Making a custom case inside an Ammo box

skyripper

skyripper

skyripper

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19 Jul 2011
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Thinking of going off the wall with my next build, as my son's PC needs replacing and he is mad on Warhammer.

I need something big enough to fit an Asus Rampage III extreme motherboard (full-size ATX?) and one or two full size graphics cards. I'll also need to fit one or two radiators in for watercooling as well. I'd really like a window as I'll be using some toxic coloured coolant in it.

What I'm thinking of is an army surplus guncase or ammo-box of some kind. Probably made from metal, or maybe some plastic 'toughbox' style.

I've got jigsaws and powertools etc. and willing to cut, drill, sand, fill, paint etc. to get all the bits in. Can't say I've ever done this before though.

Am thinking of buying a really cheap case to cut up to get a motherboard tray and PCI holder etc, and then working out how to fit this inside whatever crate/box would fit.

Got a couple of months or more before this needs to be complete anyhow.

Any ideas, suggestions, alternatives?

Even if its "Have you seen how thick those things are, don't do it, you'll be cutting metal for years"

:)
 
Thanks for the ideas guys.

I think you're right, the bulletproof aspect of ex-army boxes I think is going to make cutting fan holes, backplate holes etc. a massive problem. Cutting holes in a PC case is one thing. Cutting holes in 8mm thick steel is another entirely.

Been thinking some more about this last night, and I'm leaning more to a plastic 'toughbox', maybe an old photographic case with the foam removed, or a toolbox of some kind with a nice deep lid, sprayed up into appropriate colours. Would put one or two radiators into the lid, and have the components in the bottom. Both lid and main section would have perspex to seal them, and the rig would basically have to close up for moving, and be left open for use. Something with a big chunky latch on it would be good.

For some reason, big chunky toggle switches with safety catches for Power, Reset and Lights/Fans spring to mind as well..

Looks like the motherboard is ATX not EATX which should make finding a tray etc. easier. I'll checkout LianLi and Silverstone both, as well as any other workbench style bits and pieces.

I'll have a scout around and come back when I have some ideas :)
 
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