my pc, made of wood [Archive]

isus

February 8th, 2003, 07:08 PM

lol. im on my way to building a new computer. what will i be making this computer with?

purchased:
amd athlon xp 1800
msi kt3 ultra 2

awaiting funds (haha):
56k modem
2 80mm aluminum fans
2 120mm aluminum fans
4 fan filters, each for corresponding fans (2 80mm, 2 120mm)
512mb pc2700 (corsair xms)
enermax 431w ps
nexus fan controller
msi geforce4 ti4200 (128mb, 4x agp)
sony 52x cd-rom
lian li temp monitor
thermaltake volcano 9
wd 40gb se (8mb buffer)
10/100 ethernet card

notice how there is no case mentioned?

because im building my own. dont try to talk me out of this. im building it out of wood. my biggest problems with todays boxes are
1.) they're ugly. i want something nice.
2.) all the pci/mobo parts are in the back. i connect and disconnect things constantly... monitors, keyboards, mice, firewire, usb, fone lines (for modem)... its annoying to go behind my comp just to unplug something.
3.) why not? everybody says it can't, or at least shouldnt be done, but im stupid, and ignorant, and will not take no for an answer.

if you have any tips/hints/etc. please reply. lol.

and yes, i will keep zp updated. altho with my current rate of funding, i wont be done till this summer, at least.

phalkon30

February 8th, 2003, 07:30 PM

My friend and I were going to make one out of plexiglass, it would be completely clear, easy to assemble, and would look sweet with very little lighting, its also sorta quiet

We don't have the time to try making one though, sounds cool, post pics if you can

isus

February 8th, 2003, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by phalkon30
My friend and I were going to make one out of plexiglass, it would be completely clear, easy to assemble, and would look sweet with very little lighting, its also sorta quiet

We don't have the time to try making one though, sounds cool, post pics if you can

yea, quiet is good. thats why i am getting the aluminum fans. lots of air, low noise. i dont think any component in the case should be more than 40db. and im gonna use a lot of sound insulation mats.

i will post a lot of pics. probly on my website...

cpugeniusmv

February 8th, 2003, 07:48 PM

awesome! cant wait to see it! good luck!

isus

February 8th, 2003, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by cpugeniusmv
awesome! cant wait to see it! good luck!

lol thanks.

does anybody know about emi and what not? ive heard this would corrupt data all over the place. (bad)

cpugeniusmv

February 8th, 2003, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by isus
lol thanks.

does anybody know about emi and what not? ive heard this would corrupt data all over the place. (bad)
emi?

phalkon30

February 8th, 2003, 08:05 PM

EMI? I think its a record studio :P

Electronic emissions is what I'm assuming you're talking about, or interference or something like that, I know it could possibly corrupt data on your hard drive, but I dont see how the case would affect that

cpugeniusmv

February 8th, 2003, 08:06 PM

Originally posted by phalkon30
EMI? I think its a record studio :P
that was my first thought :mellow

isus

February 8th, 2003, 08:08 PM

Originally posted by cpugeniusmv
emi?

electromagnetic interference...

my friend was telling me about it, and that the aluminum in comp cases were what stopped it, but i dont want aluminum, anywhere

cpugeniusmv

February 8th, 2003, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by isus
electromagnetic interference...

my friend was telling me about it, and that the aluminum in comp cases were what stopped it, but i dont want aluminum, anywhere
well, just don't set your speakers too close to the case, if you're that worried.

isus

February 8th, 2003, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by cpugeniusmv
well, just don't set your speakers too close to the case, if you're that worried.

the speed in this forum is friggin awesome.

ok, i can do that. i have a 1980's stereo about 6 inches away from where i intend to put the comp, will that be ok?

cpugeniusmv

February 8th, 2003, 08:14 PM

should be fine.

Rickio

February 8th, 2003, 08:15 PM

I'd love to see a pic when your wood case is finsished ! :-)

sounds odd but it might be cool.

peace

isus

February 8th, 2003, 08:17 PM

lol. i only build the coolest. altho this is my first attempt at building my own comp. i am afraid to shit that i will bust the athlon when putting on the heatsink

isus

February 9th, 2003, 10:24 AM

i was looking at some case mod galleries, and some people had a key thingy to start up their computer. it looks like a lock, not a giant deadbolt or anything, just a little lock, like you would see on a file cabinet. does anybody know what im talking about? lol.

links are nice...

phalkon30

February 9th, 2003, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by isus
i was looking at some case mod galleries, and some people had a key thingy to start up their computer. it looks like a lock, not a giant deadbolt or anything, just a little lock, like you would see on a file cabinet. does anybody know what im talking about? lol.

links are nice...

