Case for Mini-itx Motherboard Asrock AM1H-ITX for HTPC / Daily Computer

This is a small project consisting of creating a case for the Asrock mini-itx AM1H-ITX motherboard.

This board is used to support the new 4 cores AMD Kabini CPU, which aren't that powerful, but have everything you need for a good HTPC computer, or even a day to day web browsing, writing computer with a 25w TDP.

I had to choose between those last AMD CPU or the Intel Bay-trail CPU for which some board can be fanless but are crippled purposely by Intel : SATA2, Max 1920x1200 and no 4K, etc.

The intel part has better open-source linux drivers as you must use AMD proprietary drivers which aren't that good.

The computer will be loaded with ubuntu/Win7

I used those parts (everything bought on Amazon) :

• Super Power Supply® 2 x 6dBi RP-SMA Dual Band 2.4GHz 5GHz + 2 x 8in / 20cm U.fl / IPEX Cable Antenna Mod Kit No Soldering for Wireless Routers Linksy $10.59
• Intel 3160 Dual Band Wireless AC + Bluetooth Mini PCIe card Supports 2.4 and 5.8Ghz B/G/N/AC Bands $19.99
• ASUS 19V 3.42A 65W AC Adapter for Asus $18.99
• ASRock Motherboard Micro AM1H-ITX $58.99
• AMD Athlon 5350 APU, 2.05Ghz, AD5350JAHMBOX $64.29
• Crucial 4GB Kit (2GBx2) DDR3 1333 MT/s (PC3-10600) CL9 Unbuffered UDIMM 240-Pin Desktop Memory Modules CT2CP25664BA1339 $44.50
• Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE120BW $69.99

• StarTech.com 50x10mm Replacement Ball Bearing Computer Case Fan TX3/LP4 Connector FAN5X1TX3 (Black) $9.60 (BE CAREFUL THE HEIGHT OF THIS FAN IS A BIT SMALLER THAN THE ONE WHICH COMES WITH THE CPU, THE DESIGN OF THE BOARD WAS DESIGNED ACCORDINGLY) I suppose it also fits with the AMD one but can't verify...
  

Total : $287,34

Plus specifically for the case :

• 4 jack screw standoffs (small one for motherboard)
• 12 M3-0.5 x 20mm
• 8 M3-0.5 x 10mm
• 20 nuts (across flats 5.5mm, height 2.4mm)
• 3 mm mdf/PMMA, etc.
• Buttons to start the computer
• A laser cutter.

I fixed the SSD on the top part of the case, and added some nuts to liberate some space in order to facilitate the SATA cable entry.

Normally everything should fit inside even if it's not that easy with the SATA and power cable.

The I/O is to be put first, the rest fits easily

The Wifi/bluetooth cables fit correctly hopefully.

I used the long M3 bolt to sustain the different parts with the small nut.

And voila, the case finished, it's simple in mdf for a test, i'll use acrylic next time.

I designed the case using Fusion 360, so you'll find a .f3d file with the .stp file.

The rest are exported .dxf of each sides

Enjoy!