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Help Noobie Build a*Very*Custom Case

B

BukkY

Member
Please help me build the case of my dreams for my *future* custom
PC. I'll post a picture of it here when I'm done.

I plan to find a case, rip the plastic sides off, and build my custom case
around the metal frame. I have a vision for the way the case will look. It
will be built entirely from thick metal and look really mean. I have some
metalworker friends who can help.

My custom case will take much time and money to make. This is why it
needs to be as upgradeable as possible and I also want to make it right the
first time.

I have some of the details planed out but what I need to know now is this.
((1)) If I put a mother board in my stripped down metal "frame", then build
the case so that it has the proper opening in the back for the PCI slots and
such. Now if I replace the mobo later will the opening in the back still be
right?

((2)) Also should I be picky about the case I start with (to use the metal
frame). I'm familiar with many of the parts and most the terminology but
have never built a machine being a mac dude most my life.

((3)) Is MiniATX an option since I will only need a few PCI and maybe two
exposed drive bays?

Any other tips on cases or building systems would be well appreciated.



Thanks,
-Bukk




PS. If you can't help at least write me a "hi" or something to bump my post
up until I get help.
 
-1. The port and expansion card openings on an ATX case are standardized, no worries.

-2. If you are going to rip all the crap off it anyway, not really. I would insist on a removable Mboard tray though.

-3. Possibly, I do not have any real exp with mini ATX

-4. Hi

Good Luck!

-Redfoot
 
When building the metal for the back of the case, know the dimensions of your PSU, and just get a simple I/O shield from somewhere, as they are all standard sizes (width and length, anyways. The ports change depending on the board). Then when you get whatever motherboard it is, the I/O shield will fit in like buttuh.

I agree to try to build a motherboard tray of possible.
 
Get a Lian-Li PC-V2100b from newegg.com and get everything to mod it from frozencpu.com

Dream big. And take pics for us too.
 
I don't think you should have that much of a problem. You will be likely bolting on the thick metal pieces you describe to the metal frame of the case (welding them on the case would make changes and access to the insides impossible), so you should always be able to get into it. All the connectors would be at the back so your new metal wouldn't be there right? Leave the back alone and just do the sides/front/top?
 
Be sure to aloow for plenty of air circulation. To minimize the dust, you'll need to fab up some sort of filter setup for any intake ports. Also, set up fan locations to fit 120mm fans. IMO these give by far the best airflow/noise ratio.
 
GF says I may send you all a pic of the case when it's done silly people!
But maybe I can get her to demonstrate it like a respectable Price-is-Right showcase girl
- hehe.
 
My only question is why even buy a frame to do it?

Just buy squares and sheet metal and build a case yourself. Best thing is you can chose what gauge you'd like to use, and not be pigeon holed into making a case that is often to flimsy. If you do some research into metals, you can find all sorts of stock that might suit you.

Heck, make it all out of copper if you like. 😉

BTW, you can also be very innovative and make an unique way to cool the case if you do a little researching too. Would work wonders to keep the motherboard (and some troubleshooting, the ultimate of all ultimates in processor cooling) at room temperature too.

There's more than just copper, silver and aluminum to keep things cool. 😉
 
I'm thinking the frame will be good to hold drives and such, no?. Also to hold the mobo tray without me having to rebuild the wheel. I don't know much though. Am I missing something? How would building it without the pre-made frame inside be better? Other than the cost of the frame or time to find a used one? Cooling is something I haven't considered yet so thanks for the advice on that. Thanks for the input all.
 
Using premade drivebays I can understand, they're machined to spec already -- and you can probably just get a drivebay frame for free from a junk case. That would remove that pain.

But if you want a case that is truly configable (and expandable to your needs), you may have to do it all by hand. Cases aren't rocket science, any two bit mechanic can built one. The issue most times is how to effectively move air in and out and the time to build a case -- most folks don't bother. The only 2 electronics in a basic case is the ATX switch and maybe a PC speaker (and I don't see them too often these days), so it's basically machine shop work.

How you put a case together is up to you, you don't even need to follow convention. All that's needed is a place to attach the hardware, air moves as it should, and it's groundable. That leaves a lot left for design and other custom work.

You don't even need a case frame if you use heavier gauge metal -- the frame's there to attach lighter (and cheaper) metal on the sides too.

Personally, if I were to build a case it'll be around this technology...

http://www.1-act.com/plctech.html

That maybe the future in extreme cooling for computing. It's already in use cooling race car engines (and mufflers -- you know hot they can become??), and it's something to use the noogin to think of a way to cool a computer too (thinking of it for a telescope project myself).

Thing is most stuff rooted today for cooling is very old school. It's there because it's cheap, and available. But if someone wants ultimate rig bragging rights, they'll go beyond the status quo and truly make a case (and processor cooler) that is beyond who has the bigger heat sink or water cooler.
 

Keyboard lock
Intrusion detection
HDDLED1
HDDLED2
POWLED
ATX switch
Reset
PC-Squeeker
front mounted USB/headphone jacks
 
Originally posted by: ribbon13

Keyboard lock
Intrusion detection
HDDLED1
HDDLED2
POWLED
ATX switch
Reset
PC-Squeeker
front mounted USB/headphone jacks
Click to expand...

1. Keyboard lock - Not included on every case.
2. Intrusion detection - Not included on every case.
3. HDDLED1 - Not included on every case (believe it or not).
4. HDDLED2 - Not included on most cases.
5. PWDLED - Yes (forgot that one).
6. ATX Switch - Yes.
7. Reset - Yes (forgot that one).
8. PC Speaker - Not included on every case (newer ones doing away with it).
9. Front mounted USB/headphone jacks - Not included on most cases.
 
Originally posted by: BukkY
GF says I may send you all a pic of the case when it's done silly people!
But maybe I can get her to demonstrate it like a respectable Price-is-Right showcase girl
- hehe.
Click to expand...


Do you have to get permission to "go potty" too?
 
My custom case will take much time and money to make. This is why it
needs to be as upgradeable as possible and I also want to make it right the
first time
Click to expand...

Cool project. Might wanna check out the BTX form factor for mobo's and cases. I thought it was supposed to be out by now, but haven't heard of it lately. I bring it up cuz you wanna make to take it into account (prepare for future case mod) in case it appears soon.
 
Thanks for the additional info all.

I will make sure to use 120mm fans and make a mobo tray so I can accommodate BTX some day. I will take you word for it Terumo about the not needing a frame deal and try to design it that way. This case may take a while to make but it will be truly unique and very heavy! I will show you all the pics when I have it together.

A few things I didn't know I didn't know. Like what is an ATX switch? Is a reset switch a power button too? How do I assure my case is grounded?
 
Terumo

I mentioned all those to give him idea, besides, hes making it from scratch, so it doesn't matter if there on every case or not 😛


ATX switch == power switch Bukky
 
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