Project Iota

[mr.squishy]

I'm sticking with naming this computer after a letter of the Greek Alphabet like I do all of my builds (Gamma, Mu, etc.) SO I chose Iota for this one, because it's the smallest build I will have ever done when it is complete. This really should be renamed collegebuild v1.0 or scrublordbeatercase5000, but whatever. The basics behind Iota are that it is a project for me to work on for a while while I attempt to solve the problem of making a custom case for it. I wanted a computer I could shove in my backpack, but I also wanted to not spend too much money, which is why it isn't super powerful. I think I've acheived the best layout for my parts, but any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

Quick parts list:

CPU: TBA

MOBO: TBA

RAM: 8 gigs of G. Skill/TBA

HDD: 320GB WD Blue

GPU: Asus GTX 460

PSU: Corsair CX 430m

Case(?):TBA

 

 

Here are some tags:

@tmcclelland455, @MEC-777, @vinyldash303

I have mostly everything, but I am missing 2 essential things:

 

 

 

There have been some interesting developments. More to come.

[mr.squishy]

Here is what the form factor looks like as of now. I will update this post with new developments and ideas. The current dimensions are around 13x10x6

Revision 1

 

(knife is there for demonstration purposes only)

 

My current plan of attack is to get some sheet aluminum and bend a case.

 

Again, I'm open to ideas and suggestions. Thanks for looking!

[DannyRyu]

Super budget build?

[mr.squishy]

Super budget build?

You know it. Sometime this weekend I'm going to pit this against Gamma (my main rig) and Mu (my previous budget build) and see which one has the best performance per dollar.

[MEC-777]

Sub'd.

 

BTW, I saw a GTX 460 exactly like the one you have for sale locally. They're asking $65 and I'm super tempted. Such a pretty card and I will be needing a replacement for the GTX 760 for Project Stalker as that card is being sold with my earlier Frankenputer scrapyard build. 

[flibberdipper]

The only thing I hate about this build is the motherboard, since I more or less have a burning hatred for their boards post-939.

[kkpatel87]

-snip-

 

I would recommend sketching out or designing (with proper bend radii) the final plate before you purchase some sheet metal. I would think a simple C channel would suffice with standoffs at the open end for rigidity.

[MEC-777]

@mr.squishy - Where'd you find the PCIe ribbon and how much was it? (if you don't mind me asking). 

[mr.squishy]

@mr.squishy - Where'd you find the PCIe ribbon and how much was it? (if you don't mind me asking). 

I used this one, it seems to work fine

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BZBFTG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

[mr.squishy]

A sad update for anyone following the thread, during some testing today I had a bluescreen and when I rebooted Iota, there was no video output. After much testing and troubleshooting, I came to the conclusion that the pcie slot is dead. SO, This project has come to a very abrupt hold until I can get my hands on another small form factor motherboard for Iota.

[flibberdipper]

A sad update for anyone following the thread, during some testing today I had a bluescreen and when I rebooted Iota, there was no video output. After much testing and troubleshooting, I came to the conclusion that the pcie slot is dead. SO, This project has come to a very abrupt hold until I can get my hands on another small form factor motherboard for Iota.

Take my like out of sadness.

 

If it makes you feel better, the TV tuner I found in a wet PC works. It has spawned some good ol' 480p videos.

[MEC-777]

@mr.squishy - Just saw this deal pop up in my email. Thought you might be interested. It's a little bigger than the one you had, but it also has more features and 4 DIMM slots. 

 

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128565&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL111815CA&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL111815CA-_-EMC-111815-Index-_-AMDMotherboards-_-13128565-L0C&_ga=1.41879714.1240125128.1430232466

[mr.squishy]

@mr.squishy - Just saw this deal pop up in my email. Thought you might be interested. It's a little bigger than the one you had, but it also has more features and 4 DIMM slots. 

 

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128565&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL111815CA&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL111815CA-_-EMC-111815-Index-_-AMDMotherboards-_-13128565-L0C&_ga=1.41879714.1240125128.1430232466

I've actually already picked up a replacement...unit...

More on that when I get home for Thanksgiving break  though

[mr.squishy]

Good news: I have located a case.

[MEC-777]

Good news: I have located a case.

 

Thought you were going to build a custom case?

[mr.squishy]

Thought you were going to build a custom case?

The plans have changed. I'm going to heavily modify an existing case.

[MEC-777]

The plans have changed. I'm going to heavily modify an existing case.

 

Ah, cool. Can't wait to see it.

 

That reminds me, I need to finish up the case for Stalker v2. Almost there, just had to put it on hold for a little while.  

[mr.squishy]

Hoping for an update today