This page shares how Mnpctech's Bill Owen built the ultimate water cooled Beige Sleeper PC.

Have you ever wanted to build the perfect Sleeper PC? Have you heard about them before, but thought piecing it all together sounded too daunting?

Well, look no further - with our groundbreaking guide, you'll be a pro at building your own Sleeper PC in no time!

Our revolutionary guide teaches you how to blend modern power and classic aesthetics, so your computer setup goes unnoticed while still providing maximum performance. Plus, we'll show you how to use watercooling components with stainless steel hardlines and a 480mm vertical radiator to ensure that your PC runs as quickly and quietly as possible.

These days, everyone wants their computer to fly under the radar yet still perform like beasts.

With our expert guidance in building the perfect Sleeper PC for both gaming and everyday tasks, we guarantee that won't be a problem.

So what are you waiting for? You've discovered the best guide for building the ultimate Sleeper PC – now get crafting!

 

The Inwin Q500 Server Tower is tall and intimidating in person.

Mnpctech is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to build a Sleeper or Stealth Gaming PC. Whether you're an experienced technician or just starting out in the world of building custom PCs, their guides will provide step-by-step instructions to designing and constructing your own personal gaming workstation. Their inventory also includes hp compac computer cases, such as Chieftec Chenming models, which allow gamers to equip their PCs with powerful hardware while ensuring they don't sacrifice on style. With Mnpctech's helpful insights and easy-to-follow plans, you can have the perfect gaming PC setup in no time!

Inwin Q500 Server Tower front I/O lacked inputs you see today that include headphones, microphone, and USB ports. 

Mnpctech is staying ahead of the curve with their build project that's combining the hot trend of sleeper PC and retro gaming PC build how-to guides for the PC building community. This build will bring together hardware from top brands like Intel, Gigabyte, EK, Alphacool, Barrow, Lian Li, Corsair, Aqua Computer, and Byski in order to create an impressively powerful beige box that looks akin to those of classics like Dell Computers or Gateway. Furthermore, they'll also offer build tricks commonly used by seasoned experts such as modding popular computer cases like Inwin's A1 Mini-ITX Chassis or Alienware's Aurora R7 mid-tower case in order to extend overclocking potential while still keeping it discreet.

Inwin Q500 Server Tower came with single 60mm and 80mm exhaust locations. The 80mm will be updated to 120mm size cooling fan.

Mnpctech is set out to build the ultimate Sleeper PC build in the PC building community. This build will be unlike anything else, featured with parts from EK, Alphacool, Barrow, Lian Li and more; even a water cooled system. With hardware like Intel's CPUs and Gigabyte's motherboards, this build isn't lacking in power or performance. It has many advantages over beige box builds from Dell, Gateway or Inwin such as Alienware and other pre-built gaming PCs. Many custom gamers are eager to see what Mnpctech can build - an intelligent, powerful Sleeper PC build that offers all the features of a retro gaming PC.

The Inwin Q500 Server Tower will have it's factory installed HDD and 5.25 bay cages removed to make room for 480mm crossflow radiator.

Mnpctech offers a comprehensive guide to building the perfect gaming PC. Not only do they provide detailed step-by-step instructions, they also offer advice on choosing parts like hp compac computers or Chieftec Chenming cases to suit every budget and aesthetic preference. With Mnpctech's help, anyone can build a sleek, modern system that packs powerful performance under the guise of an unassuming desktop - the ideal Sleeper or Stealth Gaming PC.

The Inwin Q500 Server slidding motherboard tray will be shortened to make room for vertically mounted 480mm darkside radiator. 

Have you ever thought of being able build sleeper and stealth gaming PCs? With the help of Mnpctech and his Retro Gaming PC, it is not only possible to build sleeper and stealth gaming PCs with hardline watercooling but also play all those classic DOS games. Witness the transformation of a rotting beige desktop PC into a gaming computer built with parts from Dell, topped off with breathtaking visuals all while remaining small enough to fit within your sleeper desk drawer. Follow along with Mnpctech as he brings out the best in this sleeper pc, elevating it to true graphics par excellence. Enjoy a step-by-step tutorial on how to turn that antiquated hunk of junk into something amazing!

The Inwin Q500 Server Tower is temporarily outfitted with gigabyte z490 motherboard and Corsair CX750F power supply.

Mnpctech is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to build a Sleeper or Stealth Gaming PC. Whether you're an experienced technician or just starting out in the world of building custom PCs, their guides will provide step-by-step instructions to designing and constructing your own personal gaming workstation. Their inventory also includes hp compac computer cases, such as Chieftec Chenming models, which allow gamers to equip their PCs with powerful hardware while ensuring they don't sacrifice on style. With Mnpctech's helpful insights and easy-to-follow plans, you can have the perfect gaming PC setup in no time!

Created height adjustable vertical radiator stand from electric motor mounts for the The Inwin Q500 Server Tower Sleeper PC build.

