Do It Yourself Cool Cases 107
wiZd0m sent us a nifty collection of cool cases. Not for sale or anything, just user designs and pictures.
The site is kinda a mess with zillions of these things sorta cluttered on long pages, but some of the cases are quite clever. They range from useless (neon lights and glass panels) to bizarre (putting an AMD chip in a G4 case) to the practical (blow hole fans). Tons of ideas for the do-it-yourselfer.
Re:Custom Cases (Score:1)
Cardboard Box [mobile.al.us]
The Lego Case [hardocp.com]
Coloured Cases (Score:1)
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
There may also be serious problems with internal temperature. Metal is a heat conductor, plastic is somewhere in the middle, but surrounding your overclocked P3 with an insulating material is probably not the best idea! :)
Even the lame... (Score:2)
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Re:Lego Case (Score:2)
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Re:Custom Cases (Score:1)
I saw this case a while ago, but A) it's $300, and B) all of your components that have the regular cream colored face (CDROM, floppy, etc) would look mighty stupid in it.
Although from the picture, it seems that dude found/made a cdrom and floppy with an aluminum face! (I suppose paint would work too) very cool.
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Notebook Cases (Score:1)
Re:My box (Score:1)
Bah, humbug! (Score:1)
If it's not a Frankensteinesque beige monstrosity with the cover permanently off, several drives that don't quite fit the bays they are in and stick out the front, fans all over the place and cables in danger of catching your feet as you use the thing as a footrest and try not to spill cereal on it, it's not a REAL computer.
The mahogany box was pretty neat, though, I have to admit.
Re:Sites not /.'d. Try here instead (Score:1)
Re:My box (Score:1)
Of course, it's not as bad as the HD bays in Gateway towers. You couldn't remove a HD from one of those in 15mins if your life depended on it.
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Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
However, that said, a nice cherry system is a COOL idea. So here's what I propose - wooden overlays. You could opt to have case completely covered with wood, or you could choose "wooden highlights", sorta like what you get in fancy cars.
Unfortunately, there's one thing that I can see happening that would immediately take a case from "pretty" to "hideous" - a wooden panel falls off. Then you have these adhesive stipes over crappy metal exposed, and the whole effect is ruined...
SUWAIN: Slashdot User Without An Interesting Name
the site looks down (Score:1)
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Re:ugh people are stupid (Score:1)
But you absolutely could NOT sell it to others, and you sure as heck wouldn't be able to even try to sell in Europe.
And watch the stupid comments until you know what you're talking about...
-S
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
Yummy wooden cases to be bought here: Tech-Style [techstyle-com.com]
This is possible (Score:1)
More cool cases (Score:1)
Re:Getting creative with stock cases... (Score:1)
Computer in a Keg - Re:Custom Cases (Score:1)
Hey, if you want a computer in a keg, be sure to team up with this guy [freeboxen.com] who already has a head start!
He's got one that's already sawed in half!
- Dekaner
Re:Slashdot: The only web site ... (Score:1)
Sure, we've all seen the quickies, Mr. orb. It's one thing to mess with a CPU if you have more than one box, but being a student, my money situation is rather tight, and I've only got one box to mess with. I worked all summer, sweeping up radioactive waste and pulling cables at $7.50 an hour (I'm really not kidding), so the computer that I built is a substantial investment. If I break it (more severely than I have already) then I'll have the pleasure of doing my CS homework in a public lab that is a good 25 minute walk from here...
404 Not Found (Score:1)
Plexy Glass Case (Score:1)
He put a red light it in, but didnt know what RF was. It looked really cool but didnt work very well. Whenever he turned it on he monitor started flickering and had many other problems after a while, then he brought it to a lan party, he had about 10 people stop to tell him how stupid he was for putting it in, he hasnt turned it on since =)
ugh people are stupid (Score:1)
Re:Moderators! Not flamebait. (Score:1)
I did see a tiny bit of the page before it crashed Netscape for the bazillionth time, and it looked really cool. I'm going to reboot into Windows (!!) and view it with IE (!!). That's how desperate I am. Hopefully the dust won't have clogged up my Windows drive...
