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Take That, iMac?: Build Your Own All-In-One PC

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  • iMac
  • Build Your Own
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September 20, 2012 3:46:03 AM

We've long envied the good looks of highly-integrated iMacs, even as we derided their lack of hardware flexibility and nasty price premiums. Well, now it's possible to build your own all-in-one using components of your choosing. Ready to save some money?

Take That, iMac?: Build Your Own All-In-One PC : Read more

More about : imac build

September 20, 2012 4:26:44 AM

Nice build. Are there any similar chassis with a touch screen?
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20
Anonymous
September 20, 2012 4:27:55 AM

no one tried to hackintosh this?
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September 20, 2012 4:34:26 AM

clownbabyNice build. Are there any similar chassis with a touch screen?


Not that I've seen, but I'm waiting for Intel to get back to me on this prior to the Win 8 launch.
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September 20, 2012 4:35:22 AM

baddassngno one tried to hackintosh this?

And unleash the wrath of the Apple haters?
Don't the guys who want Apples just buy iMacs? :p 
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September 20, 2012 4:47:45 AM

Nice build for a second surfing/media machine. If a similar mobo is available for AMD APUs, it could make a decent low-end gaming machine too. All in all, it is good to know that there are options to build an all in one DIY style. Kudos to Loop for the nice chassis.
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September 20, 2012 4:47:57 AM

That looks great!
Throw in an i3 Ivy bridge, 4GB of ram, and a small SSD and you would have the ultimate office machine. With the onboard video output exposed you can even hook up a 2nd monitor to this and have what would appear to be 2 tethered monitors without a PC...
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September 20, 2012 4:57:50 AM

the stock intel boards are generally easier to hackintosh since the board in an actual imac is more or less a stock intel board with a custom PCB layout to fit their cases and a special DRM chip added. other than that, they have a few minor firmware changes which gives the board a more MAC style ID.
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September 20, 2012 5:00:31 AM

A review of the screen quality would also be nice. I am betting at the price its TN.

very nice to see Intel make that cooler to help anyone looking to go super low profile/all in one.

caedenvThat looks great!Throw in an i3 Ivy bridge, 4GB of ram, and a small SSD and you would have the ultimate office machine. With the onboard video output exposed you can even hook up a 2nd monitor to this and have what would appear to be 2 tethered monitors without a PC...

Now if you could get a second loop monitor only. That would look very different at the office :) 
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September 20, 2012 5:17:09 AM

I'd be curious if you could under volt a standard 77w Ivy bridge CPU enough to fit within the cooling capabilities of this unit? (Once the BIOS issues are solved anyways) Without being able to fit a discrete GPU, getting HD4000 in there vs 2000/3000 would at least open up some low end casual gaming if you could. And from what I recall the IB CPU'S under volt fairly well at stock frequencies.
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September 20, 2012 5:19:56 AM

Now that 55 W i3s are available with HD Graphics 4000, you could go that route as well (like you said, once the firmware issues are rectified).
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September 20, 2012 5:24:51 AM

Interesting.. If I hadn't filled the house up with like 10 computers that I never use maybe I would try this out. lol.

For now.. I'll enjoy those 10 computers gathering dust. :\
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September 20, 2012 5:31:35 AM

I wasn't aware such a form factor existed and that consumers could directly buy parts like this. It's very nice that this is possible and it looks interesting to build! It's pretty similar to the internals of a laptop really... :) 
Are some parts like the Wi-fi card OEM or are they really sold directly to the public?

Some peculiar things I just happen to notice:
1) Why does the first picture say "Casper" on it? The following pictures of the screen have "Loop" on them.
2) On Picture 8, it was said that "Intel’s DH61AG features one half-length mini-PCIe slot and one full-length interface, both of which we populate during the process of our build. " Is the full-length one the normal looking PCI-E slot on the board which is perpendicular to it? How was it populated?
3) How was the webcam plugged in? I'm guessing using some of the USB headers just like how I know MMC readers are plugged in.

With some of those questions, I may have just missed something. Sorry about that if ever, and I'll be looking forward to a reply. :D 

Thanks for the article Chris, and I have a feeling that you'll be doing either or both the FX-Piledriver and the possible Desktop Trinity remake article once they come out. So I'll be looking forward to those. :) 
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September 20, 2012 5:59:33 AM

This is something I've been waiting for, for about two years. Two questions, though.

