Xbox pc?

[waggythegeek]

So, I have an Xbox 360. When it dies, can I use the case as my computer case? Also, are Xbox parts compatible with computers?

[insayan]

You could but you won't have much room and only the harddrive and dvd drive might be.

[SeriouslyMikey]

Yes, you can use the Xbox 360 case for your PC, though you may need to do some modding and expect it to be a challenge. 

And no, they're not. 

[RichardsD]

So, I have an Xbox 360. When it dies, can I use the case as my computer case? Also, are Xbox parts compatible with computers?

 

Yes, you can use the case.. although it might be a bit tight, especially for a CPU Cooler.  Everyone knows, 360 was not exactly the best for cooling (largest understatement of the century).

 

And no, the 360 doesn't use any of the same components as a PC, except the HDD, which may have a custom firmware and even that may not work.  

[waggythegeek]

Yes, you can use the case.. although it might be a bit tight, especially for a CPU Cooler. Everyone knows, 360 was not exactly the best for cooling (largest understatement of the century).

And no, the 360 doesn't use any of the same components as a PC, except the HDD, which may have a custom firmware and even that may not work.

Yeah, ik. I want a challenge! Will the noise and lighting around the power button still occur?

[RichardsD]

Yeah, ik. I want a challenge! Will the noise and lighting around the power button still occur?

 

No, you'd need to find a way to power said LED pattern through your Mobo's PWR LED connector, or do something custom.

 

I think you could easily just do a custom startup sound or something though for the sound.

[Imakuni]

Yes, you can re-use the case. However, you'll need some careful planing on the parts to be used.

 

If you'd like, I can help you with part selection. I've done some extensive researching and planing on this particular topic of "PC inside Xbox 360". If only I had the funds to pull it off....

[waggythegeek]

Yes, you can re-use the case. However, you'll need some careful planing on the parts to be used.

If you'd like, I can help you with part selection. I've done some extensive researching and planing on this particular topic of "PC inside Xbox 360". If only I had the funds to pull it off....

Can you pm me some info? My bro still likes the Xbox, so this is all theoretical, bit I would be very interested in seeing what you know!

[Imakuni]

Can you pm me some info? My bro still likes the Xbox, so this is all theoretical, bit I would be very interested in seeing what you know!

*Note: not going to PM, as other people might want to join the discussion, or at the very least read about it.

 

Okay, here's my suggestion. First, you must chose a path:

1. Path #1 is the "let me cut the case all over" path. In this path, you are willing to cut a lot of holes on the case, to make space for better ventilation. You are also willing to open a huge hole, so that your PSU sticks out of the case, as well as (possibily) the GPU. It's the easy way to go, but in the end, you get a product that doesn't even remember the Xbox case anymore, so I dislike that.
2. Path #2 is the "notebook" path. You'll be using a notebook mobo, with an external powerbrick, just like a normal laptop. Still, you'll be able to fit everything inside; however, as you are using notebook grade components, the performance will take a hit. It's also a common choice. Harder than #1, but still somewhat not as challenging.
3. Path #3 is my personal favorite; I call it "tetris lover", as you'll be playing tetris with your case and components. The goal is to fit normal PC's hardware (so NO notebook) inside the case. AND, the PSU must fit entirely inside, without anything sticking out. AND, you must make as few cuts on the case as possible, so no huge hole to fit the fans. This is super hard mode, requires a very careful planning and part selection, as well as a few tricks under the sleeve, which I'll go more into later.

   Oh, and did I forget to mention, you want to get the strongest hardware that you can fit inside?

Paths #1 and #2 are very well documented around the net, but you'll be hard pressed to find anything about #3. If you are interested in move foward with #3, I can explain further.

[waggythegeek]

*Note: not going to PM, as other people might want to join the discussion, or at the very least read about it.

