Custom Computer Cases Have Begun

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

Why not fix computers for friends

We have all asked ourselves Why not fix computers for friends. So we do it, and we learn that people treat you different once you have fixed their computers. It gets even worse if they pay you after you fix their computer. They will either accuse you of taking parts off of their computer, or not doing anything and just handing the computer back to them just as much broken as it was to begin with.
You lose friends this way.
What’s even worse, is when you fix a family member’s computer. They get dependent on you. so dependent on you, they practically want to sit behind you and tell you where to surf, so they can see website stuff without breaking their computer.
Now fixing a computer for a friend of a friend. That’s okay. you can charge that person and not care. unless their friend is super hot. Now you can suggest that you come over and “hook it up” for them.
but I myself refuse to work on a family member’s computer, just like I won’t lend them money or borrow money, or live with them in their place or mine.

You can sit there and blast canned air through the machine, spend three hours trying to get some stupid program to work, because well.. there is no install disk anywhere.

Way to much frustration involved.
This is exactly why I have stopped working on computers for friends.

Computer Refurbish for Work

Well at the office, we have another cad guy coming in to do some designing. The only available computer we have for him is an old Dell computer. E-520 to be exact. This computer has a 2.6 gig P4 processor and two DDR2 pc4200 256mb memory sticks. We do not have a windows 7 disk for dell computers but we have the original install disk of Windows xp that came with that computer. So our operating system by limited selection, is windows xp professional 32 bit.

We cleaned out all dust, hair and carpet fuzz from the computer to make sure this design machine works (by default) at optimal condition for this old of a computer, and to do our best to make this computer run as good as it did the day it was first built. That is of course if the operating system runs at original condition. Just so you know why we formatted the computer.

Here is a look at the project computer before any hardware upgrades or updates.

XP Install on Board Video

This Dell computer we are using has been taken off site and used in another city at a coworker’s house for work. So yeah, it has been slammed with lots and lots of viruses. So many have been on this computer and removed from this computer, many of the normal functions did not work properly. So we formatted the computer.
We yanked out the two pc4200 256mb memory sticks and installed two 2gig pc 5300 memory sticks, and an Nvidia 9500 1gb vmem PCI-Express video card.

The Parts have been brought in for the computer while we were half way through the install of the operating system. We tied back some of the loose wires.

Before the parts installed. Xp installing

We used the Nvidia 9500 simply because the computer only has a 350 watt power supply and no available power connections to plug into a better video card.
We have done this install so many times, not one single error was capable of happening.
Except the small notice that says we have upgraded memory and video card.

Closest to an error we got.

This upgrade was at the cost of only $160 up front but also there is a $30 mail in rebate (we have not done yet) for the video card, and $25 mail in rebates for each stick of memory. If all goes well with the mail in rebates on these computer parts, then we are looking at an $80 upgrade to take this 7 year old computer that has been beat down and been a virus farm for at least 4 years, and turn this computer into a full on design machine.
After the operating system Windows xp pro was fully installed, we installed all 84 updates available. Of course that is after going to another computer and downloading network drivers and burning them to a cd, so we could sneaker mail them to the Dell project computer.

Design computer upgrade is complete

So now this computer is ready to go. He says he has autodesk 2011. If autodesk 2011 is as smooth of a success as autodesk 2010 was on my computer, then we are in the good and this computer will run like a monster.

Operating system is fully installed

So far, the computer is a sucess. We shall see what happens Tuesday when the final test of the design software puts the computer to work (stress).

Low Cost Barebone from Compusa

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.

Cold Call Computer Scammers

There are people who are cold calling victims and telling them that they work for Microsoft and are detecting many errors. They get the victim to install software that allows them open access to the computer. compromising the computer.
The caller pretends to be from Microsoft and have detected issues from your computer.

Part 1

Part 2

Part3

a pretty cool one with a kid pwning the Fake Microsoft computer repair scam callers.

What I don’t get is that at the beginning of the call the caller says they are from Microsoft. but by the end of the call they do not say it again. I have been hoping one of you would get them to confirm it at the beginning of the video and again near the end before you download the software they are looking for you to install. I have not yet received this call.
Can’t help but wonder if the call is because you have your phone number listed on the internet publicly for some website somewhere.

Budget Computer Build – Work Horse Edition

Another build of a computer for people on a budget. This one will be the fast, upgradable strong running computer, for cheap.
For Doing Office work with lots of horse Power. Peach Tree,Quickbooks,Autodesk any heavy resource software you can throw at this beast should be easy running and show very little weight on this machine.

Very Nice case for under $45.
Windows 7 Ultimate for under $130
1TB Hard Drive for under $55
Motherboard And Cpu Combo under $120 Athlon II X2 250 (2 x 3.0GHz – 2MB Cache – 4000MHz FSB)
4 Gigs Memory PC3-10600 under $35
500 watt Power Supply under $50
19 inch Monitor under $120

$555 Home built computer with Operating system still sealed in it’s package. Beating this price and power combo will not be the easiest task. Of course if you have any of these items, subtract it from the total and then see what  the cost would be. In most cases people will leave out the monitor and the Operating system (especial windows 7 ultimate) and consider that  a computer.

So the barebone computer would only coast you $305
TigerDirect

Latest Build Your Own Budget Computer

Today’s build your computer special is across Fry’s and Compusa and Tiger Direct. I did the computer parts prices a bit higher saying “under” for a reason. I didn’t feel like doing the math for everything so I estimated the tax cost on most items. so go ahead and use my totals to get a ball park figure of what this computer will cost you. The main purpose of a computer build like this one is for a media center. Or I would have chunked in a DVD drive instead of the blue ray. I saw the blue ray player and price hunted to make the entertainment center computer work
To complete your system as parted, how about you make your own DVR from Knopmyth, and then just use the windows 7 as an addon and not a must have. This is better than a DVR and you can use the machine for more than just a DVR.

Blue Ray burner $99

4 gigs DDR3 under $40

Nvidia Gforce 250 under $85

EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti SuperClocked Video Card $119.99* After Rebate
icon

AMD Pnenom II x3 under $75
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Great CPU Cooling under $35

Windows 7 Under $100
icon

2TB Hard driver under $85

MSI Motherboard under $85 (sorry didn’t research it much, make sure the processor works with this motherboard)

Large Computer case under $65

Enjoy your build your own. This is a fine custom computer. This is a custom budget media center computer.

If anyone wants prices on the machines I build (slightly more customized than just parts) Please respond below. Payments are up front. Machines can range from budget power computers, to high power gaming machines to media creation and media editing beasts. and anywhere in between.
TigerDirect

Build your own Computer – Cheap

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.

Commodore 64 is back, with the same ol’ look but modern insides | Technology | Los Angeles Times

Commodore 64 is back, with the same ol’ look but modern insides | Technology | Los Angeles Times.

Story is tha the comodor 64 is back but with teh same look. Well there is something that looks like the comodor 64. but the fact is if it is being released with today’s tehc, then it isn’t actually 64… It’s something greater than 64.

But as a computer lover I want my hands on this computer.

:-)

Selling Custom Gaming Computer

Have to sell off a great gaming computer. Plays most of the toughest high graphics games to date.

custom computer 3 gig 3 core amd 4 gig pc6400 500gb hd

Custom Pc Image
Xfx 750 a motherboard Black Edition
Amd 3 core 3 gb processor
4 gig pc6400 ddr2 memory
500 gb sata hard drive
Nvidia 250 gts 1gb video card
Slightly custom case with hard drive cooling and front temperature sensor fan speed knob that also doubles as light dimmer
Custom Cooling
No operating system