Contribute
Register

Questions about hardware and arrangement of an AIO PC

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Mar 10, 2016
Messages
957
Motherboard
Asus Z87 Pro WLAN
CPU
i7-4770K
Graphics
HD 4600 // GTX 980
Mac
  1. MacBook Air
Mobile Phone
  1. iOS
First I want to say that I don´t know where I should post this question, so when a moderator think that this post is under the wrong topic, please move it!

I plan to build an AIO PC/Hackintosh...
I own a notebook, because I need the flexibility of a laptop, but some days ago I thought about the idea to build a portable All-In-One PC with desktop hardware that I can easy to transport and easy to set up at the place where I need the machine.

I already owned a AOC Monitor ( 1920x1080, 24 inches ) that I want to "mod" to a AIO PC. I can open up the monitor and can arrange the "display control panel" and cables. I want to build a thin PC, so I want to use the space that is already free in the monitor.
Because some components are thick, I want to build a custom case behind the monitor.

My question is if it is possible to connect the GPU over a cable with the mainboard, otherwise the AIO is to thick and I can´t realize the project.
I definitly I want to implement the AMD Radeon RX 460, an M ATX H170 Board and a Pentium G4560 in my system.
I don´t know which power adapter I should choose, maybe someone can give me advice, I already looked for some mainboards in the "Buyer´s Guide", but until now I can´t decide which one I should choose.

I created some prototyp arrangement pictures of the AIO, here are they:

Prototyp.png
Prototyp II.png
 
First I want to say that I don´t know where I should post this question, so when a moderator think that this post is under the wrong topic, please move it!

I plan to build an AIO PC/Hackintosh...
I own a notebook, because I need the flexibility of a laptop, but some days ago I thought about the idea to build a portable All-In-One PC with desktop hardware that I can easy to transport and easy to set up at the place where I need the machine.

I already owned a AOC Monitor ( 1920x1080, 24 inches ) that I want to "mod" to a AIO PC. I can open up the monitor and can arrange the "display control panel" and cables. I want to build a thin PC, so I want to use the space that is already free in the monitor.
Because some components are thick, I want to build a custom case behind the monitor.

My question is if it is possible to connect the GPU over a cable with the mainboard, otherwise the AIO is to thick and I can´t realize the project.
I definitly I want to implement the AMD Radeon RX 460, an M ATX H170 Board and a Pentium G4560 in my system.
I don´t know which power adapter I should choose, maybe someone can give me advice, I already looked for some mainboards in the "Buyer´s Guide", but until now I can´t decide which one I should choose.

I created some prototyp arrangement pictures of the AIO, here are they:

View attachment 250959 View attachment 250961

The best AIO systems are Apple iMacs... hard to beat. Your project is interesting but you put constraints on it such as the RX 460 that lost me. The family of NUCs and clones of same are interesting ways to bring packaged tech to a display.

Then there are the "Thin Mini-ITX" motherboards but these also are not intended to be used with GPU cards.

And there are a whole range of riser cards (mechanical not flexible) and riser cables that can be used to connect a GPU to a motherboard in a flat layout.

Then there are a fair selection of "thin" PSU solutions.

Many "Gamers" carry small thin high powered systems around in hard cases (where the system includes a free standing display, keyboard, mouse, power bricks, compute unit, etc). Not a AIO system but much more adaptable and free to upgrade then an AIO. See my NFC S4 Mini as a example of totable tech.

If you could live with Intel Graphics HD 530 then a thin mini-ITX or thin mini-STX is doable.

And I assume that you have seen the Omni AIO: https://www.originpc.com/gaming/desktops/omni/

You have an interesting project. Keep us posted on your progress or decisions.

Good modding,
neil
 
The best AIO systems are Apple iMacs... hard to beat. Your project is interesting but you put constraints on it such as the RX 460 that lost me. The family of NUCs and clones of same are interesting ways to bring packaged tech to a display.

Then there are the "Thin Mini-ITX" motherboards but these also are not intended to be used with GPU cards.

And there are a whole range of riser cards (mechanical not flexible) and riser cables that can be used to connect a GPU to a motherboard in a flat layout.

Then there are a fair selection of "thin" PSU solutions.

Many "Gamers" carry small thin high powered systems around in hard cases (where the system includes a free standing display, keyboard, mouse, power bricks, compute unit, etc). Not a AIO system but much more adaptable and free to upgrade then an AIO. See my NFC S4 Mini as a example of totable tech.

If you could live with Intel Graphics HD 530 then a thin mini-ITX or thin mini-STX is doable.

And I assume that you have seen the Omni AIO: https://www.originpc.com/gaming/desktops/omni/

You have an interesting project. Keep us posted on your progress or decisions.

Good modding,
neil
I know that iMac´s are the best AIO PC´s, but I´m a pupil and I haven´t much money and I don´t want to spend all my money for a PC, so I decided to make a DIY AIO PC...:)

I will post updates of the project in this thread, for example since I wrote post #1 I decided to use a different GPU and use another PSU. I also want to implement 2 120mm fans.

