PC Parts Storage Solution?

OriginalSpaceMan asks: "I have a lot of hardware, so I've been looking for some sort of a static free PC parts storage solution. Preferably this would be something modular. I have Googled this for a while now and, as you can guess, I can't find much other than data storage solutions. I'm picturing something that is specifically designed to store drives, memory, CPUs, expansion cards and maybe mother boards. Also, it could have smaller compartments for screws, cables, LEDs, switches, case accessories and etc. It would be really neat to have built in slots to hold expansion cards in a static free case. Does anyone make anything remotely similar to this, or will this end up being my next project?"

Comments

just buy..

[gl4ss]

some metallic workshop type desk.

or any desk.. and use those bags.

though.. any closet will suffice for most pc junk in bags so i'd be a bit surprised if there were some manufacturer doing something like you're looking for.. and what exactly are you looking for then, something to use for assembling them? something where they're accessible? something where to store them? something where to forget them for 5 years? because usually long time storage means that it doesn't need to be accessible even and can be tucked in the closet without too much grief, i wouldn't be looking for a spesifically antistatic desk solution though, as anything non plastic suffices for that pretty well.

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Expansion Card Storage...

[phraktyl]

I haven't found any decent method for storing most of those, but for expansion cards, I've been taking a length of 1x3 and cutting 3/8" deep slots in it with a circular saw, about 1" apart. The width of the sawblade is just right for the cards. Then, glue or clamp this to the edge of a shelf.

All the cards stand up in the slots, and the faces are all clearly visible so you know what kind of card it is. I've been grouping mine (video, sound, IO), and then in each category I split them by their bus type (AGP, PCI, ISA, etc.).

It's been working great for me for a while. The setup costs just a couple bucks, and that's if you don't have the 1x3 scraps laying around.

Rubbermaid...

[jabberjaw]

It might not be exactly what you are looking for, but Rubbermaid makes a wide variety of plastic tubs that are rather sturdy, stackable, and affordable. They can be found at any Target, ShopKo, WalMart or whatnot.

Try the right search terms maybe?

[Meowing]

esd storage antistatic storage akrobins

3m static boxes?

[squant0]

3M(TM) Velostat(TM) 4025 Conductive Hinged Container, 178mm x 123mm x 13mm

Although not huge, they may fit expansion cards and the like. No pics on the site, but good starting point.

also: 3M(TM) 8523 single Card Carrier, 254mm x 203mm x 51mm is a little bigger.

two layers.

[TheSHAD0W]

First, put 'em in antistatic plastic bags. They're cheap.

Then, put 'em in ordinary sealable plastic tubs. They're cheap too. You'll want to throw a packet of silica gel in each as well.

Static is only one of the enemies you have to deal with in long-term storage solutions; oxidation is the other. To do that you need to reduce moisture, and those plastic tubs are the best way to handle it.

Re:two layers.

[The Mayor]

No you don't. Basic electromagnetic theory shows that a Gaussian surface (any volume surrounded mostly by metal) will cause any electrostatic charge to exist solely on the *outside* of the surface. Michael Faraday proved this by making a mostly solid metallic surface around a volume, poking a hole through it, then measuring the static electric charge on the inside.

The same effect works on a car (with massive "holes" in the form of the windows). During a lightning storm, being on the inside of a car is the safest place to be. This is because a lightning string will result in *no* electric charge being transferred to the inside othe Gaussian surface (i.e. the inside of a car). This is why planes don't crash when struck by lightning, even though it is not uncommon for planes to be struck by lightning often during a storm.

Don't worry about holes or tears, except in as much as it allows humid air to flow inside. Humidity and corrosion are far worse problems than any electrostatic charge.

File Cabinets

[BrynM]

I've been using two old 4 drawer file cabinets (you know, the big metal ones for offices). I put cards into anti-stat bags and store them in regular old drop files (the ones with the mtal hooks so they hang). A bonus is that you can put labels on the drop files. That fills two drawers.

For drives, I scout around cheap hardware stores like Harbor Freight for the generic tool cases with uncut foam in the middle and stack those into two more drawers. Cables take up another two drawers. Finally, CPUs and RAM go into anti-stat bags, which in turn into some small acrylic cases from Tap Plastics with some foam for cushoning. These, with motherboards in whatever box/foam I can find take up another drawer.

The cabinets are great because, my dog can't tip them, my cat can't get into them, they have locks on the drawers and the drawers are usually on some kind of roller mechanism. I keep both in an unused bedroom closet. They even fit perfectly with the sliding closet doors on, but my guitars and music stuff is closet too, so the doors live in the garage.

Now if only there were an easy and compact way to store surplus cases and monitors.

Erm...

[eggstasy]

This may not be the best way on earth to store hardware or anything but I just use dead computers to hold my extra boards and drives... it's their natural environment you see ;)

USPS

[jeffkjo1]

Mail all of your spare parts to me, I've got plenty of "storage" space for them!