New to Modding, Need enlightening

[The Killing]

Hi everybody!

I have a mate that is active on here, you may know him and if not, he will probably post in this thread anyway.

Anyway, after seeing my mate use this website regularly, I thought I might come here for some advice. For the second semester of school in Design Tech, a student has a $30 and is asked to produce a piece of art with a detailed work log. I decided a computer case fits my personality perfectly and it would be a great challenge. However I have some questions I want answered before I start work.

1. Do I need a particular type of button/switch to use for the Power and reset buttons?

2. How would I sort out the motherboard mount? (I was thinking get a tray from an old case and use that).

That's all I can think of right now, I will reply to any questions any of you have about my design.

Thanks :rolleyes:.

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, first off, welcome!
To answer your questions,
1) Not really.... A momentary switch is all you need. Like a temporary pushbutton switch.
2) If you can get a motherboard tray, I say do that, it would probably be the easiest way to get. Otherwise, find your material, carefully mark the holes for your standoffs on your mobo then drill the holes accordingly.

Is the object of this to only spend $30? What kind of ideas do you have as far as design, materials, etc. Will there be a theme? Do you have a case or is it a scratch build?

[The Killing]

Thanks Mark.

Now to answer your questions :p.

It is one of the constraints that I do not go over $30 otherwise it's a fail. As far as design idea's go, I am currently thinking a side window with some lights inside the case for a bit of 'pimp'. The case will be built from scratch. There will be no theme as of yet. This is only a very recent decision so I have a lot of designing to do yet.

[Zephik]

Best to get a game plan together first. Check out some of the work logs to get some ideas rolling around in your head, then decide what you would like to do. Come back here with the details and we can give you some advice and answer any further questions you might have.

As far as your current questions go, Mark has seemed to have already answered them the same I would.

Welcome to the forums!

[Zephik]

It is one of the constraints that I do not go over $30 otherwise it's a fail. As far as design idea's go, I am currently thinking a side window with some lights inside the case for a bit of 'pimp'. The case will be built from scratch. There will be no theme as of yet. This is only a very recent decision so I have a lot of designing to do yet.

Are you planning to assemble a case completely from scratch or are you cannibalizing one that you already possess? It would be much easier and cheaper if you own a case already and then mod it. A side window is pretty easy and free to boot if you have the tools or access to them. Lights you can get from many places, here is a list of popular/trusted suppliers that we have collected over the years.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/modwiki/index.php/List_Of_Suppliers#LED.2FLighting

Speaking of which, check out the ModWiki while you're at it. Its very useful and handy. You can find it at the very top of the website.

[The Killing]

Zephik, It is a requirement that I build one from scratch, It will be much harder I know but I feel it will be an enjoyable journey. As long as I measure twice before cutton etc, I shouldn't do too bad.

I will take a look at the mod wiki now too. I have been looking through the complete work logs too, very nice designs there!

[Zephik]

Well building from scratch is definitely much "cooler". What are you planning to make it out of? Plexi? Wood? Something super cheap I'd imagine with a $30 limit. Should be interesting to watch in any case.

Good luck!

[The Killing]

It will be made of Wood with a plexi side window.

[Mark_Hardware]

Seems like this is a situation where being a packrat pays off.

Keep your eyes open for material, and inspiration, in various places. Score a piece of sheet metal for free hey guess what it's free. Like Zephik said, roam around the worklogs here, see what jumps out at ya. Get an idea of what you want, then figure out what you need to make it a reality, then do it and post the pictures up here!

[Zephik]

It will be made of Wood with a plexi side window.

Very nice. I love wooden case builds. We had a guy on here make one out of cherry wood (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6712). Mmmm, good stuff. I imagine you'll be using something a bit more affordable though. lol

If you're concerned about the wood getting too hot under the motherboard, you could always try using standoff's (http://www.cybergooch.com/tutorials/images/buildsystem/IMG_6805.jpg) to help alleviate some of that heat build up.

[The Killing]

Thanks for the advice, I will create a new thread with the pictures/drawings etc within a week or so.

[nevermind1534]

If you want a motherbard tray, give me your zip code, and tell me whether you want a full atx or micro atx tray, and I will get back to you with a quote.

Screwing it into the wood would work fine, as well.

If you live close enough, I might be able to ship you an entire case, but it would probably cost too much.

[The Killing]

If you want a motherbard tray, give me your zip code, and tell me whether you want a full atx or micro atx tray, and I will get back to you with a quote.

Screwing it into the wood would work fine, as well.

If you live close enough, I might be able to ship you an entire case, but it would probably cost too much.

Thanks for the offer but I have an old case I can use :D.

[nevermind1534]

Thanks for the offer but I have an old case I can use :D.

That's even better.