Looking for "reverse" case

[jeffspam]

Does anyone know of a case which places the back panel of the motherboard in the FRONT of the case, below the optical drives? Ideally, I'd have the power supply and hard drives in the back, and connector panel (full -- not just audio/usb) with PCI slots facing out in the front. I know this sounds crazy... but it makes sense to me, especially if I were to rack a number of these things on shelves. Not having to reach around back every time I needed to change or inspect something would be huge. I'd like to avoid proprietary motherboards; something ATX-based is preferred. Thanks.

 

[Zepper]

I don't think I've ever seen one, but you can customize your own front panels from http://www.frontx.com

And there are other multi-port front panels the may do the job for less cost than a custom front-x panel or two.

.bh.

 

[herm0016]

good idea, and good luck. post here if you find something.

 

[Trippytiger]

You know, if the case doesn't have to be too pretty, you might just be able to take a regular case, mount the motherboard in the usual place, and then cut out the power supply hole in the back to make room for a couple of optical drives and mount the PSU where the optical drive would normally go.

 

[jeffspam]

Zepper -- this frontx stuff is interesting. Maybe not for this project, but I could see myself using something like this for something else I'm working on. Thanks for the link.

Trippy -- yeah, I thought about that... but then I have to worry about the cage the optical drives sit in, and airflow, and cutting metal, etc. If I were more of a homebrewer, I could see it happening, but this is for a more professional installation. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[Zepper]

Another option is to just get extension cables for all the ports you want to bring around front. Places like computergate.com have cheap extension cables for just about any type of port known to man. You can bundle the cables together with automotive spiral wrap (wire loom) and zip ties. Or you could bring them to the front under the bottom of the case between the feet (tape them to the bottom) for very good neatness. Then all your connections would be right up front.

.bh.

 

[VinDSL]

Call Mountain Mods and have them build one for you -- whatever you want! They'll quote you a price, and deliver it on time -- guaranteed!

On the other hand, if you're like most of these ppl, and think you're gonna get something like that at Newegg for $29 -- forget about it -- next topic!