PC Guts Mounted In Amp Rack - Ever Done Before?

**we87** · 06-15-2006, 03:51 AM

I wasnt really sure where to ask this, so if this isnt the correct forum, please move it

I always see guys hiding their PC's and stealthing them in nice boxes and such, or under the consoles and seats... But has anybody ever "showed off" their PC guts in like an amprack for instance?

The reason I ask is because I want to see some pictures to get ideas and to have sort of a reference. What I want to do is have a nice box in the back of my 2002 Trailblazer, and I have alot of room to play with so I wanted to have both of my subs (12's) my amp and my computer nicely seated and possibly lit up with some LED's...

So, if anybody has any pc display pictures, please let me know.... Thanks Alot In Advance!

**0l33l** · 06-15-2006, 04:42 AM

scott_fx put his carputer in an amp case.

**Eternalodyssey** · 06-15-2006, 04:59 AM

It shouldn't be too hard to fit the components into an amp case. I know that there are some computer cases that look rather similar to amp cases. If it is continuity of appearance that you are desiring perhaps one of those painted to match other components might be of sufficient choice. I considered this at first and then just decided to rip out my center console and build a custom one around the computer. Just a thought though.

**DarquePervert** · 06-15-2006, 07:41 AM

I don't know if it's been done, but it certainly sounds like a good way to show off your setup. From a "geeky is cool" perspective (mine, namely!), it sounds like a cool idea. Do it and bring it to the next Dallas meet so we can see the results.

If you wanted to go the uber-geek route, you could mount everything in a 19" wide server rack mounted to the chassis. That may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to some, but it screams I AM GEEK!

**Sonicxtacy02** · 06-15-2006, 09:12 AM

i wouldnt suggest doing this to a power computer. My little 800mhz epia fried when it wasnt in a case cooling it in the trunk. If you do this u have to make sure that somehow you have proper air flow over the neccessary parts

**blacklancer** · 06-15-2006, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

If you wanted to go the uber-geek route, you could mount everything in a 19" wide server rack mounted to the chassis. That may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to some, but it screams I AM GEEK!

rack mount FTW!!!!!!

**we87** · 06-16-2006, 04:12 AM

Whoa, will somebody please delete the other thread? For some reason it duplicated itself??? It wasnt intentional... Heres the link: http://mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78909

Great ideas guys, thanks. I like the rack mount idea DP. And yes, I am going for Uber-Geekness for sure

Sonicxtacy02, Since I live in a hot state (Texas) cooling is going to be my first concern. Thats one of the reasons im going for a custom case, so I can put lots and lots of fans... If I was brave I would go the water cooling route, but in a moving car with bumps and such, I just cant imagine that being any kind of good

Im guessing a plexi-glass enclosure with lots of airflow would be alright. Another thought I had is it could'nt be in plain sight, because the sun light would beat down on the components. But in either case, when I get to that step I will post pictures of the drawings and finished products

**SnyperBob** · 06-16-2006, 04:48 AM

I believe Mobile-Effects.com has a featured install comparable to what you're talking about:

http://www.mobile-effects.com/module...howpage&pid=14

There's more pics of that guy's install and fabrication in the image gallery, under Self Installs - Mazda. Gr33tz to Rotary Rasp for his 1337 install

I'm not sure if this is what you mean by 'in an amp rack', but I figured it'd give you some ideas.

**Skuzzle** · 06-16-2006, 06:13 AM

im looking to feature my computer in the boot around the amps and subs

**DarquePervert** · 06-16-2006, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by we87

Whoa, will somebody please delete the other thread? For some reason it duplicated itself??? It wasnt intentional... Heres the link: http://mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78909

**** happens, man. Sometimes the site hiccups and it causes a duplicate thread.
I did better than just deleting the other one, I merged them together and deleted the extra B.S.

Great ideas guys, thanks. I like the rack mount idea DP. And yes, I am going for Uber-Geekness for sure

Yah. I thought of that as a mnounting idea, but there's not that much room in the back of the cab of my truck.

Sonicxtacy02, Since I live in a hot state (Texas) cooling is going to be my first concern. Thats one of the reasons im going for a custom case, so I can put lots and lots of fans... If I was brave I would go the water cooling route, but in a moving car with bumps and such, I just cant imagine that being any kind of good

I think watercooled PCs in a car make a dangerous situation. I know guys w/ watercooled PCs that have fittings work themselves loose while being transported to a LAN party. Granted, I don't know about the quality of the watercooling installation. It could very well have been a rush job.
Still, it's nothing that I'd want to risk.

Im guessing a plexi-glass enclosure with lots of airflow would be alright. Another thought I had is it could'nt be in plain sight, because the sun light would beat down on the components. But in either case, when I get to that step I will post pictures of the drawings and finished products

You could use smoke-colored plexi... I don't know how much that would help. It might even be worse, since dark colors absorb more heat...
Another thought is to use mirror plexi on the top and side(s) that would get the most sun, and clear/colored plexi for the rest. From an aesthetic point of view, that wouldn't be the best, methinks. Maybe not.

Lastly, we87, are you ever going to come to one of the Dallas meets?
We're talking about going to the Monday night Ricekiller meets every so often. They're at Humperdinks on Belt Line in Addison. Another forum member turned us on to that.