building a Linux box: caseless, but with hard drive(stupid idea?)

[jasong]

I'm thinking about attempting to build a Linux box with no box. I'm also going to post in the Linux iso forums to see if they think it's a good or a bad idea.

the details really aren't sketched out right now, but it will share a keyboard, mouse and monitor through a little blue thing that doesn't require that the computers to communicate, so that's not an issue.

If I can do it, the hard drive will have it's own enclosure and will sit on the other desk in my room.

In terms of supplying power, since it's caseless, does the motherboard, RAM, and cpu matter, in terms of connecting power sources? I know I need more power, I'm just worried about the connections.

There will, obviously, other problems. but, at the moment, I'm simply worried about parts.

[jasong]

Do you guys think this idea is so stupid you're not even going to respond? Or is it just no comment?

I can take criticism guys. I know I'm an impulsive person, so if you want to tell me I'm in over my head and need to learn a little bit of Linux first, that's fine. If you think I need to get a regular box and practice my butt off, than say so. I don't want to attempt this feat if the prevailing opinion is I'm in over my head.

I just need a little input.

linuxiso.org seems to be offline for awhile, so that's no help(they give a short message saying they've had a hardware failure)

[Bok]

There is so much you could find out if only you did a little searching...which is probably why there are no responses.

I have built probably 40 machines without cases. You can really use anything. I've typically used the kind iof stacking tray you can buy at any office store. Then used cable ties to keep it all connected. Cheap,simple and easy enough to transport.

Bok

[PCZ]

Jasong
There really isn't any secret to making a caseless computer.

You have the basic ingredients MB, RAM, CPU and power supply.
Onboard nic and video is also useful.

You can boot off the network [needs strong linux skills] or attach a harddisk [easy].

Whilst you install the OS you need to attach a keyboard and screen, but once the OS is installed you can do away with them.

Set 'dont stop on error' sometimes it is called 'wait for F1 on error' in the bios and you can boot up without a keyboard attached.

You can telnet/SSH into NIX or Remote Desktop/VNC if running windows.

As Bok has already mentioned you can build it in a basket to transport around easily or just lay it out on a flat surface.

My PXE farm used wooden shelves.

[jasong]

There is so much you could find out if only you did a little searching
Bok
Point taken.:thumbs:

[Scoofy12]

There is so much you could find out if only you did a little searching...which is probably why there are no responses.

I have built probably 40 machines without cases. You can really use anything. I've typically used the kind iof stacking tray you can buy at any office store. Then used cable ties to keep it all connected. Cheap,simple and easy enough to transport.

Bok

thats interesting, ive often wondered what the best materials would be. do you have issues with static in those plastic boxes?
also, do you have issues with dust/ what do you do about that?

[Bok]

When I said tray, I actually meant basket. The stacking type you see often. Don't get any issues with static at all. Dust build up is less than in a case. I attach a large case fan to the side of the basket too to blow over the mobo/cpu/chipset.

Bok :cheers:

[LAURENU2]

do you have issues with dust/ what do you do about that?
I just blow my back 40 off with a 110 Psi air hose every 2 weeks-->:looney: __:harhar: