Darkness - DIY SFF case for a microATX HTPC - power problems (updated 1/24)

Project progress:
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Ok, so I flushed the system and filled it with water and antifreeze. Assembled everything, hooked it up to the TV, hit the power switch and.........












Nothing appears on the TV
Bring it back upstairs and hook it up to a monitor - nothing
Take it apart again, plug the video card into my test system - card works.
At this point I am already on Newegg's website trying to figure how much a new MB+CPU+RAM is going to cost for something that will fit (matx mobos with holes around the cpu are not that common) - $160 not including shipping , damn! this was suppose to be a low budget project.

Since I don't have any other AMD systems I could use for testing I used the only part that I did have a spare of - the PSU (a modified generic 350W that came with my main rig's case). The size is a full ATX PSU so it couldn't fit inside. I hooked it up and - it worked - so now I need to get a new PSU. The only problem is that I don't want a generic POS, and the good ones (enermax/fortron) come in a different form factor with a fan in the wrong place (for my case).

I figure I need someting in the 200W range.

To be continued...

 

Damn shame, this project is coming along very nicely.

 

I am searching for solutions regarding the PSU - I have posted a few questions on another thread (this one) so please help

On another note I have been testing the temps with the watercooling and all I can say is WOW!!!
I tested it with the case open - the PSU is sitting right next to the case. Prime 95 for an hour.
Air: (with case closed, before the PSU gave up on me)
Idle 45
Load 68
Water:
Idle 34
Load 38

I had no idea how great water performs - I can't wait to start watercooling my main rig

 

BlackDiamond,

great mod, man! I love these SSF things...it's great to see how much one can cram into a small space and still keep down the heat.

One note, though...you mention putting antifreeze in your water. Read up on that first...you may not be helping yourself if you're doing it for temps (it actually worsens the thermal conductivity), and if you're doing it to prevent corrosion, water wetter may be a better way to go. Check out the extreme cooling part of this forum for more info. Just thought you may want the heads up.

 

I got the new PSU and installed it but now the whole system is acting up. I think that the mobo is dying

I am not concernd about the W/C performance so for now antifreeze is OK, got to get the system up first...

 

Memory OK?

 

What do you mean it's acting up? May not be the mobo... I sure hope it isn't!!!

 

your pics aren't showing... awe man!

 

I checked the pix, they're fine..

The system powers up but nothing appears on screen. Couldn't have happened in a worse timing - my wife is going into surgery (gall bladder stones). I don't have the time or the energy to play around with a sick computer and I can't afford to buy new parts now.

Bummer.