February 1, 2026
Description
This is a case for BC-250 board-computer, to use it with cheap 12v PSU - from HP server, like HSTNS-PL28 643954-201 (gen6, gen7 - reachable under 10$/10€ in state "like new"/new).
It can be 460W, 750W …
How to connect this thing to BC250? Its easy!
One resistor (1-47kOhm is ok) and connection (or switch) between 33pin and gnd, and power supply is running. Old +12v PCIe cable (6 or 8pin) cut from old/dead ATX and connection like this:
BC-250 for proper cooling MUST have opened radiator fins on top - for airflow.
Fan - I use Arctic Cooling P12Pro PST - because they have good pressure and airflow, but anything 12v PWM capable >1700rpm should be ok.
There is a place for 2 “blower fan” type 5015 (typical cheap (and silent) fans used in 3d printers etc) - with additional heat-sink(s) glued to backplate - can significantly improve back plate cooling (VRM and RAM chips are under backplate, on the back of board).
There is a place for 2.5" ssd/hdd under BC250 mainboard. Can be easy connected by some cheap “USB3.0 to Sata cable” (or PCB from old usb-hdd-case), cable to it is going thru rear panel (there are a holes in rear panel, for cables, to route it via BEFORE you screw panel to case).
Front panel - have hole for power-button (classic 22mm one), and place for 4port USB hub (For securing it in place - is needed “usb hub stopper” small part, screwed to bottom of case).
hub:
and cable extension for it:
you will find on aliexpress for few bucks.
On front panel - invisible (only 1 layer thick of plastic) place for small power/voltage meter. 0.28" small one
As HP power supply is providing analog signal, to indicate power load (50mV/10W) - you can put small 0.28" voltmeter, and tune it (by changing input divider/tune potentiometer) to show "100" (1.00v? 100v?) when 0.50V is measured
When you print front panel from white - voltmeter black face will be a little visible, so better use some dark filaments
All case connection are made by M3 screws (countersunk, if you have) and standard M3 heat-inserts. Should be printed from PETg at least, because board gets hot (and air blowing from radiator is hot too).
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike