Drawer PC - Cad Needed

[Jtalk4456]

Ok so I DO know how to use cad, that's not why I'm asking for help. I work at a call center for those who don't know, and there's a pretty strict IT policy set up. I can visit certain websites, but I'm limited, I can't download files or install anything. I have no time once I get home with 4 kids and plenty of time while i'm here due to a low call volume (12-15 calls per day when busy), so I'm trying to use the time I've got to work on my design. I can't download autocad and a bunch of component image files, so i'm left with browser based drawing sites with little control for measurements and I suck at drawing with a mouse freehand. So forgive the crappy quality, I will find some time and make a proper cad model when I have time, but for the moment, this is the initial design for a PC that goes in a drawer. I am just trying to fit things in logically, but I've never taken on case design before so tell me if something won't work

 

[AlexTheGreatish]

In this situation it sounds like that a notebook with graph paper in it could be your best option.  Then you'll be able to fairly easily get some scale, write down the thoughts you have during the day, and not have to worry about the firewall.  I also strongly recommend a four colour pen.

 

As for the current case setup it looks fine to me, the most annoying part will be the back if you want an IO shield and such, although if its in a drawer that might not be required.  Also take into account strain relief on the cables if it needs to open.

[Jtalk4456]

8 minutes ago, AlexTheGreatish said:

In this situation it sounds like that a notebook with graph paper in it could be your best option.  Then you'll be able to fairly easily get some scale, write down the thoughts you have during the day, and not have to worry about the firewall.  I also strongly recommend a four colour pen.

 

As for the current case setup it looks fine to me, the most annoying part will be the back if you want an IO shield and such, although if its in a drawer that might not be required.  Also take into account strain relief on the cables if it needs to open.

I definitely was thinking about strain relief, not sure the best method though. As for pen and paper, I work in a call center, so not allowed. In the back I'm considering a metal mesh so there's still a back, but plenty of airflow, and I can use a magnetic dust cover on it. I'm trying to figure out how and if I will integrate the i/o shield. Any ideas?

[AlexTheGreatish]

4 minutes ago, Jtalk4456 said:

I definitely was thinking about strain relief, not sure the best method though. As for pen and paper, I work in a call center, so not allowed. In the back I'm considering a metal mesh so there's still a back, but plenty of airflow, and I can use a magnetic dust cover on it. I'm trying to figure out how and if I will integrate the i/o shield. Any ideas?

If its at the back and well hidden I probably wouldn't even bother with an IO shield, getting a perfectly sized hole is really difficult unless you have a mill or laser cutter, you will need something to hold the psu in place (maybe just 3M double sided tape tho

[Jtalk4456]

Just now, AlexTheGreatish said:

If its at the back and well hidden I probably wouldn't even bother with an IO shield, getting a perfectly sized hole is really difficult unless you have a mill or laser cutter, you will need something to hold the psu in place (maybe just 3M double sided tape tho

I'm not too worried about the PSU mount, I was going to screw it in through the mesh same as you would through holes in the case. As for the I/O shield, I have a lot of woodworking and metal working experience so I think I can get the hole right, I think I'll just cut a hole in the mesh and wrap a wire around the hole that the shield will snap into. The hard part there will be lining it up with where it's sitting vertically off the bottom of the drawer so that there's no twisting/angling to get it set in there and no pressure on the io itself. I might just skip that whole part and cut out the frame from an existing case. It will not look as good but it will be more precise that way and easier. As for the general design itself, I'm assuming I need to use motherboard mounts to get it off the surface of the bottom of the drawer and I'll need a hole in the tray so I can mount aio cooler brackets if necessary. Are there any other considerations you can think of?

[AlexTheGreatish]

20 minutes ago, Jtalk4456 said:

~snip~

Cutting out the frame of an existing case could be a good idea, it also will give support to the GPU as a bonus.  If you don't do that you'll need something to hold up the GPU, maybe like on an Open Bench Table.  I've had success putting 6/32 threaded inserts into a piece of wood for the mobo standoffs, it a pretty simple but it works.  

[Jtalk4456]

1 hour ago, AlexTheGreatish said:

Cutting out the frame of an existing case could be a good idea, it also will give support to the GPU as a bonus.  If you don't do that you'll need something to hold up the GPU, maybe like on an Open Bench Table.  I've had success putting 6/32 threaded inserts into a piece of wood for the mobo standoffs, it a pretty simple but it works.  

Thanks for the info! I didn't even think about the GPU support