My computer is too fat

[Coquito]

Here's the skinny, I have a really old pc desk. It housed a generic family type pc with just enough speed to surf & write up papers, etc. It came in at about 14" long. Now in comes the replacement pc which is signifigantly bigger at 19" in length. The base of the desk that hold the pc ends at 15.5", with an empty space in the rear, till it hits the backing at about 18.5". Now we can't have the case leaning out of the desk, where it is prone to kicks & constant jabs. We can't push it back either, because not only will it not fit, but if you cut a section off the back, the pc will tilt & fall backwards. :frown:

All in all, a new desk is needed. I've tried to find one in the past, but it fits the corner so perfectly. It measures in at a sleek 31" in length. The biggest desk I could ever fit there would be 33" edge to edge. We've tried arranging the furniture, but the only thing that corner is good for is either a pc or a mini bar, & we don't have time for that yet.

Every site I visit cannot accomodate the small dimension. It need a hutch, & it needs to fit a 19in crt. If anyone can point me to a desk under $250 & not made of glass(destructive family/guests/pets), or if you live in the nyc area & have one in decent shape, please let me know.

Free snacks, drinks/:beer: & a spot to watch the jets gain a playoff berth if you're in the area & can deliver.

 

[Kishan]

Hey Coquito! BTW how did you like that sound card I sold you (Chaintech AV710). Hope everything is ok with it. Oh yeah, I dunno how to help you with your desk

 

[Coquito]

Originally posted by: KPSHAH316
Hey Coquito! BTW how did you like that sound card I sold you (Chaintech AV710). Hope everything is ok with it. Oh yeah, I dunno how to help you with your desk

I'm actually saving it for the rig in the basement, but it was beautiful for the 2 days it was installed. There will be a nice AV system up stairs, guests won't miss it.

 

[Kishan]

good I'm glad. GL!

Kishan

 

[Ornery]

We can't push it back either, because not only will it not fit, but if you cut a section off the back, the pc will tilt & fall backwards.

Cut out the back, and screw a new, deeper shelf onto the bottom. You may even be able to use the section cut from the back!

 

[DurocShark]

Are you handy at all? If so, build one. When you have requirements like that sometimes custom is the only way...

 

[Coquito]

Originally posted by: Ornery
We can't push it back either, because not only will it not fit, but if you cut a section off the back, the pc will tilt & fall backwards.

Cut out the back, and screw a new, deeper shelf onto the bottom. You may even be able to use the section cut from the back!

Yeah, that was in the back of my mind. The original shelf has to stay. Without it, the desk would just about collapse on itself like a cardboard box. I would need to attach the extra piece to the end as well as put little legs on the back piece too. Great way to wake up the tenants with the sound of an electric saw.

 

[Coquito]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Are you handy at all? If so, build one. When you have requirements like that sometimes custom is the only way...

Knowing me, it would take two weeks, & I would of unsuccessfully adjusted for the uneven floors. A mod may be the only hope.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Would an inexpensive SFF not be an option? Most components would port to the replacement SFF.

 

[Coquito]

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
Would an inexpensive SFF not be an option? Most components would port to the replacement SFF.

I should of thought of that in the beginning, but I would of never imagined the case not fitting. We've owned numberous pcs over the years & just didn't forsee this happening. Had a budget not been in place, I would've definately picked up a shuttle or something. Even if that would leave a big gap at the bottom. It's these damn coolermaster atc cases. I just love them. I have a total of three in the house all different colors.

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: Coquito

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Are you handy at all? If so, build one. When you have requirements like that sometimes custom is the only way...

Knowing me, it would take two weeks, & I would of unsuccessfully adjusted for the uneven floors. A mod may be the only hope.

Well, you can cheat quite a bit.

Measure the desktop space you have. 33" x 33" (if you have room for the depth - but with a big CRT you want it as deep as possible) and have Home Depot cut a sheet of plywood to that size. They cut for free. Or if you have the dosh and want some style, use granite countertop. Then have 4 pieces of 4x4 wood cut for legs. Have them cut to match the height of the desk you're currently using if you like that height, or adjust as necessary.

Uneven floor? No problem Get the adjustable feet from Home Depot for a couple of bucks and you can level easily. Get brackets to mount the legs to the desktop (special ones are required if you go for the granite top) and some scrap pieces of 2x4 or 4x4 to use as braces between the legs.

This can be done in an afternoon.

For a hutch, you can probably buy one ready-made that will fit, or cheat and use a cheap bookcase. Cut as necessary to fit your monitor.

All the wood can be painted with cheap black latex paint, including the bookcase after a scuff sanding.

As you can see, I've done this before.

 

[Coquito]

It's an odd shaped room, as we have big window frames that stick out & create at least 110degree angles at the front. The end of the living room(where the pc is) has almost no wall except for a tiny bit of a divider that makes up the pc corner. A big & beautiful corner desk would go well in the back of the dining room, since currently, there is no dining room. There are plans to have one though, so I'll try not to upset anyone.

Excellent outline Don. It may be a possibility. I just need this pc in now, as the other one is just about a goner. I can work on a desk on my spare time if we find there is no way to move any furniture around.

 

[BHeemsoth]

Originally posted by: DurocShark

Originally posted by: Coquito

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Are you handy at all? If so, build one. When you have requirements like that sometimes custom is the only way...

Knowing me, it would take two weeks, & I would of unsuccessfully adjusted for the uneven floors. A mod may be the only hope.

Well, you can cheat quite a bit.

Measure the desktop space you have. 33" x 33" (if you have room for the depth - but with a big CRT you want it as deep as possible) and have Home Depot cut a sheet of plywood to that size. They cut for free. Or if you have the dosh and want some style, use granite countertop. Then have 4 pieces of 4x4 wood cut for legs. Have them cut to match the height of the desk you're currently using if you like that height, or adjust as necessary.

Uneven floor? No problem Get the adjustable feet from Home Depot for a couple of bucks and you can level easily. Get brackets to mount the legs to the desktop (special ones are required if you go for the granite top) and some scrap pieces of 2x4 or 4x4 to use as braces between the legs.

This can be done in an afternoon.

For a hutch, you can probably buy one ready-made that will fit, or cheat and use a cheap bookcase. Cut as necessary to fit your monitor.

All the wood can be painted with cheap black latex paint, including the bookcase after a scuff sanding.

As you can see, I've done this before.

i have a hard time invisioning that as looking nice. If this is in a common area of a home, he will most likely want it to be something nice and professional looking.


to the OP, I do understand the problem you are having, I have a similar problem with a computer hutch in the living rooom of my home. I ended up cutting a hole in the back of the hutch, and adding a small piece of plywood off the back to stabilize the unit.

 

[DurocShark]

Here's one that is a little more involved than what I stepped through.

Another one:
http://www.terraseetch.com/desk.htm

I've built several over the years like I described, and a few aquarium stands too. With just basic care during building they can look quite attractive. I haven't done one in a while since I've lived in an apartment for the past several years, and my VW Bus is taking all my shop time.

 

[Dubb]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Here's one that is a little more involved than what I stepped through.

Another one:
http://www.terraseetch.com/desk.htm

I've built several over the years like I described, and a few aquarium stands too. With just basic care during building they can look quite attractive. I haven't done one in a while since I've lived in an apartment for the past several years, and my VW Bus is taking all my shop time.

something like the second one would only take about a weekend. it's pine, you could do it in an afternoon if you don't put a finish on it.

I had different issues...I went big... 6.5' wide, birch, and some nifty styling. holds two big crts and two boxes. I'll see if I can find some pics.