Introducing the How to Build Sleeper PC course by Mnpctech! Looking for a classic gaming setup that still brings the heat in performance? You won’t get more ‘90s throwback vibes than this dreamy PC build – you’ll instantly be transported back to the MS-DOS era. Traditional yet powerful, this vintage Beige Server Tower from ATX is the perfect framework for any newbie looking to master the art of building computer systems. Get ready to immerse yourself and experience that same sweet nostalgia as your finish your sleeper system, assembled and ready for those classic all-nighters. So what are you waiting for? Don’t dilly-dally – sign up to our course now so you can proudly display an iconic piece from gaming history in your own home.

Cut out 240mm / 2x120mm exhuast fan location in the top panel of The Inwin Q500 Server Tower with Jigsaw and 18 TPI cutting blade.

At Mnpctech, we have taken our love of classic gaming to a whole new level with the How to Build Sleeper PC series. We've hand-selected the ultimate ATX vintage Beige Server Tower, because everyone knows that those INWIN, HP and DELL beige computers are where fond memories of MS-DOS era gaming come from! It's finally time to put some love into building a customized rig that takes stealth gaming to the next level - no one will expect you're packing this kind of creative tech under the hood. Pulling up these old classics and dusting off our nostalgia is oh-so satisfying - don't miss out on your chance for some seriously unique PC building fun!

Updating the factory 80mm rear exhaust to 120mm size fan in the rear of Inwin Q500 Tower.  This makes big difference in moving out the warm air.

Do you want to be "instantly transported back decades in time" when building your Sleeper and Stealth PC build? Or do you just want the right old beige case that fits hand-in-glove with an ATX motherboard and video card layout? Then you need the best old beige case for building a Sleeper PC.

We understand that while some things never change, many things do – especially when it comes to technology. And so we have the right product for you - our ATX version old beige computer. It's here to make your retro chic dreams come true, without compromising on quality!

This unique product helps complete your Sleeper PC build like an ace in the hole. With plenty of drive bays for all your drives, fans, cards, etc., this case is ready for use as soon as you plug it in. So why bother using an AT Server Tower and face headaches due to incompatible parts? Go with what works and get the best old beige case for building a Sleeper PC!

Using the LENNOX brand 4.5" hole saw attachment on Milwaukee Hammer Drill to quickly cut larger 120mm exhuast fan. 

Having trouble finding the old beige computer case you need to build your dream Sleeper or Stealth PC? Look no further! With this classic ATX beige case, you’ll have all the necessary pieces of the puzzle. From converting the AT Server Tower to an ATX motherboard and video card layout — hassle-free — to creating a sleek and stealthy exterior for those night-time gaming sessions, this case will keep your build looking suave. Tired of those bulky modern cases that hog all the desk space? With its minimalistic design, this old beige case is sure to fit all your style — AND size — needs. Plus, it looks as good as gold! So why wait? Get your hands on the best old beige case available today and get started building your ultimate Sleeper or Stealth PC—you won’t regret it!

Freshly cut 120mm rear exhuast fan modification to the mighty The Inwin Q500 Server Tower for this ground breaking Sleeper PC build.

In the gaming world, looks can be deceiving. We present to you the ultimate Sleeper Gaming PC; it looks like an ordinary vintage desktop computer but don't let that fool you! Inside this retro beauty is a powerhouse packed with modern gaming gear. Boom—looks like someone's ready to take the gaming world by storm!

We've taken our time and dedication to show you how we built this incredible machine, in all its watercooled, stainless steel glory. You'll receive detailed instructions on how to customize a 480mm vertical radiator within your own case. Say goodbye to overheated PCs and get ready for optimal performance with just one look! This sleek, stylish creation takes your gaming setup from 0-100 real quick; it's time to experience VR in an entirely new way.

So why wait? With the best guide for building Sleeper PCs at your fingertips, you can experience amazing gaming power with aesthetic appeal that will have envy outnumbering the pixels on your screen!

Here are the product links for installing larger 120mm cooling fan in your own Sleeper PC build.

Buy Four PC Fan Anti-Vibration Rubber Grommets.

Buy Four PC Fan Mounting Screws.

Buy Black Rubber U-Channel Trim Molding.

Buy Chrome 120mm PC Wire fan Grill & Guard.

 

 

Mnpctech fan silencing grommets and Black rubber u-channel trim installed in the 240mm fan cout outs in the Inwin Q500 Beige Sleeper PC build.

Heres the link to the 240mm custom radiator AIO cpu cooler grill we decided for the top of our Beige Retro Sleeper PC build from Mnpctech. It was top coated with the Montana GOLD paint.

Mnpctech fan silencing grommets before being installed in the vintage Inwin Q500 Beige Sleeper PC build.

Close-up of Mnpctech Black rubber u-channel trim installed in the rear of the Inwin Q500 Beige Sleeper Tower PC build.

Mnpctech Black rubber u-channel trim installed in the rear of the Inwin Q500 Beige Sleeper Tower PC build.

Mnpctech fan silencing grommets and Black rubber u-channel trim installed in the rear of the Inwin Q500 Beige Sleeper Tower PC build.

