Custom Built Case - Need Some Advice on a Few Things

**tbird2340** · 02-08-2006, 09:09 PM

I just finished a custom wooden case for my new carputer.. I am wondering what to do for cooling. Where to put the fans, what size, etc. If someone could give me suggestions for that..

Question #2. I have to mount my slim CD rom in the area I cut out but am unsure on how to go about it. At first I thought of bracing it to the lid but that would limit me opening the lit all the way due to the cables..

Here are some pics:

Thanks

**kirbycope** · 02-08-2006, 09:40 PM

my god man thats huge!
#1 you could cut down on the size by mounting the hdd on the lid, so that when it closes the hdd sits above the mobo. then you can run two fans (intake and exhaust) move air across both of them, have a low profile (server) heatsink and fan. put some soffets (holes in the board) to ensure no pressure problem with the fans.

#2 Make a simple bracket to raise the drive to that height, you can use 5.2mil Lauan to keep the whole wood thing going and some square dowel, use wood glue and brad nails. Total Cost is about $15. OR you can heat up some plexiglass and bend it and screw it into place (pre-drill first) Cost is about $10.

**tbird2340** · 02-08-2006, 09:45 PM

It's big but it's not HUGE. The dimensions are about the size of the area behind my seat (extended cab truck). I wanted to be able to still put stuff in my back area so I wanted it to sorta fill up the area with a nice and flat surface.

**kirbycope** · 02-08-2006, 11:30 PM

**DarquePervert** · 02-09-2006, 07:38 AM

Looking at the size of the case, a couple of 80mm (standard case fan size) fans will work.
Put one on on one end to draw air in and another on the opposite side to push air out. My suggestion is to have an intake fan on the corner near the optical drive and an exhaust fan in the corner near the PSU & CPU.

Also, you should add a block of wood over the exposed hinge screws so nobody gouges themselves looking at the innards of your PC.
But it looks good!

**tbird2340** · 02-09-2006, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Also, you should add a block of wood over the exposed hinge screws so nobody gouges themselves looking at the innards of your PC.
But it looks good!

and

@ kirbycope

**tbird2340** · 02-09-2006, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Looking at the size of the case, a couple of 80mm (standard case fan size) fans will work.
Put one on on one end to draw air in and another on the opposite side to push air out. My suggestion is to have an intake fan on the corner near the optical drive and an exhaust fan in the corner near the PSU & CPU.

Like this? Is that how I should have the air flow direction?

**blk02si** · 02-10-2006, 09:07 PM

Buy my custom metal case!

F.S. - Industructable .063" aluminum case for Via m10000

It will fit your board and save you a lot of space!

**DarquePervert** · 02-10-2006, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by tbird2340

Like this? Is that how I should have the air flow direction?

I'd reverse the airflow direction from what you have pictured. That way the hot air coming off the CPU will be blown out the case as soon as possible.

**Silentbob343** · 02-10-2006, 10:35 PM

You could get away with one exhaust fan or two fans; one exhaust and one intake. Try to set up the fans so the air will flow over hot components or you can make some ducting to ensure air flows where you want it to.