Project: The Ultimate Computer Desk

keep in mind that SATA spec says the maximum length for cable is 1 meter. 2 meters for eSATA

this is ultimate computer desk indeed, good work mate

Jaime74656 said:

now i just need to decide if i want my machine integrated into the desk or not LOL and the finial color(s) im thinking ferrari red or Caterpillar Yellow or a mix of the two colors...

Ooooh, Ferrari Red, that's a favorite of mine!

Lordbob75 said:

I had no idea they made custom motherboard trays like that. This project NEEDS to be done, it is calling to me...
Too bad I can't build a desk in the dorms.

I am already thinking of a nice big desk, monitor stands built into the back with full rotation (maybe), cup holders with a mini fridge (I like my drinks ), all the wiring going through special troughs built into the desk. The computer will be up on the back with the motherboard try flat against the wall. It will be covered by a clear acrylic panel so you can see the watercooled parts, with some nice big and high velocity fans moving air through it. I can put a light switch and fan control panel else where on the desk within easy reach, and I can build my startup switch (key switch) into the panel as well. The CD tray will be put somewhere that it is easy to reach (long SATA cable required), etc.

So many awesome ideas, so little time, space, and money.

Good luck on the project, I still can't wait to see it finished. Congrats on all the sponsors by the way!

~Lordbob

You've got some great ideas there Lordbob, I love the idea of a key switch to startup the computer! Thanks for sticking around :)

profdlp said:

Lordbob75 said:

...This project NEEDS to be done, it is calling to me...
Too bad I can't build a desk in the dorms....

...So many awesome ideas, so little time, space, and money...

Fear not. The work you do in college will take care of the "space and money" problems in due course. (The "time" situation depends on your job after graduation.)

You'll have your own custom desk one day.

That's right! It'll take a bit of patience and space, but you'd be amazed at what you can accomplish with just a little space and a few basic tools!

kool1zero said:

keep in mind that SATA spec says the maximum length for cable is 1 meter. 2 meters for eSATA

Yes, thanks for the reminder, this will be an interesting thing to overcome. I may opt for either external USB optical drives, or I may have to relocated them.

Devilz said:

this is ultimate computer desk indeed, good work mate

Thanks Devilz!


So - it's been sometime since I've posted an update - apologies, things have been very busy lately.

With the parts from Danger Den having arrived, I could now move on to some more specific details with both of the cabinets that will contain the computers.

Once again, I started with a test fitting, this time, it was a very accurate fitting, requiring quite a bit of sanding and fiddling around to get as close to the final product as possible.







I then placed some test parts for fitting, and traced some outlines on the wood. The motherboard tray was placed on some thin strips of packing foam that I cut up, to help isolate any vibration from the CPU Heatsink.





Installed some new blades on the jigsaw, put my biggest drill bit in the drill, and went to town!





Part 2 coming right up!

After doing the rough cut with the jigsaw, I took out the router and free-handed with a straight bit to smooth out the edges.



The semi-finished air intake for the left-hand cabinet:



The power supply rough cut:





I decided that the PSU bolts will need a little more clearance around the screw holes.



The I/O Shield cut out was a bit tricky to measure, but I think I did a pretty decent job:







And a final shot from above and below:





Next update, I'll have pics of actual assembly of the left hand cabinet, and then more cutting, and biscuit joining on the right-hand cabinet.