Open Frame Pc 'case'

captainfepa · Joined: May 31, 2005 Posts: 5

A while ago somebody was running a small ad in the back of a PC hobby magazine selling an open-frame benchtop PC 'case' designed for prototyping and troubleshooting-by-substitution. As I recall, it was not costly, was specifically designed for easy access while keeping wires etc trim in an environment without case panels. From the tiny photo it looked like it was made from an Erector set and assembled in the seller's basement - but it did seem neater than just cannibalizing an old case. I cannot easily locate this product now.

Does anyone know of availability of the product which I am seeking, or of similar products at a reasonable price - or have experience using these?

usasma · Joined: May 06, 2003 Posts: 5006

Nope, but you could build one out of Erector Set parts or from the shelving section at Home Depot.

Frankly, I just removed the sides from my case and left it that way. The downside is that I've gotta remember to clean it occasionally.

goretsky · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:33 am Post subject:

Hello,

Would that be HighSpeed PC's HSPC Tech Station? I was actually thinking about getting one of their ATX Control Kits and gluing the individual switches and LEDs together to match the pinout on Intel's recent motherboards.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

myob69 · Joined: May 10, 2003 Posts: 936

Or you can be more creative with one of these

http://www.aerocool.com.tw/aerocool-files-v3/lubic/kit.htm

Ehwaz001 · Joined: Jan 10, 2004 Posts: 1236

goretsky,

User: inactive Posts:

Like John, I just leave the sides off of my otherwise beautiful case and have flow through cooling. :harhar:

I see total plexiglass cases at the computer shows. And of course the ones with liquid cooling for the CPU.

To each his own. Whatever yanks yor crank! :harhar: Laughing

B)

goretsky · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:50 am Post subject:

Hello,

I actually have a set built from a replacement ATX case cable kit from StarTech, but I didn't use any heat shrink tubing or make an effort to align the components height-wise so it's not as neat as HighSpeed PC's offering. It was, however, a third the cost.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

captainfepa · Joined: May 31, 2005 Posts: 5

Thanks, all, for the advice. The item I was thinking of was, in fact, highspeedpc's offering; I see that they advertise in the back of Maximum PC regularly. Their models look like what I'd like, but they do seem pricey for that they are. I've got a couple of extra cases I can disassemble so I think I'll visit a nearby plastics store and see if they have reasonably priced phenolic rods and sheets.

Just_a_nobody · Joined: Jul 13, 2004 Posts: 415

Wow! Those open cases are sweet, captainfepa. I am like Shadow, and leave the sides of my computers off. I also have a computer that just sits on a couple bords, that I use to test components with.

I have a sweet setup, where I am just sitting, in my rocker/recliner, and writing this. I don't know if I will ever go back to a desk, after having this setup...lol.

From my location, I have 3 PCs, at my finger tips, one of which, I use to watch tv with, and here I wanted to waste money on a laptop...lol

goretsky · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:52 am Post subject:

Hello,

One thing to keep in mind is one of the reasons modern computers come in enclosed cases is because the casing helps channel the flow of air over the hot components inside. By removing the side panels or running "open-frame" you are allowing hot air to pool over the components instead of being continuously removed by the exhaust fans. If you do decide to run your computer in this fashion be sure to take additional steps to cool it properly, such as using shrouds to keep air moving across hot components or directing air onto them with a desk fan.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

dredzo58 · Joined: Jun 29, 2005 Posts: 1

I think you can find what your looking for at www.heatsinkfactory.com