Weird-looking PCs

Just recently, I came across a Cooler Master gaming PC that looks like a gym shoe, complete with shock springs that would not look out of place on a motorcycle:
1761606965179.png


All the necessary plugs (USB, power, HDMI/DP, etc) are in the back. Link here. No AMD options at this point, sorry.

If you guys have seen weird-looking PC cases or complete PCs to rival what I have in this post, post 'em here!
 
not exactly a weird-looking PC, but i remember a Linus Tech Tips (?) video where he reviewed a Hot Wheels-styled PC from the 2000s that ran Windows XP and had pretty average specs for that time
i don't really remember if it was LTT who reviewed it or not as i watched that video a long time ago

from what i recall the case itself was shaped almost like one of those UPSes but fatter and squarer except for the front where it did have some curves
 
not exactly a weird-looking PC, but i remember a Linus Tech Tips (?) video where he reviewed a Hot Wheels-styled PC from the 2000s that ran Windows XP and had pretty average specs for that time

Was it this?

DwOPicb.jpg


That was my first computer! It had Windows 98 SE and Intel graphics (810 or 845). My friend had a SiS 620 computer that ran Crimsonland better and I tried just changing the driver under Device Manager to it 😆

Local repair shop fixed it for about $100; I repeated similar OS-breaking stuff for a bit before that downtime got annoying :p I got a WinXP install disc (burned CD-R), installed it, eventually figured out how to reinstall 98, and got into the quick full-OS install thing with that!

I also had the steering wheel; it was 90 or 270 degree but not too great. I used arrow keys for racing games, and played a lot of 3D Ultra RC Racers Deluxe Traxxas! Also played Hexen and Diablo 1 and 2 a good bit on it.
 
Was it this?

View attachment 24027

That was my first computer! It had Windows 98 SE and Intel graphics (810 or 845). My friend had a SiS 620 computer that ran Crimsonland better and I tried just changing the driver under Device Manager to it 😆

Local repair shop fixed it for about $100; I repeated similar OS-breaking stuff for a bit before that downtime got annoying :p I got a WinXP install disc (burned CD-R), installed it, eventually figured out how to reinstall 98, and got into the quick full-OS install thing with that!

I also had the steering wheel; it was 90 or 270 degree but not too great. I used arrow keys for racing games, and played a lot of 3D Ultra RC Racers Deluxe Traxxas! Also played Hexen and Diablo 1 and 2 a good bit on it.
YES! what a plot twist xD
i think i've also heard of the company who actually made this PC doing the same for other brands, but at this point i might be making stuff up
 
Was it this?

View attachment 24027

That was my first computer! It had Windows 98 SE and Intel graphics (810 or 845). My friend had a SiS 620 computer that ran Crimsonland better and I tried just changing the driver under Device Manager to it 😆

Local repair shop fixed it for about $100; I repeated similar OS-breaking stuff for a bit before that downtime got annoying :p I got a WinXP install disc (burned CD-R), installed it, eventually figured out how to reinstall 98, and got into the quick full-OS install thing with that!

I also had the steering wheel; it was 90 or 270 degree but not too great. I used arrow keys for racing games, and played a lot of 3D Ultra RC Racers Deluxe Traxxas! Also played Hexen and Diablo 1 and 2 a good bit on it.
When I had my very first computer (HP Pavilion with Windows ME), I remember it had a CRT monitor that was shaped exactly like in that picture, except that mine looked boring like this:
1761620973970.png

I've also seen wooden laptop covers and other exotic-looking skins on Amazon these days.

BTW, screencaps from movie scenes showing weird-looking computers are also a good addition to this thread - if they come with some kind of explanation, like which movie, what is supposed to be the computer in that screenshot, etc.
 
1761654279408.png

1761654433249.png


😁
It didn't get much better than this. Even now, the ZX81 is a design and implementation masterpiece; an entire working micro with keyboard, beeper, TV display graphics, mass storage interface, expansion port and ROM BASIC in only 4 chips, in 1981! Literally RAM, ROM, ULA (gate array) and Z80 CPU. A very ambitious design and a fantastic piece of work, given the limitations of technology at that time. Back then the DIY self-build ZX81 kit sold for 50 GBP... and an Apple 1 sold for 650 GBP, in the UK. My first computer :)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAWHB2BKOg

I found a better video here. I really think this machine was revolutionary at the time.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDorGWU1k3A&t=873s
 
Okay, under "Weird-looking" I dare to throw something really weird looking into the pool.

When you need more drives than your case can handle, you can either buy a new case, or
just create more slots:
my_nas.jpg


9 HDDs (the other 4 are in the default slots) together gross 22 TB, net 12.37 TB on 3 mirrors and 1 one raidz2 pool ("one nest box - one pool"), plus one free SATA port/"slot" to attach an additional HDD/SSD for transfers or backups.

Those things are the reason why the attic ain't part of the customer's tour. :cool:
Ugly, but useful. Worx.
 
I have a Versa 21 PC case that looks like that! Perfect for expansion! 😁

Crivens: Yeah, looks like an air fryer to me. As long as you have the room for components and wiring, why not? Yeah, you don't see a round computer very often, certainly not with a skin that has totally non-tech branding worked into it, but still a fine example for this thread :)
 
It didn't get much better than this. Even now, the ZX81 is a design and implementation masterpiece; an entire working micro with keyboard, beeper, graphics, mass storage interface, expansion port and ROM basic in only 4 chips, in 1981! Literally RAM, ROM, ULA (gate array) and Z80 CPU. A fantastic piece of work. My first computer
Mine too! I got the Timex/Sinclair 1000 (US branding for the ZX81) as a birthday present, and then scrimped and saved for months to afford the 16kB RAM booster pack thingy (model 1016) that plugged into the back. Combine with an old cassette tape deck and I was off to the races... my solution to the RAM pack wobble problem was to cram the computer against a wall.

ram.jpg
 
 
I just finished this one. It's an 18x5x14 inch case. The inside is a Dell SFF, RX 6400, 16GB DDR3, 250GB Sata SSD, Intel i7-3770 CPU, 300W inverter, 4A 12V charger, 12V 10AH LifePO4 battery. The interior top is made with MDF with 2MM mousepad glued down. The screen is 1080P 60Hz and covered with 1/8" plexi glass. The mouse is a cheap mouse I found online that had nice colors. The Keyboard is Cherry MX reds 60% wired. I had to trim the body of the keyboard to make it properly fit. On the left side of the case there is a port for a PC power cable that feeds into the charger. It's basically a desktop in a case with a built in UPS. So it's a mobile deskop in a case? I guess.

EDIT: Battery life is around 3 hours when playing games. :D
 

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