Homemade cases for PC stand. The coolest system unit for PC (do it yourself). Stylish DIY wooden PC case

Most users who have mastered a computer at an amateur level have a hard time imagining a situation when they need to change its case. However, it occurs quite often. For example, you might connect a new power supply to your system, resulting in old building It simply won’t fit in size anymore or it will heat up so much that it will become impossible to use it. What to do in such a case? The easiest way is to buy a new case, but it is much cheaper and more convenient (and, of course, more interesting) to make it yourself. In this article we will look at how to make a PC case with your own hands.

How to make a computer case with your own hands?

Since we have decided to do something on our own, first we need to decide what exactly should happen in the end. To do this, you need to figure out what kind of computer cases even exist. There are four types in total:

The most popular type today. Best suited for avid PC enthusiasts and gamers who don't care how a new case fits into their room. But in exchange for a damaged design, they get the chance to use additional hard drives or install several video cards at once. Well, to protect against overheating, it is strongly recommended to install in such a model good system ventilation.

The main advantage is its small size, suitable for use at home or in a cramped office where desk space is limited. This is where the advantages of this model end. But there are shortcomings. Firstly, due to the close proximity of parts to each other, the case can become very hot and after some time the entire computer threatens to simply fail. Secondly, you will have to work hard to select components of such a small size and assemble exactly the version of the system that you need.

A more rational and powerful (power supply - from 400 W) option than the previous one. Based on such a case, you can equip a normal system with a dual-core processor. It is also suitable for gamers, because it allows you to install normal video card. However, you will still have to struggle with the details, since many of them will still belong to the same mini-version mentioned above.

Vertical model, extremely bulky (height no less than 50 cm) and voluminous (can accommodate, for example, five hard drives), requires installation of high-quality ventilation, otherwise it will simply overheat and break. Of course, it is useless for a layman. But for the office, a completely workable option is in the form of a control computer. Also suitable IT specialists and especially passionate lovers computer games installing more than three video cards at once.

Advantages of a homemade case:

Often costs less than standard store options.
It can accommodate any filling and additional elements that you want to install on your computer.
Can be made from non-standard materials (suppose you are a supporter of environmental cleanliness and definitely want exactly wooden case).
It is unique and looks the way you want, since in this case you are both a master and a designer at the same time.

DIY computer case. Preparatory stage

So, we found out what types of cases there are and chose the type that suits us most. Before you begin active work, it is worth answering several important questions. This will help to avoid mistakes and, accordingly, multiple rework in the future.

The first question is whether the internal space of the case is enough for what you plan to place there. At the same time, do not forget about the ventilation system; it requires that there be at least a minimum distance between the parts of the system for air flow.

Special attention should be paid to the power supply. Not only does it itself take up some space inside the PC case, it also needs to be cooled additionally due to its high power. In addition, the power supply can become a source of terrible noise that will haunt all the inhabitants of your apartment.

There are two ways out of this situation. We can place the power supply in the upper part of the case, which is generally recognized as a standard option. At the same time, the noise level will be significantly reduced, and the elements will heat up by a maximum of 3° due to the free flow of air. The option with a lower location also occurs, although not as often. However, it is less good, since the noise in this case is much more audible, and overheating situations occur more often.

Having dealt with the internal space of the planned building, we move on to the second issue of the preparatory stage. It also concerns appearance and functionality: what material to use for the job?

In addition to metal, you can use wood or plexiglass/acrylic for work. Next, we’ll look at and explain in clear Russian how to make a computer case from these materials.

Let's consider an option in which the body is made of chipboard. This model is good because it is quite light and versatile, i.e. everyone is present inside necessary components, no frills. We assemble the case from six walls; there is also a transverse partition in the middle part of the case, which will divide it into two parts. At the top we place video adapters, motherboard and fans for processors and video cards (there must be several of them, otherwise overheating cannot be avoided!) on the front wall. At the bottom there will be a hard drive (one or more, depending on your desire), a power supply with a fan, a disk drive, a card reader, plus all the drives.

