Do’s and dont’s when you build your own computer case (5594 hits)
Category: GraphicsRating: 1.45 on 76 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by fluff (View user info) at 2005-11-26 13:11:05 EST
The true story of my old computer.
After successfully completing my studies some two years ago, there was a lot of spare time to waste, and after a while I got utterly bored. You know how it is. 3 weeks of absolutely no productivity at all and you start to think about yourself and life in general, which sometimes can lead to a slight depression. That's not the way to go. So...
Having made up my mind the decision was to be creative; don't ask me how I got the idea of building my own computer case (too much puter/internet maybe?), but I suddenly was red-hot for my new brainchild, went to the next second hand shop and bought this gorgeous old Philips transistor radio, which by the way was still working at the time.
In the top compartment it had a cute small turntable, complete with a few nostalgic gramophone records (volksmusik style; so no tears to be shed for them). If you have never seen a machine like this you have missed something. The most fascinating part is by far this little glowing transistor forefront which shows if you have focussed perfectly on the station of desire. Sadly I couldn't incorporate this tube because the voltage needed doesn't nearly fit the PSU's outlets, and I am not enough into electronics to build a converter. Enough said let's go.
My heart almost broke when I had to tear the innards of this beautiful radio apart, but it had to be done in order to obtain my ambitious goal of filling its case with my old computer. Up to this point I had no idea of how many difficulties there were to be conquered. They tended to show up, each time I touched a screwdriver or even by looking at the empty framework. I found one problem after the other and they multiplied exponentially with solutions found. But you won't ever make it without trying right?
So I cut, drilled, grinded and bent metal frames for the different components just to find out, that the one just finished was obstructed by the others I already had screwed and glued into this box of desperation. I aligned the UV lights to spec but they were obstructing the DVD drive. The case for the HD's, which I cut out of an old rack, fitted perfectly but no place for the cabling. Sterical hindrances all over the place. If there's one thing I've learned here, it is to make a plan first. Go and measure EVERYTHING before you start with the Dremel. And before you start using power tools get some goggles and gloves (after I cut half of my finger off and almost blinded myself with high velocity grinding disc parts I converted from being cool to being safe). Believe me.
And another thing you will have to trust me on. Make the right choice of modding components, such as lights, fans and fancy LCD screens. Buy premium quality stuff only. Some of the lights broke soon after installing. And unless you have a real elaborate construction plan, you will never be able to exchange parts once all is in place... And NEVER buy LCD screens from noname-korean companies. They have instructions you will not understand and are generally utter crap. I burnt my VLS after connecting its data interface with the 12V line. The connectors absolutely look alike and are not referenced in the manual.
Finally after 2 weeks, many many lost nerves, a lot of sweat and blood it was finished. Sort of, because there are still some things I wanted to do but, well...
Note: The bottom picture shows my replacement for the tuning transistor. It's a little wide-angle spyhole through which you can peek and find out all about the secret life of my flashy new radio.
My new living room deco:
User Reviews
Submitted by rorrim (user info) at 2007-04-13 09:03:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Great shit. Consider it plagiarized !
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2007-02-17 19:29:13 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by nya_nyo (user info) at 2006-09-21 15:55:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
suck a dick
Submitted by Bob_Dole (user info) at 2006-09-03 15:16:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Bob Dole feels that the mod contains high levels of coolness.
Submitted by BobLobla (user info) at 2006-09-03 14:10:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by DirtyDoubleEntendre (user info) at 2006-06-10 18:38:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by moneyshotforyou (user info) at 2006-06-02 15:00:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I want one.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2006-06-02 14:31:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
For no reason.
Submitted by leilani (user info) at 2006-03-23 18:24:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
whoa cool.
Submitted by Nobb (user info) at 2005-12-26 16:35:17 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-12-06 14:53:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Well ets; I really consider doing it. It would be a dream having come true... I like the technical part and allthemore the aesthetics of the whole thing. Getting cases is no problem, but establishing a good system is tricky. believe me. I thought it was easy and could be acomplished via logic when I've started to build mods. That is the difficulty of it and at the same time it's the beautyful thing if you like the manual work.
Thank you all for the positive feedback...
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-12-06 12:06:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Method and I are right. You really should do some research and development on the ATX design and try to come up with something you could retrofit to any similarly-sized vintage piece of equipment.
The trick is to come up with some kind of standard structure you can simply insert into a gutted shell without too much modification of the shell itself.
You could find all your chassis needs at old rummage sales and flea markets and auctions and yard sales. Most of this old equipment is not very expensive if you know where to look. Hell, some people even throw this shit out or let it collect dust in the attic. That's a shame. Some of the older vintage styles are pieces of modern art, and should be appreciated as such.
