Personal Rig Update 2012 Part 4 - Final Disassembly and Pondering Paint Options Linus Tech Tips

In this Personal Rig Update, Linus walks through the early stages of a major hardware refresh focusing on cosmetic updates and functional planning. He explains that the internals of the case will be stripped and powder coated in a chemical bath locally, detailing the expected costs and the process of sending parts to Mountain Mods for matching the internal finish. The update emphasizes creating a uniform black interior by stripping and re-coating components that were previously left in a natural aluminum color, and he discusses potential future tweaks such as widening the back gap for cable routing and rethinking the mid-plate water cooling layout. Linus considers several powder coating and plating options, including copperhead block plating, nickel removal, and gold plating, weighing the tradeoffs between finish quality and future upgrade flexibility. He also contemplates whether to repaint the outer chassis, with options ranging from automotive paint finishes to color-changing schemes, and notes the likelihood of needing to revisit the case design to minimize the need for future powder coating. The update ends with a note that most of the case pieces are apart and that he will begin a trial build to validate cable management and cooling routes, while humorously contending with an awkward bracket removal moment and reaffirming the plan to keep viewers posted as progress continues. Overall, this video blends hands-on planning with candid reflections on how the visual and physical aspects of the build influence long-term maintenance and upgrade potential.

Topics · technology · DIY & Modding · Computers