I'm not really sure if this is even where I sould be to ask this question but here it goes. I would like to take an empty case that I have and install some components that I would only need on occasion. I would then like a way that I can basically plug into this case to access those components. I have all of the components I would like to install but I would really like to avoid buying a windows XP for it. When all is said and done I would like it to work kinda like a external USB component. Completely useless on it's own but when plugged into a computer with brains it comes to life. Any ideas, or if you can point me in the right direction, would be helpful and appreciated.

I plan on putting this on some other forums as well so please ignore the repeats.

Thanks,
-caappold

Hi caappold, welcome to PCHF.

Please don't double/tripple post as you've done - regardless of where you post - we will try to help you out.

In regards to your question - it depends on what kind of components you're talking about....hard drives/cd drives, yes - it's possible

Ram/Video/Sound/CPU - no, definatly not possible.

Sorry for the extra postings.

Things I would like included in my "master docking station":

2 - DVD burners
1 - 3.5" floppy drive
1 - 500Gb Hard drive
1 - Tape deck
1 - 20 in 1 superior panel
&
Enough USBs to connect my printer, scanner, cd changer, etc...

I have all of the listed items but am not sure how to connect them into a case so that it is only a "docking station"

No problems about the extra posts.

The USB's won't be possible either - unless you get a USB hub.

I'm not quite sure the purpose of your project is, but it would be infinitely easier to just buy a cheap motherboard and cpu, and turn the 2nd case into a slave/file server and only turn it on when you need it.

The problem is, you can get external versions of each item you're looking at, connected to USB. To have these items in a seperate case, to use the other computer as a "docking station"...well...technically it would be the other way around...docking stations are the ones with no brains..I can't see the benefit/need to warrant something other then just a cheap 2nd computer.

Thanks, I think that you are right, especially since I can get a cheapie at circuit for under 3 bills.