Impressive Homemade Aluminum Cube Case 450
baschie writes "A Belgian guy, Dennis Vieren, probably designed and built the most beautiful aluminium case ever, called project "Frozen". He designed his case from the ground up using CAD software, and built it from plates of 3mm aluminium and 3 mm acrylic glass. It cost him about 300/400 euro, and took him about 250 hours to build."
page down? (Score:1, Informative)
"something witty"
Re:page down? (Score:2, Informative)
This link works in I.E.:
http://case.1be.be/
Matt
Re:page down? (Score:2)
Very cool case! If cases like this where manufactured instead of custom made, I'd buy one.
dead link (Score:1, Offtopic)
404 - File not found
Re:dead link (Score:3, Funny)
At least you are not an Enron employee:
401K - Unauthorized - you are not authorized to withdraw your pension until the executives have sold their shares
Server Problems! (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:q2MWTRCyeksC
try this link more pics, god it's sexy! (Score:5, Informative)
/.-ing commencing.... (Score:5, Funny)
cad software : $100
self-assembly : free
Posting 3 256kb pictures in a slashdot link : priceless
Re:/.-ing commencing.... (Score:5, Interesting)
Great!!! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:/.-ing commencing.... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:/.-ing commencing.... (Score:2, Funny)
We have also accepted Holland.
Oooohhh Aaaahhhh (Score:2, Funny)
Then again, so does bubble wrap.
"'Moon Pies'? What a time to be alive."
--Jasper
Sexy (Score:5, Insightful)
I'm telling you: there's a huge market out there for designer computers. If you could put out machines that weren't beige boxes but which instead were hip, you'd find a huge market with the 20-somethings.
Apple made a run at this, and look how successful they were without running the mainstream Wintel setup.
People already routinely pay 500% more than they need to for clothes (ck), home furnishings (Pottery Barn), even sporting goods just because of the brand name and for the chance to be fashionable. I can't see why computers should be any different. Pair this thing with a big flat-screen, a top-notch audio system and other similarly hip appointments, do some serious marketing, maybe brand it with known designer and I gaurantee you could sell these things for $5k each.
Re:Sexy (Score:2)
Remembering to make the case itself a subwoofer?
Dave
Re:Sexy (Score:5, Insightful)
Remembering to make the case itself a subwoofer?
Call me crazy, but I'm not wild about having a huge throbbing magnet next to my drives.
Re:Sexy (Score:3, Funny)
I'll be sure to forward that to Dr. Freud.
Re:Sexy (Score:2)
Check out the one I built (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Sexy (Score:3, Funny)
We don't buy CK because we can wear clothes without the 5x surcharge. We don't buy home furnishings from Pottery Barn because we can buy adequate furnishings elsewhere for much less money, we avoid things that are expensive for the sake of being popular (or vice versa), so would we then avoid the case-mod?
Just a suggestion.
Well... (Score:3, Funny)
Virg
Re:Sexy (Score:4, Funny)
Hrm... I might spend 500% more, but that means I'm 500% cooler than you!
Re:Sexy (Score:3, Funny)
-JB
(laugh, it's funny!)
it's not just about fashion... (Score:2)
Re:Sexy (Score:2, Interesting)
This is nothing more than an ATX motherboard with an exceedingly large amount of space for expansion.
Apple failed at the Cube because it didn't really have an audience--it was powerful but not expandable (like the G4 towers) or cheap (like the iMacs) or portable (like the iBook or PowerBook). It was a great design--but it had no market since Apple covered them all for its area. You're right--Apple discontinued it for that good reason.
But a case like this--oh, boy, would IT have a market. I would pay up to $300 for this case alone.
ANY computer can get the job done today (just slap Linux on it if you have to)--now its a matter of aesthetics until someone places one with an artificial intelligence in a human-shaped form.
Re:Sexy (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Sexy (Score:2)
Didn't mean to post this AC the first time, doh!
Re:What is "ck"? (Score:2)
Re:It's not time for that yet (Score:2)
Go visit Crate & Barrel sometime.
Sure, people view computers as utilitarian, but that's only because that's how we've trained people to view them. With the proper application of marketing dollars, you can convince people that it's worth paying $200 for a pair of tennis shoes, for Christ's sake.
The point is, this doesn't happen by itself. It happens when a company recognizes the market and spends a whole shitload on the proper marketing -- ads, commercials, product placements, etc.