I also talked to some companies and talked to my physics teacher and asked if I can realize this project, the biggest problems are the heat and the vibration.
I decided to buy a small 450W Silverstone 80+ Gold PSU and a Zotac GTX 1050Ti Mini.
I will disassemble the foot of the monitor, I will make a cutom stand for the monitor, like a colossal book stand that the monitor stands on the table like a colossal notebook.
When I want to move the AIO PC, I only need to take the AIO and the stand and set it up at a different place.

I also made some tests, for example I arrange the components virtual in the case on the computer.
The weight shouldn´t also be a problem, I can pack the monitor in a large backpack and can transport it.
 
I know that iMac´s are the best AIO PC´s, but I´m a pupil and I haven´t much money and I don´t want to spend all my money for a PC, so I decided to make a DIY AIO PC...:)

I will post updates of the project in this thread, for example since I wrote post #1 I decided to use a different GPU and use another PSU. I also want to implement 2 120mm fans.

I also talked to some companies and talked to my physics teacher and asked if I can realize this project, the biggest problems are the heat and the vibration.
I decided to buy a small 450W Silverstone 80+ Gold PSU and a Zotac GTX 1050Ti Mini.
I will disassemble the foot of the monitor, I will make a cutom stand for the monitor, like a colossal book stand that the monitor stands on the table like a colossal notebook.
When I want to move the AIO PC, I only need to take the AIO and the stand and set it up at a different place.

I also made some tests, for example I arrange the components virtual in the case on the computer.
The weight shouldn´t also be a problem, I can pack the monitor in a large backpack and can transport it.

Good choices in the Silverstone PSU and Zotac GPU. And your plan sounds to be reasonable. Lately for case ideas I have been reading SFF Forums and the SFF forum on hardforum.com. Also I keep an eye on BitTech Project Logs and the Overclocking, Cooling & Modding forum on forum.hardware.fr . There are many good ideas floating out there but not many, if any, AIO projects.

Good modding,
neil
 
Good choices in the Silverstone PSU and Zotac GPU. And your plan sounds to be reasonable. Lately for case ideas I have been reading SFF Forums and the SFF forum on hardforum.com. Also I keep an eye on BitTech Project Logs and the Overclocking, Cooling & Modding forum on forum.hardware.fr . There are many good ideas floating out there but not many, if any, AIO projects.

Good modding,
neil
I decided to give up my project, because I created a better one in my opinion...
The big problem with an AIO PC are the vibrations, the heat and the noise of the fans.
There is no case out there that can fit, so I decided to create a custom case, but that is too much and too hard work for me...

I created a new project:

I bought a Macintosh LC2 case for 2,78 Dollar. I will clean it that it looks like 1992 and paint it.
I also get a GTX 980 for 212 Dollar and an Intel Core i7 4770K for 170 Dollar.
I decided to buy this motherboard: http://www.gigabyte.us/Motherboard/GA-Q87N-rev-11#sp
Will this work?
I don´t plan to overclock the CPU, because the case is too small.
I will use the same PSU and 2 120mm fans in the new case.
Because I use the Hasewell platform instead of the KabyLake platform I choose 8GB DDR3 @ 1600Mhz RAM.


Maybe I will realize the AIO PC in the future...
 
I decided to give up my project, because I created a better one in my opinion...
The big problem with an AIO PC are the vibrations, the heat and the noise of the fans.
There is no case out there that can fit, so I decided to create a custom case, but that is too much and too hard work for me...

I created a new project:

I bought a Macintosh LC2 case for 2,78 Dollar. I will clean it that it looks like 1992 and paint it.
I also get a GTX 980 for 212 Dollar and an Intel Core i7 4770K for 170 Dollar.
I decided to buy this motherboard: http://www.gigabyte.us/Motherboard/GA-Q87N-rev-11#sp
Will this work?
I don´t plan to overclock the CPU, because the case is too small.
I will use the same PSU and 2 120mm fans in the new case.
Because I use the Hasewell platform instead of the KabyLake platform I choose 8GB DDR3 @ 1600Mhz RAM.


Maybe I will realize the AIO PC in the future...

Another great idea, a Macintosh LC2 case mod! Please do project log with photos so the rest of us can enjoy your project and progress.

Good modding,
neil
 
Another great idea, a Macintosh LC2 case mod! Please do project log with photos so the rest of us can enjoy your project and progress.

Good modding,
neil
Yes, I will upload some pictures when the PC is ready, but it will take some weeks or months, because I need time to earn the money...:)
 
Another great idea, a Macintosh LC2 case mod! Please do project log with photos so the rest of us can enjoy your project and progress.

Good modding,
neil
Hello neil,

after some time of thinking what will be the best case mod that I can realize, I have maybe now another good idea for an AIO PC.
After Apple introduced the iMac Pro yesterday, I thought if it´s possible to create a powerful iMac case mod.

