LP GPU + STX: A brickless, high-powered, S4T with IO Access

LP GPU + STX: A brickless, high-powered, S4T with IO Access

Building a Mini STX X600 | Ryzen 9700X | RTX 4060 Low Profile PC

NFC Build Pictured:

A 4060LP with a STX motherboard

Difficulty:

/ / / / / (7 out of 7 SkySlots)

Pros:

  • POWERFUL components!
  • One internal PSU
  • Tiny, cool, and full IO access to GPU

Cons:

  • Very difficult solder method (for this specific guide)
  • Custom SkyIO required (sold on this site)
  • Motherboard DC Cable run through I/O

This build and following guide is by Winsom Tam

Introduction 

This build has been over two years in the making! Ever since Josh uploaded his STX/A2000 build on YouTube, I was inspired to create a similar setup. I ordered all the custom parts needed but never committed to the expensive A2000 video card. Finally, years later, I acquired the X300/X600 4060 LP rear bezel, the Gigabyte 4060 LP, and the X600 motherboard instead of the X300.

This guide will walk you through the components used and some critical tips I wish I had known before starting.

 


Video References

These are not precisely related to this write-up, but do cover many key concepts and demonstrate how things fit together.

TINY RTX

TINY ACE


Components Used

Computer Components:

  • Motherboard: ASRock Deskmini X600

  • Processor: Ryzen 7 9700X

  • Graphics Card: Gigabyte RTX 4060 LP

  • Power Supply: HDPlex 250W GAN

  • Cooling: Thermalright AXP-90 X47

  • Memory: Crucial SODIMM RAM

  • Storage: Samsung 990 Plus SSD

NFC Components:

  • Case: S4T

  • Bezel: X300/X600 4060LP Inset Bezel (Revision D)

  • Cabling: GX16 Cable

  • Power Switch

  • Case Stand

Miscellaneous Components:

  • Riser Cable: ADT K43SW M.2 Gen 4 (20cm)

  • Resistor: SMD 100k (0402)

  • Standoffs: 5mm motherboard standoffs

  • Spacer: 16mm washer (cut or 3D printed)


Important Tips Before You Start

Here are some key things I learned during the build process. Some of these were mentioned in Josh’s Discord post, but I didn’t read that until I was already halfway through!

1. Resistor Mod for the X600 Motherboard

The X600 motherboard requires a resistor modification to accept the HDPlex GAN 12V power. Thanks to the helpful Discord members, I learned that you need to solder an SMD 100k resistor on top of the existing one. Since I lack the soldering skills for this, I got a friend to help.

2. Adjusting the X300/X600 4060 LP Bezel (Revision D)

  • The Revision D bezel requires the motherboard to be lowered by 3mm for proper clearance.

  • You’ll need 5mm motherboard standoffs instead of the default 8mm ones.

  • Since the standoffs are shorter, washers are needed on top of the motherboard screw holes to ensure proper screw fitting.

3. GX16 Cable and Power Switch Placement

  • The new positioning places the internal frame between the rear locking screws of both items.

  • While it is secure without a washer, adding a washer makes it feel more stable.

4. GPU Fitment Issues

  • The rear locking screw for the GX16 cable and power switch is raised, which interferes with the video card.

  • I had to trim part of the RTX 4060 plastic fan shroud for proper seating.

5. Front Panel Headers on Mini STX Boards

  • The header size is smaller than on standard ITX/ATX motherboards.

  • Some minor rewiring is needed for compatibility.

6. CPU Fan Clearance Issues

  • There isn’t enough clearance to easily plug the CPU fan cable into the header.

  • You’ll need to get creative with how you connect it.

7. PCIe Riser Compatibility

  • I originally purchased the Gen 3 ADT Link R34SR, but it did not work.

  • Windows recognized the GPU but froze whenever switching from onboard graphics.

  • Switching to the K43SW Gen 4 riser resolved the issue, though Gen 4 cables are much stiffer and require careful bending.

8. Case Screw Considerations

  • Some screw holes have components directly behind them, so you’ll need case screws of the perfect length.


Final Thoughts

This build differs slightly from Josh’s X300/A2000 build due to the use of the X600 motherboard and 4060LP GPU. If you watch his YouTube video and follow the tips above, you should be set for building a similar setup!

One final note: I initially experienced random system shutdowns with no clear cause, but they eventually stopped happening.

Big thanks to the Discord members for guiding me to the resistor mod, and to Josh for providing the insights that made this build possible!


My Photos!

 

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