I've accumulated a few SBC computers in the 3.5" drive format, apparently also known as "Biscuit" or "Cookie" form factor.

I had been planning to build at least one up into a permanent system using a Hammond brand generic enclosure. But then it occurred to me that as this form factor is designed to match a 3.5" drive, maybe an old external 3.5" hard drive enclosure would make a good chassis?

I dug around on eBay and bought these two 2000s era FireWire enclosures - G-Tech G-RAID 1000, and Lacie Quadra D2.

I thought the G-RAID could potentially have port access opened up on one of the sides, through the grille, as well as having room for a PC/104 expansion card, 40mm fan, and plenty of ventilation. This one was in even worse visual condition than I expected though - the aluminium probably needs rubbing down and painting?

It also surprised me by having a pair of IDE drives!

The LaCie drive caught my attention for being upright format, with the ports on the long edge, which seems unusual. It is really striking looking, and exceptionally well made, with long bolts back to front holding on a solid cast face plate!

There is what looks like an unpopulated hole for a tiny fan, but I guess the idea with this one was that the mass of aluminium would have a heatsink effect? I guess it would need a laptop type blower fan or something to accommodate an SBC though?

The drive sled does look quite easy to adapt for an SBC, and the removable back cover could easily be milled for the right ports.

Either way, my plan is to do some drilling and milling to adapt one or both of these.

Interested to hear if anyone has tried anything similar already?