Dude, I wish I would have bookmarked the site...there was one with homemade cases, one of them turned on my adding a quarter (straight off an 80's arcade game thing), and had a lotion dispenser and kleenex box built into the top....LOL

EDIT, found the site, http://www.envador.com/

http://www.envador.com/Photos/LovePC/ is the one I was talking about, you really should check this out

wonderboy2005

February 9th, 2003, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by phalkon30
Dude, I wish I would have bookmarked the site...there was one with homemade cases, one of them turned on my adding a quarter (straight off an 80's arcade game thing), and had a lotion dispenser and kleenex box built into the top....LOL

by the sound of it, it most likely had a laminated keyboard too.... i mean... you wouldn't want to get... uhh.. coffee... in the keyboard....

the only problem i could see with a wood case would be fire. your processor gets dusty, you've ran it for days on end at 100%, its getting hot.... etc. there goes your nice case and all the components, not to mention what would happen if it spread... but thats unlikely.

as for the speakers being too close, dont worry about it. if emi was that big of a problem, wouldn't the system speaker go haywire since it's inside the case? also, there really isn't anything producing that much radiation in there anyways.

nasrules

February 9th, 2003, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by isus
i was looking at some case mod galleries, and some people had a key thingy to start up their computer. it looks like a lock, not a giant deadbolt or anything, just a little lock, like you would see on a file cabinet. does anybody know what im talking about? lol.

think of the possibilities.......

you could have a beer-holder in the top!

id move ur spkrs further away if i were you. an make sure ur monitor aint too close. yes the aluminium inside protects it from electromagnetism, but u should be ok so long as you dont have ur sub, spkrs or telly 2 near it.

check out the attached pic

sounds really cool wot ur doin, make sure u keep us posted

phalkon30

February 9th, 2003, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by wonderboy2005
by the sound of it, it most likely had a laminated keyboard too.... i mean... you wouldn't want to get... uhh.. coffee... in the keyboard....

the only problem i could see with a wood case would be fire. your processor gets dusty, you've ran it for days on end at 100%, its getting hot.... etc. there goes your nice case and all the components, not to mention what would happen if it spread... but thats unlikely.

as for the speakers being too close, dont worry about it. if emi was that big of a problem, wouldn't the system speaker go haywire since it's inside the case? also, there really isn't anything producing that much radiation in there anyways.

LMFAO!! that was good dude...

Yeah, you'd have to laminate the wood to, never thought about that, can you imagine how dry it would get? not sure what would help protect that for you, but I bet it would discolor

The speaker in your case is sheilded, so it has no effect on EMI

BTW, edited my last post, check out the link

isus

February 9th, 2003, 11:03 AM

thanks guys...

my rents got back with lunch. mmm... lata.

chipperrox

February 9th, 2003, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by wonderboy2005
by the sound of it, it most likely had a laminated keyboard too.... i mean... you wouldn't want to get... uhh.. coffee... in the keyboard....

hahahhhhhahahahah that was the funniest thing I've heard in a while! I', suprised they didn't just build a "self servicing machine"

cpugeniusmv

February 9th, 2003, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by chipperrox
hahahhhhhahahahah that was the funniest thing I've heard in a while! I', suprised they didn't just build a "self servicing machine"
oh you mean like min...*COUGH* uhhh, *whistling*

chipperrox

February 9th, 2003, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by cpugeniusmv
oh you mean like min...*COUGH* uhhh, *whistling*
haha
I always wondered why cpugenius spent so much time ON the computer
"self-servicing" and by that i dont mean it makes you coffee"

isus

February 9th, 2003, 12:14 PM

lol...

joil

February 9th, 2003, 12:43 PM

wooden computers (http://www.woodcontour.com/wood/products/wood_index.html)

and some crazy cases:
here (http://www.coolcasegallery.net/ccg/)

isus

February 9th, 2003, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by joil
wooden computers (http://www.woodcontour.com/wood/products/wood_index.html)

and some crazy cases:
here (http://www.coolcasegallery.net/ccg/)

cool, checkin it out now. the mouse looks good, so does the monitor. the keyboard, is, not so nice. lol.

thanks.

zaphodiv

February 9th, 2003, 05:33 PM

Personally I keep mobile phones at least six feet away from computers with open cases.

My laptop mouse pointer jumps around when my mobile transmitts near it.

I'v spent lots of time trying to shield microphones and things in large sound systems to keep out digital mobile phone noises. Full volume buzzing noises through kilowatt systems don't make people happy.

I once had a UPS die completly when I used a walkie talkie right next to it

The Hunter

February 9th, 2003, 05:50 PM

I wonder what would happen if I fired up my linear amp next to my pc. LOL

isus

February 9th, 2003, 06:17 PM

haha.

yea, i keep my cell fone away from everything, and my speakers are at least a foot and a half away from where my computer is.

i still cant find anything on how to turn on your computer with an ignition style switch. stupid google... :mellow

other than that, i just wanna get my parts and get to work.

zaphodiv

February 9th, 2003, 06:32 PM

I assume you will use an ATX power supply but I better metion that AT power supplies have mains voltage on the switch wires requiring care, competence and insulation if modified. Caveat modder. Consult a qulaified electrician if in doubt. No user servicable parts inside. Warranty void if opened.

