Nice... As mentioned on the other thread (reddit) I went HDPlex 250W, but did that as I went for the 7900 instead of a 7950X3D as it has a power cap which means the HDPlex doesnt need to be the 500W model.
Log Travel Case Mini-ITX SFF PCVR Gaming + AVI DIT Workstation
- Thread starter rohitbanerjee
- Start date
Apologies for the very late (a year late) update. Still struggling with components and layouts.
While on the path of designing and developing my custom SFF-PC, I have come across a strange and puzzling problem, for which I have been struggling to find a solution, and still scratching my head, wondering why no one has thought of this before.
My custom SFF-PC design requires the GPU and the Motherboard to be placed on the same plane, i.e. both of the top-sides and back-plates of the circuit boards, and most importantly the exhaust fans, face the same direction.
However, the orientation of the PCIe slot on the motherboard, and the PCIe "key" / "finger" of the GPU always face away from each other, and the notch is exactly opposite. This means the GPU would never be able to face the same direction as the motherboard, and the PCIe contacts would never be near to each other. Even the Dual Reverse Riser cable, further extends the GPU PCIe contact away from the motherboard's PCIe slot.
Wouldn't it be easier to orient the GPU in such a way, that the GPU PCIe "key" is actually facing the motherboard's PCIe slot? I know the entire IO shield gets blocked on the other side, but there isn't much IO needed from GPU anyway! Also, the miniDP ports can easily be extended all th way to the other side with extension cables, in fact with the full DP ports on the IO side of the motherboard.
I searched the entire internet (not really, just couple of days of focused keywords searches), but couldn't find any practical solutions for such a seemingly simple logical problem. The only possible way that I see it working, would be to "twist" my very expensively imported PCIe riser cable, which I do not wish to do, except as a last resort. I cannot fathom that no one else has thought of this before.
I write this long technically-inclined post, so as to invite opinions and insights from other technology enthusiasts like @robbee and @REVOCCASES. Please help!
While on the path of designing and developing my custom SFF-PC, I have come across a strange and puzzling problem, for which I have been struggling to find a solution, and still scratching my head, wondering why no one has thought of this before.
My custom SFF-PC design requires the GPU and the Motherboard to be placed on the same plane, i.e. both of the top-sides and back-plates of the circuit boards, and most importantly the exhaust fans, face the same direction.
However, the orientation of the PCIe slot on the motherboard, and the PCIe "key" / "finger" of the GPU always face away from each other, and the notch is exactly opposite. This means the GPU would never be able to face the same direction as the motherboard, and the PCIe contacts would never be near to each other. Even the Dual Reverse Riser cable, further extends the GPU PCIe contact away from the motherboard's PCIe slot.
Wouldn't it be easier to orient the GPU in such a way, that the GPU PCIe "key" is actually facing the motherboard's PCIe slot? I know the entire IO shield gets blocked on the other side, but there isn't much IO needed from GPU anyway! Also, the miniDP ports can easily be extended all th way to the other side with extension cables, in fact with the full DP ports on the IO side of the motherboard.
I searched the entire internet (not really, just couple of days of focused keywords searches), but couldn't find any practical solutions for such a seemingly simple logical problem. The only possible way that I see it working, would be to "twist" my very expensively imported PCIe riser cable, which I do not wish to do, except as a last resort. I cannot fathom that no one else has thought of this before.
I write this long technically-inclined post, so as to invite opinions and insights from other technology enthusiasts like @robbee and @REVOCCASES. Please help!
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I assume you are going for a console case layout?
If so, you need a long enough riser cable and route it either under the motherboard or under the GPU...
Examples:
smallformfactor.net
smallformfactor.net
If so, you need a long enough riser cable and route it either under the motherboard or under the GPU...
Examples:
Prototype - REVOCCASES Project FLEXi5 - scalable 5L+ DIY friendly Console Case
Project FLEXi5 is a FLEX powered console case I designed for the DIY case maker community. It can be produced by services like e.g. SendCutSend and if you are familiar with CAD, is easily scalable in X/Y/Z to fit different sized components. So in other words, the smallest volume that makes sense...
smallformfactor.net
Prototype - REVOCCASES Project FL6iCON - minimalistic 6L Console Style Case
RCC-FL6iCON is a custom design I've made for & together with @Diamorif size comparison: basic features: FLEX PSU support ITX sized GPU with 92mm AIO / radiator GPU clearance: 268 x 125 x 55mm (max. overall clearance) CPU cooler: max. 48mm tall several 60mm (slim) case fan mounts cover...
smallformfactor.net
Weirdly enough, the picture of your post appears to be broken, except when being displayed in the quote.Apologies for the very late (a year late) update. Still struggling with components and layouts.
Edit: For those who cant see the image, here it is embedded directly:
cu, w0lf.
BTW: This may work with the blower-design GPUs, but with anything that works pass-thru, or the new 5000 gen, this is going to get awfully bad in terms of airflow.
I'd rather go with airflow from both sides and switch the orientation to "normal", ie. PCIe slots facing each other directly, similar to how its done with the SFFTime cases. If your thoughts behind this different orientation was to optimize GPU connections for your particular use case, you still could use something like 90 or 180 degrees Displayport + HDMI adapters.
Also, in terms of riser cable: There are server- and GPU mining-oriented ones, that allow for particular bendy connections. They look very similar to regularly shrouded cables instead of the more normal "flat cable" style of common PCIe riser cables. I bought one of these about a year ago, it was like 75 Euro including shipping via Amazon (arrived from China).
cu, w0lf.
You are spot-on the blower design aspect, I intend to de-shroud the GPU and use the copper backplate from @REVOCCASES's X3 design, and finned copper heatsink and dual noctua fans from @robbee's design. The GPU will not have any shroud going further, taking full advantage of the side air intake.
Plus, what's not shown in the picture, I intend to put 2x 5010 or 6025 fans on the top side of the motherboard (where "Made in China" is written on the motherboard in the picture), and 2x 5010 or 6025 fans at the bottom side of the GPU (the furthest edge of the GPU), as intake fans with the chassis side panels being perforated sheet metal. So, intake airway from both opposite sides, and exhaust on the side "tangent" to the intake.
