custom pc case

I've seen images on some website of a custom pc case that was made from scratch. Thats seems like a great idea since I can modify any part to have a very creative appearance. What would be a good material for the case itself? plexiglas? Any other types of materials that would be good for this project? thanks

 

I started building (from scratch) a pretty PC case some years ago. Maybe I'll finish it before all computers are laptop.

You could build it out of lexan or teak or whatever but note steel sheet metal at least as an inner skin provides shielding for (and from) the electronics as well as some insurance against fire. One solution is iron-on wood veneer over sheet metal.

Many parts must be built to fine tolerances. See the brackets and various cutouts in the rear. Get a dial caliper and some good rulers graduated in 32nds, some taps - 6-32, 8-32, etc. - needle files and rasps, proper tools for sheet metal forming, and so forth. Be prepared to search through technical docs for picky little dimensions like ' 2.354" ' and apply these as you gradually build your PC case from scratch.

 

The best material to use will depend on what your goals are. Do you want a case that looks really cool or a case to make a silent pc. What components are you going to use in the case? (processor, number of hard drives, etc.) What type of cooling are you going to use? Some designs use the case itself as a type of heat sink to help remove heat from the system. In this type of design, plexiglass would not work. If you are not going for a passively cooled system, plexiglass should not be a problem, if it is thick and strong enough. If this is going to be more than just a show piece, make sure you think about the cooling system during your design.

-Mike
"People don't want a hero, they want to eat cheeseburgers, play the lotto and watch television."

 

You may build it anyway you want it but does it makes sense. To me no way. Some of the plastic you mention are so hot that you can end up with a beautiful boat anchor because of it.

 

Any material would be suitable. As with any case, proper cooling is a must,but you could do some really cool things with that also. whether you want to use plexiglas,wood, or metal, decide on the look you want, and go for it.

 

Try again without putting everyone down that posted in here.

Either offer helpful advise in a courtious manner or just don't post.

Thank you.