[4.5L] STX-Makerbeam revisit

https://imgur.com/a/jSjCOV2

Specs

• 22mm x 17mm x 12mm, 4.5L
• ASRock H110 STX motherboard
• Intel i5 7600k at stock clocks
• G.Skill Ripjaws 2x8GB DDR4 SODIMMs at 2400MHz
• EVGA 1060 3GB
• 128GB + 256GB SATA SSDs
• Noctua L9i CPU cooler
• ADT R43SF 25cm riser
• Dynamo 360 + Dell 330W AC adapter
• Case made with Makerbeams (10mmx10mm)

Purpose

• This was formally an HTPC. I later added dedicated graphics attached directly on the side of the original enclosure. This would be used to lone out to friends interested in PC gaming. This is also a proof-of-concept project for dedicated graphics over m.2
• The goal is to build an open air, roll-cage style “enclosure”

Why Makerbeams?

• Makerbeams are small scale t-slot aluminum extrusion solution that is great for small electronics. While expensive, they provide the modularity to build a one-off like this with reasonable cost, ease, and aesthetic appeal.

Should I build STX?

• I see some people interested in STX for its size. I would highly recommend against building STX unless your project requires very specific dimensions that mITX is unable to accommodate (such as a gamecube build). The Velka 3 sits at less than 4L and comes so close to the smallest STX builds that it becomes hard to justify this form factor.
• The core issue is that the motherboard runs on 19v and the GPU and riser runs on 12v. There are solutions to this, but the question becomes “why go through the hassle when mITX is just a bit larger and MUCH better supported"
• Another issue is that there’s a single-digit % graphical performance loss by running a GPU on PCIE 3.0 x4 over chipset. Again, why go through the hassle.

What’s next?

• I’m considering adding paneling that would snap into the holes of the corner cubes, but I haven’t worked out the logistics of it.
• Alternatively, I was also looking for a well-fitted case that could be used for travel (if you guys have any suggestions, let me know!)
• I’m considering adding a handle to the center of the frame, but I also haven’t thought of how I want to do that either
• This platform is probably not worth upgrading. The only thing that I would consider is a beefier GPU for higher res 60Hz gaming.

Can it be made smaller?

• Absolutely. There’s a lot of open space in the frame. Additionally, there’s a lot of superfluous cabling since I’m still using the stock set with Dynamo 360. I have no interest in shrinking it down, but it can absolutely be done.

Thanks for reading