Mini-ITX in Shuttle G5 chassis
Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 11:33 pm
I had a great experience building a Silverstone SG05 recently. It occurs to me that it is about the same dimensions as my Shuttle SD11G5. Obviously the Silverstone case has much better airflow and is designed for standard-sized components, but I think with some effort, the Shuttle G5 chassis should be able to fit a mostly quiet, modern system.
I was able to purchase a dead SD32G5 and gutted the parts. Next steps (once I get some tools) are to cut off the existing motherboard standoffs, add standard ITX standoffs, and widen the rear I/O panel to fit a standard ITX.
Components I will be using are:
MINIX 6150SE-UC3 motherboard (AM3)
95W Athlon II or Phenom II CPU
Nvidia GT240 single slot video card
The original Shuttle airflow design is intake through the side vents, exhaust through the rear 92mm fan. PSU also has an intake fan near the side vent, and exhaust through the rear. I think I can experiment with this design, or try reversing the fans and having the rear vent be an intake.
Has anybody had experience doing a similar build? I think the critical questions are:
1) Which PSU to use? The stock Shuttle PC40 PSU (a 1U server sized PSU) still seems to work, but I have heard that the Seasonic SS-250SU is a quieter alternative for the same size. Alternative, will a SFX-sized PSU fit? I would also consider PicoPSU + external brick, but I think I need around 250W to be safe.
2) Where to put the PSU? Original location or somewhere else? Location needs to fit with the overall airflow of the case. Its positioning also affects the options for the CPU cooler.
3) Which CPU cooler to use? My first thought was the Ninja Mini. If it were positioned close to the rear fan, it might be used passively like the original ICE cooler. After getting the motherboard, however, it seems the CPU socket is too far to the side, and the side rail will block a tower cooler (the Asus AM3 ITX motherboard might have worked better). Maybe the Big Shuriken or Geminii S instead?
I have quite a few other questions, like how to get the front I/O connectors to work, so I would appreciate hearing from anybody who has tried something like this. Thanks!
I was able to purchase a dead SD32G5 and gutted the parts. Next steps (once I get some tools) are to cut off the existing motherboard standoffs, add standard ITX standoffs, and widen the rear I/O panel to fit a standard ITX.
Components I will be using are:
MINIX 6150SE-UC3 motherboard (AM3)
95W Athlon II or Phenom II CPU
Nvidia GT240 single slot video card
The original Shuttle airflow design is intake through the side vents, exhaust through the rear 92mm fan. PSU also has an intake fan near the side vent, and exhaust through the rear. I think I can experiment with this design, or try reversing the fans and having the rear vent be an intake.
Has anybody had experience doing a similar build? I think the critical questions are:
1) Which PSU to use? The stock Shuttle PC40 PSU (a 1U server sized PSU) still seems to work, but I have heard that the Seasonic SS-250SU is a quieter alternative for the same size. Alternative, will a SFX-sized PSU fit? I would also consider PicoPSU + external brick, but I think I need around 250W to be safe.
2) Where to put the PSU? Original location or somewhere else? Location needs to fit with the overall airflow of the case. Its positioning also affects the options for the CPU cooler.
3) Which CPU cooler to use? My first thought was the Ninja Mini. If it were positioned close to the rear fan, it might be used passively like the original ICE cooler. After getting the motherboard, however, it seems the CPU socket is too far to the side, and the side rail will block a tower cooler (the Asus AM3 ITX motherboard might have worked better). Maybe the Big Shuriken or Geminii S instead?
I have quite a few other questions, like how to get the front I/O connectors to work, so I would appreciate hearing from anybody who has tried something like this. Thanks!