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First post, by simbin

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I'm trying to keep it retro with a modern look. I'm having trouble finding a black modern (desktop) case for a ASUS VL/I-486SV2G. It's a full AT motherboard.

Most of the cases I see are towers. I like the classic desktop look and I prefer no front USB ports - I realize this is going to be a challenge.

My budget is $100

Another thing that would be cool but seems impossible to find is a Turbo LED for the front.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

WIP: 486DX2/66, 16MB FastPage RAM, TsengLabs ET4000 VLB
Check out my Retro-Ghetto build (2016 Update) 😀
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Reply 2 of 14, by simbin

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sgraffite wrote:

This is all I found in like 10 minutes of searching:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-BLACK-DESKTOP-PC- … MsAAOSw6n5Xq7z0

$150 with shipping YIKES! That case looks like it has paint bubbles too.

I would actually be happy with a black ATX (desktop) case, if my motherboard fits. A few years ago I could actually find them. Now all I see is the ITX form factor, when it comes to desktops - everything else is towers.

WIP: 486DX2/66, 16MB FastPage RAM, TsengLabs ET4000 VLB
Check out my Retro-Ghetto build (2016 Update) 😀
Commodore 128D, iBook G3 "Clamshell"
3DO M2, Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, GBC

Reply 3 of 14, by ODwilly

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HEC used to sell one on newegg. Not sure if they do anymore. It goes in and out of stock EDIT: its the 7106bb and $44 in stock on newegg

Last edited by ODwilly on 2016-08-16, 01:20. Edited 2 times in total.

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 4 of 14, by ODwilly

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Looks like the haf xb by coolermaster and the cm elite 360 may suit your needs

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 5 of 14, by clueless1

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I did this not too long ago just to see how it looked. I was lucky to have a black CRT to finish the look. No I/O shield in the back and no integrated power/turbo buttons (or LED). But it was fun to put together for a quick photo. BTW, many older ATX cases have AT mounting holes, but they don't all line up with the motherboard. There was no support in the upper right corner of the motherboard, for example. Just had to be careful with mounting and inserting cards.

The attachment black.jpg is no longer available

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Reply 6 of 14, by simbin

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ODwilly wrote:

Looks like the haf xb by coolermaster and the cm elite 360 may suit your needs

Thanks, both cases look like they'd work. Do you know if there's anything slimmer height-wise? I really don't need all those extra drive bays. It just needs a spot for one CD-ROM and Floppy and be able to accommodate full-height ISA cards.

WIP: 486DX2/66, 16MB FastPage RAM, TsengLabs ET4000 VLB
Check out my Retro-Ghetto build (2016 Update) 😀
Commodore 128D, iBook G3 "Clamshell"
3DO M2, Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, GBC

Reply 7 of 14, by ODwilly

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I edited my hec reply with the model number. Its 1mm thick steel even!

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 8 of 14, by simbin

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ODwilly wrote:

I edited my hec reply with the model number. Its 1mm thick steel even!

I have some HEC cases and like them a lot. However, the sideways 3.5" bays in the 7106bb makes me mental 🤣

It's like that case can't make up its mind.. desktop.. tower.. desktop.. tower

Thanks for looking. I know a solution like this is hard to find. If you can think of any others - let me know.

clueless1 wrote:

I did this not too long ago just to see how it looked. I was lucky to have a black CRT to finish the look. No I/O shield in the back and no integrated power/turbo buttons (or LED). But it was fun to put together for a quick photo. BTW, many older ATX cases have AT mounting holes, but they don't all line up with the motherboard. There was no support in the upper right corner of the motherboard, for example. Just had to be careful with mounting and inserting cards.

black.jpg

I'm also using a vertical (tower) case at the moment but want to transition to a more classic looking, horizontal (desktop) case. Your case looks like the Antec cases I used back in the day 😀

WIP: 486DX2/66, 16MB FastPage RAM, TsengLabs ET4000 VLB
Check out my Retro-Ghetto build (2016 Update) 😀
Commodore 128D, iBook G3 "Clamshell"
3DO M2, Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, GBC

Reply 9 of 14, by ODwilly

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I have one and agreed! You could always use a 5.25 in a drive adaptor to fix that. More 3.5s for hard drives that way! Oh and it has the mounting holes for AT

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 10 of 14, by simbin

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ODwilly wrote:

I have one and agreed! You could always use a 5.25 in a drive adaptor to fix that. More 3.5s for hard drives that way! Oh and it has the mounting holes for AT

I really like the looks of this one, although I could do without the front panel USB (probably not an option in 2016) and it's missing the 3.5" bay for my USB to Floppy converter.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHO0MRK/

I could probably even remove all that side fan stuff (not going to need it on a 486) and put a nice plexiglass window there instead 😀

WIP: 486DX2/66, 16MB FastPage RAM, TsengLabs ET4000 VLB
Check out my Retro-Ghetto build (2016 Update) 😀
Commodore 128D, iBook G3 "Clamshell"
3DO M2, Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, GBC

Reply 11 of 14, by ODwilly

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Oh i like that. Sikverstone makes good quality stuff. And you could take the fans out and use them in another oroject

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 12 of 14, by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman

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simbin wrote:

I would actually be happy with a black ATX (desktop) case, if my motherboard fits. A few years ago I could actually find them. Now all I see is the ITX form factor, when it comes to desktops - everything else is towers.

Try HTPC chassis.

Never thought this thread would be that long, but now, for something different.....
Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman.

Reply 13 of 14, by candle_86

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buy a white/beige AT case, some sand paper, some good cleaner, and a 3-4 spray paint cans, get the good stuff, and to top it off get a nice clear coat spray can.

First disassemble it
Next use a good degreaser or paint thinner on the metal parts, and good hot soapy water on the plastic
Next sand down the metal panted parts and get out any inperfections, you can even use bondo on it if there is a small dent
Next soapy water the metal parts
rinse all parts in hot water
Next paint in a cool dry area without wind if possible
Let dry and reassemble

Now you have a black case in your choose style.

For added you could tape off area's and make a design.

Reply 14 of 14, by simbin

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Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman wrote:
simbin wrote:

I would actually be happy with a black ATX (desktop) case, if my motherboard fits. A few years ago I could actually find them. Now all I see is the ITX form factor, when it comes to desktops - everything else is towers.

Try HTPC chassis.

Good idea

candle_86 wrote:
buy a white/beige AT case, some sand paper, some good cleaner, and a 3-4 spray paint cans, get the good stuff, and to top it off […]
Show full quote

buy a white/beige AT case, some sand paper, some good cleaner, and a 3-4 spray paint cans, get the good stuff, and to top it off get a nice clear coat spray can.

First disassemble it
Next use a good degreaser or paint thinner on the metal parts, and good hot soapy water on the plastic
Next sand down the metal panted parts and get out any inperfections, you can even use bondo on it if there is a small dent
Next soapy water the metal parts
rinse all parts in hot water
Next paint in a cool dry area without wind if possible
Let dry and reassemble

Now you have a black case in your choose style.

For added you could tape off area's and make a design.

Unfortunately, I lack the proper tools, work area and skills necessary for a project like that.

WIP: 486DX2/66, 16MB FastPage RAM, TsengLabs ET4000 VLB
Check out my Retro-Ghetto build (2016 Update) 😀
Commodore 128D, iBook G3 "Clamshell"
3DO M2, Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, GBC