SUWAIN: Slashdot User Without An Interesting Name
Re:What about Monitors? (Score:1)
Re:/.'ed already (Score:1)
I can't stand those poser cars. Computer cases are different, however, because it's more like personalizing your case. It's not the same as putting stripes on a car to make it look like there's some actually performance mods when there isn't. You can personalize your car too, but it would probably look really stupid.
Check out Bryan's Rice-Boy Page [riceboypage.com] to see some of those poser cars.
Erector Set Case (Score:1)
I've been wanting to build a case out of an erector set, but where do I find them anymore? I looked on eToys, but the new ones are all meant to build specific things and probably only come with the parts needed. I just want beams and screws! eBay has a bunch of old ones, but they are for collector's mainly and cost more than I want to spend. Any ideas?
Drives? (Score:1)
The main problem I see with a wood case is the beige drives on the front. They look horrible and would really stand out on a wood case. Maybe have a wood door with a nice brass hinge to cover them up? Maybe I'll build one, I already built my computer desk, entertainment center thingy, and a table out of plywood and 2x4s/1x4s. It would fit in well.
There *are* people making wooden computer cases. (Score:1)
http://www.luddite.com [luddite.com]
The site itself has actually been around for over a year, but I've never seen their "custom order" section actually go online, which is another thing that makes me think it might be a joke.
But hey, if it is real, there's your hookup for a no-doubt expensive wooden case.
Re:Slashdot: The only web site ... (Score:1)
David
PS - trying raising the core voltage if you wanna get really nasty with the clock speed. Just keep in mind you'll need LOTS of cooling, and you'll probably end up frying your chip without any electrical knowledge! *DISCLAIMER* YOU _CAN_ fry your computer following that advice, if you do, it is _YOUR_ fault, not mine.
ok just my 2 cents (Score:1)
I love this type of article :) (Score:4)
I'm running MIDI sequencing off a Performa 575 which was basically my first computer- for starters, I removed the vent louvers on the rear fan area and lined the inside/top of the case (this is an all-in-one Mac) with fake-fur to try and mute noise. I sold it to a local computer shop for use as their house Mac, and there it stayed for a couple years- then I got it back because it had always been so great for MIDI sequencing, 33mhz 68040 and all (you can do MIDI on a 8mhz 68000 mac but the screen updates are really slow!) at which point I got serious...
Another very significant concern given this attention to sound absorption is airflow. However, this is somewhat easily solved- make the airflow go through a Bose-like labyrinth, only one that's lined with sound absorption. It won't take much to impede sound at the frequencies we're talking about (HD whine etc) while still allowing substantial airflow.
I love seeing weird cosmetic mods and general weirdness modes like the Turbine Case- I'd also like to see more ergonomics mods like I've been talking about. It wouldn't be very difficult to build PC parts into a slightly large wooden box- perhaps a box within a box, with an internal suspension system to suppress residual vibration noise. Ideally you could do things like run a RAID array of dirt cheap Seagate ST15150Ns (cheap because they are so ^$%#&^* noisy!) and suppress the noise so ruthlessly that you could record music in the same room with the things! All it would need is really soundproof cases _and_ an exhaust system that allows serious airflow while blocking any and all sound. This would not be easy, and you couldn't do it with existing PC cases- but you could do it. You could probably do it with a couple 4x8s of plywood and a bunch of heavy felt...
(geez Chris, rant often? *g*)
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
Re:Even the lame... (Score:2)
Oh yeah...if my case is in the gallery, and it just has stickers on it, just don't except it. Just shoot it down on the spot. In fact, download a picture of it, burn it, piss on it and bury it up-side-down. Tee heee!
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Re: Well great... (Score:1)
It's been done, although it could have been done better: http://www.ri ceb oypage.com/shame/hall_of_shame_6/hallofshame6.html [riceboypage.com]
Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
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Turn on, log in, burn out...
