Concept AEKI : Low-power, yet powerful, silent PC – in a drawer

oifrcz

Cable Smoosher
Original poster
Jul 15, 2021
8
2
Hello SFF.NETWORK!

I'd like to discuss with you the concept of putting a PC based on Mini-ITX and AMD Ryzen APU [w/o dedicated graphics card] into one wodden drawer.
> Drawer's inner space dimensions : (L350*W130*H170) mm


There are 4 zones:
1> PSU : SFX form factor fits tightly into the drawer.
2> PC components : Major heat sources in here.
3> Fan cluster : Must generate sufficient air pressure to allow air flow through many, but small, ventilation holes.
4> I/O and cabling : Access to ATX I/O shield (rear wall set off), internal I/O connectors, as well as the PSU's modular panel.

Main objectives:
> I want to achieve semi-passive cooling system, so that it's noiseless at low loads.
> For APU heat dissipation, either the Noctua NH-P1 or a large, external heatsink shall do the job.
> My idea is that fan noise, and possible coil whine, transformer hum, ... remains inside the box.
> Permitting the air flow path around the PSU shall enable that its internal fan kicks in only at high loads.

For the fan cluster: What's better? 2*120mm or other configurations such as 4*80mm, 8*60mm, that is fewer large diameter ones or many small diameter ones ?

Any feedback you might have is very welcome!