2 computers into 1 case

[Outlaw]

I already have the computers and the case I want to use. Problem is I don't know how/where I should cut the back out. I am probably going to use a jigsaw with a metal blade(obviously).

Here is the picture i made in paint with the case I have;
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/cecc9f2f35.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

Here is the Case I have on Newegg:
Chenbro SR10769-BK Server/Workstation (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811123126)

I would probably be cutting up my other case to use for the motherboard tray and I/O ports. To access the back motherboard when installed, I would try to put some type of hinge system on it to swing out the front board.

I put the plug on the back next to the power supply opening for the second psu which will be internal. The case holds upto 8 hard drives and 3 CD/DVD Rom drive so that shouldn't be an issue.

Anybody see any good tutorials or pictures of other people doing this? I know its been done and have found good pics in the past but can't seem to find them now.

Thanks for the input in advance.

[Outlaw]

Anybody? Any input? Thoughts?


I was also looking at C2D with Micro ATX boards to get a little more room out of them and maybe use a different case. Either way... Still looking for any advice or thoughts.

[TheGreatSatan]

Are they going to be on one at a time? Since I'm already working on Framed (4 PC's in one case) I guess no one notices

[Outlaw]

I saw it but you are doing it differently with your shelving. I was looking to use an existing case. I didn't want to thread steal and didn't think it was the same. Overall I guess it is with multiple pcs in one "housing". Plus I usually look at these forums from work and don't get to see the pics. I'll have to check when I get home as it seems like there are a few more pages of work done since last time I looked.

They will be on at the same time or 1 off. At least 1 would be for Counter-Strike and the other would/could be my file server/security server. I would probably have it file and use a dedicated pc for security. But either way, they would probably be on at the same time.

[jdbnsn]

I thought about doing this as well (and still might someday). One problem I see with your design is one motherboard has it's PCI slots blocked by the other. You will need to invert one so they run back to back.

You could make a custom back panel....

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/modwiki/index.php/Creating_a_custom_back_panel

[Outlaw]

Thanks for the link. To address that issue with the PCI slots. I was thinking of not using any at all since these are just going to be basic file server and/or gaming server and don't really need any expansion cards. Or I could go with a low rise card for SFF(Small Form Factor) which I do have and could make sure there is enough space.

Keep em coming! Thank You!

[Outlaw]

I was thinking of getting new hardware. What do you think?

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO4800DOBOX - Retail $77.99

ASRock ALiveNF6P-VSTA AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE / nForce 430 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $49.99

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-5300PHU2-2GBNT - Retail $38.99

All parts are x2 with a grand total of 333.94 plus shipping.

My main goal is performance to heat to price ratio with price being the main factor. I already have hard drives, cd/dvd rom drives and whatnot. I would upgrade the hard drives in one of them later on when the funds became available again...

[Outlaw]

What about something like this too?
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.56479084b7.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?56479084b7.jpg)

[Vexxx_2007]

outlaw has the right idea, i can see that working...
it's reminding me of the mountain mods "duality" cases (http://www.mountainmods.com/u2ufo-duality-mirror-black-powder-coat-3-big-window-p-389.html)...
I think those cases are sweeeettt but OMG expensive

[nevermind1534]

I think Outlaw's idea is the best, as it allows more space between the motherboards, and it would allow enough space for the PCI cards.

[si-skyline]

cool thing with that is too. is have intakes on the bottom. raise it off the deck. and put the blow holes on the top.

and then the moving air will hit both cpus and all that jazz. accually could be better the other way round if you sit on top of it that is

[Outlaw]

Sorry for the delay, been busy lately.

New issue... I need a case to do this dual pc system. The case I was going to use is going to be used for the system in my sig again. The case it's in now I think is having heat issues and causing one of the HD's to fail.

Price is the biggest concern, but need the room too for this to work. Open to all and any realistic suggestions.

That Mountain Mod Case looks like it would be unbarebly loud unless stuffed in a closet with sound proofing/deadening.

**Update**
Anybody good at building one? Was looking at onlinemetals.com (http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1016&step=4&id=63&top_cat=60) and I cant get 2 8' sections of L shaped aluminum for $16 + shipping. Would this be better and maybe easier then trying to stuff 2 systems into 1 case that doesn't want 2 systems in it? I would not be welding anything as I don't have access to one and am not going to rent one. This would be jbweld or something better(any ideas) and rivets.

I would like a nice look to it, but prefer function over looks.

Thanks again!

[nevermind1534]

Get any wide case, or even mod one to make it wider, it wouldn't be too hard. As for the heat problem, you can drill holes and mount a fan behind them, or cut a hole and put a fan in the hole, preferably with a fan guard.