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Lian Li Q02 as HTPC/semi-game PC
BB alias Black Beauty
Hi everybody
Hopefully I´ll not get a claim because of copyrights on BB…
PS:
Sorry, but I can not attached photos in thread, pls advice if it is possible to be done.
I published an report about build as "starmo" and attached many build photos here:
http://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1168971&highlight=q02
Case history:
Last year I decided to get a media player (ready for use) for playing of all media files (music, videos, films, etc) on TV just because my LCD TV (Phillips 32PFL9604H) was not able to play all exist media files and containers.
After longer research about media players done in www, I realized that available models on market were not technically that much good as I thought would be. Furthermore, my soon wanted to play on TV with “that machine” too, otherwise he requested purchasing of PS3, no chance
.
Well let us build something, I thought. That would be my first computing system built after long, long time, 1983 my grandfather and me, we built self an “PC” using a lot soldering gun…(CPU Z80A 6MHz, RAM 6KB…
I started to research in www again, but now about present technical level of components required for building of HTPC/Semi game computer.
Present:
The concept of new system should be described like:
• HTPC (HD Media played on LCD TV, Music played on analog HI-FI, converted from digital by adapter)
• Game Center (eg. Fifa 12, Minecraft, AOE, etc.)
• Case made of aluminium, anodized, red color, low volume, sturdy, simple, elegant, precise details and good reworked surface/edge
• Storage of media files solved with NAS (NSA) unit or stored on the simple 2x bay extern HDD case
• Total system should provide a really good performances, be based on m-ITX, Intel CPU, quit, front panel with USB/eSATA/Headphone, slim-slot-in ODD, touch screen, mounting frame for Hotswap 2,5HDD etc.
Well, I compared my wishes with technical possibilities, and finally realized that some compromises have to be made.
In the mean time, some first reports and information about Lian Li Q02 builds could be found in www:
dm1179 (clearing of PSU/CPU cooler distance), following in same thread with Rolfi (PCIe distance to bottom – useful for GPU set, PSU as Pico 160W, aftermarket cable connection for USB3 header/IO Front), finally there was Shaav who set 2 slot GPU in case, change position of PSU completely and used solid tower CPU cooler for more performance, of course did some mods on case.
As MB I chose AsRock Z77E-ITX, because it was only one m-ITX on market with mSATA slot on back side. Furthermore this MB includs an WLAN card too. Because „my HTPC case“ has to be small, means space is rare, I thought that using of an mSATA SSD card (for W7) set in slot on the back side, will be benefits at all. Choice of CPU with internal GPU was not clear, I was waiting on i3 3225 (dual core, HD4000, no OC, 55W) which was scheduled for market selling from ¾ 2012. But, in the mean time I have read some reports about new Ivy Bridge´s and I decided to go ahead with i5 3570K (Quadro Core, HD4000, OC, 77W), which is a bit expensive but still stronger in performances and interesting for OC too. As CPU cooler I took aftermarket Xigmatek Praeton LD964 which was already used in combination with this MB and case - space problems solved from that side. RAM was easier choice - Corsair Vengeance Low Profile DDR3 2x4GB, 1600 MHz. For local storage I intent to use just 2.5“ HDD probably as SSD (diverse software, games) – means less rejected heat and noise. Finally it was realized due to Kingston V Serie 64GB SATA2 (available on my stock) und Samsung 830/128GB (replaced with Samsung 840/128GFB Pro Serie in Jan/2013). As ODD I took a Blue Ray Writer, Sony Optiarc BD-5750H Slimline, whereat if I should get a new ODD again, it will be not BR anymore, because in that time I didn´t know that special software for playing of BR files (coded) will be required (eg Power DVD, >60€. Well you can learn only on your own mistakes.
Regarding HTPC case, there were some interesting producers, who could deliver good quality, elegant and simple design, similar to Lian Li: Abee/Japan, Nexus Technology BV/Holland , Origenae/S. Korea, Streacom/China, Silverstone/Taiwan, Cubitek/ Taiwan, Fractal/Sweden, XILENCE/Deutschland-China, etc.
But, in very short time I was sure, it´s gonna be again Lian Li.
