Case set up suggestions

[jbombo34]

Looking for suggestions as to how I should layout my custom case I am building to attach to my desk. Per the pictures below I have an area to the side that I wouldn't mind putting a WC system in for the CPU, mostly for looks but also to cut down on cooling. If I need to axe that idea then let me know. All suggestions will be considered and I will probably be making a few mock up's of the suggestions and then repost and get more input.

Also would a floor above the PSU be a good idea or no? also considering making holes for the wires to be hidden in the side compartment.

Thinking about putting SSD and HDD in there as well. I would like a nice laid out computer that will be cool to look at through the looking window on the side which I plan to put a vent or attach a fan to the side plexiglass.

 

[Ketchup]

This thread might give you some answers/inspiration:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2131141

 

[jbombo34]

Read all the way through it. He is what inspired me to use sketchup. Which is half the fun lol. Tedious but fun. Learned some things I didn't want to do. The case will be separate from the desk but will match it in wood and finish and will have a way to latch on to the main desk if I so choose. The reason it is detachable is in the event of wanting to take it somewhere I can just pick it up and go. Also I am building a separate filing cabinet on the opposite side of the desk. So the actual desk will be in 3 parts. Can keep them together or if there is not enough room can split them up.

The guy in this thread was very very helpful though.

 

[tarmc]

instead of building an addition to the desk would I be feasible to add a door/window and mount everything inside the dead space that's already there?

 

[jbombo34]

I'm conflexed about your statement....do you mean the area which is not occupied right now? Or the actual desk itself?

Here is a picture of the "case" along side the actual desk im building.



It will be able to be flush with the side of the desk like this.



Of course It will have a faceplate and top to it. But it's to give you an idea of what I'm working with.

 

[tarmc]

ahh now the setup makes a little more sense, I was suggesting putting the hardware in the psydo triangular section with wires running out the back, and angled piece of (wood?) be a door/window

 

[jbombo34]

I considered that at the beginning but my whole reasoning behind the build itself was/is to display the computer. So with the angled body it shows off to the straight onward looker but also serves as an angled reach for the way I sit to look at my monitor. Which is a semi-reclined position that I rest my mouse arm on the swivel ledge that will be built into the desk as well.

I am trying to come up with a neat way to make use of the triangular space albeit putting something useful in there....

but after some thinking.... let me do a quick rendering of a possible setup.

 

[jbombo34]

Just a quick mock up of what I think you might be talking about.



Which isn't a bad set up but I need room for fans, Hard drives and I am still contemplating the idea of a WC system just haven't decided on what kind. PLUS, I am going to upgrade the GPU to a 770.

 

[jbombo34]

Or this...of course a little more polished...

 

[tarmc]

yup exactly what I was thinking, above the window mount optical drive & usb ports. not sure where to put hd's though

possibly stacking them beside the psu?

 

[tarmc]

will also have to consider placement of intake and exhaust fans

 

[jbombo34]

I like this concept a little better just because it takes up dead space. I assume I still have plenty of room in there for a WC system. I can easily raise the floor and make a compartment for radiator, or put it on top either way. Was also considering making a side bay area for concealed wiring. just bring in that left side a smidge. I will have to look at some cases that have concealed wiring to get a feel for what I might need to do.

This is so fun! lol

 

[tarmc]

or consider mounting the hd's along the same side with the mobo? could possible help with wiring issues. a watercooling setup would be pretty badass, but I wouldn't think it would need a separate compartment. leave it exposed, add to the visual effect of it all. mount it with a push/pull fan setup exhausting out the back above or along side the psu, led fans?

 

[jbombo34]

Plan on having LED fans. Need to get some models for the HD's and WC system/fans. Staying up way too late working on this dadgum thing lol.

 

[tarmc]

yeah no doubt, cant wait to see updated pic

 

[smackababy]

Ugh, I am jealous of those Sketchup pics. I just started trying to work with it and I suck. =(

 

[jbombo34]

Just watch some tutorials. I would link but im on my phone. There some good quick tuts that are really good. I just started two weeks ago.

 

[jbombo34]

A close to finished setup render. I don't think I will go with a WC system just for the plain fact that it is expensive and I don't want this to be my first WC build.

 

[tarmc]

Go with an all in one wc setup with led fans maybe? But anyways it does look awesome.

 

[jaedaliu]

A close to finished setup render. I don't think I will go with a WC system just for the plain fact that it is expensive and I don't want this to be my first WC build.

For air cooling, the reviewers on Anandtech.com keep talking about how important it is to get a linear air path through the CPU cooler. So make sure you design the right fan mounts and filters into your desk.

 

[tarmc]

also I'd suggest a glass top above the hardware opposed to a piece of wood.

 

[jbombo34]

For air cooling, the reviewers on Anandtech.com keep talking about how important it is to get a linear air path through the CPU cooler. So make sure you design the right fan mounts and filters into your desk.

I haven't settled on the air fans b/c I really want it to be WC'd. But right now I am leaning towards fans but would prefer WC'd.

also I'd suggest a glass top above the hardware opposed to a piece of wood.

Excellent Idea!

 

[tarmc]

for first go just stick with an all in one, and maybe change it out for a wc setup. something like a corsair h100? h110? that way you'd be able to setup the rad to exhaust out the back no, and it will leave a place for a rad in the future

 

[nafees127]

idea is good

 

[jbombo34]

Soooo...after a long wait to get a chance to go get lumber I finally got my opportunity and seized it. I got maple for the frame/support, leopardwood for the desk top (infinity top) and cpu case top, Baltic birch for the drawers and supports there and poplar for the base supports. It took some patience and a lot of planning just to drive the 40 miles the the lumber yard which had the leopard wood.

In addition to that delays kept piling on. The table saw I was to going to use had some issues with the blade angle so while fixing that I broke the fence and it took two weeks to get the replacement part fixed. Having that been said I used the back room at my business to do the majority of the cutting. Assembly will take place in my basement.

Final rendering of the finished product was saved over but I had already printed out my cut sheets and my measurement guides. So we will have to wait till the finished project to see what it looks like. Here are some shots of the work in progress that I have started through this week.

Disclaimer: I am novice, at best, woodworker. This is my first go round with most of the tools I am using so there is a huge learning curve for me here. I am measuring like 10 times per 1 cut lol.

Have 2 of these 5'x5'x1/2" Baltic Birch sheets for the drawers/framing and drawer supports. As well as the CPU case will be made from these cuts. This is the worst part of the job. I did the majority of drawing cut lines while waiting to get the table saw fixed. No I did not strategically lay out the items on the board, but it looks professional doesn't it?



Leopard wood and maple. The Leopard wood piece had to be cut into two pieces to fit in the truck. The piece before it was cut was a 2" thick piece that ran 7" x 105". It weighed a hefty 74 lbs lol.



I do most of my work after hours. Here is a good shot of my dedication.



Using store space and tables to get the job done...right?





Brought the framing for the Infinity Top and desk frame pieces home so I could get started on the joint and base routing.

Here is the leopard wood for the top of the desk. Rendering vs real.