My TV Unit IS My MCE Case!

Ardandy · 23-11-2008, 3:49 PM

Thought I'd do a write up on my recent MCE build.

Having found out that the MC case I bought was 2mm too tall I decided to build the PC directly into the unit itself!

These are the pics and brief details of what happened.

The PC itself was built up and installed by this point. I screwed motherboard stands to the motherboard to raise it up a little inside the case.

Now I started to plan out the layout and start to peg the various components in, starting with the PSU.

Next the Hard Drive, I put screws underneath it to minimise vibrations.

Now to pin in the Hard Drives position.

And then onto the motherboard.

Just to make sure the heat doesn't build up I installed a 12cm fan.

I also installed a resistor inbetween the m/b and the fan to slow the speed down a bit.

Now the Surround Sound audio cables needed a tidy up. I also labelled the PC cable ends to correspond to the M/b ports.

Now I screwed some L-brackets into the unit shelf and stuck some velcro strips to the vertical part.

As I may need to put a USB pen or phone into the MC at some point I thought some USB access should be arranged.

And now the reason for the L-brackets!

Full 1080p resolution!

**Flimber** · 23-11-2008, 3:52 PM

"Different"

Tom_Associated · 23-11-2008, 4:32 PM

Certainley is different, like it though, at least you wernt defeated by the cabinet!

MitsiTurbo · 23-11-2008, 6:34 PM

Excellent if you ask me! Might consider this myself. Whats the noise like?

scatterbug · 23-11-2008, 7:10 PM

Nice to see some lateral thinking going on. Great solution.

Ardandy · 23-11-2008, 8:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitsiTurbo

Excellent if you ask me! Might consider this myself. Whats the noise like?

I need to replace the PSU for a nr silent (poss fanless) one as thats they only thing that makes noise.

With everything in the room off (so its silent).

- HD - Can't hear a thing! Bit of cardboard sorted a little vibration!

- Graphics Card - Turns fan off 90% of the time as its temp controlled. (never play games on this PC)
- Processor Fan - Turned down to minimum using fan controller, can't hear it.
- 12cm Fan - Silent as its going at about 500rpm using resistor.

Once PSU is replaced you probably won't know its on, at the moment with the TV/MCE on now you can't hear any intrusive noise.

alexhodge1234 · 23-11-2008, 9:12 PM

So how do you switch it on then?
You could inplement a button into that piece of wood.

Ardandy · 23-11-2008, 10:09 PM

I press the space bar on the keyboard when needed but normally the MC turns itself on (via BIOS) at 5.55pm.

I have the wires connected to the m/b, I just need the button now.

alexhodge1234 · 23-11-2008, 10:13 PM

Ahh right sounds good then

Cyril · 23-11-2008, 11:02 PM

Great! Nice work!

Though portability might be a problem

At least I can quickly move my MCE to another room

Tommyc2k7 · 23-11-2008, 11:11 PM

Definitely something I'd consider

Sandman · 23-11-2008, 11:17 PM

Nice Carpet

Ardandy · 24-11-2008, 9:11 AM

The carpets about 30 years old and is getting replaced in 2 weeks!

alexhodge1234 · 24-11-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandman

Nice Carpet

Lolz Slight Sarcasm? :P

MarkP80 · 24-11-2008, 10:10 PM

I have to say I think that looks like an excellent solution to the issues.
Is conducted vibration an issue with sound at all from the fans - would mounting the parts on a thin piece of mdf then putting it in on say a thin layer of neoprene have helped at all?
Or would that have helped with maintenance?
Just a couple of thoughts, but I really like to see DIY solutions like this - nice one!
MarkP

Ardandy · 25-11-2008, 10:28 AM

The only noise seems to be from the PSU, the fans are running so slow that they're barely moving/making a noise.

ukprometheus · 25-11-2008, 3:52 PM

looks really cool

but i would add an earth strap linking the components

crazyal · 25-11-2008, 7:55 PM

A simple and neat solution - you can't ask for more than that - nice job.

JayBird · 26-11-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ardandy

Just wondering if there was any need for the fan at the back as the unit is in such an open space, the airflow isn't really controlled. looks good though

Ardandy · 26-11-2008, 1:24 PM

Probably not but I was considering blocking up the rear part (bar the fan) for more noise reduction etc so I thought I'd put this in now rather than later.

Ardandy · 30-01-2009, 3:20 PM

Replaced my PSU now and I can't hear a thing!

In fact the only noise that I can hear whne everythings quiet outside etc is a slight hiss from the speakers!

Jobjohn · 30-01-2009, 4:08 PM

Hey Ardandy.

Just wondering did you considering building the MCE into one of the drawers rather than on to the shelf? Wonder if access would have been easier if you could work out the cables with the drawer movement?

Cheers, JD.

Ardandy · 03-02-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jobjohn

Hey Ardandy.

Just wondering did you considering building the MCE into one of the drawers rather than on to the shelf? Wonder if access would have been easier if you could work out the cables with the drawer movement?

Cheers, JD.

That was plan A. Unfortunately I'd have to cut out a big hole in the back of the drawer and the back of the unit to get the cables in.

It's certainly do-able as far as it fitting in but didn't want to butcher the unit too much.

I was also worried about someone (young!) just opening the drawer and doing something! I'd have to think of a way of securing it as well.

peace1 · 03-02-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ardandy

Replaced my PSU now and I can't hear a thing!

In fact the only noise that I can hear whne everythings quiet outside etc is a slight hiss from the speakers!

hi ardandy i like the idea of the pc you have used.

p.s. what PSU have u replaced the old 1 with ?

ashcurrie · 03-02-2009, 11:56 AM

Have you found dust a problem at all?
Otherwise some good lateral thinking on a budget

gaz100uk · 03-02-2009, 1:34 PM

Nice job. Just wondering do you know the name of the cabinets and were you got them from?

Ardandy · 04-02-2009, 3:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peace1

hi ardandy i like the idea of the pc you have used.

p.s. what PSU have u replaced the old 1 with ?

Coolermaster IGreen 600W PSU - 85% Efficiency 8pin ATX12V v2.2 120mm Fan - Ebuyer

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashcurrie

Have you found dust a problem at all?
Otherwise some good lateral thinking on a budget

Nope, if anything theres less dust as there isn't a fan channeling all the dust into one area. Been running in the unit (not as tidy/fixed in place as now) for well over a year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaz100uk

Nice job. Just wondering do you know the name of the cabinets and were you got them from?

BESTA JAGRA from Ikea (well ebay in my case, paid £60 in Argos Vouchers for them both!).

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