Project: Commodore P.E.T. 2011 - Problems! 5/3

[TheGreatSatan]

This is a dream come true

I have been building computers since 2001. I have had the pleasure to modify new and old cases alike. I have radically changed the disign of the normal ATX case with Project: THINNER and Project: Inverted ATX.

This is different.

Ever since I first saw a Commodore PET on eBay, I have wanted one. The only thing that has stopped me is MONEY.

Usually only working Commodore PET's come up for sale and then sell for an easy $200 to $300.

THIS TIME I GOT LUCKY!

I finally found a non-working one for just $53!!

Here is my newest project. Unlike most of my mods, this will actually be a computer I will be keeping and using in my office.

I will be modding a Commodore P.E.T. 2001-N originally built in 1978!!:eek:

http://i.ebayimg.com/23/!CFI4vNg!2k~$(KGrHqYOKm8Ez4Eg6eiqBNUJDUmq7w~~_12.J PG

The exterior will undergo very few changes to keep the original look, but the inside will be different all together. I'm going to be using the following specs:

AMD Phenom X6 1055T
MSI 870A-G54
Crucial 6GB DDR3-1333
Radeon 3870 X2 1GB
80GB SSD - Primary
80GB SSD - Secondary
1TB WD Tertiary
650 Watt XFX Modular PSU
LG DVD DL Writer (maybe)

[SXRguyinMA]

this is going to be sweet :D +sub

[msmrx57]

:stupid: What he said. :D

[slaveofconvention]

6gig of ram? Seems odd with it having 4 slots - I'd have thought you'd have gone with 4 or 8...

[jdbnsn]

Aw wow! What a great find, this will be an awesome PC to have at home. Damn dude I was 3 yrs old when they released this bad boy on the shelf. What a totally cool idea. And as an added benefit, this thing will be virtually theft proof because anyone who doesn't know much about computers would see it and thinks it's some extremely obsolete old computer which is usually worthless. It takes a keen eye to realize which old computers are worth something and the average burglar wouldn't likely know. You should have entered into the modders challenge 3. I'm jealous now, will definitely want to see this project.

[TheGreatSatan]

6gig of ram? Seems odd with it having 4 slots - I'd have thought you'd have gone with 4 or 8...

Not seeing it huh?

6 Gigs
6 Cores
650 Watts

[TheGreatSatan]

Here's the best part, looking inside

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070100.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070103.jpg

I guess that's me

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070105.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070106.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070107.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070108.jpg

This slot is already here

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070112.jpg

Ahhh Yes! Perfect!

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070115.jpg

[SXRguyinMA]

Not seeing it huh?

6 Gigs
6 Cores
650 Watts

but with that MB you can't put 6 gigs in...either 4 or 8, unless you do 2 1GB sticks and 2 2GB sticks (like I have) :think:

[Munty]

Or 2x3GB sticks with 2 empty slots ;)

Looks neat TGS, going to be watching this one! For all the times I've seen a commodore I never realised the inside was so alien by comparison to what we recognise as computers these days! We've certainly come along a bit haven't we lol.

Someone asked this in your other thread but I missed the response, presumably you'll use an LCD screen? Or will you stick with a little CRT monitor?

[SXRguyinMA]

Or 2x3GB sticks with 2 empty slots ;)

Looks neat TGS, going to be watching this one! For all the times I've seen a commodore I never realised the inside was so alien by comparison to what we recognise as computers these days! We've certainly come along a bit haven't we lol.

Someone asked this in your other thread but I missed the response, presumably you'll use an LCD screen? Or will you stick with a little CRT monitor?

Except for the fact that Crucial doesn't offer DDR3 in 6GB other than a 3x 2GB triple channel kit :D

[TheGreatSatan]

It doesn't really matter, but I'll have the RAM in staggered 1,2,1,2. I assure you it will show up as 6GB in system properties. How do you think HP and Dell do it? I just saw a computer on sale with 9 gigs.....

[SXRguyinMA]

that's what I was thinking, that's the same setup I have, but with DDR2.

[Beta-brain]

Great idea, this should be good, I have had a similar idea for a while that involves building a PC inside an old MAC computer (I know someone who has one but won't sell it) and then sending some pics of it to Apple :devcool::devious:

[xr4man]

isn't this done yet?


i have an old trs-80 i was planning on gutting and making modern.

[AmEv]

Hmmm....

Now, to stealth up the keyboard....

Microcontroller time?

