles and diamond plate installed and painted.

Airbrushed effect of side panel being peeled back by Mnpctech custom painter, Brad Galvin.

 

[Mnpctech]

Brad's weapon of choice, Iwata's HP-CH airbrush gun.

Glowing effect airbrushed on the BF3 Marine.

Black outline airbrushed on BF3 Marine. A flat clear will be applied over the finished mural.

with Brad's guidance, I airbrushed the bullet holes and scratched paint effects on the access panel. I started with the easy task of filling the BF3 stencil on the left side panel.

To create bullet holes in the cast acrylic PC window sheet, using #9901 Dremel Attachment Tungsten Carbide Cutter for Engraving

Using Dremel to create bullet holes...

The illusion of bullet holes, created in the custom paint and made in the cast acrylic PC window sheet

Just a few more details to take care of, then we can install the system!

 

[iFargle]

I swear my next build is going to be in one of your cases. These are insane

 

[MindoverMaster]

I'm not a big BF fan, but that looks awesome.

 

[PP Mguire]

What a sweet *** case.

 

[Sean W.]

awesome! i love it!

anything less than a build the millitary would be proud of should not go into that case. hands down my favorite case mod of all time...

EDIT: ^ might be hard to understand, but you get my point

 

[Hitmanuncut]

That's awesome, some excellent talent and skills shown there.

 

[fairfieldfalconsfan]

That looks awesome! The bullet holes are a nice touch!

 

[Mnpctech]

Thanks for the nice comments everyone!

Painting the machined aluminum bullet thumbscrews to look more authentic.

The surface is first prepped, using red scotch brite pad to scuff the bare aluminum

Is that a "cribbage board" for thumbscrews?, drilling holes in a piece of wood, works great for holding thumbscrews for paint. The threads were taped off.

For maximum paint adhesion, we use SEM brand self etching primer for the base coat

A couple coats of grey self etching primer

for holding the bullet thumbscrews, tape the bullet thumbscrews to paint stick

Paint entire bullet first copper color first, mask off the tip after cured, then paint the shell brass color.

After the paint has cured, I dry brushed the shells with "Antiquing Gel" by Home Decor. "Dry brushing" means you are painting with a brush that is almost 100% dry. It's an easy way to create a weathered effect or highlights. These are machined aluminum bullet thumbscrews

After 2 hours, the "Antiquing Gel" had cured. The final coat is a "Flat" Clear coat aerosol paint by KRYLON

 

[Hitmanuncut]

How the small touches can turn an excellent job into an exceptional one, top stuff.