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Building a aluminum briefcase pc.. UPDATE 2

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Kratos:
One of the projects I am doing now is building a portable desktop that I can take it anywhere. Unlike a laptop, the desktop motherboard is cheap and replaceable as well as all the parts that make up a desktop pc. Not only its cheap to replace parts, the performance blows any laptop you can find.

The downside of this project when its done is, its not going to be a slim pc. I careless how big it is. I care about performance, not size. Total investment i am putting towards this project is less than $200. The aluminum case costs $24, mini atx motherboard $50, processor $30, ram $20, $10 power supply, and video card $60, and some fans and etc...

As for the video, the board has an onboard 6150 chipset. I am using a pci-e 7600gt that I have. I can put any video card in this chassis, unlike a notebook, where you are freaking stuck with a shitty video processor and cant change it/upgrade it.

I was thinking of putting a 15 inch lcd on the top half of the case, but im gonna keep that empty for now, as its my first time building this. Maybe I will add a lcd, so I wont need to connect a monitor to it. 17inch lcd i believe is the only size i can go up to or the lcd wont fit.

My question was, if you notice in the picture, inside the aluminum case is a foam/padding?? Can i keep that in there and put the motherboard and all the parts?? I realized it will create an insulator and heat will build up more. The foam/padding thing is held by tough glue, and I might need a heat gun or hair dryer to remove it.

I will post pics as I work on it. I will run goldeneye source too make it more appealing.

If I get good at making these cases, I will make one template case, I can start selling them who knows.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/931/sdc10993h.jpg

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2758/sdc10997l.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3620/sdc10996s.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8798/sdc10995f.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8039/sdc10992v.jpg

EDIT:

New pics
----------

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2582/sdc11046.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5761/sdc11041z.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5426/sdc11035.jpg

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/2104/sdc11030v.jpg

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/433/sdc11044.jpg


Problem I am currently encountering is the video card DVI and svideo ports will not show when the case is closed. The card is wicked big and tall. Ill have to use onboard for now.

now i just need to make holes for the case fans and do wiring and finish the rest.

What do you think?? should i go with two 120mm fans ontop?

thanks


btw the motherboard is resting on a mobo tray. Just cut it to its exact size. I might remove the padding beneath it, and it will sit lower.

major:
The foam could creative a static charge and cause a crash, or completely fry a component. what I would do would be get a thin sheet of aluminum(maybe 8-12mm) and lay it on the bottom(and secure it to the case, maybe rivets or a strong glue), that way you have a way to tap the MOBO standoffs into and a way to secure down the PSU and other components; while keeping weight down.

Or be ghetto and just use wood as the base...

EDIT:
Here is a nice XBOX mod that can inspire you and your mind for ideas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TggHtINGIyc&feature=popt00us16

Mangley:
Nice idea.

Definitely you need to clear out any foam padding, and basically anything that isn't metal or necessary from inside of the case. Like major said, you'll need a rigid aluminium plate in the bottom of the case.

Take some considerations to where you're going to place your fan ports in the case, both intakes and exhausts and consider their airflow in relation to the components. If you're going to have exposed ports on the side of the case you may want to make sliding covers for them to help protect everything when you're carrying it around.

I look forward to seeing this come together.

Kratos:
Heres what I thought and i really appreciate for the ideas about placing a aluminum sheet on the bottom...

Im gonna take my desktop case, take out the mobo tray and screw it down on the aluminum briefcase bottom.

heres a pic...

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3784/sdc10998o.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4310/sdc10999.jpg

it came out without hassle. Already has the mobo screws and i just need small screws to hold the tray in place.

Kratos:

--- Quote from: major on April 02, 2010, 09:41:42 pm ---The foam could creative a static charge and cause a crash, or completely fry a component. what I would do would be get a thin sheet of aluminum(maybe 8-12mm) and lay it on the bottom(and secure it to the case, maybe rivets or a strong glue), that way you have a way to tap the MOBO standoffs into and a way to secure down the PSU and other components; while keeping weight down.

Or be ghetto and just use wood as the base...

EDIT:
Here is a nice XBOX mod that can inspire you and your mind for ideas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TggHtINGIyc&feature=popt00us16

--- End quote ---

uuggghhhh MACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC  i hate those shit systems...

anyhow, I loved the setup though. Thanks for that vid, gave me some ideas.

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