[2in1] Two computers, one case! (Lots of images)

[Mark]

Two computers, one case!

This is a mod i completed a few months back before starting mcompute, but it's still in use today and i believe it can live in the completed mods section. :thumbs

Introduction

I've had a dell lying around for about a year and I've always wanted to do something with it, but the case that it comes in, (you know that Dell crap) is just horrible. Anybody that's worked with Dells I'm sure has the same feelings towards the cases and custom parts.


The plan

My plan is to put both of the computers into one case, (below)

The machine specifications

PC 1 (Top)

- Dual core, 2.8GHz (Stock Intel cooler)
- 1GB RAM
- One hard drive
- PCI-E graphics card

PC 2 (Bottom)

1.8GHz CPU (P4) with a custom cooler
1GB RAM
2 Hard drives - 1x 20GB and 1x 1TB.
AGP graphics card


The new case: (An old server case)








I have a sketch up here of what it should end up like. (Thank you to bigsharn for the sketchup and his help) :thumbs

[Mark]

The case




Measuring up



Dell motherboard test fit (perfect fit)



Close up (Will have to cut some PCI slots)





Modding

Cut PCI plates to allow for the I/O backplate.




Rear 120mm fan



5.25" bay cuts




New PSU mount for second PSU

Initial cuts and bending




Overall view:

Side view with 5.25" cuts:



Still got to cut the other side:

[Mark]

Testing

I hooked the bottom PC up. Everything is screwed in as you can see the PSU 4pin is too small so i've ordered an extension lead that'll enable it to reach.

At the moment i'm using the stock cooler, with no fan as it's usually under a shround - I placed a yate loon, 80CFM fan, there but it's generating too much heat. I've purchased a new cooler, (478).







My windows install from last year, funnily enough 99% of the programs are the same as i use now.

[Mark]

Modding continued

Measuring up the PSU:



Some cutting:






Not sure the RAM will fit into this gap (4CM's)




Equipment

Grey primer, 2 cans of black and a can of yellow.




The original front of the case




So.. you may be wondering what the yellow paint is for, well..

[Mark]

Equipment

First off, the post for today:

More cuttings discs



WD WD5000AAKS caviar SE16 500GB hard drive (Going in the top PC)




Modding continued

Finished cutting the powersupply!



Cut the top a bit more, as the motherboard wouldn't go in.
Kind of scratched it and a few dents, i got carried away with a hammer and a flat ended screwdriver :dno



First mock fit up, it currently doesn't fit in :unhappy



I was hoping to keep 2 5.25" bays, one DVD slot for each machine but the RAM has different ideas.





After more modding today, i cut some more off the top and cut the second 5.25" bay as you can see the board now fits! Just.



As you can see, it really is a snug fit (the PSU is actually ontop of the board



Heres the space between the 5.25" bay and the PSU lead space and IDE line




I'm making motherboard trays for both motherboards. Recycling the old dell case.



Half cut it




I thought i might aswell try out my new paint on the screws i'll be using, this is a primer coat.

[Mark]

So.. Today i woke up to this!



+1 to the postman

My new cooler has arrived








Yellow screws



Cut a 120mm hole at the front



After cutting a new motherboard tray for the top PC, i had to recut the PSU hole to allow another 7mm's.



I've then Screwed the Motherboard tray to the case, and then mounted the motherboard on the tray with more screws.
The back of the motherboard / top of case





When the case is stood up, damn! The metal needs supporting



I'll need to find a way



Damn, PCI slots are now unusable, i'll have to mod the PSU somehow

[Mark]

New items

Clear coat



Key switch




Modding continues

I have now fixed the problem with the top motherboard and added support!








Painting in the snow







Ok, so with the key here i now had to break out the soldering iron, i knew my old maths revision book would come in handy for something.
I'll spare the pictures of me messing up a few things, including my finger!






The front of the case after some 600 grit sanding and one layer of primer:




80mm fan initial measuring:





A hole, before filing:

[Mark]

Painting

Final coats





Black screws



I had the amazing idea of painting the wheels :roll



Fan grills, bay plates, Motherboard extension



Bottom PC motherboard



Front panel, buttons and key.



Hard drive bay



Front of the case









(On this pic there is still a piece of tape in the bottom right, so some yellow is not showing)


The bottom PC motherboard with old cooler on.



ummm, oops.



New cooler, much better.




The case





The top PC, fully working.



In it's home, nice fit.




Finished!

[Pack3t SynAck3r]

Damn dude, You put a lot of thought and effort into this one, I am very impressed. When I have more time I will run a more scrutinizing eye over it.
As far as a torrent server goes check this out:

http://www.ipevo.com/Mini-Network-Storag..._p_74.html

I bought mine a few months ago and it is awesome. Low power consumption, no need for your computer running, and it has all kinds of uses other than for torrents.

[Mark]

I did indeed, thank you.

I don't torrent much, when i do this PC does the job. Although that does look like a nice device, i also don't have the cash.