Tag: case

Found Computer Case

Posted onAuthorTruXter

computer case

computer case

Found a computer case on the side of the road.
so. now I have a new addition to my custom computer cases to work on.
I plan to strip this one to the metal. Totally sandblast this one and then chunk a clear coat and have the whole polished aluminum look.
It is a small case. There is a motherboard inside that looks like the max size that can fit inside, and boy, is it ever tiny. The motherboard is supposed to be an economical motherboard. I read a few reviews and watched a couple presentations. Why? I dunno, might not even work. I guess so I have some history on what this computer used to be. So I can stay with in the theme somehow.
No powersupply, no hard drives and no cd or dvd drives. but soon.

Custom Computer Cases Have Begun

Posted onAuthorTruXter

I have forever loved to see the handy craftsmanship of custom computer cases. all of the creativity that goes into the building of a computer case, the way the craftsman found most desirable and rational. The additional modifications and personal gems of utilities that should be on all computer cases, and other modifications that you just can’t get unless you build the whole thing yourself. That stuff has me dazzled. To know that a real person with their own two hands built something that will last and be useful for many years. i have been telling myself for the past i don’t know how many years. but it was back when I first saw the custom jewelry case computer. and that was quite a while back. The person built a computer case to be in the same design as any typical jewelry case, but was one of the first people to use clear plastic for the sides and top, and to then punch holes for air flow, the motherboard was positioned just right so the air flowing in will cross the cpu, hit the video card and shoot straight out, while more air blew in over the hard drive and i think the north bridge and straight out. The computer was a work of art. but I can no longer find it in Google. He must have dropped his website.

But it’s that design that motivated me and gave me ideas. but I couldn’t ever follow through with them. I never had anywhere to build custom computer cases.Couldn’t see myself standing on the balcony of my second story apartment out in a little town known as a very bad side of town, just drilling and gluing and sawing away, like there isn’t some druggy around the corner mad at you because ” you have things” like a hand saw and a Black and Decker AAA battery screw driver you call a drill, and don’t think he wont shoot you for it and not feel bad about killing you over a worthless item so much as feeling bad that he walked all the way up to the pawnshop with a screw driver you paid $4 at the dollar general for. I do have a knack for making worthless items look a little better than they are worth so, I can see it happening.

Now that I have my own house now, I have my own garage and I have my own tools. I have about 6 spare computer cases, (getting paint) and like 8 spare motherboards.

Motherboards

Motherboards

It is time for me to start my dream of custom computer cases.
Not my biggest dream just a flash in the pan wish that won’t go away.

Computer Cases

What i am Starting With


Yes, the picture is that way for a reason. So you don’t get to much of my idea. and the boxes are hiding my Big rabbit in the hat part of my magic act ;)

I do not have a table to work on just yet. I am thinking of watching Craig’s list for a scratched up raggity dinner table for cheap. To start with. I mostly want a dinner table because that means a low chair (preferably a computer chair) can sit at the table as I build the custom computer cases and I will have a large area to work with.

Please stick by as I go into this hobby and watch for pictures to be posted as I work through building these custom cases.
So far I have gathered quite a bit of supplies for this. Some was given to me, others purchased with a goal.

The cases will of course have bondo and or fiberglass in their build. Everything I can mod will be modded. I will be using what I know of computer cooling and automotive cooling, and ALL knowledge I have about design for anything. Not to look cheesy, but to look cool, while actually cooling the computer and deadening sound. Count on Retro fitting lots of stuff. Two of my cases are at least ten years old with rust on them and probably weigh about 15 lbs each. These will be fun to work with. Backs will be punched out, screw holes will be obsoleted and new holes will be drilled.

I may even slip a bit of lumber and lots of plastic into the mix. (I already have a design so go ahead and count on it).
I might even do a retro budget gaming computer, and try and do a bit of overclocking to make it that much more brag worthy.
As always, everything will come from ads in the paper, Craig’s List, Fry’s or Compusa. Any place I can get a good deal or at least the part I need.

Come back once a month, and look for the Custom Cases tab to appear at the top of the page.
Not quite sure how i want the “Custom Computer Cases” page to work out, I may just make it a page to link the different cases and their progress and process. So I can show others how I did the designs and to help motivate people to try the same thing. Or I could just plop all of the computer cases in the same page. That could get messy though. Ehh i will wing it like I do everything else. Wild a slight idea of what I want to do.

