Hey guys! I'm just starting this thread to post some ideas and get some suggestions. As some of you may know, i'm working on my integrated PC (see Fresh Fusion in signature). This is nice and all, but it will be a problem if i ever want to take my PC somewhere. So i might as well start planning my next project ahead of time What i'd like to do is build a case that i can easily install the parts in to take it with me, and easily take them out again when i am done and want my desk back. So basically, this will be a carry-bag and PC case in one. The finished product should be: light small easy to carry easy to build up and dismantle. strong (i'm not the most careful of travellers) usable with a wide variety of parts, i want to be able to update my system now and then. It should be able to contain at least: 1x ATX mobo 2x PCI-e GFX cards (hey, a man can dream, right? ) 2x SATA HDDs 1x slimline DVD drive 1x Standard size PSU Storage space for 25-ish CDs/DVDs Storage space for mouse, mobo Storage space for some USB sticks Extensive cable management system, at least including 5m UTP and a 4-way power extension cable (also around 5m) If at all possible, it should look good too Now, with all that **** in there, i realize that it will NOT be small, nor light. I just intend it to be as small and light as posssible. The idea is to arrive somewhere carrying only this case and a monitor, and be fully equipped (well apart from my lunchbox ) To achieve the minimum possible dimensions, this case will be folded up on travel, and 'deploy' all the machinery at arrival. Fully deployed it is allowed to be quite big, though not rediculously so. This will be a complete scratch build. I want to sorta make my trademark of the acrylic + threadwire for maaterial choices, for two reasons: it's dirt cheap, and it is easy to work with. A good modder can make anything look good, so that's not going to be the problem. I'm brainstorming and sketching ideas as we speak, so i'll post specific ideas later. First i would really like to hear what ideas you guys have about this concept. Maaybe it's been done before? Tell me, i would like some 'blank' input on this
Squad: correct. I don't plan on doing it very often, but i do plan to go to a LAN now and then. So, i'll need something to put the stuff in, or move my whole desk
You might be looking at a briefcase or a large plastic case that powertools come in. get some flexable risers for the PCI-E Gfx cards and you should be able to make it pretty slim. Good luck!
What about some sort of tower. Like a parking garage sort of, it has multiple levels for each component, with the motheboard centered in the middle. You just pull it out, and move it to a separate case
If you use one of those standard size Aluminium tool (brief)cases, you should be able to get it all in without a problem. you can probably fit a screen in there too. Something like this (obviously re-arranged to fit an mATX board)? : http://mini-itx.com/projects/attacheserver/
see, now we're talking The briefcase is not exactly what i mean here. It would be cool, but with everything i wanna raccy the thing would just become too big. I was thinking more along the parking lot idea that squad suggested. I'll have a look at that, see how good that would work. Maybe it will really become a briefcase afterall, who knows
The 2 module idea sounds feasible, and if you use some laptop parts, it could be nice. The mobo and cards are the main limiting factors I see. With some fancy custom cabling, you could put the PSU, drives, and other stuff like that in a second case. If you can find a 1U PSU with the right connectors and wattage, a 2.5in HDD, and a slim CD, the box could be integrated with an LCD monitor. Then you could 'lego' the two units together there. Or, if you use all sata drives, and use heaver gauge wire for power (to account for the extra length) the boxes could even exist separately. Maybe something like the ammo box PC done here. So you walk in with a pair of boxes to a LAN party and are good to go in a few minutes of setup.
http://www.acmeportable.com/ACME-Portable-System/3-LCD-Surround-System/ - something like this, but not pant wettingly expensive.
I was going to say ammo box too, But get a 20mm (bullet) box. You could build the system so everything with a plug or fan faces the lid. When it's closed it would be watertight. Inset the components and you will have lots of extra room for storage. Strap the keyboard on top of the lid and off you go!