By the way, my very good “old” PC is still in use Lian Li PC-C34F, i7-860, Asus P7P55D sockel 1156, Kingston DDR3 4GB CL7 1333 RAM, Corsair 650TX 80plus, Sapphire HD 5770 – present set 2x in CF, CPU cooler Noctua NH-L12, Screen TFT 23“ EIZO EV2313, W7 Index 7,3 installed on the SSD Samsung 830 128G, diverse HDD for data and backups, ODD….
But which Lian Li model now?!
As mentioned, I decided to build an HTPC placed in SFF case, but where I will storage media files: NSA (NAS) or extern 2x bay HDD case?! I was using in the past Zyxel NSA 220 Plus, but performances didn´t make me happy at all.
Well, there was external case from Lian Li EX-203 which I have ordered, but it could been delivered. I found another one similar case, ********** 3529SUS3-C, and it is working fine at time.
I built some paper models 1:1 from Lian Li: Q07, Q02, Q03, Q09FN. Tried to find some build reports about them, but it was very rare for Q02/03/09FN, compared with Q07/011 – there are many reports about builds, etc. Model Q03 is very similar to the Q02, almost the same – canceled for next election level. Question was now: tower (Q02/07) or HTPC classic (Q09FN), volume 6-11 lit, with or without expansion slot, red or black. Q07 was canceled (optically looks a bit big compared to Q02, screws used for fixing of side panel). Paper models helped me to visualize a free space in the cases, I measured some details such as PSU, GPU, position if cooler , etc. direct from PC screen and marked it on the models. So I got a feeling about available space by diverse cases: mounting frame for Hotswap 2,5HDD cannot be implemented because of USB3 header position, CPU cooler by 60mm clearance but how big are tolerances of same components?!, GPU 180mmx120mmx30mm without mod and collisions with case (with mod in bottom and GPU more as 30mm), no touchscreen in front panel at time – but OLED screens are on the way – I´ll wait for that.
Using of longer/stronger GPU into Q09FN would not be that easy (I would not say not possible), actually I collected more information for Q02 in that time too. On the end of the day, Q09FN lost a race, I chose Q02.
Last challenge was implementing of most powerful and smallest GPU, with lowest consumption W, sound like utopia. I compared only AMD cards: Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 LP, PowerColor Radeon HD 7750 single slot and LP, HIS 7750 iCooler 1GB , Radeon HD 7850 royalKing, AFOX Radeon HD 6850 1GB LP, AFOX Radeon HD 7850 2GB. I wrote to OEM producer to get some more information about GPU´s like: measurement of PCB, additional power supply by 6 pin or not, getting of plastic cover with or without fan (no response – warranty request of course). Anyway, some of producers responded very quick (AFOX, PC), others not at all. Well I built again GPU paper models 1:1 to find out whether some of them can be set into, in that time already running Q02 without GPU or not. On the end of the day I ordered Powercolor.
After GPU unboxing, I realized that mod on GPU can be done easy, detached plastic cover (original fan Apistek, 75mm dia, 17mm), naked PCB 170x111,2mm, PCB+Al cooler 16,7mm, Al cooler 90x80x14mm, replaced fan with new one Scythe Kaze Jyu Slim 2000 (SY1012SL12M) and fixed on aluminium cooler with self made aluminium mounting holder.
Now was a time for Q02 mod, done with fret saw, opening in bottom for better airflow and on the back side for GPU slot. Additionally I built aluminium mounting holder (0,6mm sheet) for SSD, placed below ODD.
Practically, work on Q02 started in July/2012, and my BB was "ready for use” before summer vacation, but without GPU (it was in delivery stage).
Build Q02-BB
PS. System was assembled and tested many times, Q02 has been modified as I received GPU. That´s reason some photos could be confused in relation with report text.
Q02 modified with fret saw: for better cooling of GPU opening in bottom rectangular (80x76mm), for slot the back side rectangular (100x15mm). Cutting edges were reworked with rasp, colored black with Marker. I set magnetic dust filter ZUST-036 DEMCiflex, 80mm, rectangular , on the bottom from outside to protect GPU. Also I replaced case stands with Lian Li Li SD-02A (35 mm/10mm, Silber) .
