Introduction: Case for Mini-itx Motherboard Asrock AM1H-ITX for HTPC / Daily Computer

By Garagem Fab Lab.
About: ...

This is a small project consisting of creating a case for the Asrock mini-itx AM1H-ITX motherboard.

This board is used to support the new 4 cores AMD Kabini CPU, which aren't that powerful, but have everything you need for a good HTPC computer, or even a day to day web browsing, writing computer with a 25w TDP.

I had to choose between those last AMD CPU or the Intel Bay-trail CPU for which some board can be fanless but are crippled purposely by Intel : SATA2, Max 1920x1200 and no 4K, etc.

The intel part has better open-source linux drivers as you must use AMD proprietary drivers which aren't that good.

The computer will be loaded with ubuntu/Win7

Step 1: What You Need

I used those parts (everything bought on Amazon) :

  • Super Power Supply® 2 x 6dBi RP-SMA Dual Band 2.4GHz 5GHz + 2 x 8in / 20cm U.fl / IPEX Cable Antenna Mod Kit No Soldering for Wireless Routers Linksy $10.59
  • Intel 3160 Dual Band Wireless AC + Bluetooth Mini PCIe card Supports 2.4 and 5.8Ghz B/G/N/AC Bands $19.99
  • ASUS 19V 3.42A 65W AC Adapter for Asus $18.99
  • ASRock Motherboard Micro AM1H-ITX $58.99
  • AMD Athlon 5350 APU, 2.05Ghz, AD5350JAHMBOX $64.29
  • Crucial 4GB Kit (2GBx2) DDR3 1333 MT/s (PC3-10600) CL9 Unbuffered UDIMM 240-Pin Desktop Memory Modules CT2CP25664BA1339 $44.50
  • Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE120BW $69.99

  • StarTech.com 50x10mm Replacement Ball Bearing Computer Case Fan TX3/LP4 Connector FAN5X1TX3 (Black) $9.60 (BE CAREFUL THE HEIGHT OF THIS FAN IS A BIT SMALLER THAN THE ONE WHICH COMES WITH THE CPU, THE DESIGN OF THE BOARD WAS DESIGNED ACCORDINGLY) I suppose it also fits with the AMD one but can't verify...

Total : $287,34

Plus specifically for the case :

  • 4 jack screw standoffs (small one for motherboard)
  • 12 M3-0.5 x 20mm
  • 8 M3-0.5 x 10mm
  • 20 nuts (across flats 5.5mm, height 2.4mm)
  • 3 mm mdf/PMMA, etc.
  • Buttons to start the computer
  • A laser cutter.

Step 2: Fixing the Ssd/hdd

I fixed the SSD on the top part of the case, and added some nuts to liberate some space in order to facilitate the SATA cable entry.

Step 3: Putting Everything Inside

Normally everything should fit inside even if it's not that easy with the SATA and power cable.

The I/O is to be put first, the rest fits easily

The Wifi/bluetooth cables fit correctly hopefully.

I used the long M3 bolt to sustain the different parts with the small nut.

And voila, the case finished, it's simple in mdf for a test, i'll use acrylic next time.

Step 4: Files

I designed the case using Fusion 360, so you'll find a .f3d file with the .stp file.

The rest are exported .dxf of each sides

Enjoy!

Attachments