Making a custom case inside an Ammo box

skyripper

skyripper

skyripper

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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"

:)
 
You'll be cutting metal for years.

As a side point, I think Rampage III may be E-ATX. I might be wrong, but I'd check.

Getting holes for fans to blow in and out of could be a bit of a pain.

Motherboard tray wise, Lian Li make removable motherboard trays, a couple of places sell them, and you might be able to find them - might work out cheaper than a cheap case, but then again, probably won't if you really can find a cheap one.

kd
 
Think this is an intersting concept, would look pretty cool, however wouldnt want to be the one building it:eek: would be a hell of a lot of work, but i reckon worth it in the end.

not aware of any current issue british ammo tins that would fit the bill size wise, may have to cut and shut a couple to make them fit, if this is an option have a look for the 105mm shell ammo tins, or maybe the old 81mm mortar ammo tins, you might very well find some bigger sized ones but just look on the usual places for militaria, loads of different sizes and shapes, i'm sure you will find something.
 
King Damager said:
You'll be cutting metal for years.
this, they are bulletproof... :p

As a side point, I think Rampage III may be E-ATX. I might be wrong, but I'd check.

Getting holes for fans to blow in and out of could be a bit of a pain.

Motherboard tray wise, Lian Li make removable motherboard trays, a couple of places sell them, and you might be able to find them - might work out cheaper than a cheap case, but then again, probably won't if you really can find a cheap one.
you can buy one from silverstone aswell

kd
Click to expand...

~Clee
 
How about transforming one of the square looking modern cases into an ammo box (eg. Fractal R3, CM Silencio, etc), rather than transforming an ammo box into a PC case? That way you get it to look exactly how you want by modding the outside, but you also have a nice neat build inside using the cable tidying features of the case.

Pretty sure I've seen a few modded cases using this theme. :)
 
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 :)
 
i think you will be cutting and drilling for a while, but what a nice project. my dad built be my first pc in 1989 and all i could do was play captain comet. however it was just conponets glued on a bit of wood. but things like that bring back fond memoires and will be a nice project to do with your kid, even if he does not appreciate it right now he will do in the future. you will proberly find someone on ebay will be happy to give you silly money once your done with it if you get a mobo tray in there :D

so big thumbs up from me.

here ya go... "motherboard tray on ebay"

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_n...+flares&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
 
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