How do I build my own computer case?

[benyben]

Hello good people.
Great fun to be here in this inspiring forum.

I am a completer amateur when to this field. I was wondering if I can build my own computer case. Cheap materials will be great. But... how do I even start?

Where would one buy, for example, cheap wood (i was thinking of making the case from wood, assuming it's cheap - but what do I know? I am here to hear what YOU have to say), that would be custom to my chosen size and so on.

In essence, I have this concept in mind about how a computer case SHOULD be like, and since I have some free time on my hands right now, I was thinking - I will just try and built one myself. I know it's not going to be a good one, but i'll learn a thing or two while I am at it, and maybe improve.

THANK YOU ALL for your help

[FlawlessSoul]

To begin with, you'll need to deduce the dimensions for every part of the case (such as drive width, motherboard mount spacing, backplate size, etc.) and then choose your material.

Wood has problems, in that it can warp and change shape. You wouldn't, for example, want to mount your motherboard to a piece of wood. It's the reason most cases that involve wood are cosmetic shells around an internal metal frame. That, and stability and ease of construction. It's a lot easier to build the framework out of metal and add wood panels to the outside than try and apply joinery to such an endeavour.

Acrylic is a much better construction material, especially for your first go.

Your best bet, however, is likely to start with a cheap case and mod it (with wood or acrylic panels, for example) instead of building one from scratch.

[x509]

Originally Posted by FlawlessSoul

To begin with, you'll need to deduce the dimensions for every part of the case (such as drive width, motherboard mount spacing, backplate size, etc.) and then choose your material.

Wood has problems, in that it can warp and change shape. You wouldn't, for example, want to mount your motherboard to a piece of wood. It's the reason most cases that involve wood are cosmetic shells around an internal metal frame. That, and stability and ease of construction. It's a lot easier to build the framework out of metal and add wood panels to the outside than try and apply joinery to such an endeavour.

Acrylic is a much better construction material, especially for your first go.

Your best bet, however, is likely to start with a cheap case and mod it (with wood or acrylic panels, for example) instead of building one from scratch.

On another board, hardforum, there is a section devoted to cases. There is at least one interesting thread there about building a wooden case from scratch. The guy is a highly skilled woodworker. My guess is that he is either a finish carpenter or a cabinetmaker.

Moderator: I hope I'm not breaking any rules of this forum by mentioning another forum.

[Wired]

Nothing wrong with mentioning http://www.hardforum.com :)

[x509]

Originally Posted by Wired

Nothing wrong with mentioning http://www.hardforum.com :)

Thanks!