Okay, here's my suggestion. First, you must chose a path:

• Path #1 is the "let me cut the case all over" path. In this path, you are willing to cut a lot of holes on the case, to make space for better ventilation. You are also willing to open a huge hole, so that your PSU sticks out of the case, as well as (possibily) the GPU. It's the easy way to go, but in the end, you get a product that doesn't even remember the Xbox case anymore, so I dislike that.
• Path #2 is the "notebook" path. You'll be using a notebook mobo, with an external powerbrick, just like a normal laptop. Still, you'll be able to fit everything inside; however, as you are using notebook grade components, the performance will take a hit. It's also a common choice. Harder than #1, but still somewhat not as challenging.
• Path #3 is my personal favorite; I call it "tetris lover", as you'll be playing tetris with your case and components. The goal is to fit normal PC's hardware (so NO notebook) inside the case. AND, the PSU must fit entirely inside, without anything sticking out. AND, you must make as few cuts on the case as possible, so no huge hole to fit the fans. This is super hard mode, requires a very careful planning and part selection, as well as a few tricks under the sleeve, which I'll go more into later.

  Oh, and did I forget to mention, you want to get the strongest hardware that you can fit inside?

Paths #1 and #2 are very well documented around the net, but you'll be hard pressed to find anything about #3. If you are interested in move foward with #3, I can explain further.

Number three please!

#Tetris

#nocooling

#cablemanagement

#hashtagsdontapplyhere

#idontevenusetwitter

[Imakuni]

Number three please!

#Tetris

#nocooling

#cablemanagement

#hashtagsdontapplyhere

#idontevenusetwitter

Okay! Here comes the huge wall of text. Before we begin, I have never actually tried it out. I made a shjt ton of math to make sure it'll work, but I might have screwed up somewhere.

 

Anyway, let's start with our hardware choices.

1. First, the easiest part: the RAM. This will be a gaming machine, so 8gb is plenty. We also know that dual channel makes almost no difference in fps, so we'll get a 1x8 kit. That way, if we ever need to cut out a DIM slot, we can; also, if we don't need a cut, we can upgrade to 16gbs later, should we ever want to.

   As for which particular model... well, that's easy. 1600mhz, CAS 9, 1.5V. Without a heatsink. That last one usually goes the opposite, but in a super tight build like that, every little bit counts.

   RAM CHOICE: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls8g3d1609es2lx0

    

2. Next up, a harder choice: the PSU. We won't be able to fit an ATX psu in the xbox case, oh we won't! So we'll have to resort to the lesser known TFX or SFX form factors. Now, I tried both options, and in the end, I realized that the SFX wasn't going to fit. Also, during my searches, I found a Seasonic, 350w (the max wattage that you can find on these 2 form factors), 80+ Gold, fully modular TFX PSU. That's all the info I needed to know what was going to be in the final build....

   PSU CHOICE: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-ss350tgmbulk

    

3. Okay, now we are getting to the interesting parts: the GPU. I knew I wanted something very strong (gtx 970). I also knew I wanted something that would consume as littler power as possible (gtx 970) due to our PSU. And I also knew I wanted it to dump as little heat as possible (gtx 970), as we'd have cooling problems. And I also knew that Gigabyte had a Mini 970 (freaking GTX 970) for sale! So I went with the Asus Mini 970....

   "Wah--!? Didn't you just say that the Gigabyte also have a mini 970? And that's also cheaper, why would you get the Asus??". And to that I reply: yes, I also thought that at first. But once I started to do the math, the Gigabyte card wasn't fitting in. So when I went to Asus site, I realized that the official size of the card was smaller than Gigabyte's. So I went with that, and guess what: it fit. Barely, but it did. So that ended up being my choice.

   GPU CHOICE: http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/GTX970DCMOC4GD5/

    

4. Alright, now comes a tricky part: the motherboard. I initially though "just get the cheapest LGA 1150 Mini-ITX board and call it a day". I couldn't have been more wrong. The general idea for the socket and size was right, but I soon realized that I couldn't just do it carelessly. Due to the layout of the each mobo, I soon found out that I couldn't count with MSI to do the job. I analyzed various different layouts and in fact, the picture you'll see at the end of the post actually wasn't my final choice!