MB AsRock Z77E-ITX fixed on the mounting holder. RAM Corsair Vengeance Low Profile set into slots, CPU i5 3570K placed into holder using thermal compounds Noctua NT-H1, CPU cooler Xigmatek Praeton LD964 installed, mSATA SSD MyDigital 64GB Smart Series SATA3 placed into mSATA Slot on the back side (installed W7 Home Premium 64bit/Index 7,5). ODD Sony Optiarc BD-5750H Slimline fixed into mounting cage. SSD Kingston V Serie 64GB SATA2 placed on the ODD and fixed with Tesa Strips. Self made aluminium mounting holder (0,6mm) fixed on the bottom side of ODD holder with screws and Tesa strip. SSD Samsung 830/128GB placed in self made holder (later on replaced with Samsung 840 Pro Serie). MB set into Q02, used USB3 Asus cable to connect MB USB3 header with Front USB3 IO.
GPU Powercolor HD7770 V2 has been modified: plastic cover included original fan detached, Scythe Kaze Jyu Slim 2000 fixed on cooler with self made aluminium console, fan connector 3Pin modified to 2Pin, GPU slot bracket shorted, used Delock 15 Pin/6 Pin for additional power supply and connected to the GPU PowerColor HD7770 V2, modified GPU placed aslant into Q02 (175mm clearance between Q02 side edges, jointer slot does not collide with 6Pin connector) set into PCIe3 slot, fixed on the Q02 back panel with the screw. All power and data cables have been attached and storage into case and original delivered PSU FSP FSP300-60GHS, 300W, set into case. Antennas have been screwed on the RP-SMA connector.
In the mean time I did some changing of initial concept:
CPU cooler exchanged – reduction of noise dB (ca. -14%): Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM 92mm/14mm instead original delivered fan from Xigmatek
WLAN card replaced Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235 instead original delivered with MB Realtek RTL8191SE – connectivity improvement (but still it has to be optimized)
WLAN Antennas replaced WLAN Antennas RP-SMA – optical looking better, functionality higher (has to be checked)
http://www.delock.com/produkte/F_701_Antennen_88393/merkmale.html
Connection cable (Pigtails, WLAN card/U.FL or Ipex or IPX -IO plug, back side/RP-SMA female connector) changed, cable has been damaged due to screw off/on of original delivered antennas.
Airflow:
Sucked from bottom – the air flows from outside into the case over GPU (Scythe Kaze 100mm/12mm, max 2000rpm, rpm can be controlled with AMD Catalyst CCC, Speedfan or MSI afterburner)
Sucked from CPU Al-Cu cooler (Xigmatek Praeton LD964) and blown to the PSU (Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM, max 2200rpm, rpm can be controlled with UEFA or ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility)
Sucked from inside space of case and transferred outside of the case through the back side (PSU fan 80mm/15mm Protechnic Electric, max 2400rpm, rpm will be automatically controlled by power consumption W).
If PSU fan going to be laud, in future, I will replace them with Noiseblocker PC-P BlackSilentPro fan 80mm/15mm, max 2500rpm, but present it cannot be observed, loudness is coming mostly from extern 2x3,5”HDD´s used for data storage.
System Q02-BB:
As mentioned before, Q02-BB will be used as HTPC and Semi-Game station. Q02-BB will be connected through HDMI on LCD TV (Phillips 32PFL9604H) used for videos and photos playbacks and for games. Music will be played with old reliable Hi-Fi Phillips 900 Series, digital signal converted to analog with Adapter.
