Geb's ProjectorPC Build

[ttsgeb]

Ok, so to continue the hilarious progression of my computer update, I'm building this thread.

This is the case:

It will need a few modifications to make it suitable for a pc case.
I need to get all the bits and bobs out of this part:

It will be my base.


So I started working on it...

That part was stupid and brittle, and I'm going to build the bottom from scratch because *Can'tSayThisOnTV* yeah, science.

crossposted here: http://forums.shockslayer.com/viewtopic ... 4861#p4861

 

[ttsgeb]

Project or PC Build?

So, I've been working on the design of the new part. Should be pretty simple to do.

I don't want to have to use exclusively thick ass metal for this, so I'm going to be making some stamps to be able to reinforce thin sheet steel with.

If I do this right, it will be a very nice quality case.

I plan to put in removable trays for the motherboard, 2 2.5'' hdds, and 2 3.5'' hdds. I also want to put in a cross brace for the video card, not that it's really needed.

That I'm having to build a new bottom for the shell also gives me a lot more freedom vertically. I can make the case about an inch taller and it still look good, and that will really make a difference for wire management and air flow.

So far, the materials are at some scrap wood, a bit of angle steel, 1''*4'*3/16'' steel bar, and a large sheet of like 1/16'' steel.
Throw in some standoffs and screws, I'll probably end up spending $50-$100 on the case... BUT... I'll hopefully have the tools to be able to make custom computer cases in the future. Since I'm making the stamp for free forming things, I'll be able to make custom console shells that are, well, serviceable. And Metal. Because Metal is good.

All you need to know is the only reason a case is important is airflow.

You've been to my place. You know that's not true.

But yeah, airflow is being planned for. I will have right angle cables and clips to keep the wires low down. The video card will be in the middle of the case, sort of partitioning things. The mobo and CPU will effectively have their own airflow, while the GPU, HDDs and PSU share one. The Mobo stream will flow straight across, the GPU,HDD,and PSU will come in next to the video card, bounce off/filter through the HDD cage, and come out the PSU. It's not the most efficient cooling thing ever, but it should do a much better job than just hoping that shoving 3 or 4 fans in there makes everything ok.

Also of note: I'll be designing this cage to potentially hold a normal sized mobo... but I'll be using a MiniITX. The Mobo tray will be made for the MiniITX board. If I feel that it stays cool enough with smaller components, and will actually fit a normal mobo, I'll build a new tray and worry about that at a later time. Ah the benefits of removable mobo trays.

 

[ttsgeb]

I've ordered the first batch of parts and gotten most of the materials to build the case.

I also a tool thing that will make doing things more fun.

I mean, yeah, I still have to finish painting it, and drill some holes, and fasten the bits to things... but I'm excited.

 

[Ishwhale]

You used an awful lot of paint.

 

[ttsgeb]

I don't know what you're talking about....




It wasn't painted to look pretty it was painted to slow down rusting. I really didn't try. Like... at all. I used the $0.93 spraypaint for it and everything.

I promise next time I paint something, it will be prettier.

 

[Ishwhale]

'Twas more of a joke than anything

 

[ttsgeb]

Some of the parts came in today, and I did a bit of work on the Mobo Tray.

The tool worked exactly as I intended. WOOT... Would have worked better if I had thought about the whole "I can't see through metal" thing.

I ordered screws, washers, and standoffs today. They should be here around Friday. When that arrives, I can really get going on the assembly.


I put the parts in a temp case so I can get something up and running while I'm building this.
They're so adorable.

Still waiting on the RAM before I can power it on, but I've already set up most everything else. I'll have to pull the HDD out of my laptop and install windows through USB on one of the partitions when I first build it, but that shouldn't be too big a deal.

 

[laingsoft]

Either that case is hilariously huge, or that motherboard is impressively small.

 

[ttsgeb]

The mobo is adorably small.