Article: Computer Audiophile Pocket Server C.A.P.S. v3 Zuma

[dpaws]

As we're considering the "ultimate" CAPS 3 build, maybe this power supply option would be eligible - with it being linear throughout there should be no DC to DC converters feeding crud back into the mains bus. It is a little pricey though...

 

https://coreaudiotechnology.com/products/power-supplies/nanoatx

 

BTW I have had more or less the same server running Vortexbox via the excellent Squeezepad using the i3-3220T processor and a Gigabyte GA-H61N-USB3 LGA1155 Mini ITX Motherboard. At present I use the PicoPSU for the mobo but I intend to revert to linear throughout, a project for the new year....

 

I also use this external RAID enclosure which has it's own power supply (5V DC 2.0A) fitted with 2 x 480GB SSD drives in RAID1 configuration and connected to the mobo via eSata

 

http://eu.startech.com/HDD/Enclosures/25in-Removable-eSATA-USB-Dual-SATA-Hard-Drive-Enclosure-with-RAID~S252U2ERR

[dpaws]

A word of warning about using this case. Note very carefully the configuration of the heat pipes and the CPU position. (Google the casing and you'll find an extensive pdf manual online)

 

My mobo didn't fit as standard as the CPU was on the wrong side of the mobo for the heat pipes. Thankfully the rear panel can be detached and reversed (ie upside down) which is what I had to do, and then custom install the pipes, cutting one down in length to fit. However, all seems to run just fine, my less powerful processor only raises the casing temperature to luke warm so the pipes seem to be doing their job.

 

For the PCIe I've had to run a flexible riser across the top of the mobo as the mobo slot and the casing mount are now on opposite sides...

[dpaws]

How did you do that?

 

They are supposed to be a vacuum with a small amount of coolant that vaporizes and then re condenses.

 

Crimp first then cut.... worked for me

[dpaws]

Hmm, wild. Did you solder to seal it then?

No, I was worried about igniting the coolant, I used an hydraulic swage, it would appear to have worked just fine....

 

For those forced to utilise either an SMPS supply or DC to DC converters this item would appear to tackle the issues we're concerned with

 

"a range of mains input filters for switched mode power supplies to prevent smps generated noise from getting back onto the mains"

 

Switched Mode Power Supply Filters

[dpaws]

Your point is fair as I haven't been able to verify the pipe performance but the original piece didn't fit so it was either hack and make do or leave a space. Thankfully my processor is at the bottom end of the performance envelope so any decrease in cooling efficiency isn't critical in my specific application.

 

You like the Quads? Well, the 2905's are a completely different animal to the '63s, they have real bass!! They sound amazing with the NAD M2, it seems to be a special synergy with the slight warmth of the Quads complimenting the hugely detailed performance from the amp. The final presentation can be tweaked by using either copper or silver 'speaker cables, for me copper gives the most pleasing "tone" if that makes sense... An essential part of the equation is the PS Audio Powerplant Premiere which nails the Quads input voltage to 230V to ensure a consistent performance for each session. Nice...