1. First of all, I missed the part about the graphics. Is it integrated?
2. With whatever graphics card or integrated graphics that was used, how would the gaming performance be?

I would LOVE for my next gaming machine to be something like this and just get rid of the desktop. The only problem I could foresee is limited USB ports. As it is, I personally need about 6-8. I don't own anything that uses USB 3.0 yet.
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September 20, 2012 6:04:48 AM

JOSHSKORNThis is something I've been waiting for, for about two years. Two questions, though.1. First of all, I missed the part about the graphics. Is it integrated?2. With whatever graphics card or integrated graphics that was used, how would the gaming performance be?I would LOVE for my next gaming machine to be something like this and just get rid of the desktop. The only problem I could foresee is limited USB ports. As it is, I personally need about 6-8. I don't own anything that uses USB 3.0 yet.

Graphics is integrated, yes. Supposedly, Gigabyte has a version able to take dual-slot graphics cards, but I don't have it yet. As of now, gaming performance is going to be lackluster with HD Graphics 3000 or, given improved firmware, support for HD Graphics 4000.
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September 20, 2012 6:06:53 AM

army_ant7I wasn't aware such a form factor existed and that consumers could directly buy parts like this. It's very nice that this is possible and it looks interesting to build! It's pretty similar to the internals of a laptop really... Are some parts like the Wi-fi card OEM or are they really sold directly to the public?Some peculiar things I just happen to notice:1) Why does the first picture say "Casper" on it? The following pictures of the screen have "Loop" on them.2) On Picture 8, it was said that "Intel’s DH61AG features one half-length mini-PCIe slot and one full-length interface, both of which we populate during the process of our build. " Is the full-length one the normal looking PCI-E slot on the board which is perpendicular to it? How was it populated?3) How was the webcam plugged in? I'm guessing using some of the USB headers just like how I know MMC readers are plugged in.With some of those questions, I may have just missed something. Sorry about that if ever, and I'll be looking forward to a reply. Thanks for the article Chris, and I have a feeling that you'll be doing either or both the FX-Piledriver and the possible Desktop Trinity remake article once they come out. So I'll be looking forward to those.

Very observant ;-)
We built up two systems, hoping to get Ivy Bridge support working after a motherboard swap. The first one appears on page one, and the other one appears throughout the rest of the story.
Both of the PCIe slots mentioned are mini--just different lengths. When you see the card-based SSD and wireless module, those both plug into the mini-PCIe slots. The standard slot remains unused.
The webcam is attached via USB header, yes.
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September 20, 2012 6:42:38 AM

Nothing like a true iMac.
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September 20, 2012 8:11:27 AM

Looking at the Intel catalog, it seems that there's no possibility of installing a discrete graphic card, not even a laptop card. Such a shame since it's the only glaring fault in this build.

It would be interesting to make a similar build in the future based on the upcoming AMD Trinity architecture.
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September 20, 2012 8:17:57 AM

Vorador2Looking at the Intel catalog, it seems that there's no possibility of installing a discrete graphic card, not even a laptop card. Such a shame since it's the only glaring fault in this build.It would be interesting to make a similar build in the future based on the upcoming AMD Trinity architecture.

I've asked AMD if they have any plans to support this form factor. Company representatives seemed interested, but not particularly sure if AMD would ever pursue channel-enabled all-in-ones. We'll almost certainly see Trinity-based tier-one boxes first.
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September 20, 2012 9:08:09 AM

Would it be possible to build something like this with dedicated graphics? Are there alternatives with more space for a graphics card?

Doesn't have to be top of the line, but better than integrated..
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September 20, 2012 9:24:50 AM

Working on it :) 
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September 20, 2012 10:13:12 AM

cangeliniWorking on it

Great :) 

It doesn't have to be super-flat form factor, even if the case were a bit thicker, it would be a perfect gaming/social computer for the living room.. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, it would be so easy to stow away too.
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September 20, 2012 10:33:32 AM

Nice learnt something new that can be done maybe in the future for someone like my mom
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September 20, 2012 10:45:59 AM

saudagarNice learnt something new that can be done maybe in the future for someone like my mom


Your mom is cutting edge - soon most pc's will be built this way.
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Anonymous
September 20, 2012 11:05:18 AM

I think Trinity mobos for laptops probably would fit inside this kind of all in one chasis.

