A see a number of threads asking what cases can they fit the Framework motherboard into … but has anyone considered the other way around?
Would something like the minisforum Mini-ITX boards with integrated coolers fit into the Framework case?
Not everyone is going to need the monster AI Max+ 395 whatever-it’s-called… and some might be happy with a 7840u (or assume HX3x0 class boards will be made at some point) and get a cheaper Framework Desktop, I think the case design is pretty cool and the PSU seems well thought out.
I admit, I haven’t checked the engineering specs for clearances etc, so forgive me if this is just lazy posting.
That’s a good question. If you don’t need the PCIe slot, compatibility should be good as long as the cooling solution if the third party board is not too tall. I think max cooler height incl fan is 85 mm. If you want to use the Framework PSU you might just need an ATX power cable extension for the 24-pin and/or the 8-pin cable, if the sockets in that third party board are significantly further away from the PSU. You will also need your own cables for connecting front IO ports to the board, make sure to get the right type and length.
Pretty sure Framework said they adhered to the mini-itx spec, so any mini-itx board should be able to be mounted in the Framework Case.
Cooler compatibility is a different question entirely, you’d have to check the clearances for the provided CPU coolers and then cross reference to whatever cooling solution you are thinking of to see if they are similar dimensions.
You’re correct. All the videos indicate mini-itx support. They’ve all noted that if you wanted to use the PCIe, it would likely need a third party case, but I suspect that maybe some modules made or developed later might allow some added capability.
I was thinking of putting a board in there and the best solution I could think of was getting a USB header (whatever generation you board has) to USB-C female cable and using the Framework expansion cards. Only issues are speed and most USB headers don’t have alt mode so no HDMI or DisplayPort expansions. Also I mentioned in another thread there is a gap in the bottom right Tile slot that you could maybe feed a USB port to with a custom Tile to hold it