*Photos of project so far at bottom*
So originally I was going to do a similar project with an actual iMac where I VESA Mounted it with 2 external SSDs, but when the 2018 Mini came out, I realized I could get the best of both worlds where I have an "All in one system" and can still choose my own display (e)GPU and can swap any component out as new upgrades become available.
This also gives me a place to put my old 2011 i7 Mac Mini that I'm re-purposing as a Linux server.
Sure the same thing can be done by putting the components on/in/around your desk, but there's something nice about having it all close by in a neat package and freeing valuable desk space and reduced cable clutter.
Now I'm not done with this project quite yet, still need to get some right angle (down facing) cable adapters to hide the cables as well as get the new desk, monitor, and the eGPU itself.
The end result is it'll be installed in a hutch (it'll have vent fans in the top, don't worry
) so All you see is the monitor "floating" in space with nothing else visible unless you pull it out and look behind.
I'll of course post new pics in this thread when done.
Here are the parts list should anyone else wants to do something like this themselves:
1 x Boa Monitor Mount from monitorsinmotion.com ( http://www.monitorsinmotion.com/boa/ )
2 x MVA01 VESA offset adapter from Silverstone ( https://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?area=en&pid=553 ) *
2x PTS01 NUC SATA/USB 3 external enclosure from Silverstone ( https://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?area=en&pid=497 ) **
2x HIDEit MiniU Mac Mini VESA/Wall mount ( https://hideitmounts.com/collection...desk-wall-mount-oembed?variant=15851756159027 )
1x TS3+ Thunderbolt dock by Caldigit ( http://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-dock/thunderbolt-station-3-plus/ )
1x 1ft red right-angle/left angle shielded Ethernet cable by l-com ( http://www.l-com.com/ethernet-right-angle-cable-assemblies ) ***
++++++++++++++ Parts not yet acquired +++++++++++++
1x Ikea Hemnes desk with hutch ( https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29000504/#/S09000500 )
1x 27' 4k Monitor by LG ( https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UK650-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor )
1x Razer Core eGPU Chassis ( https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-core-v2 )
1x Yet to be decided on PCIe GPU
1x Quiet cooling fan to put in top of hutch by AC Infinity ( https://www.acinfinity.com/componen...-av-cabinet-quiet-cooling-fan-system-18-inch/ )
* They do have the MVA02 with is a single piece double sides adapter, but I had already had one of the single ones when I decided on this version of the project
** The NUX VESA adapter plate only comes with the NUC Chassis itself. Intel list them on a part you can buy through their partners program but they had been stuck on the "More coming soon" for months. Fortunately I got a brand new one, included the needed special screws and standoffs, on eBay from a guy in Belarus of all places for just $12.00US including shipping.
*** This will be used for a VNC/SSH Network between the main MIni and the Linux Mini so I can run it headless. Yes I could use any old 0.50 Ethernet cord or make my own custom length one, but the right angle ends they use will ensure a nice clean look and will fit perfectly as the distance between the Ethernet ports is just shy one 1ft!
So originally I was going to do a similar project with an actual iMac where I VESA Mounted it with 2 external SSDs, but when the 2018 Mini came out, I realized I could get the best of both worlds where I have an "All in one system" and can still choose my own display (e)GPU and can swap any component out as new upgrades become available.
This also gives me a place to put my old 2011 i7 Mac Mini that I'm re-purposing as a Linux server.
Sure the same thing can be done by putting the components on/in/around your desk, but there's something nice about having it all close by in a neat package and freeing valuable desk space and reduced cable clutter.
Now I'm not done with this project quite yet, still need to get some right angle (down facing) cable adapters to hide the cables as well as get the new desk, monitor, and the eGPU itself.
The end result is it'll be installed in a hutch (it'll have vent fans in the top, don't worry
) so All you see is the monitor "floating" in space with nothing else visible unless you pull it out and look behind.I'll of course post new pics in this thread when done.
Here are the parts list should anyone else wants to do something like this themselves:
1 x Boa Monitor Mount from monitorsinmotion.com ( http://www.monitorsinmotion.com/boa/ )
2 x MVA01 VESA offset adapter from Silverstone ( https://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?area=en&pid=553 ) *
2x PTS01 NUC SATA/USB 3 external enclosure from Silverstone ( https://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?area=en&pid=497 ) **
2x HIDEit MiniU Mac Mini VESA/Wall mount ( https://hideitmounts.com/collection...desk-wall-mount-oembed?variant=15851756159027 )
1x TS3+ Thunderbolt dock by Caldigit ( http://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-dock/thunderbolt-station-3-plus/ )
1x 1ft red right-angle/left angle shielded Ethernet cable by l-com ( http://www.l-com.com/ethernet-right-angle-cable-assemblies ) ***
++++++++++++++ Parts not yet acquired +++++++++++++
1x Ikea Hemnes desk with hutch ( https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29000504/#/S09000500 )
1x 27' 4k Monitor by LG ( https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UK650-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor )
1x Razer Core eGPU Chassis ( https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-core-v2 )
1x Yet to be decided on PCIe GPU
1x Quiet cooling fan to put in top of hutch by AC Infinity ( https://www.acinfinity.com/componen...-av-cabinet-quiet-cooling-fan-system-18-inch/ )
* They do have the MVA02 with is a single piece double sides adapter, but I had already had one of the single ones when I decided on this version of the project
** The NUX VESA adapter plate only comes with the NUC Chassis itself. Intel list them on a part you can buy through their partners program but they had been stuck on the "More coming soon" for months. Fortunately I got a brand new one, included the needed special screws and standoffs, on eBay from a guy in Belarus of all places for just $12.00US including shipping.
*** This will be used for a VNC/SSH Network between the main MIni and the Linux Mini so I can run it headless. Yes I could use any old 0.50 Ethernet cord or make my own custom length one, but the right angle ends they use will ensure a nice clean look and will fit perfectly as the distance between the Ethernet ports is just shy one 1ft!
Last edited:
