Casemods follow a pretty simple equation: take a non-standard, preferably unusual container, add PC components, and voilà. Of course, then the interest comes from fitting a PC where previously it simply wouldn’t fit. Enter modder Unravelled, and his Sinclair ZX81 casemod: a VIA EPIA Pico-ITX based computer stuffed inside this compact chunk of 80s memorabilia.
The ZX81 casing measures around 6.6 x 6.9 x 1.6 inches, which makes for a tight squeeze inside. Nonetheless, you’re looking at a full motherboard, with separate hard-drive (no CF cop-out here) and multiple ports, capable of running either Windows or Linux.
It’s not clear whether the wretched keyboard has been wired up to actually work with the new components. I’m thinking no, as it’s pictured with a separate keyboard.
[via technabob]
The coolest thing about modern Mini-ITX motherboards is that fully-functional computers can be crammed into previously unimaginable spaces. Mini-ITX boards measure only 170mm x 170mm. Thanks to a low-power processor design, they can be passively cooled, eliminating the noise and bulk of whirling fan blades.
One of my favorite mods is the Atari 800 ITX by Andy Hutson. I was somewhat disappointed that the keyboard is non-functional (it's actually pulled from a slimmer Atari XL machine), but it's so cool to see a Samsung CDRW/DVD drive peeking out from the bottom of the case.
Typewriter fans will find Joel Zahn's Underwood No. 5 (top) irresistible. It was built in 1924, only to find itself ripped apart 80 years later with nefarious intent. The key mechanism was replaced by a miniature 77 key USB keyboard, and the motherboard and power supply fit tightly into the original No. 5 baseplate. The old glass-topped keys were hacksawed from the type bars and affixed onto the modern keyboard to ensure an authentic steampunk look underneath the original typewriter carriage and fascia.
These and other fantastic Mini-ITX hacks can be found at mini-itx.com.
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