- Joined
- Dec 27, 2016
- Messages
- 56
- Motherboard
- GA-Z170M-D3H
- CPU
- i5 6600 3.3Ghz
- Graphics
- Intel 530
- Mac
- Classic Mac
- Mobile Phone
Hello all, first post here. First attempt at building ANY computer. I've been a professional mac guy for 20+ years though. Handy in the shop, I have lots of tools.
What I don't have is a handle on things that long time builders probably know in their sleep: how to determine cooling needs.
I'm going to put an i5 on a M-ATX motherboard off the compatible list, and I'll use onboard graphics at least initially but never plan to go heavy duty on a GPU. Not planning any need for it as this system will mostly run Indigo home automation software and iTunes whole house audio via AirPlay. I'm replacing a Late 2009 Mini that's stock and almost keeps up with my needs, so you can see I don't require a lot.
I've poured over the PowerMac G4 builds here and gotten a lot of good ideas and insights. I've also stripped down the old G4 case to get familiar with its layout. I have no need for an optical drive at all in this build, which makes lots of thing easier.
My goals with this build:
Any tips or tricks for figuring out whether or not a given component (especially CPU coolers) fit in a modded case?
How can I determine how much cooling is required before buying parts, and what is the optimum CPU temp range, anyway?
The original PowerMac PSU had a rear mounted fan and blew air out the back of the case. The only example of an ATX PSU I can find like that is suspiciously cheap at <$20. Anyone know of a reliable modular PSU with power location compatible with the Graphite case and with a fan that blows out on the same face of the PSU as the power plug?
What I don't have is a handle on things that long time builders probably know in their sleep: how to determine cooling needs.
I'm going to put an i5 on a M-ATX motherboard off the compatible list, and I'll use onboard graphics at least initially but never plan to go heavy duty on a GPU. Not planning any need for it as this system will mostly run Indigo home automation software and iTunes whole house audio via AirPlay. I'm replacing a Late 2009 Mini that's stock and almost keeps up with my needs, so you can see I don't require a lot.
I've poured over the PowerMac G4 builds here and gotten a lot of good ideas and insights. I've also stripped down the old G4 case to get familiar with its layout. I have no need for an optical drive at all in this build, which makes lots of thing easier.
My goals with this build:
- Minimal cutting or drilling. Preferably zero mods to the outside of the case aside from the IO panel on the back.
- Reuse the case's drive locations, PSU location, hopefully even original case cooling fan location and the metal panel for it.
- No blinky lights of any kind that don't show some status.
Any tips or tricks for figuring out whether or not a given component (especially CPU coolers) fit in a modded case?
How can I determine how much cooling is required before buying parts, and what is the optimum CPU temp range, anyway?
The original PowerMac PSU had a rear mounted fan and blew air out the back of the case. The only example of an ATX PSU I can find like that is suspiciously cheap at <$20. Anyone know of a reliable modular PSU with power location compatible with the Graphite case and with a fan that blows out on the same face of the PSU as the power plug?