But what I think would be a great hack is a Rasberry Pi / Panda board or even a board with several ARM processors in array running android with ubuntu inside at a touch screen
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September 20, 2012 12:10:54 PM

Nice! Never knew that you could build your own AIO!

BTW that chassis is now at least $413 on Amazon...anyway, will you run benchmarks and all (and show us!)? :) 

idroidNothing like a true iMac.

Nothing like a true troll.
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3
September 20, 2012 1:10:22 PM

Chris,

This seems like a quick and easy carry-over to a custom built laptop. Is there a chassis available in notebook?

Most of my friends love the idea of a custom built PC, then ask for a laptop. At which time I try and find them the best laptop and the perfect fit SSD to replace the HDD in said laptop. It's a hodge podge fix that always leaves me disappointed...
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September 20, 2012 1:15:22 PM

Great article, this is a really interesting possibility. Once a chassis is available that can support something better than integrated graphics, I'm sold.
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Anonymous
September 20, 2012 1:22:37 PM

Couple of things I don't like.

1. There's no slot for a video card. Let's face it, the built in HD graphics just will not do, especially at 1080p.

2. And this is just for that particular motherboard, wasn't the H61 chipset the bugged Intel chipset that has SATA ports that slowly degrade with time? Even if that is a fixed revision, I would be very scared to touch that chipset. Of course, I could be wrong, could've been another corei chipset.

3. I remember this article being on here like 2-3 months ago... the same article.
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September 20, 2012 1:23:27 PM

I see no advantage to AIO anymore. Space constraints? You can get a VESA mounted Mini-ITX chassis AND FIT a full sized GPU in it at the same time. Also, manufacturers should consider making the monitors a little thicker to accommodate a broader array of hardware. I doubt anyone would notice .75 inch thicker monitor.
However some may just not like a little black box attached to the back of their screen.
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September 20, 2012 1:33:40 PM

But it runs windows
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September 20, 2012 1:46:12 PM

Excellent article Tom's! I have a few customers in mind already who'd love the small footprint of an all-in-one. They've stayed away from iMacs and proprietary all-in-ones from the regular suspects in the PC market until now but the flexibility of this build is great. I'll hold off until more powerful graphics are supported before getting one for myself but I'm definitely tempted.
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September 20, 2012 1:55:36 PM

we need trinity APU in these builds.
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September 20, 2012 3:42:03 PM

abhijitkalyane said:
Nice build for a second surfing/media machine. If a similar mobo is available for AMD APUs, it could make a decent low-end gaming machine too. All in all, it is good to know that there are options to build an all in one DIY style.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I was actually surprised to see an Intel CPU used here over one of AMD's APUs given the lack of ability to include any sort of discrete/mobile GPU and TH affinity for creating PCs with at least some gaming capability. I'm not by any means an AMD fanboy, but you can't really beat their APUs for gaming performance when you are completely unable to include a separate GPU.

Would this build be possible with an AMD APU system? If so, what made you decide to go the Intel route?
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September 20, 2012 3:44:53 PM

P.S. I loved the build and article. Seeing how easy it is, I think it is likely that I will end up building one like this for someone who is space constrained.
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September 20, 2012 3:47:03 PM

Device UnknownI see no advantage to AIO anymore. Space constraints? You can get a VESA mounted Mini-ITX chassis AND FIT a full sized GPU in it at the same time. Also, manufacturers should consider making the monitors a little thicker to accommodate a broader array of hardware. I doubt anyone would notice .75 inch thicker monitor.However some may just not like a little black box attached to the back of their screen.


It's about 'visual real estate', design and less wires mostly. I found my previous computers tended to "take over" the room, and I dont have the luxury of a basement or other room that can be dedicated to gaming.
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September 20, 2012 3:58:04 PM

Justposting27Couple of things I don't like. 1. There's no slot for a video card. Let's face it, the built in HD graphics just will not do, especially at 1080p. 2. And this is just for that particular motherboard, wasn't the H61 chipset the bugged Intel chipset that has SATA ports that slowly degrade with time? Even if that is a fixed revision, I would be very scared to touch that chipset. Of course, I could be wrong, could've been another corei chipset.3. I remember this article being on here like 2-3 months ago... the same article.

