XFreeRollerX

I am going to endeavor on a massive project this summer

Building my own case from absolute scratch. My main build material is Electrical Grade Aluminum. Ill be picking up a pre-made Motherboard tray from some online store (where ever is cheapest lol, suggestions?)

I would like help on determining how to lay things out. For the most part, the motherboard will be horizontal, Ive decided this is how I want it for various reasons

My current theory will be the horizontal mobo tray as the top "layer" then have a big area underneath that houses 5 harddrives, 1 optical drive, the power supply, and my fan controller.

I currently need help for

• optimal dimensions on setting this up (Ill get a paint pic up soon, my desktop is offline)
• suggested square feet to purchase to be safe
• tips and tricks of the trade so I dont facepalm myself in the end

Im really excited to do this but at the same time, rather worried as I want to keep the budget as tight as possible. Most of my tools will be supplied via a good friend in robotics industry (woot)

Thanks for posting help
+reps to any and all useful help

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joemaniaci

Mobo trasy as well as back piece

We should Pm each other this summer considering we have the same mobo and thats all that matters these days, and the fact that I am turning a file cabinet into a computer case.

And after seeing your post, i realized I could just buy one of these trays and use them.

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LaoFX

edit.

dont forget about airflow.

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>>Vendetta 2; Push-pins vs Bolt-thru kit<<

DirtyMezz

Have you looked at the dangerden air/water boxes, they have a similar layout to what you want to do. Maybe you can get some ideas for your dimensions and stuff like that from them.

http://www.dangerden.com/store/home.php?cat=1

and as far as the mb tray goes, performance-pcs.com has a lian li one for $30 but sadly they are out of stock for now. Maybe you can find one from a different retailer though.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=3387

Hope this helps, good luck with your build

XFreeRollerX

I would get those air/water boxes but they are so freakin expensive its not worth it to me. the idea behind building a case is getting exactly what I want without paying alot

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joemaniaci

well here is that lian li mobo tray in stock, same price

LINK

Gonna pick one up as well.

Now all I need is a 3.5 removable cage.

__________________
IF YOU ARE DISGUSTED WITH MY AVATAR, GO TO THE RANTS AND RAVES SECTION AND CHOOSE ONE OF FIVE LESS DISGUSTING BUT STILL DISTASTEFUL CHOICES LINK

XFreeRollerX

Linking that website just ruined me. This Is exactly what I dreamed of building. And this costs less than what I anticipated too.... and its FREAKING ACRYLLIC!!!! Holy hell dude I might just buy this and make my own front panel for it, and call it a day with only $170 spent.

+rep for the link, cant believe I never saw this before

__________________
Coming out of my closet *sale*

joemaniaci

Oh man, you ever use a hatchback and you can open the back and the hydraulic struts will push the door up the rest of you way for you?

You should do a custom top for that case that lets you unlock a latch and the top pops up on its own.

__________________
IF YOU ARE DISGUSTED WITH MY AVATAR, GO TO THE RANTS AND RAVES SECTION AND CHOOSE ONE OF FIVE LESS DISGUSTING BUT STILL DISTASTEFUL CHOICES LINK

XFreeRollerX

That would be bad-ass. I could do push-button actuators

On a more realistic note: I might just do a removable hinge system for the part that needs covering.. But I am definatly picking up this case when I get some money

__________________
Coming out of my closet *sale*