Felipe La RottaToday, blog visitor MacMarty15221 commented about his plans to build a Windows PC on a small case, to troubleshoot his customer’s hard drives “on the field”.
Thanks to his comment I remembered one of my favorite projects, made some years ago (2007). I hope you can get ideas and inspiration for your personal project.
Note the speakers at each side of the screen
Keyboard and mouse are stored separately
DVD-RW Unit
With disc removed
This unit is not battery operated, but that problem is compensated by its high power, low price and extremely easy repair/update. Buying a laptop with similar RAM / processor is very expensive, and repairing or updating it is a nightmare.
Aperture Laboratories, hell yeah!
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Project Background
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Back in 2007 I desperately needed mobility, but I had no money for buying my own laptop. That’s why I decided to modify my existing desktop computer.
Ingredients:
- Desktop Computer
- LCD Screen
- Suitable case
Various: Screwdrivers, soldering iron, dremel, zip ties, utility knife, six pack of beer, music
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Construction: PSU Modification
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The first obstacle was the power supply, as you are about to see
The problem is pretty obvious: the fan is horizontal, but the only free air available is at the top.
So here is my patented, amazing, magical solution! (just kidding, you know)
Tah dah!
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How to cut the case
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The case was a very nice wood toolbox. The interior was covered with foam, and the exterior with a very thin (almost insignificant) metal layer .
Measure how big the holes should be. Mark with a sharpie
Proceed to cut. The dremel is the most clean and predictable method, but if you don’t have one an utility knife will work.
Here’s another example
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LCD Modification
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This LCD screen is special for me. I was the first among my friends to have one, back in 2003. Compaq 1501 TFT
Cover removed
The only problem with my specific screen was the VGA female plug. It was too tall to fit
After many unsuccessful tries to desolder the plug, I just destroyed it and soldered the wires in place. I hope you’ll choose a more decent method
The electrical connections are very simple, but I can expand the topic if you need more help
PS: As december 2010, the screen is still working. Backlight sometimes blink, but damn thing is strong like a tank!
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Mounting the screen
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FELA helped me with a very clever and elegant method to hold the screen in place. Thank you my friend!
Check the height before closing the lid, you don’t want to smash the LCD into the other parts
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The cover
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The best way to cover the systems is a wire mesh.
(Notice the speaker layout on that early build. Very ugly monaural sound)
Finished unit (at that time)
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Improvements
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Well, is not a real “Mark II version”, because I’ve made many modifications and improvements to my computer since 2007.
Mom helped with the cloth, simply beautiful work
As I said, updating or repairing the system is extremely easy.
New ASUS board. State-of-the-art (at 2008)
AMD Phenom X4
One of the most important changes was the DVD-RW unit. I have modified the device, replacing the loading method.
And the rest is history.
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Finished work
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This is how it looks today, hooked up to a bigger modern screen.
If you have any question feel free to leave a comment
¿Por qué decidió dejar el teclado por fuera?
Q: Why did you leave the keyboard outside?
¿Por qué decidió dejar el teclado por fuera?
A: Mostly two reasons: insufficient space, and ergonomics
OMG this is awesome!! great job! I feel like building one now.
Thank you very much Atomsoft! If I can help you with something just tell me
OMG, it looks expensive!
Do you think so? I’m glad about that!
But it wasn’t very expensive. if you already have the desktop computer, the screen and the tools, actually the most expensive part is the wire mesh (they don’t sell small pieces, you are forced to buy the huge spool).
OMG! Amazing project! I can finally do something with a briefcase i got once
Just some questions, do you have any issues with overheating? would it help if i make some opening in the base to let air enter? because i was thinking in covering it with wood instead of the wire mesh. or would it help if i install some small fans in the base? and what about the screen? would it help if i make a vent in there?
Muchas gracias PanaLucho!!!
The LCD screen works great, and it’s 7 years old. Leave some space between the circuit board and the case wall. It flickered a bit on very hot (tropical) climates. But here in Bogotá (cold-template) worked like a charm.
With the mesh, opening more holes is unnecessary because air enters from the top opening. But if you are planning to cover all the thing with wood… well, that’s another story! The only problem with the mesh is the dust acummulation, but if you fasten it with screws it’s extremely easy to take out and clean.
About the fans… Everything depends of your specific briefcase, computer and taste. Forget the wood (for a moment) and try a cardboard box. Try various fan configurations until you are satisfied with the result. I leave you some tips I learnt:
1)Avoid opening too much holes, or the briefcase will lose structural integrity.
2) More fans mean more noise, and the computer will be pretty close to your ears
3) If the fans annoy you, you can slow down the RPMs using a PWM circuit
Any other question feel free to ask
u r a creative man,ur work is owesome. i also want to make my PC portable.but i have some questions like ..overheating? shaking damage? wt about airflow if we r in hot area zone?
cud u plz send me some more pics and suggestions to understand ur work. i shall be thankful to for this.i m too much to do like U. thanx bro