hardcore workshop PC

[Aaron Burton]

K, so I realize the last few days I've been getting ahead of myself in terms of $$$, but whatever. I don't always have original ideas.

This one isn't so original as much as it is an implementation of a previously done idea.

I'm thinking of getting one of those toolboxes with the fold-up shelves that raise up when you open the lid, putting the motherboard and power supply on the bottom of the case, then mounting a pull-out bearing system on the bottom of the tool tray so I can pull the keyboard out from underneath it when I open the case. I would mount a 5" or 7" lcd on the underside of the top, so when I open the case, it's right there. and for the mouse, I'd make a fold out platform so when I open the case, I have a place I can set the mousepad.

Of course, I'd make lots of room for tools and such, so I can carry them around with me too.

What do you think? How can I improve this?

[Aaron Burton]

I dunno, they make some pretty hefty sized toolboxes. I was planning on using something smaller than regular ATX, but I don't know what form factor I'm planning on using yet. I'm certain that any sized box big enough to hide a keyboard under the shelf would be big enough to house the cd rom and hard drive.

[ghettocomp]

Mini-ITX should be the way to go. Anything larger risks getting broken easier, especially if you plan to carry tools and such with it. A smaller toolbox for doing what you are planning, and after leaving the tools out would be an excellent idea.

[Aaron Burton]

what do you mean leave the tools out?

[ghettocomp]

...
Of course, I'd make lots of room for tools and such, so I can carry them around with me too.

What do you think? How can I improve this?
you said it... :)

[Aaron Burton]

and after leaving the tools out would be an excellent idea.

What do you mean "and after leaving the tools out" ? What does that mean?

[ghettocomp]

:shrug: just leaving the tools (IE screwdrivers, jackhammers( :D ), small parts) out of the box, and not carrying them in the toolbox with the motherboard, keyboard, CD, Hard Drives, Floppy, and any other PCI cards you may want to use. just have the computer itself in the box. Still say it is an excellent idea

[Dukeman]

Actually if the toolbox was big enough you could save room for PC tools only. I mean most of the time you don't need a chain saw or sledge hammer, so there should be enough room for the rest of the sharp, pointy objects.

[Aaron Burton]

Well then that defeats the whole purpose. I want to be able to carry hardware in the case too. I'm not going to leave that stuff out, I'll just have to design it to accommodate those things. I want room for screwdrivers, pliers, my soldering gun, my dremel, and a few CD's and adapters. If I were to leave those things out, it would defeat the whole purpose of the project! Thanks for your comments though, they are helpful, and it's nice to get feedback. I don't plan on using a floppy, and I plan on keeping expansion slots as empty as possible. I figure if I use a 1u server heatsink, I can save a lot of room that way too. I think I could put all this stuff in there and still have a generous amount of space left.

[informalmyx]

just make a prtective acrrilc plate so you dont short anything out i have keep my tools in the case for awhile such ass my emergy cd push pin thing and a phillips and flathead and tape i just secured it to the bootom of the case so when i go lan it wont bounce and cause damage

[threeme2189]

good idea...

[Cap'n Pedro]

How about using some of these (http://www.tnb.com/images/pubint/brands/tygrip_fasteners.jpg) (reusable cable tie thingies) to fasten the tools down?

[Aaron Burton]

eh, maybe. I'll probably just get compartments for the tools. That way I can put whatever I want in it.