Project: Hard Drive PC

[TheGreatSatan]

While waiting for parts to arrive and new ideas to sprout up on my CLOWNED project, I've started another. I'm building a custom case made of Hard Drives. All of the HD's are DEAD. Many are 2GB and below, 1 is the 120GB HD I had in Air Force One that died. My teachers were happy to unload the mounting piles of dead HD's they had and I was happy to take 'em. To start, see the 2 boxes worth of dead HD's I've gotten.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/5293/hdbox19vi.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2788/hdbox26mw.jpg

I'm taking off all of the covers on these drives to expose the platters. Some of the screws didn't want to come out so I used my dremel to cut a slit into it making each one removable with a flat head.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9749/flatjead17be.jpg

Here's some samples of the covers off.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/8987/sample11ge.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8365/sample28px.jpg

First I laid them all next to eachother to align the holes already on the bottom.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8408/hdsidepanel0gr.jpg

I'm creating my own brackets to join all of the drives together. This piece used to be the vent of an old PSU. As of now, there will be six HD's for each panel platters facing out with plexi covering them.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/3430/bracket15iu.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/482/bracket25ga.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8300/bracket33fd.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7043/bracket48sz.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6283/bracket56pz.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/3122/bracket69ad.jpg

Then I used some mesh to join them all together.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6986/mesh19oa.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2108/mesh22iv.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5688/mesh37is.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2551/mesh44ja.jpg

Lastly I screwed on the first sheet of plexi. I'll need to buy more for the rest of the case.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5899/hdglass17rn.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/281/hdglass26xg.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/647/hdglass33nm.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/969/hdglass42ql.jpg

[b4i7]

heh..this is gonna be an intersting case....i love the idea

[Rankenphile]

heh... sounds like your kind of project, TGS. Looking forward to this one.

Reminds me of the case fan mod.

http://www.peteredge.orcon.net.nz/s_front2.jpg (http://www.peteredge.orcon.net.nz/casepics.htm)

[Shikimaru]

interesting...don't think it will look anything other than novel, unique idea

[Judgement]

that’s one way to recycle :rolleyes: only thing I would do different is make the disks alternate in a pattern one up one down then up again but I'm obsessive compulsive so don’t take it to heart :D

[DaveW]

only thing I would do different is make the disks alternate in a pattern one up one down then up again

I think it looks best the way it is-a pattern would be too obvious. This is a great idea, I can't wait to see this finished.

-Dave

[tybrenis]

I bet that thing'll way a ton when it's finished!

Looks great so far.

[xmastree]

That one with multiple platters would make a good clock (http://www.alan-parekh.com/hard_drive_clock.html)

And why bother with all the fiddly brackets? Wouldn't it be easier and neater just to screw them all to the perspex sheet?

Gonna power them up? If you could repeatedly reset them, the heads would all dance...

Hey, Dave, what about all those magnets? Bwahahahaha...

[TheGreatSatan]

They are DEAD. They don't spin at all

[tybrenis]

Just because they don't "function" doesn't mean they won't spin. have you tried connecting them directly to power just to make them spin? Either way, project looks hopeful.

[DaveW]

The head or the platter are the parts most likely to die on a HD, not the motors, so try powering some up and see what happens. You could hook the power up to a transistor, and the HD indicator from your motherboard to the Base; so when your computer accesess your HD, all your HD's go crazy!

You'll probably want to install a switch too cos the novelty will wear off after about 10 seconds. Great for LAN partys, if you ever drag the case there ;)


Hey, Dave, what about all those magnets? Bwahahahaha...

