smallest ATX case possible?

[Tazon]

having read a lot of cool things on this forum i am starting to get interested in doing a custom case by myself. i got the tools and know how to use them, i don't have the experience :).
What i want to do is build the smallest possible case for a PIII mobo (i think it is ATX form factor right?) with two 5 1/4" bays and PCI slots available. this needs to be a horizontal case. The thing is, there's not much room for improvement here! right now it is on one of those medium cases, the ones with the PSU right on top of the CPU heatsink. All i can do is shorten it in lenght about 4 inches, i can't touch the height or the width ...
I write this in hope that somebody has some more experience that can be shared about this.

emilio

[Yamiyanazz]

Can't help you, but I'm also planning on putting together my spare computer in a custom case. Not sure where...I may just take all of the parts and fasten them to the bottom of a table or soemthing...that might be interesting (but not as pretty)

[pvc_and_frost]

I have some 3d studio plans lying around somewhere for A case just like that. I still have the primative paper blueprints also. It was about 16"x16"X5" with 3 5.75" drivebays, full atx mobo and psu, and excellent airflow. There was also another design I was working on that I really liked: A 12" cube - watercooled. With lots of planning it worked really nicely. I still want to use that design also. I will try and find the prints for 'em.

[dreadlord79]

If you are wanting to slim it down some here is a site that has all kinds of riser cards for sale: http://www.baber.com/cases/1u_2u_risercards.htm
Remember though, these take up more space verticle to the mobo so if you have a more than 2-3 cards in your system, it could make them to long. Hope this helps:)

[Tazon]

Well, i got a nice drawing of the case i want to make. Will anybody host the pic for me? it's like and old talentMSX or commodore case, kinda like a thick bulky keyboard.

emilio

[Captain Slug]

If you're not using all those extra PCI slots, why hold onto them? Spend the extra money and get a nice Micro or Flex ATX board and you can make a much smaller machine.

[Tazon]

no can don, captain slug. This is argentina and computer stuff costs an eye off your face. to your price in USD you must add around 40%, and then consider one dollar=three pesos.

Also, in the spirirt of overclocking, i believe in making the best with what you got. That's why the title is "smallest ATX case possible" and not "smallest flex case possible" :D.

Please somebody host my pic!

emilio

[pvc_and_frost]

Man those risers are awesome! I wish I knew about those before. Now I can Shave off alot more on my 12" cube. (But, then It is not a cube:~)

[jacheatamobits]

Originally posted by dreadlord79
If you are wanting to slim it down some here is a site that has all kinds of riser cards for sale: http://www.baber.com/cases/1u_2u_risercards.htm
Remember though, these take up more space verticle to the mobo so if you have a more than 2-3 cards in your system, it could make them to long. Hope this helps:)

http://www.baber.com/baber/gifs/accessories/riser/630501.jpg yeah RIGHT... this one costs $39!!:eek:

i thought these things were supposed to be cheap, cheap?

i agree with captain slug, if you want a small rig, dont try to fit a round peg in a square hole...

btw, if you need a pic hosted, look in ppl's sigs for links on hosting... i think maxvla still does it.

[Maxvla]

http://www.maxvla.com/host/tecnopor1.jpg

hosted for Tazon

[Tazon]

thanks maxvla

A: CPU with trimmed HS/F
B: PCI stuff on the back. i noticed my PCI cards do not really use the entire width of the case
C: PSU. i will look into ways of making a PSU smaller. can those spreaders inside a psu be trimmed? the PSU will be blowing air IN, into the CPU fan
D: RAM
E: modded keyboard.
F: HDDs, can fit a few.

in the second picture:

G: three 5 1/4" bays.

i really don't like the second option but how else do i fit the bays??

emilio