G4 Cube & Mac Mini - The Perfect Pair

[CooperBox]

There are no shortages of G4 Cube stories here, either by those loving them, infuriated by them when something goes wrong, or a mix of both.
I'd been wanting to bring one up to date running an Intel cpu, but unfortunately I don't have the electrical engineering skill to accomplish that, although one can find i5 and i7 Cube Hackintosh rig videos, which regrettably show that the Cube case has been butchered.
Initially I acheived a fairly simple solution using both the components below and running OS Yosemite.



After that attempt I thought the 2,26GHz 2009 Mac Mini 'tuned-up' and running a current OS would be great as a daily driver.
This was recently completed and detailed on the Mac Mini forum, which as an afterthought I reckoned that some here may also be interested, especially with mention of a 'Cube'. Link HERE.
Completed 'MiniCube' shown below. As mentioned elsewhere, I can truly say that the end result certainly exceeded my expectations.



This MiniCube could also be labled, 'The Perfect pair' - aka the Dolly Parton special.

 

[mode11]

Neat. I've got a Cube and used to have a 2009 mini. Is the mini mounted vertically, so it's optical drive can be accessed, and cables come out the bottom? How are you securing it in there?

 

[swamprock]

I'll check that out. My Cube's mainboard finally bit the big one, and I have a spare 2009 Mini to play around with...

 

[CooperBox]

Neat. I've got a Cube and used to have a 2009 mini. Is the mini mounted vertically, so it's optical drive can be accessed, and cables come out the bottom? How are you securing it in there?

Yes it's mounted vertically. I tried all sorts of combinations before finding the most suitable - for me at least.
It is possible (albeit rather tricky) to mount vertically so that the Mini's optical drive slot mates with the Cube, although this requires a little more to be removed within the Cube. Indeed satisfying to see the CD/DVD popping out from the Cube's top slot (as originally designed) but this configuration didn't suit me as one has no easy access to the Mac Mini's power button. I positioned mine vertically for the easiest access to the power button from the rear lower right-hand side of the Cube. Works a treat. (Photos below).
I'm currently working on a 2nd if anyone may eventually be interested.

 

[mode11]

Makes sense. Wonder if a USB slot-loading drive could be rigged up to the disc slot? There would be loads of space in the front half of the Cube. Sounds like it would need to be a model that can push / pull a disc a relatively long way from the slot though, to get past the casing. On the other hand, discs aren't used a great deal these days, so probably not worth the effort.

How's the mini itself secured in the Cube casing? Adhesive strips? Also, what's that Hercules device attached to the back of the case?

 

[Amethyst1]

Also, what's that Hercules device attached to the back of the case?

Looks like a USB audio adapter.

 

[CooperBox]

Looks like a USB audio adapter.

Yes, a Hercules audio adapter.



Was in the box when I bought the Cube some while ago. I added it to this set-up as it gives convenient access when connecting headphones.

 

[Amethyst1]

@CooperBox - Forgive me for asking but do you "have to" connect the monitor using VGA? VGA et LCDs ne marchent pas.

 

[CooperBox]

Makes sense. Wonder if a USB slot-loading drive could be rigged up to the disc slot? There would be loads of space in the front half of the Cube. Sounds like it would need to be a model that can push / pull a disc a relatively long way from the slot though, to get past the casing. On the other hand, discs aren't used a great deal these days, so probably not worth the effort.

How's the mini itself secured in the Cube casing? Adhesive strips? Also, what's that Hercules device attached to the back of the case?

I tried several possible solutions, including adhesive strips. Another idea which worked well was a rubber wedge-shaped spacer either side.

 

[CooperBox]

@CooperBox - Forgive me for asking but do you "have to" connect the monitor using VGA? VGA et LCDs ne marchent pas.

Simply it was the only adapter I had available when setting up. Having said that I'm delighted at the image from this HP model E243i ips monitor. Are you suggesting it could be improved with a Display Port or HDMI adapter which the monitor also has?
The purchase of the 24" with 1920x1200WXGA resolution, aspect ratio 16:10 was a calculated decision which I believed the best compromise for my eyes.

 

[Amethyst1]

Are you suggesting it could be improved with a Display Port or HDMI adapter which the monitor also has?

Yes. At work I run two identical 1920x1200 monitors - one via VGA, one via DVI (temporarily until I get a new laptop). The one attached via VGA is visibly blurry, the one attached via DVI is crystal-clear.

A Displayport connection would be best for you, no DVI/HDMI adapter required.

 

[CooperBox]

Yes. At work I run two identical 1920x1200 monitors - one via VGA, one via DVI (temporarily until I get a new laptop). The one attached via VGA is visibly blurry, the one attached via DVI is crystal-clear.

A Displayport connection would be best for you, no DVI/HDMI adapter required.

Thanks. I'll let you know what I eventually find.