Building a new case

[Mandin62]

I am thinking of building my own case. The material is what I am wondering about I was thinking of a Plexiglas case as it would be light as well as clear so you could see everything. My second thought was wood. I nice hardwood. It would be heavy but I think it would like amazing. Some of my friends think I am crazy and that wood would be make it really hot inside. I don?t think so. I will have fans and water cooling so I don?t think heat will be a problem. I like the idea of a wood case because
1. Its kinda original
2. I could make it the exact way I want it.
3. It would look really cool.
4. Because it should be really quite as it is thicker then regular aluminum cases.

If you guys could weigh in on this I would really appreciate it. And if anyone has a wood case if you could let me know what kinda of pros and cons you have found that would be really cool too.

 

[Zepper]

I don't consider my system too loud any more as I have finally stopped using my old 10k SCSI drives. Barely a whisper in the background. But then, I'm not one of those SPCR noise-nazis...

If you do go with wood and want it to be quiet, use a high-density particle board (such as used in speaker cabinets) and cover that with a nice veneered plywood for looks. Or you might be able to get a pre-veneered, high-density particle board, again like they use in better speaker cabinets. You could build it around the stripped frame of a regular case so you'll have proper mountings for the components and at least some grounding metal.

.bh.

 

[Vogel515]

Hah, I remember hearing about people doing this... here are a few articles:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article237-page3.html
http://www.overclockers.com/tips1233/index02.asp

and a bunch here: http://www.neatorama.com/case-mod/index.php#wood

 

[Mandin62]

Ok, well those cases are different; they are nothing that I would want to claim as my own creation. I was thinking something of a much higher quality. I was planning on using a hardwood not particle board. I don?t like it and well I don?t think it would work very well for supporting computer hardware. I was thinking of making a case that would be original and eye catching. Not just a cabinet with a computer in it. Thanks for the input. I have a lot of work to do so I should get started.

 

[Zepper]

Hardwood looks great but it is hardwood and not as good at damping sound as HD particle board. The veneered stuff looks like hardwood.

.bh.

 

[WoodButcher]

Salvage!
I used a slide out mobo tray from one case drive cage from an old dell, wire brushed it all w a coat of wax it looks new. I also used front panel audio / usb/ and switches from old cases. Aluminum plate and acrylic for side panels and hard drive mountings. Glass top and oak frame. Pics are in this post.

 

[Mandin62]

The reason for I think hardwood would be better is i think it would be much easier to work with. Particle board, in my experience has not been the greatest for strength or the easiest to work with. I think hardwood would be much more forgiving when it comes to routering, dadoing, drilling and all the other stuff that I would need to do to make a case. I understand how it will not be the best for noise but i am planning on insulating and dampening pretty much everything that I can. Hard drives, optical, fans ect.

If i am wrong about the particle board please let me know so i dont start this thing and find out its going to suck. Particle board has come along way when it comes to looks and durability but as far as work ability i am still not convinced.

WoodButcher: Nice case. Not quite what i was thinking but still nice. I was thinking with going with a more traditional Mid-Tower design but with a much different design on the inside then i have seen before. I am in the process of drafting my design. But its going I know its going to be Mid-Tower ish. My concern now is that i know this is going to cost alot as I will have to upgrade my water cooling solution to get an idea of what the final product is going to look like and as you may remember, in my other post, that is not somehthing i am looking forward too. Thanks for the pics. That is the system running your Commando?

 

[WoodButcher]

That is the system running your Commando?

yes,
I used the thermochill 120x3 w/ 6 fans and the radiator shrouds. I can def recommend this rad and I think 3 fans would be more than enough.
I don't know your background in woodworking so please forgive me if I step on toes or stick my foot in my mouth. In case-building from toolboxes to kitchen cabinets, expansion and contraction due to heat, humidity and finishes are your biggest prob.
The ****** board zepper speaks of is about the best for stability. You can miter all the corners or use edge banding and if you finish all sides it is durable. I hate it and avoid it like the plague. 7 ply veneer plywood is my preference.
If you decide to use solid boards, my favorite, plan on movement!!! Make raised panels, they don't have to be raised but must be made with rail and style construction. A 1 x 12 oak board will expand and contract with the seasons as much as 1/8" of an inch. You must build in allowances for this.
A good tablesaw and a little time and your good to go. I'm sure tou can find most of what you need on the web but if you need help yell, I make sawdust for a living.

 

[Mandin62]

yeah plywood was my next choice after solid hardwood. i have worked with alot of really nice looking plywood. I dont have an extensive back ground in wood working. but my dad was a carpenter for 30 years. so i think i have some good help. i have worked with wood making shelves cabinets and stuff. so im not a total noob. but thanks for the advice. i share your hatred for particle board its just so hard to work with. Plywood would be alot cheaper too. well i dont know i will have to add it up. i might be getting way over my head with my design but i am planning on building it in peices. well kinda. i dont know we will see. thanks again. plywood would probably be quiter too.

 

[WoodButcher]

Dad still around? Sounds like a good candidate for the job. You said "dad was" that and the fact most of us don't make enough to retire!!! I've been in it since '77 so I also have 30 yrs. If I'm alive at retirement age I'll have done this stuff for 50. :Q With any luck I'll get it right once or twice in that time....

 

[Boyo]

I have seen some hardwood set up on Hard OCP and they look pretty nice. I would go with the challange and try it out.

 

[Mandin62]

yeah he is still around. old 63 but still around. he worked for the Corp of Engineers so he was able to get out. but yeah he is pretty good. i think i can handle most of it but it doesnt hurt to have someone who really knows their stuff to be around to help out. I dont think it should be too hard it will just take time. most likely lots of it. but what else do i have to do. ok well lots but i really want this to turn out really nice.

 

[50cent1228]

i wouldn't do it a case made entirely of plexi glass or acrylic...it looks bad if it gets scratches

 

[MotF Bane]

Try 1/2" oak plywood, furniture grade. It's a little on the pricey side, but it's extremely strong and doesn't mind getting slashed up. My old computer cabinet (not the case, the whole cabinet) was made out of that, my father and I have put a dozen holes through it, added trays, everything. I can't tell you much on the sound aspect, but it carries the thumps from the subwoofer smoothly. A light vibration would almost certainly be absorbed; my subwoofer is hugely powerful. Anyways, then put a veneer on both sides of the plywood when you go to assemble it. A stripped metal case inside for support is a good idea, then the veneer on the inside would protect the plywood from a water cooling leak better. The veneer would also take a little more damage than the plywood. If you want to have a window, cut it out from the side panel, then put veneer over the inner edges of the cut. That will make it look nicer through the plastic/acrylic. Good luck, it's a good idea.