Starting to get into this mod thing, Got hyped up seeing the WMD case. I did a plexi case a while back, and figured I would start another completely overdone, and un-original mod. The Goal of this thing, is to get experience with the tools and techniques, end up with a cool looking semi-portable computer, and to give me something to work on. The aluminum briefcase: I started with a Compaq Presario case, This mod is well under way at this point, and I am getting ready to mount the motherboard tray, and power supply. I am still working out the details of the HD and CD-ROM as well as the external connections and power/led setups.
Get out the jigsaw and the razor Here are the dimensions of the case from the label: 18"x13"x6" I ripped out all the dividers, and extra stuff from the case to make room for the components. I also decided to remove the foam lining from a large portion since it made the inner dimensions of the case a bit small. I clunked all the components into the case to make sure they would fit. Then I traced the motherboard outline onto the proliant case mb tray, took the jigsaw and went to work. I decided to keep the PC card mount, and ATX backplate hole to make this as modular as possible. Now to fit the motherboard tray and board into the case, and to start the layout of the remaining components. I have not started cutting into the case, but this was a $20 "toolbox" from the local bigname hardware store. As you can see, with the inner liner removed. It is made of particle board, with an "aluminum" laminate on it. I am not sure if this is a curse or a blessing yet.
Quick update I have been plugging away at this thing. I almost had to repost under disaster mods. I installed the rails, and cut the holes for a full size CD drive. When I installed the video card I realized I forgot about the overlap The CD and Video cards cannot be installed at the same time. For now I think I will close up the hole for the cd drive, and wait to be able to afford a low profile laptop and adaptor.
I imagine that he is just trying to do something with old hardware.. many of us here on the forums cant afford to go buy a new mobo and 7000000$ vid card for every project we do but, back on topic. The lid is pretty deep, perhaps deep enough for a cd drive. Why not mount the cd drive over the psu. If not, the space where the HDD is looks like you could squeeze a cd drive over that. Am i missing anything, or is there a specific placment of the cd drive that you want?
Pics are back (at least for me) I'll move them to a new host when I can. I want to use standard sized mb and components where possible, I can put in a smaller video card, but I only have one really old one that fits. The lid is deep enough for the CD drive without overhang, but the problem is that the video cards are too tall, and stick up into the upper space a few inches. The CD could fit over the PSU, but I did not like the placement. I have the HDD drive mounted, and it could hold (2) 3.5" drives I need to box in the back component plate and take some more pics. I hope this week, but I am not sure. The MSI motherboard that I RMA'd is supposed to show up today.
If you could upload more pics, the more the better we will be able to understand whats going on. Also... If you upload your pics to www.imageshack.us i have never had any problems with them
personally imageshack seems good, no limits atall, and you only get ads when u link back to imageshack (and imo their not a problem ...)
Update: June 28, 2006 PSU I got a chance to do a bit more work last night, and managed to also find the time to take pics and get them uploaded. Here we go: drilled the side panel rivets and removed the side panel. Then I took the PSU mount from the original case, cut it down and fit it in. I added a bit of angle to the bottom to support the PSU when it lays flat to keep it from stressing when the lid is up. The PSU in place I used 6-32 coarse thread Stanless hex screws throughout the case Here are how the rivets look from the bottom. The first of many.
Update: June 28, 2006 Front Panel I have removed the original handle mount, and replaced it with the Power/HDD LED circuit with an acrylic backing to hold it all in place. The power button is one of those hex screws, and the HDD/Power LEDs are currently holes, I may plug them with some acrylic posts, and frost 'em. Here is the top of the case after I corrected for the CD overlap screwup.
Update: June 28, 2006 Component Panel The big downside of pop rivets is that you have to drill them out if you change your mind. I had mounted the MB tray before I figured out all the details of the component panel. It would have been nice to be able to rivet a few of the pieces together, but since I jumped the gun I was stuck. I think it turned out OK anyways.
Update: June 28, 2006 HDD Quick shot of the HDD mounted in the case. I scavanged a steel cage, and mounted it on the rails for the PSU. It uses the same 6-32 screws to bolt down the drives, and the cage. I think I am about ready to start mounting the MB and getting this thing to the bootable stage. As for the CD drive, I think it will be a USB attached device....
I still think you can cram the CD drive in there somehow.. perhaps over the PSU? it looks level with the trim, and frm what i can see, the lid is deep enough for it... Did you mount the power switch & LED's with the handle screws? If so i can only imagine that picking up the case by the handle with all that weight would crack the lexan that you used to hold it on...
This looks like a great mod, I saw one like it in the July issue of Custom PC, here in the Uk, it featured in the "Readers Drives" section a briefcase, LAN party mod by Ryan Hardcastle... But he started will totally new conponents and was a more "enthusiast" mod, specifically designed to be a more "look at this" mod... I know you said that: it was'nt original but it will be good to see your take on the style... Yours also looks great and show promise, the log is interesting and the aluminum case looks sleek and polished, great so far
Not bad. I've seen those cases on display but always shunned at what they musta done to get an al case to sell for $20. Now I see! Anyways, keep up the good work!
Update, sort of... I have all the components attached, and did a couple of finishing touches. 2 details remain to be worked out, the CD drive, and the LAN card. I dont a NIC with a back panel (I removed it, and think it got tossed) so I am thinking USB. I have a wired adaptor, which I may use for Linux Install and then I may mount a USB Wireless internal (The aluminum appears to be faux and my guess is that it will not shield) I have not powered it up yet, a bit nervous about the metal chips and whatnot. I hit it with a blower, but being the 4th of July and all I figured best not to chance it.
ummmm you may not beleive me or not but... i bought this around christmas time (the case from lowes) and have been staring at it looking to make something outta it... and i decided to throw my dell 2300 i got for free into it... i just stumbled on this forum. i cant beleive its bascially in progress at the same time well i started mine june1st i guarentee a coinscience... very very nice sir. i like it ill link my mod to this thread to show u mine. i went a different route. tribal flames, painted it all black (the paint took well, just did it tonight 7/11 and will clear coat once in a couple of days.) and modded it abit... damn thats weird. i love your mod tho. very nice and classy Great minds think alike bro ESA