We prepare the walls using a special wood saw and a jigsaw (it is better to smooth the edges with sandpaper to make joining the parts easier). Then we fasten the parts together and end up with a six-wall structure. Don't forget to make all the necessary holes for buttons and ports on the front of the case! Otherwise, your computer, for example, will simply be impossible to turn on due to the lack of a power button. When distributing wires, do not forget about insulation! The easiest way to ensure this is with heat shrink (this is a polyvinyl chloride tube that changes its diameter as the temperature rises: it is put on the place where the wires are soldered and heated with a lighter, which is why it fits tightly to the wires and gives a good insulating effect).

When installing fans at the top, do not forget about their design! Because There will be more than one cooling device; the option with “holes” on the front panel will no longer be available (ugly and inconvenient). It is better to install a good fan like Termaltake, which will last a long time and will not damage appearance housings.

Do not forget about the holes for connectors of internal devices (for example, a hard drive) with motherboard! After applying complete preliminary markings and cutting out the holes, you can start designing and cover our body with self-adhesive rubberized film. To avoid problems in places with particularly heavy wear (for example, at wire connection points), it is better to cover the cutouts for holes and drives on top of the film with double-sided foam tape.

The final stage of creation is the installation of a “basket” under hard disks, disk drives, etc. We make it from plexiglass, and we fix the drives using the same tape on foam rubber. After creating this last part, we begin assembly and after a while we are already admiring the exclusive case we have created.

The main disadvantage of this option is the high cost. But from a design point of view, it is very attractive: you can come up with any shape, and even add lighting effects and other innovations.

When working, remember that plexiglass is a fragile material, so be careful. For work we will need plexiglass of different thicknesses, from 5 to 10 mm. We first make the side walls from it (the size depends on your needs), then the top and bottom covers (the thickness of the bottom should be greater). Please note that the size of the lids must be absolutely the same, otherwise you will have problems with assembly later! Then we make vertical racks (preferably thicker too, from plexiglass 10 mm). We connect ready-made parts. You can attach legs to the bottom so as not to scratch our body and spoil its appearance.

When installing the rear wall, do not forget about the holes for the drive wires. For this reason, it is better to secure the motherboard inside in advance, marking on it the places of future connection with all the necessary parts. This way we will save time and know in advance which holes to make and where exactly. The easiest way to place the board itself is on a cut piece of plexiglass of medium thickness, securing it with dichloroethane.

Next, we install shelves inside for hard drives and drives. It is better to make them from thin 5 mm plexiglass. If you want to make the structure more rigid, you can cover the sides of the boxes for the drives with thicker plexiglass, but this is optional.

Let's start installing the front wall. Here, do not forget about the hole for the indicator (for greater beauty, you can insert a piece of glass of a different color there using the same dichloroethane) and on/off buttons, etc. (you can take ready-made buttons from another case, place a board with LEDs under them, and after that insert the entire structure into our creation). All this beauty can be placed either horizontally or vertically as standard, it looks beautiful and unusual, like our entire future building as a whole.

So, all the walls are ready, you can start assembling. Let us add that since the case is planned to be completely transparent, any LEDs and other lighting elements can be installed inside. In any case, it will look beautiful, but the choice of color, flashing mode and other innovations is purely a matter of your taste and imagination.

For ordinary PC users, the system unit is a boring black box. Gamers and IT enthusiasts are a different matter. For them, the computer case is an important element, the design of which must be thought out to the smallest detail. In addition, it can be turned into a real work of engineering and artistic art. The phenomenon of modding has gained popularity around the world. It consists in the production of system units with an individual design. Modding has already moved from the category of a hobby for geeks to a serious commercial area. International exhibitions and competitions with million-dollar budgets are dedicated to him.

Computer case: a little history

First personal computers were construction toys for adults. They were supplied as a set of circuit boards and components. Cases for them were made separately according to individual orders. The first example of a serial system unit was the Apple II, introduced in 1977. The model turned out to be so user-friendly that it was produced for 15 years. In total, about 6 million copies were sold.

