- Joined
- Aug 24, 2007
- Messages
- 443 (0.07/day)
- Location
- BY-S36
System Name | Bitch / Dogma |
---|---|
Processor | 955 BE @ 3.8Gig / 9850 @stock |
Video Card(s) | 8800 GTX 512 / 4890 |
Storage | 8 x Samsung F2 1.5TB, 8 x Seagate 500s |
Display(s) | Acer 24 / Dell 24 |
Case | Lian li / Akasa |
Software | Win server 2008 / Win 7 |
Hi all,
OK - now I have my pictures in some sort of order here is my custom Desk/PC/Office build.
WARNING: This post will no doubt ramble a bit (sorry up front for that) but the story starts over a decade ago..
Intro:
I've been building/fixing 'stuff' since I could hold a screwdriver (I'm in my 40s - Old Skool
).
I started building my own PCs in the early 90s - mainly ex-business PCs at that stage 286/386/486.
By the mid-90s custom PC parts were a thing! You could buy cases that looked good, with lights! and windows! I loved it (Thank you Kustom PCs in Ayr for having so much cool stuff and introducing me to Lain Li
)
In 1999 my PC world was put on hold :shadedshu. Myself and my Wife had bought a very old fairly large and frankly derelict house. My fixing abilities were needed elsewhere![Laugh :laugh: :laugh:](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/laugh-v1.gif)
So fast forward to christmas 2003 - the house was pretty much done and I had an office! A proper big office for all my crap! At this stage my crap consisted of: a couple of Dell Pent D PCs - one running as a windows server (Itunes/Web/etc) one an Ubuntu (testing mainly). Also a Lian Li (probably an Athlon/9700 combo) and an Akasa? (AMD/8800 combo I think)
So - time for refresh!
The Upgrade Starts......slowly...and goes nowhere....
To explain: 2004 -2008 I was self employed and travelled..A LOT. This left me with little or no time to do anything meaningful, except buy stuff....
I buy a Dell 24" monitor...
Yea....really. What was I thinking. Dont get me wrong it's a fantastic monitor - I still use it everyday but there were 100s of more practicable things I could have dropped £500 on.
I add proper 5.1 sound, great sound - cabling nightmare
and a midi keyboard - more cabling.
And then I reorganise my office about 20 times to try and make it not look like PC bring and buy sale....
2009 - lets actually do some PC stuff mmmK?
So at this point a I decided I wanted a proper design to the network in the house. Where it was needed and why?
The plan? Multimedia to all rooms.
So I needed a better server (currenty a Dell Pent D) and some reliable storage (currently a eSATA HD plugged into the Dell)
So for a Server I decide to hack up an empty Lian Li case and turn a mid tower into a desktop with legs...yeah!
Hardware: q9550 @2.8G, 8G RAM, 2 x 500G boot raid, 2 x 1T data raid, Cooler - AC Freezer Pro, Fans - Noctua
(This is still the main server and is probably due for some TLC soon)
Ok server built - 2008 installed and I went and bought a QNAP 809pro to get the storage sorted. Highly recommend these guys!
Now I have another problem - the Dells have now moved to be media PCs in 2 other rooms and left big spaces and now I've a legged server that wont fit anywhere - this room is so outa hand![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/tongue-v1.gif)
I NEED A PROPER SUPERDESK!
Jump to Feb 2010 - I have permission to proceed with project 'BIGMESS'
Plan: A desk that can hold 3 x 30"+ monitors has room for 1 x server, 2 x PC, Mixing desk, Laptop, Audio amps, UPS + remote power, cooling.
I start on a 3D design
and refine it
By the end of march I've made a 1/10 scale model and refined the design further.
April is spent ordering all the hardware (screws, brackets, monitor tree, paint, tool bits) and getting the wood to a CnC machine to have the parts cut.
And now the desk build starts...
At this point I need to empty the office because the carpet fitters are coming - so decide to make someything to house my NAS/Router etc![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/tongue-v1.gif)
Now with added carpet...
and back to the desk.....
Old desk is sent outside to sleep /sad
And new desk with screens..
Ok, thats all for now - I will try and and upload some more of the finished desk and also some of the hardware thats been installed since.
Current hardware:
Server: q9550 @2.8G, 8G RAM, 2 x 500G boot raid, 2 x 1T data raid, Cooler - AC Freezer Pro, Fans - Noctua
Main PC: i7 950 @ 4.2G, 6G Ram, OCZ Revo x2 240G boot, 2 x 1T data, GTX580, S/stone Raven
2nd PC: Phenom II 955, 4G RAM, 4870 AMD thing, 4 x 500G raid
NAS: QNAP 809pro
Media: WD live TV SMP x 4
Please feel free to ask questions and such and I will do my best to get back with quick answers etc.
