neilharts next modding project ?

[neilhart]

neilharts next modding project - DQ77KB - Loop L5

Jump to post # 76 as I have terminated this project. [neil 2/12/13]

Next project… what to do?

I am sitting on the fence and knowing that I do not need another hack as I have OS X hacks sitting all over this place. But… it is a hobby and maybe that would justify yet another; hummm…

Any way I have been intrigued with the Intel DQ77KB low profile Mini-ITX motherboard, also with the i3-3225 with HD4000 graphics capability, and the DIY kit Loop L5 AIO. If you are not familiar with this kit check it out at: http://techreport.com/review/23376/hands-on-with-intel-open-all-in-one-platform/1 .


The Bill of Material using Amazon as the source looks like this:

CPU = i3-3225 http://techreport.com/review/23376/hands-on-with-intel-open-all-in-one-platform/1

Fan and heat sink = Intel BXHTS1155LP http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Cooling-Fan-Heatsink-BXHTS1155LP/dp/B0065ZUXS8

Memory = 16GB SODIMM DDR3 1600MH http://www.amazon.com/Komputerbay-PC3-10600-1333MHz-204-Pin-9-9-9-25/dp/B00698WP50

Motherboard = DQ77KB http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Desktop-Motherboard-LGA1155-mini-ITX/dp/B00840BACU

Chassis = Loop L5 DIY kit http://www.amazon.com/Intel-CAP08LOOPAIO-Loop-Aio-Chassis/dp/B008AEW43O

Storage = SSD 128GB SATA III - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T3GPXE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


With shipping and CA sales tax this comes to $820 USD. Any one piece I can justify… but the sum of the parts chokes me.

I could slow roll the purchases over a few weeks (months) to reduce the hit to credit card.

I am sure that I would mod the kit and so would document it all here in this section of the forum.

Your thoughts.

neil

 

[MiniITX]

Looks good neil.

I really like that motherboard.

1, Integrated PSU.
2, 2xPCI-E slots.
3, 4xSATA ports,
4, HDMI+Display port.
5, Supports laptop RAM.

I would go with "mSATA" SSD and use it as OS drive. Less cables!

 

[minihack]

Ouch. It's a lot of cash, but we'd obviously enjoy reading about it.

Anything you decide to do will be appreciated.

On another track, have you ever thought about clearing out some of those hacks to make a bit of space? I have some similar space issues with prototypes, boards and cases creeping in to every corner of the house and am wondering about "Computers for Africa" or similar as a possibility. It would be great if a charity somewhere would take donated machines with OS X on them, but I think most charities would want them with XP.

I have a nephew about to hit 21 so maybe he will end up with a donated build from me. The reality is something has to go to make room for the new!!!

Anyway, good luck with your dilema.

 

[neilhart]

minihack - in response to clearing out some of my hacks (aka babies), I have given my son several as well as to some to others. The problem is long term support outside of the family members. I have even told some that the condition of them taking the system was to not bring it back.

I am leaning towards purchasing the CPU, MB and memory now.

neil

 

[minihack]

minihack - in response to clearing out some of my hacks (aka babies), I have given my son several as well as to some to others. The problem is long term support outside of the family members. I have even told some that the condition of them taking the system was to not bring it back.

Ah, I see the disease has already progressed beyond the immediate family......

Seriously though I look forward to reading more.

 

[eelhead]

I look forward to seeing this as well.
I do have that similar mobo and cooler saved on a wish list for another project I am thinking of doing.

 

[neilhart]

Action or reaction? Anyway now that I have sort of mapped the project, I went a head and ordered the CPU, motherboard and memory and may have delivery on Monday next.

I recently had a good experience with HD4000 on an ASUS P8Z77-M Pro where I had dual monitors running full acceleration without any effort so I am hoping that this setup will be the same.

neil

 

[chaosdesigns]

That motherboard looks strikingly familiar.....


chaos

 

[chaosdesigns]

Hi Neil,

You might find this post interesting.

http://www.tonymacx86.com/graphics/48452-intel-dh61ag-w-lvds-2.html#post446934

chaos

 

[spence4]

Hi Neil,

I just put that CPU into my Prodigy on a P8Z77-I Deluxe and it rocks... Gets about 8200-8500 on geekbench. I took out my 2500K and 6850 to put in my Mac Pro chassis that I am currently playing with. I absolutely recommend the CPU and the built in HD 4000 run great. I have a 212 Evo on it and it idles at 23/24. I don't do the stress tests that you guys run, but next time I run handbrake Ill let you know what temps it reaches.

I have the P8Z77-M Pro for the Mac Pro. Anything I should know about it? I'm planning to flash it with the modded bios and run the 2500K and 6850. I am planning on trying to get it up to 5.0 - I have the Mac Pro case fans which seem like they could work on the chassis fan headers of the board based on the pinouts for the fan and what is in the board manual. If I tell the fan controller in BIOS to always go 100 % that should give the 12v line on the fan 12v and the speed regulator power line on the fan should be receiving a steady 5v from the board according to the manual. From the research I have done here and at aquamac that will have the fans going at a constant 1100-1200 rpm. If this is too loud I can try harrowing a noctua L.N.A. or U.L.N.A. on them to lower the 5v to 3v. Does that makes sense or am I way off?

I'll be interested to see your experience with the intel board too. I got the dh61ag for my cube after your successful use of it. Wonder if it would be worth it to upgrade either the board or CPU on my cube.