HTPC in a PS2

drjayphd · Post by **drjayphd** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:32 pm

Who could say no to a PS2 for $1.99? Not I. Even if it doesn't work, but it includes a 3-in-1 RF switch. Well, I don't know that it doesn't work, but it's a safe bet.

Anyway, I bought it to use as a case for an HTPC. Looked up PC's built in PS2's, and I know it's been done (check mini-itx.com for proof). I've already picked out the motherboard/CPU combo and DVD burner (because it's probably not much more than a plain ol' slimline DVD-ROM), and a standard-issue laptop drive should work, but I don't know about power supplies. I'm told there's external ones out there... any recommendations?

Also, anyone built PC's in consoles before? It's the OG PS2, not the slimmer one (which I already have), so there should be room. But what considerations should I make? Not building it right this moment, because I need to sell some stuff and clear out space, bu when I do, I'll document the whole process.

lifeisbetterwithketchup · Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:59 pm

I know several people have made mini-ITX based computers into NES cases before.

As for the power supply, you could use a picoPSU in it, with an external power brick.

illustriouschin · Post by **illustriouschin** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 11:57 pm

could you still play PS2 games with it? i have an extra ps2 and i was thinking about taking the cpu out of my old computer and putting it in there, maybe for a speed boost.

vskid · Post by **vskid** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:03 am

illustriouschin wrote:could you still play PS2 games with it? i have an extra ps2 and i was thinking about taking the cpu out of my old computer and putting it in there, maybe for a speed boost.

Are you being serious? Its 100% no, if you have to ask, you clearly don't have the knowledge to do it (if its possible at all).

lifeisbetterwithketchup · Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:19 am

Well, possibly, you COULD (not that there would be any real reason to) put a PSTwo slim and a mini-ITX board both together into a PS2 (the fat one) case. It would probably be very snug and lots of fun to wire up, but it would be possible.

So, it's possible, but not by taking a fat ps2 and shoving an old cpu into it.

gamemasterAS · Post by **gamemasterAS** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:11 pm

illustriouschin wrote:could you still play PS2 games with it? i have an extra ps2 and i was thinking about taking the cpu out of my old computer and putting it in there, maybe for a speed boost.

I think maybe you should just quit the internet right now.

illustriouschin · Post by **illustriouschin** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:16 pm

gamemasterAS wrote:
illustriouschin wrote:could you still play PS2 games with it? i have an extra ps2 and i was thinking about taking the cpu out of my old computer and putting it in there, maybe for a speed boost.
I think maybe you should just quit the internet right now.

lol? you cant even recognize my humor, it exists on a plain you cant even comprehend. "quit" you say, how did you find the internet, slap you dad's keyboard while he was at work even though he said "no computers are for grownups." no just kidding i'm not really mad at you i cant stay mad at kids.

gamemasterAS · Post by **gamemasterAS** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:57 pm

illustriouschin wrote:
gamemasterAS wrote:
illustriouschin wrote:could you still play PS2 games with it? i have an extra ps2 and i was thinking about taking the cpu out of my old computer and putting it in there, maybe for a speed boost.
I think maybe you should just quit the internet right now.
lol? you cant even recognize my humor, it exists on a plain you cant even comprehend. "quit" you say, how did you find the internet, slap you dad's keyboard while he was at work even though he said "no computers are for grownups." no just kidding i'm not really mad at you i cant stay mad at kids.

Well since no one was sure if you were joking, I don't think it was that obvious.

illustriouschin · Post by **illustriouschin** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:38 pm

gamemasterAS wrote:
illustriouschin wrote:
gamemasterAS wrote:
illustriouschin wrote:could you still play PS2 games with it? i have an extra ps2 and i was thinking about taking the cpu out of my old computer and putting it in there, maybe for a speed boost.
I think maybe you should just quit the internet right now.
lol? you cant even recognize my humor, it exists on a plain you cant even comprehend. "quit" you say, how did you find the internet, slap you dad's keyboard while he was at work even though he said "no computers are for grownups." no just kidding i'm not really mad at you i cant stay mad at kids.
Well since no one was sure if you were joking, I don't think it was that obvious.

that is why it is so beautiful. anyway to get back on topic, i suggest if you are going to put a PC in a PS2 case that you do not make any overt changes to the outside like adding extra lights or anything, i mean whats the point of hiding a PC in a console if you are just going to make it obvious that you did so. also for extra points convert the controller ports into USB, haha yeah it has USB ports already but that would still be cool, maybe plug some xbox 360 controllers in there.

but anyway if i was doing this mod i would not use a PS2 they are pretty dang ugly i would just make my own case, not very original but still a clean design.

ghosstt · Post by **ghosstt** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:58 pm

im kinda starting not to like this guy already

Your project should be fun. You could probably take the plastic piece off of the PS2 DVD drive, and glue it to the front of the laptop one. Im thinking of doing a NESPC, but don't want to spend a ton for the MiniITX

illustriouschin · Post by **illustriouschin** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 1:44 pm

are PICO-ITX boards feesable for this type of project?

drjayphd · Post by **drjayphd** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 11:25 am

illustriouschin wrote:are PICO-ITX boards feesable for this type of project?

If that's the form factor I'm thinking of, maybe. I'd only be using it for games and the front end of a MythTV setup anyways. Pico-ITX might help as far as space, too, although the bigger question isn't Mini vs. Pico, but what board'll have the right outputs. Found one with HDMI, so that might work for the future (if I can find a good HD tuner card).

And as for the DVD drive door, I was actually thinking of going with a slot-loader. Ya know, for extra niftyness.

lifeisbetterwithketchup wrote:As for the power supply, you could use a picoPSU in it, with an external power brick.

Actually, now that I've looked it up, that'd be perfect.

illustriouschin · Post by **illustriouschin** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 3:38 pm

i think the biggest difference between those boards is the mini is about 4 times larger but the inputs and outputs are about the same, you wont get anything fancy out of a pico board though as far as performance. dont bother with nano-itx unless you manage to find one somewhere those things are like a unicorn's and leprechaun's bastard spawn.