Hardware (status, January 2013)
CASE Q02 Lian Li (W) 149mm x (H) 230mm x (D) 200mm), 6,8 Liter, black, anodized, 3mm aluminium sheet
STANDS 35 mm, Silver, 10mm H
PSU SFX, [URL="http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cases/display/mini-itx-cases-roundup_15.html#sect0"]FSP300-60GHS, 300W, Efficiency 80%, originally delivered with Q02
MB ASRock Z77E-ITX (Intel Z77, Sockel-1155, dual PC3-12800U DDR3)
CPU Intel Core i5-3570K, Quad-Core "Ivy Bridge", 3.40GHz, HD Graphics 4000, boxed (BX80637I53570K)
CPU COOLER Xigmatek Praeton LD964, Top-Blow-cooler, low profile 45mm (30mm+15mm), 4x Cu Heatpipes Direct-Touch, (CAC-D9HH4-U02)
Present used Noctua 44mm (30mm+14mm)
CPU FAN NOCTUA NF-A9x14 PWM, 92mm/14mm, max 2200rmp/20dB
THERMAL COMPOUND Noctua NT-H1 (available on my stock)
SSD mSATA MyDigital SSD 64GB Smart Series SATA3, SandForce, MLC (MDMS-SFIII-064)
RAM Corsair Vengeance Low Profile black DDR3 2x4GB, 1600, CL9
SSD Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB, MLC, 2.5", SATA3 (MZ-7PD128BW)
SSD Kingston V Serie 64GB (available on my stock)
ODD Blue Ray Writer, Sony Optiarc BD-5750H Slimline-in, Tray
GPU PowerColor HD 7770 GHz Edition V2, 1GB GDDR5, 1000MHz (AX7770 1GBD5-DH)
GPU SATA ADAPTER Delock 82924 Strom Adapter intern, SATA 15 Pin to 6 Pin PCI Express
GPU FAN Scythe Kaze Jyu Slim 2000, 100mm/12mm, max
GPU FILTER ZUST-036 DEMCiflex dust filter 80mm, rectangular, black, magnetic
WLAN CARD INTEL Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 Dual Band 2X2 Bluetooth, 300Mbps
ANTENNAS DeLock Indoor Antenne 5dBi, 2.4/5.8GHz (88393), RP-SMA
WLAN CABLE DeLOCK 88420 Kabelbinder I-PEX M / RP-SMA F
USB3 header/IO Asus Slotblech 2x USB3 bracket TypA
Software Q02-BB
W7 Home Premium, 64bit, Index 7,5
Virtu Universal MVP to bundle iGPU (Intel HD4000) and dGPU (AMD HD7770)
XBMC as media player application, present used 11.0 “Eden”, Skin Confluence, but soon will be replaced with 12.0 “Frodo”
VLC
ITune as Media Interface 11.0
GPU-Z, CPU-Z,
MSIAfterburner
Mozilfa firefox browser
Fifa 12, 13
Data storage unit
********** 3529SUS3-C (2x HDD, 3,5“, has been modified too, original delivered fan (50mm Dia, noisy) replaced with Scythe Kaze Jyu SLIM (SY1012SL12L) 1000 rpm - 100mm/12mm, additionally bottom modified for fan, in future I intend to set up an simple rpm controller, such as rotary potentiometer, but it is not a priority. I am using 2x HDD, 2 TB each (Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 3,5" SATA 6Gb/s 7200, 2 TB, 64MB Cache) JBOD. Connection with Q02 is possible with USB3 and eSATA.
Remote Controller
At time for construction work with Q02, I am using bluetooth logitech mouse and keyboard. Communication with XBMC can be done by remote controller Constellation direct by Ipad3 and Ipod touch 1G. It works fine, connected via router in same network, but sometimes loosing connection to the router (>10m distance). Controlling of XBMC is still in construction stage, time to solve it is actually a bottleneck. My target is using of touchscreen 7” (or less inch, eg. rasberry pi solutions?!) as monitor and RC, placed on Q02 self on front or upper panel, means if I want to play music do not have to start up TV, but I´m still by research of solutions for my problem (OLED touchscreen?!)
TO DO´s
• Wake on LAN using of RC – present Ipad/Ipodtouch, Q02-BB and Data storage unit HDD (is IRC switch solution?!)
• XBMC as GUI instead W7
• Remote controller (touch screen, set into Q02 or separate unit connected by Bluetooth or direct WIFI with Q02-BB)
• WLAN optimize, present download between 5Mbps and 20Mbps (router 802.11 b/g/n 300Mbps, 2,4 GHz, RSSI -55 to -65dB, fiber connection 50Mbps, distance from router to the Q02 ca. 10m, some gypsum panels are there…
W7 System there is sometimes message “Display driver AMD stopped responding and has recovered…”, has to be proved what´s going on (www=Increase the GPU processing time by adjusting the Timeout Detection and Recovery registry value…
• Anodize in red instead black, but has to find out who is able to do that for “less money” or to prepare myself for it (dangerous H2)
I´ll appreciate any comments and support regarding my TODO´s:
Sorry, but I can not attached photos in thread, pls advice if it is possible to be done.
