First post, by Hezus
- Rank
- Member
Over the years there have been great new products from the community to replace aging, broken or hard to obtain parts. Even entirely new cases like the Checkmate A1500 Plus for the Amiga. This made me think: What about the PC side of things? There was a long period of time in the 80's and 90's where AT was the industry norm and many systems from 286's up to Super Socket 7 & Pentium II's were housed inside AT or Baby AT form factor cases. As far as I can tell no-one has taken up the challenge to create a new retro styled AT case! Since many of you own AT cases, it'll be fun to brainstorm a bit what properties a newly made AT case would need and what it would look like.
Here are some of my ideas:
- Retro aesthetic - The case design should be close to the 80s/90s Beige Box we love and hate. It could have its own charm, but shouldn't be recognisable as something that wasn't made in the time period at first glance.
- Functionality - The case should accomendate for typical AT functions such as a turbo button, a key lock, an LCD display (full 3 digits so 200+ mhz machines can use them as well). Furthermore a reset and power switch. Personally I'm a big fan of those large red IBM styled toggle switches. Extra non-AT I/O such as USB, front audio and a CF slot could be hidden behind a latch. This could also be a great opportunity to add a 9 and/or 25 pin serial and gameport slot, so you could hook up peripherals easily. Ultimately, I'd like to have a modular front panel that you can swap out, so you can change the look of the machine. Don't want a turbo button? Just pop in a different front plate and you're done!
- Materials - No more yellowing ABS plastics! If plastics are used to hold certain case elements together, the legs should be thick enough so they won't break easily as they become brittle with age. If possible, the construction should be all metal for durability. The front will probably still remain plastic, not to break with the Beige Box aesthetic.
- Modular - If possible, the case should be able to be used standing as a tower or on it's side like a desktop. There have been cases where you can mount your 5,25 drives either way to accommendate for the orientation. Also (if possible) the backplate should be modular so it could also house ATX boards.
- Easy of Use - Some of the early cases are a nightmare to work with, so I'd like some improvements here too. Such as individual side panels (no more removing the full housing). Also, a backplane for the motherboard that you can take out easily for testing and maintenance. It would also be great if the metal construction has honed edges, so I no longer have cuts and scratches on my hands after working with it.
What would be your recommendations for such a new AT case? 😀
Some great examples of the looks I would go for:
Visit my YT Channel!
