PC modder Jeroen ter Horst has taken the Fractal Design Meshify S2 case to new heights with an expertly crafted custom build featuring a unique layout and distro plate. Let’s look deeper at the modifications and details of this one-of-a-kind gaming rig.
A Quest for a Fresh Design
Jeroen’s project began in early 2019 when he was happy with his PC’s performance but wanted a new look. He aimed to create a design that had not been seen before in the Meshify S2 case while still fitting at least two 360mm radiators for cooling.
Jeroen chose the Meshify S2 because he knew from previous experience modifying the similar Define S case that adding an extra front panel on the backside would be pretty straightforward. The total mesh panels on top would also provide excellent airflow.
An Unusual but Effective Airflow System
To highlight the unique dual radiator layout, Jeroen opted for a clean look with just the radiators on display and no fans mounted. Thanks to dual mesh front panels, moving the six intake fans to the sides of the radiators facing the front was possible for maximum cooling effectiveness.
The PSU pulls its fresh air from underneath while vents in the central compartment exhaust hot air with help from two top exhaust fans. Peak CPU and GPU temperatures during gaming max out at a cool 60°C, even with fans running slowly for a quiet build.
Moving the Motherboard to Center Stage
Relocating the motherboard from its standard position took a lot of work. Jeroen began by drawing the internal frame of the Meshify S2 case in CAD software to have exact measurements. He then could virtually test fitting all the hardware at different angles to find the optimal 45-degree placement for the two 360mm radiators.
From there, he designed a new internal frame of 2mm steel to fit into places via the top panel, minimizing case modifications. This allowed the motherboard and other components, like the GPU and PSU, to be arranged in an unusual but spacious central location.
Impeccable Cable Management
With nearly the entire build planned using 3D modelling software first, Jeroen took cable management very seriously. He experimented with sleeved cable samples to determine the best routing and 3D printed his cable combs. S
ome cables are routed towards the rear of the case, but the PSU remains between the radiators, as tight bends are impossible. A pocket behind the motherboard tray neatly hides all splitter cables. As seen in photos, the result is flawless cable routing that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Specs to Match the Stunning Build
To fully utilize the cooling capacity of the dual 360mm radiators, Jeroen chose high-end components like an Intel Core i7-6700K CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPU. The storage includes an M.2 SSD for rapid load times.
The coolant is the vibrant red EK-CryoFuel for a nice pop of colour. Even under full load during gaming, peak temperatures of the CPU and GPU max out at a respectable 60°C thanks to the efficient airflow and massive radiator surface area. Overall, the modified Meshify S2 case provides a one-of-a-kind showcase for these high-powered specs.
Enhanced Water Cooling with a Custom Distro Plate
A significant highlight is the custom water cooling loop, which utilizes a custom distro plate designed by Jeroen and fabricated using CNC machining. It sits behind the motherboard tray, provides a neat foundation for the full-cover water blocks, and neatly arranged soft tubing between the two angled 360mm radiators.
The distro plate is an impressive 35mm thick and made of acrylic with integrated liquid channels, O-ring grooves, and mounting points for a clean, seamless layout. It is a work of engineering married beautifully with aesthetic detail and quality fabrication.
Modifying the Meshify S2 – Planning and Patience Pays Off
This project showcased Jeroen’s meticulous planning and design process. He took over a year and a half to thoughtfully design the custom layout in CAD software before building.
This ensured there would be no restrictive issues fitting components in the case’s new dimensions or managing cables. While it required time and money for speciality parts, the result rewarded Jeroen with a one-of-a-kind gaming rig that maximizes cooling and emphasises the motherboard and its surrounding systems.
With creative thinking and engineering skills, even an existing case design can be reimagined with excellent results. Others inspired to modify their PCs now have a wonderful example to work towards.
Final Thoughts – An Expertly Crafted Masterpiece
In summary, Jeroen ter Horst’s modified Fractal Design Meshify S2 case showcases his passion and talents for PC modding. He crafted a unique system with superior cooling by redesigning the internal layout and incorporating a custom distro plate.
Every minute detail, from the impeccable cable management to the high-end components, was planned with great care. Modders and enthusiasts will appreciate seeing the case pushed to new levels through creative problem-solving and engineering.
It is an excellent example of what can be achieved with vision, patience, and expertise – attributes that Jeroen has demonstrated in abundance in this stunning custom build.
