What application can I design my case in?

[ChevronX]

What application can I design my case in? I saw people using Sketch Up, which is probably easier to use then AutoCAD which I have no idea what to do. But is it suited towards my design (URL to design located here (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7242))

Is it possible to detect measurements and stuff. A friend of mine suggusted inkscape. Your thoughts and suggustions will of course be wanted.

[Cagedconnerman]

Sketch up is a great tool and i know ALOT of people around here use it, it can provide measurements and you can import models from outside sources, i know there's several sites around that have a fairly large database of motherboards, fans, add-on cards and everything else you can imagine (sorry dont have the links on me at the moment.) It usually doesnt take long to figure out and can be mastered in a matter of hours, rather than years. I personally love this for planning out how to arrange parts inside my case. here's a link to the website, http://sketchup.google.com/ there's a dl link on the left

edit: http://scc.jazzle.co.uk/ is the site i used for parts, found it here on the forums

[DaJe]

You can also import models from within SketchUp. Ones officially submitted.


http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/sketchupmodels.jpg

[.Maleficus.]

Inkscape is a vector program, not 3D program, but I suppose it would work. Not having a tablet to draw would be hard, but it could work.

After about 1 hour with Sketchup, you'll have the hang of it. It's fairly easy, and not being too complex or powerful makes it easy to design simple things.
And check out the sites with premade models. They're very nice and helpful.

[chaksq]

Here is an idea that I am using. Model the case in the real world using cardboard and hot glue. Cheap and easy plus you can actually handle it and test fit with real components (carefully of course).

[DaJe]

I used cardboard and packing tape, and also created cardboard replicas of every component of my computer. I still prefer to use sketchup as well as making models, rather than only one. One way will show you some things that the other can't. And I can use sketchup to try to put my ideas into something visual, and then refine it, and come up with measurements, then make a final model out of cardboard to see how it really comes together.

[godhammer]

Honestly, try using AutoCAD if you can get ahold of a copy. Once you get the basics down, it's a very powerful tool.

[ChevronX]

Yes, I have AutoCAD down. At the moment the most I can do is create lines. I might try the cardboard idea..

[DaJe]

Sketchup is just easy to use. All you need to do is draw lines to make 3D shapes. I have 3DS Max but still prefer to use Sketchup for designing my case.