How to use an old IBM PC case with new motherboards without damaging it.

[Fire-Flare]

While upgrading my system I thought I'd take it apart and show you how I did it.

Step 1: Find yourself an empty PC case. (Or empty yourself a found PC case. )

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160825_1828467012_zpsqmbhzq78.jpg


Step 2: Make an adapter to secure your motherboard to the AT mounting holes. I made this one from a clipboard. (Forgive the fans, they're glued in place)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160825_1837134782_zpsroxt752v.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160825_1844593932_zpswsbl5ngp.jpg


Step 3: Install your power supply. For powering the last build, I used a mATX PSU inside a clone PSU shell, with the power leads wired to the Big Red Switch and the motherboard configured to boot when power was restored. This time I'll be using an ATX PSU in an expansion unit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160825_1850027192_zpsgcvkmpfm.jpg


Step 4: Install your drives. I've opted to make mine look stock with more modern equipment in the expansion unit. The hard drive bezel has green and red LEDs I'll be using for the power and drive activity status.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160825_1957074571_zpskx2dyzbd.jpg


Step 5: Once everything's connected do a test boot and make sure everything's working correctly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160825_2025408402_zpsrck7gefa.jpg


Step 6: If everything went as expected in the last step, put the case(s) back together and enjoy your vintage-appearing machine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20160828_1333088361_zpso2ivrw0b.jpg

 

[circuit]

Thanks, this was really interesting to read and view. I particularly like how you retained the stock look making use of the LEDs.

These old IBM cases really were built to last!

 

[Fire-Flare]

Thanks, this was really interesting to read and view. I particularly like how you retained the stock look making use of the LEDs.

These old IBM cases really were built to last!

My pleasure.

And you're not kidding, I went through a few cutting wheels trying to modify one in the past, and that heavy-duty construction makes them expensive to ship as well.

If you want to go overboard with the stock appearance, I also routed the back-panel connectors to expansion card brackets last time around using extension cables. But since nobody ever looked back there I decided to use the slots as extra ventilation this time.