If you have any tips or suggestions or requests on custom computer cases, please post below, These ideas or questions may come in handy.

See you all in this adventure.

TruXter

Low Cost Barebone from Compusa

Posted onAuthorTruXter

ECS IC780M-A DiabloTek Barebones Kit – ECS IC780M-A Mobo, AMD Phenom X4 9750 CPU, Zalman CPU Fan, Centon 2GB DDR2 RAM, Seagate 320GB HDD, LG 24x DVDRW, DiabloTek ATX Mid-Tower Case, 400W Power Supply

 

To see images of this barbone budget computer build click here for images.

$199 for the beefy budget computer.

Specifications
ECS IC780M-A Motherboard

Processor Socket: AMD
Processor Interface: Socket AM2+
Form Factor: ATX
Processors Supported: AMD Athlon 64
AMD Phenom
AMD Phenom II
AMD Athlon II
HyperTransport Bus: 2600MHz (5200 MT/s)
Northbridge: AMD 770
Memory Supported: 400MHz DDR2
533MHz DDR2
667MHz DDR2
800MHz DDR2
1066MHz DDR2
Memory Type: DDR2
Number of Pins: 240-Pin
Maximum Memory Supported: 4GB – 32bit
32GB – 64bit
Number of Slots: 4
Max. Memory Supported Per Slot: 8GB
Channels: 6 Channels
LAN Type: 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit
PS/2 Keyboard Connectors: 1
PS/2 Mouse Connectors: 1
USB Ports (Total): 8
USB Rear Panel Ports: 4
USB Onboard Headers: 2 – (expandable to 4 USB ports)
LAN Ports: 1
IDE Headers: 1
Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s Headers: 4
ATX Power Connectors: 1 24-Pin Connector
PC Power Connectors: 1 – 4 Pin
PCI Slots: 3
PCI Express X1 Slots: 2
PCI Express X16 Slots: 1
RAID Support: Yes
RAID Modes: 0
1
10
AMD Phenom X4 9750 Quad Core Processor

Manufacturer: AMD
CPU Type: Desktop
Processor Interface: Socket AM2+
Processor Class: Phenom X4
Processor Speed: X4 9750 / 2.40GHz
Cores: Quad
Cache Size: 4MB L2 + L3
Fan: Not Included
Wattage: 125W
Additional Technologies: HyperTransport
MMX
Enhanced Virus Protection
AMD64
Cool’n’Quiet
Unlocked Multiplier: No
Instruction Set: SSE
SSE2
SSE3
Zalman Hydraulic Bearing CPU Cooler

Fan Type: CPU Cooler
Socket Type: 775
AM2
AM2+
AM3
1156
1155
Bearing Type: Hydraulic
RPM: 1400 ~ 2700 RPM
Connector(s): 4 Pin (PWM)
LG GH24NS50R 24x Internal CD/DVD Drive

Cache Size: 2 MB
DVD+R Write Speed: 24X
DVD+RW Rewrite Speed: 8X
DVD-R Write Speed: 24X
DVD-RW Rewrite Speed: 6X
DVD Read Speed: 16X
DVD-RAM Write Speed: 12X
DVD-RAM Read Speed: 12X
CD Write Speed: 48X
CD Rewrite Speed: 32x
CD Read Speed: 48X
Color: Black
Length: 6.5″
Width: 5.7″
Height: 1.6″
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Load Type: Tray
Interface Type: SATA
Enclosure Type: Internal
Type: CD/DVD Drives
Centon 2048MB PC6400 DDR2

Memory Category: Desktop
Memory Type: DDR2
Memory Speed: PC6400
Memory Speed MHz: 800MHz
Memory Size: 2048MB
Total Memory Size: 2GB
Memory Modules: 1
Memory Channels: Dual
Memory Socket: DIMM
Pins: 240
Seagate ST3320418AS Barracuda Hard Drive

Drive Type: Internal
Capacity: 320 GB
Interface: SATA 3.0Gb/s
Interface Type: SATA
Spindle Speed (RPM): 7200
Buffer Memory: 16 MB
Average Latency (msec): 4.17
Temperature, Operating (°C): 0 to 60
Temperature, Nonoperating (°C): -40 to 70
Shock, Operating: 2 msec (Gs): 70
Shock, Nonoperating: 2 msec (Gs): 350
Diablotek CPA-9611B ATX Mid-Tower Case