This is just another way of being able to do that while at the same time getting some practical use out of it.
You've sumbled upon what could very well be an opportunity to work for yourself - be your own boss - and make some money.
You shouldn't pass that up.
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2005-12-06 11:48:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
sparkly.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-12-06 11:29:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
pretty cool.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2005-12-06 11:20:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Nice!
Submitted by Jimmo (user info) at 2005-12-06 11:06:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Very nice. Well done.
Submitted by FartSmeller (user info) at 2005-12-06 10:59:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
auto +2 for being a geek.
I like how the dude below is ON THE INTERNET talking shit about someone being a geek.
Submitted by Boondock (user info) at 2005-12-06 00:19:47 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Auto -2 for being a geek.
Submitted by Adereterial (user info) at 2005-12-05 18:37:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That's so seriously cool.
If I had any money I'd be commissioning you right now... I have an old radio I love which no longer works and would be perfect for something like that. But I have no money, so I have to settle with the black and silver HP have decided fits with all interior decor. Yuck.
Submitted by CanucksFan (user info) at 2005-12-05 18:19:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Then don't look at it.
You really think this is my main name?
Submitted by HighVoltage900 (user info) at 2005-12-02 09:52:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
For the final result. It actually looks really sweet. When I'm bored I just play Halo, maybe next time you should follow my example and not waste the energy.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-12-02 09:35:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Yes that was over half a year ago, and I wouldn't even have noticed you If you hadn't done the same. Then I decided to let it go and rated your two actual posts accordingly. Good I thought; matter setteled. Unfortunately you just keep on posting links. What else can I do but to -2 contentless posts? That's the whole point of uber. And this wasnt at all retaliatory anymore.
But you little stupid boy don't seem to realise that you just post crap do you? (And I'm not the only one with this opinion.
Submitted by CanucksFan (user info) at 2005-12-01 20:26:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
would you fuck off?
stop going to my posts if you dont like them
you're the one who gave me all -2's for no fucking reason at all
Submitted by CanucksFan (user info) at 2005-11-30 11:49:08 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Dont: Post anymore
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2005-11-28 17:54:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Here's your Merit Badge - you're an UberGeek now, son!
Submitted by matnotharry (user info) at 2005-11-27 18:33:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
nice one
Submitted by precision (user info) at 2005-11-27 18:12:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Have you thought about entering one of the case mod contests?
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2005-11-27 08:46:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Nicely done.
Submitted by Barnymeinhoff (user info) at 2005-11-27 08:25:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
genius
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2005-11-27 04:44:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Haha.
Awesome!
Submitted by pandora (user info) at 2005-11-27 01:53:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Wow, that is beautiful.
Submitted by damage.com (user info) at 2005-11-26 23:10:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Gorgeous work! Congratulations!
Submitted by Nator (user info) at 2005-11-26 21:24:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That's kinda cool, but it doesn't take away the fact it makes you a humongous nerd.
Submitted by nate (user info) at 2005-11-26 16:06:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
No Comment
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2005-11-26 15:56:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Excellent job! You can buy DC-DC converters with many choices of
input and output voltages. The limiting factor will be the
output capability of your PSU.
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2005-11-26 15:55:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
holy shit! that is fooking awesome!
Submitted by MrSparkle847 (user info) at 2005-11-26 15:27:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
As much as I hate to quote Paris Hilton, that's hot.
Submitted by The_Yellow_Dart (user info) at 2005-11-26 15:07:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
so cool
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:45:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
email me your AIM name so I can add you
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:44:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
sure thing
method373.at.gmail.com or on AIM - method373
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:43:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Btw Method: I love that conversation. Can I contact you somehow online?
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:42:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Tre cool.
(sorry to break up the conversation below)
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:41:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
eh, no one said it was going to be easy to do this, but if you've got the patience, you could make some good money.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:39:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
errrrr....1950's
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:38:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
don't mind about the streak. I don't! I love having constructive inputs!
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:37:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Well I totally agree to you. Really. But these radio cases from 1050 just don't get it right. bitches!
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:36:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
bah fucked up streak, my bad
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:36:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:34:59 (#)
Ranking: 0
You are right about ATX. That is constant and has been for years. But It doesnt apply to a transistor radio form factor...
Well, that's where your R&D comes in, and trial and error.
Submitted by Bob_Dole (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:36:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
excellent modding work!
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:35:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
you're way off, seriously. Once you get a good layout going as far as cabling and placement of components are concerned (of course that will take some R&D), the rest is just standard. The only reason cases change so often is because they're trying to make it easier for people to get in there and set things up themselves, and maximize airflow.
