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SFF HP LAN Box Case Mod

C

CMadki4

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Feb 3, 2011
Messages
4,438
Yep, I haven't even finished the previous case mod (where I've chopped and dropped an Antec300) and I'm starting another one! Yikes, I've got the modding madness!!! :eek:

For this one, I'm going to be taking an already small mATX case and turning it into a SFF LAN Box gamer case. That means good cooling dynamics and portability!

Here's what I'm working with; (borrowed photo):
P1050185.jpg


The plastic parts are going away and will be replaced with mesh. Not sure on the color just yet, but the white powder coating on my latest scratch built water cooled PC looks AMAZING! I may just do the white thing again. White is the new black. Black is the new beige, haha. :)

More photos of the dis-assembly coming shortly...
 
Okay, the case has been taken apart and this is what I'm working with. It's really small, as you can see in the shot with the screwdriver for perspective. It measures about 7.5" wide, 11.25" tall and 11" deep. Nice little case. Being only 11" deep means no monster cards like my 6970. Nvidia will likely be the card of choice for this build.
IMAG0531.jpg

IMAG0530.jpg



Top:
IMAG0527.jpg


Bottom:
IMAG0528.jpg


Rear:
IMAG0526.jpg


Front:
IMAG0524.jpg


Inside:
IMAG0523.jpg


I'm looking forward to working with this thing. It's essentially already configured the way I want. I'll just need to cut a little here, grind a little there. You know, just another day of modding. :D
 
I had one of these... i threw it away, Now that im into computers i find it kind of neat. good luck with the build.
 
Thanks all!

I'm still at a loss as to how I want it to look. Militaristic? Modern? Rough? Some sort of theme?

Any suggestions?

Edit: I do still have the original plastics, so modding those somehow is an option.
 
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My parents have a computer just like that which is sitting unused. This makes me want to mod it... also looking for ideas. How about turning it into a woodie case?

I also have that same screwdriver.
 
Mohonri said:
My parents have a computer just like that which is sitting unused. This makes me want to mod it... also looking for ideas. How about turning it into a woodie case?

I also have that same screwdriver.
Click to expand...

Take a trip to a cabinet supply store and pick up wood veneer in the wood of your choice. Its peel and stick, trim with an exacto. Light coat of urethane and- ta-da- a woodie case. (probably annoying when its said to be so easy. Its making it look right that will be hard)
 
Out of curiosity, how does one insert or remove a motherboard with that case?

Ah, nvm--it looks like the mobo tray slides out
 
Mohonri said:
My parents have a computer just like that which is sitting unused. This makes me want to mod it... also looking for ideas. How about turning it into a woodie case?

I also have that same screwdriver.
Click to expand...
Ah, a woodie, that's a neat idea. That would look really good if I antiqued it a little (to fit the office decor). Actually, I have an older wooden ammo box. I could use the motherboard tray from this case in that thing! Something to consider...

Mohonri said:
Out of curiosity, how does one insert or remove a motherboard with that case?

Ah, nvm--it looks like the mobo tray slides out
Click to expand...
Yes, you're right, it sort of pivots at the PCI slots and then pops out. Interesting design.

I was thinking about what I wanted to do last night and I think I have something I'm going to roll with.The top and front panels are going to be almost entirely mesh. The side panels will remain steel, but the left panel will also get mesh to feed the GPU fresh air.

It's not set in stone, but I believe I'm going to powder coat it white, like my last scratch built case and use blue lights, for a sort of ice cube theme. It'll match my current rig and can sit on top of it and double as a NAS.

Current water cooled rig (sig) in a totally custom built case:
IMAG0474.jpg


I'm heading to the hardware store here shortly to get thin (maybe 1/4") MDF sheets for the front and top panels. The rest of it, including the mesh, I already have.

But I'm still open to suggestions! :D
 
Back from Lowes. I ended up getting a birch ply. I may do a little modding today. I'll be posting pictures if I do. It's hot today, so it may be a perfect day to stay cool in the shop :)
 
What do you all think?

Made some cuts. I cut the side panel opening, the front panel and separated the side/top covers so they are no longer one piece.
IMAG0536.jpg

IMAG0543.jpg

IMAG0542.jpg


Here are the plastics back on just for an idea. I don't think I'll be using them, but just a thought.
IMAG0545.jpg
 
I could see the plastic parts being used if you were to do something futuristic (WALL-E comes to mind), but otherwise, I'd just chuck 'em.
 
cmadki4 said:
What do you all think?

Made some cuts. I cut the side panel opening, the front panel and separated the side/top covers so they are no longer one piece.
IMAG0536.jpg
Click to expand...

What did you use to make the cuts? The corner curves look well done. Cutting out rectangles (or squares) with rounded corners looks so much better than just round blow holes.
 
jamaicanpi said:
What did you use to make the cuts? The corner curves look well done. Cutting out rectangles (or squares) with rounded corners looks so much better than just round blow holes.
Click to expand...
I made the cut with an angle grinder (with cutting wheel in it) and rounded the corners with the angle grinder (with grinding wheel in it) and Dremel (with a round stone in it). Filleted corners are the only way to go, in my opinion. Much better looking. :) Thanks!
 
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Rainy days are great for modding! Too bad I've got grad school work to complete... :(

In the mean time: take a vote on case color:
- white
- black
- woody
- other

Thanks!
 
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