I think ATX power switchs are just a single pole momentary switch so you just need to get an ignition switch and a multimeter and find the pair of contacts that is connected (zero ohms) when you turn the key to the positon that would run the starter motor.

isus

February 9th, 2003, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by zaphodiv
I assume you will use an ATX power supply but I better metion that AT power supplies have mains voltage on the switch wires requiring care, competence and insulation if modified. Caveat modder. Consult a qulaified electrician if in doubt. No user servicable parts inside. Warranty void if opened.

I think ATX power switchs are just a single pole momentary switch so you just need to get an ignition switch and a multimeter and find the pair of contacts that is connected (zero ohms) when you turn the key to the positon that would run the starter motor.

wow... thats a lot of work. i thought up an alternative in about 7.3 seconds:

go bust open an old file cabinet and remove the key-lock mechanism. set up the lock so it pulls down the little metal bar onto the power switch. add a spring so that the key goes back (like a normal ignition for a car) and doesnt sit on the power button. ;)

you make a good idea tho, i will research it some more,. and see what i can do. (and yes, i am gonna ues an atx ps)

bobhss

February 9th, 2003, 08:03 PM

This is an absolutely beautiful idea. In my mind I see you making it out of 2x4s and plywood, but in reality I see it looking better than that.

zaphodiv

February 9th, 2003, 08:35 PM

>thats a lot of work
>old file cabinet and remove the key-lock mechanism
???
How is a lot of mechanical and mounting work easier than attaching two wires?

You could buy a new keyswitch with details of what the numbers pins are for a few dollars/Euro from the usuall electronic componet catalogues.

Anyway its your project.

I have a big square red button with a flip up transparent cover somewhere. I would not look out of place for lauching missiles. I'v been meaing to use it a reset button.

isus

February 9th, 2003, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by zaphodiv
>thats a lot of work
>old file cabinet and remove the key-lock mechanism
???
How is a lot of mechanical and mounting work easier than attaching two wires?

You could buy a new keyswitch with details of what the numbers pins are for a few dollars/Euro from the usuall electronic componet catalogues.

Anyway its your project.

I have a big square red button with a flip up transparent cover somewhere. I would not look out of place for lauching missiles. I'v been meaing to use it a reset button.

lol... i dunno. i need to look at the parts, see everything... i can visualize the case, cuz i know what everything shoudl end up lookin like but i cant imagine a lock/ignition thing.

and thank you bobhss... i was gonna use 1/2" strips of true wood tho.

isus

February 12th, 2003, 02:20 PM

new question:

how many people have bought a retail amd processor, and kept the stock hsf, and how many people have bought a retail amd processor, and bought a new hsf? i was thinkin thermaltake, but *shrug* i'll hafta see.

phalkon30

February 12th, 2003, 03:47 PM

Usually that stock hsf is meant for testing only, not long term use

I had the option for $12 to get an upgraded thermasilk, talk to gorphon about cooling though, I know he's really into it

chipperrox

February 12th, 2003, 03:50 PM

dude with a wood case, it just plain makes sense to spend 20-30 bucks on a cooler rather than the crappy one that comes with em

isus

February 12th, 2003, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by chipperrox
dude with a wood case, it just plain makes sense to spend 20-30 bucks on a cooler rather than the crappy one that comes with em

thanks :)

i was thinkin about the tt mod, where you have the pipe go straight onto the hsf, but i dunno *shrug* lol

i got the mobo (msi kt3 ultra2) and the processor (amd athlon xp 1800+) today :)

i am gonna be adding a page to my site documenting everything in a few days, so i'll let you know when it's done.

LooP

February 12th, 2003, 06:13 PM

try liquid koolance, very powerful cooling solution, without the noise of 20 million fans, and with ur setup, u dont need much cooling, except for the fact that u may wanna add them for fun. Also, if ur gona use more than 3hdd's or a mixture of more than 4 cd/dvd/hdd's while still wanting to use IDE instead of SCSI, check out msi's mobo, that supports IDE RAID., just some suff i learned, oh, and have a look at www.theoverclockingstore.co.uk i know its an english site, but it provides a lot of reference as to what the good shit is.

isus

February 15th, 2003, 02:02 PM

woohoo, makin some progress now...

since my birthday is in a mere 12 days, i got some money to spend on parts. so i got a western digital 40gb special edition (ata100, with the nice 8mb buffer) and an antec truepower 430w ps.

unfortunately, my website host had a connection problem, and it messed up windows (they use iis :( ) so i cant put up a page about this yet.

isus

February 23rd, 2003, 08:56 PM

just an update of the thread:

http://www.zeropaid.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7904

for everybody who wondered what happened. i just realized it has only been 8 days since i last posted in this thread...

PowerMan57two

February 23rd, 2003, 09:17 PM

cool this is what my computer has right now...

Windows XP Pro
1.82Ghz Pentium 4
1GB of RAM
200GB Hard Drive
56kmodem

Satellite modem/satellite internet that i use now instead of slow 56k

32mb videocard, will get a 128mb card when i find out which one i Have

21" lcd flat screen monitor
surround sound speakers, total of 4 speakers with 1 woofer, and 1 speaker is built into the woofer so i guess you could say 5 speakers. this cost $168. but it's kick ass sound