Getting Started
Then what happened?
A quick search about the net provided plans for building a TARDIS.(tardisbuilders.co.uk). The originals are about 8 foot tall, so while it would make it easy to stick some computer bits in, it wouldn't fit on my desk so I had to reduce it to more acceptable levels. This involved some science and a calculator. Actually, I just halved all the measurements, and instead of inches used centimetres. Please note, I didn't convert from inches to centimetres, just used centimetres instead of inches. I also collected about a dozen different photos of TARDISs from different angles. As the TARDIS has changed over the years I could cherry pick the bits I liked the best (or what I think I can build).
Testing, Testing, 1 2 3
I wanted to make sure that everything would fit in. I initially attempted to make a 3D model, but it's been at least 2 years since I last did any CAD stuff so I gave up. I made it out of cardboard instead. It worked. Now, granted, it's not the most detailed model in the world (click the picture below for a large version, and marvel at the mad skillz I have) and doesn't actually contain everything, but it at least means I know the motherboard, DVD and hard drive will fit in. How I'll fix the hard drive and DVD drive to the case is something completely different and is something I'll only think about when the main case is built. Foolish? Maybe. There would be plenty of room in the case, so it didn't really matter. It's at this point I thought that a normal ATX power supply would have been an easier, and cheaper, to have put in, but it's too late now..
I also needed to test the components I had bought, so I plugged it all together and chucked in an Ubuntu Live Disc and it worked. OK, I make that sound easy. I actually spent about an hour searching on the internet for the right way to plug the 20pin ATX plug into the motherboard. Was it the end where all the molex connectors come out, or the end where there are no connectors? In the end I just went with the end with all the cables going into the motherboard.
When I had worked out it would all fit, it was buy some wood time. God bless B&Q. They have all the wood in the world, so I bought some. And some glue. I don't have any metal work skills or the necessary tools so wood was a better option.