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm leaving the keyboard alone and using an external one instead. I don't want to ruin the look. Also, I will be using a LCD in the place of the CRT. I think I may redo the Cuda 440 thing with the LCD. I might just buy an LCD Photo frame and have it play a stream of photos from the build and have a normal 22" next to it.

[Munty]

Except for the fact that Crucial doesn't offer DDR3 in 6GB other than a 3x 2GB triple channel kit :D

Fair point, I'll read the build specs a bit closer next time ;)

TGS I think leaving the keyboard alone sounds like the right choice but seems daft to replace the screen with anything other than the actual monitor you'll be using. Unless it's going to be very hard/expensive of course :p

[TheGreatSatan]

The problem is resolution. I don't know of any small LCD's with a good enough res for gaming, etc

[slaveofconvention]

Great idea, this should be good, I have had a similar idea for a while that involves building a PC inside an old MAC computer (I know someone who has one but won't sell it) and then sending some pics of it to Apple :devcool::devious:

I already have one of these planned - just waiting for the summer when I can actually go outside to mod. Already got me a nice iMac G3 and a 15" LCD - I figure I have about 4-6 months to get the rest of the gear together :banana:

[Munty]

The problem is resolution. I don't know of any small LCD's with a good enough res for gaming, etc

Bummer, good point... :neutral: When you said it would be in the office I assumed you meant in a works office not at home lol How big is the original screen? Could always use it as a secondary system for less demanding games but that kind of defeats the object of all the nice hardware...

How about running it as a dual screen system? All you need is a small screen in situ which you can use for anything that's not too demanding. Then when you want to play something a bit more spec-heavy you could just plug in the small screen as a secondary monitor and use the external screen as primary for the game.

If you can make it work it would still allow the commy itself to be a useable machine with very few extra attachments. Have you thought about storing your external keyboard in the case? I'm sre there'll be plenty of room and it'll keep it nice and tidy/original when not in use if you could just slip in in there somewhere when you switch off.

[TheGreatSatan]

I do have a 7 inch touch screen lying around collecting dust:think:

[BruteClaw]

I agree with Munty, having a place to stash the external keyboard and mouse when not in use would be a nice touch. And with that 7 in touch screen, you would only need to pull them out when you were gaming.

Although getting the original keyboard to work on a modern system would be a nice touch too.

*Edit*

In looking at the pictures again, you might be able to get an older IBM PS/2 keyboard and make the guts line up with the original keyboard holes. Would need one of those PS/2 to USB converters though.

[Munty]

If you were to unscrew the red baseplate under the keyboard would it remove the whole lot? ie.keys as well? Lining up an older keyboard to use the actual key-clicks of the original certainly would be very cool... Even if it's up to sort of 10mm off you could probably make up some simple linkages, as long as it's not off everywhere! If the keys are attached to that baseplate it would presumably take a bit more destruction though and that should be avoided if possible lol

[Beta-brain]

I already have one of these planned - just waiting for the summer when I can actually go outside to mod. Already got me a nice iMac G3 and a 15" LCD - I figure I have about 4-6 months to get the rest of the gear together :banana:

I look forward to that, You must post some pics of the finished build on a few Mac forums I'm sure they would appreciate it :whistler:

[slaveofconvention]

I look forward to that, You must post some pics of the finished build on a few Mac forums I'm sure they would appreciate it :whistler:

That has been my plan since day one - see how many Mac forums I can get banned from in 24 hours :p

[AmEv]

Heehee....

Do it!

And take plenty of screenshots.

[TheGreatSatan]

I opened the back of the CRT to remove it

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070117.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070121.jpg

The inside is stamped June 20, 1980

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070122.jpg

Now it's empty

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070125.jpg

[x88x]

Sounds sweet. Definitely watching this one. :D

It seems like a waste leaving the stock keyboard untouched. I've seen hacks before where someone has taken an old keyboard like this and either tapped into each keyswitch or the original controller and used a microcontroller to get it talking as a standard keyboard over USB. That would awesome. Just pull it out at a lanparty, looking completely stock..grab a wireless mouse, and fire it up. :twisted:

[Munty]

That monitor seems to have a starter motor attached to it lmao And this computer is older than I am! Have you thought any about the keyboard yet TGS? That's what we all seem to be interested in lol

[AmEv]

What do you think I am trying to do with my iMac G3 Lime Tray-loading?

We're leaving the keyboard up to you.




Wait.
Are you going to leave power stealth?

[TheGreatSatan]

I don't want to mess with the keyboard, because when I did it with Dumb Terminal (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/id53.html), I totally destroyed the whole thing and had to scratch it.


Wait.

Are you going to leave power stealth?

