some very specialized mini-ITX build questions

[Insert_Nickname]

A spiritual successor to this device:

Goal is to build it as small as possible.

I see. Just for clarity you want something that can double as the base?

Out of interest, what sort of video connection are you going to use?

My current question is this:I also have a question regarding an unusual GPU->motherboard connection which seems to work with some limitations on smaller motherboards but we'll discuss it after this.

Ideally you'll want a PCIe x16 raiser. Just be careful, not all boards play nice with one, and make sure its validated for PCIe 3.0 operation.

 

[Ketchup]

Unless you are putting a 486 in there, you will need a cooler. And if you want to keep it a small, you will want a cooler with a fan.

And if you go Intel, you would be hard-pressed to find a lower-profile cooler than the stock fan.

 

[VeryCharBroiled]

would one of those intel thin mini itx cpu cooler work?

http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-P...id=1438007169&sr=1-1&keywords=thin+itx+cooler

 

[Ketchup]

would one of those intel thin mini itx cpu cooler work?

http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-P...id=1438007169&sr=1-1&keywords=thin+itx+cooler

Didn't see that one. Very cool, and should be good for a lower heat output CPU.

 

[froky]

I see. Just for clarity you want something that can double as the base?

Sorry, I don't understand the question.

Out of interest, what sort of video connection are you going to use?

Like the even less produced newer version of that device, mine is going to be standalone. But unlike that one from 10 years ago, mine is not going to use a whole table for the electronics. So no separate PC connection to work and no streaming, it will include a PC inside the case. New programs will be uploaded from USB sticks but a complex 3d AI program I'm working on is going to be included with it. This is a non commercial project and aim is one working prototype.
If you mean the connection between the PC and the high speed projector, it's ordinary HDMI. The data is not proper HDMI signal though.

Ideally you'll want a PCIe x16 raiser. Just be careful, not all boards play nice with one

Yes, that's it. Is there any way to know if a board will work with it or not, or is it trial and error?

would one of those intel thin mini itx cpu cooler work?

http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-P...id=1438007169&sr=1-1&keywords=thin+itx+cooler

At 23mm height that looks perfect!
So when choosing the CPU now, I'll just have to check if the cooler is rated for its wattage?

 

[VeryCharBroiled]

At 23mm height that looks perfect!
So when choosing the CPU now, I'll just have to check if the cooler is rated for its wattage?

basically, yes:

For use with CPUs up to 65W
Support Intel LGA115X processors

 

[froky]

Thank you, that is clear now too.

Next question, PSU.
Having a large DC power brick outside of the device would be the easiest solution. I learned previously in this thread that someone has done this before. Then a PCB inside the device which takes the DC power from one side and has standard connectors on the other side like a normal ATX PSU. There seem to be few companies offering such products.
http://www.pico-box.com/x7-atx-400.html
Not as small as I'd hope but very thin compared to a ATX PSU.

However, I found only12V 20A power brick so far, not more than that.
I think its time we figure out how much Watt PSU I need.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Sorry, I don't understand the question.

Ok, let me rephrase. You want the PC built into the base of the projector...?

Like the even less produced newer version of that device, mine is going to be standalone. But unlike that one from 10 years ago, mine is not going to use a whole table for the electronics. So no separate PC connection to work and no streaming, it will include a PC inside the case. New programs will be uploaded from USB sticks but a complex 3d AI program I'm working on is going to be included with it. This is a non commercial project and aim is one working prototype.
If you mean the connection between the PC and the high speed projector, it's ordinary HDMI. The data is not proper HDMI signal though.

That's what I meant.

Yes, that's it. Is there any way to know if a board will work with it or not, or is it trial and error?

There is a bit of trial and error. PCIe 3.0 is fairly intolerant of raisers, so make sure you get one that's certified to support PCIe 3.0.

Thank you, that is clear now too.

Next question, PSU.
Having a large DC power brick outside of the device would be the easiest solution. I learned previously in this thread that someone has done this before. Then a PCB inside the device which takes the DC power from one side and has standard connectors on the other side like a normal ATX PSU. There seem to be few companies offering such products.
http://www.pico-box.com/x7-atx-400.html
Not as small as I'd hope but very thin compared to a ATX PSU.

However, I found only12V 20A power brick so far, not more than that.
I think its time we figure out how much Watt PSU I need.

My own system (3770non-K + ASUS Strix 970) uses ~250W running full tilt, with occasional spikes in the 290W range. So lets say 350W to be on the safe side. You'll want a PSU with a strong 12V rail (above 30A should do it) though, be sure to check before you buy.

I'd suggest the Seasonic G-360 360W as a starting point.

 

[froky]

dublicate post...

 

[froky]

Ok, let me rephrase. You want the PC built into the base of the projector...?

Yes, the base of the device. Highspeed projector is just one component of the device, also located in the base (the black bottom part). I'm sure that's what you meant, but just in case.


I was thinking of a 12V DC PSU like this one,

And then an 'ATX converter' like this in the case, http://www.pico-box.com/x7-atx-400.html

To save space. A standard PC PSU is just too big.
I saw a thread here where someone did just that, but can't find what Amps the PSU gave.
EDIT: This one: http://www.overclock.net/t/1526575/...orlds-smallest-4-2l-gaming-htpc-steam-machine
http://imgur.com/a/TLaX9

I can't find a proper 12V power brick like in the image above 20A. There are exposed aluminum ones, but I'd prefer to stay away from those.

One time because of improper solder job inside I could get electrocuted and the way cables are attached to it is not safe and dangerous when you have kids or animals around. Also makes a very ugly couple with the device I'm building. If there was a plastic cover for them that could work though. Or a PC PSU with a single combined cable which I would ''split'' later inside the case. That could also work.

 

[Ketchup]

You might also want to try looking her for power ideas:
http://www.mini-box.com/DC-DC

 

[froky]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but those are also DC-DC 12V to ATX "adapters/transformers" like the one I linked to? Sadly can't find over 250 Watts.

 

[Ketchup]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but those are also DC-DC 12V to ATX "adapters/transformers" like the one I linked to? Sadly can't find over 250 Watts.

Rats Oh well.

 

[mxnerd]

Using your Pico Box info and found Pico-Box 500w X7-ATX-500

at AliExpress

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...PIN-DC-ATX-Power-Supply/211500_747813627.html

You probably need two DC inputs.

email vendor and probably will get your answers.

================

400W 12V Power Controller 33A AC 110-220V to DC

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/400W...ormer-Switch-Power-Supply-for/1950223711.html


=============

Using Chrome will direct me to AliExpress Russian sites. Firefox stay in English. it's weird.

 

[froky]

I don't usually trust other expensive components of my devices to an unknown brand component from alibaba/express. But the reviews seem positive, unless we can find a more reputable brand, that seems perfect. Anyone else have any comment on it?

But the aluminum DC PSU... I don't know man.I actually have two for my 3d printers. But wouldn't want to use one for this project. I already commented about those. Leaving that aside, one of mines has had the fan die, and it just looks ugly. I wish someone at least offered a plastic cover for the thing...

 

[froky]

Seems like there exists such a thing, 360W:
http://szpcsy.en.made-in-china.com/...gn-LCD-Screen-100-240V-with-Good-Quality.html

But yeah, made-in-china.com... anyone has more luck than me finding these on ebay, etc?

EDIT: And I could build a custom plastic case for an aluminum 12V 30A PSU from laser cut black plexiglass. The glass transition temperature of that material is around 100C, so there shouldn't be a problem... right?