Introduction: Link to the Past Computer Case (Guideline for Other Similar Cases Also)

Hi, I will be giving you the guidelines on how to make your own pixelated PC! You can either follow my builds by watching any of my videos/pictures and building along or make a whole new sprite that has not been made yet. Due to the length of the project I will give you major useful points to assist you in each stage.

Here is a list of things you will require

ITEMS:
1. Wooden cubes Quantity: 2,000 Size: 1 inch (either cut your own or order here)
http://www.caseyswood.com/shoppingcart/zen-cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=89

2. PC components. This is up to you on what your price range is and what parts you want.

3. 2 bottles of wood glue. Wood glue goes along way and you can possibly get by with just 1 bottle.

4.  Paint. This is the last step and you can getit  at a local paint shop.

5. Time! Depending on work speed and what model you decide to make it can take you up to 60 hours (including painting time).

As your character/sprite may differ from mine I will give you guidelines and tips on how to build and get around any problems that may occur in the building process.



CONSTRUCTION STAGE:
This is a album of the Link case so you can follow my build frame.
http://imgur.com/a/LJq2M


1. When gluing the cubes you want to firmly press the cubes together on a flat surface to be certain that the cubes are drying flat. After a minute the glue will hold the cubes together decently well and allow you to glue another cube to it. You will repeat this process...a lot :D

2. Make sure no excess glue dries on the outside edges of the cubes.

3. I recommend starting on the bottom of the computer and building upward. You will want to keep gluing new cubes to your starting piece and moving on with the same piece (as visible in my video). Do not build a side of the case and the bottom separate from each other then try to join them later as you will have difficulty trying to join them together evenly. Like I mentioned it is better to start on the bottom row making a circle of the frame and then build up to the next layer. Keep repeating this process while making sure to follow the characters design shape until you get to the top. Make sure to leave the bottom open and the back open where the motherboards ports will be.
  3a. This video is a good example of building from the bottom up. Notice this case has a slightly different design as it is a Home Theater PC and has only one fan at the back. That is why I leave only a few holes in the bottom for air to get in. If you are building a Link PC you will leave the bottom open for a fan to be placed in it.




4. Do not fill in the bottom or back with cubes as this is where the fans go. When you get to where the fans are located glue cubes around the fans frame. This way you will be sure it fits.

5. While gluing cubes you have about a 5 minute time span to easily remove cubes you may have accidentally placed. A hammer comes into great use to help dislodge recently placed cubes. After 5 minutes you will need a flat head screwdriver and a hammer.

6. While you build upward make sure your computers motherboard and other components will fit inside. It's easy to have them nearby to visibly verify they will fit.

7. As a reminder make sure to leave the back open until you know where the motherboard and graphic card ports will be at and the fan when you install them. After you know where those slots will be at the back that you will plug your monitor, mouse, and keyboard into you can glue cubes around them to finish the back. Do the same for the fan on the bottom.


PC INSTALLATION STAGE:
1. Use the risers that come with your mother board and screw them into the inside of the computer case where your motherboard holes will be (the side of the case so the motherboard will stand vertical). Use a small drill to start the holes the risers will screw into. After risers are in place screw the motherboard to the risers. This will keep the motherboard snug and hold it in place while keeping it off the wood and allowing airflow underneath it to keep it cool.

2.After the Motherboard is in place install the CPU and CPU fan.

3. Now install the Graphic card, RAM, and PSU.

4. Disc Drive is optional. I have not used one in years other then to install the operating system so I tend to not install one inside. I have a USB drive that I have around if needed.

PAINTING STAGE:

1. I use semi-gloss oil-based paint to give it a shine and to make it scratch resistant. You can use latex paint as it drys faster then oil and does not have as many fumes but it will not be as scratch resistant.

2. Start with putting primer on the case and let it dry.

3. Apply the 3 coats of paint for each color you will use. It usually takes a day of drying in between coats so it can take awhile to accomplish.

4. Use painting tape to protect paint from getting on other nearby colors and this will also help keep straight lines.



These guidelines will help with most designs and is a good starting point for a beginning 8-bitter :). If you have any questions or need clarity on a points please send me a message about it.

Game.Life 2 Challenge

Participated in the
Game.Life 2 Challenge