IEATFISH's Custom Tech Station - **Design Finalized** - Overclock.net

**IEATFISH** · 10-17-09

I've been toying with this idea for a while now. I'd probably want to 'enlist' someone to build it for me when the design is feasible enough. I've been sketching some stuff up today and this is the general plan I have settled on, should it be doable.

I don't have any idea about dimensions people usually use, especially in the I/O panel and expansion card areas. I just eyeballed using ruler in my case and scabbed stuff off some Sketchup model cases. I'm drafting in AutoCAD but it is a student edition so excuse the gigantic disclaimers.

So, all you experienced modders/case builders, let me know what you think. I was thinking of doing it in acrylic (hence the 3/8" panels). I did the drawings very architecturally so let me know if you need clarification. No 3D model yet, just 2D projections.

MOST UPDATED PLAN:

wildfire99 · 10-17-09

not too shabby, i would say your next step would be to get it 3d see how it looks to scale. make sure you make a full build log and remember to use lexan and not actual acrylic. ^_^

**IEATFISH** · 10-17-09

Okay, I added two screenshots and the sketchup file. I'm sure that will make it easier for some of you who can't mentally convert 2D to 3D. It was actually rather fun as it was my first time with SketchUp.

So, what do you think? The PDF's should help you place the hardware. ODD drives bottom left above the hard drives. PSU bottom right.

Syrillian · 10-17-09

It's lovely.

If I may: The only changes that I would consider would be some more openings that are more centralized in the panel that separates the top and bottom areas.

And, (if I am interpreting the image correctly) that lower chamber has 2 perpendicular (vertically oriented) that sit rest one-on-the-other at a narrow junction; it might be wise to add another support at the other (free floating) end if it is load bearing. If that area is intentionally left empty to accommodate components, then perhaps a framework housing would serve both purposes.

**IEATFISH** · 10-17-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syrillian

It's lovely.

If I may: The only changes that I would consider would be some more openings that are more centralized in the panel that separates the top and bottom areas.

And, (if I am interpreting the image correctly) that lower chamber has 2 perpendicular (vertically oriented) that sit rest one-on-the-other at a narrow junction; it might be wise to add another support at the other (free floating) end if it is load bearing. If that area is intentionally left empty to accommodate components, then perhaps a framework housing would serve both purposes.

So you are suggesting some holes in the center of the panel that would come up underneath the MB? How tall of MB standoffs can you get? I know that the ones I Get with my MB are rather short to allow any large cable to run up underneath but if there are larger sizes, that would be a great place to route cables.

As for the perpendicular walls, the one that runs parallel to the sides (I/O panel being the back) is the side mount for the ODDs. The one that runs perpendicular to the sides serves to hide the extra PSU cables and a limit for how far the HDD's push in. I still need to conjure a way to mount the HDDs but I have enough room to add a support there if I shift two of the HDD's more under the PSU.

Thank you very much for input.

nafljhy · 10-17-09

i have standoff's around an inch high.. quite sure you can get them even longer too.

looks great so far fish.

but like syr, i would say, some breathing holes underneath the MB would do you some good too.

CattleRustler · 10-17-09

keep in mind 3/8" acrylic is going to be expensive. may want to reduce to 1/4, and add a support here and there. it will reduce costs dramatically

Syrillian · 10-17-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEATFISH

So you are suggesting some holes in the center of the panel that would come up underneath the MB? How tall of MB standoffs can you get? I know that the ones I Get with my MB are rather short to allow any large cable to run up underneath but if there are larger sizes, that would be a great place to route cables.

As for the perpendicular walls, the one that runs parallel to the sides (I/O panel being the back) is the side mount for the ODDs. The one that runs perpendicular to the sides serves to hide the extra PSU cables and a limit for how far the HDD's push in. I still need to conjure a way to mount the HDDs but I have enough room to add a support there if I shift two of the HDD's more under the PSU.

Thank you very much for input.

My pleasure.

Yes. I was referring to some holes in the center that would come up from under the motherboard. Imho, it may be advisable to think "flexibility" when designing as it is preferable to have something and not use it, than to not have something and need it.

Also, I have standoffs that are 1" tall and I have others that are 1-1/2" and 2" tall. They are available at electronic liquidation centers such as HSC.