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$39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

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Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#21

This is cool. What I really want is to be able to build an array of these. Like turn a stack of old fleet framework laptops (or lenovo laptops -- something cheap and plentiful) into a little closet Kubernetes cluster. A bit like people do with raspberry pi's (k3s). Has anyone seen work out there to this end?

you could build a beowulf cluster with those

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#22
post #8

I really like this as a way to repurpose old hardware; I have known many laptops that end up sitting around in cupboards after their 'useful' life is over, that could probably still comfortably be serving as lightweight desktops even today.

Previously we were giving our old laptops to friends with kids. Now our kids use our old Macbook air to learn to type and other learning programs.

My old MBP runs our 2010 "smart" TV via HDMI. It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works. And man, that thing still heats up like a mofo even when only running a browser, jeez.

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Would you mind elaborating? I’m not sure what to look for that would raise that concern. I’m guessing something about the wifi antenna?

The grey hairs want all computers to exist inside beige metal boxes.

And the gray beards want something that won't throw off so much RF you can pick it up in your fillings. You don't need a beige box for that, just something that's had five minutes of actual engineering applied to it.

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#24

I know framework is a popular company on tech forums but it's always felt like a solution in search of a problem. Laptops I own that only have a CPU are rarely computationally bounded in what I'm trying to do, by the time the CPU is showing its age the battery and case are usually showing their age too. But lets say I need the most up to date CPU and can't wait, why would I now need a desktop computer with no expanda…

I think the problem exists: the externalities of the approach to laptops you're describing are very bad. Framework is trying to promote the three R's to help combat this. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#25
I repurposed my original 11th gen board as a home server running a NAS and NVR, among other things. [1]

These boards are going to kick ass for a long time because of the IO. USB 3.2 can handle 10Gbps, enough for a SATA drive array. Thunderbolt 4 goes up to 40Gbps. All current Intel Framework boards come with four TB4 ports.

It is frankly a challenge to make use of all of the bandwidth on my mid-tier original board. Hopefully 10Gbe adapters will go down in price.

As Framework owners upgrade, the price of these boards will continue to drop, and a lot of interesting projects will be within reach.

[1] https://mastodon.social/@chromakode/109385742918733517

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#26

I know framework is a popular company on tech forums but it's always felt like a solution in search of a problem. Laptops I own that only have a CPU are rarely computationally bounded in what I'm trying to do, by the time the CPU is showing its age the battery and case are usually showing their age too. But lets say I need the most up to date CPU and can't wait, why would I now need a desktop computer with no expanda…

I have several old laptops that I use as home servers. I replaced the HDD with SSD and pulled out the dead batteries so they only run on wall power. They're less powerful than my current laptop but you don't need that much power to run most things when it's only serving a handful of users.

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#27
post #8

I really like this as a way to repurpose old hardware; I have known many laptops that end up sitting around in cupboards after their 'useful' life is over, that could probably still comfortably be serving as lightweight desktops even today.

It’s a little half assed though. Moving to a more desktop form factor would allow them to dump the laptop thermal solution with maybe one large case fan and a low profile cpu cooler. You could have an extremely quiet little machine instead of a jet engine that barely moves any air.

I’ve been doing a somewhat similar mod on an old Lenovo tiny pc and it’s definitely great value as long as you put a little effort and thought into it. Once you get into a M.2 to PCIE adapter and cutting holes to fit fans you know you’re building something neat

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#28
post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The flimsy plastic case your laptop came in is no better or worse. People need something to complain about. Most of the shielding is done with metal lids/cans on the board already. Not to mention I'm unsure what the original complaint even was - the Framework laptop has a lengthy list of certifications, including ones from the FCC[1]. [1] https://downloads.frame.work/manuals/Framework-Online-User-M...

The flimsy plastic case has a conductive spray on the inside. That's how it becomes legal for sale.

This is a professionally manufactured case, made by Cooler Master and designed by Framework, for first-party sale within the US.

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#29
I love what framework is doing but the fundamental choice of laptop for me is always battery life. If I can't pull the laptop off the dock in the morning and ride into the office without packing a charger, I'm not a buyer. MacBooks are the only laptops doing this reliably.

Re: $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC

#30

I know framework is a popular company on tech forums but it's always felt like a solution in search of a problem. Laptops I own that only have a CPU are rarely computationally bounded in what I'm trying to do, by the time the CPU is showing its age the battery and case are usually showing their age too. But lets say I need the most up to date CPU and can't wait, why would I now need a desktop computer with no expanda…

There are three problems it solves:

1. Upgrading is cheaper than a whole new system. This saves consumers money. Modern laptops increasingly solder parts down, making upgrades nigh-impossible (I've tried multiple times). Most tech companies have trade-in programs, but with dismal exhange rates. This gives the user more options and control over their hardware.

2. Countering planned obsolence and expensive repair costs associated with modern products.

3. Enabling upcycling, repurposing, and reducing ewaste. There are a fair number of environmentally conscious people in tech and tech-adjacent industries.

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