John said:
The main question here is - WHY ? Why would you want to do such a
thing? Regular fans are adequate so going through the trouble of
doing that would be a huge hassle for nothing. If you had to do it for
some reason I could see it but you dont have to do it.
I have been a big fan of steampunk for a long time, even before the term was
coined. I want my computer to look like a real "machine" instead of just a
plastic box -- like something out of a 1930 science fiction movie. If I can
acheive everything I imagine, my computer will feature antique switches and
dials, have a huge fan mounted in the side, and may even burp steam/smoke
when it crashes.
Not just any fan, but one of the old-fashioned ones with a steel blade and
intimidating metal grill.
Ideally, I would like to replace all the internal parts with big mock-1900
versions, and add moving parts. Don't think I'm ready for something that
ambitious, though. Besides that, I barely have the money to buy an antique
fan.
For now, I plan to just add the giant fan and give it a chrome finish. It
seems like the easiest and coolest thing I want to do.
When I get the money and time to do everything else, I'll have a lot more
questions. (Of course, if I manage to make something that badass, I'll want
it to be top of the line. If it's not my primary work computer, I might as
well make one with no computer parts at all.)
The easiest way is to get a metal cutting hole saw on a drill and just
drill two holes of standard 80mm into the side and then put two
standard fans in. They would turn on when you turn the PC on
obviously.
I guess you think it's a bad idea to leave nothing between the fan and the
internal parts.
Your solution made me think of more questions, though. Don't feel obligated
to answer them. I'm just posting them here because I think other people
might be thinking of similar mods. I'll try to work it out on my own.
How much space is needed between the fan and a flat surface, if sufficient
airflow is to be generated?
Would a fan with no space between the blades work?
I also am thinking that maybe I could build sort of a "second wall,"
designed to look like the interior of the computer only less realistic. If
done wrong, it might look really stupid, but it may be a way to maintain my
original concept while keeping the case closed. This could be an easy way
to acheive the goal I outlined above, too.
Rather than modifying the real interior so everyone can see it through a
window, I could just build a fake shell around it.
And if you see those things called the nibbler - forget it. I bought
one cause it says it cuts through metal. Looks like some hole puncher.
If you like using all your strength to punch a hole the size of a hole
puncher - meaning your hand feels like its been ravaged after cutting
two inches of metal , and the cut looks all ragged ---- then thats the
tool for you. Idont even want to think about cutting a whole window
out with one though someplaces recommend it. It might work OK if you
PC case sheet metal is as thin as paper which some of the new ones ar
e getting close to , to make them lighter it seems.
If you go to COMPUSA get the fans labeled PC TOYS. I always get them
now though they can be noisy. They claim to move 54 cfm compared to
the 20-30 cfm of many other fans. They cost the same and are the
clear type with leds in them and even come with a grille for $10
Thanks for the tip on the cutting method and fans. Finding out how to do
everything right and what parts are best is going to be a struggle.
