Question Anyone here ever built a board/wall'puter ?

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

For quite a long time, I've thought about building a computer, mounting it on a piece of maple board, and hanging it up on my wall. I've never actually done this, but I think about it.

Have any of you ever built a case-less computer like this before? How did it work out?

 

[OlyAR15]

I thought about it before, but didn't go through with it since accessing the ports would be a real pain. Yeah, you can use hubs and extension cables, but I figure that is only adding extra failure points, plus some peripherals don't seem to like hubs.

 

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

Hmm, I was thinking about hanging it on the wall, above and behind where I already have the monitor, like some framed piece of art. The connectors would be roughly another 6 inches back, and maybe 14 inches higher than they are right now, so I doubt I would need any extension cables.

 

[OlyAR15]

The hub wouldn't be because of the increased cable length required, it would be for ease of access. If you don't regularly plug/unplug usb peripherals, or change monitors, etc., then the added hassle of accessing both the front and back ports of your pc may not bother you too much. Just need to set everything up from the beginning. I guess it also depends on how large your desk is. But the thought of, for example, plugging in a usb drive into something mounted behind my desk, or a gamepad, made me quickly dismiss that idea.

Also, the idea of displaying my PC's internals just doesn't appeal to me. I had a case with tempered side window and internal LEDs, and it did nothing for me. The only use was being able to keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir. Otherwise IMO its a waste of time. But hey, everyone's different. If you like it, then go for it.

 

[killster1]

The hub wouldn't be because of the increased cable length required, it would be for ease of access. If you don't regularly plug/unplug usb peripherals, or change monitors, etc., then the added hassle of accessing both the front and back ports of your pc may not bother you too much. Just need to set everything up from the beginning. I guess it also depends on how large your desk is. But the thought of, for example, plugging in a usb drive into something mounted behind my desk, or a gamepad, made me quickly dismiss that idea.

Also, the idea of displaying my PC's internals just doesn't appeal to me. I had a case with tempered side window and internal LEDs, and it did nothing for me. The only use was being able to keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir. Otherwise IMO its a waste of time. But hey, everyone's different. If you like it, then go for it.

well if you had some cool watercooling and it actually looked like abstract art OK.. i have my Pc as a Nuc strapped to teh back of a bigscreen, adding usb is annoying but i just use a networked hub that is close to the mouse. Or of course some long extension for usb since it doesn't effect the performance. (at least i never noticed and have been using usb extensions for a LONG time for wifi antenna's vR headsets etc)

 

[dlerious]

I've seen a few using the Thermaltake Open Frame cases. Pauls Hardware was going to build one using wood - not sure if he has yet. Bitwit has one behind him in this video at 12 seconds in.

 

[dlerious]

Here's the video of his wall mount.

 

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

The hub wouldn't be because of the increased cable length required, it would be for ease of access. If you don't regularly plug/unplug usb peripherals, or change monitors, etc., then the added hassle of accessing both the front and back ports of your pc may not bother you too much. Just need to set everything up from the beginning. I guess it also depends on how large your desk is. But the thought of, for example, plugging in a usb drive into something mounted behind my desk, or a gamepad, made me quickly dismiss that idea.

Also, the idea of displaying my PC's internals just doesn't appeal to me. I had a case with tempered side window and internal LEDs, and it did nothing for me. The only use was being able to keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir. Otherwise IMO its a waste of time. But hey, everyone's different. If you like it, then go for it.

I agree - I have no interest in clear sides to watch fancy flashing lights, etc. However, it would be sort of convenient to have direct access for upgrading RAM, etc. It might seem a little louder than usual, though.

 

[KentState]

Another option is a desk computer. If your monitors are mounted on stands, you would be able to open the top without much effort to get to the components.

 

[aigomorla]

yeah i seen some people do it with the thermaltake P5, using heavy duty HDTV mounts designed for 80+ inches.

Remember a PC not watercooled can get about 30lbs fully built.
With a custom watercooling solution, it can go even more that. as copper gpu blocks and brass/copper radiators can weigh a lot depending on how large in size you goto.

The key note is how much weight its going to be and planning the proper HDTV mount to use, as the P5 has native mounts on the underside.

My take tho... i would never do it.
Why? simple ... Dust... PC's are in general Dust magnets because they generate EM fields.
So dust bunnies love to collect, not to mention you got fans running all the time on PC, and most of the wall mount cases lack anything close to a filter.

In the end its not worth it.... unless you really have something special to show off with like a holographic Hatsune Miku / Megurine Luka doing there dance inside your PC like this:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=190026905226064

The case mod i believe is called snowblind...

However there is a real professional display called the "looking glass display". that ive seen some modders incorporate in some insane projects.

I so want a looking glass display... but they cost 4000 dollars if you can even get one.