Thanks all o/
Edit: Actually a parts list and tools etc might be handy for someone.
Carcass: Moisture resistant MDF 32mm for top, 28mm everything else
3D work: Google sketchup - I sketched on paper at 1st, then transferred to Sketchup - this gave me my cutting list.
Model: Foam board from hobby shop
CnC: I drove sheets to local sawmill, guy took £100 and was done in 24hrs :schweet:
Wood woorking: Makita router with a range of bits for edges / biscuit jointer / sander /drill /saw
Hardware: adjustable feet / worktop connectors / brackets /screws etc
Paint: 1st-2 coats white latex to seal, 2nd-3 coats dark grey undercoat, 3rd-3 coats dulux gloss. All applied by roller and hand sanded.
Cooling fans: 2 x 220mm white led
UPS: 1xAPC smartups 1500 and 1 x ES480
Remote power: 2 x Belkin conserve
Lights: all ikea - 2 angle poise mounted through desk, 2 x led spot under desk.
Monitor arm: Quadvision 3 Screen
OK - now I have my pictures in some sort of order here is my custom Desk/PC/Office build.
WARNING: This post will no doubt ramble a bit (sorry up front for that) but the story starts over a decade ago..
Intro:
I've been building/fixing 'stuff' since I could hold a screwdriver (I'm in my 40s - Old Skool
![Cool :cool: :cool:](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/cool-v1.gif)
I started building my own PCs in the early 90s - mainly ex-business PCs at that stage 286/386/486.
By the mid-90s custom PC parts were a thing! You could buy cases that looked good, with lights! and windows! I loved it (Thank you Kustom PCs in Ayr for having so much cool stuff and introducing me to Lain Li
![Toast :toast: :toast:](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/toast-v1.gif)
In 1999 my PC world was put on hold :shadedshu. Myself and my Wife had bought a very old fairly large and frankly derelict house. My fixing abilities were needed elsewhere
![Laugh :laugh: :laugh:](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/laugh-v1.gif)
So fast forward to christmas 2003 - the house was pretty much done and I had an office! A proper big office for all my crap! At this stage my crap consisted of: a couple of Dell Pent D PCs - one running as a windows server (Itunes/Web/etc) one an Ubuntu (testing mainly). Also a Lian Li (probably an Athlon/9700 combo) and an Akasa? (AMD/8800 combo I think)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fh1glC3O.jpg&hash=0e1095278e3558c5497cde880188bfe4)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F37UJISu.jpg&hash=8623559980f556257d564d9e11c796ba)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FeSomuN3.jpg&hash=26b6314a9f17f99e5a8ef571bdcca608)
So - time for refresh!
The Upgrade Starts......slowly...and goes nowhere....
To explain: 2004 -2008 I was self employed and travelled..A LOT. This left me with little or no time to do anything meaningful, except buy stuff....
I buy a Dell 24" monitor...
Yea....really. What was I thinking. Dont get me wrong it's a fantastic monitor - I still use it everyday but there were 100s of more practicable things I could have dropped £500 on.
I add proper 5.1 sound, great sound - cabling nightmare
and a midi keyboard - more cabling.
And then I reorganise my office about 20 times to try and make it not look like PC bring and buy sale....
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fii0ZGG2.jpg&hash=d5b81604090cf9d87d0be66c9d44091d)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsSRNWhy.jpg&hash=dbc4a559acdf80ceb2872c9c0db82c27)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fxw9z6JN.jpg&hash=b0723edc184ecd9b171589d0e647c645)
2009 - lets actually do some PC stuff mmmK?
So at this point a I decided I wanted a proper design to the network in the house. Where it was needed and why?
The plan? Multimedia to all rooms.
So I needed a better server (currenty a Dell Pent D) and some reliable storage (currently a eSATA HD plugged into the Dell)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FNZiLb61.jpg&hash=64dfe5802d8da60982ac4c7be856fb6b)
So for a Server I decide to hack up an empty Lian Li case and turn a mid tower into a desktop with legs...yeah!
