[Completed] TekKube: Prototype MultiPurpose TechStation - Overclock.net

*CyberDruid* · 11-05-07

This log will trace the evolution of a multipurpose techstation I call the TekKube. It is Cube-likee

at 16" tall 15 1/4" wide and 12" deep this station is about as compact a footprint as I could devise.

This prototype is crafted from aluminum angle and pop rivets . Later revisions will use 1/4" bolts. I hand drilled this one, but later I will set up a jig and use the drill press to maintain uniform spacing.

Likewise the cut pieces of raw aluminum are not dressed on this one...straight from the saw. Later revisions will be smoothed and likely painted some crazy color. I deally I would like to locate extrusions and make it even nicer.

Had the concrete guys finishing the shop floor.

I'm set up out in the elements...

Ahhh some good luck.

A Lady Bug

Rough and Ready: lightweight, comfortable handles (the acrylic rods) and good chipset ventilation.

The bottom rails are sized to snugly fit a PSU and an Optical Drive.

I secured my PSU with some foam tape as I plan to make do with this one as it is for some time. The Lian Li tool-less HDD caddy is attached to a pair of traps that run underneath the bracing for the motherboard.

I am using an Antec Big Boy (I bought from Dezixyn) mounted to 1/8" UV Blue acrylic to cool down the chipset and RAM.

The top/fan panel also traps the back plane of the motherboard.

A Pair of thumbscrews keeps it in place.

I'm using the fan as a stressed member to support the acrylic top

Erik Buell would approve.

Future revisions of this design will incorporate a proper hinge...and maybe even a gas strut...

Although a tight fit it is possible too get all three drive bays filled on the HDD caddy. The FDD reader is simply foam taped to the DVD burner. These are the parts least likely to change. I seriously doubt I will need to change the PSU or the optical drives...so they are pretty much fixtures now.

The Motherboard tray slides in and out on the rails and is trapped by the butt end of the rivets so it cannot tip.

I prepared an area behind the DVD drive for a pump shelf and will work on an acrylic rad box that lays over the 200mm fan. I'll use a PA 160 for now but hope to find an automotive heatercore the exact shape I require.

I'm open to suggestions about how to improve this rig. I'd like to eventually get it down to a few easily reproducable parts that bolt together.

flembdog · 11-05-07

wow...nice work!

Sozin · 11-05-07

I likes.

chailvr · 11-05-07

Really nice, the fan on the top looks great.

Rick Arter · 11-05-07

WOW.......That is cool I been wanting something like that forever. Most of the ones I see arent as nice as that one I love the top fan.

*CyberDruid* · 11-05-07

Thanks Guys

. I have an add on LCS planned that should be pretty handy.

Iconoclast · 11-05-07

Damn you do some magnificent work man. +Rep

ice_owl · 11-05-07

Gotta love all that aluminum and man it looks nice there we got friggen snow already, oh well I guess I'll have to get that furnace installed in the garage sooner that later.