Another NES Computer

by thezapman

11K21913

Intro: Another NES Computer

A computer squeezed into an old NES case. I had the idea to do this for a few years and after seeing a few other instructables decided to give it a try.

parts needed:
old nes console
itx motherboard (i used asrock qc5000 board)
ram
itx power supply
harddrive (i used 1000gb)
1 40mm pwm fan
12v 10a adapter
2 nes to usb converters

STEP 1: First Step, Clean Out Inside of Case.

Take out all of the original NES components. I cut all of the standoffs except for the 4 corners of the case. the standoffs can be reused by cutting and then gluing them back into the correct places for the mainboard and accessories.

STEP 2: Cut Out Motherboard Hole and Glue in Backplate, Place Motherboard and Glue Standoffs

after cutting a hole with dremel and gluing in the backplate the old standoffs can be cut and glued into place to hold the board.

STEP 3: Connect Original Controller Ports to Adapters by Soldering.

STEP 4: Connect Power Supply, Fan and Ram Along With Harddrive.

in this step everything just needs to be connected. i used the old power button fronts, but used my own buttons due to space constraints.

STEP 5: Boot Up and Install Windows. Then It Is Ready to Use.

STEP 6: Inside Assembled Detail

a view of the completed project.

10 Comments

EvolvedAwesome 9 years ago

I personally think that if you are going for a real NES look you should remove that io shield and cut out holes for each of the ports. Or even better run extensions to the back that turn into ports and use them for just the cords you need.

Still a really cool project though :)

thezapman 9 years ago

the fan has also been upgraded to a fractal design 40mm ultra quiet fan

thezapman 9 years ago

that is a good point and something i would consider if doing it again. my main goal was for it to look like stock from the front as the back already needed a fan hole.

lwhite30 9 years ago

I'd boot it with Linux and fill it with emulators use it as a retro counsel

thezapman 9 years ago

its got windows and a ton of emulators!

mkarvonen 9 years ago

I made this just for emulators :D https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-printed-MiniNes/

thezapman 9 years ago

that is quite awesome. will have to look into that

HaydenBuscher 9 years ago

I would love to build this out of a broken NES! Now all you need is a usb controller!