You mean the Power Button?

[TheGreatSatan]

The first thing I want to do is address the screen. I just so happen to have a 7 inch LCD that I've had lying around for at least two years now. I thought it was a touch screen, because it has a serial connection, but now I'm not so sure.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070129.jpg

Which I will mount like so

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070128.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Update:

I'm modifying the specs to:

AMD Phenom X6 1090T
MSI 870A-G54
6GB DDR3-1333
64GB SSD
1TB Western Digital
650 Watt XFX PSU
Slim DVD


I'm not quite sure about the video card just yet....

Here's what I have so far.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070131.jpg

My heatsink will be the Big Shuriken

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070132.jpg

Except I'll be changing out the fan with the Ultra Kaze 3000!:banana:

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070133.jpg

Here's my awesome XFX 650 watt modular PSU

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070134.jpg

And my Asus slim External drive

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070135.jpg

Now for some progress.

I want to plan out the air flow through the case. This is how it looks through the screen.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070136.jpg

It looks like a perfect place for a 140mm fan.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070138.jpg

The back of the monitor already has venting

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070140.jpg

So I'm putting a 120mm fan there. On the inside, of course

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070142.jpg

The air will come in here via the 120mm fan, get forced down by the 140mm fan and then blown down on to the heatsink by the Kaze. The distance from the back fan to the heatsink fan is really only several inches. The force from the Kaze 3000 will easily push any warm air out of the factory cut holes around the back.

[SXRguyinMA]

how about a radeon 6660?

[TheGreatSatan]

YES!

No, I'm thinking 6850 or 6950 or something....

[TheMainMan]

how about a radeon 6660?

I actually had to google this to see if it existed:rolleyes:, bummer it doesn't:mad: TGS would have had to buy them all up!

I'm super stoked to see how this turns out, the Commodore is significantly older than I am.

[TheGreatSatan]

I was going to use my 3870 X2 which is still better than the modern 5770, but no DX11 support. Once the project is complete, I'm taking it to work at Micro Center where they plan to display it. It will be connected to a 42 inch LCD that hangs over my department playing 3DMark11. That's why I need a modern video card with some beef to it.

I found another problem. With Eyefinity technology can you connect two monitors with totally different resolutions? The small screen I want to use for this mod only supports up to 1120x768. My home moitor is 22 inches and the monitor at work will be 42 inches that will probably run at 1920x1080.

Can these two resolutions be put out at the same time over two monitors? Otherwise, I may have to go back to the LCD photo frame idea instead.

[TheMainMan]

I may be corrected on this but I believe this has been possible for a long time. My parents had a Raedon 7000 that output to dual VGAs and they had two different resolution CRT monitors running in an extended desktop. As far as I can figure Eyefinity is exactly that for everything outside of gaming. But as I said, I might be wrong.

[TheGreatSatan]

I wonder if then I could run 3DMark11 on the big screen only and leave the desktop on the small screen? Maybe I'll just do the photo frame thing anyway to avoid the annoyance of all of this.

[Munty]

You can definitely run different resolutions on different monitors, I did so on a pretty old graphics card 4-5 years ago so you'll have no problem if you're using modern technology.

[x88x]

With Eyefinity technology can you connect two monitors with totally different resolutions?.

Yes and no. If you're using Eyefinity (which uses the GPU to present up to three monitors to the OS as a single monitor) then no. If you have Eyefinity turned off (I believe the default), then yes, it will function just like any other dual-head GPU.

[AmEv]

You mean the Power Button?

Power cable, sorry for the undercommunication.

[TheGreatSatan]

WOW!! what a deal I got today!

A guy I know bought the Radeon 6950 and then returned it because he wanted a GTX570 instead. His restocking fee means I got a great deal on it.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070145.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070148.jpg

I'm using a junk board (except I'll have a full ATX) and my 3870 X2 to get a feel for the room I'll have in the case. The 3870 X2 is the same length as the 6950. This is how it'll have to sit in the case in order for me to close the lid.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070151.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070155.jpg

[AmEv]

No PCI-e extension cable?

[TheGreatSatan]

For the power?

[AmEv]

To lay the card parallel to the board, on its side.

[Frenkie]

Great stuff ! I just love Commodore! I was the last on the block to give up on Commodere Amiga 4000. Dont be upset if I "borrow' your idea for myself :) Good luck man !

[TheGreatSatan]

To lay the card parallel to the board, on its side.

They have that?

