Mini itx build in old '30s radio

hemandk

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 15, 2021
Messages
134
I have a mini itx gamer rig in a coolermaster elite 110 case, but I wanted to try something different so I got my hands on an old radio from the 1930's.

Radio.JPG


Early specs:
CPU: Ryzen 5 3600
Mobo: Biostar x370gtn
Ram: 8GB Patriot DDR4 3200MHz CL16
GXF: INNO3D GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Compact
Storage: 512GB Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD M.2 2280
PSU: SilverStone SX500-LG
Cooling components:
  • Artic Freezer 120 Radiator with 1x Arctic P12 PWM PST
  • CPU water head: Repurposed AIO MasterLiquid ML120L RGB
  • GPU water head: Arctic Freezer 120
  • Eisstation 80 with DC-LT 2600 silent pump

Midway specs:
CPU: Ryzen 5 5600
Mobo: Asus Prime A320I-K
RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3600 C18 BK DC
GXF: Asrock RX6600 Challenger (moved two capacitors to the back)
Storage: 512GB Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD M.2 2280
PSU: Corsair SF450
Cooling components:
  • Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 Full Copper 120mm Radiator with 2x Noctua nfa12x25 in push/pull
  • CPU water block: Repurposed AIO MasterLiquid ML120L RGB
  • GPU water block: Bykski Arock RX6600XT ITX challenger
  • Eisstation 80 with DC-LT 2600 silent pump
Final specs (for now):
CPU: Ryzen 5 5800X
Mobo: B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ax
RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3600 C18 BK DC
GXF: ASUS 3060TI dual mini V2
Storage: 512GB Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD M.2 2280
PSU: Corsair SF600
Cooling components:
  • 2x Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper 360mm Radiator with 6x Noctua nfa12x25 in push (Radiator rack is seperated from the build)
  • CPU water block: Liquid Extasy AM4 block
  • GPU water block: Liquid Extasy block
  • Alphacool Eispumpe VPP755 with Eisdecke top
  • Change all fittings to 13/10 and 13/10 Alphacool soft tubing

Started out by modelling it in Creo:

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frame_Front.JPG

frame_rear.JPG


Next step was to remove the old radio mechanics and then remove a little wood on the back of the radio so everything would fit.
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Next I tried to fix the old glass with all the radio stations, I want to keep it but if you touched it the silk print would just fall off.
So I scanned it and tried to clean it up as best as possible and then I reprinted it on transparant. Took a couple of tries before I got it right.
DSC_0678.jpg

Final version(right) compared with the original (left):
compare.JPG


Received the mechanical parts from the workshop and I have started a trial mount:
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I had to drilll a little hole in one of the fans for one of the studs holding the motherboard:
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PC plate mounted and getting ready to drill holes for the upper screws:
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Next step is to drill holes and change the front of the radio with a new fabric. The current fabric on the front is not looking so nice.
 

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And speaking of update I stripped the front of the hessian fabric and sanded it a bit:
DSC_0719.jpg


So found a new way to use all my whiskey that does not seem to disapeer, since I prefer gin.
I ended up using a charcoal grey color for the hessian fabric, but the glue seem to seep through on my first attemt.
So second attemp I used some of the glue fabric that you use for seams and ironed some black fabric on the hessian fabric.
This way the hessian is not that see through and I could glue on the black fabric without seeping through the hessian fabric.
DSC_0720.jpg


Fabric glued to the back as well. Needed to do a little cutting to finish off properly.
DSC_0723.jpg


A shot of the front, need to make cutouts for the radio station glass and also for the buttons:
DSC_0722.jpg
 
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Drilled and tapped the top holes using some M4 inserts for plastic/wood. Gave them some loctite to be sure the stay in there.
DSC_0727.jpg


Fitted the bracket for the PSU it just helps to take some of the wieght so the PC plate wont brake:
DSC_0728.jpg


Prefit of the back plate:
DSC_0730.jpg
 
This looks like an awesome fun project, cant wait to see the finished thing!!
 
Not any updates ATM.
Waiting for some buttons for the front so I can finish it.

Also I broke the glass for the front (the glass with radio stations), but my local store should have a new one for me next week.
 
Received the buttons this week and here is the first prefit:
DSC_0754.jpg


Slight problems with the power button getting very close to the stay that holds the motherboard, so switched some stuff around and here is the end result:
Fan button is to toggle between high and low fan speed. The lights buttons turns RPG light and you can select different modes.
DSC_0756.jpg


Pictures from inside the case. The bracket for the PSU is in the way, so I have to remove the connector from one of the buttons and drill a hole so that push pin can go through.
Now I just need to figure out some clever way of using that as a toggle switch.

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Just a picture of the Radio with the front installed. Need to cut a hole in the fabric for the front glass and then the front is complete.
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Started today by cutting out for the radio frame
DSC_0788.JPG


Then I tried to assemble the frame and glass, but I managed to break the glass since there was some tension. Maybe the glass I got made was just a bit to big. I well make a new glass in PC or plexiglass.
DSC_0790.JPG


Frame fitted without glass
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Everything fitted and ready for a new glass :)
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As someone who restores old tube radios, this kills me. But I have always wanted to do it with a "unpreparable" one.