However, this case had one drawback - it was “tailored” strictly for certain components. Its shape and size did not allow for upgrading the computer with new parts and components. The creation of such a system unit is reminiscent of the work of a tailor who fits a suit to the customer’s figure.

IBM began the trend toward unifying PC cases in 1981 with the release of the PC 5150. Its electronic components were housed in a compact white desktop case. This configuration became the standard until the mid-1990s.

Further improvement in the design of system systems is associated with an increase in computer power. High-performance processors and boards became very hot and required good cooling. To effectively remove heat and reduce the noise of cooling fans, it was invented new design buildings. It appeared in 1996 and was called ATX. The standard turned out to be successful, thanks to which it survives to this day. Its main features are the appearance of a unified mount for the motherboard, a vertical design for floor installation, and large internal space for improved cooling and installation of additional elements.

You can order a PC from the KLONA industrial design studio. We use advanced equipment and software to create realistic models.

Industrial design of computer cases: current standards

When developing the design of system units, you should choose one of the accepted form factors. It determines which components can be installed in the case and how they will be located there. There are five main standards that depend on the size of the motherboard:

ATX

The oldest and still the most popular option. It is designed to fit most motherboards. Larger sizes provide improved ventilation of the electronics and also make them easier to access.

ATX case example - Thermaltake View 28 RGB Riing

Micro-ATX

An excellent choice for desktop installation of a system unit at home. At the same time, the small dimensions do not allow the installation of powerful hardware, so the performance of such PCs is not enough for graphics programs or top games.

Micro-ATX case example—

Mini-ITX

The smallest buildings. They are designed for motherboards the size of an 8-inch tablet. Such equipment can be purchased by undemanding users who need a computer for simple office programs and "Scarfs".

Mini-ITX case example—

EATX and XL-ATX

These form factors are designed for server and high-end gaming hardware. A good example The XL-ATX standard is the Zalman X7 case. The front panel of this system unit looks strict and minimalistic. It has no connectors or slots for drives. But the side wall has a bright and colorful design. This panel is almost completely transparent, allowing you to admire the internal contents of the block. The effect is enhanced by the fiery red backlight.

EATX housing—

XL-ATX case—

There is also a “tower” classification (from the English tower - “tower”):

Slim-Tower,
Micro-Tower,
Mini Tower,
Midi-Tower,
Full-Tower,
Super Tower,
Desktop,
Full-Desktop.

PC case design development: main points

When designing and modeling system units, attention is paid to such main parameters.

Housing material

Premium case models (priced more than 10 thousand rubles) are usually made of aluminum. It is durable, lightweight and dissipates heat well. Budget cases are stamped from galvanized steel sheets.

Cooling system

For proper ventilation, it is important to accurately calculate the number of coolers and their locations. Some fans should work to suck in cold air, while others should work to remove hot air. In places where air flows into the system unit, it is advisable to install filters that prevent dust from entering the housing.

Connectors

On the front panel of the unit there are connectors for connecting headphones, flash drives, microphones, printers and others. peripheral devices. The most advanced models have high-speed USB ports 3.0 and eSATA for external hard drive. They may also have temperature sensors and a cooler rotation regulator on the front panel.

Fastenings

The main trend in the development of PC case mounts is the move away from screw connections. Quick-release fasteners allow you to quickly disassemble and reassemble units, as well as install components without the use of screwdrivers.

Vibration protection

Many cases are equipped with anti-vibration rubber gaskets, thanks to which the system unit operates much quieter.

Cables

Inside the block there are cells and niches in which wires can be laid. This not only organizes the interior space, but also improves ventilation.

Backlight

Lighting effects are typical for gaming system units. The backlight sometimes does useful function- for example, to identify the Power button or USB ports in the dark. In most cases, it is needed to make the case design aggressive and catchy. The lighting of the coolers looks especially impressive. Proper lighting can give the inside of a system unit the appearance of an alien base, a futuristic cyberpunk factory, or a fantastic underwater vehicle.

