Desk installation

Bracket detail

Cardboard prototype

I tend to dislike normal computer cases on account of their large footprint, tangled cables, boring looks, and poor cooling. In my installation, all parts are mounted on the wheeled desk, cables are tied in place, and electronic components are displayed and cooled in the open air.

This design is a qualified success. I am comfortable working at the desk, find it attractive, and have most of the functionality I want at hand. I dust the apparatus occasionally with compressed air. I did destroy a power supply by spilling a drink into it, and a hard drive by miswiring its power connector. There have not been any static discharge, collision, or electromagnetic interference issues.

The dense foam to which the guts are mounted is the third backplate I have constructed, succeeding cardboard and foam prototypes. I beveled it with a nickel-chromium hot wire. I fabricated a small bracket to support the expansion cards. Several sections of the desk have been removed to accomodate more equipment; the addition of the 24kg UPS necessitated a diagonal threaded steel crossmember to reduce sway.

The main problem with this design is that it is very spill-unfriendly. I am considering plastic shielding in the next iteration to reduce this danger. Larger wheels would make it substantially easier to roll around on the carpet. Several aesthetic concerns remain. The hard drives sag outwards; they are stable but would look better at right angles to the backplate. Blackening the last few bits of light-colored plastic would also contribute to the system's look. I intend to replace or rewire the UPS's internal fan, which is noisy and poorly regulated.

• 677GB RAID-5 array (4 x 250GB) has airfoils for cooling
• 975 VA UPS provides 110 minutes of backup power
• All-in-one imaging device facilitates document work
• Amplified subwoofer/satellite speakers animate my work
• Full-duplex audio and S-video links integrate A/V components
• Linear, regulated dual 5V/12V supply powers four devices
• Passive heatsinks and no fan smaller than 80mm for low noise
• Portable devices can all be docked on desk surface
• RF-link keyboard and TV output enable work nearby
• Signal and power wiring is bundled and minimized
• Splayed keyboard and trackball minimize carpal tension
• Wheeled desk allows easy access to wiring and installations