Making my own ATX test bench case

[Division]

Hello!

 

So the project started as I was trying to find a Dimastech Mini or similar nice looking, simple and sturdy test bench for my PC.

Didn't want the cables hanging out, didnt need room for 360 radiator or millions of harddrives.

Dimastech was too hard to find, and nothing else looked like what I wanted so time to DIY.

 

I work as a service engineer fixing and maintaining laser machines (cutting and welding), and I also do cam/cam programming traning and support for our customers. So all I needed to do was open the software and start designing.

Few days later, the first prototype! Cut from 3mm mild steel so its heavy, built like a tank, and easy to paint!  

 

 

 

mATX FM2 setup (my garage pc) installed for testing purposes...

 

Case itself weighs 4,3kg (9,5lbs), so it is really stable also in "service mode". Even with heavy gpu!

 

PSU, HDD and SSD installed.

 

I added places for sata 90 degree bolt on connectors to use as "hotswap", or if you just want to display your SSD.  

 

 

There are holes cut and tapped for M3 threaded rod to use as support for PCI-e cards like in Open benchtable, I just didnt have any supplies when I took the pictures.

 

V2 prototype has already been ordered:

- Moved front side row of cable routing holes 2mm backwards so they wont interfere with bending process.

- Deleted higher SSD 90deg bracket holes from the front side

- Added hole for CPU cooler backplate access

- Cuts on the side were spaced out a little bit for better spacing for HDD's, and moved up to support 240 radiator mounting better

- Added 120mm fan mounting in the rear side

 

[IgorM]

?? Level pro job! Awesome

[Christophe Corazza]

I really like how you've kept the design very simple, without the addition of flimsy brackets and alike.

Although, if you want to add a heavy graphics card to your motherboard, how are you planning to support it and prevent it from swinging all over the place? Those PCIe slots are quite fragile.

[andrewmp6]

Slap a coat of paint it and everyone will ask where you bought it lol.It looks good to me and fits the needs prefect.

[Christophe Corazza]

14 minutes ago, andrewmp6 said:

Slap a coat of paint it and everyone will ask where you bought it lol.It looks good to me and fits the needs prefect.

 

To be honest, I like the bare metal look of it though

[Division]

Thanks for the comments!

 

I have designed it to be painted, if one wanted bare metal look it would be better to cut it from stainless steel so it wouldn't rust even in high humidity climate. Mild steel rust super fast when it has greasy fingerprints all over it, unless its painted.

 

GPU support is similar to Open benchtable; M3 threaded rod with finger nuts.

 

 

[Christophe Corazza]

1 hour ago, Division said:

GPU support is similar to Open benchtable; M3 threaded rod with finger nuts.

 

I did not noticed the M3 holes inside the protorype 

Indeed, that's a neat solution to prevent the graphics cards from wobbling.

[Division]

It actually isn't quite optimal as the rod might interfere with some bulkier connectors like DVI. It would be much nicer to have a wall made out of sheetmetal like normal cases have, but its not that cheap to produce. The bends need to be really precise to get the height spot on, and the whole construction would need more prototypes (more money). Also most people are using HDMI or DP cables nowadays, so I think its adequate solution for a testbench like this. And if your card has 2 or 3 slot backplate, one rod is plenty to support it if you put the rod as far away from the pci-e slot as possible, so it has more leverage in horizontal direction. That way youre not blocking the first rows of connector at all, as shown in the picture I just took.  

 

[Division]

Tested different kind of support. This is more sturdy and all gpu connectors can be used, but it adds manufacturing cost and I think its ugly.

 

[Christophe Corazza]

I like this solution much more to be honest. However it does take away a little bit of the sleekness of the original design...

 

By the way: in the last picture your motherboard looks to be sagging really a lot. Or is it just me? 

[Division]

On 10.7.2018 at 11:39 PM, Christophe Corazza said:

By the way: in the last picture your motherboard looks to be sagging really a lot. Or is it just me? 

Backplate seems to be hiding from me.. 

 

 

Prototype V2:

 

 

 

GPU bracket and threaded rods are welded together for sleeker look. Bottom side has nuts to allow adjustment for different height mobo standoffs. Put some tubing, aluminium pipe or anything else on the rods and it will look pro.  

 

No more blocking GPU connectors:

 

Possibility to swap CPU cooler, however huge PSU or HDD's may block the cooler bolts also. Compromise that has to be done for small overall size.  

 

Fan mount for HDD's, I think radiator will not fit because fan is touching the table. Ofc its possible to make feet to raise the whole testbench up. There is no room to lift the fan higher.

 

fits max 3 HDD's now..

 

 

I think I will delete original M3 threaded rod holes from the main plate, but other than that, I can not think much more improvements for now... Anyone?

I think I try to paint this prototype and see how it looks when its more finished. 

 

[Division]

Here is the same V2.1 as in previous post, but quickly painted.

 

 

 

[Mach81]

On 8/4/2018 at 11:42 AM, Division said:

Here is the same V2.1 as in previous post, but quickly painted.

 

 

 

Look so greath. Do you share the dxf for v2. 1? 

[SpartaLegion]

WoooW this is avesome work, please share DXF for the v2.1. Thaks 

[Doubs]

This looks so cool! If you don't mind I think I might take inspiration from that slanted look. Also how and what paint did you use?

On 8/4/2018 at 4:42 AM, Division said:

Here is the same V2.1 as in previous post, but quickly painted.