Adding expansion slot to case to accomodate GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 sli/cf

[muffe]

I got the Gigabyte GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 micro ATX motherboard only to find out that to crossfire/sli you need to put the cards in the top most and bottom most pcie slots.  Well the board has 4 slots and fits in 4 slot computer cases but the video cards these days are almost all double slot.  IE you need a 5 expansion slot minimum case to run this board with two video cards.

Battleplan:  
1)  Raise up the motherboard  higher in the case
2)  Cut another expansion slot in the case above the original 4.
3)  Extend the I/O shield cutout in the case.

Marked up



[SIZE="4"]Nip the tip[/SIZE]



Final product



Not using standoffs so zip tie motherboard to tray


I put a piece of cardboard between the mb and mb-tray


Function over fashion.  It works!  I could zip tie better so mb is straight and level, but for now is sufficient.  

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Well what to say ? A bit dodgy to say the least and I can't say I really like the idea of zip ties and cardboard to fix the motherboard in position!

Does it all work is the first question I suppose ?

[muffe]

  Everything went better than expected.  I took the zip ties out and used a couple screws,  A desktop just sits sessile on top of a desk.  I wouldn't ship it to someone in that condition.  It's perfect now.  Dodgy is my middle name.     Thanks for the help before with proper SLI/crossfire orientation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuPAqZJA8Y0

Cheers,
Steve

[Dark Mantis]

No problem Steve and I am glad that it is all working for you. You could always think of changing your middle name you know!

Nothing quite like attacking the chassis with a chainsaw to start the day off right

Actually I just watched your video and that is a nice setup you have there now. Very tidy build as well, nice to see good cable management.