Cutting lower portion of the 5.25 Optical drive bay. This will allow vertically mounting 360mm radiator in the Inwin q500 Server case.

Lower portion of the 5.25 Optical drive bay has been cut to allow the 360mm radiator to fit the Inwin q500 vertically. This will allow cooling of both the 12900k Intel cpu and 3080ti gpu that will be chosen for this ultimate Sleeper PC build.

 

Brought out Mnpctech's Stage 2 case floor stand & vertical gpu holder bracket to test fitment and mounting locations in this vintage Inwin q500 server tower for my 1st Sleeper PC Build. 

I've installed this 10" touchscreen HDMI display screen in my Inwin q500 Sleeper PC Build. This will display the system stats with Aida64 software.

 

Look at the backside of this Sleeper PC build in the hard to find Inwin q500 ATX Server case tower. You can see the location of the EK 360mm crossflow radiator on custom made vertical floor stand and Corsair CX750F that will have custom sleeved cables. 

Went to Dick Blick on 1/28/23 to buy Montana GOLD White #S9100 and Montana GOLD White Cream #S9110 for touching up the Inwin Beige case panels I'll be using Montana GOLD Strawberry for painting the Inwin PC chassis and hardware. 

Montana GOLD Strawberry is being used to paint the 360mm radiator in the Inwin PC chassis and hardware. This paint will be scuffed and cleared with DEADFLAT clear coat to mute the color.  

Montana GOLD Strawberry with dusting of Rustoleum Brick Red on the chassis of the vintage Inwin q500 Server Tower I bought from vintage PC hardware collector in California. The 360mm radiator was also painted with the same matching color scheme.   

 

Three Panaflo L1A 120mm fans for the 360mm radiator mounted vertically in this vintage Inwin Q500 Server tower had their frames custom painted to match the overall new color theme for this Ultimate Water Cooled Beige Sleeper PC by Mnpctech.

This is my step by step guide to using stainless steel for your hard line tubing when PC water cooling. I chose this type of tubing because it's evocative of the fuel and brake lines used in street performance and racing cars. I really like the look and challenge of using something different than mainstream tubing like flexible or PETG. It's a perfect match to my vintage Sleeper PC Case Mod and Build. 

Advantages of Stainless Steel Hard Line Tubing:

Bright metallic finish is aesthetically pleasing. It doesn't absorb dirt, smudges, fingerprints or scuffs, making maintenance very easy. The biggest advantage to using stainless for PC water cooling is it's corrosion resistant properties, so you can use distilled water in your water cooling loop. It also resists bacteria and germs making it ideal choice for hygiene-conscious environments, hospitals and medical care centers.

Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Hard Line:

Costs more than traditional flexible tubing for PC water cooling which covers Acrylic, PETG, and flexible tubing. Stainless steel requires specialized tools that include a hacksaw with bi-metal cutting blade, hand files and deburr tool. You must deburr the edges of the tubing to avoid slicing into rubber o-rings for your compression fittings. It also requires a specialty bending tool, like a hand pipe or mandrel bender. The tightest radius bend you can get with 1/2" OD in 0.035" wall thickness is 1-1/2" which isn't small enough for PC liquid cooling, so you have to get inventive with your bends or type of fittings. This size stainless steel tubing also works with 13mm OD compression fittings.

I recommend the 600 series bender by Rigid Tool, or Imperial brand tube benders, these are the lowest cost.

Type of stainless tubing I'm using for PC water cooling is T-304/304L, Seamless Tube in 0.5" x 0.035" x 0.43"

Tools & Supplies Used in this Stainless Steel Tubing PC Loop Guide:

*RIGID 600 Series Tubing Bender.

*Table Vise with Terry Cloth towel, to avoid scratching tubing.

*Micro Hand File for Deburring Stainless Tubing For PC Water Cool Loop.

*Hacksaw with Bi-Metal Cutting Blade.

*Bench Table top grinder.

*50 grit sand paper.

 

On 3/13/23, I finsihed installation of the hardline stainless steel tubing on the Inwin q500 Sleeper PC build. While working on the custom gaming PC build, I brainstored ideas to make this a video series on my Youtube channel for how to guides on custom PC case mods. It's been going strong since 2005! 

Everyone asks "How are you cooling your system in this old computer case that has no ventilation?" In the photo above you see four of the six 120mm Panaflo L1-A fans that will be cooling the Sleeper PC build. They feature 3.30 mmh20 Static Pressure rating, which is ideal for all PC radiators.

PANAFLO NMBT MAT MATSUSHITA FBA12G12L 120MM SLEEPER PC COOLING FAN SPECS FOR SLEEPER PC BUILDS.

• 3.30 mmh20 Static Pressure rating for PC Radiators 

• Quiet 30 dBA hydro-wave 120mm bearing case fan.

• 4 pin motherboard connector.

• 68.9 cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Build Ultimate Water Cooled Beige Sleeper PC With Stainless Tubing Loop.