- Joined
- May 27, 2012
- Messages
- 759
- Motherboard
- DQ77KB
- CPU
- i7-3770S
- Graphics
- HD4000
- Mac
- Mobile Phone
Introduction
Welcome to my build log for G4 Cube (my first cube) conversion.
I am already in the process of building a "G4 Cube Inspired Self Build", and didn't actually need another computer, so my father in law agreed to fund this project, to replace his 2008 iMac. So he will be the proud owner when it is complete.
CPU Architecture & MB Choice
I had written a few posts about (on other threads) about waiting to see what Haswell architecture bring. However in doing my research I came across the following article. It summarizes quite well that most of the advances are made in the mobile low power space. (obviously to try and compete with ARM)
http://www.digitaltrends.com/comput...know-about-intels-4th-gen-haswell-processors/
The desktop range is more of an incremental improvement. The significant GPU improvement of the GT3 (i.e. 3x performance according to Intel) is only available in the i7-4770R which is a BGA (soldered to motherboard) package, more use to a system integrator than a self build.
I think the assumption by Intel is that a desktop user will have a dedicated GPU. The only Mac that could use this part would be an iMac, and that uses a dedicated GPU so this supports the assumption.
So interns of a Cube build I don't think Haswell is going to a little bit faster, but not significant enough to warrant the downsides. The main issue is waiting for support by Apple, and community to make necessary adjustments. A lot of things have to fall in place, this takes time.
Finally by sticking with existing technology, the same motherboard as my "G4 Cube Inspired Self Build" I can better support pushing future OSX upgrades out to my father in law. So the build will have:
Intel DQ77KB Thin Mini-ITX
Intel i7-3770s 65w processor.
Cooling
I intend to use the Xigmatek - Praeton LD963 CPU Cooler.
This is bigger than the Slim Silence used lot in i3 Cube builds, and is rated to support 115 watt of power. The height of the heat-sink means it should fit nicely under the latching mechanism, with the top mounted fan (90mm) sitting in between the latching mechanism. This is similar in design to sleppek's build
http://www.tonymacx86.com/powermac-...2-1-core-i7-ati-6670-inside-cube-g4-case.html
Of course case ventilation is essential, so I will have a lower mounted "Noctua NF-A9x14" fan, it is a 92mm PWM fan that is 14mm thick, which will give some additional clearance in the bottom of the case. I also intend to do use some baffles inside the case to improve airflow and hopefully the cooling efficiency. This technique was very will demonstrated by rossi.
http://www.tonymacx86.com/powermac-g4-cube/95189-cooling-cube.html
The Build
The other major components include a full size 3.5" hard drive, 2.5" SSD, both running on SATA III, and of course and optical drive. I choose not to use the mSATA option as it only supports SATA II, and want this (apart from dedicated GPU) be a performance machine.
I don't intend to document the entire build, so things like motherboard mounting, and reuse of the cube power sensor, etc won't be covered. Things unique to this build, primarily around the cooling solution will be covered. Hopefully I can bring some new ideas.
And of course I will ask a few questions along the way, this is my first Cube after all...
Kiwi
PS Special thanks to the work of ersterhernd, minihack, rossi, neilhart, mactester, chaosdesigns, sleppek, for pushing the envelope and making this all possible.
Welcome to my build log for G4 Cube (my first cube) conversion.
I am already in the process of building a "G4 Cube Inspired Self Build", and didn't actually need another computer, so my father in law agreed to fund this project, to replace his 2008 iMac. So he will be the proud owner when it is complete.
CPU Architecture & MB Choice
I had written a few posts about (on other threads) about waiting to see what Haswell architecture bring. However in doing my research I came across the following article. It summarizes quite well that most of the advances are made in the mobile low power space. (obviously to try and compete with ARM)
http://www.digitaltrends.com/comput...know-about-intels-4th-gen-haswell-processors/
The desktop range is more of an incremental improvement. The significant GPU improvement of the GT3 (i.e. 3x performance according to Intel) is only available in the i7-4770R which is a BGA (soldered to motherboard) package, more use to a system integrator than a self build.
I think the assumption by Intel is that a desktop user will have a dedicated GPU. The only Mac that could use this part would be an iMac, and that uses a dedicated GPU so this supports the assumption.
So interns of a Cube build I don't think Haswell is going to a little bit faster, but not significant enough to warrant the downsides. The main issue is waiting for support by Apple, and community to make necessary adjustments. A lot of things have to fall in place, this takes time.
Finally by sticking with existing technology, the same motherboard as my "G4 Cube Inspired Self Build" I can better support pushing future OSX upgrades out to my father in law. So the build will have:
Intel DQ77KB Thin Mini-ITX
Intel i7-3770s 65w processor.
Cooling
I intend to use the Xigmatek - Praeton LD963 CPU Cooler.
This is bigger than the Slim Silence used lot in i3 Cube builds, and is rated to support 115 watt of power. The height of the heat-sink means it should fit nicely under the latching mechanism, with the top mounted fan (90mm) sitting in between the latching mechanism. This is similar in design to sleppek's build
http://www.tonymacx86.com/powermac-...2-1-core-i7-ati-6670-inside-cube-g4-case.html
Of course case ventilation is essential, so I will have a lower mounted "Noctua NF-A9x14" fan, it is a 92mm PWM fan that is 14mm thick, which will give some additional clearance in the bottom of the case. I also intend to do use some baffles inside the case to improve airflow and hopefully the cooling efficiency. This technique was very will demonstrated by rossi.
http://www.tonymacx86.com/powermac-g4-cube/95189-cooling-cube.html
The Build
The other major components include a full size 3.5" hard drive, 2.5" SSD, both running on SATA III, and of course and optical drive. I choose not to use the mSATA option as it only supports SATA II, and want this (apart from dedicated GPU) be a performance machine.
I don't intend to document the entire build, so things like motherboard mounting, and reuse of the cube power sensor, etc won't be covered. Things unique to this build, primarily around the cooling solution will be covered. Hopefully I can bring some new ideas.
And of course I will ask a few questions along the way, this is my first Cube after all...
Kiwi
PS Special thanks to the work of ersterhernd, minihack, rossi, neilhart, mactester, chaosdesigns, sleppek, for pushing the envelope and making this all possible.