Custom MATX Case (Project Deadshot)

[lil_blooty]

I have been working on designing my own custom computer case for a while now because i couldn't find anything online that would fit my needs. The idea here is to be able to fit high end parts in the smallest volume possible, while not sacrificing cable management or cooling. The case materials would be a combination of a frame made of steel square tubing (various sizes), 3D printed joints, and a combination of laser-cut aluminum panels and tempered glass. If the project goes as planned, I might start making a few to sell.

 

The project started out of the desire to have a PC that I could use as a media center and gaming rig for my living room. MY friends and I took some old DDR2 parts and a Intel Core 2 Duo and shoved them in an old gutted amp. We liked the form factor so much I figured i'd take a swing at making a legit version.

 

This version of the case is designed to fit an MATX motherboard, full size GPU, ATX PSU, and is built for air cooling at this point.

 

I find myself running out of ideas on what else I need to add or how I can improve the design so any advice would be much appreciated.

 

I will be posting a populated version later.

 

* These are 3D .pdf renders and will need to be opened in Adobe Reader DC.

 

 

MATX Render.pdf

[ProjectBox153]

Looks really good! That's something I would be interested in buying if it was an actual case on the market! Good job!

[EunSoo]

woah, i didn't know you could do that in pdf. Looks great though!

[Not_Sean]

Looks awesome, Only thing i would change drop all three of the small fans, Presuming they 90/80mm ones. They are horrible loud and barely move any air. You would be better off just doing vents above the IO pannel and that the "Top" 120/140mm fan push over the CPU and out the back, it'll be enough airflow easily, Also I'd flip the PSU over as they suck in air from the fan and push it out the back, flipping it would let it draw hot air away from the GPU and shove it out the back, combo that with the large fan infront of the GPU and you'll have great airflow  

[KazerTheKeen]

Personally I think it looks just like a normal case on it's side nothing special apart from being a bit short. And I second the fan suggestion. 

[Not_Sean]

Just now, KazerTheKeen said:

Personally I think it looks just like a normal case on it's side nothing special apart from being a bit short. And I second the fan suggestion. 

kind agree there, a smaller case would be a Itx mb and a PCIe raiser card get it a bit long, but super flat. Do the hdd+SSD underside. do all wood except a tinted glass top looking down onto the now flat GPU and motherboard. 

 

 

 

than RGB the crap out of it  

[SlipperyPete]

22 hours ago, SCGazelle said:

woah, i didn't know you could do that in pdf. Looks great though!

im mad at you. i was super excited for your description. :'( 

[EunSoo]

13 minutes ago, SlipperyPete said:

im mad at you. i was super excited for your description. :'( 

I'm planning on putting something funny/witty in there but I haven't thought of anything yet

[lil_blooty]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Some updated pictures of the suggested edits. Anybody got an idea of a simple way to attach the side panels to the frame? My current plan was to see how well using pop rivets would work. I don't think screws would work because the metal isn't thick enough to get a thread in. The top and bottom panels will be attached by a 3D-printed slot system. Another problem is how to make the graphics card or otherwise mount to the rear panel, any ideas?

 

 

I am also still working on designing a front IO panel with two USB 3.0 type A ports and power switch, as well as a wiring shield for the power supply.

 

 

* I used some models found on GrabCAD for the hard drives, PSU, and fans, for the sake of time and accuracy.

Micro LTT edited.pdf

[EminentSun]

Spoiler

5 hours ago, lil_blooty said:

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Some updated pictures of the suggested edits. Anybody got an idea of a simple way to attach the side panels to the frame? My current plan was to see how well using pop rivets would work. I don't think screws would work because the metal isn't thick enough to get a thread in. The top and bottom panels will be attached by a 3D-printed slot system. Another problem is how to make the graphics card or otherwise mount to the rear panel, any ideas?

 

 

I am also still working on designing a front IO panel with two USB 3.0 type A ports and power switch, as well as a wiring shield for the power supply.

 

 

* I used some models found on GrabCAD for the hard drives, PSU, and fans, for the sake of time and accuracy.

Micro LTT edited.pdf

 

What program are you using for the design?

[lil_blooty]

1 hour ago, EminentSun said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

What program are you using for the design?

Autodesk Inventor Professional 2017 (Student Edition)