Headless Server Case for HP 250 G3 Motherboard
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Compact, printable chassis to repurpose an HP 250 G3 motherboard into a headless home server.
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Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Computers
- License
- Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike
Project Description
This compact case was designed to salvage an HP 250 G3 motherboard (PCB model: ZSO50 LA-A994P) and repurpose it into a 100% headless home server.
As shown in the project renders, the design is intentionally minimalist: no cutouts were made for the motherboard's I/O ports because the server is meant to be hidden (e.g., under-desk mounting) and managed exclusively remotely via network.
🛒 Hardware & Required Components
Screws: M3 self-tapping screws for mounting the PCB.
Power Module: USB-C PD (20V) Trigger Module. Buy on AliExpress
Power Button: Heavy-duty slide switch. Buy on AliExpress. Note: If you wish to use a different button, the case geometry can be easily modified in CAD.
Cooling: 37x37 mm Aluminum heatsink.
Consumables: Two-part epoxy glue, soldering wires.
🖨 Printing Tips
Bottom & Top Covers: PETG or PLA (PETG is highly recommended for better overall thermal resistance).
Heatsink Bracket/Flange: Strictly ABS to ensure a high glass transition temperature and withstand the heat generated by the CPU without deforming.
🔧 Assembly Instructions
Motherboard Prep: For ease of installation, I desoldered the old battery connector. For power, cut the old power connector to extract the red (+) and black (-) wires (or use a suitable adapter if you prefer a reversible mod).
PCB Mounting: Print the bottom part of the case and secure the motherboard onto the built-in standoffs using M3 self-tapping screws.
USB-C Integration: Place the USB-C PD trigger into its dedicated slot and secure it firmly with two-part epoxy. Solder the red and black wires extracted earlier to the trigger, strictly respecting the polarities.
Power Button: Insert the switch into its slot and secure it with epoxy. Solder two wires to the switch terminals and tap into the two pins responsible for the power-on directly on the motherboard.
Cooling System: Attach the aluminum heatsink to the 3D-printed ABS bracket using two-part epoxy. Once dry, firmly anchor the bracket onto the motherboard, ensuring direct contact with the CPU die.
Closing Up: Close everything with the top cover (which features a ventilation grid). Your headless server is now ready to be powered up and configured on the network.
📄 Full Server Setup Guide & Documentation
Included in the download files, you will find a comprehensive technical dossier (PDF) detailing the entire project. It covers both the hardware re-engineering process and the step-by-step "blind install" instructions to deploy the Debian headless server directly onto the SSD via WSL2.
⚠ Copyright Notice: The attached documentation is protected by copyright (© Rosario Damiano). It is provided strictly for personal, non-commercial, and educational use.