Wood case is complete! UPDATED: More pictures added!

Finally finished the custom case I have been working on Here are some pics. Wiring isn't fully complete due to the fact that I have a new OCZ psu waiting for me in my University package room. I don't have pics of it up and running, but the UV lights look amazing and when the lights are off you can't even tell there is a side on it.

Temps are also unbelievable. CPU temps dropped 3-4C but my system temp dropped 7-9C and my PWM temp (a problem spot on this mobo) dropped an amazing 12-20C! Under load the PWM used to hit about 85C after a few hours under prime, now the highest it got was 65C and there isn't even a fan blowing directly on it. I may add one in later, but Abit support said not to worry if it is under 110C
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Added these pictures. Discussion of these begins top of page 6 where the pictures are linked to again.
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Thanks I will post some better pics once I get my new PSU all routed beautifully and set up. There is not a single wire left unsleeved in the entire case right now and there never will be.

Thanks! I honestly don't know how long the whole thing took, it was quite awhile. It was built totally from a design of mine in this thread. That being said, everything was guesswork and a lot of time was spent pondering how everything was going to work BEFORE cutting into my expensive wood

Does it float?

FANTASTIC. I would buy one.

Very, very nice! That is is one sharp looking case, I'd be proud to show it off on the internet! When you get it all completely finished, up and running, please show us more pictures!

Very Sweet case, Well Done.

This is one nice case, craftsmanship is excellent and you should be very proud of it.

It get my vote for best case. 1st Place

Finally a case for a Media Center PC. Matches my Oak Entertainment Center.

So, sell your case for $$$ and make a new one.


My idea is to make a glass fish tank case with teh components sealed inside. so it looks like its under water... and of course... fishys...

That would be awesome if you paint them components outside to match the wooden case.

Just amazing.....

I WANT!!!!!!

Thanks guys! I got the tubing at Performance-pcs.com but found it for under $1 per foot at voyeurmods.com which isn't a site anymore apparently.

I thought about using thin wood paneled wallpaper sort of stuff to cover the drive housings, but somewhat liked the looks of the brushed aluminum inside.

Yes, it has a window. Front side is 100% clear and slides in from the top, backside is 80% smoked plexi but when the lights are off you can see the UV glow very easily, but nothing else. Looks pretty cool.

Thanks for a quick reply.

Keep us posted. Keep the pictures coming when all is done with the side panels.

very cool man.

oh and is your mma fight still on next month?

Saturday the 20th. Will let you know how it goes if I remember. Thanks again for all the positive feedback guys! I really want to get some pics of the *complete* project as the others don't quite justify it.

dude you should. how much do materials run you?

Can you show how you attached the MB inside and how the drive rails and such are attached? How about that PSU, how is it attached? Its a great looking case. Did you steal from another case to get your buttons to turn it off and on?

Your case = L33t. Nuff said.

It looks amazing!!
great job
post more pics plz!!
That case roX

wow, I thought I was the only mma fighter in pc forums
Same nickname on Sherdog?

wow, I thought I was the only mma fighter in pc forums
Same nickname on Sherdog?

cool you to huh.

man some of those sherdoggers are very inmature.
compared to thg or techreport and some other forums.

I am only a lurker at Sherdog. I never have anything to say that isn't going to get bashed to the ground by immature fakers or some guy hiding behind post count.

Materials cost about $150 mostly because I destroyed my Antec SuperLanboy in the process.

Yes, I can take out any pieces I want, everything is interchangeable including mobo/hdd/dvd burner etc. Only thing is I don't know if a different radiator will fit the way this one does as the box was cut to 3/16" longer than the current rad.

Mobo tray and drive rails are just screwed in using brass screws, nothing fancy. PSU is mounted on what I would call *tacky* tape and a secret suction cup underneath to prevent it from sliding around. Saving the details of that one to reveal later if I don't decide to build a few more for sale I can say that it is incredibly solid and I wouldn't hesitate to turn it upside down.

With the airflow I have, I don't think wood would cause a heat issue but I will probably never know as it was designed to be a water cooled rig

Weight? Not sure? Not any heavier than a big steel case full of water and a heavy PSU. 50 lbs? I may weigh it sometime, got me curious.

The time will come...

Very nice work. Beautiful finish. Are you sure you are not a cabinetmaker at heart.

I note that you have not included any extra cutout points for additional optical drives.

If you do decide to make another case out of wood, I would suggest that you consider using Birds-eye Maple (domestic North American - get the stuff with complex pattern) ) with Purpleheart (South American import - very hard, very dense, beautiful deep purple) trim. Use a plain oil, matt or satin, finish to bring out the colour and patterns.

I don't know where you are located, so the following URL will most likely be useful only as a reference point for what the woods look like. There are similar stores in the US.

For any number of very interesting hardwoods, this is a store that is very good: http://www.exotic-woods.com/

Birds eye maple was going to be the wood of choice, but my local shop had nothing in 10" wide and all 8" wide was knotted and not as pretty as I would like. Thanks for the tips! I don't know if I am going to build another, I probably will as it was fun and a learning experience.

Sir, I know there is a camera crew that records all fights and sells a DVD for like $15 or something that they mail to your house, I will find out the name and see if they post any teaser clips on the web or anything like that.

Fights are called "Battle at the Barn" promoted by UCS (Ultimate Combat Sports) by my sisters boyfriend and girlfriend lives with them.

cool pm me when you have more info and ill buy a dvd or whatever.