The NOTalis project was the result of E.E.L. Ambiense's recent 4 day visit to Minnesota. We've talked about getting together for the last couple of years. We've always had admiration for each other's work. I've worked closely with E.E.L. Ambiense in designing many of Mnpctech case mod products. Our new acrylic fan and variety of radiator grills were designed by him. We both agreed that a Mini ITX project wouldn't suck up too much of his 4 days. He suggested the Silverstone SG05. E.E.L. made some conceptual drawings from home so we had a plan. The SG05 arrived 2 days before he did. I brought it to the machine shop on Thursday to mill a new bezel design. E.E.L. was inspired by the Nautilus submarine's window from Jules Vern's 20,000 Leagues under the sea (disney movie 1954).

We titled the project "NOTalis" because it sounded funny.

The both of us had always talked about experimenting with instant rusting techniques and products. We're both fans of Piloux's Blackmesa HL2 case mod. A historical chapter in case modding. We planned to use the same product Piloux used. I believe we found the current version by Sophisticated Finishes. Piloux never explains his application techniques in detail which forced us to experiment a lot. It can be a little frustrating to use this product because you must wait for the results. You just learn to keep busy with other things, like sleeving a PSU or cutting a 240mm fan grill. We discovered on the last night that a heat gun sped up the rusting process.

We only spent two evenings working on the project. We were both amazed we didn't need more time, but we work very efficiently together.

Since it was E.E.L.'s first time here. I brought him to some interesting local businesses and eateries. We spent a great deal of our time just talking shop. So this get together was historical for us. We made a point to record everything knowing it would be shared here with you.

Silverstone SG05 Mini ITX case





OEM 120mm fan location (modified to 140mm)






3/4" thick block of 6061 aluminum


140mm intake design inspired by "Nautilus" submarine window from Jules Vern's 20,000 Leagues under the sea




















Worklog Update 10/08/09, Page 2

The 240 size Steampunk acrylic radiator grill is a good fit for the SG05. Keep in mind the SG05 has a one piece cover. You will have to modify the rear chassis pillar to clear the grill's mounting screws. This mirror finish won't exist much longer..heh





This is the Honeycomb Modders Meshwe used.




The SG05's rear slot covers and Mnpctech
80mm "Gear" style acrylic fan grill were getting their first application of Duplicolor brand automotive sandable primer. The Brown primer is a great base coat color for the rust effect we applied later on.



We're deliberately linking the video off site, so you can watch in HD.

Watch [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUZif3wmpeM"]"Project NOTalis: The Case Mod Movie"[/url] in HD

and the finished project photos.

Damn, thats a lot of billet Lookin good!

Agreed. I love the look of a big block of metal! There isn't much sexier from a modder's POV.

Nice intro... have you and E.E.L updated your relationship status on Facebook yet?

This looks like a fun build! Are you gonna anodize that massive block of alu?

This mod sounds really interesting, I'm really looking forward to the next episode

Already explained our plan in the intro.

I'm betting that E.E.L. is editing video clips right now..lol. The SG05 chassis before I altered the front of it.

ZOMG! I love that intake!

That mill work is really nice.

My only issues with that CNC stuff is that the average guy can't afford to get it done. That is in no way intended to be a slight against the fantastic work you all have been putting out. It's simply expensive for those of us that do this for a hobby.

Maybe once I retire from the CG and start a second Govt job, then I might be able to get some of that work done. But for now I'll just have to admire your work and drool over the pic's.

Holy CRAP that intake grill looks great! Alternatively I could see some wings slapped on the side for a quick TIE-Fighter mod