[Navig]

Hi all,

I'm already hard into my latest project.

Quick summary of previous projects:
Project Dark Side/SpacemanSpiff.
Benching station.
Tower PC.
Dual tower project.


I've titled it the

Console PC



Because its going to look something like a furniture console that you put your TV on:

Here's my usual sketch up:





Here's my current status:





All the steps in between can be found at my worklog at the Abit forum.


navig

[xTrEmEoVrClOcKr]

Anything from Navig is very high quality work. I can't wait to see when it's finished.

[Navig]

Some updates:

Fan intake column:




Mounted the hard drive cage rack:




Motherboard tray:




Here's how its coming:

[Navig]

And yes, its THAT sturdy!

[emceepecks]

i like what i see

[Evil_inc]

New meaning to the word "Console gaming". Good job

[JackupCyrus]

I like!

[EmAn]

lookin good i would love to watch this through

[Navig]

Motherboard tray is mounted:










Next I tried a little experimentation on junk board.


Planning on sinking my fans like so (mdf is 3/4in thick, routed down 1/2in depth):





Looks like this mounted:

[Navig]

PSU mount:

[stunt]

Looks like a Lian-Li PSU mount plate with the exhaust diverter. Real nice job.

[EmAn]

i am liking it so far but two questions...

What are the handle looking pieces on the motherboard tray?
and what do you plan to use them for?

[KaosInc.]

Just a suggestion, you should install the fans for your build with some type of rubber gasket to reduce the vibrations as they are in direct contact with the case...I mean console.
I think you have done a sweet job so far. Good Luck.

[EmAn]

Originally Posted by KaosInc.

Just a suggestion, you should install the fans for your build with some type of rubber gasket to reduce the vibrations as they are in direct contact with the case...I mean console.
I think you have done a sweet job so far. Good Luck.

i don't think it would effect his console because it is wood and not metal IMHO

[Hazaro]

Going to hook up a Sixaxis, Wiimote, or 360 Controller to it?

[someone1029]

I'm Liking What Im Seeing. What pc comonents u goin 2 use?

[Sleepy_Steve]

So far I see lian li parts, plastic, and MDF.

What electronic goodies will find a new home in this box?

[Navig]

Thanks for the comments.

1) Handles on the mobo tray. They serve some purpose: for example see this little video of how to install the mobo tray:



You can see how handles make this installation much easier.

Not only that, I use the mobo tray alone as a benching station:



So it needs something for feet.

But mostly I saw them at Target for wicked cheap and I thought they looked cool!



For the actual componentry...I don't know. My "brand" of modding is to build an actual real functioning case as if I were a 3rd party case maker--on crack. I look to inspiration from companies like Mountain Mods.

So, when I'm done building this case, I'll probably just chuck into it whatever components I've got at the time that look the best. I've currently got 4 systems running, and the components do move around a bit.

1) Benching station--e6600, AW9D-max, x1900xtx
2) Tower pc--Opty 175, DFI lanparty UTd, pci video card
3) Dual tower lubic build--e4300, IN9 32x, some low grade radeon ?X1350
4) Clearpc case--P4 3.2 prescott, P4C800e-d, x850xt


Why all the different systems? Benching station--my main gaming system. Tower pc--folding, dvd burning. Dual tower--platform on which I'm testing my Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme, folding. Clearpc case--wife's.


I'm not into one-off modding, with crazy motherboard modifying like soldering the connectors to the backside, or taking apart power supplies. I like building cases that get people saying, "I wish I could buy that case for my components".


I may violate this rule just a bit, because I may go watercooling with this project. I have some ideas for laying down clear pvc hard lines. We'll see.

navig

[Navig]

I'll add some update pics, since the abit forums seem to be down:

PSU rack:






With PSU:



Also note the nice recessed fan!






MDF is very solid and sound absorbing. I guess that's why its used a lot for speaker enclosures. I don't think rubber gaskets are necessary, but that sort of detail stuff I leave for the final build.

[EmAn]

i was gettin ready to say something like that but... i forgot what MDF stands for

[Navig]

Medium Density Fiberboard. Summary of pros n cons. Strong, sturdy, easy to work with. Dirt cheap. Painting of cut edges is a problem--any water based paint, the fibers stand up, giving it a strange texture. You can find certain types of sealer paint. Or do what I plan, line the cut edges with melamine tape.

[Oroka Sempai]

This is genius for housing a HTPC. Everything close by, and tons of space to add more HDDs.

[Sleepy_Steve]

I should design and build a sub enclosure for my car... But do I re-use the MDF from my home made bookshelf? Or do I go out and buy a fresh sheet of the stuff?

[JamesXP]

With building an encosure look for a good design, 1inch off can make a difference ;],

I wouldn't just make a box either.

[Navig]

I'm going to summarize several weeks of experimentation into bending large plastic panes with this picture:








Done twice, I mounted these bad boys with tape:





A little quick test with possible lighting:





Next step: mount the hinges, and trim the doors to size.

[djrussell]

wow, that's wild. if you're going watercooled, it'd be neat to route out channels for the water tubes to run through.

[xanderjobizzle]

This looks really cool.

Good Luck!

[Navig]

Okay, now I could use a little advice/suggestions.

Doors have been cut and hung:




Any suggestions on how to latch the doors closed? I had all along assumed I do something like door magnets, but now I think I might take the opportunity to do something a little more unique. Must be sleek and functional!

navig

[Navig]

So I was sitting at my desk this night, and all of sudden Console PC ver 2.0 came to me. So I've spent the last half hour sketching it out!





Sorry, the pencil didn't scan so well, but I think you can make out the general details. What is the point, you say? Its a combo console for your regular "TV" rack equipment, plus a full sized case built into one.

Sure, you can buy media center cases that will go into a standard rack. But can they offer full ATX sized motherboard running a 3x120 watercooled loop, overclocked quad core with SLI, and 6 terabytes of storage?

navig

[asusradeon]

Oooo.. thats looking goooooood...keep us posted !