Questions about Custom Mobo Cover

[atomiku]

So I've been researching a potential project to improve the looks of my case a bit, inspired by my discovery of a (now ancient) thread by forum user Zesti and his "Project Zoe" build, which I highly recommend if you haven't seen it.

 

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/8039-project-zoe/

 

One thing he did that I absolutely love, besides all of it, is the custom cover for his motherboard, as it really cleans up the look of the build, and as someone with an admittedly ugly-as-sin motherboard (ASRock X58 Extreme) this appeals to me.

 

The only issue I can forsee for me (I've checked everything else, the prices for everything I want is well within budget, it looks to be a sub-$50 project) is cooling. It is an older motherboard, from when they still had separate north and south bridges. I'm concerned that if I cover up the short heatsink over my southbridge, I'll have to worry about cooling, but I'm also wondering if leaving it uncovered would change much at all, as the heat sink wouldn't be very exposed to the airflow in my case anyways. 

 

So, are south bridges known to get warm? Should I leave it open to be safe? Am I being paranoid? Am I asking too many questions?

 

Please let me know what you guys think,

Atomiku

 

P.S. I'm thinking a nice thin sheet of Aluminum with a carbon fiber vinyl wrap on it would look just stunning in my case, fingers crossed!

[W-L]

So I've been researching a potential project to improve the looks of my case a bit, inspired by my discovery of a (now ancient) thread by forum user Zesti and his "Project Zoe" build, which I highly recommend if you haven't seen it.

 

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/8039-project-zoe/

 

One thing he did that I absolutely love, besides all of it, is the custom cover for his motherboard, as it really cleans up the look of the build, and as someone with an admittedly ugly-as-sin motherboard (ASRock X58 Extreme) this appeals to me.

 

The only issue I can forsee for me (I've checked everything else, the prices for everything I want is well within budget, it looks to be a sub-$50 project) is cooling. It is an older motherboard, from when they still had separate north and south bridges. I'm concerned that if I cover up the short heatsink over my southbridge, I'll have to worry about cooling, but I'm also wondering if leaving it uncovered would change much at all, as the heat sink wouldn't be very exposed to the airflow in my case anyways. 

 

So, are south bridges known to get warm? Should I leave it open to be safe? Am I being paranoid? Am I asking too many questions?

 

Please let me know what you guys think,

Atomiku

 

P.S. I'm thinking a nice thin sheet of Aluminum with a carbon fiber vinyl wrap on it would look just stunning in my case, fingers crossed!

 

Ah I remember that build it was awesome!

 

And as for your motherboard shroud I would highly recommend using motherboard standoffs to hold up the shroud to give it adequate airflow for your south bridge since you are worried about airflow, and to prevent any possibility of short circuiting any of the components since you plan to use aluminium. I wouldn't worry too much as long as they don't get burning hot, but if they get toasty you can always design a grill or cut out to facilitate the heatshink on it to get it access to more direct fresh air. 

 

Also just make sure to use aluminium of adequate thickness to prevent sag or bending of the sheet so it doesn't rest on parts of the motherboard.

[atomiku]

Thanks for the input! I've felt the southbridge before, and it's never been to warm to touch, so I'm not super worried. Plus, tbh, it's always covered up almost entirely by my GPU anyways. 

 

I had planned on using motherboard standoffs, and the aluminum I found from Home Depot is .5mm thick, so it's shouldn't be so heavy as to sag, plus, it'll be mounted vertically, so I don't imagine it should be a problem.

 

My case has pretty decent airflow (7 fans in a midtower) so I was pretty sure it would all work out, but I wanted to ask you guys first!

[W-L]

Thanks for the input! I've felt the southbridge before, and it's never been to warm to touch, so I'm not super worried. Plus, tbh, it's always covered up almost entirely by my GPU anyways. 

 

I had planned on using motherboard standoffs, and the aluminum I found from Home Depot is .5mm thick, so it's shouldn't be so heavy as to sag, plus, it'll be mounted vertically, so I don't imagine it should be a problem.

 

My case has pretty decent airflow (7 fans in a midtower) so I was pretty sure it would all work out, but I wanted to ask you guys first!

 

Sounds pretty good to me, I don't see any problems as long as you have the tools to cut the sheet it should be a pretty good looking covering.

 

GL on it.

[ungreedy]

would a sheet of lexan work? stuff is pretty easy to work with.

good luck on the cover would love to see some pics. BTW thanks for pointing out that build log the pc is so simple,clean but yet so amazing !