Achieve Seamless OS Separation with M.2 SSD Mounting

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Mounting the M.2 SSD on the Backside of the Motherboard
3. Installing the Motherboard onto the Motherboard Tray
4. Mounting Components: GPU, Sound Card, and Memory
5. Sliding the Motherboard Tray into the Case
6. Color Scheme and Design Choice
7. Mounting Fans and Radiators into the Computer
8. Piping the Water Cooling System
9. Glass Tubing and Wiring
10. Conclusion

💻 Mounting the M.2 SSD on the Backside of the Motherboard

In this section, we will explore the process of mounting the M.2 SSD on the backside of the motherboard. This step is essential before fixing the motherboard onto the motherboard tray. By mounting the SSD on the backside, we can achieve complete separation of operating systems, allowing us to run Mac OS on this SSD while the Windows operating system runs on the other two SSDs in RAID 0.

To begin, we will be using the Samsung 960 Pro M.2 SSD, specifically the one terabyte version. This SSD was previously used as the boot drive for an old computer but will now serve as a scratch drive or throwaway partition drive. Its installation will provide us with the flexibility to experiment with various operating systems such as Linux and Mac OS.

The motherboard tray of the Case Labs case we have chosen comes with a convenient design that allows for easy installation of the motherboard. Before mounting the motherboard onto the tray, we need to relocate one of the stand-offs due to the configuration of the motherboard. This adjustment is necessary because the big VRM heatsink prevents the use of a screw hole in its original position.

During the installation process, we encountered a minor issue with the screw length. The screw provided was not long enough, and it took some effort to ensure proper contact with the socket. While the screw is securely attached, we did not tighten it excessively to avoid flexing the motherboard.

🖥️ Installing the Motherboard onto the Motherboard Tray

With the SSD successfully mounted on the backside, we can proceed to install the motherboard onto the motherboard tray. This case features a unique design that allows us to slide the entire tray into the computer, simplifying the overall installation process.

Before sliding the tray into the case, we need to ensure that all the components are correctly mounted. This includes installing the GPU, sound card, and memory. In this build, we opted for the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB memory modules, providing us with 64 gigabytes of DDR3 600 CL18 memory.

To accommodate the four DIMM slots, we can only populate the ones from the outside. Once all the components are securely in place, we can proceed to slide the motherboard tray into the case. This step is relatively straightforward and significantly contributes to the overall completeness of the computer.

The color scheme and design choices have played a significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetic of the build. Incorporating a full nickel CPU block proved to be an excellent decision because it complements the shiny chrome of the motherboard. The matte black components, such as the memory and GPU, further contribute to the overall Cohesive design. The use of Bitspower black Sparkle fittings adds an extra touch of elegance to the build.

With the motherboard, memory, and GPU attached to the motherboard, the computer starts to look more complete. However, some final steps remain, such as glass tubing and wiring, which will be covered in the next video.

If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, please like and subscribe to our Channel. Stay tuned for the next video, where we will explore the process of cutting glass tubing and completing the tubing of the water cooling system.

Highlights

• Mounting the M.2 SSD on the backside of the motherboard provides separation of operating systems.
• The Case Labs case features a convenient motherboard tray that simplifies installation.
• Relocating a stand-off is necessary to accommodate the motherboard's configuration.
• Installing the GPU, sound card, and memory completes the motherboard assembly.
• The color scheme and design choices enhance the overall aesthetic.

FAQs

Q: Why is mounting the M.2 SSD on the backside of the motherboard important? A: Mounting the M.2 SSD on the backside allows for the separation of operating systems.

Q: What is the benefit of using the Case Labs case with a motherboard tray? A: The motherboard tray simplifies the installation process by allowing the entire tray to be slid into the case.

Q: Why is it necessary to relocate a stand-off during the motherboard installation? A: The configuration of the motherboard, particularly the VRM heatsink, requires the relocation of a stand-off for proper fitment.

Q: How does the color scheme and design choice enhance the build? A: The chosen components, such as the full nickel CPU block and black Sparkle fittings, create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Q: What remains to be done after attaching the motherboard, memory, and GPU? A: The next steps involve glass tubing and wiring, which will be covered in the next video.