   I decided to stick with the Asus H81I Plus. If you take a good look at this picture (I got it from the manual in Asus' site) and compare it to the final layout at the end of this post, you'll get why this was my choice. We will be losing 2 sata ports and the TPM (whatever that is...). However, we still have 2 more sata ports at 11, two usb 2.0 ports at 15 and one usb 3.0 at 14. The 24-pin connector is also as far away from the PSU's end as possible, so we won't have to strain the cable as much when trying to plug it in. And, we also have an extra 4-pin fan header at the top, should we fin room for such *imaginary* fan...

   Oh, and if you remember our GPU choice, we'll see that Asus is really raking in the cash with this build   

   MOBO CHOICE: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/H81IPLUS/

    

5. Huh. Next: the CPU. This will be somewhat easy. We already know the socket, LGA 1150. We also know that we won't be doing any overclocking; while we might need to do underclock or undervolt, we can do that even with a locked CPU. So one might think about the i5-4690? Nope. That's a Haswell Refresh CPU, and might have incompatibility with the H81 mobo that we chose.

   "Okay, so get the 4670 then, it won't have problems with the H81". And in a sense, you are right, that would seem like a good choice. But nope, we ain't going for that. Those CPUs will generate A LOT of heat, that will become trapped inside our case, due to lack of airflow. So my suggestion is the i7-4770S. Why? Because the "S" series is rated for 65w TDP, instead of the regular 84w. I could have gone with a Xeon CPU, but those are 80w. I was originally going for a 4670S, but I couldn't find that, so I just got the 4770S instead. Besides... has HyperThreading.

   CPU CHOICE: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74770s

    

6. Next, CPU cooler.

   "But, BUT, DUDE! We have a locked CPU, we won't need a CPU cooler". Yes my ladies, under normal circumstances, that's correct. But nothing about this build is normal. That stock cooler will have very limited access to air, so we need something a little more beefy. Besides, we can also use that 80mm fan that comes bundled with the CPU as an exaust fan. And guess what: since it's a CPU cooler, it has a PWM control, which we could make use with our spare 4-pin connector on the mobo! HEY! I think I just "accidentally" discovered that we actually had an imaginary fan... ain't am I a genius?

   If you'd like to see why this particular model was chosen as our cooler, check out this review: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/low-profile-heat-sink-mini-itx,3639.html

   COOLER CHOICE: http://www.zalman.com/global/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=468

    

7. Last, but not least: our HD..... wait. There ain't no space for an HD. Maybe. What we're going to do, is fit one SSD under the GPU. Yup, that's right, under it.

   But past this point, there are a few choices here, and no definitive one. The size is completely random. You can get 128gbs, 256, 500, even 1TB SSDs! just for the sake of it, I'll go with a 500gb SSD.

   STORAGE CHOICE: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-internal-hard-drive-ct500bx100ssd1

And there you have it! Now, there's more stuff coming, as you'll need some extra pieces to assemble your entire PC. But for now, here's a picture of how parts should look like. I printed some real size pictures of the parts, for us to see if it would fit (the RAM on the picture is actually real, though). The white piece of paper has the size of the PSU. And that void space is where we'll dump the excess cable length of the 24 pin cable. It'll also be used as a place for our CPU fan.

 

Next post will be used to describe assembly.

 

Preliminary PartPicker link: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zHj7gs

 

Picture of the general layout of the build: 

[Imakuni]

Allright! Now that we know the hardware that we'll be using, we must know how to assemble it.

 

First off, we'll need some additional hardware:

1. Let's start with some optional stuff. If you take a good look at our motherboard, you'll see that we have 3 usb headers; however, our "case" (if you can call the xbox 360 that....) has no USB that we can use! To address that, we'll buy some things.
   
   First, we'll need 2 USB 2.0 headers. Those can be found on amazon, following this link. Note that you'll need to cut the xbox 360 case to make room for it. You can put it anywhere you'd like, so use your imagination on that!
   
   Next, we'll need the USB 3.0. Those can be found here. And if you find  "geez, this cable is too short, how am I supposed to route this thing??", then fear not, for I have your answer: this other thing. Yea.... the powar of thingies.....
    
2. Next on our list, is a non optional purchase. Go to our layout map and have a look at our GPU placement. It CLEARLY isn't connected to the PCIe slot. We have to fix that. But how?
   
