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How-To Modify a network hub to fit in a PC expansion slot Pictures of the network hubs that I have modified are in the PC Modifications album. Tools/Equipment Required: Small Network Hub (I used a GigaFast Ethernet EZ500-S for its small size and power requirements), Expansion Slot Blank, Solder, Two Pieces of Scrap Metal (Metal PC case knockouts work perfect), Soldering Iron, Tools (to Disassemble Network Hub), Extra Molex Power Connector with Wires, Dremel Tool with Cut-Off Wheels. 1. Disassemble the hub and determine if its size and power requirements will allow it to fit in an expansion slot. Determine how far up the expansion slot that the hub will have to be mounted to avoid interference with the actual motherboard slots. 2. Mark the expansion slot blank with the necessary holes that the network ports on the hub should protrude through. 3. Cut out the holes marked on the expansion card blank. I suggest that these are cut slightly smaller than necessary and slowly enlarged so that the network hub fits snugly. This helps to secure the hub and make it look as though it was purchased this way. 4. Take the two pieces of scrap metal and trim them down so that they are not thicker than the expansion slot blank nor the network port height. Bend them into L-brackets that will connect from the expansion card blank and the side of the network ports. 5. Determine which pins on the hub that the power cables should be connected to and which pins on the molex power connector to use. Solder the molex connector to the hub to become the new power source. 6. I recommend that the hub is tested prior to continuing. I also recommend using an extra AT or 12V power supply, so if any erros where made the PC doesn't get fried as well. If all seems to be working correctly with network activity then continue to the next step. 7. Connect the L-brackets to the expansion slot blank and the side of the network port, being sure not to short anything out in the process. Although not the proper tool of choice, I chose to solder the connections. It takes a while to heat up and get a solid connection but it will work. 8. Install the hub into any available expansion slot and hook up the power. Be sure to securely tighten the screw down. If the case uses some sort of spring or lever action to hold expansion cards in place then I recommentd also securing it via a screw or some other method. Normal expansion cards have extra support to hold the card in place when the card is inserted into the slot. This is not the case for the hub which could become loose if not secured properly.
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This file last modified 05/21/21 |