Planning HTPC Scratch Case

This is first mod exclusively on this site, I used do alot over a OCN under the same username.

Hardware is pretty much already bought I just need to sort out all the connectors.

Also the front panel still remains undone As I have not yet decided on its design,

Some Initial Renderings:





And if anyone is interested I did a 3D PDF Here for Download outer shell removed so the layout inside can be seen.

 

That looks really cool. Nice and sleek, and if put into practice with the right amount of brushed aluminium, you'll have a great case!

 

I was thinking (and Designing for) Black plastic to suit the rest of the stuff and the TV.

I'm hoping to put a USB and an Illuminated logo on the front.

 

Just remember that it is a HTPC, make sure the lights are subtle.

 

My Plan is/was to have the front made of thisTinted acrylic then have the logo design cut out of a piece of black plastic behind it.

 

What colour light will you be putting behind that? It should be nice as long as the light isn't too bright.

 

With the blue tint I was thinking just white. I'll probably have to use resistors to dull it down enough.

 

5V white LED's are available I think. They'll look good.

 

Probably only need one or two to get the desired level of brightness.

As I said I need to sort out the wiring as to how I'm going to power all this and make the cables tidy. I need some custom cables for all this.

 

Ok Here is my initial idea for the from panel:


I may change the blue tint for a smoked acrylic but the renderer makes it look kind of weird. The two dots infront of the dragon are going to be the Power and HDD activity lights...

What do you think?

 

Any thoughts?

Trying not to make it look so boxy in Version2:

 

I like V2 more personally, the rounded edge is minimal, but does quite a bit for the design

 

Thanks.

To be honest sometimes I lack inspiration for the details of a design.

I've just realised I was also going to put a USB port on the front and no reset button.

I'm struggling to find a USB port that can be attached, and also a smaller reset button.

 

Thanks.

I'm still pretty much in the design stage for the outside of the case. The insides are pretty much fixed unless someone can find a better way of arranging them.

This weekend I'll spead a little more time trying to refine the design and post back here with some renders.