I hope you don't mind putting a link to the product page of the bendy riser cables that you are referring to. I can at least start to visualise how to incorporate them in my design. I wish I could quickly finish my build, so that I can actually use it to edit my videos faster, and show the actual progress. Oh, the irony!
And apologies for not including your name @hrh_ginsterbusch, you have been extremely helpful from day one.
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Yup, I believe the correct term for the design I am aiming for, is "console case" layout. But instead of upright "portrait" mode orientation, my case would be in "landscape" mode. More on that below.I assume you are going for a console case layout?
If so, you need a long enough riser cable and route it either under the motherboard or under the GPU...
Examples:
Prototype - REVOCCASES Project FLEXi5 - scalable 5L+ DIY friendly Console Case
Project FLEXi5 is a FLEX powered console case I designed for the DIY case maker community. It can be produced by services like e.g. SendCutSend and if you are familiar with CAD, is easily scalable in X/Y/Z to fit different sized components. So in other words, the smallest volume that makes sense...
Prototype - REVOCCASES Project FL6iCON - minimalistic 6L Console Style Case
RCC-FL6iCON is a custom design I've made for & together with @Diamorif size comparison: basic features: FLEX PSU support ITX sized GPU with 92mm AIO / radiator GPU clearance: 268 x 125 x 55mm (max. overall clearance) CPU cooler: max. 48mm tall several 60mm (slim) case fan mounts cover...
Both the flexi5 and the fl6icon are a bit too big for my layout and design. However, the actual layout arrangement of the components in the fl6icon design, matches exactly with my own layout. My main design goal is to optimise the space, reduce the overall volume footprint, and at the same time, manage the heat issues with proper airflow. Weight and flexibility-to-strength ratio are also important factors, as I will be using my build to travel a lot. So, I find that the fl6icon is very much in-line, albeit some changes in the space optimisation areas, particularly around all the unused space below the PSU. Since I'm using the HDPlex 500W GaN AIO PSU, I can pretty much place the PSU on its side, further reducing the "depth" / "width" of the case.
Also, all the IO, including the front panel IO, will be on the back side, where all the rest of the IO ports are, so that the panel which has the momentary switch becomes the top side, and the IO side becomes the bottom of the case, with legs. And the top side won't have the momentary switch. Why? To eliminiate, or at least reduce the dust ingress. Although, I may compromise on the exact positioning of the IO, based on physical tests in real-life use.
So, my main question to you is, can your design be modified to decrease that unused space? I am starting up with FreeCAD (hopefully I can do that soon), to mock up my designs, and then share it. There are some other crazy ideas (like articulating armatures for pen display that folds away with the case) that I have withe case design that I want to test out too. but my primary concern is the space optmisation and optimised airflow.
Now regarding the routing of the riser cable under the motherboard. That is a new design challenge I created for my own self. Talk about glutton for punishment! I wish to explore the possibility to electrically insulate, but thermally conduct any run-off heat from the backplate of the mother board and the GPU, and have that side of the case panel act as a giant heatsink. I couldn't find anything online to see if others have explored this idea or not, but routing the riser cable underneath the boards defeat that design challenge. I know, I'm crazy!
But I think another person did something similar to the general effect that I'm talking about, but his design is not flexible to mistakes or tolerances, since it is milled / machined (and lot more expensive). But his entire case is a giant heatsink. Here's the video:
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Quick update. In hindsight, I need to read through each and every post in SFF.net. While perusing through @REVOCCASES's posts, I came across an interesting tip given to @hrh_ginsterbusch about a company ADT-Link, on custom riser cables. Just out of curiosity, when I browsed through this website, I found the correct term for the riser cable I was looking for, a PCIe riser "Jumper Cable".
Now I know what to look for, thanks @REVOCCASES
Now I know what to look for, thanks @REVOCCASES
But you said, you wanted to have both - GPU and CPU fans face in the same direction?
In the video, he just used a PCB riser card. It's the same layout like NFC S4 Mini and many others.... with GPU fan facing downwards...
n3rdware Launches the Yocto SFF Chassis – SFF.Network | SFF.Network
Production - RCC-SMALL1 / a brickless 4L case with LP dual slot GPU support and lots of space for SSDs | SFF.Network
Log - brickless 2.7L MoDT build - Lzmod RLY-V2, RTX A2000 8GB & Erying 13500H DDR5 | SFF.Network
Correct, this guy's design has the GPU facing the opposite side, not as per my design. I only gave his reference for the case being a giant heatsink. Since he is not using a riser cable underneath anything, but using a riser card instead, he doesn't need to worry about melting a riser cable at all.
I could actually use your RCC-SMALL1 design, with few custom modifications, now only if ADT-Link could provide me with a custom reversed cable.
OR, heavily customise MoDT, can you please provide me with more details on both those builds?
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Mostly build specs, like internal volume, with and without spacers, corner brackets, standoffs, etc., external overall volume, with and without legs / stubs, etc., dimensions, aluminium alloy used, sheet thickness, rigidity, flexibility, weight, anodising method.
I tried accessing your website, but it keeps stating it's under renovation from last year.
I really don't want to be troubled to fabricate my own case, if it can be easily be made by someone else. Unfortunately, my design is a bit specific on the details, hence I have been looking into building it myself.
Maybe I can either draw on paper and share it here, or mock something up quickly on FreeCAD and share it.
I already sold the LzMod case, but you can find it on Taobao/AliExpress
Edit... if you want a really small & powerful travel rig, I'd consider the new Minisforum
The M4 Mac Mini is dead to me - Minisforum at CES 2025 - YouTube
Its this thing: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0D5H9CG4M?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I found out about it via a r/sffpc post where somebody mentioned this in the comments.
Gotta dig up on my Telegram 'saved' and bookmarks if there is more, including the before-mentioned post.
cu, w0lf.
Hello everyone, I owe an apology for not updating about my build in a long time. I have been busy buying, testing, prototyping, many components to get the best fit. Alas, the shipping and video recording while testing these components take too long, to update the build log here.
So, I decided to to take few quick pictures instead to show some of the progress, some challenges and some solutions that I have been working on, during this time. BTW, I'm almost finalising the enclosure (custom-made) for which I am planning to proceed with one of the vendors here at SFF.net (name would be disclosed if the job is completed successfully).
