Cluster PC With 4 Motherboards in 1 Case/Cage

My shop desktop computer is always in a mess, it is difficult for me to change components and it is always cluttered with cables and stuff.

I recently got an idea how to solve this problem.

The idea is to make a cluster PC with (I think ideally number) 4 computers.

The material used is pallet wood with threaded rods 4mm and 8mm, nuts and washers, transparent plastic recycled from old LCD monitors and plastic wheels. Like everyone, I try to make the project as cheap as possible and to recycle as much as possible.

The tools that were used to create the structure are more or less basic. It consists of: a drill (or dremel), a drill bits, a screwdriver, a circular saw and hacksaw.

I used 3D printer with PLA filament some smaller parts, but all can be done with other material like aluminum.

For the electronic part, I used color changing blinking/flashing LED Diode and a soldering iron with a heat shrink tube and a PVC channel for cables 10 mm.

Preparations are must because once the computer is assembled, it will be more difficult to change some defective components, so it is very important to check everything.

In my case I will have 4 computers connected. So I need to prepare 4 sets and make a plan on how to arrange them and make them as useful as possible in my work space.

The first (bottom) level will be older operating systems such as XP, and the computer consists of 4GB DDR2 RAM and a 2GHz dual core processor with HD 5770 graphic card.

The second level for me will be for slightly older operating systems such as Windows 7 because I often have printers and scanners that do not even work on Linux without problems but only on a certain OS such as Win7. I also have some older programs and PCI cards that only work on older OSes. The computer consists of 6GB DDR3 memory and a 3GHz quad-core processor with RX 470 graphics.

On the third level is my main computer with the strongest configuration, Windows 10 is currently installed, and the components are, in short, DDR4 memory and a six-core 3.6GHz Ryzen processor, with RX 470 graphics.

The fourth, upper level has the same configuration as the second level with an APU processor, but it will be for Linux operating systems such as Ubuntu, Kali ...

I made two versions of the case and left the first one even though it doesn't work for my project. The reason for this is because the design is great if PCI slots are not used, for example with integrated graphics or if all motherboards are the same size.

The frame will be made of wood with plates at the bottom and top to give it stability and the mother boards will be connected with a 4mm threaded rod.

I put the model picture so that you can see the construction process and how i did make a plan for myself on how to carry out everything. The first thing I had to do was get the material, and for that I used purchased threaded rods and disassembled pallets that I have. Although the wood is not perfect for a computer in the workshop, it is ideal.

I made a wooden frame and to connect them I used plywood to make the structure much stronger.

Holes for 6 pieces of rods are drilled and with a thickness of 4 mm and they pass through the holes on the motherboard without any problems.

I think it is enough to support the motherboard in 6 places so that it does not sag over time, of course the more the better.

And after I did all that and started putting the test motherboards, I encountered the problem that those threaded rods interfered with the installation of components (last picture), interfered with PCIx, PCI slots, even with the clips for the RAM on some boards, so I had to abandon this project BUT I still like the design, it's just not good for what I need.

In second design the only way ... if I think of using only 4 threaded rods, is to use some base, tray for the motherboard, and that's where I get the idea to use the plastic I save from disassembled LCD monitors.

4 plastics are from a 22" LCD monitor and one from a 19" that I used to thicken the bottom for strength.

The older the monitor, the thicker the plastic.

First, I marked out one plastic plate as accurately as possible and then I used it as a template for the others.

Now i learned my lesion and before assembling the structure, I did test the components clearance and the graphics card does not sit well because it rests on the plastic.

But I solved that easily by first marking where the graphic support touches the plastic, then I drilled a few pilot holes and finished cleaning the so-called channel with a dremel tool. I did same for PCI card also. Now it fits perfectly.

There will be 4 threaded rods, 3 of which are thicker 8 mm and one is 4 mm, because I want all motherboards to be connected to the same ground, and the thinnest one will pass through all 4 boards in corner.

With a little Wiggle, all the panels fit into place without any problems.

On each side, before I put the nut for strength, a washer was put everywhere.

There are small problems such as: it's too heavy to move, it's too high and it's too wobbly for now.

So I put wheels for easier movement (front wheels have a brake), I shortened the rod a little because it's always better to leave it a little longer and then shorten it later, and after a slight tightening so that the plastic doesn't break, everything is pretty strong.

I didn't know how to secure hard disks, computer power supply and how to make on/reset switches, of course I could have made everything out of aluminum (for example) but I have a 3D printer and I rarely use it, so I took the opportunity to find designs from other people and I have to admit that sometimes it comes in handy to have a 3D printer it shortens the production time, especially if I need more of the same things.

- ATX Power Supply Braces: https://www.printables.com/model/64847-atx-power-supply-braces/files 
- triple Hard Drive Holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5383205 
- 2 key case: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2514173 
- cherry MX Key Cap https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2288281

For the LED indication that the computer is on, I used the fact that I have transparent plastic on which the motherboard is placed, so I will drill holes through the small 10mm cable channel and connect LEDs in parallel.These diodes have a chip in them that randomly changes colors. For the test, I put it on the front to check if it could be placed and connected like that and I really like it, it's quite subtle but also quite bright so you can see which computer is on.

 It's hard for me to capture what it looks like on camera, it's much brighter in person.

Multiple computers work at once without any problems. I still have to connect old components like PCI cards that i want use and install a few operating systems so I have a lot to choose from ( i can easily connect different HDD on each level).

I know that I could install a virtual machine and put any OS, but I see the advantages when it is done in this way, especially if I already have all the components.

 As you noticed, the rear end of the motherboard is facing forward, this is because I often put and remove cables, dongles, etc, so it fits me much better this way.

It's easy for me to pull, turn and it will come in handy when connecting other components or when cleaning. The total weight of everything is approximately 24kg (~52lb).

All in all, I am very satisfied with how it looks and functions, how it turned out, and it will be easy to add to the design

 if I see that something else needs to be added or changed. Such as holders for graphic cards,HDD cages that can be easily moved and upgraded, better switch design, etc

The only thing left for me is to make a stand for 4 monitors so that I can use all 4 at the same time :)