I thought about to buy an empty iMac A1311 21,5 inch iMac case for less money from Ebay and put my hardware in it: http://www.ebay.de/itm/Apple-iMac-A...979310?hash=item4b17a112ee:g:IU8AAOSwi7RZGzaQ

I already own a i7-4770K, a ASUS GTX 980 Poseidon and Corsair Vengence RAM 8GB.
The Macintosh LCII case is too small, therefore I decided to realize another case mod.

I don´t plan to overclock the i7 and the GTX 980, so I don´t need a tower cooler for the CPU.
I also thought about to use the original iMac cooler.
I also don´t need a Z87 or Z87 mainboard, so can I easily use a H81 board?
I did some research and found this one: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00LFPBA7G/?tag=tonymacx8603-21

I still want to use the same PSU like in post #3.

I know that I need to modifiy the case that the hardware fit inside. I also want to use a different screen, not the original one.
Do you think that I can realize this project?

I will be glad when you can give me an answer:).
 
Last edited:
Hello neil,

after some time of thinking what will be the best case mod that I can realize, I have maybe now another good idea for an AIO PC.
After Apple introduced the iMac Pro yesterday, I thought if it´s possible to create a powerful iMac case mod.

I thought about to buy an empty iMac A1311 21,5 inch iMac case for less money from Ebay and put my hardware in it: http://www.ebay.de/itm/Apple-iMac-A...979310?hash=item4b17a112ee:g:IU8AAOSwi7RZGzaQ

I already own a i7-4770K, a ASUS GTX 980 Poseidon and Corsair Vengence RAM 8GB.
The Macintosh LCII case is too small, therefore I decided to realize another case mod.

I don´t plan to overclock the i7 and the GTX 980, so I don´t need a tower cooler for the CPU.
I also thought about to use the original iMac cooler.
I also don´t need a Z87 or Z87 mainboard, so can I easily use a H81 board?
I did some research and found this one: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00LFPBA7G/?tag=tonymacx8603-21

I still want to use the same PSU like in post #3.

I know that I need to modifiy the case that the hardware fit inside. I also want to use a different screen, not the original one.
Do you think that I can realize this project?

I will be glad when you can give me an answer:).

The iMac case is a tough one. Fairly shallow and the item that you pointed to does not have the screen. Finding a suitable replacement screen may be a real problem.

If you have all of the computer parts, you could layout all of the devices on your work surface and see how thin of an assembly you would have. You could select a fairly high performance monitor, place it face down on a padded work surface and then test place the computer components onto the back of the display.

As a project such as this may take a really long time to make happen, you most likely would want to assemble the components into an in-expensive case and use the system until you are ready to assemble the AIO system.

I suggest that you do a survey of thin high performance computer cases as some of these thin cases use the same components needed in a AOI layout. Checkout the Small Form Factor Forum: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/

Almost anything is possible if you work it and bring enough resource to bear. The reward is in the doing as many times the result falls short of our desires.

Good modding,
neil
 
The iMac case is a tough one. Fairly shallow and the item that you pointed to does not have the screen. Finding a suitable replacement screen may be a real problem.

If you have all of the computer parts, you could layout all of the devices on your work surface and see how thin of an assembly you would have. You could select a fairly high performance monitor, place it face down on a padded work surface and then test place the computer components onto the back of the display.

As a project such as this may take a really long time to make happen, you most likely would want to assemble the components into an in-expensive case and use the system until you are ready to assemble the AIO system.

I suggest that you do a survey of thin high performance computer cases as some of these thin cases use the same components needed in a AOI layout. Checkout the Small Form Factor Forum: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/

Almost anything is possible if you work it and bring enough resource to bear. The reward is in the doing as many times the result falls short of our desires.

Good modding,
neil
So I have some news...

I checked out the website you linked above and created with a friend a 3D concept of a possible case on the computer.
The biigest problem was that the GPU needs much place and the airflow of the case wasn´t good.
We created some more concepts but there aren´t good, some cases are too huge and some haven´t a good airflow.

The idea of this project was to build a portable powerful PC for gaming and multimedia that I can take to a friend. But another problem is that I also need to take a monitor with me and I haven´t got such a huge bag that is perfect for the monitor and the computer itself.

So I decided to build a normal tower PC. My plan is to build a SFF case in the future with much less power than the tower PC as a second machine.
I´m a pupil, so I have only a small budget, because I don´t spend my whole money for a PC.
My budget is 600 Euro and I bought these components for the money:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 4096MB GDDR5 RAM
RAM: 8 GB Corsair Vengence DDR3 RAM @ 1600 Mhz
Motherboard: ASUS Z-87 Pro WLAN
CPU Cooler: Cryorig R1 Universal
Case: Fractal Design Define S
4x Cryorig XF 14 Case fans
PSU: Bequiet Pure Power 10 600W 80+ silver

I will upload a guide for the computer soon. It isn´t the newest hardware, but I think for the price it is the best hardware.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top