Hobbyist modifications personal computer, opting for antiquated terracotta pot design instead of typical black box appearance
Creating a Terracotta PC Case: A Unique DIY Project
For those seeking a creative and unique PC case, building a terracotta one might just be the answer. Although not a standard material for PC cases, it offers an opportunity for a distinctive, handmade design.
The Challenges and Solutions
The base models of the Fractal Design Terra are prone to marking, and terracotta, being a fired clay material, is fragile compared to the usual metals or plastics used in PC cases. To counteract these issues, it's essential to design the case with thicker walls and reinforcement to prevent cracking. Avoid sharp impact stresses, and ensure good ventilation to manage heat.
DIY Terracotta PC Case Guide
- Design considerations: Consider the dimensions of your motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, etc.) when creating your mold. Press terracotta clay into the mold or hand-build slabs, then smooth and score the edges for joining.
- Construction steps: Dry the pieces slowly to avoid cracks, then fire in a kiln at appropriate temperatures to harden. Assemble the panels using a strong high-temperature adhesive or mechanical fasteners (non-terracotta), allowing for airflow and component mounting. Seal the terracotta with a non-conductive, heat-resistant sealant to prevent dust ingress and make cleaning easier.
Examples and Inspiration
While there are no popular terracotta cases, acrylic or wood cases are common among DIY PC builders. The Fractal Design Terra case, for instance, features wood panels and offers a sturdy yet aesthetically natural case. Polymer clay tutorials for phone cases provide insights into working with clay materials for custom device cases.
Important points
- Use insulating mounts inside to protect components from direct contact with terracotta.
- Consider mixing terracotta with other materials (like wood or metal frame) for structural support.
The Terracotta Transformation
A user named SayleH has customized a PC case to resemble a terracotta house plant, inspired by the look of old and weathered terracotta pots. To achieve the aged terracotta look, SayleH used a mix of plaster of Paris and PVA.
Popular PC Cases
For beginners, the Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX is an excellent choice, while the Hyte Y70 Touch Infinite is a popular dual-chamber case. The NZXT H3 Flow is the best Micro-ATX case, and the Hyte Y40 is a midrange favourite. The Fractal Design Terra is one of the best Mini-ITX cases, and the Phanteks G400A is a top budget pick.
For high-end builds, the NZXT H9 Flow RGB and the Lian Li O11 Vision Compact are popular choices, while the Phanteks Evolv X2 is known for its striking design. The Thermaltake S100 TG Snow Edition is a budget-friendly compact case option.
A New Voice in PC Gaming
James Bentley, a recent PC gaming convert and a writer who covers the latest PC components and accessories, followed a video by tech YouTuber JayzTwoCents to paint the Fractal Terracotta case in Jade Green, originally in the case's original colour.
In summary, building a terracotta PC case involves careful molding, firing, and reinforcing to manage terracotta’s fragility, but it is feasible as a creative and unique project with proper design and sealing. Unfortunately, there are no widely documented terracotta PC case builds currently.
- Although there are no widely documented terracotta PC case builds currently, one user named SayleH managed to create a unique terracotta PC case that resembles a terracotta house plant by using a mix of plaster of Paris and PVA.
- While the Fractal Design Terra case features wood panels, offering a sturdy yet aesthetically natural case, acrylic or wood cases are common among DIY PC builders, providing various design possibilities for custom device cases.
- To counteract the fragility of terracotta and prevent cracking, it's essential to design the case with thicker walls and reinforcement, avoid sharp impact stresses, and ensure good ventilation to manage heat.
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