Remember: You're not selling a pretty case. You're selling the image.
Well done (Score:2, Interesting)
Wow I'm impressed! (Score:3, Interesting)
I couldn't fit that where my computer is now. And I'm pretty sure my girlfriend wouldn't let me if I could
interference problems (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:interference problems (Score:5, Insightful)
I really don't think that materials that are used in today's cases are chosen for their emf-shielding abilities, but because of their low price.
Re:interference problems (Score:3, Informative)
Guess again. The CE mark has absolutely nothing to do with the FCC.
The FCC [fcc.gov] is an independent United States government agency that is is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.
The CE mark is used the by the European Commission [eu.int] as a "passport" which can allow a manufacturer to freely circulate their products within the European marketplace
Re:interference problems (Score:2)
The European CE mark is quite a bit more strict then any of the FCC's guidelines. Look for CE the next time you buy anything electrical. It is an indication of a better product.
the Aluminum does, but... (Score:2)
Re:interference problems (Score:5, Informative)
That'd be a high frequency EM wave that can fit through what looks to be gap of about 1cm. About 30 GHz, actually, which puts it into the microwave range. If your PC is emitting in the microwave range, something's probably wrong in the first place. Plus, it's not going to interfere with much.
Re:interference problems (Score:2)
Also that huge open space where the light comes through probably doesn't shield much of anything.
I doubt this case would get past the FCC.
NeXT-style cube cases (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:NeXT-style cube cases (Score:2, Informative)
Hmmm. You don't seem to know much about metal, do you? Aluminum is a rather "soft" metal, therefore it doesn't require rather expensive machine tools to machine. If one wanted to (and had a decent set of hand or low-end power tools) you could ostensibly make this at home in your garage. Of course, the laser-cutting device might not fit unless you had a large garage.
Magnesium and Steel, on the other hand require some serious hardware. Plus, steel is rather heavy, although a rusted out case might look pretty cool.
Re:NeXT-style cube cases (Score:2, Funny)
Hey, how about neo-industrial art cases made from rusted out stuff from a junkyard. You could have a case that's cut from the gas tank of a 82 Nova. Or how about mounting that dual proccy Athlon inside the exposed radiator of a VW Bus? Or mounted in an old upright freezer, plenty of cooling there.
Or how's this, mount the guts under your office chair, and put dual lcd displays on each arm with a split chorded keyboard, now THAT would be sweeeet. Better provide plenty of cooling though, or put some insulation in your jeans, or just sit around reading
Re:NeXT-style cube cases (Score:3, Informative)
And in case it comes up, nor do older Porsches (356s, 914s, older 911s, etc).
Re:NeXT-style cube cases (Score:2)
According to Audi's website [audi.com], Audi became a wholly-owned subsidiary of VW in 1966. However, I never hear of anyone praising the simplicity of the Audi air-cooled engine like I hear of the old Beetle and Micro-Bus engines.
Re:NeXT-style cube cases (Score:2)
Semantic, yes. But semantics are good for ya!
Re:NeXT-style cube cases (Score:2)
In mid 1972, yes, the larger engine came out (officially for the 1973 models). It is known as the "Type 4" engine. It was used in the porsche 914 (and 912), yes, but it was originally from the VW 411 and 412 (hence, the name). It was considerably larger and had a completely different case. Most parts, in fact, are not compatible with the earlier Type 1 and 2 engines.
T1 means Type 1 which is the Bug and Ghia (and the rarer variations like the Hebmuller)
T2 means Type 2 which is Buses only.
T3 means Type 3 which is Squarebacks (Variant in Europe), Fastbacks and Notchbacks.
T4 means Type 4 - already explained above.
The fan is NOT bolted to the crankshaft at ALL. It's on a shaft that runs through the generator (or alternator, if you have one). yes you have to have the shrouding in place. Jesus Christ, if your VW engine is "well over 300F", you'd better get away from it right now! If it's over 250F for any longer than a tiny bit (like sudden traffic after having been zooming around on the highway) you're going need it to be completely rebuilt really soon.
On a non VW issue. Your theory on heatsinks is ridiculous. Increased surface area certainly does decrease temperature. If it didn't you'd have to have a fan on ALL chips. Old computers have no fans on chips - just heatsinks. Not to mention Apple's Cube.
Any questions?