   Turns out, there is a thing called bitcoin mining; it makes good use of a crap-ton of GPUs per 1 CPU. "And? What does it have to do with us?". Well, they realized that they could make efficient use of more than traditional 4 GPUs. However, that was impossible to achieve, as the top card would block access to the PCIe slot right below it. So, in order to solve this issue, they created something called, PCIe Riser - a fancy name for a PCIe extension. That's how we'll do our setup: we'll connect the GPU to a PCIe riser, allowing us to position our graphics card in a convenient position, as shown in the layout picture.
   
   MANDATORY BUY: PCIe Riser
    
3. And if the problem with the PCIe Riser wasn't enough, we have YET another problem with the GPU. Go to the PSU's manufacturer page and glance over the list of connectors. Realize the truth: it has no support for GPUs, as it has no 8-pin connectors. That, along with the fact that our GPU does require one of these cables.
   
   The answer: the dreaded and feared 2-molex to 8-pin adapter. I say that because 90% of the time where you'd need one of these adapters, it is because the PSU just can't handle a GPU anyway. But don't worry, that's not our case. Linus (and my own private tests) have found that a full system with a gtx 970 and Intel CPU will only draw around 250w. Our PSU is more than capable of supplying that. Later on this post, we'll also be reducing power consumption anyway, but not because of power delivery issue; instead, it's going to be because of heat / cooling issues. So don't worry, we'll be okay with that adpater.
   
   MANDATORY BUY: 2 Molex to 8-pin adapter*
   *Note: The Gigabyte Mini 970 already comes with the required cable. The Asus' might come with one as well. However, since I couldn't find any info on it, I'll be mentioning it as a mandatory purchase. Besides, it's only a few bucks anyway.

Yay! Now we have all the components we'll need. Well, maybe the tools needed for making the cuts... but I won't list those. I'll assume that you either have them, or has access to them. With that out of the way, let us move forward with the assembly:

1. Kicking the start of our list... is the Xbox opening. Do that, and get rid of the metal part inside. That will only take up space. Throw it way.
    
2. Next, the pre-install. Put all the pieces as shown in the picture, and align them so that everything part fits in it's proper place. Make any minor mods needed for the case to hold everything; likewise, cut the excess of the GPU shield, as well as any part of the mobo that blocks the PSU (so that's the 2 outer SATA ports and the TPM header), should it come to that point.
    
3. And once everything is in place, use a pen to mark the screw holes of the mobo onto the case. Next, find a way to stick the metal standoffs onto it. Once the standoffs are firmly secured, install the mobo.
    
4. After the mobo, install the CPU. Duh. You could have done that before as well, but I forgot to mention it, so do it now. And connect the CPU 4-pin cable to the mobo; don't connect it to the PSU, though. DON'T install the cooler yet, though.
   
   Oh, also install the memory kit now. Install it on the slot closer to the CPU... that should be the only one available anyway..... *cue cut.
    
5. Good luck with the PSU. You'll need it. Find a way to stick it onto the case. Don't worry about the cables... yet. Just secure it in place. Also, try not to suffocate the PSU fan. Leave as much space as you can for it to breathe.
    
6. Now, connect a SATA cable to the SSD, as well as the sata-power cable. Put the SSD in place. Leave the cables hanging around for a bit, don't connect them just yet.
    
7. Connect your PCIe Riser to both the mobo and the GPU. Position the GPU in place, and hide the excess of the cable beneath it. You'll have a hard time at this point, as you have to deal with the SSD cables that we left hanging before. Find a way to position everything. Do your best to leave as much space open for the GPU fan as possible. Also, connect the molex to 8-pin adapter to the GPU and the 2 molex to the adapter...
    
8. And now that we have everything in place, it's time to connect that bunch of hanging cables. First, assemble the SATA cable onto the mobo; tuck the excess part beneath the GPU. Next, plug that bunch of power cables onto the PSU. You can try and hide the excess GPU and SATA power cables beneath our graphics card. If needed, try moving the SSD around. Leave the excess CPU cable hanging for a bit longer, we ain't hiding it just yet.
    