Re:ugh people are stupid (Score:1)
__
have you ever seen a PM 6500 (Score:1)
Re:cases (Score:1)
My pride and joy is the Dell Optiplex GX1 (PII450) retro-fitted into a small tupperware-like container. It's a little cramped inside there, but it's real handy as a portable server. It's even got the handle on top!
Damnit, I need to take some pictures of that thing.
Wooden cases (Score:4)
I've seen a few people making them by hand, but they need the volume to make it worth doing on a large scale.
For the ones with the neon.... (Score:3)
I'd hate to see the PC go the way of the Corolla.
-S
Re:Lego Case (Score:1)
G4 case (Score:1)
Angleworm
(first running, then screaming)
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
Too bad I can't do them, I would love to do it and sell them.
If anyone actually can make them and wants to sell them I know I could gain interest around here for them.
Brand Name (Score:2)
Re:My box (Score:1)
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
I doubt you'll be able to buy UL rated wood to build them though...
-S
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
Re:Those guys are cool... (Score:1)
I agree given your example, but a _little_ positive pressure in the case could be good. If you filter your intake, and your exhaust is _slightly_ restricted, air will blow out of any vents and little holes, helping to keep the interior dust-free.
Re:Those guys are cool... [Oops] (Score:1)
Lego Case (Score:2)
best case modders site (Score:1)
Loud house (Score:2)
My box (Score:4)
It was originally a COMPAQ
Well great... (Score:1)
YELLOW MAKE COMPUTER FASTER!
How about shoving a giant spoiler on it, some bad boy stickers, chroming the floppy drive, replacing the case LEDs with blue LEDs, and writing something in kanji across the case?
Oh my god, dude, look at how many fans I stuffed into my system so I can make my 900mhz machine run at 901mhz!@#@$#
What does this remind me of? (Score:2)
Sites not /.'d. Try here instead (Score:2)
http://64.29.18.113/ [64.29.18.113]
Re:Slashdot: The only web site ... (Score:1)
I've got a 700 mhz Athlon running at 800mhz. How's that?
Re:cases (Score:1)
Re:Wooden cases (Score:2)
Re:Brand Name (Score:1)
Re:Custom Cases (Score:1)
BR&g t; -redial
Getting creative with stock cases... (Score:1)
As for myself, I have an Inwin full-tower that was decorated by a guy who was a layout artist on the "Dilbert" animated series. One side is "Dilbert At Home" the other side is "Dilbert at work." Here's the link to see those side panels. [msgeek.com]
Genndy Tartakovsky drew Dexter on one of my other PC cases. I would also love to do a full hot-rod paint job on an LC-class Mac case and put an LC475 logic board into it with a full 68040 inside. Flames and everything. That would rock.
---- Hey Grrl Geeks! Your very own geek news site has arrived!
Re:My box (Score:1)
---- Hey Grrl Geeks! Your very own geek news site has arrived!
Re:Well great... (Score:1)
---- Hey Grrl Geeks! Your very own geek news site has arrived!
why cut down case modders? (Score:1)
Re:why cut down case modders? (Score:1)
Re:the site looks down (Score:1)
Re:I love this type of article :) (Score:1)
---- Hey Grrl Geeks! Your very own geek news site has arrived!
Re:Custom Cases (Score:2)
Re:Moderators! Not flamebait. (Score:1)
Re: Well great... (Score:1)
Goddammit, I did preview!
Anyways, that link again, as if anyone cares:l [riceboypage.com]
http://www.ri ceb oypage.com/shame/hall_of_shame_6/hallofshame6.htm
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Turn on, log in, burn out...
site was just brought down... (Score:1)
Re:Even the lame... (Score:1)
Re:What does this remind me of? (Score:1)
Re:Coloured Cases (Score:1)
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-10 03- 200-3337272.html [cnet.com]
Re:Lego Case (Score:1)
Re:I love this type of article :) (Score:2)
Just went and did some of what I was talking about- diodes on the powersupply and PCI card fans, and also took the Seagate screamer HD and sat it on two rolls of soft felt instead of bolting it to a slide-in plastic clip. It does seem to be quieter- more unexpectedly, the fan noise is now almost louder than the drive whine- seems a _lot_ of that drive whine was being conveyed through mechanical vibration, and is now no longer being transmitted through the case. Anybody who was familiar with this drive would faint to hear how much the noise is suppressed- it really illustrates how well the case mods are containing the deafening noise. Gotta keep the powermac upright now and not kick it about :)
The striking thing about a difference in levels of very familiar noises like that is that my brain insists the computer's the same as it was- but my _typing_ is unaccountably twice as loud as before ;) interesting trick of perspective, that.
