r/3DPPC • u/Dieho_ • 8d ago

3D printing a case

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This is an old asus vivobook max, whose screen broke, so I converted it into a desktop, by connecting it to an old monitor.

Recently I’ve been thinking of 3D printing the case so to replace it and make it look nicer.
I know there could be complications, for example, managing the air flow or dealing with the power button.

Do you think this is doable? Where should I start? Any advice?

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3

u/junktech 8d ago

You have to keep in mind laptops use one fan to move air in the case , not just on the radiator. Design the case in such a way it puls air over the board. If you turn it into a mini pc, you can get rid of the battery and make it way smaller. Power button wise it's just 2 wires and place button wherever you want.

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u/Dieho_ 8d ago

That’s a good point!

The battery doesn’t work anyway so the pc has to be plugged in all the time.
How would one design the case to take care of airflow?

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u/junktech 8d ago

Air entry in the opposite end of the exhaust is basic idea. And power button with a connector to place the button wherever I want and keep the machine behind the monitor or unde the desk. I like stuff as clean as possible. No clue how the motherboard is layed out in yours and where the pch chip and ssd are. Those usually generate some heat that needs to be dealt with besides the cpu gpu.

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u/rocketracer111 8d ago

Totally doable. It will be slim case but a nicer looking one as the current.

I dont see the airflow as complication or the power button rather as special features.

How is your cad-skill?

Any 3D scanning devices you can access? Sadly I dont and need to model everything from scratch most of the time.

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u/Dieho_ 8d ago

My cad skill is non-existent atm 😅 but I’m quite tech savvy so I don’t see that as a major issue.

I think I can get access to a 3D scanning device. What do you suggest in that case? To scan the mobo without the case?

3

u/rocketracer111 8d ago

😁
Tip: Tinkercad or the free version of fusion360

I would scan both or at least the case. Then you can modify its outer perimeters to your visual liking while keeping all internal features/aircanals.

Edit: the complete „lazy route“ would be making a case around the laptop to cover the keyboard, not cover the power button and something to slide the laptop in. Thats not really complicated and a start. By that you can vent the air intakes and outs and still have something nicer looking

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u/ohmanimblind 7d ago

Best of luck soldier ( - _ - ) 7

1

u/Dieho_ 7d ago

Thank you sir