A floating PC cube: «I’d do it all again, but not in the same shape»
29.3.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
For their advanced project, two apprentices set out to construct a cube-shaped floating PC. The project proved quite the challenge for the two metalworkers.
«It’s not holding up at all.» When Aurel and Clemens try to connect their homemade PC case to the wooden frame for the first time, the cord breaks. This isn’t the only setback the two apprentices will experience. The budding metalworkers from Basel came up with something special for their advanced project. Their goal: to create their own PC case in the shape of a cube that floats in a wooden frame.
The project
Aurel and Clemens are metalworker apprentices in their final year. Both of them are gamers and great fans of DIY projects, so the idea of designing their own PC case came quite naturally. But we’re not talking a standard tower format. «We wanted to build a small metal cube that floats inside a larger wooden cube,» 20-year-old Aurel explains. The case is supposed to be surrounded by glass walls so that you can marvel at the inside of the PC.
Source: ZVG
Their plan has been in place since last November, when I first talked to them. The next step involves looking at various types of wood. «We cut them into small pieces and experimented with oils and burning,» Aurel explains. They want to find out what looks best visually. Making design decisions for the metal happens a lot faster. «We didn’t do a metal test piece, as we know a thing or two about the material.» The frame is powder coated in white.
A close call
Before they can get started, they have to wait for the hardware. It’s being provided by Digitec. Using a laser, they measure the mass of the graphics card bezel, the cutout for the power supply and the hole spacing. With a special kind of software, they can then read out the data and laser the sheets. The cube is welded together the same weekend.
Source: ZVG
While doing this, there’s a close shave. For the hole spacing on the motherboard, they rely on data sheets available online. «We assumed these measurements were standardised,» says Aurel. «Clemens placed the mainboard on the sheet metal briefly before reassembling it. That’s when he noticed that the holes were off by a few millimetres. That was a close call.» This find means they can close up the wrong holes again and re-laser them in the correct spot.
Source: ZVG
Another tricky part is putting the metal and glass together. «We spent a long time looking for a solution on how to fix the glass walls,» Clemens explains. In the end, they opt for angles that are practically invisible from the outside.
Wood, the great unknown
Wood turns out to be an even bigger challenge. The actual frame doesn’t hold up the way they envision. First, they connect the different wood elements with wooden angles. «That didn’t hold up at all. Then we thought, let’s use metal angles instead. That’s bound to work,» Aurel explains. But due to its own weight, the whole cube ends up hanging lopsided. «The problem with 3D plans is that it doesn’t take gravity into account. We realised that the cube would never be able to stand alone,» Clemens recalls with a grin. They solve the problem by fitting the cube with support pins that are connected to the base.
Source: ZVG
It’s one of those moments when Clemens and Aurel wonder if it can actually work. «We were wiping our brows a couple of times,» Clemens says. One of these times was when they tried to suspend the metal cube. Their material of choice would be a transparent fishing line. However, even the strongest one of its kind tears. The area they know best – metal – provides the solution. «Instead of suspending the cube, we attached a steel rod to the middle of the cube’s base. You can hardly see it from the outside.»
Source: ZVG
The completed case is something to behold. And the experts agree. The project is graded 5.5 out of six – that’s the equivalent of a 1.5 in the German grading system or an A in the US. For Clemens and Aurel, the effort was worth it. The PC is currently proudly sitting on Aurel’s desk. Clemens may be getting one soon, too. After all, both of them agree: this won’t be their last PC project. But Aurel adds with a laugh: «We’ll definitely change the external shape of it the next time.»
Prize draw
As promised in the last article, we’re giving away the hardware that was used in this PC. But given that Aurel and Clemens had to cut certain parts to size and don’t want to part with their finished object, we’re raffling off a complete PC with similar equipment instead. For your chance to win, simply click on «Participate» below.
The following PC is up for grabs
Win a PC
Click to participate
The competition has ended.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