Re:Parts.. (Score:1)
Re:Electric shielding and static (Score:1)
Re:G4 case (Score:1)
Re: Could you imagine... (Score:1)
Re:Moderators! Not flamebait. (Score:1)
And I sure as hell don't have the time to go to your crappy website especially when it comes up with a "404 Not Found" error. (And what's up with all the extra unnecessary carriage returns?)
What an idiot...
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You think being a MIB is all voodoo mind control? You should see the paperwork!
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
If the demand was there, companies would start mass producing them out of particle board...
EWWWWWWW!!!!!!
Let's see (Score:1)
Who would want a 2x4 case anyway? It would be more like a cigar box.
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
My house is ugly too. Oh well, it works. One day, I might have money. Hell, if I make enough, I might even be able to buy spiffy looking things, wow. I don't have ugly things because I'm trying to prove I'm a real man, I have them because I'm not a real rich man.
More power to those who make nice things, but I'm afraid I'm not in the market for a long, long time.
The Turbine (Score:3)
The Turbine [overclockers.com.au]
A very cool case.
-redial
Re:My box (Score:1)
err I broke that =(
cases (Score:1)
Barring things like the transition from AT to ATX, a good case can outlast even the highest megahertz part in your box.
So screw computer technology. What we want is advances in case technology!
I'm all for the wooden case... it's just classier in general, although a metal liner to cut interference would not go amiss. Barring that, I want to see if someone could sculpt a steel oil drum into an appropriate shape with the required tools.
Plans? (Score:2)
Just wing it!
Re:Brand Name (Score:1)
/.ed: Google Cache (Score:4)
Here [google.com]
Moderators! Not flamebait. (Score:1)
I didn't visit the site this time because I know that it invariably crashes Netscape on Windows or Mac OS, and I do mean every single time.
The newspaper I work at runs a tech-oriented column that mentioned this site one week, and since the columnist didn't bother checking for himself if it would load under anything but Internet Explorer, we had to insert a note saying not to view it with Netscape. Grrr.
Anyway, this little problem is definitely worth noting, and NOT flamebait.
Re:Coloured Cases (Score:1)
Re:Plexy Glass Case (Score:1)
Re:Wooden cases (Score:1)
Re:Well great... (Score:2)
Re:Custom Cases (Score:1)
Oh man, this makes me want to hack up a beer keg and build one of these.
Those guys are cool... (Score:2)
rules/hints:
- What goes in, must go out. If you have three fans blowing air out and one blowing in they won't work at their optimal parameters.
- A big fan can override a small one - if you put a big powerful fan above/near the PSU and the "in" airflow is too small it will end up sucking air in reverse from the PSU and fscking the PSU fan
- Think about the airflow - a fan blowing directly into some drive cables doesn't do any good
- Avoid circular currents (i'm sure they're not named that way but
- Using a 12V - 7V switch is a good ideea for noise-haters.
- If you pad the interior with foam or simmilar stuff put some grounded conductive (tin foil that touches the case metal with one of the sides) matterial in the areas where the air flow is powerful in order to combat static electricity build-up.
- blue leds are cool but a single blue led will light half of the room at night. If you hate light sources at night stick with the old red/green ones.
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Re:Parts.. (Score:2)
Custom Cases (Score:4)
Cassejunkiez Gallery [casejunkiez.com]
Case-mods.net [case-mods.net] - Definately Check this out! Very cool Case mods
The Turbine [geocities.com] - I posted this earlier, but just in case (pun intended)
The All Aluminum Case [hardocp.com]
-redial