Pictorial guide/worklog of modifications to 'HTPC', GAM's Home Theatre PC; Making a cheap, simple case better - Page 14

By Greig Mackenzie

Fit out... begins

I've skipped along a little here. You can see that the top panel has now been fitted along with the front fan and front bezel. The front bezel has been fitted out with the manufacturer's LCD panel and front mounted ports.

NOTE: Down the track I made a duct to fit between the two front grills and the front fan. This is document later/elsewhere??.

PSU installed and front panel cables in position.

Fit out continues... new CPU HSF

Enter... Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro.

I might have chosen a different replacement HSF for the CPU, but this was recommended and I knew a place locally where I could buy one 'immediately' (that patience thing again).

Apparently decent (MX-01?) thermal insulation material (TIM) to be removed and subsequently replaced with Artic Silver 5.

Before

I used alcohol based CRC branded 'CO Contact Cleaner' to remove the existing TIM. I sprayed a little on at a time and let it soak in for a moment and then it wiped off with a tissue. I repeated this a few times until all the TIM had been removed. After that I cleaned the surface with the same cleaner and lint-free camera lens paper.

All clean. I didn't bother lapping this time, it looked pretty good to me as it was.

After

PSU power cable mod - Enermax Liberty 620w

Now, I really like my Enermax Liberty, despite the first one failing totally in the first week, duly replaced of course, but I HATE their 'combo' power cables!!!

For more info on this process, consult the PSU SATA Power Cable Mod/Sleeving Guide

First the SATA power only cable. I opened up the second last (self-crimping) Molex connector and removed it from the cable. I then cut off the remainder of the cable at the second row of crimp cuts (the little slices in the wires). I also removed the last (self-crimping) SATA power connector from the end that was cut off and installed it where the Molex connector was using the existing slices in the wires. The 'orange' wire was not previously connected at this point as it was a standard Molex connector in this location. This one had to be inserted so as to slice the wire (crimp) for the first time. The connector cap was replaced.

NOTE: I didn't see the need to insulate the end of the wires any further, but if necessary, put heat shrink over the exposed ends before installing the connector.

I have only installed two SATA connectors for the moment as that is all I need, however, it is easy to install additional connectors when required.

I also did a similar job on another PSU cable to make a Molex/Floppy only cable. This powers an IDE hard disk, optical drive, fan controller and something else that I can't recall. I chose to keep the orange wire just in case, but I doubt I'll ever need it and should just remove the wire altogether. Besides, I have other cables that I can destroy.