AT Caseless? \ VOGONS

AT Caseless?

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First post, by notsofossil

Posted on 2017-02-06, 06:33

notsofossil Offline

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I have an AT bog-standard Socket 7 board in a smelly old yellowed, tall and really heavy PC case. The parts inside are still good though, even the PSU. Although fumigating the case is an option, perhaps go caseless? I know people do that sometimes for ATX systems, but what about AT? Is it a bad idea because of all the connectors and what not?

It'd probably still be too much for pure DOS (it has a K6 200MHz), but maybe it could run Windows 3.1? I've never had a PC run straight up Windows 3.1 before. Would be pretty fun playing Carmen Sandiego and Amazon Trail.

Has anyone tried caseless for AT systems?

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Reply 1 of 3, by BSA Starfire

Posted on 2017-02-06, 07:00

BSA Starfire Offline

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If I were you I'd take the time to make the case usable. AT cases are thin on the ground these days and getting very expensive.

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Reply 2 of 3, by mrau

Posted on 2017-02-06, 07:06

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just cut the back wall, where the mobo is attached, and the back, where extension cards are supported, and throw the rest? youd have a comfy testbed at least

Reply 3 of 3, by Ampera

Posted on 2017-02-06, 07:18

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I suggest to clean the case. Hose it down, if needed retrobright the parts, and touch places up with some Isopropyl Alcohol scrubbing.

If you seriously want to do a caseless AT machine, Go right ahead! There is no reason why you can't. Just get a non-conductive bottom, a piece of wood is GREAT, or you can even use a cardboard box (I've done both of these)

AT connectors are already grounded, and you do not need to ground the boards further. Everything that needs a connection to ground already has one, and it should run stable and well. I've run Socket 3, Slot 1, and Socket A boards all like this at one point (Cases aren't free, except for the one I got for free).

Also as previously said, AT cases are expensive as balls, if you don't want it, maybe sell it as a fixer-upper to some here? Not sure where you're located though.

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