[Ordering Parts]

Hey folks!  I wanted to share this with the mining community for those that have a DIY itch, but with less hacksawing and guesswork on dimensions.  When I first started mining, I wanted a black aluminum frame design for looks and sturdiness, but there was nothing out there I could buy so I designed my own.  I ended up going through a few test revisions/prototypes before I got it to my liking, and here is the final result. 

Quick Links/Files:
Drawings: https://www.asuswebstorage.com/navigate/s/B49C7D5B58844641B7845E49B8904EF74
Instructions/Pictures: http://imgur.com/a/yBoRB#2
3D Model (Sketchup): https://www.asuswebstorage.com/navigate/s/DEE31D12CDD14EFF8345D5942ACA9BE24



Ordering Parts
The idea here is a quick and easy solution with less headache, so here it is:
1) (Cost $~90)  This is most of the cost, and is a bit expensive since you are paying for the pre-drilling of holes.  You could almost cut this in half if you drill your own holes.
 Order the following part list from Esto Connectors at http://www.estoconnectors.com  .   I have been very happy with them, they have great turnaround times and customer service.  No, I do not work for them   This will get you all the parts you need pre-drilled for GPUs, MB and Power Supply.  (Drawings that are referenced are zipped in the quick link at the top of this post)

Cut Length   Part Number   Drawing (Drilling)   Description                            Qty
20 1/2"      160726-AB                          3/4 Black Anodized Tube                2
20 1/2"      160726-AB      gpu_01_rev0.pdf     3/4 Black Anodized Tube                1
20 1/2"      160726-AB      amb_01_rev0.pdf     3/4 Black Anodized Tube                1
20 1/2"      160726-AB      amb_02_rev0.pdf     3/4 Black Anodized Tube                1
8 1/2"       160726-AB                          3/4 Black Anodized Tube                4
3 1/4"       160726-AB                          3/4 Black Anodized Tube                2
5 3/8"       111257-AB                          3/4" Black Anodized Tube Flanged       2
2 3/8"       160726-AB                          3/4 Black Anodized Tube                2
4 1/2"       111257-AB      aps_01_rev0.pdf     3/4" Black Anodized Tube Flanged       1
4 1/2"       111257-AB      shd_01_rev0.pdf     3/4" Black Anodized Tube Flanged       1
             533075-BX                          3-way corner black                     6
             532075-BX                          3-way split T black                    4
             521075-BX                          2-way corner black                     2

2) Order 6-32 thumbscrews and/or normal screws of your liking:
        x2 per GPU
        x2 for PS
        x2 for 3.5" HD  ** if you use a 2.5" HD, you will need M3 screws instead
        x6 for Motherboard** 
3) Order x6  6-32 motherboard standoffs  ** I also use 1 nylon 6-32 standoff as a support for the bottom left corner of the MB, which does not have a hole per ATX spec.
4) Order a 6-32 spiral tap for tapping holes (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I6I5TO/)

Total Cost is in the $110 range, depending on shipping costs and how much you pay for screws, etc



Notes:
** See Quick Links at the top of this post for a scale 3d model created in Sketchup Make (available free at http://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-make).  All frame parts are to scale, but screw holes are not marked on the 3d model.  See the 2d drawings for screw hole locations. 


Assembly Instructions:  (Full size images in Quick link at top of post)

READ FIRST
**  I recommend using an adhesive/epoxy that works for metal/plastic on the connectors.  They already fit tight, so it doesnt take much
**  Motherboard and GPU holes will need to be either tapped with a 6-32 tap, or you could do what some have done and use a self-tapping screw.  I personally would recommend just buying a 6-32 spiral tap and use it with a drill (just make sure you keep your drill square to the hole!)
MAKE SURE AND TAP THE MB AND GPU HOLES BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE THE FRAME.  Otherwise, it is all hard-like to tap them.


1) Assemble the bottom section of the frame:
     - The front crossing bar is the 20.5" drilled bar with 4 holes   (fig 1, item 1)
     - The middle crossing bar is the 20.5" drilled bar with 3 holes (fig 1, item 2)
     - The back crossing bar is a plain 20.5" bar with no holes (fig 1, item 3)
     - The front side bars are flanged 5 3/8" bars with no holes (fig 1, item 4)
     - The back side bars are plain 2 3/8" bars

2) Assemble the sides:
     - Attach the front 10" side bars (fig 2, item 1)
     - Attach the rear 4 1/2" PS side bar with 2 holes (fig 2, item 2)
     - Attach the rear 4 1/2" HD side bar with 3 holes (fig 2, item 3)
     - Attach the rear 20 1/2" crossing bar with no holes (fig 2, item 4)

3) Assemble the top:
     ** Important:  Connect the 5 parts listed below all as one piece, then join them to the main assembly.  If you don't, you will see why
     - Attach the 20.5" GPU bar with the side 10" bars (fig 3, item 1 & item 2)
     - Attach the rear 3.25" legs (fig 3, item 3)
     - Attach the Top to the rest of the assembly


4) Install motherboard standoffs into tapped holes (make sure you tapped them!)
5) Install components (Hard drive, PS, MB, GPUs)
6) fist pump, mine coins






Full Disclosure:  Yes, I do sell this identical design on eBay, so no, I did not steal the SSI design you may see there, I created it .  If you are interested in purchasing it, search for "black open air mining frame", and you will see the SSI mining frame.

If you build one of these, please post pics in this thread, I would love to see them!



If you feel like this guide was worth anything to you, feel free to send a satoshi my way, I wont reject it
LTC LgfQG3HnE5xyjCpdc792seNv1R5arvjptd