Modding Desktop modding

I was wondering if anyone has modded a desk-top before, the case that goes under the monitor. I want to do some modding to mine like adding some windows etc and I was just wondering if someone knows a link for some tips and stuff. Thanks.

 

Or if anyone has any ideas or tips. I'm just wondering because I would like to know how they did it. Thanks.

Right now I am kind of stumped as to how to get around the cross bar in the case. I don't really want to remove it seeing as it supports most of the weight, I have .5mm thick lexan "plexiglass" and I can't install that for a window because the 5.25" bays, the psu, and the cross member are flush with the top of the case. Meaning, if I stick that lexan in there I am going to be .5mm to high because the lexan is going to be hitting the psu, bays, and cross bar. I could cut around them, I don't know how much weight the top of the case will be able to hold then, it won't be that sturdy, but I am stumped as to how to get around this.

This is my first case that I modded from a barebone case, I've done fans before, but never windows, and the fans were on a tower. I wanted to mod a desk-top case just for the heck of it, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

First of all, there is an edit button. Second, a desktop is not the word you are looking for. And thirdly, I am sure it has been done, but you wouldn't really want you heavy ass moniter sitting on some rivited plexi.

 

I never claimed i was legit in computer terms, I see there is an edit button, and I do not know what it is called, it's not just plexi, i was told that lexan is the strongest stuff to get and that is what I have. If you could please help me out here, I'm new, I don't need the flaming.

 

Lol, I wasn't trying to flame, I am new to. But, you might want to consider modding a normal tower. It would most likely provide I lot more to mod, especially for n00bs like you and me.

 

I have considered modding a tower and I just picked the under-the-monitor-case-style (whats the name for these anyways) because I don't like to do what everyone else does, I figured i would try something new, well not new, but try something a little different. I got my self into this and now I just want to know if anyone has done something like this. I just need ideas and stuff.

 

Ah, it's all good.

I do agree with the putting the monitor on top of a window might be a bad idea - even if the material is strong enough for the monitor, it might come away from the case. Also, the monitor would break everything it lands on and end up costing you lots in repairs.

Although a TFT might be ok....


In regards the PSU etc being flush with the top of the case - you could put the window on the outside. I know that sounds like it could look bad - but coolermaster case windows are built such as, and I think they're pretty good (should be some at kustompcs )

 

Why not just do a search on google for "desktop case mods"?

 

Ok, the thought did cross my mind as far as my 17" CRT being a little heavy for the window, even secured with bolts, i don't really want to lose all my stuff when it goes through. I did pick up some regular plexi 1/8" thick that I could put on the outside of the case instead of on the inside, I have't thought of that before. Up till now it's been in my head that EVERYTHING has to be on the inside or else... but the 1/8" might actually look nice. I'll have to see.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

daveppeters: Tried allready, found lots of info but none of which helps me out since all it brings up is towers. Unless I am blind...

 

Because that would return almost every mod ever. I desktop is any type of tower.

 

Personally, I applaud your willingness to do new stuff.

EDIT: (removed potential flame bait)

As wharrad said, put the window on the outside. A nice beveled one with some cool looking screws holding it on would look cool.

I'd also suggest either making or buying a monitor stand that straddles your PC, so that your monitor doesn't sit on your window. This will ensure that your window won't break, it won't scratch, and you'll actually be able to see into the window (which is the purpose of a window after all ).

 

I actually thought that "horizontal" cases are called desktops, and "vertical" cases are called towers..At least thats what every computer store/computer guide/book i've ever seen calls them. What do you call them ?

Anywho...if you had a TFT you could cut the window in the case which goes around the base of the monitor (in a C shape - kinda). It'd be different, and still look ok. Depending on the internal structure if the case you might also be able to cut windows in the sides. If there are no internal plates holding the thing up you might be able to see through the whole computer.

 

anyone thinks the words "small form factor" might help ?

http://images.google.be/images?hl=nl&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=small+form+factor

 

If you're worried about putting your monitor on your computer, you might look into one of these (I googled "monitor arm support" and this was just the first promising link). I used one all through college, and the space it freed up was invaluable - when I wasn't using the computer, I could just slide my keyboard right under my monitor (I had a tower, so it wasn't on the desk already) and free up workspace for other projects. In your case, they'd let you keep the monitor above your case and give you more options for your mod.

off-topic, I'm with khendar: I thought horizontal computer cases were called desktops, vertical ones were called towers, and the blanket term for both was "PC."

 

I'll have to look into those for my monitor, they seem pretty handy. Right now I think I am just going to mod the case and just keep my monitor off to the side until I can think of something or get one of those monitor arm things. I'm starting to cut things up today, I'll see if I can post some pics when I am all done.

Thanks so far guys!

Keep the ideas coming!

 

Don't let these guys talk you out of your idea. Just think it through a bit more. It wouldnt do any good to have acrylic under the monitor's foot, as you'll never see it. What you would want to do is not a full window, but smaller sections of acrylic, around the foot of the monitor, outlining it. Make sense? If done right, you would retain the strength to support the monitor, but have a nice new look. I'm actually considering converting my tower case into a desktop case for an upcoming modding competition.

To set the record straight, tower cases were not designed to sit on the desk. They were meant to sit on the floor. "Desktop" by definition, is a computer case that sits flat on the desk, usually supporting the monitor. These are old school terms that haven't changed as computers evolved over the last 20-30 years.

 

ok this window idea is DEFINETLY not going to work. If you want a window, put it on the side/front where it is more visible.

Imagine a 60 lb. monitor on a thin sheet of lexan...

 

I have given the though of cutting around the base of the monitor so that I would have more support, the only real reason I haven't is because if I did that, I could really only use half of the case for a window. The cross bar sits off to the right a little, not centered really, so i would imagine that I would want the monitor over that, leaving me no room for a window to the right of the monitor, except for off on the sides of the case. I'm not really sure right now which route I am going to take, right now I have done me psu, and the windows on the sides, kind of leaving the top for last Should be interesting though.

This lexan stuff that I have would have no problem withstanding the weight of the monitor, the piece I have 18"x24"x .5mm i actually tried to snap in half. Without extreme force, enough force that i would actually end up really hurting myself, i could probably break it. It will hold a CRT monitor for sure, but that is not my/our concern, the concern is the strength that is used when the window is installed to the case. For myself i would probably be installing a bolt/screw every inch just to satisfy my fear of it falling through. Anyways, i'm still just thinking about what to do about the top of the case.

Thanks, and keep the ideas coming.

 

Ok, i've traced out the side windows, but before I go and cut them out I would like to know how people secure the window to the case? I've heard of epoxy or screws, anyone have any other ideas?

 

In this application, use some rather strong bolts if at all possible.

And PLEASE test it without your components in the case. PLEASE.

And when it fails, use 1/4" plexi and see if you can get someone to cut and drill some glass for you instead, then cover that with 1/8" plexi. Or Lucite or lexan whatever...

And I myself modded a desktop. But it was an MP3 jukebox so it ran with the monitor far off to the side so I windowed the top. It wasn't too smart an idea because the upper case half [ the big U thing ] got to be really flimsy.