Scratch Build – In Progress Project: Framed - 4PC Test System

Here's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm working on a 4 PC system test machine. I will be putting 4 complete computer systems in one case. There will be a complete AMD XP and X2 dual core system, also there will be a complete P4 and Intel Core Duo system. Each will have their own Hard Drive, PSU and power button. They will all be able to use one LCD mounted on top. I will just need to adjust the plugs on the back and boot up the system I want to use. Obviously no normal case can hold this many parts so I will be using an organizer I recently bought.
Here's kinda what it'll look like



First I have to cut these off:

 

Update: All 4 PC's will use the same keyboard, mouse and monitor via a KVM switch

 

That organizer is a lovely piece of kit, I like shiny things. Keeping an eye on this, weirdo cases are always nice to see! What kind of testing do you do with all the rigs?

 

hmm are you gonna put acrylic on the outside or keep the chrome look going?

 

I usually test ram and HD's. And I'll be able to have this whole thing on wheels too!

So begins the fun!



That was easy



And they're off!



Then comes the plexi fitting.





There's one side. I attached it with rivets.





I'll wait to attach the other side till later. I first need to mount the components on plexi "drawers" and slide them in. At the end I will attach the other side panel with screws.

 

hmm interesting...
are the systems you are running powerful, maybe you dont need to use 4 power supplies. i think i saw a two systems in 1 case computer that used just 1 power supply.

 

I think it would be easier if they all had their own, especially with all the connections each will have to make.
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I found this old topper to my Mother-Bored PC to help with my intake.



I slid it into the bottom and since cold air settles on the bottom it'll be a primo place to have air sucked up and in.

 

Dude that will be an awesome mod. I sometimes see things at the stores and say to myself that would make a nice mod part or case. Even the chrome trash cans....lol. Good luck!!

 

subscribed... should try this meself with a few systems I've got about...

 

Liking it dude! Intuitive use of furniture

Be sure to fit a good air filter on those fans at the bottom. Otherwise you could end up with the worlds most advanced Dyson.

In your 4th picture of your second post, I see a model bus...? That could easily turn into a brilliant mod!

 

That is a mod! Eagle 5 - Spaceballs PC

 

SPACEBALLS! Thats brilliant!

Barfolemew!

Moving on...

I just had the idea of:

Drawer slides for your motherboards... I suppose it beats having to remove the mobo completely every time you want to change a small part...

 

It's an awfully light organizer. If I added drawer sides to it and wanted to add memory, I think the force to push memory into place would knock this thing over.

I'm using the Athlon 64 X2 BE-2300 which runs at 1.9GHz and uses only 45 Watts and not the normal 65 watts. The motherboard is AM2 and AM2+ compatible.

I don't have the dual Core Intel system yet.

For AMD single core, I think I have the 2800+, but I'll have to check

The Intel single core will be a Pentium 4 running at 1.7GHz

All the computers will have their own power supplies, DVD drives, hard drives (Windows XP Pro) and 1 Gig of memory. As of now I will be using onboard video and sound, but that might change later. On Monday or Tuesday I'm going to Lowes to have the real thick plexi cut out for me for each of the landings.

 

TGS nice to see you modding still

great find you've got there like a custom server rack really

does the height between rails give you enough space for GPU / PCI cards etc?

 

I'm not going to be needing cards because I'm using onboard audio and video and won't be using any cards. But I think it will fit......

 

Alright, the Intel dual core will be a plain jane E2140. That's all I actually need anyway.

Here's a rough idea of the front.

 

out of interest what do you plan on testing with it?

i would love one of these thing holding my server/developmentbox/gaming computer/general use computer all in one place as i say much like a server rack

 

I usually test RAM, HD's, cards, the works.

I got the plexi today, the real thick stuff. So thick, that Lowes was unable to cut it for me.

 

So here's the plexi and my how I'll cut it tonight.



I'll use which ever works. I'm waiting for the other mobo's to arrive.





Here's the RAM for the dual core mobo's, 2 sticks, 1GB each



And the RAM for the single core Mobo's, 2 sticks for each, 1GB total



I have lots of drives available



And lots of PSU's

 

Has anyone installed XP on an external drive before? I'm thing of using an external drive on my Framed project, so when I boot up what ever system I'm using, I could just plug in the external drive. Also, would this not be a good idea because of all the different motherboards and their individual drivers?