Self made case

Kol · 10 Apr 2006 at 13:17

Hi guys,

I remember a while ago a few people made there own SFF esque computer using an aluminium enclosure from a popular electronics store. I know gurdas was one of the fellas that managed it, but was there anybody else?

I have contacted gurdas for a few pointers but not entirely sure I had the right address or if he is away. I'm struggling to find the exact enclosure used as the ones on their site appear to be too small (I think some guys even used an atx board)...

What I'm hoping to do is make a custom case (slim) for my xbox. I'm using it more and more as a media center rather than a console and want to have somethin attractive along with the TV. I inted to move everything into the new box and possibly purchase a smaller enclosure for the DVD drive should I ever need to use it (ie. when playing a game) as all other times I can stream from my PC.

Problems I'm encountering are naturally the size of enclosure, but also the mounting of the motherboard. As the enclosure is ~1.5mm thick, I need to consider how to mount the motherboard. I have assumed that I could use some standard motherboard stand mounts and somehow (this is where I am unsure) mount them on the enclosure, but what about shorting out the motherboard and more importantly, how to mount them? Drill/Glue?

Also, does anybody have any ideas where I could purchase mesh from? I would probably mesh the sides to increase airflow, but I want a small size mesh, not chicken wire size, more like sieve thickness.

oxygene · 11 Apr 2006 at 10:05

I know you can get the alumiunium, small from a very popular electronics store (its competition so I wnot name it, message me) but they are out of stock online of the larger size so you are left with a very small one. The mesh I am not sure but try wondering around homebase in the gardening section.

Kol · 11 Apr 2006 at 12:43

oxygene said:
I know you can get the alumiunium, small from a very popular electronics store (its competition so I wnot name it, message me) but they are out of stock online of the larger size so you are left with a very small one. The mesh I am not sure but try wondering around homebase in the gardening section.

Mikol said:
SFF esque computer using an aluminium enclosure from a popular electronics store.

I checked them out yesterday. Apparantly Derby and Northampton have the KR57M but everywhere is out of stock otherwise. In the end, I went to a sheet metalworks and enquired about a custom size aluminium box. Just awaiting a call back, hopefully it won't be expensive, but it's nice to keep the local business running.

GV7 · 11 Apr 2006 at 23:02

To help prevent shorts i put duck tape on the bottom of mine.
To mount board i used i think 3.5mm short nuts and bolts, bolt through from underside then nut to secure then another nut to add more space then slip board on then another nut to hold board in place.
Finished product looked like this.

www.m8racing.co.uk/project log this will give you a look at some build photos.

Steeps · 11 Apr 2006 at 23:18

good mesh can be found on fireguards for fireplaces in DIY shops, used some from an own branded guard when building a case

Kol · 12 Apr 2006 at 00:39

GV7 said:
To help prevent shorts i put duck tape on the bottom of mine.
To mount board i used i think 3.5mm short nuts and bolts, bolt through from underside then nut to secure then another nut to add more space then slip board on then another nut to hold board in place.
Finished product looked like this.

www.m8racing.co.uk/project log this will give you a look at some build photos.

That is awesome mate. Shame I'm not able to get one of the boxes. I have had a word with a local sheet metal works, but I'm guessing it will be more than the one from the 'electrical' store.

If anyone pops into the store in the next few days and it so happens they're in stock. I will gladly pay a convenience fee to you for finding one and of course, the fee for box + postage. Their staff weren't the most helpful

GV7 · 14 Apr 2006 at 16:52

code KR57M not in stock expected within 7 days.

Kol · 14 Apr 2006 at 17:18

GV7 said:
code KR57M not in stock expected within 7 days.

Better than mine. I'll get onto them again. Thanks ever so much mate, didn't expect anyone would check

/edit - I decided to buy online. Hopefully it will come soon.