Here's an idea I had a while back but have never found a way to modify a case to make it myself. I based it on the idea that many online gamers tend to multi-box.
A dual PC box.
A single case incorporating two of everything, motherboard, graphics cards, hard disks and so on. Basically, it is two PC's in one case with a built in KVM switch but also the ability to connect two monitors, mice and keyboards as well. If each video card had two outputs, one could be connected to the KVA switch and the other used for the user to attach their own monitor.
For reasons of temperature, it would require a good through ventilation with fans front and rear to push air through the box, sucking in at the front and blowing out at the back. possibly Using 4 inch fans, 6 front and 6 rear to ensure maximum air flow.
The case would have to be wider than average to allow for both motherboards to sit facing each other. That would allow the PCI slots to sit one at the top end and the other at the bottom. The extra width of the box allows both to have expansion cards installed without interfering with the processor of the other motherboard. This may possibly mean a double width case although the normal width case is often larger than the motherboard and graphics card needs.
If Hard disks were mounted vertically, you could easily have 8 slots for 3.5 inch drives, 4 above and 4 below and still have room for two horizontal CD's, one connected to each motherboard.
The sides could hinge at the bottom with the rear interface slots to move with it to allow the case to be opened and each motherboard accessed or interface cards removed. Networking can be done either by a Cat5 cable to each motherboard or Wi-fi or even a small hub inside the main case, allowing one input to feed two outputs. A 1 to 2 adapter to allow two PSU's to be connected to one power input.
It would require a completely new case design but I believe that, for an online gaming enthusiast, a dual PC box would be the ultimate gaming machine.
Views anyone?
A dual PC box.
A single case incorporating two of everything, motherboard, graphics cards, hard disks and so on. Basically, it is two PC's in one case with a built in KVM switch but also the ability to connect two monitors, mice and keyboards as well. If each video card had two outputs, one could be connected to the KVA switch and the other used for the user to attach their own monitor.
For reasons of temperature, it would require a good through ventilation with fans front and rear to push air through the box, sucking in at the front and blowing out at the back. possibly Using 4 inch fans, 6 front and 6 rear to ensure maximum air flow.
The case would have to be wider than average to allow for both motherboards to sit facing each other. That would allow the PCI slots to sit one at the top end and the other at the bottom. The extra width of the box allows both to have expansion cards installed without interfering with the processor of the other motherboard. This may possibly mean a double width case although the normal width case is often larger than the motherboard and graphics card needs.
If Hard disks were mounted vertically, you could easily have 8 slots for 3.5 inch drives, 4 above and 4 below and still have room for two horizontal CD's, one connected to each motherboard.
The sides could hinge at the bottom with the rear interface slots to move with it to allow the case to be opened and each motherboard accessed or interface cards removed. Networking can be done either by a Cat5 cable to each motherboard or Wi-fi or even a small hub inside the main case, allowing one input to feed two outputs. A 1 to 2 adapter to allow two PSU's to be connected to one power input.
It would require a completely new case design but I believe that, for an online gaming enthusiast, a dual PC box would be the ultimate gaming machine.
Views anyone?
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