Moving

If the system unit is supposed to be moved from place to place, then you need to take care of comfortable handles for this. Powerful and heavy systems are additionally equipped with wheels. Such blocks can be rolled like suitcases. As an example, consider the monstrous case of the Acer Predator Orion 9000. The name was not chosen by chance: the design of the unit is stylized as an alien spaceship from the movie “Predator” (in English - Predator). The size of the system unit is 1.5 times larger than a regular ATX unit. To cool the electronic filling, IceTunnel 2.0 technology is used, which controls the air flow in the case. A huge grid takes up almost the entire side panel of the device. The front features customizable RGB lighting.

Computer case: factory modding

Factory modding involves tuning existing cases to give them an exclusive appearance or improve performance. Here are examples of such work.

This block resembles both a space base and a top-secret weapon. It has two insulated compartments that help keep the temperature of the parts low. The system unit is equipped with a backlight, the color of which can be adjusted by the user. The militaristic style is emphasized by the protective colors in which the body is painted. Bottom part block is stylized as a bandoleer.

The case is based on the Stacker 830. It will appeal to fans of science fiction, as it is stylized as an interplanetary ship from the movie “Battlestar Galactica.” The upgrade is made of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam and acrylic. In order to make the body more realistic, the creators made four huge nozzles on the sides. Inside they have a backlight that simulates a jet fire stream.

The body has X-shaped cutouts with lighting. Through them, all the insides of the computer are clearly visible. The fan on the side of the unit also received LED lighting. The decorative outer panel covers 10 bays for drives and other hardware. At the bottom of the front panel there are air intakes that resemble shark gills. With an abundance of chrome parts, the body is similar to American cars of the 1960s.

Liquid cooled cases

For standard cases, manufacturers offer the optional installation of liquid cooling systems. Advanced coolers are capable of freezing electronic components down to -100°C. This gives computers maximum performance.

Amateur PC case modeling

The most incredible examples of modding come from hobbyist enthusiasts who create cases from scratch.

Dark Blade

It was created by a designer known under the nickname G69T. This body is machined and equipped with liquid cooling. Rotating blades are located inside the cylindrical tanks of the system. Top part resembles an aquarium in which, instead of fish, the motherboard “floats”, HDD and processor.

...actually it all started many years ago, around 78, when I was four years old... When visiting relatives, they took out a large iron box with tools, light bulbs, switches and similar “trash”, after which throughout the entire “visit” I was neither seen nor heard. By the way, the owner of that box, my uncle, is very straight arms...

Currently, I work as a carpentry foreman. I have been craving for everything that contains microcircuits for a long period of time, but from the moment I purchased my first computer, the thoughts of “doing something with it” systematically appeared in my head. Then I found out what it was modding... And from that moment there is not a day without thinking about it... By the way, this is my first job...

That's probably enough introduction, let's get straight to the point. Every mod I make starts with a lot of thinking about what I want to do. As a rule, I don’t make drawings (but in vain :)), many thoughts come while doing the work. Unfortunately, at the time the mod started, I didn’t think that I would show my work somewhere (on the Internet), so there aren’t very many photos... Well, let’s begin...

Of course, it all started with a search for the system unit case; a damaged case of unknown origin was purchased, which served as the basis of the system unit. The idea was to make a wooden case and, moreover, it would not be embarrassing to show to friends, but since this is my first work, I decided to focus on the classic layout. The hardware was bought all new, here is a list of what was used

CPU Core 2 Duo E8400, 3000 MHz (9 x 333)

Motherboard Asus Maximus Formula

Memory OCZ XTC SLI OCZ2N800SR2G * 2 pcs

Video ATI Radeon HD 3870 (RV670)

Sound adapter Analog Devices AD1988B @ Intel 82801IB ICH9

Sound adapter C-Media CMI8738/C3DX Audio Device

Disk drive ST3500320AS ATA Device (500 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA-II) * 2 pcs

Optical drive TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S202H ATA Device

power unit CHIEFTEC CFT-500-A12S

CPU cooler Noctua NH1-U12P

Fans Thermal Take Cyclo Blue Pattern A2450 * 2pcs

I don't count the numerous LEDs, neon lights, wires, etc. The tools used were those that are available in any carpentry workshop... Unfortunately, I don’t have a Dremel... For now...

