Something a little different from RC this time 🙂 An AMD BC-250 mining board is getting a second life. The plan is to turn it into a Linux computer, and eventually my own Steam Machine. First up: sorting out the cooling.
The original heatsink needs a few changes for fans blowing down onto it. I removed the metal strips covering the tops of the fins to open up the airflow. The tool of choice? Ordinary scissors 🙂
With everything apart, I replaced the thermal pads on both sides of the board.
Finally, I fitted two fans above the modified heatsink, held in place by 3D-printed supports. It is starting to look like a little computer!
And it boots! 🙂 The board is now running CachyOS, so the Linux computer part of the project is already taking shape.
Next up: setting up Steam and trying some games. This project will be continued — more updates to come! 🙂
For more information about running Linux on this unusual board, check out the community BC-250 documentation.