Building My Custom PC Case

**Marekski** · 08-14-2007, 07:47 PM

Hello everybody,
This is my first time building a pc case so if you have any comments PLEASE LET ME KNOW... I wanted to put the pc in the trunk of my car without it taking up too much room or it looking out of place. So I decided to somehow build one into the side wall of the trunk, to do that I created a mold of the area of the trunk I want to work with so instead of using clay or fiberglass I wanted to make this mold as cheap as possible so I used Paper Mache. I put on THREE layers just enought to make it sturdy and to see how to configure all the hardware inside. As you can see its not that bad for a first try...( I was expecting much worse) I am open to any suggestions on what type of material I should use to create the real pc case, fiberglass,bondo, clay, etc. Another thing is that I haven't come up with a way to cover THIS case. I would like it to be able to open in case I would need to open it up and add new hardware... Any Ideas???
I am also trying to figure out how to mount the power supply and hard drive.

**seanz0rz** · 08-14-2007, 08:58 PM

you will need to brace those two pci cards. i found out the hard way with my soundcard. every bump would lock up the computer.

fiberglass is going to be your best method for making a case. strong, lightweight, and relatively easy to do, especially something non structural and hidden.

**maxgtr2000** · 08-14-2007, 10:41 PM

Why not go with a dc-dc power supply? You'll pick up more room. I would cut a piece of wood for the front of that and put a plexi window so you can still see the mb. I would also mount the mb flat to the back and just cut holes for the connections like usb, etc. The power supply I would mount to the piece of wood out of view.

**Marekski** · 08-15-2007, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by seanz0rz

you will need to brace those two pci cards. i found out the hard way with my soundcard. every bump would lock up the computer.

fiberglass is going to be your best method for making a case. strong, lightweight, and relatively easy to do, especially something non structural and hidden.

I just threw those PCI cards in there to test if I have enough room to "close" the case? I've never worked with fiberglass before but I'll give it a shot. I placed all the hardware in that case yesterday and it was pretty heavy I know that paper mache wont cut it, it was just to test the stuff out.

**Marekski** · 08-15-2007, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by maxgtr2000

Why not go with a dc-dc power supply? You'll pick up more room. I would cut a piece of wood for the front of that and put a plexi window so you can still see the mb. I would also mount the mb flat to the back and just cut holes for the connections like usb, etc. The power supply I would mount to the piece of wood out of view.

I'll look into a dc-dc power supply, I have never thought of that good idea! See what I was thinking was just putting like plexiglass or something like that covering it in black carpet to match the trunk and use really strong Velcro to close the case. Yeah I need to figure something out to mount the Mobo and the drives. I dont plan on using the 3.5" instead I'll use the 2.5" drive.

**mr_cool** · 08-15-2007, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Marekski

I'll look into a dc-dc power supply, I have never thought of that good idea! See what I was thinking was just putting like plexiglass or something like that covering it in black carpet to match the trunk and use really strong Velcro to close the case. Yeah I need to figure something out to mount the Mobo and the drives. I dont plan on using the 3.5" instead I'll use the 2.5" drive.

How in the world did you plan on powering it?? the dc-dc PSU is the key ingredient for a carputer

**maxgtr2000** · 08-15-2007, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Marekski

I'll look into a dc-dc power supply, I have never thought of that good idea! See what I was thinking was just putting like plexiglass or something like that covering it in black carpet to match the trunk and use really strong Velcro to close the case. Yeah I need to figure something out to mount the Mobo and the drives. I dont plan on using the 3.5" instead I'll use the 2.5" drive.

If you do the back part in fiberglass like you did with the paper mache, mount the mb flat to the back, the plexi window can be 8x6 or so depending on size of mb. Put a hinge at the bottom of the mold and attach the wood to it. i drew a simple pic. cut the carpet and mold to make your connections. You can probably stay with the 3.5 depending on space; just an idea. To keep it shut you can just use what they use on cabinets, a metal plate and a magnet.

**Marekski** · 08-15-2007, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by mr_cool

How in the world did you plan on powering it?? the dc-dc PSU is the key ingredient for a carputer

LOL I guess I never really thought about that... I still havent figured everything out yet. I just got a new car and just jumped right in to build a case without even thinking how to run the pc yet, power supply, shut down, all that stuff. I guess its back to the drawing board for me.

**Marekski** · 08-15-2007, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by maxgtr2000

If you do the back part in fiberglass like you did with the paper mache, mount the mb flat to the back, the plexi window can be 8x6 or so depending on size of mb. Put a hinge at the bottom of the mold and attach the wood to it. i drew a simple pic. cut the carpet and mold to make your connections. You can probably stay with the 3.5 depending on space; just an idea. To keep it shut you can just use what they use on cabinets, a metal plate and a magnet.

Thats awesome thanks for the ideas! Cool pic I understand what you mean. I still have to figure out how to run everything. What dc-dc PSU do you recommend?

**Dennis5587** · 08-16-2007, 06:40 PM

Was that panel in a very natural comfortable position when you fiberglassed?

Cause I'd hate to see you put it back in the car and have the case not fit now becuase it is a little twisted...