Looks good so far, can't wait to see it completed.

Thanks I need to finish the cabling for the buttons, so I can get the rest of the PC done.
 
So I made some progress doing the summer.

Installed a air filter in the bottom:
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Started on the cables for the power button:
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Next I did the fan button, basically I decided to run my two fans at 5V and if press the fan button they can be run at 12V if I need extra cooling when playing etc.
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Next I tried to trial fit everything:
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So after the trial fit I decided to remove the metal bracket that was supposed to support PSU.

I also ordered some pins for the modular plugs of my PSU since they need to be shortened. The modular cables are like a ribbon cable. Was thinking I would loosen them and stick them in a sleeve like I did the power button cable.
I think will look better and be more smooth.

More to come when I receive the pins.
 
So had a slight set back today since my GTX was getting way to hot.

Ended up having to run the rig with the case.

Need to do something with ducts I think.

DSC_0931.JPG
 
what temps? try taking the gpu shroud off and increase the aio fan speed some. you could also increase the size of the pci cut out a bit to let it suck in more air.

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what temps? try taking the gpu shroud off and increase the aio fan speed some. you could also increase the size of the pci cut out a bit to let it suck in more air.

View attachment 386110
GPU Hot spot goes up to around 85-90°C and GPU temp somewhere around 75-80°C when inside the case.

I have decided to devide my coolers in two sections and control each section with ArgusMonitor. Also upgraded all fans to Noctua :)

Blue section is for CPU air will come in from the bottom and be pushed out through the radiaoter

Red section is for the GPU and I have 3D printet a small airduct for the lower cooler so the cold air will be pushed over towards the graphics card.

As you can see I also just stripped the Noctua fan and that works great.

I was kinda thinking the opposite i wanted to 3D print a cover so I could angle the fan a bit and suck in the air from the bottom and push out the air via the PCI cutout.

However not sure I have the space. I will need to do some CAD work.
two sections.JPG
 
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the new fan on the gpu was going to be another suggestion. . you could also repaste the gpu with something better, sometimes that will knock off a good chunk of the temp.
also, if those temps are after prolonged use, they are probably/technically within spec. just warmer than most of us would like. did i miss what gpu, i only see "GTX"? 1060.
 
the new fan on the gpu was going to be another suggestion. . you could also repaste the gpu with something better, sometimes that will knock off a good chunk of the temp.
also, if those temps are after prolonged use, they are probably/technically within spec. just warmer than most of us would like. did i miss what gpu, i only see "GTX"? 1060.

Yeah think I missed the 1060 part.

I have some arctic MX4, so will try to repaste the GPU.

The 120mm fans Works much better so think I will try that one and then see if I can make some kinda shroud that will give decent air flow.
 
Yeah think I missed the 1060 part.

I have some arctic MX4, so will try to repaste the GPU.

The 120mm fans Works much better so think I will try that one and then see if I can make some kinda shroud that will give decent air flow.
no, its in your op, i just missed it.
that will do.
used CAD(cardboard added design)
 
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So did some cardboard mock-up and airflow seemed to be good.

Did some 3D modelling and started two parts:

The duct on the lower fan will move cold air to the GPU:
airflow2.JPG


Then the shroud on the GPU will move air hot air out in 3 places. I decided not to open up the shroud towards the bottom, to avoid turbolence.
Should have some parts friday, and hopefully I can try it out.
airflow1.JPG
 
So 3D prints are done:
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First fitment of the lower air duct:
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The shroud for the GTX needs some small adjustments and the towers for the screws needs to be a bit bigger, so I can mount some threaded inserts.
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Ironically this is why blower GPUs exist. Love the design work and customization, keep up the photos. Really enjoy watching this build.
 
Ironically this is why blower GPUs exist. Love the design work and customization, keep up the photos. Really enjoy watching this build.
Thanks I will keep the pictures coming.

I had never heard the expression "blower GPU", so had to google it. I can see that I ended up with something in between open air and blower gpu.

While I was playing with the cardboard, the noise level was increased a lot if I blocked off all sides, so had to open up the top and back to reduce the noise a bit.
 
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Thanks I will keep the pictures coming.

I had never heard the expression "blower GPU", so had to google it. I can see that I ended up with something in between open air and blower gpu.

While I was playing with the cardboard, the noise level was increased a lot if I blocked off all sides, so had to open up the top and back to reduce the noise a bit.
I've worked for years as a mechanical design engineer, it's enjoyable watching You work the Problem and design something so unique. Getting the heat out of a wood case is a real challenge. Definately a sweet build, hope you get it tuned to zoom.
 
I've worked for years as a mechanical design engineer, it's enjoyable watching You work the Problem and design something so unique. Getting the heat out of a wood case is a real challenge. Definately a sweet build, hope you get it tuned to zoom.
Ahh a fellow mechanical engineer :) (I normally work with medical devices)

Yeah I hope this latest tweak will give a good noise to cooling ratio.
 
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