Briefcase PC questions

Kerrrrrpity

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Mar 1, 2014
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What's up guys, I have a couple of questions and I want to thank you for at least reading this.
To begin explaining, I want to make a briefcase pc alike to this:
http://hackedgadgets.com/2008/12/14/computer-in-a-briefcase/
The only problem I am having, is that I want to components inside to be safe and secured properly. I know I have plenty of room inside of the briefcase, I jsut need to figure out how to SAFELY secure the insides and to make sure the components don't jiggle, get loosened, etc.
I want to know if anyone knows the following, and if you do, thanks!
What is a safe material to line the inside of the briefcase with? I would imagine whatever a pc case is made out of is the best option, but I have no idea what that is.... I need to line the bottom where the components go.
How would I mount a monitor to the top part of the briefcase? At first I was like, just super glue it. Then I thought that was a very bad idea. So then I tried to check the monitor for any ability to screw it into place, and I wasn't sure. My final idea was to get epoxy and stick it on there, and again, sounds like a bad idea. What do you guys think? I need to keep it secure as possible, so no jiggling off the top piece is ideal (lol).
I don't mind part suggestions, but keep in mind that the parts that show up as 0.00 are already purchased, and I intend to use them.
My build:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/32oZX
Thanks for reading! :D

(Wasn;t sure where to post this, so I chose components. Sorry if it is in the wrong locations.)
 
Solution
Mechanical advice is a little difficult without knowing your available tools or skill set.

Most PC cases are made of mid-grade sheet steel.

Personally I would de-bezel the monitor and fit the panel in neatly without having it stick out of the case. I would probably just secure it with sheet metal Z-shaped clips/brackets. Metal tie-strap is going to be your friend for a lot of this. Double stick tape could be used for light duty stuff like the SSD mounting.

Any moisture resistant non-conductive material would serve to have the motherboard in contact with it. Though they are designed not to be in contact except at their standoff points. If there is room, install standoffs.

Eximo

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Mechanical advice is a little difficult without knowing your available tools or skill set.

Most PC cases are made of mid-grade sheet steel.

Personally I would de-bezel the monitor and fit the panel in neatly without having it stick out of the case. I would probably just secure it with sheet metal Z-shaped clips/brackets. Metal tie-strap is going to be your friend for a lot of this. Double stick tape could be used for light duty stuff like the SSD mounting.

Any moisture resistant non-conductive material would serve to have the motherboard in contact with it. Though they are designed not to be in contact except at their standoff points. If there is room, install standoffs.
 
Solution

GinoPalma

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Jan 28, 2014
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...And they don't perform nearly as well as desktops at the same price. Plus, bragging rights.
 

GinoPalma

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Jan 28, 2014
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...And they don't perform nearly as well as desktops at the same price. Plus, bragging rights.
 

GinoPalma

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Jan 28, 2014
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Here's what the best thing to do would be. Get a lot of a material such as wood or plastic. You should get probably 0.25" acrylic or if you can spend more money polycarbonate and if none of those are options, plywood. You will need some way to cut it to specific dimensions that would be around the size of a brief case such as a scroll saw, band saw, or even a jigsaw. You would connect the pieces with screws or glue. The material would be built like a case and have the holes drilled to line up with the motherboard. It would be best to design according to the parts you system has not to be versatile. Common configurations for custom cases like this is placing the PSU in line with the motherboard instead of extending downward. You would mechanically fasten a handle and have joints and a lock for the opening part. For the fans you would cut squares for the air to flow (this could be done with a dremel or combining multiple small pieces). Also since you could make it out of clear plastic, you should add led's and stuff to make it look badass. Imagine what you're friends or whoever would think when they saw a clear briefcase with a computer and lights and shit in it.
 

Kerrrrrpity

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Mar 1, 2014
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\

Uhm, sorry to ask, but i'm not quite sure where to find the sheet metal clips, and I don't knwo what a standoff point is. Could you explain please? :)

 

Eximo

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Go to your local hardware store. In the 'hardware' section. They should have raw sheet metal. Pipe strap comes in rolls (essentially flimsy erector set / mechano). And tons of other bits you might find useful to just buy rather then make.

You'll need something like a hacksaw, or preferably a good pair of tin snips to cut the metal. Should be thin enough to bend by hand over a table edge if you need right angles. But a small hammer can do wonders when struck against a hard surface (vice or workbench here)

Here is a video of a guy using Tin Snips (though he calls them aviation snips) http://home-tools.wonderhowto.com/how-to/cut-metal-with-aviation-snips-265271/

A drill, set of drill bits, etc, your screw drivers of course, rulers, and squares, and all kinds of things are needed to do some of the basic things in building.

I wouldn't use wood in a computer case as a structural component. It is effected by temperature, moisture, and is a really good insulator when dry. This can lead to static build up. At a minimum, glue aluminum foil to it to make a ground plane.

Stand offs are the little pegs the motherboard sits on in a standard case. Some cases just have little raised sections with threaded holes. http://www.overclock.net/t/1104349/the-official-cooler-master-storm-trooper-storm-stryker-club/1900

 
the point was these "briefcase" PCS were sort of useful... way back in 2008. and that is the OPs source.... 2008. I want to cry for him. we are in 2014. this would be a straight up joke now. even if you tried to be serious with it. everyone would laugh. histericaly
 

Eximo

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It has limited utility today, but that doesn't invalidate the entertainment or learning value of the project.

And even ten+ years ago 'lan party' cases and mini atx and micro atx boards were available for the 'mobile' desktop gamer. And yes, companies like Clevo have customizable laptop chassis with some desktop hardware.
 

Kerrrrrpity

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Mar 1, 2014
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Excuse me, Unksol, for wanting to have to power of a pc in portable form. Every single person I have brought the idea up with have pretty much said it was really cool, and would love to have something alike to it. About laptops, they are NOTHING compared with a desktop gaming pc. Nothing. I would rather spend 1 grand on a breifcase build than on an over priced, under powered laptop. And I am to be laughed at for wanting my own one of a kind portable computer? Also to your comment of "Cant google a standoff" I did. I came back to find an answer to my question here. ANYWAYS. I have decided to change a couple of parts, found out exactly what I really need, and will start building up my budget now. Thanks for anyone who were willing to help.

Also, why bother posting if you're jsut going to criticize? Go somewhere else with your negative attitude. I don't believe briefcase computers are remotely out of date. I am sick and tired of my computer not being portable, it takes up a lot of space, and the briefcase pc solution solves all of that. I also don't believe it has limited utility. It is EXACTLY the same thing as a normal computer, except with all the parts built together and arranged in a different way. Anyways, if you feel the need to respond, go ahead, idc. I'm picking the best solution to my questions though. Thanks Eximo.