I purchased a Gigabyte GA-H110MSTX-HD3 to build my Apple ][ Floppy case mod, but the i7-7700 would not boot due to firmware needing to be updated. I purchased the cheapest CPU I could find on the low end to update the firmware (G3900). So having an extra CPU, I bought another mobo and then needed a case. I wanted a case smaller than my Apple ][ Floppy drive Hackintosh, so I checked the size of a Mac Mini and it fits!
Of course this build will be less powerfull with the G3900, but knowing I can throw in up to an i7-7700 will be ok for now.
So I had to design a replacement rear plate to fit the Gigabyte motherboard and the apple case.
Several 3D printed versions later (typical adjustments for fit)...
I only had red in stock, so it works well to show the process. White comes later. Then I had to add a piece to complete the CPU cooler exhaust to the rear of the case...
Everything looks good, so picked up some white and printed the rear panel:
The width of the motherboard lines up with the two front mounts, so I will use those to anchor the motherboard in the front. After I glue on the rear panel to the base, that should hold the motherboard rear down. The rear holes do not line up, as the spacing is too long.
The length of the motherboard comes out nice, and I will have to clean up the trimming of the base before I glue on the rear panel.
More to come when completed, like benchmark and final photos assembled.
Of course this build will be less powerfull with the G3900, but knowing I can throw in up to an i7-7700 will be ok for now.
- Gigabyte GA-H110MSTX-HD3
- 16GB (2x8Gb) DDR4-2133 Sodimm
- 128GB M.2 SSD
- WiFi/BT NGFF M.2 card from Lenovo
- Macbook IR sensor
- A1283 Mac Mini case
So I had to design a replacement rear plate to fit the Gigabyte motherboard and the apple case.
Several 3D printed versions later (typical adjustments for fit)...
I only had red in stock, so it works well to show the process. White comes later. Then I had to add a piece to complete the CPU cooler exhaust to the rear of the case...
Everything looks good, so picked up some white and printed the rear panel:
The width of the motherboard lines up with the two front mounts, so I will use those to anchor the motherboard in the front. After I glue on the rear panel to the base, that should hold the motherboard rear down. The rear holes do not line up, as the spacing is too long.
The length of the motherboard comes out nice, and I will have to clean up the trimming of the base before I glue on the rear panel.
More to come when completed, like benchmark and final photos assembled.
