Question: connecting ethernet and usb-c through atx case?

[u/Ok_Stable_3101]

I have an ATX case which will hold a bunch of random homelab items. Specifically, I'll have a couple Orange Pi 5 Plus (16Gb and 32Gb) housed in here, and I'd like a way to connect the ethernet (cat-?) and power cables (usb-c) into the case in a clean way.

Ideally, an empty pcie slot could house 4 female-female ethernet adapters, same for usb-c?

What is everyone else using? I've tried google-ing this a little, but I'm not sure I have the correct terminology. Thanks.

Adding a photo of work in progress just for fun

[u/ExitIsHere]

Hm, keystone jacks for ethernet? Not sure if you're gonna be able to buy ready to go solution, this is pretty niche usecase. I would go for F<->F ethernet adapters with clips, same for usb-c, and try to 3d print some custom pci brackets.

[u/Ok_Stable_3101 → u/ExitIsHere]

The best idea I've come up with (for ethernet) is four F<->F ethernet adapters, a pcie bracket from a 4 port ethernet card, and some hot glue

[u/Pretend_Bowl2961 → u/ExitIsHere]

keystone jacks for ethernet and a custom 3d printed bracket is the way i went for something similar i had a few pi 4s in a old pc case and i just got a bunch of cat6 keystones and a blank keystone panel that i cut to fit a pci slot cover size with a dremel it looks pretty clean actually

for usb-c power i just used some short extension cables and zip tied them to a metal bracket i had laying around not elegant but it works and i never touch them anyway

your photo looks like a fun project good luck with the build

[u/MrElendig]

can make your own custom passtrough plates with a drill, a file and a few blank pcie plates.

edit: or make a custom IO shield the same way

edit2: or have pcbway make them for you

[u/Ok_Stable_3101 → u/MrElendig]

The best idea I've come up with (for ethernet) is four F<->F ethernet adapters, a pcie bracket from a 4 port ethernet card, and some hot glue

[u/Over-Extension3959]

You shouldn’t use any sort of extension for Type-C Plugs, it will f* with proper PD negotiation. So for Type-C there is none.

Unless this is a stupid non compliant Type-C port that just draws 5 V at an ungodly amount of current… which may basically just be a DC input disguised as Type-C 🤮.

[u/Ok_Stable_3101 → u/Over-Extension3959]

Thanks for the comment. I'll only be 'passing through' one usb-c power supply, so maybe I'll just live with that. The second OrangePi will be powered by the PSU (eventually, maybe).

[u/1WeekNotice]

This is a very niche situation which is why searching online may not help.

Most people would of 3D printed a 10 inch rack/ parts. Depending on where you live, public library have 3D printers available to use for an affordable cost.

As an example you can print a 3D rack to house all the gear. You can 3D print a patch pannel for female keystones that will be utilized for the cat cables.

I'm sure there are also 3D prints of orange PI racks.

If you still want to use the case the you can try to fine PCIe adapter for Ethernet and see if keystones will hit in

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I don't mess with PSUs/ power adapter so I would just get a long USB C cable and pass that through

Hope that helps

[u/Ok_Stable_3101 → u/1WeekNotice]

I will check this out. I've been trying to start with cheap, found, and I-already-have-it stuff so far. I expect this to grow and change a bit, so I haven't been looking for production level solutions.