2012-06-27, 06:30
I am currently in the middle of building a custom case to house my XBMC HTPC which I will be transforming into a media server when my Pineriver mini-x arrives. I will post images of the model, the build process, and the final project. Furthermore, if there is demand, I will make complete technical drawings of all parts so that others can duplicate/mod the case.
First, the hardware:
mini-itx mobo (Zotac IonITX-B)
3x 3.5" HDD (total space 4.5 TB)
mATX PSU
1 gb ram
Now the case build.
The case is made from 0.25" thick acrylic that I will be cutting on a CNC router. Mounting the hardware will require longer screws than standard, however, these are easy to get at the local hardware store (I will be using 6-32 X 1/2" screws). I am using transparent grey acrylic as it was the cheapest thing I could find at a local distributor (29"x31" for $20 vs. 24"x24" for $30 online). I am going to be using acrylic cement to "weld" the pieces together so that everything but the top will essentially become a single piece of material.
Next, images of the model. I will just post the isometric view of the case with hardware, and here is a link to the imgur gallery with views of each side, and the top.
I previously discussed building a case (thread here), and the topics of 2.5" boot drives, and blu-ray drives were discussed. While I have no need for these they could be included in the case by mounting the blu-ray drive to the top, and placing the 2.5" drive in the empty space in front of the motherboard.
I will start cutting the parts tomorrow, and it should be done on Thursday (one benefit of being a college student taking summer courses). I would love to get feedback/input on modifying the design if anyone else wants to make their own case. And if anyone is wondering, the total cost for supplies is around $45. I don't have any machining costs as I am using the student machine shop.
Thanks for your time.
Edit: the final box (only have to put some feet on it, but they are being shipped still)! I am still thinking of how I want to decorate, but I might just leave it blank for simplicity sake.
First, the hardware:
mini-itx mobo (Zotac IonITX-B)
3x 3.5" HDD (total space 4.5 TB)
mATX PSU
1 gb ram
Now the case build.
The case is made from 0.25" thick acrylic that I will be cutting on a CNC router. Mounting the hardware will require longer screws than standard, however, these are easy to get at the local hardware store (I will be using 6-32 X 1/2" screws). I am using transparent grey acrylic as it was the cheapest thing I could find at a local distributor (29"x31" for $20 vs. 24"x24" for $30 online). I am going to be using acrylic cement to "weld" the pieces together so that everything but the top will essentially become a single piece of material.
Next, images of the model. I will just post the isometric view of the case with hardware, and here is a link to the imgur gallery with views of each side, and the top.
I previously discussed building a case (thread here), and the topics of 2.5" boot drives, and blu-ray drives were discussed. While I have no need for these they could be included in the case by mounting the blu-ray drive to the top, and placing the 2.5" drive in the empty space in front of the motherboard.
I will start cutting the parts tomorrow, and it should be done on Thursday (one benefit of being a college student taking summer courses). I would love to get feedback/input on modifying the design if anyone else wants to make their own case. And if anyone is wondering, the total cost for supplies is around $45. I don't have any machining costs as I am using the student machine shop.
Thanks for your time.
Edit: the final box (only have to put some feet on it, but they are being shipped still)! I am still thinking of how I want to decorate, but I might just leave it blank for simplicity sake.