[TheMainMan]

Here' (http://www.ameri-rack.com/ARC1-PELX16-Cxm.htm)s an example of a PCI-e extender. You'll probably want to look for one that is longer than 7cm but google/ebay shouldn't have any trouble with that.

[TheGreatSatan]

That's pretty cool, but I think it'll be fine the way it is.

[TheGreatSatan]

I really need a motherboard tray and backplate, so I'll cannibalize this Antec three hundred

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070163.jpg

Like this:

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070170.jpg

I'll be needing a USB hub and headphone jack

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070165.jpg

And the power button too

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070167.jpg

It dawned on me that I'll have to have the back appear like any modern PC if I want it all to fit in. It's in the back so no one will see it anyway.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070175.jpg

I'll obviously still have to clean it up

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070178.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070179.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm still using my 3870 X2 because it is the same length as a 6950. Actually, I haven't even opened the package yet

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070180.jpg

And it looks like I'll have to return it. The lid won't close with the card inside

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070184.jpg

Because of the motherboard I'll have to move the location of my DVD drive too. The cut out here will be occupied by my power button, headphone and USB ports

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070189.jpg

[AmEv]

Where to....?

Slides out from under the monitor?

[diluzio91]

try a gtx 560 maybe? good amount of power, stupid short card.

[TheGreatSatan]

Yeah, I've seen them at 8.25 inches long...

and according to my measurements, I cannot go past 9.5 inches.

[diluzio91]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130613&cm_re=570_hd-_-14-130-613-_-Product

=) 9inches, more power than the 6950

[TheGreatSatan]

No, no, no. What a stupid waste of money. I will literally use this PC one a week tops for the internet and an occational Word doc. I need a Radeon 6 series anyway. I'm doing an all "6" theme?: 6 cores, 6 gigs, 64GB SSD, 650 watts, etc.

I think I like the MSI R6850 Cyclone (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127566&Tpk=cyclone%206850) the best because the heatsink/shroud doesn't go anywhere near the end of the PCB and it's only 8.5 inches.

Plus Zotac spanks EVGA on performance

[dcattena]

Great work on this mod mate, cant wait to see it finished. Are you gonna use a 6" screen, itl ruin it all if you dont :P or else just a 60"

[SXRguyinMA]

or even a 6.6", or a 66"! :D :think:

[TheGreatSatan]

The screen is still in question.

I did just get a new secondary hard drive though. Here's the specs thus far:

AMD Phenom 1090T
MSI 870A-G54
6 gigs Crucial 1333
MSI Radeon 6850 Cyclone 1GB
64GB SSD Primary
640GB WD Secondary
650 Watt XFX Modular PSU

At the start I realized a few of the parts I wanted all had 6's in them, so in keeping with the 6's:

6 cores
6 gigs
650 watts
64GB
640GB (6Gbps)
6850

870A-G54: This part was actually unintentional, but really funny. (8+7+5+4=24, 2+4=6):banana:

[TheGreatSatan]

I got my processor and board

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070192.jpg

And I'm modifying my Big Shuriken heatsink

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070193.jpg

With this awesome 3000rpm beast of a fan

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070195.jpg

Like this

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070197.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070199.jpg

In a mock up, it appears that my RAM will still fit fine

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070203.jpg

With the lid closed there's still about three inches of clearance

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070205.jpg

[Munty]

Nice progress Satan, looks like you should have really good airflow with the fan on the back of the screen too :)

[TheMainMan]

Is this a hovercraft Commodore? j/k! That fan is a beast, should keep things cool though.

[TheGreatSatan]

On to my Video Card dilemma. I bought the MSI Radeon 6850 1GB because the PCB doesn't have an overly large heatshield

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070208.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070210.jpg

Here it is in my dead board

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070211.jpg

And the lid closesd just fine! :banana:

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070212.jpg

The best part is having the power connection on the top of the card

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070217.jpg

[StormRider]

The screen is still in question.

I did just get a new secondary hard drive though. Here's the specs thus far:

AMD Phenom 1090T
MSI 870A-G54
6 gigs Crucial 1333
MSI Radeon 6850 Cyclone 1GB
64GB SSD Primary
640GB WD Secondary
650 Watt XFX Modular PSU

At the start I realized a few of the parts I wanted all had 6's in them, so in keeping with the 6's:

6 cores
6 gigs
650 watts
64GB
640GB (6Gbps)
6850

870A-G54: This part was actually unintentional, but really funny. (8+7+5+4=24, 2+4=6):banana:

if you only had 3 6's, that would be hilarious, given your name :D

[TheGreatSatan]

Well six 6's looks twice as evil

More things have been ordered:

SilverStone FP32B Aluminum 3.5-Inch Drive Bay with USB X 4 + E1394.

http://static.scan.co.uk/Images/Products/322320-a.jpg

SilverStone AEROSLOT Maximum Vented PCI Slot Covers

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2Bs9niP-1L.jpg

Lamptron Vandal Resistant Illuminated Momentary Switch Red, Black Housing

http://www.lamptron.com/content/product_images/17654e33a2e9c1f2dace735040feeb24.jpg

Kodak Pulse 7-Inch touch-screen Digital Frame

http://i.pgcdn.com/pi/76/90/07/769007582_640.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

One thing I had to do was clean the 20 years of filth out of the inside and then riveting the motherboard tray to the frame

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070221.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070222.jpg

Now on to the power supply

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070229.jpg

The only place I have room for this is where the monitor used to be

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070230.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070232.jpg

But first, I'll have to measure out a place to cut the back of the vent. I want to retain as much of the old backplate as I can

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070233.jpg

I'll also be thinking of a clean way to add some much needed 21st century ports

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070226.jpg

To here:

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070227.jpg

[Munty]

If you haven't already cut out from that backplate how about just opening up some more vents rather than removing a large section of it? So instead of cutting out one large square from it maybe you could cut out the material between 2 of the existing slots and then leave a bar, then repeat etc... Would retain the original pattern but give you way more than double the ventilation that's currently available...

[TheGreatSatan]

I need for the back of the PSU to be able to vent. I may even add a small 60 to 80mm fan beside it.

[TheGreatSatan]

I cleaned up the back edges and painted it all black just as it originally came

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070241.jpg

I'm not going to have any pretty lights inside the case either so drowning out all the color is important too

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070234.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I added the AMD 1090T and the 6GB of RAM to the board

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070244.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070246.jpg

And then I secured the 64GB Micro Center SSD and the 640GB Western Digital hard drive to the drive cage

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070253.jpg

The only place where I'll have room for the drive cage is here in the monitor next to the Power Supply

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070259.jpg

On to the monitor backplane. I sanded off the rust and then covered the "High Voltage" sticker. This is one of those original pieces I want to preserve

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070255.jpg

Then I added a thick coat of flat black paint. This will make it match the IO back panel and tie the whole rear together

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070256.jpg

[ASPHIAX]

I am just loving this build. Top Notch Idea, and great execution!
Good to see an icon of computer history come alive again, kicking and screaming with performance!

[TheGreatSatan]

Thank you. I'm really trying my best to not take away from the original design while making it totally new at the same time.

[ASPHIAX]

That my friend, is the beauty of it!
Would say KUTGW, but looking at the amount of beautifull cases you've already build, that wouldnt make any sense, LOL!

[TheGreatSatan]

Once it dried I peeled off the protective tape

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070260.jpg

This is how it looks before I cut out the PSU spot

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070261.jpg

My 7-inch Kodak Pulse digital photo frame arrived. I'm using it in the place of a LCD screen. I'd rather have it play images of the build or even Commodore wallpaper instead of a little screen I really can't use anyway

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070264.jpg

There is just a slight gap around the edges that I will fill later

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070268.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I've been costing out this project and this is how it looks thus far:

Proc...................$200
Mobo..................$65
RAM...................$72
Video.................$190
SSD...................$100
HD.....................$70
PSU....................$95
Frame.................$80
Ext DVD.............Already had it
Card reader.........$16
2.5 to 3.5............$12
Pwr Button..........$3
Heatsink/fan........$55
Windows 7 Pro.....$40!! :eek:

Total: $998

These prices are face value and do not account for taxes/shipping fees

[TheGreatSatan]

I got my Silverstone 3.5 inch bay today

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070275.jpg

Tonight I'll cut out an area right here for it

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070277.jpg

I got this USB 3.0 extension cable that I'll be adding next to the Power button

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070279.jpg

For the 3.0 cable I'll route it under the motherboard tray

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070280.jpg

And out the other side. I'll run the cable outside the back and plug it into the motherboard, just like they do for most 3.0 cases these days

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070281.jpg

I'm also getting rid of these slot covers

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070282.jpg

And replacing them with something a little better for ventilation

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070283.jpg

The open slots will be occupied by the video card and a USB 2.0 PCI card

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070284.jpg

[ASPHIAX]

Nice progress!
Can you elaborate a bit on the airflow through the case?
Looks to me like you will have some nice btu/tdp sources in the bottom section and the only active out is through the psu? Maybe I've missed something in your previous posts.