Actually, I started by re-gluing the front panel, base and cover of the system unit. The most important thing in carpentry is not to forget the golden rule. measure seven times, then measure again and only then cut, so we’ll cut off all the excess later.

Here is a photo of the future front panel:

I'll make a little clarification. For the top cover and front panel, I re-glued oak panels and drove them to a thickness of about 17-22mm, then glued the slats along the edges. I made markings on the front panel, placing them against the iron frame of the system unit, after which a hole was made for the 120th fan using a ballet dancer and a hand jigsaw. Next we make the side walls from plywood.

The following photos show how the side wall will open. Plus - when you remove the wall it opens good access to all internal components of the system unit, minus – In order to open it completely, you need to move the case away from the wall... Fortunately, you don’t have to open it often...

When the blanks are ready, the fitting of all the parts of the future body to each other begins. And also finishing all sorts of little things...

Subsequently, you should receive a practically assembled body, ready for further processing (grinding, painting)

After some time has passed (there was a lot of work) I begin adjusting the body frame. The thing is that the fans didn't fit in, so I had to cut it a little. Well, since I don’t have a Dremel, we use an angle grinder (don’t forget about Safety precautions)

And cutting off everything that bothered us

Let's start preparing the frame for painting. Due to limited funds, it was decided to limit ourselves to sanding and painting itself...

While the first layer of paint on the side wall is drying, cut out the window (jigsaw, hands) and place the pre-cut glass for gluing

Of course, the painting process takes a lot of time; the intermediate layers need to be sanded ( sandpaper 500-600), paint again, etc. and so on. As a result, we get a frame ready for assembly.

But not all parts of the body are ready for assembly, so we are painting the “wooden component”

For unknown reasons, the painting process itself was not photographed, but I can say that everything was painted with DUFA paint. It was opened 4 times with sanding between layers (grit sandpaper 600-800), then it was opened with varnish 2 times... let's start assembling... Photo For some reason they also weren’t done, I can only note that the assembly took place over 2 months (the motherboard was missing, I was waiting for it to be delivered) While I was in “standby mode” I started working on the power supply.

I inserted blue LEDs, cut out a side window, connected a 7-volt fan... In general, standard procedures aimed at “improving the appearance and performance properties” of this device. The fans in the case are also connected to 7 volts (front) and 5 volts (rear). The USB compartment cover is illuminated, and the computer's power button is also located here.

This made it possible not to place the power button directly on the front panel. The DVD-ROM tray is also illuminated and instead of the opening button there is a reed switch (located right behind the stickers that were later removed :))

And finally the final photos

I’m currently hatching plans in my head to build a case based on the Core i7. And, of course, I hope this is not my last article, I’ve also made a test power supply and a mouse (more like testing the veneer technology).

Did: Mikhail Kopylov

“The need for invention is cunning,” says the old proverb, and computer enthusiasts have never complained about a lack of creativity. Unusual computer cases are one of the manifestations of developed imagination and resourcefulness. These people are not stopped by the fact that after purchasing suitable hardware there was no available funds for a housing for it. “Kulibins” prove that a lack of funds is not an obstacle when assembling a computer. This material about cool PC cases is dedicated to the creations of such creative people.

I bought a case, but didn’t have enough for hardware

There are also situations when you have a high-quality case at hand, but there is nothing to put in it. What to do in such a situation? You can find a set of iron “from the time of dinosaurs” at a flea market, but not everyone will like this approach. Such components make noise, collect dust, consume electricity, and can even break at the wrong moment.

American enthusiasts have developed a Raspberry Pi mini-computer, priced at about $30, which is slightly larger in size than a credit card. The board of this little thing contains a filling comparable to that of an average smartphone, and when installing the Linux OS, such a PC can be used for watching movies, surfing the Internet and other simple tasks. In the example given, just such a computer is installed in a desktop PC case.

