Mounting a video card directly in a cab

[TheGameFan]

I have a Z back cab with the slide out "tray" that I want to mount my motherboard on. I am using a GTX 260 for video (likely overkill, but my mobo doesn't have built-in video). Anyway, I need something to screw the video card into so it doesn't fall over. I am thinking of hacking up an old case or running a piece of metal across the tray and drilling holes. Any other ideas or pictures of what anyone else has done?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Try this:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=95017.msg1017156#msg1017156

D

[TheGameFan]

Try this:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=95017.msg1017156#msg1017156

D

That's a thought, but my video card is pretty heavy. It would likely snap something without support on the top, especially since that tray sits at about 30 degree angle.

My case is actually a small aluminum case and all of the panels remove. I'm thinking of just keeping the aluminum frame (with no panels) and mounting it sideways.

[BobA]

The case would probably give you the best support but if you do decase you can use the metal strapping that plumbers use to hang pipes. It bends easily and can be screwed into your cab to give support to your card.   You might need a bit of wood for additional support but it is very useful.

[TheGameFan]

The case would probably give you the best support but if you do decase you can use the metal strapping that plumbers use to hang pipes. It bends easily and can be screwed into your cab to give support to your card.   You might need a bit of wood for additional support but it is very useful.

I was thinking of using that or rigging something from angle iron or some sort of bracket. I do have an old case I could hack, but it has sentimental value for my wife (it's a custom case I painted for her when we were dating), so I'd rather not use that.

I did some measurements and it's not good. With the shelf/mount I added for the monitor, I have less than 7 inches of clearance. My case is 8 inches wide. So, that's not going to work. Even if I mount everything directly, my video card and HSF are still almost 7 inches high (not enough clearance to be comfortable). I might have to mount everything in the bottom of the case until I can figure something else out (i.e. get a motherboard with onboard video).

[RayB]

I built a little wood thingy to screw the card to.

[bkenobi]

You can get a cheap, throw away grade case and cut it up as needed.  Many of them have removable motherboard trays now.  I had one that actually had the tray and the card support as one removable chunk which would work perfect for something like this.  You might consider going to Fry's or a local PC store to see if they have anything super cheap that would work.

[bertthedefender]

I had one that actually had the tray and the card support as one removable chunk which would work perfect for something like this. 

Thats exactly what I used.   I drilled some holes in the tray and screwed it to the side of the cab. It's as solid and steady as rock.

[severdhed]

I mounted the card in my DK cabinet using the method shown in the link above (bending the bottom of the bracket and screwing it down) and it has worked very well, even though the card is sticking out at a 90 degree angle, it feels very stable.

[TheGameFan]

You can get a cheap, throw away grade case and cut it up as needed.  Many of them have removable motherboard trays now.  I had one that actually had the tray and the card support as one removable chunk which would work perfect for something like this.  You might consider going to Fry's or a local PC store to see if they have anything super cheap that would work.

I actually forgot that I bought a plastic (yes plastic!) case on clearance for $10 a few years ago. It's just sitting in the box collecting dust. Though the case is plastic, I think the frame, tray, etc. are all metal.

The wood idea is an interesting thought. That would probably be much easier to work with and to mount than metal.

I was weary on "the pen method" due to gravity. But, the way I am mounting my MB, the card would be sticking straight up, so there shouldn't be much strain on the card. If it holds with the card sideways like in those pics, it should easily work in my situation.

I need to look at that old case and do some measurements. Seems like I have a few options though.