Modding a GA-8N-SLI (1.1) into a gaming chair...

[machere69]

Hello!

I'm new to the group and wanted to see if I could get some ideas and pick some peoples brains on a few things?

First, I am modding a PC into a gaming chair and I have a GA-8N-SLI (1.1) that I recently purchase and I'm getting some bits and pieces together to outfit this.

I need to know some ideas on what sort of GPU's and CPU's work good with this board?

Also, wondering about Audio... the chair has speakers built in so I'd like to wire those internally.  Ideas?

Thanks!

[machere69]

This is what the chair looks like:


[IMG=http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9994/1002021t.jpg]http://[/img]

There's a LOT of room underneath for the PC build and the speakers currently built into this could be easily upgraded.  Basically, a lot could be done with this seat!

Ideally, it's a PC/Gaming chair that I can use with this sort of wireless keyboard/mouse option:

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

I have seen these chairs before and think the concept works well however I would imagine that a SLI setup inside one would create a lot of heat that would be hard to dissipate. Also I know you say there is a lot of room underneath but exactly how much are we talking about once you are sat on it ?

[machere69]

Hello!

I appreciate your input!...

Yes, potentially a lot of heat, but I think I can dissipate that by spreading things out a bit, basically spreading out the mother board and drives across the base of the seat, probably putting the power supply further forward on the left side and then the mother board more centrally located... A couple of aluminum plates, top and bottom, and a couple of fans across that should create a good air circulation.  I believe it's completely doable... Just needs to be done.

[machere69]

Here's a question, if I've got the PC beneath me, and the USB ports on the side then what sort of response am I going to get from this sort of keyboard?  I'd love to try to contain these items so they don't necessarily protrude out the side.  Wondering if I can run a couple of "hidden" USB connections around the front of the chair?  I think it shouldn't interfere.

Another problem I'm still trying to sort out is the internal speakers.  Ideally I have an internal amplifier that powers the chair speakers, but I don't want to have a plug out the side that has to run the cables back through the chair to power the chair speakers, that's just going to be ugly... I'd rather have an internal amp to power those... Maybe I have to get a non PC stereo amp that has inputs and outputs through the back?

Ideas would be appreciated!

[Dark Mantis]

Oh I am sure with a bit of tenacity you can do it. As you say you will need a good airflow through the base of the chair to keep things cool.

Is it easy enough to dismantle the chair to gain access ?

I can't see a problem with changing the speaker wiring to run directly off the sound card/onboard sound chip. Are they active or passive speakers ?

[machere69]

Yes, I have tenacity!

Yes, the chair is easy enough to take apart, it's apparently a knockoff that was imported to NZ en-mass and while not made of great materials isn't too bad in it's structure.  I have the means to shore it up a bit, I work for a major manufacturing plant, so I have access to bits and pieces that will help that come together.

So, how do I internally wire the chair speakers?  How about an internal amp that I can wire to the speakers on the back?

[Dark Mantis]

You are going to need some amplification for the speakers as most computer sound cards don't have enough power themselves.

[machere69]

I think this is the AMP I'll need...

http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/069/sda1100_detail.html

I got this processor for the motherboard:

Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 3.73Ghz Socket 775 CPU 1066
http://www.cdrinfo.com/sections/reviews/specific.aspx?articleid=14308

Power Supply is: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX
http://www.productwiki.com/corsair-cmpsu-650tx/

RAM is:
2 x 2GB Gigabyte Technology GA-946-S3 Memory Ram

[machere69]

Would still love some feedback/ideas for GPU's for this?  How about being able to run TV through it?  Also need a wireless card... All ideas very much appreciated! 

[Dark Mantis]

The amp looks perfect for your requirements along with the other components.

Don't forget the more complicated you make it the more problems you are likely to encounter.

[machere69]

No worries!  I've pulled the wireless card out of our other PC so I can use that... the other PC is currently hooked in with a LAN cable.

I also got some scrap aluminum diamond tread plate from the scrap bin at the factory I work at.  I plan to cut that to use as the top and bottom internal chair PC housing along with some plexiglass on the sides for all the ports, drives, etc.

I got this liquid cooling system:

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5677/gigabytegalaxyii.jpg

Getting excited now... A few more pieces to come and then I can start the build!

[Dark Mantis]

I really wouldn't recommend the cooling system you posted. The quality is just not that good. By all means copy the system but use well made copper parts and good quality pipe. There are many retailers who can offer what you would need.

Your enthusiasm is catching and I have always been a lover of modding things!

[machere69]

Thanks for that!... Okay, I'll splash out a bit more on the cooling system.  Any recommendations?

I'm also thinking I need a HD that will stand a bit of movement in the chair, rocking back and forth, as well as a DVD drive that will also handle a bit of movement.  Any ideas on that?

Cheers!

[Dark Mantis]

Well obviously if you can afford it a SSD is the way to go for the storage. It will take any amount of rocking around and not give off any heat either which would be a bonus considering the enclosure.

Any well known make parts for watercooling should be fine. I know that you are not in the UK but this is the place I use and just about anything you can buy on this site would be good quality and fine for your purpose.

http://www.candccentral.co.uk/Koolance.html?sort=orderby