Meh...you guys calmed me down. I don't jump the gun so much with the "Get that Phone away from my computer! Don't you know there's a teeny-tiny MAGNET in that?!?! Dear god man/woman!" ;)

-Dave

[Nagoshi]

Just because they don't "function" doesn't mean they won't spin. have you tried connecting them directly to power just to make them spin? Either way, project looks hopeful.
I have a 2Gb Western Dightal HDD lying somewhere around, and I think I may have killed it (Pentium1 + Windows 95 + Bios Defaults + Auto Sleep Mode = Death), it DOES spin but makes some harsh noises and I dont think the computer still can access files in it (it makes harsh noises and the bios detects it, but nothing more, it wont boot W95), I may transform it in a clock if it still happen to spin without much noise :D

Thanks alot for that link xmastree!!! :D

[Nagoshi]

The head or the platter are the parts most likely to die on a HD, not the motors, so try powering some up and see what happens. You could hook the power up to a transistor, and the HD indicator from your motherboard to the Base; so when your computer accesess your HD, all your HD's go crazy!

You'll probably want to install a switch too cos the novelty will wear off after about 10 seconds. Great for LAN partys, if you ever drag the case there ;)



Meh...you guys calmed me down. I don't jump the gun so much with the "Get that Phone away from my computer! Don't you know there's a teeny-tiny MAGNET in that?!?! Dear god man/woman!" ;)

-Dave
Another good idea on what to do with an hard disk! Interesting idea! :D

[d_stilgar]

Here is an interesting idea. I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I can't find a really cheap 6 inch HD.

http://www.afrotechmods.com/cheap/hdspeakers/hdspeakers.htm

[TheGreatSatan]

I fixed the HD's

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/8586/repositioned1nh.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I finished the second side.

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/1443/2ndside5ti.jpg

And I have two done.

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5238/bothsides6wn.jpg

Next I have to make them connect somehow....maybe with mesh. Then I'll mount at least two drives to the top.

[d_stilgar]

I liked the random look myself, but this is still going to look really good.

[Nagoshi]

Wow dude, this come is really going to weight a lot ;) Nice job!

[tybrenis]

To put them together, I would make two little "L" shaped piece of acrylic. Just cut a strip the size you want, and then bend it using a heatgun. Then, either glue it to each joint you want using a solvent glue, like IPS weld-on, or just drill a hole through each side and put a screw/bolt in there.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm just trying to get an idea of what the case may look with the top on. Nothing has been connected just yet. With the top drives sitting on the ends of the side drives I'll lose at least an inch, so I'll have to connect them at a lower point.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6176/maylook17jp.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/1758/maylook20vg.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3048/maylook34vp.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2214/maylook40rw.jpg

[Rankenphile]

Pretty crazy, TGS. Definately your style. I like it.

[DaveW]

Any Plans for the front panel?

-Dave

[TheGreatSatan]

Still looking into that...

I decided to use mesh to connct the sides to the top. This is not final. I may change it.

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1782/meshtop16fm.jpg

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/971/meshtop29zg.jpg

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/2792/meshtop35kk.jpg

And it's all connected. The top glass looks blurry because I haven't removed the protective film yet.

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/7803/meshtop49pc.jpg

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3144/meshtop52zd.jpg

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1632/meshtop66nj.jpg

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/7557/meshtop77cx.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I have this tiny micro ATX I may use to wrap the HD's around. That way I'll have support and already made I/O ports.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9558/mini13il.jpg

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/2702/mini26af.jpg

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3351/mini39db.jpg

[xmastree]

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1632/meshtop66nj.jpg
you got dead mobos hanging on the wall, and a computer made from hard disks...
Barking! :)

[TheGreatSatan]

Mad????

[d_stilgar]

I know this is a work in progress, and that you won't be done until it looks right, but I can't help thinking that this mod looks really messy somehow. Idk how to put my finger on it. It just looks like something isn't right about it.

I'm sure you'll figure it out.

[TheGreatSatan]

It's the three pieces of plexi. I'm working on getting just one curved piece.

[TheGreatSatan]

I laid the drives on top of the case to get an idea of the width required. As you can see the drives aren't as long as the case is wide. If I do go with the case for mounting the drives, then what sould be in this gap? Should I maybe paint it Silver or chrome to match?

