GoldenEye: Source Forums
Debriefing => Off-Topic Lounge => Topic started by: Kratos on April 02, 2010, 08:31:21 pm
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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
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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.
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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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TggHtINGIyc&feature=popt00us16)
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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.
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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.
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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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TggHtINGIyc&feature=popt00us16)
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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My friend built his desktop into a 50 caliber ammo can. It was an awesome project and I helped him along the way with the wiring and stuff.
However, it constantly crashed because of overheating and shorting. Be forewarned, you should NOT skimp on ventilation at all. In fact, your first consideration should be ventilation (even extra vent holes with sliding covers)
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My friend built his desktop into a 50 caliber ammo can. It was an awesome project and I helped him along the way with the wiring and stuff.
However, it constantly crashed because of overheating and shorting. Be forewarned, you should NOT skimp on ventilation at all. In fact, your first consideration should be ventilation (even extra vent holes with sliding covers)
Will keep that first on my shitlist. Thank you.
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Make sure that you have some secret USB and keyboard/mouse ports; mice are hard to use when cramped in a briefcase.
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Also keep in mind that controlled air flow is better ventilation than just having holes everywhere.
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Thank you for the advices guys.
I changed my position last time, and once I cut out the hole for the I/O panel, i will post pictures.
The previous pictures that were here a minute ago, the layout of the parts was not right. The motherboard was position facing down, when you stood the case up.
I will post pics later today...
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8) Nice 8) looks like Q branch from the older movies is becoming alive
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Necro. What ever came of this project?
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I didn't like the results. So, I ended up giving it to someone. That wasnt sturdy btw. The good quality ones are like $50>
I have something to show. This project took a month. Ill post pics when its close to completion.