Overview / Usage

Take a vintage IBM CRT monitor, gut it, and turn it into a stealthy all-in-one PC.

This is an experiment to push my retro modding skills further into truly odd builds that also are functional and weird.
I want someone to do a double-take and say 'Huh?!' when they see it.

This monitor is a tiny CRT and turning it into an All-in-One using desktop parts is entirely amusing as it would have needed to be attached to a desktop to be functional in its original time. Now it's possible to put the desktop inside the monitor and keep it stealthy as well.

Methodology / Approach

I've already contacted a local TV repair shop willing to safely gut and dispose of the CRT internals, leaving me with just the case and attached switches and dials.

I intend to use the monitor's original power switch to turn on the PC. I currently don't have any operational plans for the contrast and brightness knobs as it may be challenging to translate the older technology those use to a modern function without multiple extra steps.

I intend to experiment w/ heating a Lexan sheet and forming it over the original CRT glass to recreate the front glass bulge that will be missing once the CRT is gutted.

I've also decided to use an acrylic ITX mobo build plate and mount it inside the monitor shell, to prevent damage to the shell itself when mounting the motherboard.

As the CRT monitor was designed with ventilation in mind, and the entire top of the rear shell already is vented, I don't foresee having to add any extra holes for cooling.

Technologies Used

Current acquired hardware:

• Used ASUS ROG STRIX B360-I GAMING LGA1151 Intel B360 DDR4 Mini-ITX Motherboard
• Used 16GB DDR4 RAM
• Used i5 9600K
• Noctua NH-U12S redux (temporary, most likely replaced w/ a low profile cooler)
• EVGA Supernova 750GM SFX PSU
• Acrylic ITX build plate for internal mounting and non-permanent/damaging mobo standoffs
• reusing 250GB NVME from another rig for the boot drive

Need to acquire:

• Small, likely portable, monitor to fit inside the odd-sized display (may be the most difficult part to source)
• Low profile GPU? (final fitment of parts will restrict options)

I may end up needing some 3D Printing for the fitment of parts facing externally, but it is intended to be as sleeper as possible.