I did what I wanted to do for years: Build a computer using a Nintendo Entertainment System case. However, things were starting to fall apart. One side of the Power/Reset button came off, the power adapter button came off, the whole system still isn’t level, etc.
So I left it alone for a while, until I found a computer case for $5 at a thrift store. So, I just decided to give up on the NES PC and build a computer from a more stable case.
So, I had to buy a few more parts:
1. A regular power supply (Link)
2. A hard-drive adapter (the place where the hard drive usually goes didn’t come with the case (Link)
So, I bought them, and started re-building the PC:
Oh, one more thing that went wrong with the NES PC: The Wifi antenna that came with the motherboard broke, since the wires were so flimsy (that, or mice chewed on it), so as you can see in the picture, I just put in a USD Wifi adapter, and it works just fine.
The only other issue with this “new” PC is the power button. There isn’t one. That’s OK. I can still use a screwdriver, or my fingernail, to turn it on and off. Plus, it’s more of a security feature in my eyes. (Like Bob Ross says, it’s not a mistake, it’s a happy accident.)
Obviously, there’s room for improvement with this PC. I could use a case fan that goes in the back. I could also replace the stock CPU cooler with something better. In other words, right now I can only use this PC for low-end stuff, and not high-end gaming, since the CPU temperature goes up into the high 80s Celcius, dangerously close to the rated maximum temperature of 90C. I tried using GMod on this PC, but the frame rate was terrible. Mind you, the CPU has at least 3 GHz of speed, and I have 16GB of DDR4 memory. Yes, there’s no dedicated graphics card, but that’s why I bought a CPU with a dedicated GPU built in (which probably isn’t enough.)
But, for now, I’m happy. I’ve gotten my feet wet in PC building. Who knows? I may be itching to try it again. However, given that I can buy a Nintendo Switch for half the price I paid for this build, probably not.
Peace and God Bless.