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/817/drivestop10go.jpg

[d_stilgar]

You could cut some PCBs to fill it in. I think you could get power to the HDDs and have the heads move and stuff. Did you ever check out the link I gave?

Here it is again so you don't have to look.
http://www.afrotechmods.com/cheap/hdspeakers/hdspeakers.htm

[TheGreatSatan]

I repositioned the HD's on top so that they are side-by-side just as Boddaker @ Gruntville thought of. Luckily I still had one drive left for the top. Now there are 4 on top instead of the previous 3; In total there are 16 drives on the case, thus far.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2163/topfix15ve.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1457/topfix25yv.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9656/topfix38gv.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3420/topfix49ao.jpg

I set one of the sides next to the case so you can see how it'll look when complete.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4348/topfix56qt.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/9410/topfix67gv.jpg

[DaveW]

Looks kick-ass. Definately a unique mod.

-Dave

[Rankenphile]

TGS, instead of the exposed mesh on the corners, why not use IDE cable? Alternating between the light grey and the black IDE's between there would make a nice striped pattern, and add to the effect.

[FyR]

Cool unique mod mate, i like it, it kinda looks "Mad Max-ish", like a pc all made from junk but works perfectly inside. COOL.

An idea...why stop at HD's, id get loads of old pc spares to fill the gaps like circuit boards BIG old capacitors poking out here n there. It'l look wicked looking a bit battered.

I'll be watching this one

[tybrenis]

Lookin' good! At the end though, I want to see what it weighs. Before this is done you have to put this sucker on the scale... :p :p

[TheGreatSatan]

I maked off the sides so I could make some cuts. The screws will go from the inside throght the mesh and then into to the mounting holes on the drives. This way they'll be securely attached to the sides.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3619/lines12dp.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9244/lines23sx.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9550/lines34vf.jpg

After I attached the sides I set up the top to connect those drives too.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/261/topbolts13lx.jpg

Then I screwed on the nuts and cut off the excess.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9562/topbolts26cc.jpg

The top and sides are attached. :D

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1788/sidedone11ya.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6905/sidedone22un.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Now to plan the front. I'm using 2 drives side-by-side at the bottom. I will also be disguising the power button.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4818/frontpanel1cf.jpg

I was worried because I had run out of useable dead drives, when I found an old box!

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/8167/newdrive13gx.jpg

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/6811/newdrive27sj.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/7015/newdrive39pg.jpg

[wingman358]

That's gotta be really friggin' heavy with all those HDs on it.

[Omega]

mind sending me the tops to all those HD's you opened?

[TheGreatSatan]

PM me your address, I'll see how many haven't already been put out in the trash.

[d_stilgar]

Do you have any that are bigger than 3.5"? I've been wanting to get one for a while for a different project. Looks like you've pretty much solved the problem of it looking off. I like the IDE cable idea to cover the modders mesh.

[Nagoshi]

Do you have any that are bigger than 3.5"? I've been wanting to get one for a while for a different project. Looks like you've pretty much solved the problem of it looking off. I like the IDE cable idea to cover the modders mesh.
Ive got some... and those I have, they are OLD, HEAVY, and probly useless for this kind of mod... because if you can find a way to open them (special nuts) you still wouldnt be able to see the ''hard drive'' since its all packed weirdly...

[TheGreatSatan]

That's fine, I don't need them. I won't be using IDE cables for the gaps, I will be using square tubing.

http://www.phoenixmetals.net/alunsqt1.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Now this Worklog is FEATURED!

