Going Caseless?

[Nutdotnet]

Due to extreme space limitations, I've been thinking about going caseless, not only caseless, but putting the computer inside one of my non-used dresser drawers, essentially making the dresser drawer on large case.

However, the drawers, for the most part, are made out of thin metal. I'd need some sort of barrier between the drawers and the components themselves I'd imagine. I was thinking of lining the drawer with cardboard...cheap, and I have a tone of it laying around. Thoughts?

My next question is this: Since, occasionally, I'll be opening the drawer up (access the cd drive or what-not) I need the components to be secured somehow. Since I won't have a case to mount this to I was thinking of using zip-ties, going through the cardboard and around the PSU, motherboard, CD-Rom, etc...just to keep it all in place.

Any thoughts and/or suggestions? What about ESD? I don't mind spending a few dollars to get this "on point" but I'm not really sure what the best methods would be.

 

[johnnqq]

look at a mac mini??

are you sure you can get adequate airflow in metal drawers?

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: johnnqq
look at a mac mini??

are you sure you can get adequate airflow in metal drawers?

Mac Mini? Out of the question. I have the parts already...

Well...I'm going to drill quite a few holes in the rear of the dresser, all along the dresser, and pull it out from the wall a few inches...I think it would all for adequate airflow...I'm going to use some fans as well...to help keep things cool.

 

[filterxg]

You're airflow will be a serious concern, and the wires will likely be very ugly.

There are several things you need to be concerned about. You should attach the motherboard with spacers, not cardboard...But unlike a computer case, dressers do move around, they might create static, in which case you should ground your dresser.... Do you intend to put a video card or integrated video? If a card you'll need to rig something to support it, modern cards are too heavy to be suppported by just the slot.

This might be an interesting project for an old computer, but I wouldn't do it with anything I value. Get a small case instead.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: filterxg
You're airflow will be a serious concern, and the wires will likely be very ugly.

There are several things you need to be concerned about. You should attach the motherboard with spacers, not cardboard...But unlike a computer case, dressers do move around, they might create static, in which case you should ground your dresser.... Do you intend to put a video card or integrated video? If a card you'll need to rig something to support it, modern cards are too heavy to be suppported by just the slot.

This might be an interesting project for an old computer, but I wouldn't do it with anything I value. Get a small case instead.

The wires wouldn't be seen.

So...if the motherboard is laying horizontal...you're saying I would need to support the card somehow?

Attach the motherboard with spacers? Sorry, I don't follow you on that one...I wouldn't be "attaching" anything...

It would go (in layers)....drawer....carboard....motherboard....

Don't get me wrong, I know this is ghetto as hell but it would save me the headache of needing to sell my current comp (it uses the BTX form factor so just swapping the case with something small isn't feasible)...just to buy another one.

 

[filterxg]

the motherboard needs to be lifted off the flat surface. Spacers are basically mounts.

A large video card creates to large a moment on the motherboard slots, and would need to be secured.

 

[Zepper]

If you have "extreme space limitations", how come you have an empty drawer? I can think of lots of things better put in a drawer than a computer. How about hanging your computer off the side of your desk or put a shelf on the wall, etc.

.bh.

 

[Unkno]

hmmm, i wonder if it would be possible to hang your whole motherboard on the ceiling with wires and strings...now that would look sweet. You just have to make something to support your psu on the wall. Much better cooling and if made correctly, would look much much better than having a case.

 

[vanvock]

Velcro tape

 

[Quantum Mechanic]

My brother had his computer on the wall. It was totally sweet. The best kind of modern art.

 

[Maluno]

Going Caseless?

Any special considerations for a caseless computer?

Going caseless ... questions

There might be some useful info here, found a few old topics...

 

[Zepper]

You are also responsible for limiting RFI/EMI such that it doesn't bother your neighbor's equipment. Plus it is best if the mobo is connected to earth ground via the case of the PSU as it would be in a normal case thru the metal standoffs and screws. So run a heavy ground wire between the PSU case and one of the mounting holes on the mobo (use 18 ga wire or heavier).

.bh.

 

[Injury]

How about some pics of the room/desk and mebbe we can help you find some way to make it fit.

My brother has this sort of problem. It could be solved if he wasn't such a damn packrat.

 

[CDC Mail Guy]

Thinking of doing the EXACT same thing...but in a regular desk drawer. Plenty of fans etc...Go to any hardware store, buy some 2" or so screws, RUBBER 1/4:spacers, and some rubber washers and some nuts. Mount mobo to the drawer with the screws through the bottom, the spacers next, then mobo, rubber washers and finally the nuts...and PRESTO!!!