Help with cables/adapters

[Mbrown278]

Hi all,

I am currently building a more amateur version of the build here: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/stx160-0-the-most-powerful-atx-unit-in-the-world.934/

So far I have the internals from a Deskmini 110, with an i7 7700k and am looking to add a GPU. Looking to get a 1060 mini or higher so that it has the external power connector.

I have purchased the HDPlex 160 and am just trying to figure out the best way to power the M.2 to PCI-e riser. It currently has a FDD to 4 pin male molex cable, and I am now trying to find a female 4 pin molex to P4 but can't find any anywhere? I'm based in the UK.

On the build log quoted above and the youtube video found here: 

It look likes they have a FDD to P4 cable, but again can't find them anywhere? 

From looking at the specs of each cable I don't know if they will exist or how to connect this up as the molex/fdd have different voltages (5v/12v) than the P4 connection (12v), so I don't know how they have used an FDD to P4 in the video?

Can anyone direct me to where I can find these cables if they exist? Otherwise I am looking to get a female molex to sata, and would have to then use a sata cable to the HDPlex 160, which is just far more cable than I would like to have to try and fit in.

Thanks all

Mark

[Stefan Payne]

160W isn't enough for what you are planning.

And why not go for a Flex ATX PSU? Those are of way higher quality than this and not even much bigger either.

[Mbrown278]

So I started writing this: So I will still use the external power for the computer and the HDPlex 160 (which max can go to 200w) just for the GPU. So a total of 320w of power. That should be enough. If I started over again I probably would get the Flex ATX PSU, the only thing is that it doesn't have a 19v output so I would still have to use the external power brick also.

 

Then I actually just bought a flex atx 300w PSU - lols. Arrives in the next 4 days

 

The only thing is that, although it will fit perfectly in the case and could provide sufficient power for the whole thing, because the motherboard requires a 19v input, I would still need to use the external power brick.....but...I have been mucking about trying to find suitable cables/adapters etc with no luck and the flex ATX psu has every connector I need for the M.2 to PCIe riser, and for the GPU, so atleast I can do it hassle free, and sell the HD plex 160 which will probably recover the money just spent on the Flex.

 

Thanks for giving me a nudge, I had only discovered the Flex a week ago and was kicking myself I hadn't seen it earlier. Main reason I went for the 300w was the positioning of the cables coming out vertically which will take up less space in the case, and will easily power a riser/gpu requiring 120w for 1060 mini or up to a 1080, we shall see

 

Thanks

[ninbura]

26 minutes ago, Mbrown278 said:

The only thing is that, although it will fit perfectly in the case

Are you planning on using the existing case of the Deskmini 110 or do you have something else?

[Mbrown278]

So I have built a custom case, first time I've done one so it's not perfect and its not quite finished. It's also not quite as small as it could be, but I'm pleased. It's 10.8cm wide x 20cm tall x 16cm deep. Picture below with a 15cm ruler to give an idea of size.

 

I know that the GPU's i'm looking at are about 17cm deep, so I am either going to put a spacer at the rear to set it back or create a 1cm 'power bulge' type thing at the front.

 

I have more of the grill that I used on the top and will be using it for the sides, and I still need to make the rear and fix the front on, tidy the hole for the front ports, and fit the PSU and GPU

[ninbura]

On 7/6/2018 at 4:06 PM, Mbrown278 said:

So I have built a custom case, first time I've done one so it's not perfect and its not quite finished. It's also not quite as small as it could be, but I'm pleased. It's 10.8cm wide x 20cm tall x 16cm deep. Picture below with a 15cm ruler to give an idea of size.

Nice work man that's super cool! The GPU is actually the reason I asked, was just making sure you weren't planning on fitting a 6.8" GPU into a 5" case.

You could power the whole system with a Dell 330w Alienware brick, a barrel plug splitter, a HDPLEX 160w, and a female to female 4 pin fan cable or a 4 pin eps to molex adapter.

