Hardware - Cases - Want to separate components
 

I would like to separate the components in my computer. I want have all the components normally accessed from the front of the computer (DVD drives, Floppy Drives, SD/MMC, memory cards, Power Button) in a box above my desk for easy access. I would like to have all of the items that are accessed from the back of the computer to be below my desk.



I need the cases to separate the components. I need to know where to find these items and specifically what to ask for.



If there are any “Do’s and Don’ts” I would like to hear those as well. I will appreciate any responses.



Pat Taylor

jptmemphis@aol.com

Re: Hardware - Cases - Want to separate components
 

You're going to need a system custom built to order to achieve what you're setting out to do. You're effectively 'splitting' the system in half, and that will require specialised housings for components, and custom built cabling to connect the two 'halves' of your system.

Why not simply fit castors to your desk, as I've done. Makes for much easier access to rear connectors!

Re: Hardware - Cases - Want to separate components
 

What you are asking can be done, but will be relatively expensive. The case "above" the desk could be more like a rack, containing external drives that can be connected by long cables, such as SCSI, USB, and FireWire interfaces. Another possibility would be to stack the external drives with Velcro. This type of drive can often cost as much as twice as much as an internal drive--and it's sometimes tricky to boot from a USB floppy, though USB card-readers are pretty cheap. I don't have any experience as to how well a FireWire DVD drive handles video.