So, I took AmEv up on the offer for a freebie computer case. This hot little number really caught my eye as a good start for a home theater PC. It may be old, but it's definitely well built!
The box arrived today in good shape. Contents: Compaq ProLinea 4/33, partially stripped.
Current Plans: Home Theater PC
I don't have any specific components yet in mind. Need to do more research, and need to get the case dimensions into CAD so I can start digitally fabricating.
Mini ITX motherboard
Mini PSU
Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Drive
As many HDs as will fit
Cold Cathode lighting
Air cooled, quiet fans
Software loadout will likely be some form of Linux with HTPC software like XBMC or something. Due to the severely limited space, I'm not sure if I can get a discrete video card into here. Will certainly try to find something small enough. It just needs to push 1080p video and 5.1 audio. It needs to be able to have files pushed to it over the network. And it needs good mass storage. Separate drives is fine. RAID1 would be ok too.
The Theme:
Industrial/Worn Out/Fallout-ish
Steampunk
Not sure which way I'll go yet. Leaning toward Steampunk as I want to do a lot more of that style.
The Case:
Exterior, a little banged up but in overall good shape.
The interior, and I'm already looking at component placement.
Found a really cool spot to stick a cold cathode. It fits perfectly inside the frame.
The front panel, stripped down and washed. Ready for planning. That CD drive opening does not fit a currently available drive. I'm not entirely sure what the slot with the button opening is for. Pretty sure video doesn't come in that format. And that power switch opening needs something big to fill it.
The case is going to need some cutting. Needs more air intakes. Needs more fans. It's a good platform to start from though. I'll give it one thumb up to start with.
Thanks to AmEv for supplying this case for review and gutting.