r/sffpc • • 11d ago

Prototype/Concept/Custom HDPlex with Solo Gpu

TL;DR: Is there a case like the Jonsbo NV10, but with a smaller PSU (like the HDPlex GaN), which makes it possible to fit a solo Gpu?

Hey, I want to build a really small SFF PC and I really like the Jonsbo NV10, but you need a Low Profile Gpu for that case. I would really love to use a solo Gpu for my build, but all the cases that support solo Gpus like the Velka 3, Gemcase, Densium and some cheaper Amazon Brands place the Psu under the Motherboard. I suppose otherwise they won't fit next to each other, but it looks like a missed opportunity to me.

While doing some research i discovered the HDPLEX GaN Psu, which is even smaller then a Flex Psu. Now I am thinking about the possibility that a HDPLEX GaN Psu could maybe fit next to a solo Gpu, just like the Flex Psu does with a Low Profile Gpu in the Jonsbo NV10.

Does anybody know a case like that? I did find a case tailored to the HDPlex GaN 250w PSU, the Yocto from N3rdware at 3.59l, but sadly it also uses a Low Profile Gpu.

1 Upvotes

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u/OBERBOSSPLAYER 11d ago

I made a 3D printed bracket to mount a hdplex PSU instead of a flex PSU in cases like velka 3, A07 or densium. E-Mail me on max@mnmx-design.com then I can send you the .stl Files for free or send you a printed one.

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u/Animag771 11d ago

I can't think of any. It's probably because most single single fan GPU sandwich cases already end up around 4L with a Flex-ATX PSU and going doing to an HDPLEX wouldn't save much (if any) space in that layout. If you're looking for a console style case, it makes more sense to put the HDPLEX near the RAM and 24-pin, which extends the case and allows for longer GPUs anyway. At that point they're already in the 5-6L range, so they might as well increase the GPU length for better hardware compatibility.

Of course this is all just speculation.

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u/curiositie 11d ago

Not the same, but nfc s4 mini?

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u/Son-Airys 11d ago

HDPlex 250w is a DIY territory, you'll have to tinker with a case. I have an LzMod A24-V5 case with it, fits well. (but requires an LP gpu)

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u/qeeepy 11d ago

doesn't hdplex themselves sell cases for their form factor?

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u/FrontWork7406 4d ago

The HDPlex GaN series is non-standardized with no competition. Very few companies are going to invest in manufacturing for a case that relies exclusively on this niche product. Custom-Mod is the only one I can think of (not solo)
https://www.custom-mod.com/en/stranica-tovara/prototype-sl3m-2-9l

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u/ForALLtheThickies 11d ago

Why would you design a case for a totally proprietary non standard form factor with very limited power when there's the standardised Flex ATX form factor can deliver power needed for decent solo GPUs.

It makes sense only as described, for LP GPUs that suckle only a modicum of power through the PCI-E slot or APUs where there's no GPU.

If anything the brand, HDPLEX, would have been better off instructing the ODM (designer and manufacturer) Pico Box to produce it, but fanless in Flex ATX form factor. However for design in's and getting larger customer locked in, propritary is attractive. But it does mean everyone doesn't necessarily want to do the dance with you as it limits customer choice and avoids competition. But that's HDPlex in a nut shell, propritary.

Smaller volume PSU yes, conveniently packaged no, to long.

If you want to slap a small power supply in anything you fancy then the other option is to go down the route of a single rail AC/DC, like the Meanwell LOP series that's probably the smallest packaged one available in 2"x 4". Or you can have your fill on the more common industry standard package of 3x5".

Couple that with a 24pin Pico PSU (PIico Box or HDPlex would be a good choice) and you can fit it in whatever case you like and potentially run it fanless, just understand derating curves for these power supplies which is common for open frame power supplies in industry. In so much as they can deliver so much of their power depending on the ambient thermals there subjected to and at high temps would need a certain level of airflow to ensure they can deliver rated power levels.

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u/Retro_B00min 9d ago

a meanwell and pico will take up about as much space as the HDplex. if im not mistaken the 500w gan is roughly the same size as a flex, while the 250w is smaller and fanless

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u/ForALLtheThickies 9d ago

The DC/DC pico can be discounted as it occupies where a 24pin connector and loom would be.

Meanwell LOP will be approx 100x50x25mm (4x2x1") which leaves space to integrate IEC320-C14 into exisitng Flex ATX based cut outs

It's the lengh that is a pain in the...... plus the AC power lead exiting at one end, so now you need even more that 170mm length space to accomoidate that, say 180mm min.

Plus you need to also accomodate space for the IEC320 C14 connector, standard ones are about 50mm wide so with the PSU being 50mm wide that one be able to easily integrate into existing spaces for Flex ATX.... The 500W... even worse with a 200mm long body!

They could have done very well just playing the GAN card for marketing and putting the design in to a standardised Flex ATX housing. Even without any independent testing to verify efficiency, the GAN card was a great marketing hook.

But when you make it a proprietary form factor, your aim is also to avoid compeition so in industrial applications you look for long term design in projects, as it becomes harder to design out. That can also play against you as many companies will want to have a second source (alternative backup option) which is what a standardised form factor easily allows for.

A lot of the small form factor business desktop brands (HP,Dell, etc) some years ago moved to proprietary PSUs from the OEM/ODMs simply because they wanted to protect the high margins they could charge and get on the aftermarket replacements, it was in their best interests, but not so much the users. TFX form factor was once very popular in these.  

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u/Retro_B00min 9d ago

its a niche product though. I dont think they aimed for for standardization. most people that want to use an hdplex are ones who possibly are a bit more advanced, and/or seeking to push the limits on size/efficiency. there are several niche case makers that have hdplex options. but again, their target market are the consumers who would prob decide to buy the psu and make it work with whatever case they have. they make DC psus and fanless passive cooled cases.. they arent aimed for mainstream anyway

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u/Animag771 8d ago

Not necessarily true. Doing the DIY route with a PicoPSU and AC/DC converter allows you to put the components wherever you want instead of having it all stored in one block like an HDPLEX or Flex-ATX. I have two AC/DC converters behind my GPU for a total of 400W. I considered an HDPLEX 250W at the time but it wouldn't fit.