Newish build/Case Mod

[ajopz]

Hi Fella's, long time no post.
Things have been abit hectic in my life for the last few months.
Hav'nt had time to post on here and my folding effort went right out the window.
Things have settled down now so starting to get back on track.

Anyway,

The point of this post, Ive decided to build myself another pc out of spare bits I have laying around, it will give me a chance to play about with linux and another folding box cant be bad!

The spec will be:
9NDA3I mobo
3800 x2
1 Gig ram
6800LE agp
80 Gig HDD
300w psu

The case I will be using is a unknown type, its been kicking around in the loft for years. It measures in at 38x33x17cm (pictured below)
So to fit an ATX board inside the case i'm going to have to mount the psu,HDD and Dvd rom externally, i'm thinking of on top.

Ive ripped all the insides out of the case, so all i'm left with is the frame (also pictured below)

I'll update this thread as and when I make progress, and no doubt will require some help along the way!

[Samuknow]

This will prove quite interesting. Look forward to your progress.

[ajopz]

The 1st step is to fix the motherboard into the case.
As this is not a standard atx case none of the holes for attaching the mobo are in the right place.

Ive cut myself a sheet of metal the same size as the mobo, I'm going to attach the sheet to the frame of the case and then the mobo to this using them little spacer thingermejigs

I'm also going to drill some holes in the sheet to allow airflow to the back of the mobo, around the cpu and chipset area.

[Samuknow]

Originally Posted by ajopz

The 1st step is to fix the motherboard into the case.
As this is not a standard atx case none of the holes for attaching the mobo are in the right place.

Ive cut myself a sheet of metal the same size as the mobo, I'm going to attach the sheet to the frame of the case and then the mobo to this using them little spacer thingermejigs

I'm also going to drill some holes in the sheet to allow airflow to the back of the mobo, around the cpu and chipset area.

Thingermajigs....now that is a good technical term if I ever heard one. This is going to be cool. Where is Raphael? This is something for the mod section.

[ajopz]

Originally Posted by Samuknow

This is something for the mod section.

Thought this was the mod section?

[ajopz]

Why are things never as easy as you first think?
Turns out that the sheet of metal I have is some sort of industrial steel, And very very very hard to drill through. Blunted 4 drill bits in a matter of minutes!

So not to be beaten I cut another 1 from the side panel of the case as this is much easier to work with!

The added bonus being I will now have a window in the side of the case!

[ajopz]

After cutting a new sheet from the case I drilled the holes that will hold it in place and fixed it to the case with small hex key bolts and nuts.

[ajopz]

I then marked out the 9 screw holes from an atx board and drilled them out.
Then used a tap to thread the holes and screw in those spacer thingamejigs. Gives good clearance from the sheet of metal so wont be drilling anymore holes in it.

Screwed it back into the case and to my surprise all the holes match up on the mobo to the spacers!

[ajopz]

After much hacking and slashing with a dremmel, ive now got the drive rails installed on top of the case

[Samuknow]

Originally Posted by ajopz

Thought this was the mod section?

Yes it is. I was just trying to get his attention. I figured he would be all over this.

BTW...this is groovy stuff.

[ajopz]

Cheers sam

My girlfriend is coming home tomorrow so its going to hit abit of a brick wall for afew days!

But there is still tonight, next step, fitting the psu.

[Samuknow]

This is going to be very unique. That is what i love about cheap no name cases. No worries on hacking them up. looking forward to it.

Have a great time with your girl.

[ajopz]

Cut another piece of metal, slightly wider than the psu so there is an overhang, drilled four holes in the edge to hold it to the case.
Removed the psu case and drilled two holes in it and the metal sheet to hold them together. Then stuck a couple of hex bolts through and nutted em up.

[ajopz]

Then put the top back on the psu, flipped it over and attached it to the case!

Psu sorted!

[raphael2040]

Originally Posted by Samuknow

Yes it is. I was just trying to get his attention. I figured he would be all over this.

...Who?

[Samuknow]

Originally Posted by raphael2040

...Who?

You .....And here you are.

[ajopz]

Thats the mobo, psu, hard drive and dvd rom installed!
Time to tidy up now, my place looks like a bomb has hit it.

Next will be the back panel followed by the front, top and sides!

Comments or suggestions anyone?

[booman]

What a strange looking case. That is a lot of work to mod an anti-ATX in to an ATX. You are very motivated. I see that you have considered everything and it will take a lot of creativity.

I hope the expansion slot line up with that huge rectangle hole.
Great idea using the side panel window for a motherboard tray. This means you'll have to tidy up those cables for the window.

I can't wait to see what you do next. This project is very inspiring. I've modded several old cases and plan to do more in the future. One thing I allways look for is that the case supports ATX. So you are more motivated than I am.

More pictures please.

[booman]

I like the fan holes in the bottom. Those will come in handy for ventilation. I wish all cases had fan spots on the bottom.

[raphael2040]

Originally Posted by Samuknow

You .....And here you are.

Indeed!

TO THE CHOP SHOP!! =)