But they are ALL, and this is definite, ALL based on a certain form factor.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:34:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
You are right about ATX. That is constant and has been for years. But It doesnt apply to a transistor radio form factor...
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:31:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Just this excample: The vent on the cpu is pretty big. I couldnt get the ATX power cable around it. So I had to drill around the structure of my case with a router. Just because my PSU had to be on another place in the case as it normally would be. One word: STERICAL HINDRANCES. Why do you think all these MOBO and CASE manufacturers have so many problems finding a consensus?
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:29:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
ATX is ATX, brotha man, it doesn't change. I'm thinking you're wrong about that, but don't hold me to it. There ARE standards.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:26:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
well, as far as I know, form factor doesn't change that much. My atx motherboard from two years ago is the same size as this new one I just installed last night. Aside from the height of the cpu heatsink and fan, I don't see any difference. Maybe I'm wrong.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:26:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
LED's let me down first. some broke shortly, some glow still. The fans all work yet.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:24:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Method:
If you are the customer that puts its own hadware into such a "case" you make it your own.
Remember: I've bent, cut, drilled and grinded all metal supports myself. You have to do that with such a mod. Believe me. Nothing fits. Thats one streak of pain. No one will do that on their own. And MB's change, every bit of a form factor changes once a month. Slightly. No way a normal user can work that aout on his own. You will never be able to build a form factor-custom case.
I thought it was easy whaen I had the idea. But just forget it. You need one million tools an time and experience and fine motorical skills to do that.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:23:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This is how fortunes are made, bud. Don't let your talent sit idle.
Hell, you can even start off on ebay, selling what you make at your own pace, with no pressure of supply and demand.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:21:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't mean mass production on any grand scale, I mean getting into the flow of things and having a few standard designs at the beginning just to get things going, and then you can add new designs and requested custom setups (which you can charge a whole hell of a lot more for)
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:19:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yeah, and include some cool led fans and LED lights in the case, those are minimal risk.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:18:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
And by the way.
There is no such thing as mass production. Every case is different. Demands of modding components are far away from static (that's what you want: customer design right?), What about multimedia capabilities? You have to include each and every interface if demanded. Like an IR interface.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:17:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm not talking about the interior components, I'm talking about just the case itself. Just set it up, and let people put their own shit in (which will be what most people who are into this sort of thing will want to do anyway), and save you time and headaches for support. The only things you should install and support are the power supply; all the necessary cables come with a new mobo.
Fashion the layout off of an existing case (make it to ATX specs, screw holes, etc.) Once you've got that down pat, it'll be a fucking breeze to make a bunch of these per day.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:08:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Method:
There are some poblems. You are right; next tim I'll do a better job. And by better I mean more perfect. I've learned a lot and I got the skill. But how would you handle support? If a device fails in such a case you have got a big problem. You have to provide guarantee right? That means the desing should be VERY flexible. very very. You have to be able to exchange each and every device included. And that's difficult.
A few hundred bucks you say? make it 2500. components: 1200 at least. Work: 1 week for a semi pro at least. That's difficult... And if you fuck up? (I bet you will).
Submitted by Walker (user info) at 2005-11-26 14:04:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yes! *applause+
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:58:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Well, once you're set up to mass produce these fuckers to a degree, and you've practiced on a few, it'll go much quicker and cheaper (you won't fuck up as much), and you could sell a case like this for at least a couple of hundred bucks. People will go apeshit for this sort of thing, and you can create new designs at your leisure.
Sell em online, you'll make a killing. If you need help setting up an online store, you can ask either myself or any one of the uber dorks/nerds to set you up.
Submitted by nahnoneofit (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:58:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
bad ass
Submitted by Amy (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:51:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
wow
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:50:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Wow, what a beautiful machine. That's a project you can take much pride in.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:46:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Well... I thought of that. But such a mod won't come cheap. I'd say pre-order time 1 month, and with decent gear... what would one be willing to pay for that?
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:42:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You should build these and start a website to sell them. You could make a fortune.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:40:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Visionary. A thing of timeless beauty. I love vintage equipment.
Submitted by fluff (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:36:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Just another pile of info I haven't included in the post.
It's an AMD 1.4Ghz, ASUS A7M266 board, Nvidia Ti4200, 1G mem, 2 120G HD's
The buttons are rebuilt, rewired, painted black and control the MB and all lights. (That was tough to construct; I had to cut all the original buttons in half and constructed a new support with switches for them. Don't even ask how I glued them onto the switches. They still work after two years though)
Thanks for your positive feedback!
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:26:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It's cool as hell.
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:21:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That's absolutely fucking awesome.
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:21:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by c1ndy (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:13:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
cool. I love things like this.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-11-26 13:12:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
that's fucking awesome