Project: Framed - 4PC Test System

[TheGreatSatan]

Here's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm working on a 4 PC system test machine. I will be putting 4 complete computer systems in one case. There will be a complete AMD XP and X2 dual core system, also there will be a complete P4 and Intel Core Duo system. Each will have their own Hard Drive, PSU and power button. They will all be able to use one LCD mounted on top. I will just need to adjust the plugs on the back and boot up the system I want to use. Obviously no normal case can hold this many parts so I will be using an organizer I recently bought (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14359).
Here's kinda what it'll look like

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5430/teststpcz5.jpg

First I have to cut these off:

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8818/p1010922ie8.jpg

[Trace]

This will be pretty cool.
+Subscription

[Zephik]

Any plans for cosmetic work with this build TGS? ....just noticed that you have already planned some cosmetic work. Maybe I should learn to read and not be so easily distracted by pictures? :)

[.02] I was thinking about what you might do cosmetic wise (if anything at all? it does look pretty sweet as-is) and I think it would look pretty good with some plexi (AC Ryan UV Green?) placed on either sides? [/.02]

[Trace]

[.02] I was thinking about what you might do cosmetic wise (if anything at all? it does look pretty sweet as-is) and I think it would look pretty good with some plexi (AC Ryan UV Green?) placed on either sides? [/.02]

LOL!
I love the "[.02] and[/.02]" lol

Some green UV reactive would be cool

[TheGreatSatan]

Update: All 4 PC's will use the same keyboard, mouse and monitor via a KVM switch (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817801009)

[TheGreatSatan]

There will be a lot of plexi. Cathodes are for later.

So begins the fun!

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4158/p1010938cf8.jpg

That was easy

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1420/p1010935wj5.jpg

And they're off!

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8900/p1010939zk3.jpg

Then comes the plexi fitting.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7506/p1010941pa9.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9821/p1010942om3.jpg

There's one side. I attached it with rivets.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5973/p1010944se4.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5899/p1010945ku2.jpg

I'll wait to attach the other side till later. I first need to mount the components on plexi "drawers" and slide them in. At the end I will attach the other side panel with screws.

[jdbnsn]

I think this has mega potential, I love the shape of that frame. Go TGS go!

[TheGreatSatan]

I found this old topper to my Mother-Bored PC to help with my intake.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9319/p1010981zn1.jpg

I slid it into the bottom and since cold air settles on the bottom it'll be a primo place to have air sucked up and in.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/3552/p1010983to2.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/610/p1010984jo3.jpg

[FuzzyPlushroom]

Lookin' good! Love the idea - I'll be watching this one.

What socket of A64 will you be using this with?

[chaksq]

Nice project but... You stole my mod name!


Nah it's cool considering my project Framed is on hiatus. The laptop I was going to use died and I have like 3+ other projects, I will finish it eventually...

I actually like this project a lot. Seen these racks for sale before, never thought of using one as a computer case. Good luck with it.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm using the Athlon 64 X2 BE-2300 (http://www.hothardware.com/articles/AMD_BE2350/) which runs at 1.9GHz and uses only 45 Watts and not the normal 65 watts. The motherboard is AM2 and AM2+ compatible.

I don't have the dual Core Intel system yet.

For AMD single core, I think I have the 2800+, but I'll have to check

The Intel single core will be a Pentium 4 running at 1.7GHz

All the computers will have their own power supplies, DVD drives, hard drives (Windows XP Pro) and 1 Gig of memory. As of now I will be using onboard video and sound, but that might change later. On Monday or Tuesday I'm going to Lowes to have the real thick plexi cut out for me for each of the landings.

[TheGreatSatan]

Alright, the Intel dual core will be a plain jane E2140. That's all I actually need anyway.

Here's a rough idea of the front.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4717/framedfronttl1.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

I love the idea Satan. Great work.

[TheGreatSatan]

Thanks

I got the plexi today, the real thick stuff. So thick, that Lowes was unable to cut it for me.

[TheGreatSatan]

So here's the plexi and my how I'll cut it tonight.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/1658/p1020007gu5.jpg

I'll use which ever works. I'm waiting for the other mobo's to arrive.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4761/p1020008uc1.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1739/p1020009mk0.jpg

Here's the RAM for the dual core mobo's, 2 sticks, 1GB each

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/429/p1020010ue9.jpg

And the RAM for the single core Mobo's, 2 sticks for each, 1GB total

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2689/p1020012gn4.jpg

I have lots of drives available

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7203/p1020013pm4.jpg

And lots of PSU's

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/1298/p1020014ee9.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

lol

thats cool i have like 8 cd roms left and 2 psus and a stack more speakers and mics and stuff from my aunt so if any1 wants to pay postage... lol jk

looks so cool i cant wait u should mod that rv in one of the pics on the 1st page

[TheGreatSatan]

I already have....

