Best Non-PC case to hack for a PC? S

[cheesehead]

I'm looking to put my next PC in a non-PC case, such as was made by SGI, Apple, or for IBM's PowerPC machines.

So far, my choices include:
-PowerMac G4. I'd likely replace the "G4" visible with the side with a "C2D".
-Apple iMac. They're bloody small, but if I can fit the innards inside, it's hard to argue with the portability.
-SGI O2 or Octane case. They're built like tanks, look awesome, and have a removable motherboard tray. Hopefully, my "Dremel-Fu" is sufficently strong.


Any other suggestions? NeXT's stuff is bleeping expensive, but supposed to be wonderful; Sun's stuff is generally somewhat "blah", but it's commonly availible.

 

[BladeVenom]

Make the case yourself. Something like a mini Cray-1 or 2 would look nice.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: BladeVenom
Make the case yourself. Something like a mini Cray-1 or 2 would look nice.

I'm working on a DIY case, but right now I'd prefer just to hack something else.

 

[ForumMaster]

i don't know how you'd be able to get a imac be a case. first, apple uses laptop motherboards for these computers plus the case is specialized for the computer. you'd have to hack a lot to get it to work unless you're talking about the older ones?

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
i don't know how you'd be able to get a imac be a case. first, apple uses laptop motherboards for these computers plus the case is specialized for the computer. you'd have to hack a lot to get it to work unless you're talking about the older ones?

Yes, the older ones - the "Fruity" CRT version. By removing the CRT and replacing it with an LCD, I'll save a ton of space.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Maximum PC featured a conversion of an older iMac of the type you mentioned, about six months back. Maybe you can order the back issue from them.

 

[cheesehead]

I bet I can figure it out. I'm well-versed in the use of aluminum and rivets to build things, so if the space is there, I can squash it in.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead
I bet I can figure it out. I'm well-versed in the use of aluminum and rivets to build things, so if the space is there, I can squash it in.

u cant fit a PC inside a imac case.
You can however fit a VIA ITX inside it. Or you can fit a micro P-M board inside it as well.

I wanted to build something small for my sis, so i just went the AOPEN route. The have a IMAC wanabe and its really tiny.

People have done G4's and all of them have been really creative in mounting the PSU. Your biggest problem.



If i was to do a complete DYI, i think i would make a Desk Case. Kinda like LL's but something where the desk is the computer case. This i think would be interesting and fun. It would be interesting on how to mount the opticals. But thats an idea.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: Cheesehead
I bet I can figure it out. I'm well-versed in the use of aluminum and rivets to build things, so if the space is there, I can squash it in.

u cant fit a PC inside a imac case.

Who says?

I recall seeing someone fit a mATX board inside an iMac. I can de-case the PSU, if necessary.

EDIT:

In the meantime: Other peoples' mac-to-PC mods!

G3 (almost identical to G4) case to PC conversion:
http://www.inventgeek.com/Projects/p4mac/Page2.aspx

SE3000 - A mac SE that is'nt!
http://users.adelphia.net/~attilaerika/index.html

I'm very, very tempted to try building a SE3000. It's hard to argue with the portability, and I bet I could shoehorn a small LCD monitor in there.

 

[aigomorla]

keyword is external... the imac is all internal.. the aopen is also internal. personally, anything that i have to do externally is more of a pain then a convenience. But good luck on your project, i still think an intigrated desk computer would be a better option. Maybe lay the LCD on the desk and have a sheet of plexiglass over it so it would like the desk that was on TRON a very long time ago.


Hell if u get bored u could always lay a checkered backgroud over it and play chess or checkers on top of the plexiglass 😛