80mm Fan Ports: 3
80mm Fans Included: None
Form Factor: ATX Mid-Tower
Compatible Motherboards: ATX
µATX
Side Panel Type: Vented
Power Supply: Not Included
External 5.25″ Drive Bays: 4
External 3.5″ Drive Bays: 1
Internal 3.5″ Drive Bays: 6
Expansion Slots: 7
Front USB Ports: 2
Front Audio Ports: 2
Depth: 17.5″
Width: 7.5″
Height: 17″
DiabloTek PSDA400 Power Supply

Form Factor: ATX
Wattage: 400W
Modular Cabling: No
Fan: 80 mm
Input Voltage: 8A@115 / 5A@230 V
+3.3V: 26 A
+5V: 35 A
+12V 1: 15 A
-12V: 0.5 A
-5V: 0.5 A
+5VSB: 2.0 A
Motherboard Connector: 20+4 Pin
4-Pin P4: 1
4-Pin Floppy Connector: 1
4-Pin Peripheral Connector: 4
SATA Power Connector: 4

All of that for $199 before tax.
Computer case, motherboard memory and processor with AMD quad core cpu, dvd burner. Everything a barebone system needs. Now all you need is an operating system. If you check my previous build your own budget computers, you will see that I have listed many inexpensive operating systems.
FY Tiger Direct and Compusa are the same company.

Build your own Computer – Cheap

Posted onAuthorTruXter1 Comment

As the budget tech review site stays in it’s theme. I think you will soon be seeing a “build your own budget beast”. This of course will be decent to slightly fast computers built from low cost computer parts from deals on the internet.
I am not sponsored by any sites that build computers or sell computer parts, (ok Wait. I signed with Tiger direct, after I created this page, and since I am sending them traffic, I now have fixed the links for my benefit, same items same prices as before, but now with me in mind) So I have all rights to show you any computer parts site and not feel like I will make anyone upset with me. Closest I have to that would be Google ads, and I have to say, they are dead on with matching ads to content. But they won’t get upset advertising fry’s while I post Compusa.
and that brings me to the next part. I got a great a great flyer in my email from compusa . on that page they list a couple barebones computers. Of course I always scroll to the bottom of the add to find the bits and computer parts so I can build it myself and see if I can save a buck. Today the parts are not the same and the deal is great… I will post my build before I post theirs…. So here it goes.

Nvidia 460 under $115

Nvidia 460 for under $115 is a great deal for a strong running better than mid stream video card. 

Amd 3 Ghz quad

$99 Amd 3 Ghz Quad Processor Phenom 2 CPU link

Windows 7 pro under $145
Excellent mid tower computer case built for optimal cooling for the budget computer builders to over clock with (ok that was cheesy but explains why I chose this one over the plane Jane simple on for $5 less) Under $75 

This power Supply is a bit costly, out of my range but will be good for many reasons. Especially the removable cables.
Or you can go with a low cost bundle power supply and case. Slightly lower expectation from this but hey, we are on a budget and know one has to care.

19 inch monitor for under $90 with extreme Contrast Ration and really fast response. I chose this over the slightly larger monitor simply because this one is better bang for the buck.

1TB hard drive for less than $60. need I say more?

8GB od DDR3 for less than $80
Liquid Cooling system for a computer processor for $60 just as a perk . If you are into the actual science of a cool machine is a happy machine.
 

 

And now for the barebone system they advertise on Compusa’s website, for under $200

 

 

 

If anyone thinks I should keep posting these kits let me know how you feel. Let’s hope I find better deals on other websites.

Thanks for reading the build your own.

Installing Hard Drive in External Case

Posted onAuthorTruXter

If you are wanting to set up an external hard drive, by using an external hard drive case and an internal hard drive that you are wanting to use with it, I assure you, this is not a hard task.

For this build and install of the external hard drive kit, We have an acomdata external hard drive case with sata and pata capabilities. Under $30 at Fry’s. The hard drive we are using is a sata 500 gig Seagate under $45 at Fry’s.

