I'd like a case to modify into an ATX case for my new gaming machine. I'd like a SGI O2 case, but honestly, there are lots of neat cases that would work, from the NEXT cube to an old Mac to...well, whatever.
You may not get many responses from in here, since this forum stresses keeping older systems running, and not gutting them to be filled with generic Intel/AMD components. The SGI crowd also looks poorly on gutting an O2 for this reason.
I would check ebay, or surplus computer outlets, but you will probably have to buy a whole system in order to get a case.
Chef
Quote from: "nextchef"You may not get many responses from in here, since this forum stresses keeping older systems running, and not gutting them to be filled with generic Intel/AMD components. The SGI crowd also looks poorly on gutting an O2 for this reason.
I would check ebay, or surplus computer outlets, but you will probably have to buy a whole system in order to get a case.
Chef
I have - they're not common items.
The problem with older systems is that they do slowly die, and there's little point in resurrecting an 02 when an Octane with R10000's is so cheap on eBay.
Admittedly, it is a shame to butcher a NEXT Cube, but if the cube is dead, why not at least use part of it?
(Besides, I'd likely have OpenSTEP installed - think of it as a really major hardware upgrade.)
I agree with the continuation aspect of some upgrades, as long as it does not do irreparable damage to the original parts. I am working on a project using a NeXT monoslab case, with transplanted parts from a Wallstreet powerbook. It will run Rhapsody/OSX Server, and thus be my interpretation of what might have been if the NeXT hardware had continued into the "G3" age. I have made no modifications to the case, and could return it to original condition with the proper parts at anytime.
Like everything else in life, it is subjective and up to "the eye of the beholder". In the end it is your system, and no matter what anyone else may think, it is yours to do with as you see fit, and that must be respected.
Good luck with it, and I for one would love to read more about the project as it progresses.
Chef
Quote from: "nextchef"I agree with the continuation aspect of some upgrades, as long as it does not do irreparable damage to the original parts.
Chef
I'm afraid that I'm one of those horrible people who would chop up a SGI or NEXT case to modify it a bit. To be fair, I have art-metal training, and I'd leave the exterior intact - only when you open it up (or notice the assorted shiny lights) can you tell that it's not what it appears to be.
After all, if it runs like an NEXT machine and looks like a NEXT machine, it is a NEXT machine. (Walks like a duck, talks like a duck...)
Just ignore the x86 behind the curtian....
Oh Please. Don't encorage another of these aquarium-from-computer Marha Stewart types.
"Another Mac classic done gone, " CACHUNK,
Fortunately the Next cube is still going expensive enough that the Yahoos can't gut it for the case cheaply.
L.
Quote from: "nextchef"You may not get many responses from in here, since this forum stresses keeping older systems running, and not gutting them to be filled with generic Intel/AMD components. The SGI crowd also looks poorly on gutting an O2 for this reason.
I would check ebay, or surplus computer outlets, but you will probably have to buy a whole system in order to get a case.
Chef
Quote from: "NextMach"Oh Please. Don't encorage another of these aquarium-from-computer Marha Stewart types.
"Another Mac classic done gone, " CACHUNK,
Fortunately the Next cube is still going expensive enough that the Yahoos can't gut it for the case cheaply.
L.
Wow, thanks for the name-calling! Very polite.
Honestly, I've seen a lot of PCs that were too blown out to repair - fried logic boards just are'nt worth the hassle.
Besides, why run on a 68k processor when I've got an 800mhz G4 I could use instead?
Quotewhy run on a 68k processor when I've got an 800mhz G4 I could use instead?
Haave you ever heard of "nostalgia"?
You say you are good at art metal, why not just make a case?
You will get better luck with asking for case dimensions than you will for asking for a real case.
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=598^^Someone else is recreating a case for the same purpose.
Quote from: "pentium"Quotewhy run on a 68k processor when I've got an 800mhz G4 I could use instead?
Haave you ever heard of "nostalgia"?
You say you are good at art metal, why not just make a case?
You will get better luck with asking for case dimensions than you will for asking for a real case.
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=598
^^Someone else is recreating a case for the same purpose.
I'm familar with "nostalgia". SGI machines are the very definition of cool - I'm fond of the webcomic User Friendly, in which an AI lives in a SGI 02.
A Mac Classic makes a decent PC case. Just remove the guts, replace the CRT with a small LCD, and add a micro-ATX motherboard. The small LCD would be used as a secondary monitor.
