A Case for Multiple Motherboards

by Bryan A. Thompson

Designed 3/1/2003

This Page Last Updated 3/2/2003

This case was designed as a low-cost solution to hold multiple computer systems and maximize directed airflow across each, while isolating the heat generated by each motherboard / power supply / hard drive from the components of each of the other systems.

Airflow design is such that it would be trivial to attach an AC duct to the cold air inlet to provide for maximum cooling of all devices.

This is a flexible design and can be expanded to hold any number of motherboards by building multiple cabinets or extending the width of the cabinet.  It would also be easy to reduce the number of machines this case holds so that it could be installed in a rack.  Just make the cabinet half as wide.

Approximate dimensions are 30"W x 42"H x 42" D for a case that will hold 8 baby AT sized motherboards. 

Note that the cold air intake can be used to store things like power strips, routers, etc.

 

Construction Costs

$30 for 2 - 48"x96" Sheets of 3/4" MDF

$5 for door hinges and handle

$5 for drywall screws and construction adhesive

$20 for some exhaust fans

$1 Air Filter element from furnace

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$61 Total (as opposed to over $800 for rack-mount cases for 8 machines)

 

Tools Required for Construction

Electric Drill

Countersinking drill bit

Phillips bit for drill

Table Saw or Handheld circular saw + Straight Edge + Router + dado router bit

Caulk Gun

 

 

Construction View (From Front with Door Open)

 

 

Detail of Cabinet Top/Bottom (2 req'd)

 

Detail of Front Door (1 req'd)

 

Detail of Cabinet Sides (2 req'd) and Air Diverters 1 and 2 (2 each req'd)

 

Detail of cabinet back (1 req'd)

 

Detail of Shelf holder (2 req'd)

 

Detail of Pull-out Motherboard shelves (2 req'd) and front shelf (1 req'd) and blocking (4 req'd)

 

 

 

Unless otherwise specified, the text and images in this page are the copyrighted property of Bryan A. Thompson, 1996-2008.  All Rights Reserved.