GMKTec G9 Open Case (1U high)

A cooler case for the GMKTec G9

If you. like me were in the market for a cheap, not to fancy, NAS you might have bought the GMKTec G9. On paper it looks awesome. However the case design leaves a lot to desire. Have a look at Jeff Geerlings excellent video on his endeavors here: 

So this is an effort to start finding a way to better cool the G9 and get that small, cheap NAS I was looking for.

Some design principles

• Should use mainly the stock hardware (Small fail as You would need a few M2 (6mm and 10mm) screws in addition to what is delivered with the G9)
• Should fit in 1U space (Mainly to accommodate Jeff as I am not going to us it in a rack 😁 )
• Should be easy to print on basic printer
• Should be “expandable” with additional cooling (i.e. more fans)
• Should not need heated inserts as most people don't have them available, and once screwed together this should not be taken apart, I mean… how often do you change SSDs in your NAS? 🌞

Instructions

1. Print the models.
   1. 0.2mm layer height
   2. 4 perimeters
   3. 5 bottom layers
   4. 5 top layers
   5. PETG (hopefully will handle the heat)
2. While the printer is printing, dissect the G9.
3. Attach the stock cooler mounts to the stock cooler mount panel with 4 10mm M3 screws each. Can be glued if you want to save on the M3 screws ;)
4. Stick the stock fans in the cooler mounts.
   1. Arrange the cables
      1. The fan that blows on the SSD side should have it's cable routed directly inside the case, just beside the fan.
      2. The fan that is blowing on the CPU side should have it's cable going out the outside of the case and then be routed through the small hole below it from the outside to the inside of the case.
5. Attach the main board to the front and back panels with the main board of the G9
   1. In each corner use a 10mm (minimum) M2 screw,
   2. In the third M.2-mount there is a hole in the main board so you can screw in a small (max 6mm) M2 to better secure the M.2-mounts. Do not use a too long screw as it will hinder the M.2 mounting screw coming from the other direction in the same hole. There is a hole in the panel for you to access this mounting hole
6. Attach the cooler mount panel to the front and back panels. The cooler mount panel should be attached to the end where the USB-ports are on the board. This is a good place to use the G9 supplied M2 screws.
7. Attach the exhaust panel to the front and back panels. The exhaust panel should be mounted on the CPU cooler exhaust side of the main board. Note that the panel is asymmetrical to ensure it does not hinder the airflow from the CPU cooler. This is also a good place to use the G9 supplied M2 screws.
8. Attach the fan cables
   1. Both cables should now be inside the case on each side (front/back) of the case on the SSD side of the main board. Attach to the fan connectors. Read the labels on the main board to ensure you connect to Fan1 and Fan2. Note there is a third connector that I don't know what it does, but don't connect to that one.
9. If you want more cooling you should be able to mount 40mm fans to both the back (blowing in to the case) and the exhaust (blowing out from the case). These fans would possibly need external or USB power.
10. You should now be able to attach SSDs with heat sinks (as long as they are not crazy high) You should be able to use the supplied screws that came with the G9.