bench test setup w/o case, plywood?

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Thuleman

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I really need to build myself a test setup where I can run memtest and erase HDDs as I need to. My question is: Can I just screw a motherboard and PSU to a piece of plywood (or a big plastic cutting board from Walmart?) and go from there? What about grounding the whole assembly? Thanks in advance for any tips you are able to provide.
 
Thuleman said:
I really need to build myself a test setup where I can run memtest and erase HDDs as I need to. My question is: Can I just screw a motherboard and PSU to a piece of plywood (or a big plastic cutting board from Walmart?) and go from there? What about grounding the whole assembly? Thanks in advance for any tips you are able to provide.
Click to expand...
Yes you can just screw it to plywood, many people do that for a bench build, I've also used a phone book for that before...

See in here, Polygon builds on a piece of MDF, calls it a "Bread board" setup.

http://www.rhcf.com/sisubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/9/33.html

http://www.lejabeach.com/Guide/Breadboard/bb.html
 
Sweet, thanks guys, appreciate it.
I thought that cases are made out of metal to shield the stuff. Not sure which stuff, either the computer components, or the stuff that could be around the computer (i.e. gadgets or sorts, cellphones, pda, etc). But it looks like shielding isn't really a problem anymore these days.
 
Two more questions.
What about the power on button and reset buttons. Without a case I don't have the bottons that usually come with a case, would a simple switch do?

Also, anyone know of a bootable CD that would allow for system diagnostics? I am mainly interested in memory and CPU tests.

Thanks in advance.
 
What is the purpose of the metal rings around the mounting holes? Do they provide some type of ground protection? Would it be wise to wire one up to ground?

If you have a fairly new mobo all you need is a switch that you can momentarily close. NOT close and leave closed. I never use my reset button.

Try these for diagnostics and tools. All bootable CD's.
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
http://www.stresslinux.org/
 
Thuleman said:
Two more questions.
What about the power on button and reset buttons. Without a case I don't have the bottons that usually come with a case, would a simple switch do?

Also, anyone know of a bootable CD that would allow for system diagnostics? I am mainly interested in memory and CPU tests.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
any momentary contact switch...a screwdriver, or 2 bare wires...momentary...
 
upriverpaddler said:
What is the purpose of the metal rings around the mounting holes? Do they provide some type of ground protection? Would it be wise to wire one up to ground?
Click to expand...
most go to the same point as the ground wires in the ATX connector...they are already wired to ground via the power supply.
 
What about the power on button and reset buttons. Without a case I don't have the bottons that usually come with a case, would a simple switch do?
Click to expand...

Go to Radio Shack and get two normally open single pole, single throw momentary pushbutton switches. Those I believe would work fine or you can scavenge some out of an old case as well.
 
Not that this really needs to be said, but since you're going to be wiring in your own switches and shit, and are goign to have live PCB's laying around, I'd advise that you be very carefull. Most people don't realize how much power goes into a computer, and it's very easy (if you're not carefull) to take a nasty, and potentially lethal, shock. And remember, always work with the power unplugged, and make sure you hit the power button so you discharge the caps. Those fuckers can hold some serious power. :)
 
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