Hey, guys, So, my friend and I both use a couple computers (mostly old computers) that run around 3 monitors (mostly old monitors) and we came up with the idea of a desk that would have four computers set into it. Each computer would have a compartment that drops down from the desk to hold the motherboard, hard drive, CD/DVD drive, etc. Those compartments would be topped with some acrylic sheeting. Everything would be fairly accessible for maintenance and upgrades, with enough room for video cards, etc. There would also be a fairly powerful ventilation system. Anyway, with four computers in the desk powering four monitors, they'd probably be hooked up through the network with Synergy (if you don't know it, it's a program that connects several computers to one so you can use one keyboard/mouse). It sounded pretty cool to us, and the desk would be large enough to still offer a good amount of workspace despite having four monitors on it. I was wondering what you guys would think of something like this... would you be interested/like to have it/have a use for it/like it? Thanks, Neosmithk

I think I would worry about heating. Wood is very insulating, and computer cases are specially built to move heat efficiently. Even with the ventilation system, I wonder if it would be enough, particularly if you are talking about these being gaming rigs. If not, then maybe it would be ok.

Just...I don't know. It just seems to me like something not worth messing with, as it could potentially be dangerous.

Go for it. The heat may be a problem but not enough that it would pose a hazard as long as you leave enough room inside the compartment that houses the parts.

Just make sure everything is accessible enough in case you need to modify anything. Also have you thought about how you are going to wire all the wiring? I would think that would be the biggest issue(apart from the whole building it part).

Check the silentpcreview forums. There are several guys who have built wooden cases and they share invaluable information on cooling and silencing problems.

The main issue is that a wooden box will vibrate and essentially amplify any sound coming out of the disks and fans. This can be a deal-breaker, if you are not careful.

Awesome! thanks for the suggestion, ill check it out. we have a pretty good ventilation system setup but i didn't think about the vibrations....

How wood vibrates and amplifies sound depends on construction. Very thin wood carved and shaped to amplify the sound will,... amplify it. However thick and dense wood (or particle board) will deaden the sound.

As for wood insulating and over heating the system, this isn't something to worry about. Any case I've ever seen has had next to zero heat transfer though the case itself. Heat transfer is done through moving air through the case. (Hell, my Antec case is Insulated! A layer of foam between metal panels to reduce noise.)


Good luck with the project. Keep us posted on how this works out for you. It might not be game dev, but you can't develop games without somewhere cool to work!

It's an interesting idea. I dont like the idea of fixing my computer to a huge wood structure though. I think i would miss being able to yank it from my desk and put it in the living room, take it to work, take it to a friends. However, the desk could simply support rack mounting (there are plenty that do already).

It's not likely that i take my monitor if the computer is leaving the house, but i might be willing to unplug/screw a rack mounted computer.

Another issue is the monitors will get outdated and if one breaks or you just simply want a bigger one, you're hosed. You kind of fixed that issue with the computer itself by building the case into the structure, it's not likely going to be the wrong size in a few years.

I've considered building uber desks in the past. If you want to, by all means go for it. I've had the means though, and have decided against it.

Things change, you wont like your keyboard, or you wont like your monitor or your midi and audio devices, speakers, what ever you stick in it. It's just much more convenient to have a modular system. I also dont think i'd like working while facing another person. It would be too tempting to throw paper balls / talk to them. I don't mind facing outward or parallel with another person, just not facing them.

How about this though, you have a meeting table, with drop curtains/projector screens in a X pattern. You each sit in one of the little spaces. If you want to have a meeting you lift the screen and turn off 3 of the projectors. Oh wait you need 4 projectors too :)

But definitely post pics what ever you do.