That'd be funny, since I just wrote it :) 
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September 20, 2012 4:04:43 PM

I will NEVER consider a computer as eye candy. It's just childish. A complete waste of time and energy.
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September 20, 2012 4:41:14 PM

Interesting. I would love to see an A8 or A10 A-Series processor on one of these, for some nice gaming performance. I just built a small computer for a friend with an A8 for close to $300 and it rocks!!! Runs stacraft 2 on high settings, and COD 4 easily.
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September 20, 2012 6:38:20 PM

Thanks for the reply Chris! And I very much appreciate compliments from people I admire! Just saying. :D 

cangelini said:
Both of the PCIe slots mentioned are mini--just different lengths. When you see the card-based SSD and wireless module, those both plug into the mini-PCIe slots. The standard slot remains unused.

Anyway, I was thinking that you may have been referring to the mSATA slot, but based on what I've researched before, the mSATA slot is still incompatible with mini-PCI-E and thus different. But as I double-checked now, I found info about a router chip making them cross-compatible. Does this board have such that you can use a mini-PCI-E card where the mSATA SSD is placed? Thanks! :) 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSATA#mSATA
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September 20, 2012 6:44:29 PM

Isaiah4110 said:
Would this build be possible with an AMD APU system? If so, what made you decide to go the Intel route?

I think it's because only Intel CPU boards may be offered in this AIO form factor. It was mentioned in the article that other mo-bo companies make these kind of boards.
Plus Chris did say this:
cangelini said:
I've asked AMD if they have any plans to support this form factor. Company representatives seemed interested, but not particularly sure if AMD would ever pursue channel-enabled all-in-ones. We'll almost certainly see Trinity-based tier-one boxes first.

:) 
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September 20, 2012 8:16:15 PM

Is there a motherboard available that can include space for a discrete GPU as well?
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September 20, 2012 8:37:20 PM

Its an interesting build. Shame they did not build one with say...a graphics card option like I seen on some Imacs?
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September 20, 2012 8:48:57 PM

That's specifically addressed in the story :-P
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September 20, 2012 9:46:36 PM

I really don't understand why AMD wouldn't jump on this format / form factor. Didn't they say their focus now is on the mid- to low end, especially mobile space? An AIO is basically a laptop is a slightly different shaped box, I would've thought they'd be the first to market with something like this. Unless they're focused more on OEM solutions instead of DIY?
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September 20, 2012 10:18:27 PM

RedJaron said:
I really don't understand why AMD wouldn't jump on this format / form factor. Didn't they say their focus now is on the mid- to low end, especially mobile space? An AIO is basically a laptop is a slightly different shaped box, I would've thought they'd be the first to market with something like this. Unless they're focused more on OEM solutions instead of DIY?

Exactly what I had been thinking. The AMD APU seems like it would be a perfect fit for this type of system, unless you want to build strictly for web browsing and productivity software. Most recreational applications require more robust graphics processing power than Intel's CPUs currently provide.

However, I did notice AMD's APUs all have higher TPD than the Intel processors required for this build. The A8 line all require 100W TPD and you have to go down to an A6-3500 or an A4 to get a 65W TDP from AMD. I'm thinking they may not have reached a place where a single chip can provide that level of CPU and GPU capabilities without having a higher TDP yet. Higher power usage obviously = more heat and that could be why AMD has not released anything to allow this type of build yet?

army_ant7 said:
I think it's because only Intel CPU boards may be offered in this AIO form factor. It was mentioned in the article that other mo-bo companies make these kind of boards.
Plus Chris did say this:
:) 
anusheri said:
I've asked AMD if they have any plans to support this form factor. Company representatives seemed interested, but not particularly sure if AMD would ever pursue channel-enabled all-in-ones. We'll almost certainly see Trinity-based tier-one boxes first.


Thanks for bringing that post by Chris to my attention, army_ant7.
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September 21, 2012 12:00:54 AM

Such large screen enclosure could have been of good use for more antennas to enable 450Mbps WiFi or perhaps a TV tuner. Also USB 3.0 headers aren't much more expensive than 2.0.
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September 21, 2012 1:03:52 AM

With the new Haswell processors coming soon, this could actually be a viable gaming option.
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September 21, 2012 1:17:02 AM

twztechmanWith the new Haswell processors coming soon, this could actually be a viable gaming option.

I won't hold my breath.
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September 21, 2012 1:35:07 AM

Sorry to repost this, but it's just that you may have missed my reply above about if the full-length mini-PCI-E is cross-compatible with mSATA on this board, because in the Wikipedia link that I sent above, it says that they normally don't have compatible signaling or something like that. Just wondering. Thanks Chris! :) 
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