I put the Hd's on the front too.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9238/fronthds13gk.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6492/fronthds26ng.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I've STARTED painting the case. First I took it apart.

http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/3738/takeapart16tg.jpg

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/9462/takeapart20ym.jpg

Then I applied primer.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8158/paint49fq.jpg

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/6664/paint54tk.jpg

And I STARTED on the chrome coats. I'll do at least 3 coats (sanding inbetween) over the next couple days.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/4096/paint19iq.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9999/paint65nv.jpg

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/5926/paint77oa.jpg

[b4i7]

congrats on the featured log....this thing is awesome.....you oughta do a windowed hd mod and mix it in with one of the others you got mounted...so you got all the non working...then just one...like say right in the middle...thats writing away

[Cevinzol]

Looking good.
Seeing all those dead hard drives reminded me of this site top 5 dead HDD projects (http://hackedgadgets.com/2006/04/25/top-5-uses-for-a-dead-hard-drive/) I found off a Hackaday.com link. It would be neat if you could wire up the clock one to one of the drives

[TheGreatSatan]

That clock is sweeeet!

I dropped the motherboard in.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2199/addmobo16jq.jpg

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3239/addmobo23fq.jpg

While painting I accidently painted the crap Video card I originally had for this system. :( It was only 64MB, but good enough for this project.

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2558/ooops6cf.jpg

I added the square bars to the top to fill in the gaps.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/374/bars13wc.jpg

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/7753/bars21hn.jpg

[d_stilgar]

I've posted those HD speakers here twice. I swear I must be the only person who tinks that's a cool idea.

On topic: The case looks awesome. Coming together real nice. I was worried at the beginning, but It is looking more and more professional with every update.

[Omega]

I've posted those HD speakers here twice. I swear I must be the only person who tinks that's a cool idea.

On topic: The case looks awesome. Coming together real nice. I was worried at the beginning, but It is looking more and more professional with every update.


i am going to find every dead hard drive i can and make a zillion.1 speaker system with them =D

[TheGreatSatan]

I decided to try to scratch off the paint on the gold leads and try it in my test system.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5312/scratch19ke.jpg

At least the part you normally see isn't painted.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/79/scratch28uc.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4032/scratch38sa.jpg

It works!

http://img342.imageshack.us/img342/6241/scratch40pq.jpg

[GT40_GearHead]

bloody hell dude you're lucky that there is not any hardware protection organization, lol you made my day, i cant belive it works f#@&
BTW: are you go'na put any light's in the hard drives (led etc) ???

[Omega]

as long as the paint isn't conductive (which most aren't) you'll be fine =p

there was actually a guide on how to paint cards like that

[TheGreatSatan]

Go figure the heatsink I decided to go with was too tall and wouldn't allow the motherboard tray to slide back on.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5682/bigsink3xp.jpg

In trying to remove the sink and put on a low profile one, I SCREWED UP BAD!! Any heatsinks with a 4-corner bracket?

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7805/broken8al.jpg

Then to make things even worse the exterior cover with all the drives attached wouldn't slide back on. The bolts holding on the drives make the guide rails miss the track.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6461/maybe5qc.jpg

Sooooo....I'm gonna keep the outer shell and fab the rest.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5918/steel12yq.jpg

I made some measurements.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9223/steel29al.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7415/steel38db.jpg

Then I did some cutting.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/127/steel40bj.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8127/steel52qx.jpg

And slid on the new bottom.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4489/steel60yr.jpg

I then attached the drives for the bottom.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8863/newface12lr.jpg

And cut some more square rods for the bezel framing.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1635/newface21oz.jpg

I know this looks pretty ghetto, but I decided to keep the motherboard tray. I will make it look better.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7321/ghetto9oy.jpg

[MDCS]

Sounds interesting. Can't wait to see how it comes out.

P.S. On your tag line ... didn't Milton ever wonder if Satan would have something to say about that? I'm pretty sure he reigns there and won't share the power. :) :)

[d_stilgar]

Sorry about the setbacks. That is never fun. I hope you get it all worked out.

[TheGreatSatan]

P.S. On your tag line ... didn't Milton ever wonder if Satan would have something to say about that? I'm pretty sure he reigns there and won't share the power. :) :)

Milton is quoting Satan.

