Hi, for an A-Level Product Design project, I decided to create a PC case based on the theme of the Art Deco movement. I took inspiration from many places, especially the architecture of the time. I have also been interested in certain game worlds, such as Rapture (Bioshock) and the Wasteland (All Fallout Games). This was my first case build, as my previous experience lies mainly in pc maintenance - Replacing my graphics card, etc. First off, I created hand drawn designs (Which was fun, as I have awful drawing skills). These were based mainly on the buildings of Rapture and the Big Daddies! Hand Drawn Render These were followed up by some CAD work, mainly on Google sketch up. This stage included a large alteration to the design as I needed to ensure the pc would be a decent and workable size and shape. Here is the final render from Sketch up Sketch up Render Finally, I moved onto the construction phase, which was done mainly in my school's workshop. Most of the construction process was unfortunately, not photographed, as I had to meet a deadline, so I was working pretty solid on this for all of my free time! All of the woodwork was cut into basic rectangular shapes with a circular saw from a 12mm birch plywood sheet. It was then cut into shape using the school's Boxford 3d router.The metal work was designed on AutoCAD and then cut out by an engineering firm in my home town - Nerak. This was done on a Water Jet Cutter. The metal was bent to shape on plywood formers, with the aid of a blow torch and MANY g-clamps (It was stubborn to bend and eventually had to be held in place with wood screws). The pc was general case frame was tweaked and I mounted an old ATX motherboard with a Pentium Dual Core (I know, nothing special, it was the only hardware I had spare) This has a Sound Blaster Audigy sound card and an Nvidia 8500GT fitted, so nothing special there either. Workshop Pics Now the frame was finished, with the hardware mounted, I needed to add some cooling and lighting. The cooling is, although lacking slightly, sufficient and efficient. I used 3 80mm Akasa Pearl White LED fans, mounted behind the grills on the front, which add a nice white glow to the grills. This is complemented by two White Col Cathodes mounted on either side of the acrylic window on the side panel. This PC is now finished, with the exception of one more piece of Black acrylic, needed to add an IO symbol to the on button. Finished Product So, hope everyone likes it, my first scratch build, now all I have to do is finish the A-Level portfolio and take and exam...
