Mini-ITX Case Layer for HP 251-a123w by Hidyman

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

This layer will allow you to disassemble the old case and reuse the Power switch, Power LED, Front Audio Jack/USB/Card Reader unit as well as the backplate.
The Power Switch is retained via a screw/washer/nut slotted into the top of the mount. Do not over tighten. The Power LED fits into the small cavity beside the switch, it does not go all the way through and should be secured by hot glue or some other removable adhesive, the LED should shine through most lighter colors, if you are using a dark color you could create a pinhole for the light to pass through.
The Front Panel Audio Jack/USB/Card Reader unit is retained by #6 x 3/4" screws. I had to drill out the hole in the flange to 5/32" to fit the screw. For the tabbed side I just used a washer to catch the side of the tab. Depending on what layer you add next you may need to bend the top of the flange on the unit down 90 degrees to clear the layer above.
I am designing a second layer to house the DVD drive, the 92mm chassis fan, and the wireless antenna. It will take the flange into account
I was able to get this to bridge the gap for the USB/Headphone/Card Reader opening on my CR6-SE using PLA. The bridge lengths are 90mm and 100mm, you may need supports.
I also had to put in one of the Motherboard mounting screws, then push the board around to get the other screws to line up.
Just for aesthetics I used a sharpie to black out the front of the metal bracket.
Thanks to lightofhonor for this great modular case design.
Todo:
1) Create second layer to hold DVD, Fan, and wireless antenna.
2) Make a button cap for the power switch.