Wood case... kinda

[porina]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004SKU19S/

 

I've ordered one of the above to use as an outdoor computer case. Essentially it is a wooden box, but that makes it easier for me to modify. The goal is to have some of my compute power (sometimes mining, sometimes other things) outdoors where I can run it without my house heating excessively. Particularly handy during warmer months where currently I have to shut down.

 

Random thoughts:

 

Reviews on build quality vary. Once I get it, I might have to modify it to be stronger and ensure it will be rainproof. I'm thinking of painting it white to help reflect heat as it will be hit by sun at times.

 

Cooling is of course very important. I'm thinking four of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M2X9K7C/ arranged two up, to down, with fans on the upper ones set to extract. I will aim to re-use spare 120mm or 140mm case fans, whatever is spare and/or fits better. I note my hole saws go from 57mm to 86mm... 86mm obviously being rather small still. Maybe drilling four 57mm holes in a square-like pattern would be better?

 

Power will come in a single cable, which will also be the limit to how much I might run out there. As much as I dislike them, I'm thinking of using my spare powerline ethernet adapters to save putting another hole in the wall. They weren't very reliable when I ran them across the whole house. I'm thinking, with strategic placement of mains filters, maybe I could contain the signal over the segment needed and that'll help. That or I'll try a wifi access point in reverse, as I think I still have ok signal where this will be.

 

They will be run headless. Pretty much set and forget.

[Guest]

That is a cool idea.

[porina]

Just now, Almostbauws said:

That is a cool idea.

We shall see... it can't go any worse than my idea to use a tent

[Anghammarad]

The worst thing that could happen is "SizZle" ... or the hardware moves on it's own accord to someone who keeps it warmer =) 

 

You should also keep an eye on the temps, not letting it get too cold, else SiZZle will happen due to condensation when parts heat up in the cold.

[porina]

3 minutes ago, Anghammarad said:

The worst thing that could happen is "SizZle" ... or the hardware moves on it's own accord to someone who keeps it warmer =) 

Security is considered and not a concern.

3 minutes ago, Anghammarad said:

You should also keep an eye on the temps, not letting it get too cold, else SiZZle will happen due to condensation when parts heat up in the cold.

I've gone through the condensation argument to death on my tent thread. As long as the system remains running continuously, it wont be a problem. Too cold isn't likely to be a problem. Too hot is a much bigger problem, as summer outdoor temps may reach 30C without the sun helping.

 

I'm also more worried that two extraction fans might not be enough, depending on how much stuff I put inside it. Shouldn't be too hard to expand it if becomes a problem.

[Bananasplit_00]

yah il probably make some sort of box so i can keep my mining outside as well, the kitchen isnt optimal tbh  

[porina]

Step 1 complete - assembling the thing as supplied. Looks pretty much like the picture on the box. It was as simple as screwing it together. Holes were pre-drilled on some pieces, and self tapped into the other part.

 

The lid came as a single pre-assembled piece, and overhangs all the sides by a couple inches or so. The wood has been treated with some kind of preserative, and is quite pungent. Now assembled I'll leave it in my garage until the next step, and maybe the smell will die down a bit. I'm also wondering if that treatment will give me trouble if I want to paint over it?

I didn't fit the supplied inner shelves as I intend to put in my own layout later, once I decided what that will be. There is a good amount of space in there. It could use a little more strength as it flexes a bit in a left-right direction as pictured. Hopefully once I put in shelves that'll make it more rigid.

Overall it isn't as bad as it could be, but it is nothing special for the price. The front door was always going to be interesting. The hinge side is tight up to the side, but the other 3 sides of the door have quite a gap. I'm thinking of putting in an extra piece of wood inside such that the door can seal to that when closed.

[porina]

Drilling the vent holes... I'm using a cordless drill with a hole cutter. Suffice to say, the battery didn't last long. I only did the first set and marked out the 2nd.

 

After filing out the remaining wood a bit, here's a test fitment. The vents also have a mesh filter which is not fitted for now.

 

And the view from the inside.

 

I got the drill battery pack on charge now and maybe will do a 2nd set today. Maybe I should get a 2nd pack. The location I'm working at isn't near power.

[porina]

3

Painted the back and sides of the enclosure now. Looking good? I'm leaving the front for now as I'm debating what to do with the hinges. The existing ones have no security and can easily be removed from the outside. I did buy a new lockable bolt to fit, but that doesn't help with the hinges.