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fv38EK4g.jpg&hash=846216dcf2d309a840c1b47921fecc11)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2BBhkbC.jpg&hash=efe0b5daebd8284d79332b7660555ab5)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FeSFcA86.jpg&hash=5fbf24466596361fd8c36eeeebb8f032)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F07LJyLi.jpg&hash=71170e20d30ab09296e18017b76044ff)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZqFbIha.jpg&hash=e954fb56bfae2c8023cf96c02032128c)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FhUiNwOU.jpg&hash=97feb316e0ed79770ed6630134747c32)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxswDzu9.jpg&hash=0277169bd57ca64e5cc3dda8c0744d82)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fbofrwjq.jpg&hash=6cc152452609f77497e3aa1bba37632a)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFdHJIEZ.jpg&hash=e09bf1b87ae2402802678a143e5cb97e)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FYnkDEyn.jpg&hash=ddec65ced7b12aee7b50544df9bb5e50)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fqh2m56B.jpg&hash=b6cb1fd744318ef3fe2dfc28cfad8293)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FI0Qbs5O.jpg&hash=6dbdf6545c04b2a91bae59f0d5502a6b)
Hardware: q9550 @2.8G, 8G RAM, 2 x 500G boot raid, 2 x 1T data raid, Cooler - AC Freezer Pro, Fans - Noctua
(This is still the main server and is probably due for some TLC soon)
Ok server built - 2008 installed and I went and bought a QNAP 809pro to get the storage sorted. Highly recommend these guys!
Now I have another problem - the Dells have now moved to be media PCs in 2 other rooms and left big spaces and now I've a legged server that wont fit anywhere - this room is so outa hand
![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/tongue-v1.gif)
I NEED A PROPER SUPERDESK!
Jump to Feb 2010 - I have permission to proceed with project 'BIGMESS'
Plan: A desk that can hold 3 x 30"+ monitors has room for 1 x server, 2 x PC, Mixing desk, Laptop, Audio amps, UPS + remote power, cooling.
I start on a 3D design
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fthoxtk7.jpg&hash=f69ae79543a909f8c3b34cfb39324aeb)
and refine it
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FDVRJZEz.jpg&hash=ce1b6d68e2e72c60e496a67b263b0cf3)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxYoC7wB.jpg&hash=c1a30f1ea412c3f29938f821d38b5b51)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5Tu7BNo.jpg&hash=04798ab1cc29f125d103b763194d2f60)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPIDmvsu.jpg&hash=1cf751ac30453de8d020106f47500f9b)
By the end of march I've made a 1/10 scale model and refined the design further.
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxBgEKgm.jpg&hash=2e36e8a956091772694f3735b271c64d)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F0pyxKBt.jpg&hash=61ff819b54781ca3838365179a5899fc)
April is spent ordering all the hardware (screws, brackets, monitor tree, paint, tool bits) and getting the wood to a CnC machine to have the parts cut.
And now the desk build starts...
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FdJJpUPK.jpg&hash=6f826eedea35e6880176d405de8a623c)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FkL3SgZI.jpg&hash=bc8fdc1e93a90056fe6269007c695d21)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJJAoGVk.jpg&hash=e70958d8735b9469f651229f54e95fd4)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fkllrqrd.jpg&hash=d07698cee01f9b7fa073dc435c577ade)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGzrd4AE.jpg&hash=3afca7faa256bd86ad9ebc36a5f29d95)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrLb27pc.jpg&hash=d415cb31f9f3e747cf4c024fa8addfd4)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJj4gGWA.jpg&hash=07605d8fe2cb7f4bee6fb2aa7965a068)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAwTulo4.jpg&hash=554cf8c6dd82b6de0718169bf3234bc1)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FzKy320s.jpg&hash=d0cc1b569fafaff03cef93b81e515186)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F8Rm5x51.jpg&hash=7a7005ec3cccbc705c5c6db61b8f7d03)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F35DRqGt.jpg&hash=6feea8c7bf6b9b9c57205d6aaf1cbf61)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FhyMNjXL.jpg&hash=c78bfc79d67f304fe721f7d8327697de)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJXR16Xk.jpg&hash=768359b60ce2a15debb87f130c3b00a5)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FHZGvB2P.jpg&hash=8f365fb0f2c4674da2875d7fdc47db06)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVirxa8d.jpg&hash=0455b2b68b7ce2ead3844e155ec86af5)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FifkAc2d.jpg&hash=3285e4eedbd5f90a5edfbac9ed883010)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FO82E0zE.jpg&hash=09c218054a7310f6b9fbe0752caf19b3)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPt7cbVt.jpg&hash=0e5fd68b3e03e7601aff8f61b85b22ad)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfHeIOGN.jpg&hash=5fdadf2b1d0c06f618f1923da26d0481)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZk3CpaE.jpg&hash=d0de4db86781790fea96a0f8757d6d08)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FCPoflUa.jpg&hash=132953202a899bb808b08256a42dfc6b)
At this point I need to empty the office because the carpet fitters are coming - so decide to make someything to house my NAS/Router etc
![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](https://tpucdn.com/forums/data/assets/smilies/tongue-v1.gif)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrcDgPXC.jpg&hash=7e0e63bfa8bba6c3444a975189745f45)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsDn7vFq.jpg&hash=c29d4c1e6d3a9d379b8c175e6e1376c9)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrX7pwDy.jpg&hash=4b2a5ae2a17fec9bb92b41a446b9bdbd)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FBUQmuNZ.jpg&hash=51c3ca8e8e04e2002bda96408264682f)
Now with added carpet...
