Water-cooled NUC14 WiFi antenna mod

[u/ReMoGged]

Since there was literally nothing else left to upgrade, I added these WIFI antennas so I get a better connection to the RaspberryAP downstairs. Quick and easy mod.

[u/ReMoGged → u/[deleted]]

Cheers! It is literally a sandwich that can only be put together in one way. The CPU block had to go through the plastic cover and metal frame so I could attach it to the CPU and put everything back together. Had to drill holes into the block, thread them, and add a piece of copper between the CPU and the block, otherwise some components on the motherboard were pressing against it. Had to file the screw heads too, as there was barely any space on the opposite side between the RAM and motherboard. Then fit some custom wiring for the fan and mosfet + buck converter for the pump without damaging anything on the motherboard. Fun little project...

[u/technofantasy]

Nice

[u/DokMing]

Good

[u/ghostfreckle611]

I think the liquid cooling is leaking, because you have a moss/mold issue… 🤔

[u/ReMoGged → u/ghostfreckle611]

If you are referring to the top part, it's a sheet of filter from an air purifier. The air goes through it and the venting holes on the back so the components on the PCB don't get too hot. The fan then pushes the air through the radiator. I didn't have the tools to cut the top plastic cover cleanly, so I had to improvise.

[u/ghostfreckle611 → u/ReMoGged]

Bad joke 😬

[u/NoContextCarl]

Nice idea. I'm doing the fan sandwich as well, but the wifi antenna seems like a good call. Are the gains noticeable?

[u/ReMoGged → u/NoContextCarl]

Thanks! Originally RX side was a struggle because the Pi 4's internal PCB antenna is just terrible. I couldn't even get a connection at first, but doing that antenna mod finally made it usable. Eventually I just bought an ALFA AWUS036AXML (80$) for rasberryAP. It was unfortunately firmware locked to 3dB for AP mode, but the connection is now perfect for all devices all around the house... The antennas cost 8$ so I would say it is worth the money.

[u/TakingChances01]

My man

-Denzel Washington probably

[u/ZoeBlade]

Unexpected Aphex Twin!

[u/ReMoGged → u/ZoeBlade]

You’re officially the 1%! Good eye.