I decided to make one of these after seeing the one made by hatsuli (rest in peace). So here is my version of an NES PC. For what it is, it was a beast of a build. This is my first computer build. Consequently, this is also my first Instructable.
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Signing UpStep 1: Getting the Gear
First you'll have to get all the gear. For the NES I got just what I need from here fast shipping, reasonable pricing. They were great. As for the rest, the motherboard I got is a mini board. 6.7in by 6.7in I got this board since it comes with a laptop style power source. Which saves a ton of room for the rest of the stuff. I got that idea from nemaster203.
NES and power switch $ 30
Motherboard: Zotac IONITX T-U 199
RAM whatever your board supports. Mine was 24
Hard Drive: Western Digital Scorpio Black 160 Gb 75
USB Hubs 20
CD Drive Slim line preferred 30
Velcro or like substance 4
Rubber Feet 2
CPU Fan I cannibalized one from another comp 0
Total $384
NES and power switch $ 30
Motherboard: Zotac IONITX T-U 199
RAM whatever your board supports. Mine was 24
Hard Drive: Western Digital Scorpio Black 160 Gb 75
USB Hubs 20
CD Drive Slim line preferred 30
Velcro or like substance 4
Rubber Feet 2
CPU Fan I cannibalized one from another comp 0
Total $384
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http://www.instructables.com/id/Windows-Command-Promt-Text-Game/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200470
The sata cables sit very loose on this. To the point where if its not held on it will fall off with movement.
If you can find a similar product I would go with it instead.
I would also cut holes on the top vents (the bottom side) because those L-shaped vent things prevent airflow, and then add 40mm fans to that part to get some extra airflow. I know that when I built mine from hatsuli's instructable, the dual core Atom processor in the motherboard I used was getting into the 80C range, so I had to add those extra fans and cut those holes in it so it would actually work. You'll see what I mean about those vent holes if you actually do that.
Another thing I would suggest doing is using one of the controller ports or the black plastic space above the controller ports to add a IR remote sensor, in case you're going to be using this as a HTPC like I am.
If you don't choose to use a motherboard that has a built-in picoPSU, you can just buy a picoPSU and use your own power brick for those, if you have one the right voltage and amps for your particular picoPSU you ordered. A picoPSU is basically the same thing as having the motherboard come with a built-in PSU, except you buy it separate and it takes up just a little bit of room, it's not even that much actually.
Another thing you can do is use high-quality black cardboard like I did and glue that to all the ugly holes when you're putting your stuff in. It makes it look a bit better (Controller ports and where the DVD/BD drive goes). You can also cut holes in this cardboard for things like front audo ports, more USB ports, or just make a grill for it instead so you can lift the DVD drive cover for some extra airflow.
You can also fit 2 regular sized 2.5" harddrives or SSDs underneath the motherboard if you do it right, so if you think you're going to need extra storage, that's an option.
You can omit the DVD/BD drive if you don't think you're going to use them and get a 2.5" harddrive hotswap bay instead, so you can put games on a SSD to insert your "cartridge" to play games.
I hope some of these ideas can help people when they're building their own NES PC.
Second, Excellent additional information. All of these are great suggestions. Like with most instructables you can make them your own.
If I had a few grand to spend on a computer, I would have made a much larger version of an NES to fit all that amazing gear I would buy with the rest of the cash.