Case mod: Recommendations from the hardware gurus.

[Xander]

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/underwood/

I'm planning on building myself one of these for my upcoming shop desk:

I just picked up the same typewriter for $10. A good start.

The mod DIY is 6 years old and the fellow did a lot of work to squeeze parts in. This'll be my first case mod and I've got a bit of an advantage in parts being smaller now. He also worked a CD drive into his system which, assuming a new mobo will boot to USB, I shouldn't need.

The system doesn't need much, performance-wise; it'll run a browser, accounting software, etc and not much else. I don't want to blow the budget on this as it's basically an XP-box but also don't want to waste money on crap parts.

Shopping List:
Mobo, micro or pico. Examples
--- 4 USB ports preferred, PS/2 unnecessary
CPU
RAM
Power supply and adapter, pico preferred. Examples
USB: Keyboard, mouse, Wifi adapter, TARDIS 4-port hub

Your input on compatibilities, wattage, etc. is appreciated.

 

[Bobbing]

I have always wanted to do the R2D2 case mod out of a garbage can

How to:
http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/case-mod/2009/03/23/r2d2-budget-mod-by-frenk-janse/1

 

[DarDar]

i would go Pico with an ext power brick.

Could also look at the ipac controller (or similar) to allow the existing keys to be used?
Its mostly used in MAME cabinets but you may be able to rig up the keys to turn them into a working usb device..

 

[Xander]

That's a pretty cool idea but, without modesty, probably way beyond my skill set.

Thoughts:
Mobo: Intel Desktop Board D510MO
If I'm looking at this with a smallish SSD boot drive and a 2.5" data drive and no CD... I should be able to get away with a 120W p/s, shouldn't I?

 

[DarDar]

well looking at the specs it gives 50w as max when fully loaded so i'd say that should be fine. Quite a nice little board!