[DonT-FeaR]

yea i know, just saying, looks so kool tho

[TheGreatSatan]

So it took a good half hour, but I got it all cut out. The blue is the plastic covering which will be coming off.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8378/p1020015jp9.jpg

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9030/p1020016ms4.jpg

A little problem arose.....

A standard ATX mobo will NOT fit, even on the widest part. I'll have to use all MATX boards. I hope they fit on the smaller parts though.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6567/p1020023uy7.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7792/p1020024oo9.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

where are the HDDs going because they could go on the smaller sections idk just trying to help :P

[The boy 4rm oz]

I actually think that blue looks quite nice lol.

[DonT-FeaR]

agreed it does i didnt want to say it and sound weird lol

[TheGreatSatan]

I like it too, but leaving on will only allow it to melt under the heat of a computer system(s)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah it would. Still looks cool though.

[Luke122]

Love that stand! Is it fairly stable? I'd hate to see a kid grab it or bump it, and "oops.. 4 computers just hit the floor!"

[Trace]

Luke brings up a great point. How stable is that stand? You might want to:

A. add some weight at the bottom
or
B. Add a wider base

That is if isn't stable.

My $.02

[TheGreatSatan]

It'll have 4 HD's, 4 DVD drives, 4 PSU's, 4 motherboards with memory and heatsinks, and a 17 inch LCD on top. The weight will add up.

[DonT-FeaR]

lol
u need to have a forklift to move it :P looks soo cool cant wait to see it done.

[TheGreatSatan]

My Dual Core AMD board arrived. It's MATX and fits on the smallest section. So the good news is, they'll all fit!

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6305/p1020029he8.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5800/p1020027ls8.jpg

Just Perfect

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5159/p1020026mn4.jpg

[Luke122]

Are you using brass standoffs to raise the mobo off the tray, or plastic? Brass would give a more solid feel I think, and the plexi could be easily threaded to make for a nice solid mount.

For an extra special touch, why not edge light the plexi shelves with LEDs? You could even use the HDD indicator light from each mobo, to show which is doing what at any time. :D

Also, are the legs hollow? If so, that would be a good place to hide wires if you wanted to have the edge lighting independant of the PC's.

My final concern is of the fans on the bottom plate. If you enclose the case entirely, will there be enough airflow around each shelf to allow the heat to escape? You might need to put some holes into the plexi for airflow purposes.

I love this project.. it's inspiring me to do something with all my parts with no cases. :D

[TheGreatSatan]

Are you using brass standoffs to raise the mobo off the tray, or plastic? Brass would give a more solid feel I think, and the plexi could be easily threaded to make for a nice solid mount.

Yes.


Also, are the legs hollow? If so, that would be a good place to hide wires if you wanted to have the edge lighting independant of the PC's.

They are hollow. I haven't thought about lighting yet


My final concern is of the fans on the bottom plate. If you enclose the case entirely, will there be enough airflow around each shelf to allow the heat to escape? You might need to put some holes into the plexi for airflow purposes.

There will be venting holes in all of the levels but that won't be sufficient. That's why I'm leaving all of the levels between the boards open to the air.

[Luke122]

Good stuff! :D

[DonT-FeaR]

sweet looks good that board fits very nicely

[TheGreatSatan]

All the boards I'm using are MATX, but I'm still waiting for them to arrive.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks great so far. Nice work as always Satan.

[TheGreatSatan]

All the boards I'm using are MATX, but I'm still waiting for them to arrive.

I forgot to mention what they are, as they have changed.

The P4 is a Biostar P4M900-M4 (http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/content.php?S_ID=283) socket 478, but uses up to DDR2-533? (I have the 512MB x2 of DDR2-533 that I pulled from my daughters HP) .Which I didn't even know existed. I thought all socket 478's were limited to DDR400 max. The processor is 3.0GHz

The AMD single core will be my 3000+ XP, if it works. The other board I have turns on, but then shuts down within 5 seconds. I replaced the memory over and over, so it's either the board or the Proc. I'll know when the new board comes.

[TheGreatSatan]

My Single Core P4 arrived today.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3874/p1020032tc7.jpg

I haven't put the stand offs in yet. I'm waiting till I have all of the boards and am sure of their placement.

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/3990/p1020035rt0.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/9012/p1020038sy7.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Only two more systems to go lol.

[simon275]

Nice mod I like the stand. You could use all those systems together as a Beowulf Cluster (http://www.beowulf.org) and do some serious folding at home time.

[Crazy Buddhist]

TGS

How about mounting two mobo's vertically on each side panel of the beast? You could have slide out frames in the middle section housing the PSU's HDD's etc for them.

