An enthusiast shared the design files for their 3D-printed retro PC case, which was inspired by the original Silverstone FLP01. u/Potatozeng shared the photos of their retro case on the r/3Dprinting subreddit, which sports a mini-ITX motherboard and an ATX power supply. They also shared links to the 3D files on Printables and Thingiverse, allowing anyone with a 3D printer to build one themselves.
3dprinting from r/3Dprinting/comments/1j8hznr/i_designed_and_3dprinted_a_retro_style_itx_pc_case
Although it has a similar form factor to the FLP01, this retro case is significantly smaller. Aside from the fact that it can only accommodate a mini-ITX mobo, it cannot support a discrete GPU, even if it’s a low-profile model. There’s also no dedicated installation slot for a 2.5-inch drive, although you can tape a SATA SSD right above the PSU. Because of its small size, u/Potatozeng said that it does not need an extra fan for cooling and that you can rely entirely on the airflow delivered by the CPU cooler and the PSU fan for your system.
The entire project consists of 17 different 3D files, for a total of 20 different parts and panels, and it took the enthusiast about 85 hours to print everything. Aside from that, you need several screws and inserts to secure all your components, as well as a couple of keyboard switches, LEDs, resistors, wires, and female jumper cables. Finally, you’d need a soldering iron to heat press the inserts and connect wires, as well as super glue to secure the joints of the PC case together. All these tools and materials make the build seem complicated and time-consuming, but the creator also included a PDF guide with pictures. This makes it easier for those who want to embark on this adventure.
The finished product looks clean and professionally built, except for the joint that runs on top of the case connecting the two top panels. Nevertheless, that is a small detail many would likely overlook because of the retro aesthetic that this 3D printed case delivers. Although its small size and lack of places for extra fans and radiators mean that you cannot put a powerful gaming system into it, it’s still good enough for lighter gaming rigs or an office PC. It could also be a great case for a non-gamer Millennial or Gen-X-er who wants to relive their care-free days playing games on the old family desktop PC by installing Windows 3.1 on modern hardware.
