It's not the first time we see a desk used as a computer case, and it probably won't be the last. But those projects usually become a source of pride, something to show off and share. Now, how about the idea of a computer that completely disappears, including the monitor? I'll admit it's not easy to build, but Matt from DIY Perks accepted the challenge and split the process into two excellent videos.
There are people who detest cables, and by that I mean a complete aversion. In some of my home visits (which seems like last century, more or less) I've spent more hours hiding cables than fixing the actual technical problem, a frustrating exercise. But today's tech options let us reduce or even eliminate cables while offering very compact computers. We now see PCs that mount easily on the back of a monitor, and some Mini-ITX systems strike a great balance between performance and space savings.
Taking It to the Extreme
So, can we go even further? In other words, make the computer vanish from the desk along with all its cables. Even the monitor itself would give it away, so we'd need a way to hide that too. With those goals in mind, we return to the DIY Perks channel, where we learned to recycle laptop parts and turn a smartphone into a laptop. The project was divided into two videos, starting with the desk:
The Desk: Aluminum and Wood
Without a doubt, the key word for the invisible computer is aluminum. At first glance, the desk looks like it's made entirely of wood, but it has to be thin and strong while also helping cool the components. The combination of two aluminum sheets and wooden sides with several secondary support points (to keep the top sheet from sagging) guarantees the desk's rigidity.
https://old.neoteo.com/como-construir-tu-propio-proyector-4k/Now, some traditional computer components don't fit into the desk's thickness, such as an ATX power supply. Matt decided to swap it for a 1U unit, which needs no extra modifications. However, the fans for the graphics card and CPU were removed. The cooling system is truly insane: 40 Noctua NF-A4x20 fans with PWM control, sent over by the manufacturer. Naturally, Matt recommends looking for cheaper alternatives, since we're talking about $600 just in fans.
After countless holes, screws, and surface lamination (which demands cleaning, sanding, vacuuming, and cleaning again because aluminum oxidizes quickly), plus several stress tests with very acceptable temperatures and noise levels, the invisible computer is complete. But what about the monitor?
Hiding the Monitor
Matt's idea was to hide it in an elevated support built the same way as the desk. The difference lies in the hinge and stabilizer mechanism that raises and lowers the monitor on demand. It's crucial that the whole system is firmly attached to the wall (since it has to support the weight of the monitor, aluminum, and other accessories), and the rest is just a matter of hiding cables. Unfortunately, there aren't many options there, and Matt ended up using a plant.
As always, the end result is fabulous, and the best part is that we're not forced to follow this design 100%. Any chance to simplify the build or cut costs should be considered, as long as it doesn't put the components at risk. Personally, I'd go with a much simpler cooling system and a different power supply, maybe an SFX unit. What do you think? Leave a comment!