[TheGreatSatan]

Besides the PSU and the heatsink, there may be no other fans in the case. I need venting where ever possible to allow for natural air pressure to make its way in/out of the case

[TheGreatSatan]

It's time to mount my media bay

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070293.jpg

And I'll definitely I need some Quicksteel

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070294.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070296.jpg

Now to look at the USB 3.0 port

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070301.jpg

And the power button

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070309.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070310.jpg

I really need a fan in the back, so I move the High Voltage sticker

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070317.jpg

And carefully line up my hole saw

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070319.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070320.jpg

And that's what 80mm looks like

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070321.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070328.jpg

I'm still not sure about the grill though

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070329.jpg

[Beta-brain]

I'm still not sure about the grill though

You need a 6 pointed star to keep in theme.

http://www.fazerfetish.eclipse.co.uk/hexagram.jpg

Great looking build I'm really liking this. 8)

[TheGreatSatan]

I thought it would be a good idea to test the system so I'd know to return something before I was ready to install it

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070341.jpg

My processor and RAM are showing up OK

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070335.jpg

And my fan is going near 2800rpms. The amount of air I can feel around the base of the board is tremendous. The nearby RAM and Northbridge are getting a lot of cool air from out of the bottom of the heatsink

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070338.jpg

[AmEv]

Quite the wallpaper you've got there.

[TheGreatSatan]

So, I added the 80mm intake fan

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070356.jpg

And a matching black grill

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070348.jpg

And I got around to painting the side panel ports

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070352.jpg

[xr4man]

lookin' good!

[x88x]

Nice, that actually blends in quite nicely. That green fan needs to go though... ;)

[StormRider]

and maybe paint the back mesh the same black, while you're at it :D

[ASPHIAX]

Yeah, good work! Really blends in well!

[TheGreatSatan]

and maybe paint the back mesh the same black, while you're at it :D

Messing with the back too much seems pointless since no one will be looking back therre anyway

[TheGreatSatan]

I just made the decision that I will definitely be using a working LCD in the place of the CRT

[xr4man]

ah good, good, good. now you just have to decide that it is a good idea to make the keyboard functional too.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'll be using a 5 port PCI USB 2.0 card.

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

There's 4 ports on the back and one internally. The internal USB will be plugged into a Samsung SPF-87H (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B55HRS) digital photo frame. This frame is unique because when it's plugged into a computer via USB it can be used as a secondary monitor too.

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

[ASPHIAX]

Maybe take a look at this monitor http://www.mimomonitors.com/products/imo-monster-touch-10-inch-mini-usb-touchscreen-monitor
With this you dont need a keyboard anymore too and usb powered!

[TheGreatSatan]

Waaaaaay too pricey. This is already costing me $1200

[ASPHIAX]

Its the touchscreen that makes it more expensive i think.
Impressive how you managed to keep the costs down!
The EURISKO is already passed 2k.
Looking forward to the next update mate!

[AnG3L]

Can we have moar pl0x????? :) Mod on man!

[TheGreatSatan]

Waiting for the LCD to arrive

[TheGreatSatan]

So after long hours of consideration, I have decided to replace the keyboard with a modern working one

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070386.jpg

Out with the old

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070385.jpg

Here's the keyboard I originally bought for my failed Dumb Terminal project

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070387.jpg

I'll have to change the hole a bit though. I still need to get a numeric keypad too

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070388.jpg

[billygoat333]

loving this mod sir!

[AmEv]

And then a USB keypad?
*Yep.

At least the real keyboard is safe.

[TheGreatSatan]

Well I got the frame in the mail

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070391.jpg

Here's the problem. The frame has it's input buttons on the back. Unfortunately, it's not a touch screen. When the frame is powered, this is what comes up.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070392.jpg

When it's mounted in the Commodore it won't always be powered. This means that every time I boot up my PC this screen will appear. Since it's not a touch screen I would be forced to open the computer up pull it out and use the buttons on the back to tell it over and over again that it's a mini monitor!

This is just not possible. I have to use something else

[billygoat333]

maybe relocate the buttons to the back of the case? somewhere easier to reach?

[AmEv]

Microcontroller and electromagnets?

[TheGreatSatan]

While I think of the monitor, I got back to the keyboard. I got it to fit

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070402.jpg

I'm purposely using this rusted old piece of steel. I think it's a perfect choice for such an old computer

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070406.jpg

I attached the keyboard but left the original screw posts to hold the steel in place

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070407.jpg

Then I cut the holes and added the screws

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070411.jpg

I also made it big enough to back the keypad too

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070410.jpg

So once again I have to fill the void. I'm not sure what to use just yet

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070404.jpg

[billygoat333]

Throw a wacom pad there!

