Basic box

[{ace of spades}]

Im hoping to make a thin box shape case out of sheet ally and put my computer components inside. Im new to the internals of computers so i was wondering:

+How easy is it, does anyone have any tips for me?
+I was planning on use 3 delta (180 CMF ones) can my stock mobo / PSU handle this?
+Do i need anything else that i cant fabricate myself, like HD racks etc.
+Is there any problems with unplugging everything then plugging it back on afterwards?

Anything else i should know about?

Thanks for the help guys, i really want this as a project for the summer but i need more info.

James

[Lunar_Lamp]

You shouldn't have any problems unplugging everything and plugging it back in again - as long as you are careful with static.
Your PSU should be able to handle it, but to be sure, what PSU do you have? How many Watts of power does it output? If it is quite low, you could potentially have some problems with stability, though I would suspect you'd be ok.
You need to remember things like front USB ports and power/reset switch, which will need to be put into the case at some point if you are using them (as with power LED and HDD activity LED).
Also, remember to consider air-flow in your new case before you build it - concisously think about it as you are designing it.
You will need to make some kind of motherboard tray most likely - which is not particularly difficult, but that is another piece of metal you will need to deal with. You can have it fixed or removable. Remember to include mounts for your motherboard to stop itself from grounding on the tray.
If you can salvage HDD racks etc from an old pc, that would save you some effort, but you may not want to do this.
Remember to think about how you are going to mount your PSU.

And most of all, make sure you have fun!

[dimer]

Hmm.. It's a bit dodgy to build a case from the beginning. I would suggest buying a case under $30 and modding it to your likings. This gives you some basic structures in your case available

[{ace of spades}]

I was tempted but i just dont like ANY of the cases ive seen out there, plus most of them are a rip off. Thanks for the help so far, where do i find a mobo try since my mobo is a dell one >.>
Ill find out the PSU Wattage tonight if i can find the manual...

[dimer]

Do you say mobo TRAY? :confused: I'd bet you'd use the same one for your new case. Not all cases have removable trays though.
BTW: concerning those Delta fans... don't dream of plugging them into the mobo, just to the PSU (if it has sufficient wattage)

[{ace of spades}]

AH ok thanks, i would have done that if you hadent of told me :s

The trouble is....i have a three year BTB warenty for the computer so if something goes wrong ill try to put it back into the original case so they will fix it, so i dont want to start hacking up my original one :(

Another thing, my computer only has two fans, and it only has two fan connecters so is there some kind of doubler socket i can get? Last thing (promise :)) im upgrading the GC too, so im thinking that i probably will have to upgrade that too, the trouble is i cant find the rating of the psu anywhere :(.

[subtotal]

if it came inside a dell then it's probably a hair or two better than the stock system uses. although you can probsbly squeeze a fan or 2 in there. assuming they aren't high-speed deltas (etc)

[{ace of spades}]

Im sorry i lost you for a sec, what are you saying are too big, and yes i do want to use high speed deltas.

[Lunar_Lamp]

The PSU will probably have a label with it's specifications on it.

[{ace of spades}]

Ah got it, its says 250W :(

[BTTB]

Yeah, you should definately get a new one if you're adding components.

[{ace of spades}]

Is there such a thing as a mini PSU that can still deliver the Watts i need?

[subtotal]

do you mean a PSU for one of those XPC cases? i think they top out around 300...

seriously, just buy a regular (quality) PSU

[{ace of spades}]

Ok, should i go for a 500W one since im upgrading my GC too?

[subtotal]

a 500W psu would be a good investment, however, you should make sure it's a quality brand, i've heard good things about fortron and OCZ psus, those are all i can remember off the top of my head, but i'm sure somebody here can recommend a few more

[Tay]

Best thing to do in your modding case it to get an old case, butcher it for the chassis and mobo plate, and mount them in your slim box.

Or

Get one of These (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3669&item=6779173088&rd=1)

[{ace of spades}]

No need, i went to my dads work and he gave me and old computer that wasnt working :) Also, the mobo is different because its a dell, is there any problem with just screwing the mobo into the inside of my case (i know, i will make sure it doesnt short anywhere).

[squasher]

I don't understand, you are taking your stuff out of your dell case and putting it in another stock computer case? Or are you using the parts of the new computer case to make a new one?

Just to throw in my two cents: If you don't have all the tools you need to make a new computer case/don't have experience with those tools it will be cheaper (don't have to buy tools, blades, metal) and prolly nicer (paintjob, machine made cuts) to buy a new case. Making one on your own is great sometimes, but you can't make things like a nice bevel.

But if you want to do it, go for it and have fun! Don't forget the pics :)

[{ace of spades}]

What i am doing is, taking the parts out of my dell and putting them into a new, custom made case whilst keeping the old case totaly intact (incase i want to call on the warenty, hence the need for a old case for the HD racks etc. Personallyi think that all the cases out there are ugly and generic, the odd nice ones like the UFO cost an arm and a leg. I think i can build a better case for a fraction of the price, i will use thick pieces of step plate alli which will conduct the heat very well (will have to watch the electrical conduction though :s) and i will have a delta or two for the wow factor. I just hope it goes as well as im hoping, i also have some carbonfiber lying around at home so i think that would look great used on the case too. Pics soon i follow i hope.

[{ace of spades}]

Work starting today :) Ill post a few little comments here, and i will probably start a log once im a decent way into the project. I will have some more questions for you guru's so dont leave just yet ^.^

James