Hi, my first post on this forum.
I used to do woodworking professionally – built-in bookcases, cabinets, desk units, etc. Now I’m planning some built-ins in our den, including one wall with 3 computer workstations. I’m planning to hide the CPU’s, printer, router, cables, etc. behind doors under the desk. I’ve never done anything quite this elaborate so I’ve got some questions.
Do I need to add vents and/or fans to keep the computers cool? Any other technical considerations?
Any cool ideas for pull-out shelves for the printer and CPU’s?
Can anyone recommend any articles they’ve seen that deal specifically with built-in computer workstations?
Thanks for your ideas.
Replies
A couple of suggestions based on my experiences building computer desks and entertainment centers.
1. Make plenty of 'slots' in the back of the cabinets so cables and power cords can be threaded around. Make sure the slots are big enough to get a three prong power plug through.
2. If you make adjustable shelves in the cabinet, make them 1"-2" shorter than the cabinet depth - more paths for cords, cables, etc.
3. I like to put a plug strip/surge protector inside the cabinet and only have one hole in the back for it's power cord. All the other components plug into the plug strip. Lately, I've been using the six receptacle plug strips that have two of the receptacles spaced so you can plug in a transformer without hiding two of the receptacles.
4. Rockler sells special hinges for a 'drop down' drawer front. I just used some on a computer desk for a pull out printer tray with a fake drawer front. I used standard full extension drawer glides for the printer tray.
5. Rockler also sells the hardware for a pull out keyboard tray.
6. I deal with the cooling issue by making the space for the computer tower so there is at least a 1" opening on both sides and the top. I also use a forsner bit to drill 1" or 1-1/4" holes in the back for more air flow.
I have a computer desk in the shop right now and I'll post some pictures after I get the stain/finish on and it's reassembled.
Oops, I forgot that I had a couple of pictures of the desk.
The opening at the top of the pedestal is for the printer tray. The two holes at the front are for the drop down hinges.
The lower left opening is for the computer and the lower right opening has three adjustable shelves. The top shelf will hold the DSL modem.
You can see the beginning of the pullout keyboard tray under the top.
The other picture shows the power strip installation. Notice the 'slots' for cables & cords.
Hawkeye2, I will speak to the cooling part. I am in the computer business and if you are going to close the CPU's and or monitors behind doors (with them running), or use a design that would restrict air flow, provide for plenty of ventilation. If this is for your computer keep in mind how the air flows through your system. If it is a small tower, and the air is pulled through the front and flows up and out the top and back, provide a way for air to get through. Heat will kill electronics! Depending on the system you could cook it. If you leave the back open and provide plenty of good air flow then you may be ok, but consider a cooling fan. I don't personally know about this one but rockler generally does not sell junk, and it will give you the general Idea. Good luck.
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?&offerings_id=6572&objectgroup_id=20&catid=19&filter=cooling%20fan
Hey Hawk, I agree with Bones, I dont know how advanced your computers are, but if you were to open mine, I have five fans just in the tower. Now my computer can run any CAD, 3D animation software, or Game without a hiccup, but its not much over industry standard equipment.
Generally a lot of your air comes from underneath, so a hard surface under it is best, but air escape within the cabinet is critical. Even if it isnt positive, dont forget heat rises, vents should be high in the open area.
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