Matthew

edit: seems I didn't get to the end of the thread before posting ... soz

I like Simons' idea. Add a network switch into the stand and then you can fire them up individually or from clusterknoppix CD's and run them as a cluster.

[TheGreatSatan]

No clusters. This is a test station It will have wheels and be mobile.

[TheGreatSatan]

Finally, All of my systems are here!

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2273/p1020083vc8.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9197/p1020087qi4.jpg

First I have to mount the PSU's, then I'll get the standoffs in place.

[alphastryk]

awesome looking so far!

I have that same P4 motherboard in my fileserver...

[TheGreatSatan]

I know all the systems run, but I haven't actually hooked them up to a monitor to see if they post. Hopefully, there will be no unexpected surprises.

Also, I'm going to be adding the PSU's too. I will cut off all wires I am not using. I'll keep the Motherboard cable, 12V (when necessary), and probably just one molex line with at least 2 connectors on it.

The I/O plates will be lined up and connected to small sheets of aluminum that will cover up all non-essential back plate areas. I will probably leave the PCIE/AGP slots open to add cards for future testing needs. The actual systems will be using onboard audio and video.

So, tonight I will install the standoffs and at least prep the back areas.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Man this is gonna turn out great. Really nice work here.

[Crazy Buddhist]

Also, I'm going to be adding the PSU's too. I will cut off all wires I am not using. I'll keep the Motherboard cable, 12V (when necessary), and probably just one molex line with at least 2 connectors on it.

...

I will probably leave the PCIE/AGP slots open to add cards for future testing needs. The actual systems will be using onboard audio and video.


If you may be testing/using PCIE cards don't forget to leave the six and eight pin Video card power lines on the PSU's too.

Matthew

[TheGreatSatan]

Speaking of which, I did a little too much cutting and screwed up, so now I have to buy all new PSU's

[Crazy Buddhist]

haha ahahhah aha ahhahahahhaah haahahahahahahaha

yr nuts man, in a nice way.

looool

CB

[The boy 4rm oz]

Oh unlucky mate.

[TheGreatSatan]

I spent another $140 on on 4 PSU's

I added the stand-offs

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/1217/p1020089vg5.jpg

I added a little silicon to hold them in

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/831/p1020095ub7.jpg

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/7862/p1020096zf1.jpg

I'm using thumb screws to hold on the removable side, but don't have enough yet.

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/5769/p1020100yt7.jpg

So here's where we are now. I'm waiting for the PSU's to come and I'm going ot start on the individual front plates for the DVD drives and Power Switches

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/2193/p1020104xq0.jpg

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1638/p1020109em7.jpg

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1461/p1020110bg3.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

This is a truly awesome build. I never thought of making something like this before.

[Trace]

Wow, that's all I can say is wow!

This build is going to be incredible!

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm hoping the PSU's will arrive today so I can update this

[daft-parrot]

I love it I am hoping to do something along the same lines as a future project keep it up awesome work.

[B1Gtime]

Sick progress so far

+rep

[TheGreatSatan]

Thank You!

My PSU's arrived

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/9630/p1020113zy5.jpg

And I cut off the excess wires

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/2709/p1020114wz6.jpg

Then I attached the first one and discovered a problem.

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/8573/p1020118ql3.jpg

If I have one PSU for each system and bolt them all in to the frame, I will not be able to slide each of the motherboards into place. The PSU below will always be in the way of the motherboard above.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3037/p1020119la5.jpg

So, I will use one PSU and snake the motherboard connection through each level until I plug it in the system I need to run.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8189/p1020121pi3.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/4466/p1020123gd1.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9519/p1020124kn2.jpg

I guess I cut all those wires for nothing.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Man looking good. Shame about the PSU placement.

[Crazy Buddhist]

If you lift the KVM near the top - where it would be more accessible would you get the PSU's on a tray underneath?

[JohnyFive]

If the computers are all being individually ran can you just use one PSU to run all 4? You would of course need to splice the ATX connection wires 4 ways and have a way of switching between each one, As they wont all be on together...or will they?

If they are, could you not just grab 2 750w PSU's to run 2 each, each would need an individual modified switching system though. Would cut the space and heat.

Anyway man, good job so far!

[chaksq]

This project is looking sweet, and definitely practical. What are you going to do with all the wires you cut off? If you're going to toss them I can find a use for them.

[TheGreatSatan]

I was going to throw them out. If I still have them I can mail 'em to you. Also, work will commence whenever I choose the hard drives

[OvRiDe]

I wonder if you dismantled the PSU's, maybe a little re-engineering of the PSU case could make them just enough thinner?

[DonT-FeaR]

i opened one last night and i think you might just be able to...