Re: workability of Mg (Score:2, Interesting)
Case mod mod (Score:4, Funny)
So why not utilise the extra space? Install some sort of refrigeration system -- very useful should you ever choose to overclock -- and turn it into the worlds first PC-case/Bar fridge.
You think it's a thing of beauty now, imagine reaching into it and pulling out a brewski, without getting up from your Quake session!
Awesome!
:)
Re:Case mod mod (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Case mod mod (Score:2)
Dude, it's a little late for that. It's been a while since
Someday i hope to get back to the network-controlled drink mixing machine (yes it will have
On the more serious side, i think if you did want to mix computing and beverages, you'd do better using the heat from your cpu for keeping your coffee warm, not putting extra load on your cooling system (and god forbid warming up your beer when you run a big job)
Some decent work... (Score:5, Interesting)
Take a look at the modifications that extreme custom car builders do to their transport, not out of any practical reason, but for the love of building something with the most extreme quality. With imagination and hard work you can inject a LOT of style into your PC. I'd like to see systems with some insane 'tidying'... the auto customisers hidden wiring tricks, colour coded everything, even components laid out in an aesthetic manner. Not for practicality, but just -because-
If that's not your thing however - good for you. Everyone has a little excess (read: pointless but pretty) style in their life. Like the friend of mine who derides Mac cases for their 'prettiness' and claims function means all the most to her, but drives a more expensive bespoilered sporty looking car with no more performance than an average one.
Re:Some decent work... (Score:2)
If your friend drove a computer around town, perhaps she would be interested in a Mac?
coming soon... (Score:2)
Woohoo! Extreme case cleaning!
my misreading is your gain (Score:2)
Indeed cool (Score:3, Insightful)
beige face plates on cd-rom and the like
look out of place. What kind of air does this
case move?
Probably? (Score:2, Insightful)
Is he claiming the credit, or is there a general consensus that he is the mostly builder? And who's calling this the most beautiful case ever?
Best case mod site known to man... (Score:5, Informative)
http://pcdb.overclockers.com.au/ (over 3000 cases).
Best place I've found to buy parts to mod
your case would be www.pcmods.com
Looks great on hte outside, but... (Score:2, Insightful)
Speaking of cubes (Score:3, Informative)
..pcable
Sheet aluminum? (Score:2)
Re:Sheet aluminum? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Sheet aluminum? - try McMaster-Carr (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Sheet aluminum? - try McMaster-Carr (Score:2)
Why not? I was looking at one on an engineer's bookshelf not more than 4 hours ago while I fixed his pc.
There's Intelligent Life After All (Score:3, Funny)
I say Sony because:
1) Apple already has a great designer, Jonathon Ive
2) Michael Dell wouldn't know a good case design if it appeared as a cow with a black turtleneck shirt and spoke to him--"Dude, your cases SUCK...!!!"
3) Gateway couldn't afford to do this change
4) HP and Compaq are too wrapped up in their mutual admiration society
5) Sony understands design is important, even for PC boxes
As a preferred Macintosh user, this PC case is the most ingenious design I've seen. Nice work. Where I can get one to replace the POS with the Athlon I just assembled?
--
Is it just me.. (Score:2)
OHP's, I'm sad to say, are not my idea of the pinnacle of design, no matter how many neon lights you fit in it
Oh, and it has one of those awful doors who's only purpose in life is to slow you down when you're trying to juggle CD's.
Truely beautiful (Score:2)
*Starts dreaming up a nice little logo for the side of his case*
Antec's Casemod contest (Score:3, Interesting)
Minimalist: Minor mod, extra fan or handle
Artist: Typically not cutting the case, instead the case becomes a canvas
Exhibitionist: Windows, showing the guts of the system
Decorator: Matches case to coordinate with a room/desk
Sponsor: Case with stickers, logos, etc
Others: If your case doesn't match the above
Mirror link (Score:4, Informative)
Dennis Vieren has moved the pictures of the case to: http://case.1be.be/ [1be.be].
Go forth and
case badge? (Score:2)
more spiffyness for u non-DIYers (Score:2, Interesting)
Anyone know of any small form factor cases? (Score:2)
Standard m/board sizes only though FlexATX etc. Most of the ones I've seen so far aren't really all that different from standard ATX form factor. The SV24 would be nice but for the non standard motherboard.
