Cardboard Computer Case :)

[amuffin]

Is it possible to make a card board computer case? Has anyone done it? Would it be worth trying to attempt?

 

[deadjon]

Yes it is possible, people use Cardboard for test benches as they dont short out the Mobo.

In fact, I think there is a project log somewhere on Toms where somebody did this as a testbench. The Mobo was attached to a peice of thick cardboard much like it would be to a normal Case, and the cardboard was upright. They were using a huge external Rad and watercooling. It looked awesome, there were decals and drawings allover, and the cardboard ended up looking immense with the designs.

 

[amuffin]

Nice! How much cardboard do you think I would need to make an mid tower atx case?

 

[Pyree]

http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/asus-turns-motherboard-packaging-into-a-pc-case-2011033/

I suggest get as much info on this box to study before making your own.

Also, a cardboard case by Lupo Japan a while back:

http://www.techimo.com/forum/pc-modification/62812-how-bout-cardboard-case.html

Should give you an idea on how much cardboard you need and also some idea on how your box fold up.

Those information will give you a good start.

 

[amuffin]

Do you think 2 case boxes and 5 pretty big card board boxes will work? Trying to make this actualy look like a computer case, not just a box :S

 

[Pyree]

I think that will be enough cardboard to build a cardboard case.

 

[AdrianPerry]

Whatever you do just make sure you use cardboard tough enough to hold the weight of the components. You don't want it to all come crashing down when you start connecting up the GPU ect!

Make sure to get some pics up though or create a "build-log" if you go ahead with the idea! I would be interested to see it

 

[joedastudd]

Like AdrianPerry says component weight will be an issue.
I could also see it being a pain in the neck to clean, but as a temporary solution it would be pretty awesome.

 

[amuffin]

Though is there a chance of the components catching on fire when I turn it on?

 

[buzznut]

Though is there a chance of the components catching on fire when I turn it on?

Yes, a minimal risk of fire hazard. Components that get hot will need to be cooled, fans being the best option. I've actually seen a number of cardboard cases, I recall an old issue of CPU mag that had one that a guy built on his wall.
Over this last summer my buddy built one mainly to house some fans. Used it to cool his work station. But really, one can build one fairly safely. Just remember you still have to worry about things like air flow and stuff.
GL

 

[megamanx00]

It's fine to do with low power components. There are even a few pizza box PCs out there.

http://www.techchee.com/2007/12/20/pizza-box-pc-case-mod/

I don't know if that's the one made with a VIA C7 or not. Basically you can do it with lower power components like an AMD C-50 or something. If you want to use midrange components it's a bit more difficult and you have to make sure that no single point can get hot enough to start burning. I definitely would do it with low power parts, but I definitely would not do it with mid range, let alone high end, parts.

 

[Pyree]

Not too worry about fire. The autoignition point of paper is actually quite high (at leaset not the sort of temperature you will see in a working computer case). But it is flameable, so keep ignition source out (spark caused by short circut can be a hazard). I think you are sensible enough to not make spark with your components right amuffin?

 

[amuffin]

What about lining the sides with thin foam?

 

[Pyree]

I think static risk will be high.

If ASUS is ok with cardboard as temp case, you should be fine (as long as you don't wet it or use a crappy PSU with exploding capacitor making big spark and set the paper on fire).

 

[amuffin]

I think I will first start with some older components just to see if everything works, I'll post pics on my progress (assuming if I even do this in the first place)