More pictures please! Left side and the internals. Looks great! 😁

Wow, really good work!
I especially like the selfmade mixer and the programmable Badge 😀

That's an awesome looking case and nice work on all the customizatiosn!

I agree with PD2JK, we need more pictures. 😁

psychofox wrote on 2024-06-17, 11:06:

Homemade 4Channel mixer+ equalizer. Built from 3 different cheap aliexpress modules, fitted to 5.25 panel. Convenient to set the sound levels directly in the games. Works very well.

Homemade CF + SD card reader in 3,5" slot. Thermometer attached to the same "device", at the moment it monitors the general internal temperature of the case.

Programmable Electronic PC-Badge. Arduino based tiny 0,96" screen.

its a very nice set up but in particular i like what you have done here, and the result overall has a different and original look because of the selections you have made, and the rest components are great for everything dos anyway 😀

This is amazing. Really unique build, and I have a soft spot for MMX-based DOS builds with lots of sound cards. Love the custom mixer!

Thanks for positive feedback.

I looked at my pictures folder and it seems that i dont have inner pictures from current configurations of this PC.
So i quickly took some night-time shoots for starters. Sorry for dusty glass 😀
Tomorrow i probably will do proper photoshoot.

And here are couple of photos of the mixer-equalizer device. Nothing beautiful here, (the prototyping and testing phases).
The metal base is taken from an old broken thermaltake fan controller.
And it still is waiting printed stickers for buttons, sockets and display.

Had a couple of thoughts while reading the initial post.

First was, interesting bunch of homemade parts, that's different.
Then matching Diamond video and Voodoo, nice
Then AWE32 good choice, oh wait more soundcards, wow alot more sound! 😀

Then that case, Typically I don't like it when people mod classic cases but this looks tasteful and is well done so I'll allow it 😉

Amount of work you have put into this you should be proud.

chinny22 wrote on 2024-06-18, 23:35:

Typically I don't like it when people mod classic cases

In fact, I totally agree (i have 5 more classic pc-s and they all are unmodded or restored to original stage). Most of my computers are also period correct builds.

But for me, a big part of retro computing is also the visual side of the components. Some of the graphics and sound cards are like works of art and they need to be presented proudly 😁 I actually thought for a long time before I attacked this cheap but nice computer case with a angle grinder, now it is done, there is no way back... but the result is quite satisfying for me.

Of course this "diamond" still needs some polishing 😁

@psychofox:
Sent you PM. Can you check it please?

Very cool build!
The custom work is great. Have no regrets about modding the case the way you did. There's plenty of properly preserved old cases, so nothing wrong with taking one and making something more unusual out of it. Reminds me of the movie "Hackers" from the 90's, BTW. 😀

psychofox wrote on 2024-06-17, 11:06:

Power supply AT Enlight corp Low-Noise 200w. A bit dodgy brand though, i consider to replace it with a Spire 300W power supply which would probably be ok in terms of power and back in the day Spire was a relatively well respected brand.

If that Enlight power supply is a legit Enlight unit, you're probably better off leaving it alone. Enlight usually built some pretty good PSUs back in the day.
Spire on the other hand... well, as far as I recall, they didn't build *any* PSUs. They just slapped their label on various OEM and non-OEM vendors' units. While the quality of their CPU coolers was pretty good, their PSUs varied between OK/good and kinda-lame. IIRC, I saw at least one Spire PSU with Solytech/Deer/Allied internals (which is a so-so PSU manufacturer, though they do use cheapo quality electrolytic capacitors.)
So best bet is to open the top on both PSUs and see what they look like on the inside before "blindly" swapping. Most AT systems use less than 50 Watts of power, so the power rating of the two PSUs should not influence your choice.

momaka wrote on 2024-06-20, 23:17:

If that Enlight power supply is a legit Enlight unit, you're probably better off leaving it alone. Enlight usually built some pretty good PSUs back in the day.

Thanks.
Youre right, checked that Spire PSU, it is actually very lightweight thing and very similar to those codegen crap PSUs from inside. So enlight stays for now.

Woah, MAN!! Very impressive. Massive computer envy. You did a GREAT job! Giving me some good ideas, too.

I know this post doesn't contribute anything, but I feel so depressed after seeing that beautiful retro box destroyed... it hurt me to enter the post and see the photos. In my country we say "a color for every taste"

theelf wrote on 2024-07-07, 14:29:

I know this post doesn't contribute anything, but I feel so depressed after seeing that beautiful retro box destroyed... it hurt me to enter the post and see the photos. In my country we say "a color for every taste"

"Destroyed" means getting crushed and thrown into landfill. This lucky case has been painstakingly restored and upgraded with several amazing additions - the opposite of destroyed I'd say.

I love it personally.

badmojo wrote on 2024-07-07, 23:25:

theelf wrote on 2024-07-07, 14:29:

I know this post doesn't contribute anything, but I feel so depressed after seeing that beautiful retro box destroyed... it hurt me to enter the post and see the photos. In my country we say "a color for every taste"

"Destroyed" means getting crushed and thrown into landfill. This lucky case has been painstakingly restored and upgraded with several amazing additions - the opposite of destroyed I'd say.

I love it personally.

Maybe my english is not good... let say "ruined" is better? I dont care, everyone is the owner of their properties, but i feel a big pain when I enter the thread and see pictures... did not expect that, was a surprise! a warning like the old "Big pictures 56k users" will be cool 😀

badmojo wrote on 2024-07-07, 23:25:

theelf wrote on 2024-07-07, 14:29:

I know this post doesn't contribute anything, but I feel so depressed after seeing that beautiful retro box destroyed... it hurt me to enter the post and see the photos. In my country we say "a color for every taste"

"Destroyed" means getting crushed and thrown into landfill. This lucky case has been painstakingly restored and upgraded with several amazing additions - the opposite of destroyed I'd say.

I love it personally.

I understand theelf's feeling, even op understands.

psychofox wrote on 2024-06-19, 06:38:

In fact, I totally agree (i have 5 more classic pc-s and they all are unmodded or restored to original stage). Most of my computers are also period correct builds.

as you say we are simply different colours 😀

I'm undecided how I feel, on the one hand only a limited number of these old cases exist, but on the other the mods are tastefully done.
Plus I much prefer this then modding cases for "sleeper builds" at least this still has old hardware inside.

Ultimately though, it's OP's case to do whatever he wants with and as badmojo said, it's saved from landfill which is the most important thing.

chinny22 wrote on 2024-07-08, 00:04:

I'm undecided how I feel, on the one hand only a limited number of these old cases exist, but on the other the mods are tastefully done.

One month ago, a old friend of mine that i did not see in a loonngg timepast away, and a lot of old computers still are in the garage. Thank good his wife decide to call me and she say if i can sell or give away in case is something not worth

But it could have happened that she couldn't find my number, or wasn't interested, and everything went to waste... Unfortunately one day or another, perhaps everything we have collected will end up in the trash.... we have to enjoy it today!

In other hand, you right... old cases are limited! jeje

theelf wrote on 2024-07-07, 14:29:

I know this post doesn't contribute anything, but I feel so depressed after seeing that beautiful retro box destroyed... it hurt me to enter the post and see the photos. In my country we say "a color for every taste"

I totally understand that emotion. But dont worry, "destroyed" here is only the metal outer cover. And even that can be restored. It is not an quick and easy task (welding, polishing, and paintjob) but it can be done. But for now, it is my favorite PC and it has brought me much joy.