Looking at crazy build project Surface Micro Studio....Frankenstein Edition

[Greywolf1967]

Ok so I know it sounds odd, but that will not be it's final name....but it is going to be an all in one.

As I have not built a PC since way back in the Windows ME days, I am out of touch with hardware....

So now Mini ITX is the standard small form factor over Mini ATX???

Is Core M available to Mini ITX, or do they only go to 2 in 1 OEM's?? I did not find anything after a limited search.

What would a good Motherboard Chipset be in small form facter??
Does not need to have top of the line graphics or even 4K, Just an ability to handle a built in screen plus HDMI out to 1080 TV

In fact the only game I play on PC these days would be Hearthstone.

No rush on an answer here, as I first have to grab what the Project is going to be built in from ebay.

Whan I have it I will post a picture.

Does anyone know of a company that makes The Silver Microsoft Stickers??

 

[Greywolf1967]

Ok so I have dug out the info on what I have to start with...
Processor: Intel Core i5 3450 3.10 Ghz with 8GB DDR3 ram.

I think the 2TB HDD is going to go to my Xbox One and I'll grab and SSD for the project.....as none of the project unit hardware is any good....seeing it came with an AMD K6 @ 266 Mhz.

 

[Greywolf1967]

So I am still trying to figure out the build, at one point I was thinking a very small single board solution like the LattePanda. Price wise it's a good thought, but will have no grunt for games.

This is going to be hard to find a seller who is going to ship to Canada, but I am not giving up...

So what I am looking at is a Compaq Ipaq IA-1 MSN Companion, basically for just the shell.


I will be changing out the screen with a touch screen as well, already found good replacements on eBay and amazon.

 

[Josiah23]

This is a very interesting project!

Are you still looking for a Mini ITX board or something smaller like a LattePanda?


Edit:
So your taking out the screen and replacing it with a touch screen and using the shell to make an all-in-one PC??

 

[Greywolf1967]

This is a very interesting project!

Are you still looking for a Mini ITX board or something smaller like a LattePanda?


Edit:
So your taking out the screen and replacing it with a touch screen and using the shell to make an all-in-one PC??

I have found the board, a mini ITX and the screen. I don't think the LattePanda would hold up, it was an interesting thought but not a good fit for this project.
As the original screen in an IA-1 was not touch the swap out is a must.
My goal is to build a small all-in-one that will hook to my TV.

 

[JohnnyRedLight]

Have you already purchased some parts?

 

[Josiah23]

@JohnnyRedLight
I 'think' he has already purchased the mini ITX Motherboard and possibly the shell by now.
@Greywolf1967
How far are you in the project so far? Everything going according to plan?

 

[Greywolf1967]

Have you already purchased some parts?

As I am looking to buy a used shell, some of the sellers don't want to ship across the border, I am still working on a case first before I buy guts.

I will keep this updated as I get the parts.

 

[Scienceguy Labs]

If you need help shipping across the border, I can buy it, get it sent to me, and ship it to you. I'm sure we could work something out. Just a thought. PM me if you wanna give something like that a try.

 

[Greywolf1967]

If you need help shipping across the border, I can buy it, get it sent to me, and ship it to you. I'm sure we could work something out. Just a thought. PM me if you wanna give something like that a try.

Thanks!! However as is the case always, as soon as I complain about it, I found one The funny part is shipping is almost as much as the computer LOL
I will order more parts once I am sure of sizes inside the case.
I plan on doing a tear down video.
I hope to video each step and mistake....
I am still not finding silver Windows Logo stickers ( square not the rectangle like the Surface line).

 

[Greywolf1967]

Well it's official, ordered and will ship out of NY state...can't wait to rip it apart I may even use the built in lcd with a USB overlay, but I'm getting ahead of myself....

If anyone knows where I can get Silver Windows stickers please please please let me know!!!!

I'll have to look at paint and primer for the shell to match the Studio body coloring. Then a Surface Keyboard and Mouse

 

[Scienceguy Labs]

Cool. Glad you got one.

 

[JohnnyRedLight]

Well it's official, ordered and will ship out of NY state...can't wait to rip it apart I may even use the built in lcd with a USB overlay, but I'm getting ahead of myself....

If anyone knows where I can get Silver Windows stickers please please please let me know!!!!

I'll have to look at paint and primer for the shell to match the Studio body coloring. Then a Surface Keyboard and Mouse

View attachment 136181View attachment 136182

Excellent. It will be fun to follow this one.

 

[Greywolf1967]

Waiting has been a pain, watching the delivery........should have a video of it up this weekend....I hope....

 

[Greywolf1967]

Sorry for delay......shipping took time, anyway it begins........

Forgot to click publish....video live now....sorry was a long day.

 

[Scienceguy Labs]

Wow! Watching that video really makes me appreciate how far computers and devices have come. Ha ha
Awesome stuff. It reminds me of the desktop computers in Star Trek TNG. This is going to be an interesting build.

 

[Scienceguy Labs]

 

[Greywolf1967]

**UPDATE**

I know I said I would do a tear down video, however it would have been boring, as it was 7 screws and unlatching small plastic clips, and simple pry open with a plastic card. 5 clips only and nothing that can be seen on camera. I did take pictures.....

Now when I did a quick measure of inside space, bad news a Mini ITX and power supply will not fit. However no worry after some searching I can use the insides of what they call "Barebones Mini PC"

They come with a Processor and built in graphics, just no RAM or HDD/SSD.

So slight change of direction, but no worry!!! This is why I did not jump and order a Motherboard at the same time I wanted to know just what I could fit inside.

 

[Greywolf1967]

Sorry this is a snail pace, but I have to order parts soon as my Vacation time will be here. At least what I order now will ship inside Canada.

To pass the time more pics.......

 

[Josiah23]

This build is going to be something!!