Worklog: Mini ITX Project

tpsrs1z

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Nov 6, 2011
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Noob here. Hello all.
I've decided to build a custom mini ITX case for performance (non-gaming). This project has morphed some since I began this nutty idea. My goals now are to have a unique design which enables high end processing within a small quiet portable enclosure. Strictly utilitarian in looks and function. Stark and stealthy looking.

I'm using a company for CNC'ing the panels which cause certain design restraints that must be overcome. Simply put, they only make flat panels... but very high quality ones. So the enclosure will not be tool-less, in fact many screws!? Once it's up and running and I've worked out all the snags I foresee no reason to to have to gain access to the inside often anyway. All parts have been ordered/received except the panels which are due in prolly after Fri. 25

This began as a thread from here
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2204048

To avoid sullying the thread with images you can view how it'll look when assembled and the costs involved here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soapdish1z/

Yeah yeah I know... this is a crazy project
 
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lsv

Golden Member
Dec 18, 2009
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The renders look great, got any pictures of the parts you do have?
 

aigomorla

CPU, Cases&Cooling Mod PC Gaming Mod Elite Member
Super Moderator
Sep 28, 2005
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i prefer you filling this thread with worklog pictures and us not having to go off site to look at them.

:)

That is the point in a worklog.
Show off your talents, show off what masterpiece your imagination can draft...
 

tpsrs1z

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Nov 6, 2011
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aigomorla, since you're a moderator I'll post pics here. One problem, :'( I have not figured out exactly just how to do that! I've yet to see how to attach pics on this forum. Oops, just found directions in faqs.

lsv, you mean you want to see the MB & memory etc? Otherwise all I have is the handle, rivets and screws. I have cut all the angles but need the panels so they can be match drilled. Then I'll just cleco it up and check fitment. My biggest concern is how the IO opening is going to fit.
 
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tpsrs1z

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Nov 6, 2011
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Doing a little tabletop testing while waiting for panels to arrive. Ran prime95 for a few minutes to get an idea of how much power I'll be using.

AC (wall socket) power that is. 1.15 amps at 120V so 136W at peak and about 0.5 amps for 60W at idle. Max CPU temp I witnessed was 163F, ambient room temp is 66F.

I'm not allowed to post attachments here (guess i'm new?) so I've added 2 pics named XXprime95xx here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soapdish1z/
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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you can use [ img ] and [ /img ] with the spaces removed to have an image appear inline for your message. not sure if flickr supports linking like that though.
 

tpsrs1z

Member
Nov 6, 2011
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testing
photostream
photostream
photostream
 
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tpsrs1z

Member
Nov 6, 2011
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No, it aint working for me. I put in the "img" stuff with the link in between, no spaces, and all that displays is the text in the post. I see you've given me 'img' privileges, so thanks for that anyway. Maybe because I see html code is off?
 
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ElFenix

Elite Member
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Mar 20, 2000
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your links aren't to the pictures themselves, but to the pages the images are on. the img tag has to be used with the image itself.

i don't think flickr supports embedding images into forums.


you can drop your images into imgur or you can sign up for an account at pics.bbzzdd.com or pics.apartment808.com for use with direct linking from the forum.
 

tpsrs1z

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Nov 6, 2011
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test with photobucket....nope did not work. OK so where am I stupid here? I opened yet another photo share account,uploaded the pics then clicked on 1 of them then 'copied' the link on that page and copied into the 'insert image' in the reply box here on this forum. OK I got now. Jeez!
mdis94n1
 
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tpsrs1z

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Nov 6, 2011
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Prime95.jpg

prime95 10 min into it, the temps never higher than 163F
After4minquitprime95.jpg

4 min after quitting prime95
ISOFront-Left.png

ISO front/left

ISOFrontTopSideRemoved.png



PicoPSCloseup.jpg

Closeup of Pico PS


P1010011.jpg

On table with my current PC in back
 
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tpsrs1z

Member
Nov 6, 2011
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PicoPSKit.png

PS kit

PCPartsNewEgg.png


Newegg Parts

Panels.png


Panels

HardwareMcMaster.png


McMaster hardware


I already have on hand the rivets, stainless 4-40 screws, the switch (pwr) and the dual USB panel mount so there's no price for these
 

tpsrs1z

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Nov 6, 2011
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OK, it's done and running now. I decided to make a video of the important aspects of the build. It's slightly more entertaining, slightly. I have thick skin so don't hold back on constructive criticism!
http://youtu.be/QBHrrPS2b8Y
 

Skott

Diamond Member
Oct 4, 2005
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I enjoyed the video. Enjoyed the music too. Too many people use some hard rock or gay sounding music in their vids. Nice to hear something pleasant and different for a change. Anyhow, well done. You do realize that people are going to ask you build a case for them now don't you? <g>
 

tpsrs1z

Member
Nov 6, 2011
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Thanks fellas. Skott, the cost of material alone should deter most anyone! But I would do it anyway, since I'm unemployed.
Glad you liked the music. I recently recorded (not downloaded) it from Spotify and I can't for the life of me understand how exactly youtube identified the song without it having the cddb data attached to it. Maybe some one will school me on this.