My Rackmount Project

[mark73]

My Rackmount Project - Now with pictures

Yep, as titled im building a pc for rackmount and recording purposes eventually. Im also trying to see how cheaply i can do it to a reasonable standard.

So, basically i bought the case on ebay, some people advised me not to but i got it for next to nothing so i went for it. Its a bit of a state but with a bit of creativity, time and effort i reckon it could be good.

As for internals thats a long way down the line, but i do want some suggestions on how to really make it look good along with other things.

I would like advice/suggestion/info on the following:

• Electronics ie Power switch,reset switch,leds.
  
• Soundproofing it ie is there any cheap material that will do the job rather than the expensive sheets
  
• Cooling - Will explain that more when i get to it
  
• Case lighting ie thinking of brightening it up abit - any ideas
  

And probably some more when i think of it.

Currently it needs some patching up at the back a little (no problem) and a damn good clean.

This may seem like a bit of a pikey idea trying to do it on the cheap but it really is just for fun and so i can practice all these things and get a pc out of it.

Hit me with your comments.

 

[deathwish]

any pics

 

[PV5150]

I would like advice/suggestion/info on the following:

* Electronics ie Power switch,reset switch,leds.

* Soundproofing it ie is there any cheap material that will do the job rather than the expensive sheets

* Cooling - Will explain that more when i get to it

* Case lighting ie thinking of brightening it up abit - any ideas

Certainly sounds like an interesting project.

Seeing as it's going to be rack mounted I'm guessing that it will be somewhere easily accessible? Can you post us a pic of the rack mount case so I can get the creative juices happening?

Cheap offcuts of sound deadening material are quite often available on ebay for very little outlay. They are usually leftovers from studio fit-outs and come in reasonable sized pieces that would be perfect for your application.

 

[mark73]

Sorry forgot to put about pictures. Here they are.

This is what it was like when i got it.

And this is what its like now after a quick clean. Amazing what a hoover and cloth can do.

They basically show what it looks like from the front. The paint is chipped a bit but i have ideas for that anyway.

Thats what it looks like with the door open

A close up of the control panel bit. There are 2 LEDs for the two holes as well but thats one of the things i would like to make a whole lot better. Wouldnt mind getting some better buttons and lights for that bit and then obviously the drives to the right.

The front bit from above.

Finally, the back. You can see where the previous owner had cut a part out but i think that will be easily sorted.

If you want pics of any other bits then shout and i hope these give you all an idea for what its like.

Also i will check out ebay for soundproofing.

 

[mark73]

Update - Getting the case painted properly as i have the chance to have it done for free. Im going to get it done completely black so it all looks fresh and all the bits match.

Also got some gold mesh to fill the gap at the back. I have just installed an old motherboard that i may use anyway and am now figuring out how the mesh will fit around the back plate. Also a couple other bits i might use the mesh on.

Could do with some suggestions for a new power button, reset switch and LED's in the front bit. (6th Picture above)

Really i want just a single push button so i can power it up and it can turn its self off. Also want a more modern looking reset switch and likewise with the 2 led's. If anyone knows what i can use that would be great (should be able to get those bits easily seeing as i work at maplins).

 

[FarFarAway]

Looking good mate

Get a bulgin switch, they're nice

 

[equk]

Looks like an old AT case

I live in near you also, the project sounds interesting.

I got offered some 1U/2U & 3U systems a while ago for £100 the cases were prob worth more.

I might be able to get hold of some Rackmount cases & Cabs. Not sure how much for or when tho I know we had some, not sure if they've gone now tho. Prob got put in skip lol

 

[equk]

I just thought, do you have a cab for it?

If not, then why choose a rackmount case?

 

[mark73]

I just thought, do you have a cab for it?

If not, then why choose a rackmount case?

Basically, no i dont have a cab for it yet but when it is all finished i hope to use it for recording meaning i will need a rack mount audio interface and other rack mount bits so i figured it may be easier to put it all in one rack together. Not only that but i just wanted to make it interesting !

 

[mark73]

Looking good mate

Get a bulgin switch, they're nice

Cheers, had a look at bulgin switch, there quite pricey, but nice !

Any suggestions for reset switches and LEDs ?

 

[FarFarAway]

Well various companies do modding items like that, try Kustom PCs

 

[mark73]

Im thinking maybe something like this for the power button ?

And possibly some of these if i cant find anything a little more interesting ?

But still cant decide on much for a reset switch

 

[mark73]

Its been a while, but i have finally got round to having the case sprayed and got it back today. Its now all black and loooks tidier to be honest. Also decided to go with the button and leds above so got them fitted to.

Now thats done i need to decide on a Mobo. Been looking about and considering going down the 939 route. I know i would have to get a board second hand but i can get a processor for a good price.

Been looking at an Asus A8N-SLI SE which seems to be pretty good with the right amount of pci slots.

How does this sound, thinking of putting it with an Athlon 4000 ?

Hit Me !

 

[FarFarAway]

Mebbe get a cheapo X2 and the A8N?

 

[Rastalovich]

Scan had some cheap x2 939 going last month, they are about still.

Dood, need more pics ! lol

Does sound like an interesting project. I like this kind of mods - with pics

(u`ll get used to the nagging for pics )

 

[mark73]

Yeh, pics will be up.

How much were those dual cores ? The one i mentioned above is £30 which sounded pretty good to me. And would it make a huge difference.

Im guessing the Asus mobo will be ok then too.

Heres my plan so far:

Asus A8N

Amd 3700 or 4000 939

128mb or 256mb graphics card (nothing fancy)

1 (maybe 2) gb ram

60gb IDE HDD (already got if it works) for O/S and Programs

Secondry HDD for all the files/documents

Black CD/RW drive

Hows that sound ?

 

[mark73]

Heres a couple of quick pictures that i took, there not great but kind of show how its looking.

Just need to get some bits now !

Excuse the DVD drive, i will be getting a black one instead.

Also got some new fans coming that i bought off of Kempez.

 

[FarFarAway]

Fans...that reminds me

 

[ionicle]

that looks well good

 

[mark73]

Thanks Ionicle...it should be good when its done.