Wood and Silicon

June 23, 2009 11:27 AM

DIY computer case, Theres a lot of cool computer cases out there that people have built. I want to join the ranks. Yet I cant seem to find any tips on getting started. Any links, know of some blogger who posted a how to or a step by step account of what they did? I want to use Ponoko or hand craft to make a PC case from wood or acrylic for a micro ATX board I have.
posted by tropikal to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

It's all about art, woodworking, imagination, craft, etc. Damn near anything is possible, you just have to start with a good idea. The limit is your ability to use the materials you like. Pick up books or blogs about woodworking - it doesn't have to be specifically about case mods. Obviously you still have to worry about allowing for ventilation but the rest is your call. Start sketching.
posted by JJ86 at 11:58 AM on June 23, 2009

Best answer: The phrases you want are "case mod" and "work log". Google has lots of results, like this one, or this one.
posted by Who_Am_I at 12:20 PM on June 23, 2009

Best answer: This Japanese themed one's got lots of details, an acrylic one here, another with good design details, and another. Some crazy designs here, a few with links to worklogs.
posted by Who_Am_I at 12:39 PM on June 23, 2009

Make sure you familiarize yourself with the technical purposes of the case, and think about airflow.

Stress-test the machine afterward while monitoring temperatures to make sure you haven't built something destined for a meltdown.
posted by Zed at 1:08 PM on June 23, 2009

Best answer: I would suggest using either an existing case or bare motherboard tray as a starting point. That way you can be sure that the holes for the motherboard screws, rear I/O panel, and card slots are all the right size and properly aligned.
posted by Max Camber at 2:26 PM on June 23, 2009

Going Mod: 9 Cool Case Mod Projects (Paperback)
posted by PickeringPete at 2:36 PM on June 23, 2009

maximum pc used to have an article every month on the last page featuring some truly radical modified pcs. some I recall are a computer built into a functional small refrigerator using the cooling system for overclocking, and one that looked for all the world like a semi tractor. truly anything is possible
posted by Redhush at 8:20 PM on June 25, 2009