comp. case

M

Mr Random

New Member
i have a really old computer (ya, the asus p2b-b with 64mb ram) and i am going to make it into a set top box, mostly for music. i am going to get a big hard drive for it so i can store all of my stuff on it.

i started looking for set top cases, and they cost about $100-200 usd!

i started lookin around my house for something to use and i came by an old 5-cd changer that didn't work anymore. i opened it up, took all of the junk in it out, and i placed all of the computer parts in it to check it out and see if it would all fit. it did! plus i still have room left over for a good 3 hard drives!!

i will post pics soon, as i am still trying to figure out how to mount the cd drive.
 
Sounds like an interesting idea. What exactly do you mean by a set top box? Just a media center PC basically? DVD and music?
 
Make sure no metal makes contact with the underside of the motherboard. Maybe have a layer of foam between the new case and the motherboard.
 
sounds cool. Back in the day I used an x-box shell to hold my computer in ... like was said above make sure there is something to keep the motherobard from touching the metal bottom. I used cardboard on the bottom and then used the normal motherboard stands just wedged into the cardboard as opposed to being screwed into a case of some nature.

I used the laminated cardboard from like the signs people put by the side of the road. If you use just normal brown cardboard I would worry about fire .. but I was good to go for the time I had it running.
 
Styrak said:
Sounds like an interesting idea. What exactly do you mean by a set top box? Just a media center PC basically? DVD and music?
Click to expand...

ya, a media center pc. set top box is just another name for it. it probably wont play movies until i upgrade it (more ram, dvd drive) but i will eventuially.

about the contacts, would it work if i used a piece of plastic? like the backing of a binder? it would just be temporary, until i can afford to get something better.
 
cryption said:
If you use just normal brown cardboard I would worry about fire .. but I was good to go for the time I had it running.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about that.

For paper to burn without a source of ignition, it needs to be 232 degrees Celsius. Cardboard will be close to that temperature. And, I'm sure you are fully aware, there are no sources of ignition in a computer.

As long as the plastic will only be used as standoffs, that's fine; I'd suggest attaching the standoffs to the motherboard with a small amount sticky putty or something. Place the motherboard on layers (several, so the circuitry doesnt tear through and touch the case) of paper to prevent short circuits.
 
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Well, I intend on making my next case with wood, simply because it's very easy to use, and choose exactly where, and how big, vents will be, orientation, things like that.
 
That's a good idea, It'll look pretty good too.

Will it have a side window?

You'll have to keep us updated if you decide to make it ;)
 
well, this is it:

left side
DSCN1495.jpg


right side
DSCN1494.jpg


top
DSCN1493.jpg


front (where the red box is, i am adding a small fan with some led's)
DSCN1492.jpg


i know that it is bad because the case is metal, but i am going to use standoffs and things like them to keep anything from touching. also, i know that it looks like cr4p now, but i am going to paint it. also, the buttons are going to have full functionality (sp?) because i am going to buy one of those usb number pad keyboards and hook the contacts up to them. i have everything planned out, but how can i use the screen?

oh ya, the front where the cd drive is has a flip-down cover, but i can't find it right now.
 
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