[bporotsky2013]

Hello,
I'm new to these forums and this is my first post.
I was wondering how I could build my own custom computer case from scratch. If I build the exterior of the case, what needs to go on the inside (other than the normal PC parts). Like what do I need to hold the motherboard, HDDs, etc in place? Or are there any plain, cheap pre-built cases that are easy to mod? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[billbartuska]

What; your budget?
What tools do you have and know how to use?

 

[bporotsky2013]

Well right now I'm just wondering what I need-- other than the bare case and the core computer parts. Like do I need anything to mount the HDD or motherboard on in a completely hollow case? And do most computer parts include all the necessary cables or do I need to purchase any cables that would normally come with a pre-built case?

 

[billbartuska]

I don't think there are any computer cases available for sale that are just a bare box. If that's where you want to start, you'll have to build one.

Your first decision is what to build it out of, wood, metal, clear plastic, etc..
That choice will depend on what tools and skills you have.

You'll then need:
A motherboard tray to mount the motherboard
Drive cage to hold the drives, HDDs, SSDs and/or optical drives
Fans for case cooling and a way to mount them
A power supply and a way to mount it
Power and reset buttons and a way to mount them
You'll also need a side panel and way to install it

There are many build logs on this and other computer forums for scratch built computer cases.
I would strongly suggest that you research some of these to see what is involved with using various materials, parts and assembly methods.

Here's some linkls:
http://www.overclock.net/t/319334/project-building-aluminium-case-from-scratch/0_50
http://www.compucase.com/custom-computer-case/browse/1/article/-c095d3e64b/water.html
http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?39524-Scratch-build-Project-GT-Cube-mATX-by-iD2
http://www.modders-inc.com/forums/showthread.php/4003-Open-Bench-Case-from-Scratch
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?2403-Aero-s-Guide-to-Modding-Part-1-Design
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-super-sleek-stand-up-computer-made-by-hand-177608
http://www.maximumpc.com/Case_Modding_King_Interview_2014
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/creative-interesting-doityourself-pc-cases-build/
http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/case-mod/2010/09/15/the-mineral-oil-pc-by-andrew-mollman/2
http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?t=1193047&start=40
http://www.shapeways.com/blog/archives/857-3d-printed-pc-case.html
http://customatx2.blogspot.com/
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1417661/scratch-built-htpc-case

There are many. many more, just use Google.................

 

[bporotsky2013]

Thanks. Those websites gave me a few ideas. I could get the bare case by clearing out an old computer case and redesigning it. A couple of the builders from the links you gave used Velcro to secure some parts. I might try this. Then obviously I would need a motherboard tray. Thanks for the ideas!