Warning. Long post.
Well, I just found this thread and thought I'd share my latest console mod "plan" with whoever is interested.
Hi everyone. Well, someone asked for ideas for isolating computers in a studio environment. I couldn't find the thread, so I thought I'd post "my" solution as an alternative to standard vertical computer configurations with axial fans.
Ok, at the risk of receiving a bunch of rolling eyes, here is what I did for my own little home studio control room. However, a little explanation may be in order.
First, this is an enclosure that resides under my mixer in a DIY console that has evolved over 15 years, and has received many many mod's for equipment upgrades. When I first built this enclosure, the only computers available were good ole P4's, which didn't require as much cooling capacity as current Intel CPUs etc.
Recently, I was able to aquire the components to upgrade both of my computers to i7/x58 platforms with upgraded /memory/PSU's and GPU's cards. One of my computers is a Graphics Rendering/Folding computer, that will run 24/7.
Unfortunately, after assembling one with a i7-975 and testing it, I discovered the CPU' temperature was close to its maximum running temp..even with a high end CPU cooler and 5 fans. Well, since I had researched Computer cases to find one that allowed the height for a high end cooler, I discovered a Thermaltake Sonata case size was perfect for modding into a rack mount. However, since the case would be horizontal, and enclosed, the side panel vent that allowed air to be pulled in by the CPU cooler, would now be useless. So, I decided to see exactly what I had to do to provide a continuous supply of rapidly moving air, yet remain substantially quiet. After a brief research on Axial fans, I had an idea to utilize a couple of Crossflow squirrel cage fans, in a Negative airpressure configuration. Since these fans run at 3000 rpm, I was sure they would suck enough air from the supply vents to cool everything. It was only a matter of the physical layout of existing enclosure components the determined the actual location of the fans.
As I only had 2 or 3 options, I finally decided to reverse the normal air intake from the front, to the rear of the case. This allowed airflow through most of the components...at least in theory. But, DIY stuff is always that way anyway...so what the hell. Ok, second thing is the access to the HD's. I decided that since I was going to use EXTERNAL DVD drives under my wrist pad, and since I like to see the status LED's on the motherboard, I could simply remove the plastic fronts on the Thermaltake cases, and mod the front framing so only 3 HD's needed support. This meant I could remove all the existing drive cages, and reconfigure a custom solution for 3 HD's in a horizontal position, leaving the rest of the front open, and space for air movement via the Crossflow fan below. It didn't matter the front was open as I already had 2 Smoked Plex doors with seals anyway. But I still had to work out the air supply ducts and exhaust manifolds, After a few days working in Sketchup, it finally was done. So, here is the idea for what its worth. Btw, I got 2 heavy duty Crossflow fans on ebay for $15!! Everything else is DIY using materials in my shop.
Here is an old pic of my existing console with the enclosure below before modifications. I think the rest is self explanatory, but ask if you want to know something. Anyway, hope this gives an idea to other people. There's always more than one way to skin a cat.
Oh, this will take more than one post, as I believe the bbs only allows ten images per post.(I could be wrong)So bear with me.
more to come.