Basically you'd split the Alienware brick directly to the MOBO and to the HDPLEX, this way the HDPLEX is only powering the GPU and the P4SM2 (m.2 to PCIe x4 adapter). The HDPLEX has a 4 pin eps to 6 pin eps for the GPU but to power the P4SM2 you'd either need to buy 2 4 pin fan extenders, or a one 4 pin eps to molex. With the fan extenders you'd need to cut 2 in half and then rejoin (solder or twist wires) two of the female connectors back together, then you could plug the HDPLEX (from the 4pin sata connecter) directly into the P4SM2. If you went with the 4 pin eps to molex you'd plug the 4 pin into the CPU connector on the HDPLEX and then the molex into the molex adapter that comes with the P4SM2. However I've only been able to find 1 4 pin eps to molex adapter from a company who doesn't seem to typically sell cables so a bit sketchy... There are several 8 pin to Molex adapters with good reviews and that would technically work too if the 8 pin eps end was female (none of them are), then you could plug it directly into the 4 to 8 pin eps adapter that comes with the HDPLEX for the CPU. Unfortunately I couldn't find any female to female 8 pin eps cables but much like the fan extension cables you could simply cut two 8 pin eps extensions and rejoin two female ends. Sorry if that's all a bit confusing, I can try and clarify anything if you want. 

Dell 330W AC Adapter
Barrel Plug Splitter
HDPLEX 160w - https://www.hdplex.com/hdplex-160w-dc-atx-power-supply-16v-24v-wide-range-voltage-input.html (You might already have this?)

4 Pin Fan Power Extension Cables  OR 4 Pin EPS to Molex OR 2xEPS 8-Pin Power Extension Cables 
P4SM2 - http://www.bplustech.com/ExtenderBoard/P4SM2.html#Web-shop (You might already have this?)


Edit: According to community guidelines you aren't suppose to use the share button on Amazon / shortened links. I have updated the post to contain appropriate links, apologies for the inconvenience.

[Stefan Payne]

6 hours ago, Mbrown278 said:

he only thing is that it doesn't have a 19v output so I would still have to use the external power brick also.

No, not really.

There are ways to go around that.

If you know an electronics guy he could make you a 12V to 19V Step Up (or boost) Converter. 

 

But most of those seem to be for motors - you must not use those!

And it would be nice to have an electronics guy to help you with that to at least choose the right module for what you want.

[Mbrown278]

7 hours ago, TheAgnda said:

Nice work man that's super cool! The GPU is actually the reason I asked, was just making sure you weren't planning on fitting a 6.8" GPU into a 5" case.
 

Thanks, as I say a bit more amateur than the thread that gave me the idea, but made very easily with aluminium angle and some rivets

 

Some interesting options, but at least there are options which is what I was struggling to get my head round, thanks for the links ??

 

I've been looking at the 12v to 19v step up options - what is the reason for not being able to use those that are labelled as automotive? Would something like this be suitable? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-DC12V-Step-Up-To-19V-Voltage-8A-152W-Power-Supply-Converter-Regulator-Fine-/253055447736?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

Just need to find one as small as possible if I go that route,

 

Thanks again

 

[Stefan Payne]

I've seen those a couple of times while looking.

but in other ads, they are advertized as boost converters for Motors. And I'd trust those because that is what it looks like.

They aren't really what you are looking for.

 

But a Problem we don't really think about:
How to start the PC?

 

[Mbrown278]

1 hour ago, Stefan Payne said:

I've seen those a couple of times while looking.

but in other ads, they are advertized as boost converters for Motors. And I'd trust those because that is what it looks like.

They aren't really what you are looking for.

 

But a Problem we don't really think about:
How to start the PC?

 

I still have the power button which is working if that's what you mean?

There was a jumper that came with the HDPlex, but I don't know if something similar is required for the Flex ATX PSU? 

Or is there something else I'm forgetting? excuse my level of knowledge - am quite new to this

[Stefan Payne]

Yeah, you need something to start the ATX PSU.

That all doesn't seem to be that great...

[Mbrown278]

I guess I could do the paper clip jump but with a couple of wires and a switch instead, I’ve also emailed seasonic to see if there are any other ways round it

 

i wonder whether if I got a 12v to 19v step up and connected it to the psu/barrel connector on the motherboard whether that would start up the psu on switching on the motherboard

[ninbura]

2 hours ago, Mbrown278 said:

I still have the power button which is working if that's what you mean?

There was a jumper that came with the HDPlex, but I don't know if something similar is required for the Flex ATX PSU? 

Or is there something else I'm forgetting? excuse my level of knowledge - am quite new to this

This is one of the reasons I suggested doing everything with one brick and the HDPLEX 160, that way the only thing that matters is the power button on the case. With an AC adapter for the Mobo and a seperate PSU for everything else you have to plug in two seperate power cables, jump the PSU, flip the PSU power switch, and then press the power button on the PC.

 

That is of course if you don't use the step up, with that you could do the whole thing with the more standard PSU. I don't see any reason why the one you listed wouldn't work... It has all the correct specifications in terms of voltage, wattage, and amperage. You'd still need to modify a properly sized barrel plug though. For me I feel like the HDPLEX + Alienware brick would be easier but IDK.

 

25 minutes ago, Mbrown278 said:

i wonder whether if I got a 12v to 19v step up and connected it to the psu/barrel connector on the motherboard whether that would start up the psu on switching on the motherboard

Were you planning on connecting the step up to the 24 pin Mobo connecter or the 8 pin CPU connecter? Seems like if you wanted the PSU to power up with the Mobo power switch you'd split the wires from the 8 pin CPU connecter to the step up and a modified 24 pin jumper.

[Mbrown278]

From reviewing this I am not sure the Flex ATX psu is worth getting for the added issues. Does anyone have any experience with the exp gdc 9.5 GPU dock? I could go back to using the HDPlex 160, and just power the exp gdc with the 8 pin cable provided, no other cables etc needed, and I can jump the HDPlex with a pin provided with the kit. I would then use the original power cable for the motherboard and a kettle lead to the HDPlex 160. I could even put a splitter on the kettle lead so I still only have one plug powering the external and internal power supply (just with two connections to the computer)

 

 

 

 

[Mbrown278]

So I have now fitted the sides, which allowed me to see I could still shift the motherboard over by 5mm to give me more space on the GPU side. PSU still undecided, I have had some good responses from Overtek and Seasonic regarding the Flex, and am currently making enquiries regarding step up options to 19v. I'll set both the Flex ATX and the HD Plex 160 up to see which works best and what I am happy with regarding cables/switches etc etc. Updated pics:

 

 

 

[Mbrown278]

So... slight update. I tried the HDPlex which kept failing for some reason, so I have returned it.

 

To make this easier I decided just to go down the M-ITX route, although bigger would allow a much easier setup and less risk of power issues with M.2 adapters etc etc.

 

So spec now is an Asrock H270 AC/ITX motherboard, 2 x 8gb Ballistix sport DDR4 2400 ram, an M.2 240GB SSD, a 300w flex atx psu, i7 7700k CPU, Noctua L9i CPU cooler, and for the graphics card, as the games I play aren't too demanding I went for a low profile 1050ti. This time I added a sheet of perspex as the middle support for the motherboard and to prevent shorting with the gpu/psu.

 

I have had to remake the case and the size is now slightly bigger but measures 11.5cm x 20cm x 18.75 approx, so about 4.3 litres.

 

In terms of benchmarks, I can get 2112 on Novabench, this is 1080 CPU, 259 ram, 700 GPU and 73 disk score. 

 

I've still got more to do, such as corner pieces at the front and to drill a hole for the power button, but its almost complete. I also have the rear IO cover which will fit in place. Pics below