I published an report about build as "starmo" and attached many build photos here:
http://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1168971&highlight=q02
BB alias Black Beauty
Hi everybody
Hopefully I´ll not get a claim because of copyrights on BB…
PS:
Sorry, but I can not attached photos in thread, pls advice if it is possible to be done.
I published an report about build as "starmo" and attached many build photos here:
http://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1168971&highlight=q02
Case history:
Last year I decided to get a media player (ready for use) for playing of all media files (music, videos, films, etc) on TV just because my LCD TV (Phillips 32PFL9604H) was not able to play all exist media files and containers.
After longer research about media players done in www, I realized that available models on market were not technically that much good as I thought would be. Furthermore, my soon wanted to play on TV with “that machine” too, otherwise he requested purchasing of PS3, no chance
.Well let us build something, I thought. That would be my first computing system built after long, long time, 1983 my grandfather and me, we built self an “PC” using a lot soldering gun…(CPU Z80A 6MHz, RAM 6KB…
I started to research in www again, but now about present technical level of components required for building of HTPC/Semi game computer.
Present:
The concept of new system should be described like:
• HTPC (HD Media played on LCD TV, Music played on analog HI-FI, converted from digital by adapter)
• Game Center (eg. Fifa 12, Minecraft, AOE, etc.)
• Case made of aluminium, anodized, red color, low volume, sturdy, simple, elegant, precise details and good reworked surface/edge
• Storage of media files solved with NAS (NSA) unit or stored on the simple 2x bay extern HDD case
• Total system should provide a really good performances, be based on m-ITX, Intel CPU, quit, front panel with USB/eSATA/Headphone, slim-slot-in ODD, touch screen, mounting frame for Hotswap 2,5HDD etc.
Well, I compared my wishes with technical possibilities, and finally realized that some compromises have to be made.
In the mean time, some first reports and information about Lian Li Q02 builds could be found in www:
dm1179 (clearing of PSU/CPU cooler distance), following in same thread with Rolfi (PCIe distance to bottom – useful for GPU set, PSU as Pico 160W, aftermarket cable connection for USB3 header/IO Front), finally there was Shaav who set 2 slot GPU in case, change position of PSU completely and used solid tower CPU cooler for more performance, of course did some mods on case.
As MB I chose AsRock Z77E-ITX, because it was only one m-ITX on market with mSATA slot on back side. Furthermore this MB includs an WLAN card too. Because „my HTPC case“ has to be small, means space is rare, I thought that using of an mSATA SSD card (for W7) set in slot on the back side, will be benefits at all. Choice of CPU with internal GPU was not clear, I was waiting on i3 3225 (dual core, HD4000, no OC, 55W) which was scheduled for market selling from ¾ 2012. But, in the mean time I have read some reports about new Ivy Bridge´s and I decided to go ahead with i5 3570K (Quadro Core, HD4000, OC, 77W), which is a bit expensive but still stronger in performances and interesting for OC too. As CPU cooler I took aftermarket Xigmatek Praeton LD964 which was already used in combination with this MB and case - space problems solved from that side. RAM was easier choice - Corsair Vengeance Low Profile DDR3 2x4GB, 1600 MHz. For local storage I intent to use just 2.5“ HDD probably as SSD (diverse software, games) – means less rejected heat and noise. Finally it was realized due to Kingston V Serie 64GB SATA2 (available on my stock) und Samsung 830/128GB (replaced with Samsung 840/128GFB Pro Serie in Jan/2013). As ODD I took a Blue Ray Writer, Sony Optiarc BD-5750H Slimline, whereat if I should get a new ODD again, it will be not BR anymore, because in that time I didn´t know that special software for playing of BR files (coded) will be required (eg Power DVD, >60€
. Well you can learn only on your own mistakes.Regarding HTPC case, there were some interesting producers, who could deliver good quality, elegant and simple design, similar to Lian Li: Abee/Japan, Nexus Technology BV/Holland , Origenae/S. Korea, Streacom/China, Silverstone/Taiwan, Cubitek/ Taiwan, Fractal/Sweden, XILENCE/Deutschland-China, etc.
But, in very short time I was sure, it´s gonna be again Lian Li.