[MarkTheDaemon]

Its looking really good, a really intresting idea!


Mark

[The Great Destroyer]

cool. for the cover, are you still having problems getting it on? id suggest cutting gaps in all the places where the bolts get stuck, so it should just slide right over it.

[MDCS]

Milton is quoting Satan.

Well, I guess that clears that up. :D

I really like the chrome idea for the case. Is there a way to make it shinier?
Buff, or clear coat (even the kind of clear coat that comes in a can)?

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm not using the case.

[GT40_GearHead]

who'... what are you talking about hope you aint scraping this thing

[TheGreatSatan]

No, the hard drives with the case cover is enough "structure" to maintain components

[TheGreatSatan]

I just bought a new heatsink with enough clips to hold on to the broken socket.

http://kai.servep2p.com/picture/pcmisc/m064-c.jpg

[crenn]

Did you try glueing the broken bit of the socket back on to help?

[TheGreatSatan]

I tried gorilla glue (Extremely strong stuff), but it broke off again when the heatsink went back on. The new heatsink won't need that bit to hold on

[Omega]

so for those who don't know, i asked TGS to send me hard drive covers. He sent them out, and today i got a box with no return address and it was covered in pentagrams...

and i knew exactly who it was from =D

[Rankenphile]

rofl, that's awesome.

[Aero]

so for those who don't know, i asked TGS to send me hard drive covers. He sent them out, and today i got a box with no return address and it was covered in pentagrams...

and i knew exactly who it was from =D

L0L.

yes, thats a zero. I'm cool like that.


Wow. TGS. This is one of those mods that make you go....well...err...thats...errr.....cool.

[TheGreatSatan]

so for those who don't know, i asked TGS to send me hard drive covers. He sent them out, and today i got a box with no return address and it was covered in pentagrams...

and i knew exactly who it was from =D

I thought I put a return address on. Too bad, I just got a new stamp made for it too.

[Omega]

I thought I put a return address on. Too bad, I just got a new stamp made for it too.


Good thing it had pentagrams on it, lest I think it a bomb.

[Rankenphile]

I'm guessing the postage looked a bit like this, right?

http://www.jasonvanhollander.com/artwork/VA_stamp.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I got some plexi cut at Lowe's. I'll peel away the stickers soon.

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2315/lexan16un.jpg
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5944/lexan26bi.jpg

I'm gonna use some angled aluminum around the edges. I hope that it keeps the entire thing from falling apart.

http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/3438/lexan36el.jpg

[AMD RULES]

wow. this is gonna be cool.
That's a great way to reuse computer parts:D ;)

[TheGreatSatan]

I put the front bars on...

http://img422.imageshack.us/img422/6575/frontbar1cw.jpg

...but something has me concerned. Some of the platters sit higher than the others on the top. They even rise above the bars that are supposed to even out the top. With the higher platters, the top is not flat. What to do?

http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/8963/talltop7ck.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I bought an 8 foot piece of 90 degree steel.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/7683/8foot7yo.jpg

And a 3 foot piece of square bar for the bottom of the case.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/2006/squarebar2jd.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2770/hdfeet6dp.jpg

I cut holes in the angle bars and joined them together.

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/7201/align11hi.jpg

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/5033/align23gv.jpg

Here's what it will look like with glass secured in there.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/1844/align32bi.jpg

So, I started making the frames for the sides. When the sealant dries, I'll just slap them on to the side and drill them down.

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/700/windowframe15mn.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9941/windowframe26oo.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

The adhesive dried. But I still need another 13 inch piece for the top.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3205/windowframe36cc.jpg

[ColModish]

damn its looking pretty heavy. but nice

[TheGreatSatan]

Still under 25lbs

[TheGreatSatan]

I framed in the sides and added a square bar to the bottom to help keep the sheet metal attached.

http://img335.imageshack.us/img335/7857/frame19pl.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/6376/bottom12jx.jpg
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/6375/bottom24dm.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2470/frame26mm.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/8538/frame33ez.jpg
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5517/frame44ei.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7796/frame60lz.jpg
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9545/frame55xv.jpg
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9418/frame79gn.jpg

Next I have to work on the top.