Here are the pictures to show the actual layout and the rough measurements.
So, I decided to to take few quick pictures instead to show some of the progress, some challenges and some solutions that I have been working on, during this time. BTW, I'm almost finalising the enclosure (custom-made) for which I am planning to proceed with one of the vendors here at SFF.net (name would be disclosed if the job is completed successfully).
Here are the pictures to show the actual layout and the rough measurements.
New ADT-Link M33JK-TL Flexible GPU Riser Cable, finally received delivery. Looks a bit different than the photos on the website, but should work fine. All thanks to @hrh_ginsterbusch for pointing me to the right direction on this cable type, solved a lot of design challenges I was facing. Now, for the modded case, modded GPU heatsink shroud, and the Noctua low profile CPU cooler (on its way in a few days).
A very Happy New Year 2026 to all!
It's been a little over 2 years since I started this build log, and I am nowhere to completion. There are too many ideas, too many optimization challenges, too many shoddy hacks, and too much work assignments and personal commitments to balance. And so, I have come to make a decision to make the build useful and functional with temporary workarounds, and give it time and dedication later, when time and work permits. Hence, I am posting most of my personal short notes that I have jotted down over these 2 years regarding this build, and hope someone else can use or even improve.
==============
20250116 Challenges
==============
✓ 1. Unavailability / impossibility (?) of GPU "vertical" mounting w/ mirrored pinout PCIe 4.0x16 riser / adapter - possible solution: twisting riser cable OR ADT-Link PCIe 4.0x16 extension cable M33JK-TL; SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
✓ 2. GPU "vertical" mounting riser cable interference w/ backplate thermal pad heatsinked case panel - possible solution: twisting riser cable keeping it clear of backplate OR ADT-Link PCIe 4.0x16 extension cable M33JK-TL; SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
× 3. Reverse-oriented GPU IO access on IO shield side - possible solution: routing extension cables w/ clearance from both sides of GPU envelope, from GPU IO to case IO (ADT-Link DP to DP Flat EMI-shielded Cable w/ ADT DPP series DP8Q E-mark active chip for DP1.4 full speed signal; 2× straight P5A-P8Q, 1× up P6A-P8Q, 1× down P7A-P8Q); SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
× 4. Possibility of full DisplayPort from GPU on IO shield side - possible solution: extension cables w/ full DisplayPort female recepticles, mounted vertically adequately spaced from each other to allow tolerance for male recepticle bodies; mounting to be tested & validated in CAD; ABANDONED
~ 5. Placement of front-panel IO ports on IO shield side - possible solution: opening IO cover & IO shield to determine salvageable space & mountability modification on existing IO shield's quality or possibility of designing custom IO shield; AND / OR determining possibility of utilising salvageable space above CPU POWER 12V socket; AND / OR determining salvageable space (~10mm×55mm) on IO side case panel edge to 5010 intake fan edge; OBSERVATION: Very little salvageable space, perhaps only 1× lowest profile dual-port USB module, or lowest profile anti-vandal momentary switch
6. Placement of C14 power input module on IO shield side - possible solution: mounting PSU socket side on top w/ C14 wire side at bottom, to route C14 wire between motherboard & GPU, connecting C14 recepticle on salvageable space between motherboard & GPU IO sides;
× 7. Custom IO shield - possible solution: designing custom IO shield side complete panel (see "Placement of front-panel IO ports on IO shield side"); ABANDONED
× 8. Excess protrusion of riser cable connector, increasing overall length & volume - possible solution: determining possibility of custom mounting GPU raised over & on top of motherboard PCIe socket, while still maintaining thermal conductivity contact w/ heatsinked case panel, w/ existing riser cable twisted; OR acquiring custom or OTC 90° riser cable; SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
9. GPU backplate thermal pad heatsinked case panel - possible solution: @REVOCCASES SpongeBob Copperpants Mod's copper back plate further customized;
10. Motherboard backplate thermal pad heatsinked case panel - possible solution: custom case design;
11. Frequent access to IO shield side - possible solution: wall-mounting shelf brackets styled swiveling "leg", swiveled inside during transit temporarily manually tilted by hand over on heatsinked case panel side for temporary easy access to IO shield side for quick connection(s) before operation (see retractable legs) (refer hand-drawn designs dated 21/01/2025);
12. Retractable "legs" - possible solution: thermal-tolerant polymer / rubber folding legs directly mounted to chassis cage, folded position protecting WiFi SMA ports (10mm-20mm), unfolded to raise case by at least 80mm; OR wall-mounting shelf brackets styled swiveling "leg", swiveled inside during transit & swiveled on both sides in operation; OPTIONAL swiveling legs mounted on sliding rails w/ friction stop thumb screw; OPTIONAL swiveling legs mounted on sliding rails w/ friction stop thumb screw shared w/ pen display monitor articulating armature mount (refer hand-drawn designs dated 22/01/2025);
13. Pen display monitor articulating armature mounting - possible solution: parallel centre-recessed armatures swivel-mounted on either sides near or on legs w/ friction stop thumb screws, extending up to handle side w/ bent swiveling point for another set of parallel armatures extending up to mid point of display width, connected by single rod to low-profile VESA mounting bracket, which is further connected to polymer or metal folio-case styled cover for pen display, single rod or VESA mounting bracket also houses free-hanging U-shaped rod or tube for notched resting slots on centre-recessed parallel armatures (refer hand-drawn designs dated 21/01/2025);