[The boy 4rm oz]

Make custom cases out of plexi or alu sheet. Drill holes all over of cut slits for optimal air flow.

[TheGreatSatan]

I got mail!

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/4786/p1020321km4.jpg

[nevermind1534]

Nice. 4 lite-on DVD burners and 4 Seagate, or western digital? hard drives, or something else? I love my Lite-ON CD burner.

[TheGreatSatan]

Generic HD's

[DonT-FeaR]

lol nice i was like wtf he need all them for and remembered u making 4 pcs in one mod nice work

[TheGreatSatan]

I'll mount them soon. I'm taking the family to Six Flags tomorrow! :D

[Liquid_Scope_99]

have fun looking cool wish i would have thought of that

[b4i7]

have fun looking cool wish i would have thought of that

taking the family to six flags?

[DonT-FeaR]

that makes no scense lol


looking good i love this pitty bout the psu s tho

[TheGreatSatan]

Six Flags is boring with kids. I got to go on one coaster; that mine shaft one. The rest is watching the kids go on rides.

[DonT-FeaR]

ill go with ya lol
come pick me up first i live in aus

[TheGreatSatan]

I'll get more done soon. My wife has had the week off and doesn't want me modding while she's home, because I'm not spending time with the family.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ouch.

[DonT-FeaR]

thats gotta hurt lol get your kids in on it to

[Beta-brain]

That is a great build, I'm really enjoying following this.

It's surprising how much you learn about PC's and modding and then take for granted, I showed your mod to a friend of mine tonight who is in the process of his first normal standard type build which has taken him two days already but, he's learning and when he saw your multi build he was freaked right out and couldn't comprehend it all:D

+Rep.

[TheGreatSatan]

Alright, more wonderful news.

I've decided to use 1 slim external DVD drive for laptops (powered/runs off USB). This was becuase I was mounting the DVD drives when I realized that the drives will cut off a lot of airflow in the system. Also, I decided that I would mount all of the hard drives on the bottom behind the KVM switch and run the SATA cables up to each board.

Then I discovered another hiccup. The Single core AMD mobo (http://www.asrockamerica.com/Products/K7S41GX.htm) does NOT have a SATA connector! :( All I bought were SATA HD's!! Now I'll have to get one IDE drive for the lone mobo at the very bottom. of the rack. Here's the current direction:

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/1593/newframedfrontxf9.jpg

[Luke122]

Hopefully you'll have enough length to run the HDD's at the bottom of the rack like that!

[Zac]

I don't think he would have any trouble, I can't remember where but I saw extra long SATA cables.

[Liquid_Scope_99]

here are some 39 inch long ones pink but that was the first tha tlong i found http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812104060 or maybe red hhopethat helps

[TheGreatSatan]

I got some on cyberguys.com

[TheGreatSatan]

So I found a square bar that was left over from Hard Drive PC and cut a hole for the bar to feed all the way to the bottom

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1020480.jpg

I'll have to cut holes as marked for each level to feed in its SATA Cable

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1020479.jpg

I'll be able to mask the onslaught of cables that I may have in this project.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1020483.jpg

I still need to find a seal of some kind at the top to lock the bar into the plexi

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1020481.jpg

Same goes for the bottom. I'm thinking rubber or silicon maybe?

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1020484.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

scilicon i think cuz you can get it clear or any colour

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah silicon of some plexi will do it.

[TheGreatSatan]

Framed is pretty much done. I'm in the process of loading XP onto all of the drives.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8508/p1020628oo4.jpg

[FuzzyPlushroom]

Lookin' great! Can't wait for the "glamour shots"... Nice work area, too.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Good news mate. Can't wait for the final shots.

[DonT-FeaR]

SWeet

saw all the boards and knew it was your room lol i opened with out reading the title

[TheGreatSatan]

New Concept photo.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/newframedfront.jpg

I just need to buy the bracket which will hold the LCD on top. Maybe you can help. I need a bracket like the one I drew up. I don't know where to start looking for one, but I may have to make one myself.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/frmupright.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/frmclosed.jpg

[BerticusPryme]

well on that I would start with a heavy duty spring loaded hing like for a shop door or something and frame it up with some aluminum angle and cover it with thin plexi just for aesthetics. as far as the mount goes any wall mount for a flat panel tv should work.
hinges like these are wqhat I am talking about or something similar.
http://www.guden.com/display-sph.asp

[The boy 4rm oz]

Loving this idea. It is a LAN machine lol.

[TheGreatSatan]

Except I don't go to LANS......

[The boy 4rm oz]

I didn't mean as LAN as in games, I meant LAN as in hooking em all up together. Each PC could be a server lol. I can imagine it now. 1 PC for media anther as a net gateway, the possibilities are endless.