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F753MOOp.jpg&hash=011c778cfb72d51fafa477d952124bcd)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Flbum7WZ.jpg&hash=83ccbd8be5fff7cf68689e9dfb83ee59)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FG0CiZd5.jpg&hash=a99b13c0c45b706f7fc9006383440380)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7BkwQAA.jpg&hash=58f7557ad8b811908b70df01a3fda386)
and back to the desk.....
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FI58DmSh.jpg&hash=62591e658b879592908e92ff15eec56a)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FyPhbwTE.jpg&hash=d389fd81df49386c396cde8e14a97570)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPnEmVUO.jpg&hash=15335c74deeda31ed35a0d15ad79ee42)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FDwlKTfB.jpg&hash=12e61a31d1086bd4b9c5e261bddf6617)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGQDE94Q.jpg&hash=542c20b5ab71e84b9d40e462a6aa2b34)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fa40qxOA.jpg&hash=a7c20f281487a3e359961986674ce003)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FdyhSpGN.jpg&hash=1db6541619a9fee022721221c0dd2ab4)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoQ5m0tn.jpg&hash=8b8aa098647ac7eaa55cc58292413ff0)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FKLUdZ1b.jpg&hash=460ec5440de967f42f616d8d9a6efdd7)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FmMX5a1s.jpg&hash=f69eb9ec4438990eb7ba08c644455383)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fw7404lD.jpg&hash=296671e4f6b3f983ee2a32e0a999a947)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fn5MvO9p.jpg&hash=a60cf88c4e42301378770ddec1ee1670)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FeWmy1en.jpg&hash=ddc2d622da9760658cdf325334418bd1)
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fmh2Az5f.jpg&hash=33578ce05a6ed43c6f5646597b29623f)
Old desk is sent outside to sleep /sad
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fnfen51J.jpg&hash=ef9c847f3d25eff34819d091f9fcd25a)
And new desk with screens..
![](/forums/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFEDVZ3H.jpg&hash=ad36ef865596dff33119b3e849bc65f1)
Ok, thats all for now - I will try and and upload some more of the finished desk and also some of the hardware thats been installed since.
Current hardware:
Server: q9550 @2.8G, 8G RAM, 2 x 500G boot raid, 2 x 1T data raid, Cooler - AC Freezer Pro, Fans - Noctua
Main PC: i7 950 @ 4.2G, 6G Ram, OCZ Revo x2 240G boot, 2 x 1T data, GTX580, S/stone Raven
2nd PC: Phenom II 955, 4G RAM, 4870 AMD thing, 4 x 500G raid
NAS: QNAP 809pro
Media: WD live TV SMP x 4
Please feel free to ask questions and such and I will do my best to get back with quick answers etc.
Thanks all o/
Edit: Actually a parts list and tools etc might be handy for someone.
Carcass: Moisture resistant MDF 32mm for top, 28mm everything else
3D work: Google sketchup - I sketched on paper at 1st, then transferred to Sketchup - this gave me my cutting list.
Model: Foam board from hobby shop
CnC: I drove sheets to local sawmill, guy took £100 and was done in 24hrs :schweet:
Wood woorking: Makita router with a range of bits for edges / biscuit jointer / sander /drill /saw
Hardware: adjustable feet / worktop connectors / brackets /screws etc
Paint: 1st-2 coats white latex to seal, 2nd-3 coats dark grey undercoat, 3rd-3 coats dulux gloss. All applied by roller and hand sanded.
Cooling fans: 2 x 220mm white led
UPS: 1xAPC smartups 1500 and 1 x ES480
Remote power: 2 x Belkin conserve
Lights: all ikea - 2 angle poise mounted through desk, 2 x led spot under desk.
Monitor arm: Quadvision 3 Screen
Last edited: