Want to start a project...

Biohazard · 25 Aug 2006 at 21:42

I would like the opinion of a few folk if you think it would be worth trying to make something out of this?

I'm thinking either, use it to house watercooling for main rig and mod accordingly....

Or, stick a system in it use on network. 3 hot caddies, sheet alu over the front with thick perspex over. Nice big red power button.. (edit, these are only thoughts so far, not sure)

Obviously if I re-use the case the current front will be disgarded, bit broken and worn. Just really the chasis.

Biohazard · 25 Aug 2006 at 23:15

cleaned it a bit. found what killed the old system as well (socket 478), a cap was in amongst the dust. Looks like AGP graphics sort of cap to me but it could have come from the motherboard I guess. I have decided its going to come alive again. I'm going to have to go socket 462 with this system.

What processor could I run from a 230W PSU? Considering probably two drives?

Would a PVC shuttle look naff?

ps some ideas would be helpful. Will be in town and can pick stuff up

Nixeh · 26 Aug 2006 at 11:36

Its been done before but modify the front of the chassis to accomodate 2x80mm intake fans (preferably Sharkoon fans).

Also for colour scheme try something like white, too many SFF have black stylings, as much as i like it i think a change is in need. This will also go nice with the white fan blades of the sharkoon fans. White and silver/chrome goes together nicely aswell.

As for lights hmm possibly white LED would work best, or white and red. Anything will go with white so it wont matter too much.

Maybe replace the conventional drive with a hidden slot loading drive aswell.

Will look a bit like a glorified cubit, which isnt bad as the white cubit looks ace anyway.

Go for something different, but not soo different that it looks oddballish, and tries to overcomplicate things.

Not sure about the CPU though, i would guestimate, but i dont want to and then land up being wrong after you have bought it.

Also get rid of the floppy drive, wont need it and if you do use a fan controller mod it into the chassis so it looks fluid with the style. Remember can always have an extra HDD there.

You can also go for watercooling and remove the floppy and have the pump and a small res there, but i would recommend about going external, with a Reserator, or by putting a radiator on the back. Not sure how much space there is between the front of the mobo and the front of the chassis but hopefully enough to put a slimline dual 80mm radiator and the accompanying fans.

Biohazard · 26 Aug 2006 at 12:37

I can't go white, as it wouldn't match any of my other equipment. Either silver, or brushed alu. I'll have a look for those fans you mention, however as a rule of thumb I like to keep my intakes/outlets matched number wise.

This won't have an optical drive (installation only), so that isn't an issue really. I am going to remove the current floppy bracket as it won't have one of them either.

There is roughly 3.5cm space between motherboard and the front chasis, I am looking about to see where I could mount a single 80mm rad. It will fit but it'd be tight, however I cannot mount it at the front as I think it would obscure IDE cables..

I'm nipping off for some LEDS / switches, alu and my mates dremel..

edit: tentative specs so far:
512Mb PC3200 (Got)
Athlon XP 2400+ (unless someone can tell me if its PSU not enough wattage?)

Graphics will be onboard, anyway this will be remotely run.