Advice on an Open-Air Build?

[theDARKW0LF]

Hi guys - I'm putting back together my trusty ol' PC build without a case as I have just moved to a new country and had to leave my case behind...

One of my older PC cases from a few years back will be arriving where I am now in a few weeks, but I would rather not wait to set up my PC.

So, what I would like to ask is: What can/should I use to put together my PC in an open-air environment? As in, setting it on the desk right next to my monitor. One thing to keep in mind, I don't really have a lot of resources to use as I'm still getting furniture and all that into my new flat... Maybe one of my primary questions are: what can I set my mobo on-top of that will keep it structurally secure (i.e, low risk of static electricity, weight issues if there isn't proper support in the middle of the mobo, etc)? Is there anything I can just place it ontop of that could work?

I guess I may sound kind of confused, but that's why I need some advice! Any Ideas?

 

[xenocide]

I've seen people use Cardboard and Wood quite often, but I have no experience personally.

 

[JrRacinFan]

The powr supply and optical drive you dont have to worry about, only main concerns should be the hard drive(s) and back of the motherboard. Hard drive can be set on top of the optical drive and the motherboard on it's included packaging box or a peice of cardboard.

PS: I do this with any motherboard I get, checking for bare boot to make sure the board works.

 

[theDARKW0LF]

Hmm, yes, cardboard... And I do have a large quantity of that lying around too. I'll have to see if that could work!

Thanks for replying! Is it ok to set another hard drive on-top of the first one? As I have two hard drives. Also, need I worry about any static electricity with an open-air setup? I am a little leery of doing this kind of thing, and I am only doing because I have no other options at this moment.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Here's a little box sketch of what i was describing

 

[theDARKW0LF]

Ooh, that is useful! Thanks! I'll get my build set up tomorrow with that layout!

 

[Strangerz]

I know of people who have actually built a whole PC in a cardboard box. They cut squares out for fans, made little shelves for the HDs and so on.

If you have time and your bored then it could be a fun project.

 

[insane 360]

here is how i have mine built, now it is in a cabinet but i would be just fine as open air as well...