"John W." <worthj1970@yahoo.komm> wrote in message
news:3FD92545.5080805@yahoo.komm...
> Decided to build myself a computer, first time; mine is giving me fits,
> is getting old, and I have a cool idea for a mod case.
>
> Any advice? I've done just about every hardware swap in my computer that
> can be done except for adding/subtracting fans and changing the power
> supply. I'm thinking of two approaches. One is to buy a bare bones
> system and putting my video, audio, firewire, hard drive on that mother
> board. All of these (except modem) are relatively new. The other
> approach is to buy all of the pieces and assembling myself. The only
> benefit of the latter is that it will save a little money, though it
> doesn't seem that it saves much.
>
> My case idea is an old, smallish rectangular kerosene heater. Of course
> I'll remove and completely clean the inside, and I'm thinking of putting
> a light in to simulate the wick on the heater. The space is sufficient,
> but my biggest concern is getting rid of the kerosene smell (I've got a
> super steam cleaner, and a sand blaster if that or chemicals don't do
> the trick). Anybody see other drawbacks? I figure the natural design of
> the heater will allow for good air flow, and there's extra room for fans
> if I need them.

And if it gives you too many problems you can always light it on fire. My
only experience with building computers is a few years old, but making sure
you get motherboard and chip sets that are compatible is important. One
approach might be to go to one of the custom build computer websites, go
through the process of ordering a computer, and then go out and buy the
components that would have gone into your finished product.