Thinking about building a case

[subconcept]

I was going to build a a mini tower computer for lans, and for using to play movies at home. I really liked the Lian Li mini tower cases but I thought it would be a cool project to do if I could make one.

I want to make it out of aluminum if its not to expensive.

My brother has a plasma cutter to cut the metal so cutting it wouldnt be a prob. Anyone know where I can get more info on this, or any mini tower designs.

Thanks

 

[subconcept]

I know i will probably never get around to doing this lol but i really want to as soon as get a little more money. But i thought this would be a cool case for a lan. keep in mind the design here i want for a micro atx board, so some of the drawings are gonna look like its built for a normal size board. I drew in a curve at the top to accomodate the pci slots but keep it so that it looked sleek and smooth. It would be built out of aluminum. Now the position of everything like psu, cd rom, hdd would most likely change, all depending the dimensions of the board, etc.

Do you guys think this would be cool if it was done right and do you think it could be done with the right tools. Like i said i have access to plasma cutter, and maybe a metal bender or something like that in the auto shop of my school.

Heres the link to the drawing a drew up.

I forgot to draw the front details in the left side view

 

[Sony]

Looks like a great design have fun Building it

 

[VotTak]

It looks nice...
I thought you might want to consider cube

 

[Lugi]

Hi

Im too thinking about building a case on my own. Aint it a good idea to build it from wood ? Isn't it dangerous ?

Bye

 

[takiwa]

thats a pretty cool design, man...when you gonna build it? Post pics when you're done, I wanna see it!

 

[subconcept]

It looks nice... I thought you might want to consider cube

Now that u mention it a cube would be cool. If i could make it really compact but have room for a couple case fans and a handle on top it would look good, i wonder how small it can be made.

First off whats a good micro atx board that supports ddr and an amd proessor, so i can go find out the dimensions.

 

[NASsoccer]

well whatever you decided to go with, the cube or the case in the thread, be sure to keep us up to date on how it it going and be sure to post some pics. Personally, the design you have right now would look sweet. Good luck on the case.

 

[subconcept]

Thanks for the replies ppl, Im going to start looking into how much I an buy the aluminum for and what the best way of attaching the pieces of metal would be. Also have to look into the cost of the computer, and how I would bend the metal for the top part so it looked smooth and professional.

If I spend to much on a second computer after I have spent alot on this one, Im never gonna hear the end of it from my parents hehe.

 

[xl]

Make sure it can stand on its side, and get a slot loading DVD rom. If its on it's side, that way you would't take up so much space on the lan table.

 

[Captain Slug]

Suggestions...

mcmaster..com sells dozen of grades and thicknesses of aluminum and could have everything you need to finish your project. However I would recommend buying a Rackmount aluminum case instead. It'd be about the same dimensions, would be just as light, and would save alot of time.

Electroseller.com has a bare aluminum rackmount chassis with micro 300W ATX PSU for $200. It's dimensions are 19" x 20" x 4"

at McMaster.com one sheet of Alloy 1100 Aluminum Sheet .125" Thick, 48" X 48" Costs $ 123.93 Each

However, you could make the exact same size case out of
Polypropylene (acrylic) Sheet 1/4" Thick, 48" X 48", Translucent White
for only $45.32 Each

Plus, you could paint the inside only saving you alot of time by avoiding the use of enamel coats. Polycarbonate (lexan) is stronger and easier to tool but it is prone to easier scratching.