Fitting modern mobo into old original IBM XT case.

[nerp]

I have an old IBM XT case in my attic and I've recently been hit with a bit of a retro bug, most likely due to my Model M fetish and tendency to use Writemonkey for full screen, green on black writing with no distractions. (It's amazing how focused you can be when you have no IRC, IM, gadgets, email alerts or even Word toolbars and buttons in your face).

Has anyone converted an XT case to fit a modern mobo? I'll have to drag it out and see how feasable it is. I suspect that the motherboard mounting holes don't match up and the PCI slots wouldn't line up either. I'm thinking of using an integrated motherboard, like the 780G or something, so in theory, I wouldn't have to have the backplate and everything flush. If I could just get the motherboard IN there, secured, I could always route the cables and stuff through one of the ISA slots in the back of the case. Won't be pretty, but it's not like I'm going to be staring at the back of the board all the time.

The other issue is the PSU. I'd have to cram a PSU in there somehow and hook up a power switch and sneak it somewhere on my desk, since the XT case has no power switch.

Has anyone done this? Any links out there? I'd love to get some first hand accounts if this is doable or even worth bothering with.

 

[zerogear]

Maybe this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t...h16eRrjgxeeTMjlu-p2ADg

 

[Zepper]

I wouldn't bother when you can get something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811121011

.bh.

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: zerogear
Maybe this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t...h16eRrjgxeeTMjlu-p2ADg

Yeah, I saw that. He did amazing work. THat video is part of what inspired me.

Zepper: That case doesn't look like the original XT case at all. :/

 

[Zepper]

So, the Compucase supports ATX and mATX and probably ITX w/o any mods with all the proper switches and front panel connections and I/O shield. No one cares about IBM XT any more unless it's an original in working order. It's like losing bladder control when you're wearing dark trousers: it gives you a warm, moist feeling but no one else notices...

.bh.

 

[nerp]

Sure, but I have the case in the attic and the idea is that it is the actual XT case. Coupled with my Model M keyboard, it would be nice to see in my office with new modern guts in it. I suspect all I really need to worry about is drilling holes to make mounting the motherboard possible, figuring out a way to stick a PSU in the there, cutting a couple ISA slot panels out to let me route cables, etc in there, installing a quiet fan to exhaust air out of the back, and I'm golden.