Change PCB stand-off

[CRi]

Hi everyone,

I didn't like the way PIPO fixed the motherbard to the case in the X7 so I decided to replace the clumsy plastic holder by proper brass stand-off.

So first you have to open the case and remove both PCB :


Next, remove the plastic holder. The glue does not seem very good, mine was already unglued in the 4 sides, so it came off very easily.


You now have to remove the glue... don't try to scrape it, it's very hard and you'll scratch the case
The easiest way to remove it is to pour a little bit of acetone and let it melt the glue:


Clean all the glue with acetone, the case should become very clean. Watch out, acetone will also melt the glue that holds the mesh on the side holes! I think it ill improve the airflow so I won't glue them back afterwards...


Next thing to do is to cut the stand-off at the right length.
To hold the bottom of the case: 22.5mm
To hold the main PCB: 17.5mm
To hold the front PCB: 15.5mm

To glue the stand-off at the right place, screw them to the PCB (or bottom plate) and use a drop of cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) to hold the stand-off in place. Then unscrew the PCB / bottom plate and use epoxy glue (I used JB weld) to strongly bond the stand-off to the case.

Here you can see 4 stand-off glued in place :


Here, the 8 other stand-off are hold in place by cyanoacrylate :


Here, all stand-off are glued in place with JB weld :


Last thing to do, when the glue has dried, is to screw back the PCBs :


Use countersunk screws to close the box :


I'm still waiting for other parts to arrive before I can improve the cooling of my X7, but this mod will help because it clears more space for the heatsink. I might even use a solid block of copper between the CPU and the case, it would dissipate all the heat in the case...

Hope this will help someone
Cédric

[scropion86]

WOW , you modifications looks for professional people only !
i will keep watch your thread here for the Next Modds
looks promising , i will be waiting the thermal Moods as i tried many of it with low benefit
and direct contact between the heatsink and the Alu body will make a big drop of the termp.
but no body try to reach the box from the top , every body try the board with the device bottom
with 8-12 C down in temp

[scropion86]

any update for your Modd , i am checking your thread from time to time to get the results from your.
i think this modd will be the best especially using a copper block with direct contact to the case.
and from where you get the stand-off

[CRi]

any update for your Modd , i am checking your thread from time to time to get the results from your.
i think this modd will be the best especially using a copper block with direct contact to the case.
and from where you get the stand-off

Sadly I can't seem to find an appropriate copper block... or its too expensive compared to the price of the pipo

I also ordered a small copper sheet to put between the CPU and the metal plate, with some thermal paste.
But it comes from china so I don't know when it will arrive...

[EDIT] I already had the stand-off but you can buy them cheaply on **** :-)

[scropion86]

Sadly I can't seem to find an appropriate copper block... or its too expensive compared to the price of the pipo

I also ordered a small copper sheet to put between the CPU and the metal plate, with some thermal paste.
But it comes from china so I don't know when it will arrive...

[EDIT] I already had the stand-off but you can buy them cheaply on **** :-)

ordering from **** will take almost a month or more to reach here so i will search again for the stand-off
and for the copper block , i have one frind in a welding and Hydraulics workshop and he can get me this for max 10$

[scropion86]

where are the posts and images have gone????

i used a Lacquer thinner to melt id down and i will cut enough space on the plastic stand for the Copper block heatsink
i take the measurements of it it will be 65X35X18 MM .
i will use a hot glue gun to fix the stands back , and a silver paste on top of the CPU aluminum plate and also between the Copper block and
the top of the box to ensure the best thermal conductivity.

i will post it when its done also images in different steps

[CRi]

Damn all the pics were lost during the forum update????
I'll try to upload them somewhere else.

So you'll keep the original stand-off but you'll cut some parts from them?
That's a good idea, surely less work than my solution

I'm looking forward to see your pictures !

[scropion86]

Damn all the pics were lost during the forum update????
I'll try to upload them somewhere else.

So you'll keep the original stand-off but you'll cut some parts from them?
That's a good idea, surely less work than my solution

I'm looking forward to see your pictures !

yes i will use the Original Stand-off i will cut the middle link between the two side and take out some space to make enough space for the copper block
and that was not easy task for me to take out the stands it was sicking very strongly to the case and i have to fill the box base with thinner for three times till it came out easly
i think you was lucky to have your stands almost removed

[scropion86]

i'am still didn't finish the project ,as i still waiting my friend to get me the Copper heatsink
but here is some photos for now

here is the Box without the legs



and the stand-off removed (i lost one leg still stuck on the box)



and here how i will cut it to get enough space for the Heatsink



other photos i will add when i got the Copper heat sink

[CRi]

yes i will use the Original Stand-off i will cut the middle link between the two side and take out some space to make enough space for the copper block
and that was not easy task for me to take out the stands it was sicking very strongly to the case and i have to fill the box base with thinner for three times till it came out easly
i think you was lucky to have your stands almost removed

Maybe it's the temperature then?
The room where I tinker must be around 15°C, even less in winter... I guess it's not that cold in Egypt

In case someone wants to remove the original stand-off, putting the case in the freezer (without the motherboard !!!) should make the glue brittle.