A compact, all aluminum slim gaming case. That was my goal with the original M3A2 project. Here are the results of scrounging together the scraps from that project and what I was able to put together from the ashes of that initiative.
The SFX PSU mounts to a duct/bracket that mounts to the motherboard tray. The duct directs the exhaust of the PSU to the outside of the case:
Bottom view shows the intake for the SFX power supply:
With the front panel mounted. You can see the close fit of the power switch and power cable. Couldn't be any closer; a nice fit:
Now with the rear panel mounted and the motherboard installed. Power cord with right angle plug is made to proper length so no extra cable length to manage. Same with the power switch/LED wires:
A quick look inside shows organized chaos. Cable management is actually pretty reasonable considering the size. All the components fit together quit well. Almost like I planned it that way!
Last minute decision, I decided to put in a fan controller for the two exhaust fan. Internally mounted with access to the knob from the outside so I don't need to open the case to adjust the speed.
On the top panel there are two 120mm fans on a speed controller. Both set to exhaust. I generally prefer positive pressure, but this case lends itself more to negative given the location in the entertainment cabinet.
Now with the SteamBox fully assembled and ready to power on. Pardon the finger prints and smudges. Only the front panel was thoroughly "brushed". The top panel will be brushed later:
Very spartan rear panel; nothing unnecessary. Sturdy GPU mounting bracket keep the GPU secured when laying horizontally:
Top panel is adorned with two 120mm fan locations. Currently only have one fan installed over the GPU. Set to exhaust.
The bottom panel has vents for the GPU (top) and the PSU (bottom). Plenty of air flow throughout the case. The case sits atop 4 no-frills rubber feet, which create over 1/2" air gap below the case:
More to come. Internal pics of assembled system. Temps and noise. General discussion.
Again, pardon the finger prints and smudges. Better pics coming later after I'm done tinkering with it and ready to set it and forget it.
The SFX PSU mounts to a duct/bracket that mounts to the motherboard tray. The duct directs the exhaust of the PSU to the outside of the case:
Bottom view shows the intake for the SFX power supply:
With the front panel mounted. You can see the close fit of the power switch and power cable. Couldn't be any closer; a nice fit:
Now with the rear panel mounted and the motherboard installed. Power cord with right angle plug is made to proper length so no extra cable length to manage. Same with the power switch/LED wires:
A quick look inside shows organized chaos. Cable management is actually pretty reasonable considering the size. All the components fit together quit well. Almost like I planned it that way!
Last minute decision, I decided to put in a fan controller for the two exhaust fan. Internally mounted with access to the knob from the outside so I don't need to open the case to adjust the speed.
On the top panel there are two 120mm fans on a speed controller. Both set to exhaust. I generally prefer positive pressure, but this case lends itself more to negative given the location in the entertainment cabinet.
Now with the SteamBox fully assembled and ready to power on. Pardon the finger prints and smudges. Only the front panel was thoroughly "brushed". The top panel will be brushed later:
Very spartan rear panel; nothing unnecessary. Sturdy GPU mounting bracket keep the GPU secured when laying horizontally:
Top panel is adorned with two 120mm fan locations. Currently only have one fan installed over the GPU. Set to exhaust.
The bottom panel has vents for the GPU (top) and the PSU (bottom). Plenty of air flow throughout the case. The case sits atop 4 no-frills rubber feet, which create over 1/2" air gap below the case:
More to come. Internal pics of assembled system. Temps and noise. General discussion.
Again, pardon the finger prints and smudges. Better pics coming later after I'm done tinkering with it and ready to set it and forget it.
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