Computer Tower

The United States has almost as many personal computers as people. A small minority of these computers are customized works of art. Here’s a fully functional computer built into a metal mesh 5 gallon bucket.

This machine follows in the ancient 5 gallon tradition of portability. Notice the handles, for quick and easy transport! I’d love to build a computer like this. If any readers know if and where I can buy a chassis like this, please let me know in the comments.

Not all custom built computers are works of art, of course. In my poorer days, I had a computer I called “Frankenbox” that I rigged to boot up from a broken 20 gig iPod. Its Pentium D processor eventually went up in smoke. That’s why you’ve probably never heard of Pentium D. You can see my new unique setup at 5 gallon computer desk.

Here’s the ugliest working computer I’ve ever seen. The case is an old milk crate, and the components are sealed in with spray foam insulation.

Update: A few readers have demanded to know more about the milk crate computer so I’ll provide some details about it below.

• This computer was found by a worker in a computer recycling center. The original owner is unknown.
• The processor is an old 333 mHz AMD, and would not overheat even with the thick layer of insulation.
• Surprisingly, this computer was functional at the time this photo was taken.
• This picture is from the /r/techsupportgore subreddit. Visit the thread to see more pictures.

Update 2: I’ve made my own five gallon computer which you can read about on the cable management article.

Posted on December 31, 2012 by trevor