Convert a Server into a Desktop Gaming PC

thingiverse

I bought a vintage HP Server DL380 Proliant G7 for 200 euros to turn it into a high-performance desktop gaming PC. These old servers pack a lot of power at an unbeatable price, and mine has 64 GB of RAM, a DVD drive, and space for up to eight hard drives in RAID configuration. To get started, I needed a 10-pin HP server power cable that connects the PCI-E 8-pin, Molex 4-pin, and SATA 15-pin power supplies. I also required an HP Expansion Slot Riser Board Card, specifically designed for ProLiant DL380 G6 and G7 servers, as well as a HP HDD Backplane Power Cable, which is compatible with both the DL380 G6 and DL385 G6 models. In addition, I needed a Molex to 4-pin fan adapter to connect the fans to the motherboard. The fans in these servers are notoriously loud, so it's essential to replace them with silent alternatives to create a quiet gaming experience at home. To do this, I removed the installed fan and built custom adapters using the plugs from the original fans. This allowed me to reuse the existing wiring without any issues. Next, I printed the necessary parts for the fan shroud, which requires assembling two components together. I used a 3D printing pen to weld them into place, creating a sturdy structure that can withstand the rigors of heavy gaming usage. To create the fan shroud, I cut out a polycarbonate plate and made large holes for my 140mm silent fans. I also added a slit for the PCI Riser Cable, allowing me to install an external graphics card if needed. Additionally, I required an adapter to power two 8-pin connectors from one 8-pin connector. With all the parts printed, I assembled everything according to the pictures provided, using the fan shroud to guide air through the existing heat sinks of the two processors. To add a touch of personality to my build, I installed LED stripes powered by the internal USB port. I also installed an M.2 SSD in one of the PCI Express slots using an adapter and a SATA SSD in the RAID configuration as a boot drive. Finally, I added a second power supply, as these servers are designed to work with two, making it easy to power on and off using a multi-plug with a foot switch and setting the BIOS to automatically turn on when there's power from the wall. So far, my build has only experienced thermal throttling after 100% load for over 20 minutes, but this is not a major concern given its impressive performance. The server can handle a lot in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal all-day computer with high-performance capabilities at an affordable price. It's been a blast to use and customize!