The supermarket will help us

Do you have access to old fruit containers at the supermarket or green market? Then you can make a cool PC case for just a hundred rubles. A potato box, some cable ties, and the case is ready.

This PC can be called an example of minimalism and ingenuity rolled into one, but there are stranger computer cases.

All my life I dreamed of a laptop

I want to powerful laptop, but you don’t have enough money, and taking out a loan is not an option? Then a toolbox and a matrix from an LCD monitor come to the rescue. A little ingenuity, and with a flick of the wrist the whole thing turns into a laptop.

Of course, in terms of weight, such a machine will be 2 times heavier than a laptop, and you also need to carry the keyboard and mouse with you. But, of course, this example deserves a place in the selection of the most unusual computer cases.

Making an iMac with your own hands

Apple computers are not cheap, and Lenovo all-in-one computers, although they cost less, are also more expensive than a desktop. But what if you want an all-in-one PC? You can tighten your belt and save up for an iMac, or you can just take the stuffing from a laptop with a broken screen and a desktop monitor. A little double-sided tape, a couple of self-tapping screws - and we’ll meet new model iMac.

For a complete ambience, all that is missing is a bitten apple, as well as a silver color. But this is not a problem either: a trip to the building materials store (for a can of silver) and the grocery store (for a kilogram of apples) can solve the problem. At the same time, vitamins into the body after a long winter.

Another example of how to make a candy bar with your own hands.

Second life of a cardboard box

In the era of the development of online stores, a huge amount of packaging containers in which purchases are delivered gradually accumulates in everyone’s home. Sometimes it’s a shame to throw away good boxes, and the space in the pantry quickly runs out. You can breathe a second life into the box by using it as a PC case. This is especially rational if the brand new hardware in it came from the store.

This approach is very popular among the people; the Internet is replete with pictures showing such unusual computer cases.

If you don’t have time to do handicrafts or if you forgot all the skills learned in labor lessons in elementary school immediately after graduating from school, you don’t even have to bother with scissors and tape.

And that will do. And even like this:

Subtle and tasteful

Sometimes unusual computer cases can pleasantly surprise you. Sometimes this is the fruit of careful work, and in terms of price they are comparable to factory models.

The production of such a case, made in the spirit of minimalism, probably cost several hundred rubles per plexiglass. And considering that all the parts were neatly fitted, the owner also spent more than one hour working on it.

And this is actually a masterpiece, and making such a cool PC case definitely cost the craftsman a pretty penny.

Poor fish

Effective heat dissipation and a stylish look rolled into one also deserve a place in the selection of unusual computer cases. We can only hope that the owner purchased the aquarium specifically for the PC, and the fish did not have to set off on a free voyage.

By the way, if someone wants to repeat this step, they need to take into account that water cannot be poured as a liquid. For these purposes, synthetic or mineral oil, for example, transformer oil, is optimal. In any case, the liquid must be electrically inert.

Computer in a canister

Another example of using outdated containers, this time plastic. Such a machine would fit seamlessly into some fuel warehouse or car service center. There, such a strange computer case would not stand out against the background of the general situation.

Cooling is never too much

This was probably the slogan that guided the owner of this strange computer case made entirely of fans. But such a large number of turntables consume quite a lot; they probably require another power supply. And one can only imagine the noise that rises in the room when such a monster is turned on.

Once and for all

This is exactly what you can call such an unusual computer case. Polyurethane foam is very difficult to remove from surfaces, and if any part fails, you will have to sweat to get to it.

By the way, this is another example of recycling vegetable boxes.

For those who are tired of constant laptop overheating

It seems that the owner of this laptop is tired of constantly cleaning his computer from dust, regularly changing thermal paste and dealing with overheating. Otherwise, why else would there be a need to install a powerful water cooling system on a laptop.

True, it is difficult to call such a design a laptop, because we are not talking about any mobility. That is why this masterpiece of “engineering” was included in the selection of the strangest computer cases.

