Case - any comments? PLEASE!!

[GMSM]

Howdy,

I'm working on putting together a Celeron system with ATX motherboard (have not picked which board yet). I'm looking for a real nice small case that looks good or a desktop case that can go under my monitor.

Any suggestions?

I like cases that look real cool, don't like them to just look like a box.

Need 2 or 3 5" bays and 1 or 2 3" bays. Plus a couple hidden bays for drives etc.

Thanks

Greg SM.

[Nathan]

I'd like the same too. Something different that really looks sharp. I'm a full size tower person myself.

[kwai]

form or function?

form:
the pretty looking ones often don't have good cooling options, or have a irritating door to cover the external bays. but if you don't open it up much, i guess that's okay. don't know of any available for retail though. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

function:
haven't had a chance to check out any inwin or enlight, but i love the asus/elan vital t-10 -- easy access, removeable bays, size just between a mid and full tower.

[This message has been edited by kwai (edited 04-19-99).]

[Ziz]

I'm with Kwai...I built my computer to use, not to make a fashion statement. I have an Elan Vital T-10 also, and yes it's nice looking, but I bought it for easy access/maintenance swapping out parts. I do upgrades for a living, so I occasionally buy a part and install it for evaluation purposes...gotta be able to get things in and out with minimal effort. T-10 was practically designed with that in mind.

www.elanvital.com.tw

[Bleeding Edge]

Four words. Rackmount, rackmount and rackmount.

Built a system with the 5200 series, -too cool! Paint them any color you want. Don't necessarily have to put them in a rack. Stick some rubber feet on them for a desktop. The 5U's are huge and heavy. May want to try the 4U's. You'll be spoiled once you get one of these.

They aren't the only ones but check it out over here: http://www.appro.com/products/enclosures.html

[kwai]

hmmm. i see where your namesake comes from. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Keeper1]

I don't know if they're any good, but they sure do look sharp!! Just found the spot last night: www.futurecase.com/cases.shtml (http://www.futurecase.com/cases.shtml) They make various shapes and sizes and colors... BTW, I'll be buying an AsusTek (a.k.a. Elan Vital, Aegis) T10-AB. Finest case around IMO.

[This message has been edited by Keeper1 (edited 04-20-99).]

[kwai]

there's a review for one of those here:

http://www.WickedPC.com

in short, it looks kinda cool without losing any functionality but not the best cooling options. if you're not o'cing, it should work fine.

[Bleeding Edge]

Hey guys.

Well it's not a rackmount but it's certainly a sure-fire candidate for this thread. And at a fraction of the cost of RM enclosures.

www.escstore.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/esc/product/yy/prcyycube.htm?L+esc+oykh0279+924732232 (http://www.escstore.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/esc/product/yy/prcyycube.htm?L+esc+oykh0279+924732232)
Thanks Jeana.


Lets not forget to use PCPower and Cooling powersupplies!

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 04-21-99).]

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 04-21-99).]

[Bazango]

Ooh! Ooh! Rackmount! I feel an overpowering urge for an oscillioscope! HELP! SOMEBODY STOP ME!

Seriously, how much are these things? What's it like running more than one motherboard at a time? I actually though about making such a thing out of scrap metal or something. Any body try that?

[Ed_S]

Here's a solution to any case problem - if you've the time & patience!

BUILD YOUR OWN!!

A friend and I were both unable to find cases to fit our needs, so built them using whatever case parts we had lying around. We now have rather unique cases - His is an overwide underdesk unit, mounted to underside of desktop on heavy-duty drawer slides. 6 full size external drive bays plus 2 internal. Full MB access with nothing above. Drawer mount slides out w fingertip, no top needed as desk does it. Mine completely different. I'm a full tower person, like Nathan, and couldn't find one big enough. Now have double-wide, 16 bay (11 ext, 5 int), dual PS monster. 16"W X16"D X 24"H. Whole thing built into oak cabinet with oak faceplate. Removeable side panels for access, air space between wood and metal to avoid heat problems. Oak faceplate. Mounted on casters & topped with upholstered cushion. World's most expensive footstool!

...I may have forgotten to mention, he's a welder and my other hobby is woodworking...

[Bleeding Edge]

Bazango

As far as computer cases are concerned, these things are expensive. Especially with the added cost of an $200 power supply. Of course we could choose to put a $39 power supply in.

But why?

It doesn't actually run multiple motherboards. The choice is given to install an AT/ATX motherboard or multitiple single board computers (a computer on a card) on a single backplane that supports two or more of these "cards". Each having its own expansion slots.

It's exactly like having multiple computers but in one enclosure.

An interesting concept, building one out of scrap metal, perhaps more artistic than practical.

I suppose we could also use a piece of particle board for the base and fasten the motherboard onto it with spacers inbetween and have an exposed system to tinker with easily.

The written word, the electronic word, is interesting isn't it. If we're not careful as to what we write, it can easily be taken for something it isn't.

On the other hand, if written with care, it can only mean one thing.

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 04-25-99).]

[Ed_S]

Bleeding edge - Glad to see your post was less than a minute after mine, or could take offence. We must have been typing at same time. Not exactly scrap metal & particle board, made from chassis's with outer cases damaged & top grade red oak.

[Bleeding Edge]

Ed_s.
Yes, your right. I didn't see your post.

I thought about making a wood case but decide my woodmaking skills aren't good enough. Nor do I have the proper powertools, such as jointers and planers, or the knowhow and experience.

It sounds like you can start a custom computer furniture (and/or case) shop.
You could even take measurements of the entire "faceplate" on existing cases from the likes of Dell, Compaq, Hp, Gateway, etc. and offer replacement wood faceplates (maybe with inlays). For those of us looking for something unique. This way it can start out as an hobby or experiment that doesn't take up all your time.


[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 04-25-99).]

[Ed_S]

Anybody interested email me. Wouldn't be cheap or fast, these things take serious time to make right! But VERY unique...

[Bazango]

Bleeding Edge

Written word: Contracts and Codes of Conduct. Cold
Oral Communication: Terms of Endearment and Platitudes. Hot

Are the computers on a card called "embedded systems"? The case question suggest something about computers. The term "main frame" comes to mind. Do you think you can summarize the extent of current computing hardware by their "cases"?

Ed_S

I salute your effort. I use two old steel government desks that I thought might have potential as cases. I'm spending too much time on computers, though, is the truth.

[Bleeding Edge]

It sounds as if there's a chip on your shoulder waiting for someone to knock it off.

[Bazango]

Chip? Huh? Now you've lost me. What are you talking about? Do you mean MICRO chip?

[Bazango]

Chip? Huh? Now you've lost me. What are you talking about? Do you mean MICRO chip?