Building a computer desk/case mod
 

I want to build a new desk for under $300 and have a built in computer. And have the drive open right out from the desktop. i would also be interested in a clear top to have the monitor stored inside of instead of on top of the desk. where should i start!?!?!?

Enclosing the computer inside the desk may give you over-heating problems. You'll need to provide some sort of ventilation and fans.

And think carefully about that clear top idea. I've used desks with that setup and have found them to be a royal pain. You have to lean way over the desk to see the monitor, which sucks because it's then hard to type.

You can build the computer in the desk if you design the computer portion as the case -- -i.e. don't have a separate case (unless you properly ventillate the desk). What I'd probably do is design a swing out door on the side of the desk. Attach the motherboard to that door. Then mount the drives inside that compartment. Put in a bunch of fans, front and rear, or as an alternative, for the rear fan get a Lasko box fan (they're pretty quiet) and put that in instead.

- clear top not cool
- vents and fans are very important

Now next question, has anyone ever heard of attaching a drive into the desktop so that it is flush with the desktop? For example, loading dvd's verticaly and having the tray simply appear from the desktop and then vanish back into the desktop. compared to having the thray extend horizontaly from the case, or in my situtation horizontaly from the desk. I want the tray to extend vertiacly from the actual desk top.

i havnt seen that with the drives coming straight up... seems like ya might have problems with the cd falling down into the drive a little maybe...
or maybe a slot loading drive... phillips makes some... that would prolly work really well...

Most CD drives can be used in an upright or sideways position. They normally have 4 little tabs around the circle that you rotate so that the CD has to pop into the spot, rather than just resting on the surface. you gotta be careful not to drop the CD tho. and as for built in monitors.. they look cool as hell... Suck like crazy tho. not the best position for long-term working!

This guy already did it. He gives plans and everything.

http://www.inmodwetrust.com/articles...page=view&id=7

wow. i am thuroughly impressed.

nice rig, but it's got two glaring problems.

first is the water splash. He doesn't mention being able to turn off the glow, which would interfere with seeing the monitor in the dark.

second is the keyboard. Looks like the keys are flush with the aluminum surround, which would make typing a lot slower.

I dont like the splash, or the keyboard. but this is definitly the directioni want to go. Thanks!

haha the funny thing is, i got this idea the other day: skip the desk all together and have something i can sit in and just have everything suspended in the air around me. The monitor would hang at the perfect angle at the perfect distance from my face. e the keyboard and mouse would hang down right where i need them. I would have everything suspended in the air -- all i have to do is sit comfortably, no desk, just a chair.

heh, suspended in air at the perfect angle? Dude, that'd only work if you never change positions... I also think that't it'd get uncomfortable not having a place for my ashtray.... hahaha, but take a look at these!: http://www.mypce.com/

If you want clear top, you need at least 1/2 inch. If thats the case, kiss the budget goodbye.