Whilst I cannot advocate the gutting of a classic machine for the installation of newer hardware, I do have a bit of a "gray area" problem: As part of a job lot of older hardware, I was supplied with a completely empty NeXTstation Color case - no mothboard, drives, powersupply or fan: nothing.
Would it be permissible to install a mini-ITX system inside this casing (with as little case modification as possible, as I lack the skill), or should I attempt to source replacement original hardware for it, as I have tried to do with the other unfortunate units (
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=607) I received?
Quote from: "phoenixuk"
Would it be permissible to install a mini-ITX system inside this casing (with as little case modification as possible, as I lack the skill)
The micro-ITX or mini-ITX stuff will work just fine. Just be careful to check the height of all the heatsinks on the board, as the next machine is rather tight on that regard. You may even have to swap the cpu cooler for one designed for a 1 or 2U rack mount case, if you run into clearance problems. Another source of parts are the small form factor systems made by HP and compaq. Some of these have motherboards small enough to fit in tight spaces, but the power supplies can still be a problem. Most "small" ones are still too tall to fit where the NeXT one was, so they have to be placed down in the main area. If you stick to a moderately powered mini-ITX type power supply, it makes things much easier to arrange. The other option is to move the powersupply outside of the case, in its own small enclosure, thus leaving more room inside for the other parts. This has the added benefit of letting you run a larger capacity power supply, and therefore a more powerful system with more components.
The biggest issue is arranging all the components so they actually all fit in the system. For me, it helps to make mock up versions out of cardboard for the parts before I buy them, and see how it all might go together. Think about where cables will run, how long are the existing cables you have, or will you have to get longer ones. Will you need to fabricate any cable extensions for the drive or motherboard power connectors, or any brackets to secure components. If you can, try to re-use some of the existing motherboard mounting points, as it makes for a much more solid and secure system, with less chance of things sliding around and damaging each other. Sit down with the components, stare at the case, test fit things and measure, sketch it out if you are good at that, and come up with a plan. This way your chances of success will be improved, and you can end up with a well thought out and nice looking system.
As to whether you "should" do it, it is your system so do what you want with it. The fact that this machine came with no internal parts at all, means that you are not "gutting" a working system to create this. And if you do not do any extensive modifications to it, you could theoretically in the future get all the parts together to return it to a more original configuration. Not everything is a "museum piece", so do what feels comfortable to you, and have fun with it.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Chef
Quote from: "Spasticteapot"
I'm familar with "nostalgia". SGI machines are the very definition of cool - I'm fond of the webcomic User Friendly, in which an AI lives in a SGI 02.
A Mac Classic makes a decent PC case. Just remove the guts, replace the CRT with a small LCD, and add a micro-ATX motherboard. The small LCD would be used as a secondary monitor.
Ummm, nostalgia != cool ... or anything of the sort. According to what you said afterwards (puttinga PC into a Mac Classic case) I don't think you're getting what is being said :/
Anyways, I think you might wanna check out the other guy's project of making a NeXTCube case from scratch. It might be a better option for hooking up hardware that wasn't meant to be hooked up to it (don't have to deal with rivets and bevels that were meant for NeXT hardware/cards)
Quote from: nextchefQuote from: "phoenixuk"
...
The micro-ITX or mini-ITX stuff will work just fine. Just be careful to check the height of all the heatsinks on the board, as the next machine is rather tight on that regard. You may even have to swap the cpu cooler for one designed for a 1 or 2U rack mount case, if you run into clearance problems. Another source of parts are the small form factor systems
...
Chef
What I did for some of my frankenstein 'mini' designs was to take the top cover OFF the power supply, so that way I gain an inch or two (sometimes). Gets better cooling for the PSU too :) Only have to be very careful not to stick a finger in the wrong place, as the 110-240 volts will most likely kill you :)
Quote from: "da9000"
What I did for some of my frankenstein 'mini' designs was to take the top cover OFF the power supply, so that way I gain an inch or two (sometimes). Gets better cooling for the PSU too :) Only have to be very careful not to stick a finger in the wrong place, as the 110-240 volts will most likely kill you :)
That is a good tip as well, for getting that last little bit of clearance. Most of the internal power supplies for mini/micro-itx systems come "naked" like that, for the same reason of space savings. They are designed to be more exposed, where as a normal PS is not, so just be careful as da9000 said if you strip a standard one.
Chef
And you know the worst part of dying from a NeXT-hack PSU, right?
There's only a few hundred of us NeXTies left!!!!!!! Hahahaha :-D