I know, I know. I haven't finished the first one. But it's fun and I can't help myself. I love building/creating things. This will be a SLOW moving project until my new machine is together.
This will be a fully custom build like Forcifers Insan1ty and Magnethead's Hybrid. In fact, Forcifer inspired me with his choice of materials.
Mirrored acrylic. My wife wants a new machine after mine is done. So the first step will be to build her a case. I'm going with a basic large tower design for several reasons.
1. Space. Easy to fit on the desk
2. Ergonomics. Easier to install components logically for an idiot like me.
3. Looks. Well, it looks like a computer case......nuf said.
Concept:
Ever watch those UFO shows on Discovery or History? Think: the highly polished (mirrored) metallic disc with flashing lights all around it.
I want to build the case fully out of mirrored acrylic, including the interior. NOT squared in profile, I want the corners "rounded". I want to put the side door on a piano hinge, hinged gull-wing (upwards) using gas struts for support. I want to use those "chip" type LEDs (not actually sure they're LEDs) like you see on pins and belt buckles at the gas station set just through the mirror backing, under the acrylic. Blue and white "chasing" flash. I want them vertically over the case as well as around the side panels. I know these need to be on a circuit board and not sure how to control the flash. I will learn. Feet made of 1" clear acrylic handles, lit with blue and/or white LEDs. Not too tall this time!
All lighting will be blue and white. Might use blue UV clearcoat on the interior.......not sure because I want to put random "chip" LEDs pointed to the interior on random flash (stars). She also insists that it includes a Plasma Ball somewhere in the design.
I plan to emulate the Antec 900 fans in that I want a top-mounted 250mm exhaust, 2 or 3 front 120mm, and a single door fan.
PSU top or bottom? Top makes more sense for cooling (heat rises), bottom would be easier.
Some time in the next week I will CAD the design to illustrate my idea better and to work off of, myself. Will also look more into the "chip" LEDs and try and put together a bill of materials.
At least some work should begin in the next month beyond the designing. I wanted to post it to keep it in my own head and to share the idea for critique.
Eric