Nuts (Score:3, Interesting)
Baz
Re:Nuts (Score:2)
The alumin[i]um and plexi case is fantastic, I'd rather have that on my desk than the beige box I'm stuck with. But I was just surprised the nuts were visible.
Heh heh, Belgians taking over /. (Score:4, Funny)
Next time we'll go for a hat trick. Heute Slashdot, Morgen das Sonnensystem...
Re:Heh heh, Belgians taking over /. (Score:2, Interesting)
>> Heute Slashdot, Morgen das Sonnensystem...
hehe... That's German. Dennis speaks Dutch. The correct translation would be :
Vandaag Slashdot, Morgen het universum...
Design Patent (Score:2)
Oh my they missed something... (Score:2)
That fan in front for the power supply makes me wonder about airflow problems. Eg do both blow out/opposite/in? I also think the top fan should be bigger to compensate for the two fans on the bottom pushing air in.
Interesting case design thou. I wonder if you can build one that can be made out of only flat pieces.
Re:Syntax Error at line 1 (Score:3, Informative)
From dictionary.com:
Although, after seeing a few posts here, he could have just misspelled it...;)
Re:Syntax Error at line 1 (Score:2)
We did this before.
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=28259&cid=3
Re:That's because stupid Americans can't spell... (Score:2)
We can to spell! Why, just the other day, I was adjusting my proxy to hide the Referer HTTP header and... damn. Nevermind.
Re:That's because stupid Americans can't spell... (Score:2)
Bad brain! More caffine for you!
Re:That's because stupid Americans can't spell... (Score:4, Interesting)
This was then changed to aluminum, then aluminium. Then it changed back to aluminum in the US.
See http://www.world-aluminium.org/history/language.h
But none of this really matters unless you wanna go back to wulfram, plubnum, etc. (and originally, English had no "correct" spellings for anything.)
Re:see the /. effect in real time! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:4, Informative)
This page [hardforum.com]has a case made entirely out of legos.
This page [hardforum.com] has a custom plastic case porsche-like with a spoiler.
I know the difference between a modded case and a custom case. I just wish people would frigging take more than 2 seconds at a link before raving like lunatics.
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
The porsche one looked stupid, because of that ridiculous spoiler.
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
It's a shame it'll have a nst of hideous PC cables coming out the back and connecting to a butt-ugly monitor and keyboard. The peripherals are half the battle =)
I know--I use an Apple Extended Keyboard and a Mac trackball. They work well, but they look crappy in front of a nice, sleek black monitor.
Oh, yea, and those cases the earlier poster linked to are some of the more tasteless things I've seen in a while. I can't imagine someone would prefer those to the cube that the guy built.
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
A friend of mine is working with me one what would make a case "really cool and effective" -- lots of ideas can be taken from this. While it's size is a deterrent for most people, it's a good setup and base design.
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
Re:Ain't all that. (Score:2)
It's all that and a bag of chips... (Score:5, Interesting)
While case mods are cool, they're just modifications of boring old PC cases. What's super-cool about this cube is that it was built from scratch and doesn't look like a traditional computer.
Besides, how many case modders use CAD and laser-cut aluminum? That's just nifty.
Re:WOW! (Score:2, Funny)
Considering that it cost him about $250 in materials, I don't think so.
Re:WOW! (Score:3, Interesting)
The materials were bought for a single unit if you buy in bulk you get considral price breaks.
250 Hours laber was most likely in the CAD program, design work only neads to be done once.
Re:Laatste 10 bezoekers (Score:2)
Try this URL... (Score:3, Informative)
http://case.1be.be
I'm not quite clear what he is doing. I think it might be trying to send back a permanent page redirect, and IE does not like it.
Although at one point I turned off friendly http error display on IE and then the site came right up. Next time I tried that, it said it was redirecting to 216.74.64.37/casemod which doesn't seem to respond.
To use Occam's Razor, "Never attribute to malice what can be adequatedly explained by stupidity." I don't think this was intentional, the whole configuration of that web server is just whacked.
That being said, that case is cool! I wouldn't mind something like that at home.
Re:Meh (Score:2)
Re:Sweet!! (Score:2, Insightful)
The mac cube is this [arstechnica.com] accessible.
Re:MIRROR (Score:3, Informative)
Re:What a waste... (Score:2)
Perhaps this guy can start making a living building and selling them. One never knows, so one shouldn't be so quick to judge.
Virg