Mod of the Month - June 2010

Darkshines HTPC

By Tris
Worklog: Here

With HTPCs becoming ever more popular, these days there's rarely a MOTM without at least one cool little system. This month the honour goes to Tris and we can honestly say that if this case could be bought in the shops, we reckon it would prove very popular indeed.


The initial design didn't change much and shows the clean lines and slim form factor of the case with stacked acrylic sections for the sides which is always results in a great looking case. The motherboard tray is mounted straight to the metal base of the PC.


Here's the tray from a different angle lined up neatly with the I/O panel installed. Given that the tray is the size of a mini-ITX motherboard, it gives a good idea of just how small the case will be. On the right are the beginnings of the stacks of acrylic which will be used for the side panels.


These were bolted together and secured to the base plate which instantly transformed the bare open base plate into something that resembles a case. Don't you just love scratchbuilds?


In the most recent update s to the log, the protective film has been removed from the acrylic, an all important front panel has been installed along with some hardware too. The roof is fitted in the final photo with the project nearing completion and looking awesome

If you'd like to vote for Darkshines HTPC, head over to our forum.