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Overclocking, Benching, Events, Tweaking & Modding => Overclocking motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: muffe on August 30, 2011, 09:44:59 am

Title: Adding expansion slot to case to accomodate GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 sli/cf
Post by: muffe on August 30, 2011, 09:44:59 am

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
(http://i53.tinypic.com/fdrfwx.jpg)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/mt3yh0.jpg)

[SIZE="4"]Nip the tip[/SIZE]
(http://i54.tinypic.com/1tovog.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2uz5l49.jpg)

Final product
(http://i52.tinypic.com/akbzug.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2yzddt3.jpg)

Not using standoffs so zip tie motherboard to tray
(http://i55.tinypic.com/24e6w4k.jpg)

I put a piece of cardboard between the mb and mb-tray
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2cgmowo.jpg)

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

Title: Re: Adding expansion slot to case to accomodate GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 sli/cf
Post by: Dark Mantis on August 30, 2011, 10:38:46 am

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! :o

Does it all work is the first question I suppose ?

Title: Re: Adding expansion slot to case to accomodate GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 sli/cf
Post by: muffe on September 01, 2011, 12:43:22 am

 ;) 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

Title: Re: Adding expansion slot to case to accomodate GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 sli/cf
Post by: Dark Mantis on September 01, 2011, 07:34:40 am

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 :o

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. ;)