14. Case handle mounting support on cage chassis - possible solution: "flat" profile of same aluminium alloy, running edge-to-edge, over and on top of handle side vertical "pillar posts" angle pieces, with two more "flat" profiles positioned as per handle's screws' distance length, across the longer profile, in a "Christian" symmetrical two-barred Cross design, over and on top of handle side cage chassis angle pieces but "ducking" under the longer edge-to-edge flat profile;
15. Affixing OEM WiFi 6E / WiFi 7 antenna - possible solution: mounting after-market comparable 2×2 tri-band hinged w/ swivel antennas on handle side, resting recessed on either side and folded over and on top of completely aligned concave-ish profile handle, routing WiFi SMA antenna wires inside case, closing IO shield side SMA holes especially if opting for custom IO shield (see custom IO shield), w/ centre-folding cover piano-hinge opening to sides to allow antennas to be deployed upright;
16. Quick-release VESA mounting case on heatsinked case panel for Ergotron-style articulating monitor arm
× 17. IO shield side dremel angle vs flat profile, for IO cutout; ABANDONED
18. SD (SDUC) + microSD + USB combo switching module
19. WiFi 6E / 7 + 3G/4G/5G/LTE nanoSIM / eSIM combo M.2 module
× 20. "U" finned heatsink aluminium extrusion vs. cage chassis design - possible solution: cage chassis (see IO shield side dremel angle vs flat profile) w/ "U" finned heatsink aluminium extrusion if opting for custom IO shield (see custom IO shield); ELSE cage chassis w/ custom individual heatsinked case panels; ABANDONED: "shopping bag" style "U" shaped bent sheet metal w/ shopping trolley style flush low-profile folding handles
21. Mounting options on VESA bracket or notched centre-recessed parallel armatures, for keyboard (top & bottom-sliding), left-side 6DOF space mouse, left-side rotary encoder
========================
Change Wi-Fi antenna & its location
========================
2x 10dBi Tri-band (2.4–2.5GHz,4.9-5.9GHz, 5.925-7.125GHz) hinged w/ swivel knuckle-swivel high-gain omnidirectional linear polarisation 50Ω nominal impedance RP-SMA 2T2R / MU-MIMO antennas + I-PEX MHF4L connector to RP-SMA-J adapter cables
TE Connectivity / Linx Technologies 0Hz to 12GHz 50Ω SMA Jack BHD IP68 to MHF4L 1.37LL 100mm RF Cable Assemblies (2502033-1)
=========================================
Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 (PCIe 3.0 x1)+ BT LE 6.0 (USB 2.0) + 5G SIM
=========================================
NGFF (M.2 A/E key) interface
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE211 CRF (Companion RF) adapter (BE211NGW) - Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 R2, 2x2, Bluetooth® Core Spec 6.0, M.2 2230, 4096QAM, 320MHz channels, up to 5 Gigabit speed (don’t take vPro model AX211 variant, those only work with Intel CPUs, whereas AX210 card will work with any CPU)
OR
Synaptics Veros SYN4390 Triple Combo SoC - Tri-band Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth/BLE, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread)
===============
Case Customizations
===============
CUSTOM DIY Case w/ Aluminium alloy 6082 (preferably T651 Solution heat treated, stress relieved by stretching then artificially aged, or T4 Solution heat treated and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition, or T6 Solution heat treated and artificially aged) Angle Extrusion and 1.6mm sheet metal mesh/grill (round hole staggered or round hole slotted or Lowe's Hillman 12-in x 24-in Aluminum Decorative Sheet Metal (Item #779926 Model #12318)
A (exhaust) -
B (back IO) -
C (carry handle) - HY series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE heat-sink side plate (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from HY 70-28-33-BB (W280 H70 D330 a236 b62 c324 2500g) pg.255
D (motherboard intake) -
E (GPU intake) -
F (finned heatsink) - EXHS series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE heat-sink top cover w/ built-in groove for M3 nut (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from
HY series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE panel (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from HY 70-28-33-BB (W280 H70 D330 a236 b62 c324 2500g) pg.255
HY series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE panel (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from HY 70-28-33-BB (W280 H70 D330 a236 b62 c324 2500g) pg.255
Protocase Aluminum 7075-T6 14 gauge (1.60mm ±0.08mm)
Protocase Perforated Aluminum Sheet Metal 20 gauge (0.81mm ±0.08mm), circle diameter 3.18mm w/ Staggered Pattern distance 4.76mm
Philips M3 Flat Head Machine Screw 90° 18-8 Stainless, Black Oxide
Type I - Chromic Acid Anodizing
Type II - Sulfuric Acid Anodizing
Type III - Sulfuric Acid Anodizing @ lowered temperature & higher voltage (0°C 1000VAC)
Type III Black Hard Anodize (Mil-A-8625 Type III, Class 2)
PEM® (Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.) concealed head fastner stud or thru-hole self-clinching stand-off or nut (316 Stainless Steel)
Aluminium L-angle extrusion for chassis cage, 90° "outside coping notch" or "inside coping notch + mitre"
Gelid GC-4 Thermal Paste - Density: 2.30g/cm³; Viscosity: 1000poise; Working Temperature: -30~150℃; Ultimate Heat Conductivity; Non-Electrical Conductive; Non-Curing
1g (TC-GC-04-A) - EAN: 4897025783690;
3.5g (TC-GC-04-B) - EAN: 4897025783706;
10g (TC-GC-04-C) - EAN: 4897025783713
Gelid GP-Ultimate 120×120mm Thermal Pad - Density: 3.2g/cm³; Hardness: 60-70 OO shore; Ultimate Heat Conductivity; Non-Electrical Conductive; Non-Corrosive; Non-Curing; Non-Toxic
0.5 mm (TP-GP04-S-A) - EAN: 4897025783058;
1.0mm (TP-GP04-S-B) - EAN: 4897025783065;
1.5mm (TP-GP04-S-C) - EAN: 4897025783072;
2.0mm (TP-GP04-S-D) - EAN: 4897025783089;
3.0mm (TP-GP04-S-E) - EAN: 4897025783096
Gelid HeatPhase Ultra 40×40×0.2mm AMD CPU Phase Change Thermal Interface - Density: 2.8+-0.2g.cm³; Operating Temperature Range: -50~125℃; Phase Transition Temperature: 45℃; Thermal Conductivity: 8.5W/mk; Volume Resistivity: 1.0×10¹²Ω.cm; Ultra Heat Conductivity; Non-Electrical Conductive; Non-Curing
AMD - EAN: 4897025783843
× Cage chassis + custom sheet metal - too complex for beginner DIY
× extrusion + end plates (Takachi) - right size not available
× unbent sheet metal plates (Lzmod) - too heavy, not optimised
× angles + sheet metal (YT Soap Dish) - too flimsy, not stable enough
× edge bent sheet metal (Protocase) - not optimised, limited design freedom, but very helpful staff
custom shaped edge bent sheet metal (Custom_MOD) - just the right size not available yet (SLM1 3.9L)
modular edge bent sheet metal + custom IO (NFC) - never in stock, not the right size, bit heavy (Skyreach 4 Mini Classic / Skyreach 4 Tiny)
double U-shaped sheet metal (YT SFF.Focus) - little flimsy, design could be improved (k3.39L v1.2)
SECC chassis-type modular frame (SFF Time) - just the right size not available yet (U-ITX)
maximum clearance for CPU heatsink = 120×105×44
IO cutout area = 44.45×158.45mm
1U 1.7" 44.45mm
1.5U 2.625" 66.675mm
2U 3.5" 88.9mm
M3x4mm board screws to M3x6mm standoffs to 1.5mm L-angle thickness for chassis cage brackets to 1.75mm ~ 2mm sheet thickness for panels to M3x5mm | M3x6mm | M3x8mm bolts
× Dynatron C4 (126.8×97.8×26.8mm; 450g)
Dynatron J1 (118×92.4×25mm; 612g)
× Dynatron J20 (120×103.6×31.1mm; 746g)
× Dynatron A37 (106×74×27mm; 586g)
Dynatron A46 for AMD AM4 / AM5 (110×80×26.9mm; 440g)
× Dynatron T318 for Intel LGA2011 / 2066 narrow (106×82×27mm; 435g)
✓ Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 chromax.black w/o fan (114×92×23mm; 390g)
✓ Thermalright AXP90-X47 FULL w/o fan (95×94.5×32mm; 520g)
Thermalright AXP-100 Full Copper w/o fan (121×108×44mm; 600g)
✓ Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g; 2500RPM; 57.5m³/h; 2.11mm H₂O; 23.6 dB(A); 12V; 0.21A; 2.52W) Mounting @ 82.5×82.5mm
× Noctua NF-A9 PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×25mm; g; 2000RPM; 78.9m³/h; 2.28mm H₂O; 22.8 dB(A); 12V; 0.1A; 1.2W) Mounting @ 82.5×82.5mm
× Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM chromax.black.swap (120×120×15mm; g; 1850RPM; 94.2m³/h; 1.53mm H₂O; 23.9 dB(A); 12V; 0.13A; 1.56W) Mounting @ 105×105mm
× Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap (120×120×25mm; 230g; 2000RPM; 102.1m³/h; 2.34mm H₂O; 22.6dB(A); 12V; 0.14A; 1.68W) Mounting @ 105×105mm
RTX A2000 + n3rdware custom copper cooler (120×60×20mm; 450g)+ NB-PR-2 6025 fans = 0.2+1.57+6.1+20+25=52.87mm;
actual = 33+12 = 55mm
39.04(2-slot)+12=51.04mm
RTX A2000 + n3rdware custom passive single slot copper heatsink (170×52×13.5mm; 300g) + 6025 fans = 0.2+1.57+6.1+12+25=44.87mm;
170mm x 69mm x 20mm
Thermalright AM5 Secure Frame BLACK (75×56×7.5mm; 45g)
Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 chromax.black w/o fan (114×92×23mm; 390g) + Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g) = 37mm
Dynatron A46 (110×80×26.9mm; 440g) + Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g) = 41mm
Thermalright AXP90-X47 FULL w/o fan (95×94.5×32mm; 520g) + Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g) = 46mm
==========================================
Possible Configurations (w/ NB-IP55 IND-4010-40-12 intake fans on both sides)
==========================================
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~2.762542 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.17030 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~2.99640 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.17030 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~2.92084 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.35196 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.16810 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.35196 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.49144 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.49144 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.26160 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.26160 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.26160 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.32623 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.32623 L
==================
Enclosure Footprints
==================
263×213
263×228
302×200
317×200
==============
GPU Customization
==============
PNY NVIDIA RTX A2000 Single Fan 12GB GDDR6 PCIe 4.0×16 Graphics Card (68.58mm×167.64mm×~35mm or 2.7"×6.6")
Modify w/ Low Profile Bracket For PNY NVIDIA for QUADRO RTX A2000 6GB Graphics Card RTXA2000 Graphics Card Semi High-end Film (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005571291550.html) $5.36 + anti-sag lift standoff + "Party in the back" fan to motherboard header mod + coolmygpu.com copper plate mod + copper memory mod + JK&G's 5mOhm (R005) parallel sandwich resistor shunt mod or Schestex's 45mOhm parallel sandwich resistor shunt mod + robbe's n3rdware.com custom 450gm 100% pure copper heatsink + REVOCCASES' SpongeBob Copperpants Mod's copper back plate + REVOCCASES' A2000-X3 tripple fan mod w/ Silverstone 3X FTF 5010 black or NOCTUA 2X NF-A6x25 (35+12mm height clearance) or NOCTUA 2X NF-A8 chromax.black.swap (35+12mm height clearance) or NoiseBlocker / Black Noise NB-IP55-series 60x60x25 IND-6025-28-12 + thermal grizzly minus party thermal pads + high viscosity Thermalright TFX thermal paste + matt black car paint / exhaust pipe paint
RTX A2000 + custom heatsink + 6025 fans = 0.2+1.57+6.1+20+25=52.87;
actual = 33+12 = 55mm
39.04(2-slot)+12=51.04mm
1-slot 0.737" 18.71mm
2-slot 1.537" 39.04mm
2.5-slot 2-2.2" 50-55mm
3-slot 2.337" 59.36mm
According to the "PCI express card electromechanical specification" the PCB itself is 1.57mm thick, with 14.47mm available on the front side and 2.67mm available on the back side that adds up to 18.71mm. According to the ATX specification, PC expansion slots have a pitch of 0.8" or 20.32mm. Difference of 1.61mm, between the allowed thickness for a PCIe card and the slot pitch, was intended to allow for some clearance between cards for ventilation and to prevent short circuits.
===========================
Temporary commercial enclosure options
===========================
× 1. C60 2.0 Aluminium alloy (210×200×60mm; 928g)
× 2. Steel plate ATX (274×210×65mm; 1430g)
It's been a little over 2 years since I started this build log, and I am nowhere to completion. There are too many ideas, too many optimization challenges, too many shoddy hacks, and too much work assignments and personal commitments to balance. And so, I have come to make a decision to make the build useful and functional with temporary workarounds, and give it time and dedication later, when time and work permits. Hence, I am posting most of my personal short notes that I have jotted down over these 2 years regarding this build, and hope someone else can use or even improve.
==============
20250116 Challenges
==============
✓ 1. Unavailability / impossibility (?) of GPU "vertical" mounting w/ mirrored pinout PCIe 4.0x16 riser / adapter - possible solution: twisting riser cable OR ADT-Link PCIe 4.0x16 extension cable M33JK-TL; SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
✓ 2. GPU "vertical" mounting riser cable interference w/ backplate thermal pad heatsinked case panel - possible solution: twisting riser cable keeping it clear of backplate OR ADT-Link PCIe 4.0x16 extension cable M33JK-TL; SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
× 3. Reverse-oriented GPU IO access on IO shield side - possible solution: routing extension cables w/ clearance from both sides of GPU envelope, from GPU IO to case IO (ADT-Link DP to DP Flat EMI-shielded Cable w/ ADT DPP series DP8Q E-mark active chip for DP1.4 full speed signal; 2× straight P5A-P8Q, 1× up P6A-P8Q, 1× down P7A-P8Q); SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
× 4. Possibility of full DisplayPort from GPU on IO shield side - possible solution: extension cables w/ full DisplayPort female recepticles, mounted vertically adequately spaced from each other to allow tolerance for male recepticle bodies; mounting to be tested & validated in CAD; ABANDONED
~ 5. Placement of front-panel IO ports on IO shield side - possible solution: opening IO cover & IO shield to determine salvageable space & mountability modification on existing IO shield's quality or possibility of designing custom IO shield; AND / OR determining possibility of utilising salvageable space above CPU POWER 12V socket; AND / OR determining salvageable space (~10mm×55mm) on IO side case panel edge to 5010 intake fan edge; OBSERVATION: Very little salvageable space, perhaps only 1× lowest profile dual-port USB module, or lowest profile anti-vandal momentary switch
6. Placement of C14 power input module on IO shield side - possible solution: mounting PSU socket side on top w/ C14 wire side at bottom, to route C14 wire between motherboard & GPU, connecting C14 recepticle on salvageable space between motherboard & GPU IO sides;
× 7. Custom IO shield - possible solution: designing custom IO shield side complete panel (see "Placement of front-panel IO ports on IO shield side"); ABANDONED
× 8. Excess protrusion of riser cable connector, increasing overall length & volume - possible solution: determining possibility of custom mounting GPU raised over & on top of motherboard PCIe socket, while still maintaining thermal conductivity contact w/ heatsinked case panel, w/ existing riser cable twisted; OR acquiring custom or OTC 90° riser cable; SOLUTION: ADT-Link M33JK-TL
9. GPU backplate thermal pad heatsinked case panel - possible solution: @REVOCCASES SpongeBob Copperpants Mod's copper back plate further customized;
10. Motherboard backplate thermal pad heatsinked case panel - possible solution: custom case design;
11. Frequent access to IO shield side - possible solution: wall-mounting shelf brackets styled swiveling "leg", swiveled inside during transit temporarily manually tilted by hand over on heatsinked case panel side for temporary easy access to IO shield side for quick connection(s) before operation (see retractable legs) (refer hand-drawn designs dated 21/01/2025);
12. Retractable "legs" - possible solution: thermal-tolerant polymer / rubber folding legs directly mounted to chassis cage, folded position protecting WiFi SMA ports (10mm-20mm), unfolded to raise case by at least 80mm; OR wall-mounting shelf brackets styled swiveling "leg", swiveled inside during transit & swiveled on both sides in operation; OPTIONAL swiveling legs mounted on sliding rails w/ friction stop thumb screw; OPTIONAL swiveling legs mounted on sliding rails w/ friction stop thumb screw shared w/ pen display monitor articulating armature mount (refer hand-drawn designs dated 22/01/2025);
13. Pen display monitor articulating armature mounting - possible solution: parallel centre-recessed armatures swivel-mounted on either sides near or on legs w/ friction stop thumb screws, extending up to handle side w/ bent swiveling point for another set of parallel armatures extending up to mid point of display width, connected by single rod to low-profile VESA mounting bracket, which is further connected to polymer or metal folio-case styled cover for pen display, single rod or VESA mounting bracket also houses free-hanging U-shaped rod or tube for notched resting slots on centre-recessed parallel armatures (refer hand-drawn designs dated 21/01/2025);
14. Case handle mounting support on cage chassis - possible solution: "flat" profile of same aluminium alloy, running edge-to-edge, over and on top of handle side vertical "pillar posts" angle pieces, with two more "flat" profiles positioned as per handle's screws' distance length, across the longer profile, in a "Christian" symmetrical two-barred Cross design, over and on top of handle side cage chassis angle pieces but "ducking" under the longer edge-to-edge flat profile;
15. Affixing OEM WiFi 6E / WiFi 7 antenna - possible solution: mounting after-market comparable 2×2 tri-band hinged w/ swivel antennas on handle side, resting recessed on either side and folded over and on top of completely aligned concave-ish profile handle, routing WiFi SMA antenna wires inside case, closing IO shield side SMA holes especially if opting for custom IO shield (see custom IO shield), w/ centre-folding cover piano-hinge opening to sides to allow antennas to be deployed upright;
16. Quick-release VESA mounting case on heatsinked case panel for Ergotron-style articulating monitor arm
