Build Advice All in one in CRT, parts advice

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by pyro1son, 7 Nov 2010.

  1. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    OK so my brother wants me to build him a pc. His room has very little space and Ive wanted to build a pc inside a CRT for a while now and he likes the idea.

    Getting hold of a 17" CRT monitor as we speak but no sure what to put in it. This is where i need the help!


    Budget: £200 - 300
    Main uses of intended build: Web browsing and low level gaming possibly a few films nothing much.
    Parts required: mobo, cpu, graphics? hdd...
    Monitor resolution: not sure but quite low
    Storage requirements: 250 - 500gb
    Will you be overclocking: no
    Any motherboard requirements (no. of USB, Xfire/SLI, fan headers): small low power
    Extra information about desired system:
     
  2. Zurechial

    Zurechial Elitist

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    Are you planning to gut the CRT and just use the casing, or just fill the empty space in the CRT casing with system components?

    I don't mean to be a spoilsport but opening a CRT is a safety hazard to begin with (there are powerful capacitors inside that take a long time to discharge passively after the monitor is switched off) and if you're planning to put some system components inside that same casing you won't want to be doing any frequent maintenance on it at all.

    On top of that; modern components are supposedly less susceptible to radio or magnetic interference (while HDDs contain powerful magnets of their own), but I just can't imagine a full system faring well alongside the magnets and other EMI-emitting components of a CRT without some sort of shielding.

    I could be completely wrong on that count; given that people have combined systems with CRTs in the past (the iMac springs to mind), but I'm sure there was some shielding in use or consideration given to that point at least; so give it plenty of thought!

    If you can work out those issues (or rule them out as non-issues, as the case may be) then this could be a fun project. Good luck! :)
     
  3. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    Im planning on replacing the inside of a CRT with LCD monitor and system.

    Im aware of the safety hazard and will find a way to solve it. i know a few people to do that for me.

    Haven't got to worry about the magnets they will be removed.

    Just looking for idea and tips. Just watch this space!
     
  4. Picky88

    Picky88 What's a Dremel?

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    Great project idea. Make sure the 17" LCD monitor you buy is not only the same size but also the same aspect ratio, otherwise you will run into problems fitting it! I would also have the screen front hinge downwards, to make accessing the system easy. If you want to go cheap you could find a laptop with a 17" screen, and basically just take the screen off its hinges. Also a laptop screen will be easier to fit inside the case, as some LCDs for desktop use can be suprisingly big round the back and sides. Laptop will also be low power aswell. Not sure how you are going to incorporate any optical drive?

    Good luck with it!
     
  5. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    I like the laptop idea i might be able to get hold of one, and for the screen aspect ratio will be ok, ive already started taking that into account!

    Thanks for the hinge idea!:thumb:
     
  6. PureSilver

    PureSilver E-tailer Tailor

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    Go for one of the old Apple transparent CRTs - they're gorgeous!
     
  7. dancingbear84

    dancingbear84 error 404

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    Speak to your local IT recycling WEEE company, one of them are bound to have a CRT chasis kicking about for a couple of quid. Does it have to be a 17"
     
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  8. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    yeh they do look good but not what im going for.

    no could be any size. just going with 17" as its a good size for viewing!

    thanks guys for the intrest!
     
  9. Smilodon

    Smilodon The Antagonist

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    Be aware that most CRTs are in a 4:3 format, while most 17" and 19" LCDs are 5:4 format.

    That may look the same, but they are not.

    Also, the measurement of a CRT is the diagonal of the actual picture tube, not the viewing area while LCDs are are measured by the actual viewing area. You will probably have to adapt the casing slightly. Either by cutting the hole bigger or making a frame inside the opening.
     
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  10. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    Thanks for the heads up. I didnt know that :duh:. I will take this into considiration.
     
  11. dancingbear84

    dancingbear84 error 404

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  12. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    I think im going to get hold of the CRT and take as many measurements as possible and make sure i get one that fits.

    The likely hood is most of this project will be sorced from eBay or friends old pc's.
     
  13. pyro1son

    pyro1son Linux User!

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    Just had an idea to make it a Hackintosh. what you guys think?

    Although i'm not really sure if what i have in mind will run it!
     

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