By the way, my very good “old” PC is still in use Lian Li PC-C34F, i7-860, Asus P7P55D sockel 1156, Kingston DDR3 4GB CL7 1333 RAM, Corsair 650TX 80plus, Sapphire HD 5770 – present set 2x in CF, CPU cooler Noctua NH-L12, Screen TFT 23“ EIZO EV2313, W7 Index 7,3 installed on the SSD Samsung 830 128G, diverse HDD for data and backups, ODD….
But which Lian Li model now?!
As mentioned, I decided to build an HTPC placed in SFF case, but where I will storage media files: NSA (NAS) or extern 2x bay HDD case?! I was using in the past Zyxel NSA 220 Plus, but performances didn´t make me happy at all.
Well, there was external case from Lian Li EX-203 which I have ordered, but it could been delivered
. I found another one similar case, ********** 3529SUS3-C, and it is working fine at time.I built some paper models 1:1 from Lian Li: Q07, Q02, Q03, Q09FN. Tried to find some build reports about them, but it was very rare for Q02/03/09FN, compared with Q07/011 – there are many reports about builds, etc. Model Q03 is very similar to the Q02, almost the same – canceled for next election level. Question was now: tower (Q02/07) or HTPC classic (Q09FN), volume 6-11 lit, with or without expansion slot, red or black. Q07 was canceled (optically looks a bit big compared to Q02, screws used for fixing of side panel). Paper models helped me to visualize a free space in the cases, I measured some details such as PSU, GPU, position if cooler , etc. direct from PC screen and marked it on the models. So I got a feeling about available space by diverse cases: mounting frame for Hotswap 2,5HDD cannot be implemented because of USB3 header position, CPU cooler by 60mm clearance but how big are tolerances of same components?!, GPU 180mmx120mmx30mm without mod and collisions with case (with mod in bottom and GPU more as 30mm), no touchscreen in front panel at time – but OLED screens are on the way – I´ll wait for that.
Using of longer/stronger GPU into Q09FN would not be that easy (I would not say not possible), actually I collected more information for Q02 in that time too. On the end of the day, Q09FN lost a race, I chose Q02.
Last challenge was implementing of most powerful and smallest GPU, with lowest consumption W, sound like utopia. I compared only AMD cards: Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 LP, PowerColor Radeon HD 7750 single slot and LP, HIS 7750 iCooler 1GB , Radeon HD 7850 royalKing, AFOX Radeon HD 6850 1GB LP, AFOX Radeon HD 7850 2GB. I wrote to OEM producer to get some more information about GPU´s like: measurement of PCB, additional power supply by 6 pin or not, getting of plastic cover with or without fan (no response – warranty request of course). Anyway, some of producers responded very quick (AFOX, PC), others not at all. Well I built again GPU paper models 1:1 to find out whether some of them can be set into, in that time already running Q02 without GPU or not. On the end of the day I ordered Powercolor.
After GPU unboxing, I realized that mod on GPU can be done easy, detached plastic cover (original fan Apistek, 75mm dia, 17mm), naked PCB 170x111,2mm, PCB+Al cooler 16,7mm, Al cooler 90x80x14mm, replaced fan with new one Scythe Kaze Jyu Slim 2000 (SY1012SL12M) and fixed on aluminium cooler with self made aluminium mounting holder.
Now was a time for Q02 mod, done with fret saw, opening in bottom for better airflow and on the back side for GPU slot. Additionally I built aluminium mounting holder (0,6mm sheet) for SSD, placed below ODD.
Practically, work on Q02 started in July/2012, and my BB was "ready for use” before summer vacation, but without GPU (it was in delivery stage).
Build Q02-BB
PS. System was assembled and tested many times, Q02 has been modified as I received GPU. That´s reason some photos could be confused in relation with report text.
Q02 modified with fret saw: for better cooling of GPU opening in bottom rectangular (80x76mm), for slot the back side rectangular (100x15mm). Cutting edges were reworked with rasp, colored black with Marker. I set magnetic dust filter ZUST-036 DEMCiflex, 80mm, rectangular , on the bottom from outside to protect GPU. Also I replaced case stands with Lian Li Li SD-02A (35 mm/10mm, Silber) .
