Building a Custom Computer Case

[Nick31415926]

I'm thinking about building a custom computer case out of high pressure laminate (aka Formica). Is this a suitable material? Are all cases made from metal? If anyone has any experience, suggestions, or could point me in the right direction I would greatly appriciate it.

[Axel]

Several components use the metal case as the ground of last resort. To build a non-conductive case could cause you to burn out several components because they can't ground properly.

Build the exterior of the case out of formica if you like. I'm not sure about the static properties of formica which you should also consider.

I'd say buy a few junked cases and take their racks and component mounts out and use them to make a case of your own design.

I'm sick of ripping the skin off my fingers on cheap Chinese scrap-metal myself.

I'm looking at addtronics for my next case most likely, but will probably end up doing the impulse-buy thing at FRYS some time soon to start my next system.

There is a product review section on this board that's pretty good if you are just looking for a better case design. I've though up a few case designs on graph paper myself, but always find it's cheaper to go what's with already on the shelf.

[Ed_S]

Axel's on the money. Use existing case chassis and modify.

There have been several good topics on this here at Sysopt, do a search for them to find lots of info. Here's one I remember.
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/000575.html

And here's a picture of the beast I described in that one! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Software/5467/case1l.jpg

It's based on a matched pair of midtowers, welded together. The one on the right is heavily modified. Motherboard plate & control area was removed & drive bays added.

As I mentioned in that thread, a friend also custom-built to suit his needs (no pics though)

You can build whatever you want if you're determined enough!


Edit - tried putting that pic in as an image but was WAY to big!!


[This message has been edited by Ed_S (edited 01-01-2000).]