Project MikroMikko: Hardware
In my last post I had yet to decide on hardware. Since then I've aquired hardware and also installed things in the case.
For delivering a good enough performance I went with a second hand Framework mainboard 13 with an i5 1240 (4 performance and 8 economy cores) and 16 GB of ram. I ordered a new replacement battery for it and mounted it all on a 3D printed plate.
The whole package fits nicely in the case and the battery is situated slightly under the keyboard.
To get power button and power led I scoured the internet for a solution. I found this card developed by forum user A.Zerty, which gives me all that I need for now as well as 3 extra USB ports with 2.0 speeds. I mounted it and 3D printed a bracket to keep it and the Wi-Fi card in place.
Two of the USB-C ports are converted to USB-A and mounted on a 3D printed piece which also acts as vent in to the case. The third port I use to connect my Frood RP2040 Pro keyboard controller.
For back IO I went with a simple USB-C hub with PD passthrough, HDMI, network, USB 3.0, SD reader and ethernet. I 3D printed another plate which holds is as well as a keystone ethernet jack which is connected to the USB-C hub. This plate also contains a heat vent which is routed to the blower of motherboard to extract the hot air.
Additionally I installed two short USB-C extension to get two fullspeed USB-C ports in the back.
The get the cold air into the case I 3D printed a duct to connect the side air input with the fan on the mainboard. I added some sealing strips to keep it sucking the fresh air. Time will tell if this is enough, in worst case I'll have to figure out a way to add some fans to the duct to force more air into the case.