Test Rig Case - How To Build?

[amjedm]

This is what I'm trying to build (the case), how do I go about it? (I'm not good at DIY and haven't a clue what parts to get)



Image/setup courtesy of Ralf Hutter on Silentpcreview.com (original thread silentpcreview.com | View topic - A case with Superior Air Flow)

Advice appreciated.

Edit: I have a motherboard tray but still want to attach to a base.

[kidzer]

I dont know about building one, but you can buy them from Kustom PCs, seem a bit pricey though:
Kustom PCs Top Deck Standard Tech Station Kit White

[amjedm]

Thank you for the link - you're right about the price.

Edit: well I've got a motherboard tray (has PCI covers etc + 2 x 80mm fan spaces), 5.25 and 3.5 cages. May as well buy some wood and try to make my own.

[peterb]

Hmm - while I don't want to rain on your parade - it isn't very practical....

It will collect dust and be difficult to keep clean

The Extension cards will be vulnerable as they don't look well supported

All those exposed wires are just asking to get snagged and pulled out/broken

And when someone knocks a cup of coffee over it??

Some perspex side panels would help, although perspex is suseptible to scratching, and is a relatively difficult materiila to cut and form at home and get a good finish.

It's a bit like a show kitchen - great to look at, but not very practical when it comes to real life use.

[staffsMike]

But surely it is merely for..testing. To make sure you're pc works outside the case to rule out any hardware issues if it doesn't work inside it's destined case.

You're not planning on using this for a case are you?

[amjedm]

But surely it is merely for..testing. To make sure you're pc works outside the case to rule out any hardware issues if it doesn't work inside it's destined case.

Spot on

I currently have 4 motherboards to test and would prefer a test rig like the one above, makes things a bit simpler IMO.

[Phil_P]

Spot on

I currently have 4 motherboards to test and would prefer a test rig like the one above, makes things a bit simpler IMO.

You don't need a test station - I build and test kit on the desk. Any flat non conductive surface is fine, but I must admit these test stations do look the part.

If you're thinking outside the box, may I suggest baby changing units. My wife recently finished with the one she got from Argos for about £25 and they make great workstations - plenty of storage and space, plus they are just the right height to work at and are significantly cheaper. Here's a pc of the kind of thing I mean:



You can pop an old CRT monitor and keyboard up top and have room for 4 systems laid out on the two shelves down below

Just a thought.

[amjedm]

You don't need a test station - I build and test kit on the desk. Any flat non conductive surface is fine, but I must admit these test stations do look the part.

If you're thinking outside the box, may I suggest baby changing units. My wife recently finished with the one she got from Argos for about £25 and they make great workstations - plenty of storage and space, plus they are just the right height to work at and are significantly cheaper. Here's a pc of the kind of thing I mean:

I don't have much space on the desk hence the need for a test station.

Baby changing unit is an excellent idea - thank you.

I was thinking of getting the following as it folds away but not sure if it can take the weight of the components.



Edit: link to item - Argos - www.argos.co.uk

[Buzzsaw]

Unless your going to be using a 19" CRT and a 1000w PSu it looks strong enough.

My concern is: it looks to be metal, and so will need to be earthed/ components insulated from it to avoid shorting them out.
And: I don't think the tools look too suitable for working on PC's.

[amjedm]

Unless your going to be using a 19" CRT and a 1000w PSu it looks strong enough.

My concern is: it looks to be metal, and so will need to be earthed/ components insulated from it to avoid shorting them out.
And: I don't think the tools look too suitable for working on PC's.

It's plastic. More importantly, I didn't like it so it's gone straight back in the box. The inside of the toolbox wasn't flat so I would have had to close it, too much hard work for me

You're right, the other downside was the tools

Whilst in Argos, I picked up one of these



Link: Buy Verona Hi-Fi Unit. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for .

Overall size (W)48, (D)40, (H)59cm.
Height above shelf 16.5cm, height below shelf 34.5cm.
Internal width 39.5 (from the outer diameter of tube to tube).

[peterb]

Spot on

I currently have 4 motherboards to test and would prefer a test rig like the one above, makes things a bit simpler IMO.

Sorry - my misunderstanding

[amjedm]

Sorry - my misunderstanding

No need to apologise , as Ralf on SPCR has been using one of his rigs like that you probably thought I wanted to as well

A couple of years ago I really wanted something like that, was thinking of modding a 2/3 drawer pedestal and I don't even have any DIY skills