First step is to get all of your hardware  and spread it out in seperate locations so you can keep your parts visible and easy to distinguish.

External Hard drive Kit.

See that? there is very little in that set. Manual, Power cable, usb cable, case, standing base and hard drive .

Next Step is to open the external case. Usually two up to 4 small screws at one of the ends of the hard drive case.

opening external hard drive case

Now you just have to slide everything out of the external hard drive case. With this one you just push to the other end.

Ejecting the tray

Some of the external hard drive cases have wires inside that are connected to light, just look closely for the wires to slide off , this hard drive case does not have wires for lights.

Dissasymbled External hard drive case

Now the simple step is to connect the wiring before you rock the hard drive into the external case.

Connecting the wires to a hard drive

Inserted hard drive in external case

Now begin to reassemble  your hard drive case. most just snap together.

External Hard drive Build

Now you are just reversing everything you did before, only now your gadget weighs a tiny bit more.

Final touches

Put screws back in  for the end face plate and then set the stand.

tightening stand for external hard drive case.

Now you just have to connect the usb cable and the power supply  and then power on the Hard Drive.

External Hard drive connected

Now that you have the hard drive set up and connected, look for the light on the outside of the case to be on to confirm all is working. Some external hard drive cases have a blinking light if you messed up.

Now watch your computer for any notifications saying that a new device is connected. To take that a step further, look at your list of storage devices and see if a new device shows up in the list.

eternal hard drive

Most Companies that make external hard drive cases, don’t force you into proprietary software, but some do. if your new device does not show up in the list, you may have a few steps to perform before you can access your software stored on the new electronic component.

I hope you liked the HoWto, if you have any questions feel free to ask them below, comments are always open.

Custom built computer (Jewel box Project)

Posted onAuthorTruXter

Today I was Clicking around in the G4 forums. You know , Looking for game news.

Well I stumbled upon a thread that caught my eye . They guy seems to have built a

Complete custom pc case with the idea of it looking like a Jewel Box.  Look at the way he navigates the air through that thing. and the heatsinks he has all over everything. I mean the video card has the same heatsink as the processor. Amazing.

He has this thing designed to a T. Except two things. The second platform has no front support, and the build just looks kind of retro ugly. But the way it looks does not mean squat. I am 100% for the cooling it has.

here is the complete project

I have to say.

very good job man.

Precautions For Building Computers

Posted onAuthorTruXter1 Comment

Use lots of overhead light. Once you have all the parts together, find a flat, smooth, clean, static-free surface. Make sure your clothes are not polyester or you stand a chance of building up buttloads of static and having a merciless discharge turning your junk into… well… junk.

I like using Gatorade lids to hold my screws and small parts in. Yeah Trailer Park Boys-ish, I know, but it works. Working above tile is good, also, so you can hear the small parts when they drop and kinda locate them easier by where the sound comes from. With the tower open and all parts scattered on the table, lower the motherboard in. Take small pin nails and set them through the mounting holes to mark your spot — should take like 6-9 of them depending on board size and tower abilities. Pull motherboard back out and try to not disturb the pin nails. Replace each nail with mounting studs, lower board in, and screw it down. Follow instructions in the manuals for motherboard and instructions from tower to set up power switches and USB connectors. you may sometimes need to split the end connector for the tower speaker so it fits the prongs. Tie back wires so they stay low and out of view.

Insert RAM, CPU, and heat sink. Simply put: Be gentle, be slow, bend no prongs, and scratch no boards

Set in all drives: CD-ROM / DVD / hard drive / floppy drive. Place the power supply in, and take the board connecting the wire strand and try and map the cleanest, least visible route. Then plug it in. Do not crack the motherboard (yes, it can happen)! Do the same with the drives. I tie them to the rack as I go down the line. Keep hard drives away from all magnets — even the case speaker magnet!

The Video card is done pretty much the same way as the RAM. The slit(s) in the card tells you which way it should face.

Get a good look at the inner case. All air paths need to be clear of anything — even wires. Now plan the path your air will flow and then look at your fans to see which direction the blades should face to achieve the airflow you planned.

Close the case, cross toes, plug in all devices for first boot, and press power button. Pray for BIOS/CMOS boot. Press delete and watch temperatures for about ten minutes or until you see that it is getting really hot.

More stuff to keep in mind.