[TheGreatSatan]

I got this old-school style USB keypad

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070413.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070416.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070417.jpg

I cut away all the excess and got rid of the NumLock LED

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070418.jpg

With a tiny bit of trimming the opening, I got it to fit

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070419.jpg

Then I just had to put the sheet metal back on

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070420.jpg

And that's done

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070422.jpg

[AmEv]

NIIIIIICCCCCCEEEEEEE.......

Now, if only the colors matched.

[TheGreatSatan]

That is annoying. The keyboard may go away if I find a better fit.

[Beta-brain]

You said this project will be used in your office, if you use Word or WordPerfect you could use some of these keyboard labels to give it a very functional look. (http://www.datacal.com/c-62-software-labels.aspx) 8)

[Mysteriphys]

pretty sweet build, I'm definately a fan of the retro look, I used to play Gorf (space invaders) on the Vic-20, and maniac mansion on the C-64, so I'm kind of a Commodore fan too lol Looking forward to the finished deal!

[TheGreatSatan]

I used the motherboard from Project Boom Tube so I could test the screen. I had to plug in one of my LED fans because I could literally not hear it to know if it was even on. But what do you expect from a fanless CPU and an SSD drive?

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070464.jpg

And it seems fine

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070467.jpg

The weird thing about this screen is that it comes with a serial port connection

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070469.jpg

I guess it's a touch screen? Luckily my MSI 870 does have a rear serial port. Later, I'll see if I can get this feature working

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070470.jpg

The problem is, getting all this stuff in the case with the PSU next to it. At least that's where I have an extra fan

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070471.jpg

The LCD fits, but I'll have to cut out this plastic mold where the old CRT was mounted

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070472.jpg

Once that's cut out, I'll just have to make a black framing to go around the edge of the LCD

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070473.jpg

[AmEv]

That port on the serial connection seems to be a voltage hookup.

If touchsreen doesn't work right away, I believe it's a 5V hookup.

[TheGreatSatan]

So I got the molding cut out

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070474.jpg

And when I put the LCD in, the PSU no longer fit!

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070480.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070481.jpg

So I'm going back to the Kodak touch-screen photo frame. I want to have it play photos of the build and some old pics of Commodore's past

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070482.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070483.jpg

It just needs a small amount of framing to make it perfect

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070486.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I need to remove the gaps around the LCD, so I'm going to be using this old side panel from a cheapy Thermaltake V3

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070495.jpg

Measure six times and then cut once

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070497.jpg

I'm using a flat black to get rid of the "shiney" look too

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070498.jpg

[Mysteriphys]

I watch for updates on this every day, love the concept, can't wait to see it finished.

[ASPHIAX]

I second that!

[TheGreatSatan]

I just bought the black caulk I'll need to fill the gaps around the keyboard and the LCD

[TheGreatSatan]

I got the LCD frame in

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070507.jpg

But there's an annoying gap all the way around.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070570.jpg

The fix is black caulk

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070568.jpg

And that's it. When it dries, it'll look a lot cleaner

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070572.jpg

[Ichbin]

Are you going to paint/texture the sealant to match the color/grain of the rest of the material?

Other than that, I'd love to see the faces of people when you're working at this station.

[TheGreatSatan]

Yeah, I'll make it flat black

UPDATE:

I'm going from 6GB to 16GB of RAM!

It just makes sense to make the specs on an ancient Commodore crazy high

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070642.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm finally ready to throw all the stuff in. This board has the extra four pins covered for the CPU power, but I'll be using all eight

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070683.jpg

The video card is connected. It has just one 6-pin connection

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070684.jpg

Here's the side port USB connection. I have no idea what the "shield" connection is

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070688.jpg

I tried a little bit of cable management

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070689.jpg

And ran the USB 3.0 cable out the back

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070690.jpg

And made the connections in the back including the one for the keyboard

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070692.jpg

And that's pretty much everything in here. I still need to plug in the hard drives

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070693.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I got the hard drives connected.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070699.jpg

And then slid the cage back in

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070700.jpg

Then connected the hard drives to the board

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070701.jpg

[AmEv]

The usb "shield" connector is so you can ground the cable shielding.


Usually, it's best to plug it in to help prevent interference.


*WootZ! 4th green box!!!1!

