DIY Master Builds Ultimate AMD Rig with 3D Printed Case
In a world where off-the-shelf solutions often dominate, one tech enthusiast, Nate, has taken a decidedly hands-on approach to his latest $5,000 AMD-powered tech upgrade. Instead of opting for a conventional PC case, Nate turned to his 3D printer, crafting a unique and stunning enclosure that has garnered significant admiration. This project, part of a larger series where team members receive ultimate tech upgrades courtesy of AMD, showcases Nate’s ingenuity and passion for custom builds.
A 3D Printed Masterpiece
The centerpiece of Nate’s upgrade is undoubtedly the PC case, which he 3D printed himself. The result is a visually striking enclosure that, according to the reviewer, is so well-executed that one wouldn’t know it was 3D printed without close inspection. This DIY ethos extends beyond the PC case, as Nate also fabricated a router spindle and is working on a CNC router table, demonstrating a commitment to building rather than buying.
The Heart of the Beast: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
At the core of Nate’s new gaming and home server rig is the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This CPU is lauded for its exceptional gaming performance, making it a top-tier choice for enthusiasts. The reviewer highlights that the 9800X3D is nearly the best AMD offers for gaming, with only the 9850X3D surpassing it. This powerful processor isn’t just for gaming, though; Nate plans to leverage its capabilities for a robust home NAS (Network Attached Storage) setup.
Building a Home NAS
Nate’s vision extends to creating a secure and private home NAS to store precious family photos, ensuring they never touch the cloud. For this, he’s equipped the system with four new 8TB WD Red Plus drives, opting for two different brands to mitigate any potential binning issues. The NAS will run TrueNAS, a popular and powerful open-source operating system for storage systems. The entire NAS unit is also housed in a 3D-printed chassis, complete with ventilation and drive sleds, further emphasizing Nate’s custom approach.
The Router Table Project
Adding another layer to Nate’s DIY ambitions is his router table project. He’s integrated a powerful 3.2 kW, 24,000 RPM spindle, powered by an inverter controlled by a Raspberry Pi 5 compute module. This setup is designed for woodworking tasks, including furniture making and even acting as a jointer to achieve perfectly flat and 90-degree edges. While the full functionality of the router table couldn’t be demonstrated during filming, the spindle’s impressive operation was showcased, sounding like a miniature spaceship.
A Custom Fit: Navigating PC Building Challenges
The PC build process itself wasn’t without its hurdles, even for an experienced builder like Nate. A critical issue arose with an extra standoff in the 3D-printed case, which interfered with the motherboard installation. Nate’s solution? Carefully cutting the standoff down to size, a testament to his problem-solving skills. The build also involved integrating 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a generous 4TB of NVMe storage, alongside a 3900X CPU repurposed from his old desktop for the NAS server.
AMD’s Continued Support
This series of tech upgrades is made possible by AMD’s sponsorship, which has been extended for another year. This ongoing partnership promises more exciting deep dives into the custom builds of the team, including future upgrades for other members like Luke. The collaboration highlights AMD’s commitment to supporting creative builds and enthusiast communities.
Who Should Care?
This build is a dream for DIY enthusiasts, 3D printing hobbyists, and anyone who appreciates a deeply personalized tech setup. Gamers looking for top-tier performance will be interested in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, while those interested in home data storage will find the NAS build inspiring. The project also appeals to makers and woodworkers who understand the value of custom-machined components.
Availability and Pricing
The core components of Nate’s upgrade include the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU. While specific pricing for the entire $5,000 upgrade isn’t itemized, the CPU itself typically retails around $400-$500. The 3D-printed case parts would have cost a nominal amount in filament, plus the $12 cost for the downloaded models from Printables. The four 8TB WD Red Plus drives would add a significant cost, likely in the range of $150-$200 each. The Prusa MK4 printer used for the case parts is a high-end consumer 3D printer, often retailing for over $1,000.
Specs & Key Features
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- CPU for NAS: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (repurposed)
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX B550-A Gaming
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage (PC): 4TB NVMe SSD
- Storage (NAS): 4 x 8TB WD Red Plus HDDs (RAID Z1 configuration)
- Case: Custom 3D Printed
- CPU Cooler (NAS): Stock AMD Wraith Prism (repurposed)
- Router Spindle: 3.2 kW, 24,000 RPM
- 3D Printer: Prusa MK4
- NAS OS: TrueNAS
The article also mentions a giveaway for 10 AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs, details of which can be found via a link in the video description.
Source: He 3D Printed a case instead of buying one? – AMD $5000 Ultimate Tech Upgrade (YouTube)