[DaveW]

Damn is this looking good.

-Dave

[TheGreatSatan]

Thanks. It's definitely been more experience with working with metal than I ever thought I'd get.

[TheGreatSatan]

I decided for the top that I would drill the handle screws inbetween the top HD's through the top of the case. Then I would feed the screws from the inside underneath the drives past the plexi to the handles.. With some wide washers it should be real secure to lift the case by the handle. I have some handles, but I don't know if they'll look good with this mod. Recommendations?

[maximan1]

ooooooh very professional lookin ;)

[TheGreatSatan]

I finally got my heatsink in and it holds just fine. As soon as I get the case completed I'll get the motherboard tray mounted.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6386/newsink12jr.jpg

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/5161/newsink21ia.jpg

[FyR]

lookin good mate!

[jestyyr]

crazy cool idea,
are you not tempted to apply a small amount of voltage to the hdd motors, or did I miss a refference to that?
also, is it just me or do a few of the caps on that mainboard look profoundly stuffed?

[TheGreatSatan]

Since the top of the platters rise above the bars, I got more.

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/5158/newtop10ah.jpg

I then copied the location of the screws that are on top. . .

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/772/newtop27hk.jpg

An then drilled them out so the bars on top lie flat.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3613/newtop35mz.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8656/newtop46ce.jpg

Before I use JB Weld and screws to hold them down, I draw lines down the sides. This is where I will cut to slide the top glass in.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6985/newtop56cg.jpg
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9569/newtop62sa.jpg

And, go figure, I got stabbed with my own drill.

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/6538/ouch0sh.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I got the glass on top, but I'm still not done.

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/5070/topbars12fn.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4647/topbars21yk.jpg

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/1743/topbars33ih.jpg

[.alchinko.]

dude nice... good idea i want to take the cover off my HDD and plexi it now!

[Airbozo]

And, go figure, I got stabbed with my own drill.


Seems every project I do, I contribute a little blood...

Kind of makes it whole.

[silverdemon]

offcourse:

no mod,
without blood

:p ;)

[Cool1Net6]

dude nice... good idea i want to take the cover off my HDD and plexi it now!
Eek. Not a good idea, unless you have an Intel clean room. Opened drives usually dont last very long.

-Cool-

[TheGreatSatan]

I finished framing up the top, sides, and front (for the most part)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/296/framed17vu.jpg
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7359/framed20om.jpg
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9251/framed38xr.jpg
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7092/framed40dk.jpg
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4323/framed51as.jpg

Then I cut the frame of the original case to have the PSU and CD drive mountings.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5672/cage13ko.jpg
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4513/cage21mv.jpg

Obviously, I'll have to add the PSU before screwing it in.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8417/cage34nc.jpg
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/2996/cage46fn.jpg

[crenn]

Any plans of making the heads move?

[TheGreatSatan]

No.

[Airbozo]

Very nice work. I was not sure where you were going with this, but it is turning out NICE!

You got me thinking about the drives spinning and now I want to create some "art" with dead drives and actually have them spinning and moving. I wonder if it is possible to have the heads move to music, like a color organ...

Very nice progress!

[TheGreatSatan]

If they can make lights move to music, I don't see why anything that runs on electricity can't do the same.

[bouncybrain]

This is soooo cool

[DaveW]

I wonder if it is possible to have the heads move to music, like a color organ...

It's possible to make this work, i've seen a guy use a dead drive as a poor quality speaker. The arms moves fast enough to imitate the skin of a speaker very poorly.

It's coming along well, but i have to ask: is all that dust inside the case or only on the outside?

It's a shame you couldn't get them all spinning or doing something, but realistically, the power requirements would have been too high anyway.

