nvidia GTX280 in a Shuttle case

As promised, my report on if, and how, you can install a nvidia GTX280 card in a shuttle with a P2 chassis and 450W PSU. I have only been running for about an hour with the new card but no issues and a pass with 3DMark Vantage showed it could handle the load.

NOTE: Do not attempt this mod under any circumstances due to complexity, stupidity, warranty risk and general ass-coverage by me.

As you can see by the picture below, the only reason an 8800GTX will fit in a P2 chassis is that the heatsink’s shroud only covers 2/3 of the length of the card and the P2 12V connector is literally right next to the PCB.

If you take a look at this comparison image, you will see why you can not just swap it out for the GTX280.

With this modification, I purchased a P2 12V extension cable to perform the mod on rather than risking the warranty of the shuttle or the video card.

I first removed the pins from the end that plugs into the motherboard. If you do not know how to do this, research it as a special tool or a very very small flat-head screwdriver is required. I then reduced the length of the connector so that only 3mm of the top section remained. (this is for structural integrity) I used a craft knife to cut the plastic, it was quite soft.

Next, I used heatstrink tube to insulate the now exposed metal of the connectors to prevent shorts from occuring, the inserting the pins (IN THE CORRECT ORDER DAMNIT!) back into the connector.

Now plugged in, you can see how much vertical space has been saved.

With the GTX280 installed, and the cables routed to the sides rather than straight up, the card sits parellel to the motherboard… and there was much rejoycing.

When undertaking this, I was very careful to ensure the thin metal used in the pins did not break where they were bent to a 90 degree angle from where they normally sit.

As you can see from the completed installation, you have the modified P2 12V mobo extension, the 1 to 2 x 6 pin PCIe power connectors and the converter of one of those 6 pins to an 8 pin, all neatly packed away.