Mounting Monitor to Computer Case

Intro: Mounting Monitor to Computer Case

I play quite a few games on my PC - sometimes I go to LAN get togethers, which requires I get up and move everything. What a pain.

I sat down one day and thought about ways to simplify that process. My first inclination was to create a small box that housed everything I needed -- had an industrial strap to carry it with. I was even thinking of using old jean legs for the strap material (recycling).

As I was measuring everything out on the computer case, I realized how heavy something like that could be. I've already hurt my back a few times - didn't need to do it again. I also couldn't think of anyway to do it - cleanly... professionally. I don't mind the home grown look, but nothing trashy.

I looked at the back of the LCD - noticed the four mounting holes. The PC case has two side panels - one with a fan and plexiglass - one plain. After taking the plain panel off, I thought it couldn't hurt to try mounting the LCD to the plain panel. Here's how I did it...

STEP 1: The Monitor

The first thing I did was look closely at the back of the monitor. I wanted to make sure mounting this to the panel was feasible, and that I could indeed take the base / stand off. I also wanted to make sure that mounting in this manner wouldn't interfere with any cabling.

STEP 2: Marking the Side Panel

I took off the side panel - transposed the mounting points by measuring / marking from the back of the monitor onto the panel.

You'll want to be aware of how the monitor will appear once mounted. Will there be enough room for cabling, keyboards, etc.

I then center punched each mark with a nail, then drilled through the panel. If you haven't drilled through metal before (and even if you have), you'll really want to do this. Drill bits tend to move all your work piece - punching them beforehand leaves a divit in the metal surface, which will help prevent the drill bit from 'walking' while in use.

STEP 3: Mounting the Monitor Onto the Panel

I took the monitor with me to a hardware store - I found four screws that fit the threaded mounting holes perfectly, and were long enough as well. I also picked up a eight rubber washers.

I stacked the rubber washers two at a time over the mounting holes on the back of the monitor. I then lined up the side panel - put the screws in - along with a metal flat washer. I didn't bolt these down real agressively, but they were indeed firm. If I were to move this as often as a laptop, I would consider locking washers and some lock tite type glue onto the bolts as well. I've moved this for at least a year now - no problems.

STEP 4: Mounting Panel Back Onto Case

I slipped the side panel back onto the case - just wanted to make sure it was usable. Everything seemed to be at the right height.

STEP 5: Mounting the Carrying Handle

I wanted to be able to carry this around, so I picked up a cheap (barn door?) handle at the hardware store.

As with the monitor, I first found my desired mounting points, marked them, punched the points, drilled, and bolted it onto the top panel. These holes were a little larger - I drilled using a smaller bit first, then moved onto the larger size.

Unlike the monitor, I cranked these bolts down a bit - I didn't want this going anywhere! The metal did dimple / dent a bit around these bolts - which is fine.

STEP 6: Putting It All Together

After the handle was mounted, I slid it back onto the case. After organizing the monitor cables, the project was done. I was able to use it that night - without any problems!

Epilogue:

Two things I changed months later.

I trimmed the handle bolts - they were just a little too long and it took all sorts of strength to slide the top cover back onto the case. Just used my dremmel - made life a lot easier for servicing.

When I first put this together, I had some small straps that I tied around the entire case - connected that to a shoulder strap. I was leery of putting too much faith into the top portion of the case - didn't want to drop it. These straps were a complete pain in the rear - and weren't needed. I'm always careful when I carry this thing around - and I think the handle / top of case can deal with the weight - so I removed them.

Comments

[linuxnewbie]

My monitor was on a rather wide shelf, and I realized that mounting it to the side of the PC case would enable me to put both of them on the same shelf, saving me a lot of space.
Used a 1/2 x 4 piece of wood to stabilize the monitor against the case. I ran metal screws thru the metal case into the back of the wood, then screwed the monitor mount to the wood on the side of the case.
Because my cable jacks to the back of the monitor were awkwardly set, using the wood also gave me a little extra space to work the cords and my fingers behind the monitor to hook up to the PC.

[PhotoBugg]

Nicely done! LOVE IT!!!

[Firehawkslp]

I would suggest using "fender washers". There available at any NAPA ect. the 2 most common sizes are 5/16th ID with about 3/4" OD and 1/4" ID with about 1" OD. Locate them on the inside of the case would spread the load making the attachment much stronger and probably eliminate the dimpling.

[DustySeven7]

that along with a bracer plate

[DustySeven7]

just some advice, I would add a bracing plate on the inside of the case for added weight support.

[lemonie]

Taking off the side panel is effective.
All the things that need fans have fans mounted on them. Can you explain in a credible fashion how enclosing these in a box and using extra fans is better than not doing so in order for the cooled-units to access ambient air (in the room)?
I have tested this, natural convection is a lot easier than using more fans.

L

[XOIIO]

You have to be carefull though, some computers, like my server, do need the side on or they shut down due to overheating.

[fodda]

yea I was just wondering about the computer screen wont it get scratched and if it does any ideas on a cover of some sort

[jedi27]

I had thought of creating some sort of sleeve that might help protect the screen - with a light foam backing of sorts. The unit is a bit heavy and somewhat unwieldy to carry around tight corners, but somehow I've never hurt the screen.

[fodda]

yea I just thinking that because i go to lans and yea i have it in the car so yea i wouldn't want it to get scratched or nuthin

[KT Gadget]

Probably plexiglass could keep it from damaging the monitor. Make a box that covers most of the monitor and that prob could do the job. But idk how strong the plexiglass would be when it bends in the middle if it was knocked hard (meaning if the plexiglass will crack easily). 

[fodda]

yea

[autonamous1]

Opening the side brought my temps way down. Simple and effective.

[Willem Z]

I also made a handle on top of my case, but on the inside put 2 pieces of wood from side to side.

[sdallesasse]

Great idea. I like the space saving attribute this brings.

[jedi27]

Thanks! I was leery at first, but will do it with my next gaming machine in a flash...

[lemonie]

Looks good - is the panel sufficiently cooled? I guess there's thermal transfer to the case it's bolted to and that's got some air circulation inside? Or maybe the panel doesn't need any? (not much to start with) L

[jedi27]

Thanks! I was just a touch worried about heat - but the monitor doesn't have much venting anyways... just one row of small vents at the top. (using that machine right now) just put my fingers back there - definately some heat - not concerned though. HOWEVER - i DID add another (slot type) exhaust fan. I tilt the box back just a touch when I game, and I started getting BSOD / restarts. I suspect my video card is just on the edge of overheating, and tilting back didn't help :).

[lemonie]

Is your card overclocked? I find that taking a side off can really help cooling sometimes. Machines can become their own little fan-ovens sometimes, so "opening the door" can be effective. And considering no one I know of fits air-filters (except me) and a lot of people have transparent sides, the "grime" aspect is somewhat irrelevant. L

[jedi27]

Negatory - no overclocking here! It's a plain jane 6200 nvidia (yeah - old school) - this machine is on it's last upgrade leg... :)