FA Computer Mod

[Fuse]

I've been recently considering something I can drop money into, and I would like to build a custom computer case. The only good ideas I had was a design based off some State Farm logo concepts (where I work) or an FA related one. FA would be more fun. I'm beginning to start some design ideas, and while I have experience with building computer systems, that has been limited to hardware installation, tweaking, troubleshooting, etc... I have not created my own case before.

I would like to ask you folks for any help with ideas for a general design, tips if you've done this before, or even hints on process/materials. You can email me at djfuse.radio@gmail.com

[Fuse]

A few ideas:

1. The ultimate would be if I can get a case to be designed exactly like our angel symbol. The problem I initially see with this is the separated head on top and the size it would need to be for reasonable details.

2. Have the case shape be round like the widget...the one most of FA either uses or has used in their sigs, with the angel symbol stenciled and cut out of the middle.

3. A micro, or even an HTPC in the shape of a white fedora with a red feather.

4. A Matrix themed PC case with a mini DVD screen built in playing our MXO videos on repeat. This would be focused more around the movie for a design, but have "FA" imbedded in it somewhere. I REALLY like the idea of having a miniscreen just playing our movies on it. =)

[Anamodiel]

While a computer case would be teh shnizzle, I equally think an FA desktop theme would be just as sweet (and would be presumably a lot more accessible AND cheaper).

However, I have not the slightest clue on how to do something like that.

The 4th case sounds the sweetest, in my opinion, though!

[Fuse]

I'm drawing out a design for the angel symbol. The problem is finding a way to get all the hardware in the right places. I can fit it all in there, but I want the main lines (power/inputs/video) to come in the back of the head like a headjack. God this will be a lot of work to do, but I have so many ideas. I'm going to be buying lots of cardboard next week and seeing what might work where.

A desktop theme can be done fairly easy I beleive.

[Manic Velocity]

Hell, I'd be happy with a white glossy case, with the Angel symbol cut out on both sides, with green LEDs illuminating the hardware.

[Fuse]

Thanks Manic. I hope to do a bit more than just cutouts. I figure if I'm going to spend money to do this I want some random person on the internet to see it and go "HOLY SH*T!". I need to look into who can cut polished plexiglass...Possibly a car dealership? White gloss car paint might also do the trick depending on what material I use.
I'll have to take pictures of find a way to scan some things I'm drawing up right now... I'm shopping as well.

The cutouts on the wings will be plexiglass, but the best place to put the drives is there as well, so may have to playwith that idea a bit. I really want to keep the front of the angel bare for the most part, minus "FURIOUS ANGELS" tag and possibly a design (like the widget) on the head, or even some implementation of a small screen for the movies. Unfortunatly I'm thinking the body will be mainly filled with the motherboard, but I already found a nice Micro ATX I might buy. The power supply SHOULD go in the head, but I might adapt it to go into the base of the design instead of the water reseviour and pump. I'll try and get pics up of what I'm thinking.

[Anonymous]

Why not invest in a LED front plate and play a message or a logo from there?

[Fuse]

on the head? that might be possibly. Inmy initial drawing I have a 7'' LCD in the tail portion. It might look better if I can put in a flip up LCD like in many cars.

[Anonymous]

Pretty cheap too.  Would be nice if you could hack the display to run - for example - secondary output from your gfx card

[Fuse]

If you get an LCD with VGA input it's a peice of cake to do that.

[Fuse]

We have a winner: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2844211&CatId=1449

[Anamodiel]

Holy jesus. How much are you eventually going to end up spending?!

[Tecknik]

Fuse, seeing this thread has given me an awesome idea! Thank you!

Found this website.. http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=212

Can you guess where I'm going with this? FA Window Applique for my case's window!

[Fuse]

Holy jesus. How much are you eventually going to end up spending?!

AS MUCH AS IT TAKES! BUUAHAHA!

Actually while I really want to put that in there, I doubt it would happen only because I'm only devoting about $200 to the motherboard/PSU/Harddrive. So to spend $350 on that would be kinda unproductive.

This is just in the planning stages, so wouldn't buy anything for a few months once I have plans and funds. But it's nice to dream.

[Anonymous]

I think I still have an old case kicking around with a Quake III applique on it.  Modded the window myself with some rubber tubing and a Dremel.