How can I build a cheap open air test bench?

[oblivionpc]

I need one for EATX. It also needs to be safe obviously. Would I need to ground anything or do anything special? Plywood with standoffs isn't touching a grounded case, so I assume that leaves something to be concerned about? What about plywood with a layer of aluminum foil on the back (standoffs can go through the plywood and touch aluminum); but then what would I attach to the aluminum foil to?

And my budget is around $10. I know it's tight but I need something simple that works.

 

[13thmonkey]

block of wood, providing it is non conductive you'll be ok.

 

[oblivionpc]

block of wood, providing it is non conductive you'll be ok.

Just updated above post for this idea. I was thinking it still wouldn't be grounded.

But yeah I used to run my $1200 system on the desk not really caring, but now that my system is worth over $2500 I don't really want to run any risks.

 

[13thmonkey]

i've never had a problem, holding the gpu upright can get tricky, you don't even need the standoffs on wood, only in a case, in fact they are potentially going to fall over and that might be more likely to cause a problem.

 

[oblivionpc]

i've never had a problem, holding the gpu upright can get tricky, you don't even need the standoffs on wood, only in a case, in fact they are potentially going to fall over and that might be more likely to cause a problem.

An issue I tend to have with just throwing the system wherever (open air) is the the motherboard bends under the force of the H80 and 24 pin connector. Both are strong and stiff (H80 hoses) and cause issues. My (old) system fell once because of this.

That's why I wanted to get creative, build some support for the H80 and build a support piece for the video card.

 

[13thmonkey]

well if you screwed the standoffs into the (ply)wood in some way then it would have the physical support that a case would normally give it.

or you could buy a knackered case (ATX probably) and use that, with the e-atx overhang not getting the support, but then they won't have much load either.

 

[oblivionpc]

well if you screwed the standoffs into the (ply)wood in some way then it would have the physical support that a case would normally give it.

or you could buy a knackered case (ATX probably) and use that, with the e-atx overhang not getting the support, but then they won't have much load either.

I think I'll just run it on some wood I have lying around.