MB AsRock Z77E-ITX fixed on the mounting holder. RAM Corsair Vengeance Low Profile set into slots, CPU i5 3570K placed into holder using thermal compounds Noctua NT-H1, CPU cooler Xigmatek Praeton LD964 installed, mSATA SSD MyDigital 64GB Smart Series SATA3 placed into mSATA Slot on the back side (installed W7 Home Premium 64bit/Index 7,5). ODD Sony Optiarc BD-5750H Slimline fixed into mounting cage. SSD Kingston V Serie 64GB SATA2 placed on the ODD and fixed with Tesa Strips. Self made aluminium mounting holder (0,6mm) fixed on the bottom side of ODD holder with screws and Tesa strip. SSD Samsung 830/128GB placed in self made holder (later on replaced with Samsung 840 Pro Serie). MB set into Q02, used USB3 Asus cable to connect MB USB3 header with Front USB3 IO.
GPU Powercolor HD7770 V2 has been modified: plastic cover included original fan detached, Scythe Kaze Jyu Slim 2000 fixed on cooler with self made aluminium console, fan connector 3Pin modified to 2Pin, GPU slot bracket shorted, used Delock 15 Pin/6 Pin for additional power supply and connected to the GPU PowerColor HD7770 V2, modified GPU placed aslant into Q02 (175mm clearance between Q02 side edges, jointer slot does not collide with 6Pin connector) set into PCIe3 slot, fixed on the Q02 back panel with the screw. All power and data cables have been attached and storage into case and original delivered PSU FSP FSP300-60GHS, 300W, set into case. Antennas have been screwed on the RP-SMA connector.
In the mean time I did some changing of initial concept:
CPU cooler exchanged – reduction of noise dB (ca. -14%): Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM 92mm/14mm instead original delivered fan from Xigmatek
WLAN card replaced Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235 instead original delivered with MB Realtek RTL8191SE – connectivity improvement (but still it has to be optimized)
WLAN Antennas replaced WLAN Antennas RP-SMA – optical looking better, functionality higher (has to be checked)
http://www.delock.com/produkte/F_701_Antennen_88393/merkmale.html
Connection cable (Pigtails, WLAN card/U.FL or Ipex or IPX -IO plug, back side/RP-SMA female connector) changed, cable has been damaged due to screw off/on of original delivered antennas.
Airflow:
Sucked from bottom – the air flows from outside into the case over GPU (Scythe Kaze 100mm/12mm, max 2000rpm, rpm can be controlled with AMD Catalyst CCC, Speedfan or MSI afterburner)
Sucked from CPU Al-Cu cooler (Xigmatek Praeton LD964) and blown to the PSU (Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM, max 2200rpm, rpm can be controlled with UEFA or ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility)
Sucked from inside space of case and transferred outside of the case through the back side (PSU fan 80mm/15mm Protechnic Electric, max 2400rpm, rpm will be automatically controlled by power consumption W).
If PSU fan going to be laud, in future, I will replace them with Noiseblocker PC-P BlackSilentPro fan 80mm/15mm, max 2500rpm, but present it cannot be observed, loudness is coming mostly from extern 2x3,5”HDD´s used for data storage.
System Q02-BB:
As mentioned before, Q02-BB will be used as HTPC and Semi-Game station. Q02-BB will be connected through HDMI on LCD TV (Phillips 32PFL9604H) used for videos and photos playbacks and for games. Music will be played with old reliable Hi-Fi Phillips 900 Series, digital signal converted to analog with Adapter.