× 17. IO shield side dremel angle vs flat profile, for IO cutout; ABANDONED
18. SD (SDUC) + microSD + USB combo switching module
19. WiFi 6E / 7 + 3G/4G/5G/LTE nanoSIM / eSIM combo M.2 module
× 20. "U" finned heatsink aluminium extrusion vs. cage chassis design - possible solution: cage chassis (see IO shield side dremel angle vs flat profile) w/ "U" finned heatsink aluminium extrusion if opting for custom IO shield (see custom IO shield); ELSE cage chassis w/ custom individual heatsinked case panels; ABANDONED: "shopping bag" style "U" shaped bent sheet metal w/ shopping trolley style flush low-profile folding handles
21. Mounting options on VESA bracket or notched centre-recessed parallel armatures, for keyboard (top & bottom-sliding), left-side 6DOF space mouse, left-side rotary encoder
========================
Change Wi-Fi antenna & its location
========================
2x 10dBi Tri-band (2.4–2.5GHz,4.9-5.9GHz, 5.925-7.125GHz) hinged w/ swivel knuckle-swivel high-gain omnidirectional linear polarisation 50Ω nominal impedance RP-SMA 2T2R / MU-MIMO antennas + I-PEX MHF4L connector to RP-SMA-J adapter cables
TE Connectivity / Linx Technologies 0Hz to 12GHz 50Ω SMA Jack BHD IP68 to MHF4L 1.37LL 100mm RF Cable Assemblies (2502033-1)
=========================================
Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 (PCIe 3.0 x1)+ BT LE 6.0 (USB 2.0) + 5G SIM
=========================================
NGFF (M.2 A/E key) interface
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE211 CRF (Companion RF) adapter (BE211NGW) - Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 R2, 2x2, Bluetooth® Core Spec 6.0, M.2 2230, 4096QAM, 320MHz channels, up to 5 Gigabit speed (don’t take vPro model AX211 variant, those only work with Intel CPUs, whereas AX210 card will work with any CPU)
OR
Synaptics Veros SYN4390 Triple Combo SoC - Tri-band Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth/BLE, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread)
===============
Case Customizations
===============
CUSTOM DIY Case w/ Aluminium alloy 6082 (preferably T651 Solution heat treated, stress relieved by stretching then artificially aged, or T4 Solution heat treated and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition, or T6 Solution heat treated and artificially aged) Angle Extrusion and 1.6mm sheet metal mesh/grill (round hole staggered or round hole slotted or Lowe's Hillman 12-in x 24-in Aluminum Decorative Sheet Metal (Item #779926 Model #12318)
A (exhaust) -
B (back IO) -
C (carry handle) - HY series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE heat-sink side plate (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from HY 70-28-33-BB (W280 H70 D330 a236 b62 c324 2500g) pg.255
D (motherboard intake) -
E (GPU intake) -
F (finned heatsink) - EXHS series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE heat-sink top cover w/ built-in groove for M3 nut (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from
HY series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE panel (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from HY 70-28-33-BB (W280 H70 D330 a236 b62 c324 2500g) pg.255
HY series HEAT-SINK ALUMINIUM ENCLOSURE panel (extruded aluminium A6063S-T5 black anodized) from HY 70-28-33-BB (W280 H70 D330 a236 b62 c324 2500g) pg.255
Protocase Aluminum 7075-T6 14 gauge (1.60mm ±0.08mm)
Protocase Perforated Aluminum Sheet Metal 20 gauge (0.81mm ±0.08mm), circle diameter 3.18mm w/ Staggered Pattern distance 4.76mm
Philips M3 Flat Head Machine Screw 90° 18-8 Stainless, Black Oxide
Type I - Chromic Acid Anodizing
Type II - Sulfuric Acid Anodizing
Type III - Sulfuric Acid Anodizing @ lowered temperature & higher voltage (0°C 1000VAC)
Type III Black Hard Anodize (Mil-A-8625 Type III, Class 2)
PEM® (Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.) concealed head fastner stud or thru-hole self-clinching stand-off or nut (316 Stainless Steel)
Aluminium L-angle extrusion for chassis cage, 90° "outside coping notch" or "inside coping notch + mitre"
Gelid GC-4 Thermal Paste - Density: 2.30g/cm³; Viscosity: 1000poise; Working Temperature: -30~150℃; Ultimate Heat Conductivity; Non-Electrical Conductive; Non-Curing
1g (TC-GC-04-A) - EAN: 4897025783690;
3.5g (TC-GC-04-B) - EAN: 4897025783706;
10g (TC-GC-04-C) - EAN: 4897025783713
Gelid GP-Ultimate 120×120mm Thermal Pad - Density: 3.2g/cm³; Hardness: 60-70 OO shore; Ultimate Heat Conductivity; Non-Electrical Conductive; Non-Corrosive; Non-Curing; Non-Toxic
0.5 mm (TP-GP04-S-A) - EAN: 4897025783058;
1.0mm (TP-GP04-S-B) - EAN: 4897025783065;
1.5mm (TP-GP04-S-C) - EAN: 4897025783072;
2.0mm (TP-GP04-S-D) - EAN: 4897025783089;
3.0mm (TP-GP04-S-E) - EAN: 4897025783096
Gelid HeatPhase Ultra 40×40×0.2mm AMD CPU Phase Change Thermal Interface - Density: 2.8+-0.2g.cm³; Operating Temperature Range: -50~125℃; Phase Transition Temperature: 45℃; Thermal Conductivity: 8.5W/mk; Volume Resistivity: 1.0×10¹²Ω.cm; Ultra Heat Conductivity; Non-Electrical Conductive; Non-Curing
AMD - EAN: 4897025783843
× Cage chassis + custom sheet metal - too complex for beginner DIY
× extrusion + end plates (Takachi) - right size not available
× unbent sheet metal plates (Lzmod) - too heavy, not optimised
× angles + sheet metal (YT Soap Dish) - too flimsy, not stable enough
× edge bent sheet metal (Protocase) - not optimised, limited design freedom, but very helpful staff
custom shaped edge bent sheet metal (Custom_MOD) - just the right size not available yet (SLM1 3.9L)
modular edge bent sheet metal + custom IO (NFC) - never in stock, not the right size, bit heavy (Skyreach 4 Mini Classic / Skyreach 4 Tiny)
double U-shaped sheet metal (YT SFF.Focus) - little flimsy, design could be improved (k3.39L v1.2)
SECC chassis-type modular frame (SFF Time) - just the right size not available yet (U-ITX)
maximum clearance for CPU heatsink = 120×105×44
IO cutout area = 44.45×158.45mm
1U 1.7" 44.45mm
1.5U 2.625" 66.675mm
2U 3.5" 88.9mm
M3x4mm board screws to M3x6mm standoffs to 1.5mm L-angle thickness for chassis cage brackets to 1.75mm ~ 2mm sheet thickness for panels to M3x5mm | M3x6mm | M3x8mm bolts
× Dynatron C4 (126.8×97.8×26.8mm; 450g)
Dynatron J1 (118×92.4×25mm; 612g)
× Dynatron J20 (120×103.6×31.1mm; 746g)
× Dynatron A37 (106×74×27mm; 586g)
Dynatron A46 for AMD AM4 / AM5 (110×80×26.9mm; 440g)
× Dynatron T318 for Intel LGA2011 / 2066 narrow (106×82×27mm; 435g)