-Dave

[TheGreatSatan]

The dust is outside.

[TheGreatSatan]

I got it all put together, but there's a problem. The case is fine, but the mobo is dead, I think. I tried replacing the SDRAM, clearing the CMOS, but still nothing. I can always try replacing the battery, but I don't think it's worth it. I set out to build a case made of HD's and I have. I'll still take another whack at it, maybe swapping out the board with my Mini ITX (That does work). For now I have to get more done on my UPS.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5654/deadhdpckp5.jpg

[b4i7]

im guessing your mobo isnt just grounding out is it?

[isunktheship]

you should build a case out of mobo's next. haha looking amazingthough, and i'm truly sorry to hear about the problems.

[TheGreatSatan]

you should build a case out of mobo's next. haha looking amazingthough, and i'm truly sorry to hear about the problems.

Check out my website: www.pcmodhouse.com, in the gallery, at the bottom in Misc. I already have built one. :)


im guessing your mobo isnt just grounding out is it?

That doesn't seem to be it. I think it's just a piece of crap. I hope that the proc is fine though. I'll probably play with it more today. I ordered an aluminum fan and grill for it, so I still can't call it done anyway.

Sorry, I was too busy working on painting the rubber trim for the CLOWNED CRT yesterday.

[TheGreatSatan]

I put the Mini ITX in since I know that it does work.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8663/mini1pc1.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8908/mini2fo3.jpg

Tell me which fan placement you prefer #1

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/7714/fanconcept1pf3.jpg
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2525/fanconcept2mk4.jpg

Or #2

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/6286/fanconcept3mx8.jpg
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/4307/fanconcept4qb5.jpg

Here's some peeking through the mesh

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3007/meshed1ml0.jpg
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/8643/meshed2dg4.jpg

And the CD drive works!
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/8891/eject1bg1.jpg
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/9058/eject2dv5.jpg
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/978/eject3nr0.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/2717/eject4vq0.jpg

[Silenced_Coyote]

If you do fan placement #1, will you put that mesh-like piece of metal on both sides of the fan?

I like #1 better.

[GT40_GearHead]

unles you polish the mesh-like thingy, i say you should go with #1 and cover the gaps with square pipe

[TheGreatSatan]

I added a pice of aluminum around the CD drive

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9789/cover1ql4.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7112/cover2js2.jpg

Ooops! I just have to push that in.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2529/cover3jw8.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/1995/cover4ly1.jpg
http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/6913/cover5tw5.jpg
http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/1895/cover6nf0.jpg
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2878/cover7nm3.jpg

Oh, and it weighs 31lbs!

[MitaPi]

WOW! This thing looks simply amazing! I wonder how much it could sell for? lol :P

[Omega]

holy christ, 31lbs?!?!

[SabreNoose]

WOW! This thing looks simply amazing! I wonder how much it could sell for? lol :P

£1000 + £4000 shipping

[b4i7]

holy thread res batman

[TheGreatSatan]

£1000 + £4000 shipping

More like: £10 + £4000 shipping

[xRyokenx]

More like: £10 + £4000 shipping


ROFL. Ah well, everyone makes mistakes, let's not get a lynch mob going just because someone did something unfavorable.

[Acey]

Hmmm.. whats the weight of the whole thing?

[Bucko]

Look up a few posts where they say 31lb

[Tale Gunner]

Thats heavy. But hey thats the price of the mod right? Very interesting to follow. Kep it up.

[VCR]

Man... How much did you spend just on the HDs

[Bucko]

Man... How much did you spend just on the HDs

Did you read the thread? The answer is in the very first post, right at the top...


All of the HD's are DEAD. Many are 2GB and below, 1 is the 120GB HD I had in Air Force One that died. My teachers were happy to unload the mounting piles of dead HD's they had and I was happy to take 'em.

[TheGreatSatan]

Holy thread resurrection Batman!

[b4i7]

this case is a zombie...it keeps rising from the dead