How to mount the case

**mazda8** · 05-21-2009, 11:59 PM

So I am nearing the end of the main build phase of my car pc. But I am lost as to how to get is secured down into my trunk.

I want to be able to take it in and out, as well as not leave a lot of evidence it was ever there(if I sell, or for whatever reason.)

Anyone have any ideas on how to attach this. It would be most likely sitting on the floor of the trunk on carpet.

**jpinkerton** · 05-22-2009, 01:43 AM

You might be able to use some velco strips, I am using velcro strips to hold my GPS in place inside my car. I picked 'em up at the local fabric store for about $2. The bottom has adhesive that you just peel and stick to the device, then the velcro just grabs the fabric and holds in place.

**mazda8** · 05-22-2009, 01:46 AM

I thought about this. But the PC weighs somewhere between 5-10 lbs. and I want to build a frame that it sits on with springs on each corner like shock absorbers because it is a sports car with a hard suspension, and I am using a regular spinning HDD. I think this is my best option it I don't want to mess anything up though....

**2k1Toaster** · 05-22-2009, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by mazda8

I thought about this. But the PC weighs somewhere between 5-10 lbs. and I want to build a frame that it sits on with springs on each corner like shock absorbers because it is a sports car with a hard suspension, and I am using a regular spinning HDD. I think this is my best option it I don't want to mess anything up though....

Completely wrong ideology. HDDs are meant to be rigidly mounted. Instead of a bump damaging 1 sector if mounted rigily, it would destroy a lot if mounted on a spring setup. The springs would bounce up and down essentially turning 1 bump into 1 full bump, a 1/2 bump, a 1/4 bump, an 1/8 bump, and to infinity as the spring will keep on going.

Mount it rigidly, be happy. HDDs are cheap anyways.

As to actually securing the case, +1 for velcro. Its how mine is mounted on my trunk's floor. I have quick connect parts for power and I/O, so I just unplug a few cables and rip the case up. Easy.

**f1ip** · 05-22-2009, 03:54 AM

i just used double sided tape on mine. It's on a truck with stiffer suspension. I run through speed bumps at over 30mph and i've had no problems so far.

**rizaydog** · 05-22-2009, 06:48 AM

My first carputer I used velcro. I had a laptop, removed the screen and kb, and used velcro to hold it verticaly in the trunk. It held for a very long time. And it is easy to remove.

**Ramb0_Command0** · 05-22-2009, 11:58 AM

+1 to the velcro, pick up a package of adhesive industrial velcro and just use the hook side.

The suspension idea is what everyone wants to do at first since they are worried about the computer dying from vibration, but seriously, it'll be fine.

If you really wanted to though, soft foam or something like that would be a much better shock absorber, no resonance... I'd just mount the HDD in it rather than the whole case, if I was worried about it.

**mazda8** · 05-22-2009, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ramb0_Command0

+1 to the velcro, pick up a package of adhesive industrial velcro and just use the hook side.

The suspension idea is what everyone wants to do at first since they are worried about the computer dying from vibration, but seriously, it'll be fine.

If you really wanted to though, soft foam or something like that would be a much better shock absorber, no resonance... I'd just mount the HDD in it rather than the whole case, if I was worried about it.

The issue with the foam is the heat... and I don't want to put the case on it. I am gong to build a base with radial fans that blow outside air to the bottom...

**koolmoedee** · 05-23-2009, 10:01 PM

velcro all the way i have used it on all my builds even still if you deal with bumpy roads it may be best to upgrade to a 2.5" hdd as they take alot more shock

**HiJackZX1** · 05-23-2009, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Completely wrong ideology. HDDs are meant to be rigidly mounted. Instead of a bump damaging 1 sector if mounted rigily, it would destroy a lot if mounted on a spring setup. The springs would bounce up and down essentially turning 1 bump into 1 full bump, a 1/2 bump, a 1/4 bump, an 1/8 bump, and to infinity as the spring will keep on going.

Mount it rigidly, be happy. HDDs are cheap anyways.

As to actually securing the case, +1 for velcro. Its how mine is mounted on my trunk's floor. I have quick connect parts for power and I/O, so I just unplug a few cables and rip the case up. Easy.

I 100% agree with toaster. You would be adding alot more bounce to the HDD. How to mount a drive has been discussed so many times in the past. I myself have tried mounting vertical and horizontal and they all have the same result. I have not had any HDD break at all. Now if you intend to go rally racing then I suggest a Solid State Drive. I actually have my HDD mounted upside down and still have no issues. 2.5 drives are made to take a beating, they have to in order to be put into laptops. I doubt that you will put the car over bumps and lumps all the time so you wont have much shock.