[TheGreatSatan]

My new Commodore is now in my office

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070723.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070725.jpg

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070724.jpg

Windows has been installed too

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

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

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/score2.jpg

Thanks for tuning in.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070721.jpg

[ASPHIAX]

Seriously diggin this build mate!
Great work ! Cant wait to see what you think of next!
I'll be tuning in !

[SXRguyinMA]

nice work!

[AmEv]

Making it look like it belongs there.

NIIIICCCCEEEE!!!!!

[slaveofconvention]

Those windows experience scores are kinda funky looking to me - I'm wondering if there might be something wrong somewhere....

My quad core @ 2.67 gets a score of 7.2 - I'd have thought a 6-core at 3.2 would be a LOT quicker as opposed to just 0.3 higher - maybe some other members with similar setups can offer some comparisons.

Some nice hardware there - might be worth the time to make sure you're getting every bit of performance you should out of it :)

[TheGreatSatan]

I agree. I don't get it either. Drivers are all there too....

[x88x]

Looks great! :D

One thing though..in the picture, it looks like the keyboard isn't flush with the cover in the lower left hand corner. Is it, or is that just a trick of the angle?

[TheGreatSatan]

You're right, but it doesn't matter...

It stopped working. It was working when I put it in, but not anymore.

[Beta-brain]

Nice job, now get it on those Mac forums 8)

I don't have much faith in the "windows experience index":rolleyes:
I tried it on a new PC build with all new parts including mobo and a sata western digital HDD and it rated the HDD transfer rate at 5.9, I tried a few other HDD's and an older well abused Samsung (which has since died) got a higher rating, maybe Samsung gave M$ a back hander for a better rating, tis a load of bo**ocks :D

[TheMainMan]

WEI scores max out at 7.9 so a 0.3 jump above 7 is actually pretty significant. The scale is not linear due to the fact that Kayin's quad socket board vs. a C2Q would make little difference in the perceptable speed in most Windows operations. It would be only at the upper extremes for workload that you would notice significant differences and the WEI has been setup to reflect this. Physical platter HDDs are supposedly capped at 5.9 for a single drive (not sure about RAID).

[TheGreatSatan]

But it's an SSD. One with a Sandforce controller pumping out 280MBps read, and 270MBps write

[Kayin]

I can think of a few conventional HDD setups that will beat that, honestly. I think I still have one in a box somewhere. However, you're right, it should have been a bit better.

[TheMainMan]

But it's an SSD. One with a Sandforce controller pumping out 280MBps read, and 270MBps write

6.8 seems right for a Sandforce SSD, I can't remember what the exact number for my RAID 0 pair is as my desktop is packed at the moment but it's definitely over 7 and they have the same individual specs as yours.

All in all, I'd say your WEI is pretty accurate, as long as the machine works well that's all that really matters.

[TheGreatSatan]

Like it was said, who cares what Windows thinks. It still starts in 25 seconds

[TheGreatSatan]

I made a huge mistake. I had my Commodore at Micro Center on display running constant benchmarks. I hadn't ensured there was enough cool air in the case and the motherboard overheated and then blew a Voltage regulator!

I didn't know what had happened, so I tried to fire it back up and then a huge ember lit up and the board (literally) smoked!:eek::eek:

Luckily, I bought the warranty and the next day I got a replacement. I put it all back together. The hard drive, CPU, memory and video card are all fine.

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070803.jpg

Obviously, I need to get more cool air into the case, even if it means changing the look of the original Commodore shell. I'll just have to go the extra mile to ensure that I make it look as natural as possible.

For the side facing the CPU I have to have a large intake fan

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070793.jpg

I'll be using a 120mm, 2000rpm fan

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070800.jpg

And I'm mounting it to the metal frame so it'll stay in place when I open the shell

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070794.jpg

Once closed it's near perfect

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070796.jpg


The grill will be screwed to the shell and will always line up when closed

First, I need the color to match

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070797.jpg

It looks a little better than I had hoped. The cooling will be worth it

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070799.jpg

The other side will have a 92mm, 3300rpm intake fan for cooling the video card

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070802.jpg

Unfortunately, I do not have a 92mm hole saw, so I used an 80mm one instead

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070805.jpg

That will be good enough

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070804.jpg

Now that the fans are in, the rest of the components are going back in too

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070820.jpg

And now it's back in my office!

http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/p1070821.jpg

[StormRider]

that's why cooling and functionality can be as important as aesthetics. because otherwise your project will go up in flames. and maybe take your desk along for the ride :D
good thing you bought the warranty

[Beta-brain]

Looks fine with the old style fan grid, Your were lucky it didn't go into complete meltdown and take the whole store with it :eek::eek: