DIY PC Build: 3D Printed Case & AMD Powerhouse

DIY PC Build: 3D Printed Case & AMD Powerhouse

In the latest episode of AMD’s “Ultimate Tech Upgrade” series, the spotlight turns to Nate, a product designer, who eschews traditional PC case purchases for a completely custom, 3D-printed enclosure. This innovative approach not only showcases Nate’s DIY ethos but also highlights the incredible capabilities of modern 3D printing technology when paired with high-end components, particularly from AMD.

A PC Case Like No Other

Nate’s PC build stands out immediately due to its unique, 3D-printed case. The presenter expresses genuine surprise and admiration, noting that without prior knowledge, one wouldn’t guess it was 3D printed. This custom case is not just a shell; it’s a testament to Nate’s dedication to personalization and his comfort with advanced fabrication techniques. The article delves into the process, revealing that the case was entirely designed and printed by Nate himself. Even the drive sleds are integrated into the 3D printed design, showcasing meticulous planning and execution. The presenter even humorously suggests that the case models, available on platforms like Printables, cost a mere $12, a fraction of the price of a typical high-end PC case, with the filament cost being negligible.

AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D: The Gaming King

At the heart of Nate’s new PC is the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This CPU is lauded as one of the best, if not *the* best, for gaming currently available. Its exceptional gaming performance is a key reason for Nate’s choice, and it’s also the featured CPU in a concurrent AMD and EKKO giveaway, offering 10 lucky winners a chance to snag one. Beyond gaming, the 9800X3D is acknowledged as a capable processor for more general-purpose tasks, a fact Nate intends to leverage with his plans for a home NAS.

Building a Home NAS with Plenty of Storage

Nate’s upgrade isn’t solely focused on his gaming PC. He’s also building a robust Network Attached Storage (NAS) system for his household. The NAS will house four brand-new 8TB WD Red Plus drives, with one acting as a spare for redundancy. To mitigate potential binning issues, Nate opted for drives from two different brands. The NAS solution will run on TrueNAS, a popular and powerful open-source operating system for storage management. The presenter is impressed by the custom 3D-printed enclosure for the NAS, designed for optimal airflow over the drives. To power the NAS, Nate is repurposing his previous CPU, a Ryzen 3900X, along with its motherboard and memory, demonstrating a resourceful approach to component allocation.

The Router Spindle and Workshop

The video also gives a glimpse into Nate’s impressive workshop, which is packed with tools and equipment, including a newly installed router spindle. This industrial-grade component, paired with servo drives and an inverter, is part of Nate’s plan to build a CNC router table. While the full functionality of the router table couldn’t be demonstrated during the filming, the powerful 3.2 kW, 24,000 RPM spindle was tested, producing an impressive sound. Nate plans to use this setup for woodworking and furniture projects, even intending to use it as a jointer to achieve perfectly flat and 90-degree edges. The cost-effectiveness of building such a machine versus buying one is discussed, with Nate estimating the cost to be roughly equal, perhaps even slightly cheaper, when factoring in his DIY approach.

Challenges and Triumphs in the Build Process

The PC build itself wasn’t without its hurdles. A critical error emerged when an extra stand-off was discovered in the 3D-printed case, preventing the motherboard from seating correctly. This was particularly challenging as the stand-off was integrated into the 3D print, requiring Nate to carefully cut it away. The presenter humorously notes that while electrical tape might have been a simpler solution, Nate’s approach was more direct. Another challenge arose with fitting the All-In-One (AIO) liquid cooler, which interfered with the case’s motherboard mounting and CPU cables. This required some creative fan placement and ultimately, leaving one fan off to ensure clearance. The RAM configuration also saw a discussion about opting for 48GB over 32GB for future-proofing and potential virtual machine usage. Finally, the PC build hit a snag with internet connectivity issues, which were eventually resolved using a Framework USB-C Ethernet adapter, highlighting the importance of reliable networking components.

Who Should Care About This Build?

This build is a dream for DIY enthusiasts, makers, and anyone who appreciates custom hardware solutions. Nate’s project appeals to those who value personalization and are comfortable with 3D printing and PC building. Gamers will appreciate the choice of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for its top-tier performance. Individuals looking to build their own home NAS for secure data storage will find inspiration in Nate’s NAS build and enclosure design. Furthermore, woodworkers and CNC enthusiasts might be intrigued by Nate’s custom router table project. The series, sponsored by AMD, also serves as a great promotion for AMD’s Ryzen processors and their suitability for both high-performance gaming and versatile computing tasks.

Availability and Pricing

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU is readily available from major retailers. While the specific price of Nate’s entire upgrade isn’t detailed beyond the $5000 budget for the series, the components chosen, such as the 9800X3D and 8TB WD Red Plus drives, represent significant investments. The 3D-printed case and NAS enclosure are custom creations, with the case models reportedly costing $12 plus filament. The Prusa MK3S+ printer used by Nate is a premium consumer 3D printer, and the router spindle and associated components represent a substantial investment for his workshop.

Specs & Key Features

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• NAS Drives: 4 x 8TB WD Red Plus (2 brands for redundancy)
• NAS OS: TrueNAS
• NAS CPU (Repurposed): AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
• Custom PC Case: 3D Printed
• 3D Printer Used: Prusa MK3S+ (implied)
• Router Spindle: 3.2 kW, 24,000 RPM
• Networking Fix: Framework USB-C Ethernet Adapter
• Other Components: ASUS B550A Gaming WiFi Motherboard, DDR5 RAM, 4TB NVMe Storage, AIO Liquid Cooler, UPS for NAS

Source: He 3D Printed a case instead of buying one? – AMD $5000 Ultimate Tech Upgrade (YouTube)