1 / 14
Custom server case for Lenovo 500e Chromebook — image 1
1 / 14

Custom server case for Lenovo 500e Chromebook

Order a print of this model

We calculate the final price from your selected file. You review and accept it before payment.

Saved on this device.

A custom case for a Lenovo 500e Chromebook to convert into a small server for Home Assistant

Rating
0 / 5
Likes
2
Downloads
8
Makes
0
Views
135
Reviews
0

Updated at source:

Model information

Category
Computers
License
Creative Commons — Public Domain

Found a pretty banged up Lenovo 500e 1st gen Chromebook on marketplace for basically free, took it apart and made a new 3d printed case for it and using it as a Home Assistant server. 

I have an A1 mini printer, so the case is split into 2 parts. I actually like the dual color style, so you can print one half in a different color to make it more unique. 

Important to note that this case is made especially for the 1st gen 500e Chromebook, it does not work with the 2nd or 3rd gen. 

 

  • Assembly:

  • Print the parts, one plate is white. No special settings needed, i just used the default standard preset. 

  • Take the chromebook completely apart. 

  • Take a look at the pictures, they are in the order of assembly

  • Main housing fits together with dovetails and the 2 small brackets for reinforcement from plate 2

  • Mount the battery with small screws(i took it from the laptop itself)

  • Glue the wifi antennas(i used double sided tape) to the small rectangles found in plate 2

  • Router one of the antennas on the side(little groves you can push the wire in, wrap it around a screw post so its just long enough to mount the antenna)

  • Screw in the motherboard

  • Mount the other antenna, same with wrapping around a couple of times the screw posts so its just long enough

  • Mount the daughter board(this one has the on/off switch, but you can use the front USB-C to power it on too)
    Press in the HA logo

  • Screw in the larger top part

  • Screw in the smaller top part, which has a small standoff piece(found in plate 2), it holds down the motherboard too
    The feet are just snap onto the bottom and you can lay it horizontal(print another feet for the other side too) or vertical(2 feet enough)

As for the screws, i used various torx screws i removed from an old 2011 iMac. Any smaller screws will work, i don't have exact sizes, i believe its T10, 3x diameter and various lenghts.