Saturday, December 11, 2010

Building a pc for an extreme environment...

Working in a shop filled with power tools has it's benefits and drawbacks, as with working in any environment. One such drawback of a small workshop is the lack of heat in the winter, or air-conditioning in the summer. Not a big deal if you lack expensive electronics... well, it's not incredibly comfortable during the heights of summer and winter, but at least I'm not locked up in a cubicle staring at the same stupid comics strips everyday! I always imagine a sign posted on every cubicle that reads, "Live Animals, Do Not Touch".
Back to the main drawback for this particular shop owner: The lack of a computer in the shop. Currently I use the big fella inside to do the things I need to do: pay bills; design; surf; check email; surf; write blogs; upload photos; surf; surf; surf... etc. A computer in the shop would eliminate the need to take the long journey inside to my nice climate controlled dwelling, and would increase work time drastically! So, the problem of building such a computer - one that can handle complex 3-D software as well as several other open applications, as well as editing and uploading HD video (coming soon to MacGowan's) - is keeping the beast cool during those 100F+ summer days.
After extensive research and shopping, I have most of the parts to build the computer itself, and a Dewalt drill case to use as the computer case, along with parts to water-cool the big CPU. The case will be a complete mod with a radiator, H2O reservoir and 320 gph water pump attached. All I lack to finish the actual build are the 4 high cfm 120mm fans, cpu water block, and tubing - the waterblock and tubing are not yet on order, but the rest should be here early next week.
This is going to be my nephew's science project, but will be the new MacGowan shop computer when it's finished.
Photos, and possibly videos to come this holiday break.
On a side note: the 50% off sale has been extended till the end of the year. We received several calls and emails after the sale ended last week, so we made the decision to extend our sale for those who couldn't make their purchase earlier. Hopefully this will lend a small break to our customers who find themselves in harder times due to the current poor economy.
Merry Chanukah, Happy Christmas, and to all a good morning.
James

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