9. Connect the USB headers (and extension, for the 3.0), put them in whatever place of the case oyu want them to be, and hide the cabling. A particular suggestion of mine is for you to turn around the CPU, sticking it onto the motherboard shield, going up the CPU cable, and ending up near the PSU. Why? Because that's where the original Xbox 360 had it's USBs, so there's a little flap to hide the case mod when you are not using such USBs.
    
10. Remember that I said you should stick the USB cables around the CPU by glueing it onto the mobo shield? That's because we are going to be installing the CPU cooler now. Install it at this point.
     
11. Now, all we need left is to fit the stock CPU fan (throw the heatskink away) in that spot full of cables, and then tuck all of the remaining said cables inside the case.

And you are done! Yay! We just build a pc inside.... WAIT. There's more. Don't close the PC yet, there are still things that need to be done. It's software time. And there's a lot of it.

1. First, I install the OS. Don't install the drivers yet, just install Windows.
2. Next, I hope that you know how to do undervolting via BIOS. Find the lowest stable voltage for the CPU and apply it.
3. Following the trend to do CPU tweaking, we'll do GPU tweaking... via BIOS. Yup, that's right, we'll do BIOS modding. You'll need some extensive research on that to do it yourself; or, you could ask someone else to do it. Anyway, the things you are looking for are: getting rid of GPU Boost 2.0; reducing the power limit to never exceed 115W; 0 db feature (the Asus Strix has such feature, but I don't know if the Mini version does); and last, lower the minimum voltage allowed...
4. With our BIOS modded, check for stability. Again, lower voltages as much as you can without artifacts. Remember to make tests as lengthy as possible.

And NOW, we are almost done. After all of this, close the case, and do stress testing. If CPU get's to 85C or more, you'll need to reduce the multiplier and voltages even further. If the GPU get's to 82C or more, again, you'll need to reduce voltages further. If temps are fine, you can play with OC the GPU as well.

 

 

So finally, TRULY, this time, we are REALLY done. Install any programs and drivers that you want, and enjoy your super strong Xbox PC!

[waggythegeek]

-wall of text-

Daaaaaaaaang man..... You thought EVERY FUCKING THING through. Excuse my language, but that sir, was a work of art. Is there any way to do an external power supply like in a laptop? Also, I ain't got deep pockets. Are there cheaper graphics cards that would work? Or a weaker CPU?

[Imakuni]

Daaaaaaaaang man..... You thought EVERY FUCKING THING through. Excuse my language, but that sir, was a work of art. Is there any way to do an external power supply like in a laptop? Also, I ain't got deep pockets. Are there cheaper graphics cards that would work?

Huh. Yeah, I feel your pain too, I lack a deep pocket as well.

 

I haven't really searched for external laptop PSUs nor cheaper cards. One "easy" solution is to just buy a laptop and scrap the case with the display, so you'll just re-use everything else. But other than that, I don't really know.

 

I'll be finishing the build guide later, so don't forget to look back. But right now, I gotta sleep. Cya!

[waggythegeek]

*Reserved for the continuation.

When can we expect continuation?

[Imakuni]

When can we expect continuation?

Yesterday, I arrived at home at about 10pm. Last time I ate was 12am. And I had to wake up at about 6 in the next day....... so I had no time. Today, I'm working at a proposal for my university, requesting access to their computers.... so no time.

 

If I don't make time during tomorrow, 100% I'll do it on Friday (pretty busy on Thursday). Don't worry, I didn't forget it.

[Fgtfv567]

If you don't mind sticking your PC upright, try the Ncase M1 Linus reviewed, I'd recommend getting a reference cooler tho for the GPU

[waggythegeek]

Yesterday, I arrived at home at about 10pm. Last time I ate was 12am. And I had to wake up at about 6 in the next day....... so I had no time. Today, I'm working at a proposal for my university, requesting access to their computers.... so no time.

 

If I don't make time during tomorrow, 100% I'll do it on Friday (pretty busy on Thursday). Don't worry, I didn't forget it.

Yikes! busy schedule! Looking foreward to it! can't wait!

[Imakuni]

Yikes! busy schedule! Looking foreward to it! can't wait!

Finished.... probably.