Making the cut

After a long wait, computer components have finally arrived. In this post, the poor detectron is relieved of all old purpose by merciless gutting by screwdriver and the marvelous oscillatory saw. The first mounting of the i5 CPU, RAM and fan in performed, and a small glimpse is given of the future.

First and easiest was the removal of all old junk from the inside of the lid. The front of the lid is naturally pretty much the same, but the backside now sports a cleaner yellow, for later attachment of the phidgets. There's still some stuff left. The speaker was bolted, and even after some furious sawing by Mr. Dr. S it didn't give way. It will be removed later, by clever use of a metal drill. Then comes the ampere-gauge, which will be used to show CPU-load and other things. It was also confirmed to work in a very scientific validation of Ohm's law (does it really need a reference?). Finally there is the spirit level, which will stay, and something else (far left) that is bolted.

The oscillatory saw is a pretty crazy tool for sawing holes. Now the blade used was supposed to work for wood, but the detectron plastic didn't have any resistance to offer either. Cutting out the inner walls of the case was pretty straightforward, even though it would have been quite cramped with alternative tools.

After the simple work on the innards came the very scary part of making the I/O hole. As the saw was extremely keen on cutting stuff, a large margin was used to ensure that no extra plastic was removed. For the last millimeters a regular file was used. The last photo shows the motherboard backplate squezed in place.

For anyone ordering a computer in components, there is something almost ritual in the mounting of the processor and memory onto the motherboard. This was done under astrologically favorable conditions, and following vendor instructions with thermal paste and everything, after which the board was suggestively tried for fit inside the case.

So far so good. In the next installment, the hardship of cramming a too small detectron box full of electronics will be mused, while airflow and construction work in considered.