Building a computer

John W.

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Dec 11, 2003, 9:17:41 PM12/11/03

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Decided to build myself a computer, first time; mine is giving me fits,
is getting old, and I have a cool idea for a mod case.

Any advice? I've done just about every hardware swap in my computer that
can be done except for adding/subtracting fans and changing the power
supply. I'm thinking of two approaches. One is to buy a bare bones
system and putting my video, audio, firewire, hard drive on that mother
board. All of these (except modem) are relatively new. The other
approach is to buy all of the pieces and assembling myself. The only
benefit of the latter is that it will save a little money, though it
doesn't seem that it saves much.

My case idea is an old, smallish rectangular kerosene heater. Of course
I'll remove and completely clean the inside, and I'm thinking of putting
a light in to simulate the wick on the heater. The space is sufficient,
but my biggest concern is getting rid of the kerosene smell (I've got a
super steam cleaner, and a sand blaster if that or chemicals don't do
the trick). Anybody see other drawbacks? I figure the natural design of
the heater will allow for good air flow, and there's extra room for fans
if I need them.

Thoughts appreciated on this. Or anything else, really.

John W.

Kevin Wayne Williams

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Dec 12, 2003, 12:52:25 AM12/12/03

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John W. wrote:

> Decided to build myself a computer, first time; mine is giving me fits,
> is getting old, and I have a cool idea for a mod case.

I assume you have looked at www.mini-itx.com.

KWW
>

Marc

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Dec 12, 2003, 12:03:29 PM12/12/03

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"John W." <worth...@yahoo.komm> wrote in message
news:3FD92545...@yahoo.komm...

And if it gives you too many problems you can always light it on fire. My
only experience with building computers is a few years old, but making sure
you get motherboard and chip sets that are compatible is important. One
approach might be to go to one of the custom build computer websites, go
through the process of ordering a computer, and then go out and buy the
components that would have gone into your finished product.

John W.

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Dec 12, 2003, 6:34:36 PM12/12/03

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Have now. Pretty cool stuff.

John W.

Fabian

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Dec 12, 2003, 5:46:38 PM12/12/03

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John W. hu kiteb:

> ... I figure

> the natural design of the heater will allow for good air flow, and
> there's extra room for fans if I need them.

I wouldnt count on the natural design. Computer boxes have the air vents
quite small and strategically positioned, in order to maximise the air
flow around the areas that would normally heat up the most. With the
extra fans, it isnt just an issue of moving the air, you need to make it
flow in a particular direction.

Not impossible, just be aware that there are non-obvious issues here.

--
--
Fabian
Visit my website often and for long periods!
http://www.lajzar.co.uk

John W.

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Dec 12, 2003, 11:03:41 PM12/12/03

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Fabian wrote:
> John W. hu kiteb:
>
>
>> ... I figure the natural design of the heater will allow for good
>> air flow, and there's extra room for fans if I need them.
>
>
> I wouldnt count on the natural design. Computer boxes have the air
> vents quite small and strategically positioned, in order to maximise
> the air flow around the areas that would normally heat up the most.
> With the extra fans, it isnt just an issue of moving the air, you
> need to make it flow in a particular direction.
>
> Not impossible, just be aware that there are non-obvious issues here.
>
>

Those are the sorts of things I need to figure out. I have an older
machine that I might use to figure out such issues; rather mess up
something old than new.

John W.