BOXX Compact

https://grabcad.com/challenges/boxx-future-workstation-design-challenge Design features: • Internal area is partitioned into two sections, one for the main hardware (motherboard, graphics cards, CPU water cooling), the other for storage and PSU. • By directly placing the intake fans in front of the main hardware with no in between obstacles, an optimum airflow and better cooling is achieved. • Two 5.25” bays are used for storage and optical media. I’m using for example two docking units from ICY DOCK one that has a laptop type DVD drive slot and two 2,5” HDD/SSD bays, and the second docking unit features 6 HDD/SSD bays. There is still room inside for further 3.5” HDDs but I don’t think they are necessary. Generally I believe all storage units should be directly accessible and hot-swappable without having to open the case. • A 1U type PSU is used in order to fit behind the 5.25” bays. It is positioned vertically and connected internally with an adaptor that connects to the external power cable. • In the main hardware area there is room to install a larger water-cooling sink in case graphics cards are to be attached to it. • A detachable front cover is placed in front of the 3 12cm fans. It can be easily removed and washed for keeping the internal dust to the minimum. • Most motherboards today come with 8 USB rear ports. So with the 4 at the front of the chasis, makes the 12 that BOXX requires. The case measures H 393mm W 212mm D 362mm, slightly wider and taller than the 4150 workstation but much shorter in depth. However I think it can fit more components and offers a better airflow. An alternative internal array would be to place the water cooling sink in the 1U PSU’s place but with 12.5mm thick fans in order to fit. This way a traditional ATX PSU can be used and positioned where BOXX originally placed its PSUs, on top of the CPU, which is quite space saving. The reason for this is that ATX PSUs are generally quitter. Most of the internal parts have been downloaded