✓ Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 chromax.black w/o fan (114×92×23mm; 390g)
✓ Thermalright AXP90-X47 FULL w/o fan (95×94.5×32mm; 520g)
Thermalright AXP-100 Full Copper w/o fan (121×108×44mm; 600g)
✓ Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g; 2500RPM; 57.5m³/h; 2.11mm H₂O; 23.6 dB(A); 12V; 0.21A; 2.52W) Mounting @ 82.5×82.5mm
× Noctua NF-A9 PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×25mm; g; 2000RPM; 78.9m³/h; 2.28mm H₂O; 22.8 dB(A); 12V; 0.1A; 1.2W) Mounting @ 82.5×82.5mm
× Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM chromax.black.swap (120×120×15mm; g; 1850RPM; 94.2m³/h; 1.53mm H₂O; 23.9 dB(A); 12V; 0.13A; 1.56W) Mounting @ 105×105mm
× Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap (120×120×25mm; 230g; 2000RPM; 102.1m³/h; 2.34mm H₂O; 22.6dB(A); 12V; 0.14A; 1.68W) Mounting @ 105×105mm
RTX A2000 + n3rdware custom copper cooler (120×60×20mm; 450g)+ NB-PR-2 6025 fans = 0.2+1.57+6.1+20+25=52.87mm;
actual = 33+12 = 55mm
39.04(2-slot)+12=51.04mm
RTX A2000 + n3rdware custom passive single slot copper heatsink (170×52×13.5mm; 300g) + 6025 fans = 0.2+1.57+6.1+12+25=44.87mm;
170mm x 69mm x 20mm
Thermalright AM5 Secure Frame BLACK (75×56×7.5mm; 45g)
Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 chromax.black w/o fan (114×92×23mm; 390g) + Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g) = 37mm
Dynatron A46 (110×80×26.9mm; 440g) + Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g) = 41mm
Thermalright AXP90-X47 FULL w/o fan (95×94.5×32mm; 520g) + Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap (92×92×14mm; 75g) = 46mm
==========================================
Possible Configurations (w/ NB-IP55 IND-4010-40-12 intake fans on both sides)
==========================================
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~2.762542 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.17030 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~2.99640 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.17030 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~54=228) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Top-tuck Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+89=263) × (174+~39=213) × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.30222 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~2.92084 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.35196 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.16810 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm, but excluding GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.35196 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.49144 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Up AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~54+89=317) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~39mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.49144 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.26160 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side NH-L9a-AM5 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+23+14=46.07 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.26160 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm, but including GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.26160 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side A46 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+26.9+14=49.97 [excluding PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.02503 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NSSCH + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 44.87mm]) = ~3.32623 L
PSU De-shrouded Sandwich Fan-Side AXP90-X47 & NF-A9x14 & NCC + NB-PR-2 6025: (174+~39+89=302) × ~200 × (excluding solder back plane: 1.57+7.5+32+14=55.07 [including PSU de-shrouded height ~54mm & GPU de-shrouded height 52.87mm]) = ~3.32623 L
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Enclosure Footprints
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263×213
263×228
302×200
317×200
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GPU Customization
==============
PNY NVIDIA RTX A2000 Single Fan 12GB GDDR6 PCIe 4.0×16 Graphics Card (68.58mm×167.64mm×~35mm or 2.7"×6.6")
Modify w/ Low Profile Bracket For PNY NVIDIA for QUADRO RTX A2000 6GB Graphics Card RTXA2000 Graphics Card Semi High-end Film (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005571291550.html) $5.36 + anti-sag lift standoff + "Party in the back" fan to motherboard header mod + coolmygpu.com copper plate mod + copper memory mod + JK&G's 5mOhm (R005) parallel sandwich resistor shunt mod or Schestex's 45mOhm parallel sandwich resistor shunt mod + robbe's n3rdware.com custom 450gm 100% pure copper heatsink + REVOCCASES' SpongeBob Copperpants Mod's copper back plate + REVOCCASES' A2000-X3 tripple fan mod w/ Silverstone 3X FTF 5010 black or NOCTUA 2X NF-A6x25 (35+12mm height clearance) or NOCTUA 2X NF-A8 chromax.black.swap (35+12mm height clearance) or NoiseBlocker / Black Noise NB-IP55-series 60x60x25 IND-6025-28-12 + thermal grizzly minus party thermal pads + high viscosity Thermalright TFX thermal paste + matt black car paint / exhaust pipe paint
RTX A2000 + custom heatsink + 6025 fans = 0.2+1.57+6.1+20+25=52.87;
actual = 33+12 = 55mm
39.04(2-slot)+12=51.04mm
1-slot 0.737" 18.71mm
2-slot 1.537" 39.04mm
2.5-slot 2-2.2" 50-55mm
3-slot 2.337" 59.36mm
According to the "PCI express card electromechanical specification" the PCB itself is 1.57mm thick, with 14.47mm available on the front side and 2.67mm available on the back side that adds up to 18.71mm. According to the ATX specification, PC expansion slots have a pitch of 0.8" or 20.32mm. Difference of 1.61mm, between the allowed thickness for a PCIe card and the slot pitch, was intended to allow for some clearance between cards for ventilation and to prevent short circuits.
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Temporary commercial enclosure options
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× 1. C60 2.0 Aluminium alloy (210×200×60mm; 928g)
× 2. Steel plate ATX (274×210×65mm; 1430g)
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Does @Josh | NFC or @robbee or @REVOCCASES or @sergiiua or @riba2233 or @k0n or anyone else know any case that matches to these measurements? It doesn't need to be exact, but as tight as possible ...
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