Building a Framework Desktop

Creators & Developers Mainboard
#1

I’m toying with the idea of a building a framework desktop because of the sale prices.

Here is what I am looking to place into it:

I figure with the dock, I won’t need either an audio or Ethernet module. Have no desire for it to be wireless

Does this look viable?

I decided to not use the Framework charger because I wanted a little more headroom on the power.

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#2

Can’t see any reason why this wouldn’t work!

Only two things to figure out:

  • case. 3D print? Machined metal? Wood? Acrylic?

  • thermal management/airflow. Will you be using case fans? How will you get fresh air to the fan intake? How will you exhaust hot air?

Note that there are M.2 1 GbE and 2.5 GbE adapters which can be installed in the M.2 WiFi slot (A+E keyed) if you wanted to go with a simpler hub or get 2.5 GbE. I’ve always been curious about these and forum regulars are probably getting sick of me talking about them.

This is a very interesting project, please keep us updated!

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#3

For the case I debated between a printed case or just using the Cooler master case that is made for the Framework Board. I was opting on lower aggravation and went with the Cooler Master case especially after seeing YouTube video about the Cooler Master Case from Elevated Systems

It is a case and screws, so it has everything to get up an running up and quick. The only complaint that he had was the fan produced a high whine during certain speeds, but I don’t have any qualms with taking a dremmel to open the top or bottom of the case to open it up for more air flow.

Not really worried any Ethernet speed above 1 Gbe because I don’t have any Network components that can handle 2.5.

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#4

Duh, you said so in your original post. Guess my enthusiasm got the better of me.

#5

The headroom with 100W should be more than enough. These motherboards are more efficient that I could imagine. Initially I was going to get the FW adapter, but I could even power my setup using a 11th Gen Intel board with a Nintendo Switch adapter which only goes up to 39 watts. Granted, my USB hub I/O is more modest with just a single 3.0 port and several 2.0 ports, so you should need more power with yours just to be safe.

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#6

I have used a 30 watt MacBook Air power supply and a 25 watt Samsung Note20 Ultra power supply with my 11th Gen batch 1.

I prefer a minimum of a 45 watt Samsung power supply though.

#7

Went with the following:

All working fine, but I had to reset the BIOS for it to get to work, which is weird, but hey it is up

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#8

Would love to see what it looks like!

#9

Nah, don’t worry! We just learn to tune you out when we spot “GbE” in a post! :laughing:

Jk of course

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#10

LOL, but is that not the proper technical term? Gigabit Ethernet?

If not I’ll stop using it. :slightly_smiling_face:

#11

No, I mean it’s just easy to spot in a post. :smile:

1 Like