Embedded Files
The goal of this build was make a Virtual Reality capable PC that could fit in a small space. This meant trying to fit the latest hardware within a very small footprint. The biggest struggle that came with this build was the assembly. While everything fit inside the case, the small size made tinkering difficult.
Originally I had a software error that caused the PC to randomly shut off. At first I thought this was a heat issue, but monitoring software showed me that temperatures were normal. My last resort was to update the BIOS of the motherboard. This fixed the issue and the PC has been running strong ever since.
Original Build 2018
Original Build 2018
AMD Ryzen 5 1600x CPU
Cooler Master Hyper T2 Compact CPU Cooler for AMD Ryzen
MSI Aero GTX 1070Ti Graphics Card
MSI B350M PRO-VH Plus AM4 Motherboard
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series (2x8GB) DDR4 Ram
Corsair CX650M Power Supply
Samsung 870 EVO 250GB SSD
Hitachi Ultrastar 3TB HDD (Game Storage)
ROSEWILL FBM-X1 Micro ATX Mini Tower Case
Oculus Rift
Tri-Sensor Setup
Upgrades 2020
Upgrades 2020
Samsung 870 QVO 1TB SATA SSD
Old 250GB SSD Became Ubuntu Boot
MSI HD Curved 120Hz 1920x1080 Monitor
Glorious Extended Mouse Pad
Pok3r 3 Mechanical Keyboard
Cherry MX Blue Switches
Logitech G502 Proteus Core Mouse
Ikea RENBERGET Desk Chair
Fenvi PCE-AX200 Wireless Wifi 6 Adapter + Bluetooth 5.0
Oculus Quest
Allows for sensor-less and wireless room-scale VR experiences
Even More Upgrades 2023
Even More Upgrades 2023
AMD Ryzen 5 3600x CPU (to allow Windows 11 Upgrade)
RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB
Windows 11
Vintage Dell Monitor (from Windows XP Days!)
HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand
Logitech G502 Hero Proteus Core Mouse
Leopold FC660C Low Noise Grey Electrostatic
Topre Silent 45g
Custom Coiled Keyboard Cable with Aviator GX16 Connector
Meta Quest 3
Meta PC Fiber Optic Link Cable (for faster stream)
I was experiencing an issue where my PC would refuse to update Windows 10 versions. I tried every listed solution online, and once again nothing worked. My PC was getting less secure as the Windows 10 versions began losing support. Eventually, I discovered that my motherboard had an experimental Windows 11 upgradable BIOS update. I ran this update, and suddenly Windows 10 could update as normal again. I discovered that my CPU was incompatible with a Windows 11 upgrade. I purchased an updated equivalent AMD CPU and completed my Windows 11 upgrade.
The RTX 3080 is absolutely pushing the limits of this build. The card is so big it fills the entire depth of the case. Lesson learned for next time. I will switch to a larger (and nicer looking) case.
Upgrades 2025
Upgrades 2025
With these lessons in mind I proceeded to plan a case rebuild. It has mostly all of the same parts on the inside, I just needed to shake loose the components that were bottlenecking my performance. I also wanted a more visually pleasing case after using the same $50 black plastic case for 6 years.
Unfortunately the new case needed a new motherboard. I was able to lose the wasteful extra wifi and Bluetooth peripherals. I also gained some slots to double my existing RAM. It pained me to not go for DDR5 Ram, but that would require an entire new generation of motherboard and CPU, so I went with the MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard to be able to use my old components.
MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series (4x8GB) DDR4 Ram
APNX V1 ATX Mid Tower Case
Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 V2 Fan (x7)
Lian Li UNI FAN AL140 V2 Fan (x2)
Ikea MARKUS Desk Chair
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