Most users who have mastered a computer at an amateur level have a hard time imagining a situation when they need to change its case. However, it occurs quite often. For example, you may connect a new power supply to your system, as a result of which the old case simply won’t fit or will become so hot that it becomes impossible to use it. What to do in such a case? The easiest way is to buy a new case, but it is much cheaper and more convenient (and, of course, more interesting) to make it yourself. In this article we will look at how to make a PC case with your own hands.

Types of PC cases and their features

1.Moddle-Tower Form
The most popular type today. Best suited for avid PC enthusiasts and gamers who don't care how a new case fits into their room. But in exchange for a damaged design, they get the chance to use additional hard drives or install several video cards at once. Well, to protect against overheating, it is strongly recommended to install a good ventilation system in such a model.

2.Small Form Factor
The main advantage is its small size, suitable for use at home or in a cramped office where desk space is limited. This is where the advantages of this model end. But there are shortcomings. Firstly, due to the close proximity of parts to each other, the case can become very hot and after some time the entire computer threatens to simply fail. Secondly, you will have to work hard to select components of such a small size and assemble exactly the version of the system that you need.

3.Mini Tower Form
A more rational and powerful (power supply - from 400 W) option than the previous one. Based on such a case, you can equip a normal system with a dual-core processor. It is also suitable for gamers, because it allows you to install a normal video card. However, you will still have to struggle with the details, since many of them will still belong to the same mini-version mentioned above.

4. Big-Tower
The vertical model, extremely bulky (height no less than 50 cm) and voluminous (can accommodate, for example, five hard drives), requires the installation of high-quality ventilation, otherwise it will simply overheat and break. Of course, it is useless for a layman. But for the office, a completely workable option is in the form of a control computer. Also suitable for IT specialists and particularly passionate fans of computer games who install more than three video cards at once.

Advantages of a homemade case:

Often costs less than standard store options.
It can accommodate any filling and additional elements that you want to install on your computer.
It can be made from non-standard materials (let’s assume you are a supporter of environmental cleanliness and definitely want a wooden case).
It is unique and looks the way you want, since in this case you are both a master and a designer at the same time.

DIY computer case. Preparatory stage

Having dealt with the internal space of the planned building, we move on to the second issue of the preparatory stage. It also concerns appearance and functionality: what material to use for the job?

Most often, computer cases are made of steel or aluminum. In this case, in the first case we will get a durable and quieter model, in the second - a lightweight one that does not heat up so quickly. Of course, each option has its drawbacks. Thus, aluminum cases are unstable to mechanical damage and are quite expensive, while steel cases are very heavy.
In addition to metal, you can use wood or plexiglass/acrylic for work. Next, we’ll look at and explain in clear Russian how to make a computer case from these materials.

Making a computer case from wood

Let's consider an option in which the body is made of chipboard. This model is good because it is quite light and versatile, i.e. Inside there are all the necessary components, without bells and whistles. We assemble the case from six walls; there is also a transverse partition in the middle part of the case, which will divide it into two parts. At the top we place video adapters, a motherboard and fans for processors and a video card (there must be several of them, otherwise overheating cannot be avoided!) on the front wall. At the bottom there will be a hard drive (one or more, depending on your desire), a power supply with a fan, a disk drive, a card reader, plus all the drives.

Don't forget about the holes for the connectors of internal devices (for example, a hard drive) with the motherboard! After applying complete preliminary markings and cutting out the holes, you can start designing and cover our body with self-adhesive rubberized film. To avoid problems in places with particularly heavy wear (for example, at wire connection points), it is better to cover the cutouts for holes and drives on top of the film with double-sided foam tape.

The final stage of creation is the installation of a “basket” for hard drives, floppy drives, etc. We make it from plexiglass, and we fix the drives using the same tape on foam rubber. After creating this last part, we begin assembly and after a while we are already admiring the exclusive case we have created.

How to make a computer case from plexiglass

The main disadvantage of this option is the high cost. But from a design point of view, it is very attractive: you can come up with any shape, and even add lighting effects and other innovations.