Cardboard computer case risks?

[Hugo Drax]

The case I want is not available till September (Fractal Node 304)

So in the mean time I found a small cardboard box I can use as a computer case.

This would be for a Intel H77 mini ITX, 3770K, 8GB Ripjaws 1600 cas 7 memory and 128GB Vertex 4 and a 400W Neo Eco powersupply.

I will be putting a 140mm fan to push air in and out.

IS there risk of static or other damage. Maybe line the inside with Aluminium paper.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Inside with aluminum paper=no go.

Cardboard box is fine

People have computers build inside boxes all the time

 

[dfanatic86]

+1 couple of buds did this.

 

[PCTC2]

Case Mod here

also, there's a company that makes cardboard cases, called Recompute

 

[p_monks33]

What about a cheap rubbermaid container? Would be more sturdy, and look a little less crappy. I would think video card mounting would be tough either way.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Just leave everything on a box.

 

[utahraptor]

I hope you don't have a cat. If you do make sure the cardboard can support its weight.

 

[AsusGuy]

Case Mod here

also, there's a company that makes cardboard cases, called Recompute

Those ReCompute PCs are super ugly. Also I don't want to imagine what the cases look like after a few years of dust has built up on the inside and outside. Anyone with dust allergies would know that is not going to be fun.

 

[VirtualLarry]

also, there's a company that makes cardboard cases, called Recompute

Wow, that's pretty awesome, I think I want one. Not because I need a cardboard computer, but because it's cool and different. Kind of like a Prius. Not because it's good for the environment, just because it's trendy.

What I was disappointed in, was that it was utilizing an Athlon II X4 640 3.0Ghz quad-core. Not the most power-efficient or fast CPU out of the bunch. I would much rather add a micro-atx B75 board, with an IB 3450S CPU, and a nice 256GB SSD.

Even better, would be if they sold those cardboard cases sans computer inside, and let you install your own parts. (But including the wiring for the power switch and the front-panel USB.)

 

[utahraptor]

I would treat this decision like buying a gun. Enforce a 72 hour waiting period before buying it to make sure you are sane

 

[AsusGuy]

I would treat this decision like buying a gun. Enforce a 72 hour waiting period before buying it to make sure you are sane

Ha ha so true. I take pride in my cases and could never have a cardboard case unless it was a joke.

 

[TheStu]

Wow, that's pretty awesome, I think I want one. Not because I need a cardboard computer, but because it's cool and different. Kind of like a Prius. Not because it's good for the environment, just because it's trendy.

What I was disappointed in, was that it was utilizing an Athlon II X4 640 3.0Ghz quad-core. Not the most power-efficient or fast CPU out of the bunch. I would much rather add a micro-atx B75 board, with an IB 3450S CPU, and a nice 256GB SSD.

Even better, would be if they sold those cardboard cases sans computer inside, and let you install your own parts. (But including the wiring for the power switch and the front-panel USB.)

You asked, they delivered.

Look at the second post on this page

 

[Smoblikat]

What about a cheap rubbermaid container? Would be more sturdy, and look a little less crappy. I would think video card mounting would be tough either way.

Actually I used a cardboard box before and all you do is zip tie the card to the box and its fine.

 

[Mopetar]

It's fine. People make cases out of all kinds of weird things.

There might be a small risk of a homeless person trying to move into it so he has a place to shoot up with heroin, but that just comes with the territory

 

[Morlean]

I saw a cardboard case for a huge gamming PC at landfest at Cal-Poly a month ago or so, it blew my mind! was pretty cool all lite up with LEDs and all.

 

[dajeepster]

The case I want is not available till September (Fractal Node 304)

IS there risk of static or other damage. Maybe line the inside with Aluminium paper.

cardboard and paper will build up a static charge. that's why it's never safe to lay your bare electronics on it.

lining with aluminum foil might help as long as you ground the aluminum foil, and connect all the pieces of aluminum foil together, and don't let the aluminum come in contact with your bare PCBs once assembled, or you'll short components out.

 

[dajeepster]

It's fine. People make cases out of all kinds of weird things.
There might be a small risk of a homeless person trying to move into it so he has a place to shoot up with heroin, but that just comes with the territory

OMG!!!... a beaver?! surprised there's no pron on the monitor

 

[WojtekGee]

Mount it to your wall, everything open air exposed - I remember someone doing this and it looked pretty cool if you got the cable management down... I'll try to find the pics.

Don't need a case!

I'm at work so I can't directly upload / link to imgur or something... but if you search this in google u'll see what I'm talking about in the first couple of images.

 

[Scoobyboo]

It's fine. People make cases out of all kinds of weird things.

There might be a small risk of a homeless person trying to move into it so he has a place to shoot up with heroin, but that just comes with the territory

That is some nice stuff! Especially the beaver is funny