8 Cool Clocks Upcycled from Computer Parts

Computers & Mobile Craft & Design Technology

There might be a virtual clock on your computer, but who really wants to be bothered to mouse down to the lower-right hand corner to look at it? For computer enthusiasts who need to know the time as fast as one can glance up, these clocks made out of computer parts are a great addition to any room!

Recycled Hard Drive (HDD) Desk Clock

HDD-desk-clock

If you want to make a nearly intact HDD display the time, this Instructables article should fit the bill. You will need to drill a hole to allow purchased clock movement to fit into place, but it doesn’t take much to make this clock interesting.

Neopixel HDD Clock

HDD-neopixel-clock

If a disassembled HDD with normal clock hands isn’t crazy enough, you can always build one using NeoPixel rings instead. The Instructables article has 48 steps though, so making it will take a much larger time commitment than the first clock.

Engraved HDD Platter Clock

cu-clock-orange-paint-pen

I might be biased as a Clemson graduate and the creator of this clock, but I’m quite fond of this one. As explained here, I engraved each number and used an orange paint pen to fill the numbers in.

Lots of Unique HDD Clocks to Buy or Inspire

tecoart

If the other HDD clocks don’t quite suit your fancy, perhaps TECOART’s Etsy collection will inspire you. Their clocks are available for sale if you’d like to purchase one instead of building your own.

Segmented CD Clock

CD-clock-segmented

If HDD clocks are interesting, one made of a CD (or two) should be as well. As seen in this Instructables article, CDs are much easier to cut than an HDD, so making a clock combining two or more CDs relatively easy.

RAM and HDD Clock

RAM-HDD-Clock

If you can make a clock out of an HDD platter, why not add some RAM on the edges? This particular clock has quite a few chips radiating out from them with the time labeled on top in binary glow-in-the-dark lettering.

CD and Motherboard Clock

CD-motherboard-clock

In another build combining computer parts in a unique way, this CD and motherboard clock seems like a nice combination. The creator of this device cleverly burned numbers on a Lightscribe CD to mark the time.

Cat Computer Clock

cat-HDD2

If the other combination builds don’t seem very interesting, you could always build one in the image of a cat. This model, by GeekGear on Etsy is currently sold out, though they seem to have many, many other options for purchase or inspiration.

[via Geeky Gadgets]

What will the next generation of Make: look like? We’re inviting you to shape the future by investing in Make:. By becoming an investor, you help decide what’s next. The future of Make: is in your hands. Learn More.

Tagged

Jeremy is an engineer with 10 years experience at his full-time profession, and has a BSME from Clemson University. Outside of work he’s an avid maker and experimenter, building anything that comes into his mind!

View more articles by Jeremy S Cook
Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!

ADVERTISEMENT

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 16th iteration!

Prices Increase in....

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
FEEDBACK