First post, by harryshuman
This is first part of my odyssey to build the killer Windows 98 PC. I Was finally able to cram my killer Windows 98 build into a modern small form factor case.
The star of the show is SFF Time P-ATX v2 case. The selection was clear, it is the only case small case that supports full-ATX mother boards. The main challenge was being able to cram both a video card and a sound card into the 2 remaining card slots (3rd is blocked by mobo). This results in the biggest challenge yet: finding a PCI (32-bit) riser that can actually fit. After some months of searching I was able to find the required part (I believe it was used on some pre-build industrial PCs, and utilizes 2 PCB boards connected by 2 tiny IDE-like cables). No other old school PCI riser available on the market will fit without extremely modification (lots of cutting and soldering). Originally the case was meant to be used with a single 2-slot device, but because of the 2 risers, I effectively required 2.5 slots. since the risers were sandwiched by two cards. The PCI-E rises is a high quality, so I doubt it will be affected by being in contact with the GPU's backplate. Both risers however create a sort of spring (especially the PCI-E one that's covered in thick rubber) that pushes both cards apart.
I utilized nylon mobo standoffs of variable sizes to provide rigidity points (mobo->sound card, sound card->video card). The PCI riser fits just barely, but it does create an extra support point. The sound card also has minor support from the bottom, where I utilized nylon standoffs and screw heads to create a rail of sorts (it can slide which is ok, it releases tension, but not move back and forth is is important when using the back ports). The video card's PCI-E riser comes with special standoffs that can be screwed into the case, so the GPU sits very rigidly.
Since the old fan on the video card sounds like a Cessna taking off, I will remove it and the plastic cover with Nvidia logo, leaving the stock heatsinks but attach a 3D-printed shield with low-noise extra thin 120mm fan attached to it. It will provide sufficient airflow and practically remove any noise (already tested). The motherboard also features added standoffs for a 3D-printed shield as well (I already installed them to take measurements). The case also comes with the ability to install standoffs on the side, so I plan to replace the fault metal side with a glass cover. Having it on the stand offs will increase clearance, and will improve cooling. The case fits the default 775 Intel fan perfectly, the plan is to replace it with 3rd party low profile 775 cooler. Temperatures aren't an issue under synthetic tests, so I can go with smaller cheaper options from Aliexpress. Since I will use a glass sheet with standoffs on the side which increases clearance, I can probably look for bigger ones as well.