Hardware (status, January 2013)
CASE Q02 Lian Li (W) 149mm x (H) 230mm x (D) 200mm), 6,8 Liter, black, anodized, 3mm aluminium sheet
STANDS 35 mm, Silver, 10mm H
PSU SFX, [URL="http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cases/display/mini-itx-cases-roundup_15.html#sect0"]FSP300-60GHS, 300W, Efficiency 80%, originally delivered with Q02
MB ASRock Z77E-ITX (Intel Z77, Sockel-1155, dual PC3-12800U DDR3)
CPU Intel Core i5-3570K, Quad-Core "Ivy Bridge", 3.40GHz, HD Graphics 4000, boxed (BX80637I53570K)
CPU COOLER Xigmatek Praeton LD964, Top-Blow-cooler, low profile 45mm (30mm+15mm), 4x Cu Heatpipes Direct-Touch, (CAC-D9HH4-U02)
Present used Noctua 44mm (30mm+14mm)
CPU FAN NOCTUA NF-A9x14 PWM, 92mm/14mm, max 2200rmp/20dB
THERMAL COMPOUND Noctua NT-H1 (available on my stock)
SSD mSATA MyDigital SSD 64GB Smart Series SATA3, SandForce, MLC (MDMS-SFIII-064)
RAM Corsair Vengeance Low Profile black DDR3 2x4GB, 1600, CL9
SSD Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB, MLC, 2.5", SATA3 (MZ-7PD128BW)
SSD Kingston V Serie 64GB (available on my stock)
ODD Blue Ray Writer, Sony Optiarc BD-5750H Slimline-in, Tray
GPU PowerColor HD 7770 GHz Edition V2, 1GB GDDR5, 1000MHz (AX7770 1GBD5-DH)
GPU SATA ADAPTER Delock 82924 Strom Adapter intern, SATA 15 Pin to 6 Pin PCI Express
GPU FAN Scythe Kaze Jyu Slim 2000, 100mm/12mm, max
GPU FILTER ZUST-036 DEMCiflex dust filter 80mm, rectangular, black, magnetic
WLAN CARD INTEL Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 Dual Band 2X2 Bluetooth, 300Mbps
ANTENNAS DeLock Indoor Antenne 5dBi, 2.4/5.8GHz (88393), RP-SMA
WLAN CABLE DeLOCK 88420 Kabelbinder I-PEX M / RP-SMA F
USB3 header/IO Asus Slotblech 2x USB3 bracket TypA
Software Q02-BB
W7 Home Premium, 64bit, Index 7,5
Virtu Universal MVP to bundle iGPU (Intel HD4000) and dGPU (AMD HD7770)
XBMC as media player application, present used 11.0 “Eden”, Skin Confluence, but soon will be replaced with 12.0 “Frodo”
VLC
ITune as Media Interface 11.0
GPU-Z, CPU-Z,
MSIAfterburner
Mozilfa firefox browser
Fifa 12, 13
Data storage unit
********** 3529SUS3-C (2x HDD, 3,5“
, has been modified too, original delivered fan (50mm Dia, noisy) replaced with Scythe Kaze Jyu SLIM (SY1012SL12L) 1000 rpm - 100mm/12mm, additionally bottom modified for fan, in future I intend to set up an simple rpm controller, such as rotary potentiometer, but it is not a priority. I am using 2x HDD, 2 TB each (Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 3,5" SATA 6Gb/s 7200, 2 TB, 64MB Cache) JBOD. Connection with Q02 is possible with USB3 and eSATA.Remote Controller
At time for construction work with Q02, I am using bluetooth logitech mouse and keyboard. Communication with XBMC can be done by remote controller Constellation direct by Ipad3 and Ipod touch 1G. It works fine, connected via router in same network, but sometimes loosing connection to the router (>10m distance). Controlling of XBMC is still in construction stage, time to solve it is actually a bottleneck. My target is using of touchscreen 7” (or less inch, eg. rasberry pi solutions?!) as monitor and RC, placed on Q02 self on front or upper panel, means if I want to play music do not have to start up TV, but I´m still by research of solutions for my problem (OLED touchscreen?!)
TO DO´s
• Wake on LAN using of RC – present Ipad/Ipodtouch, Q02-BB and Data storage unit HDD (is IRC switch solution?!)
• XBMC as GUI instead W7
• Remote controller (touch screen, set into Q02 or separate unit connected by Bluetooth or direct WIFI with Q02-BB)
• WLAN optimize, present download between 5Mbps and 20Mbps (router 802.11 b/g/n 300Mbps, 2,4 GHz, RSSI -55 to -65dB, fiber connection 50Mbps, distance from router to the Q02 ca. 10m, some gypsum panels are there…
W7 System there is sometimes message “Display driver AMD stopped responding and has recovered…”, has to be proved what´s going on (www=Increase the GPU processing time by adjusting the Timeout Detection and Recovery registry value…
• Anodize in red instead black, but has to find out who is able to do that for “less money” or to prepare myself for it (dangerous H2)
I´ll appreciate any comments and support regarding my TODO´s:
Sorry, but I can not attached photos in thread, pls advice if it is possible to be done.
I published an report about build as "starmo" and attached many build photos here:
http://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1168971&highlight=q02
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