# Garage Computer

**Built a computer to use for music (PlexAmp app) in the garage.**

- I was gifted a 2009 Core2Duo Mac mini with 4GB of memory and an SSD.
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Installed Q4OS Linux for something lightweight that feels up-to-date and snappy on this older hardware.</span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I decided to use an empty Macintosh SE FDHD shell I had. The original computer is still in use inside a clear/transparent MacEffects case.</span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For screen I purchased a </span>[Waveshare](https://www.waveshare.com/8inch-768x1024-lcd.htm)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 8" 768x1024 IPS touchscreen LCD. </span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I printed </span>[brackets](https://www.printables.com/model/876743-macintosh-aio-9-inch-lcd-bracket-rev-4 "Link to STL files")<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to mount the screen in the front of the Mac SE shell.</span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I removed the Mac Mini upper shell and extended the power LED so it could be attached to old HDD activity hole. Added wire to move/extend the power button to the rear of the Mac SE shell. </span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Created some 3D designs in TinkerCAD to mount the button and fill the rear holes. Also created a mount for 60mm Noctua rear exhaust fan. </span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Made the needed USB-&gt;3Pin fan header adapter. </span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For keyboard and mouse. I used an original Apple ADB keyboard and mouse with a </span>[<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Retro USB" </span>](https://www.bigmessowires.com/2017/05/16/retro-usb-on-sale-now/ "Retro USB")adapter to convert the older input devices to USB.

[![IMG_2109.jpeg](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/UuFimg-2109.jpeg)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/UuFimg-2109.jpeg)

[![IMG_2108.jpeg](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/rVnimg-2108.jpeg)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/rVnimg-2108.jpeg)

[![IMG_2106.jpeg](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2106.jpeg)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2106.jpeg)

[![IMG_2107.jpeg](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2107.jpeg)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2107.jpeg)

[![IMG_2093.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2093.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2093.JPG)

[![IMG_2084.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2084.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2084.JPG)

[![IMG_2086.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2086.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2086.JPG)

[![IMG_2088.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2088.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2088.JPG)

[![IMG_2085.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2085.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2085.JPG)

[![IMG_2090.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2090.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2090.JPG)

[![IMG_2091.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2091.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2091.JPG)

Above you can see the floppy insert I made to mount the IR remote receiver.

[![IMG_2092.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2092.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2092.JPG)

Above is the extended IR module with new longer wires.

[![IMG_2089.JPG](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2089.JPG)](https://aaronnewman.net/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/img-2089.JPG)

Above are the extended power button and USB fan power cable.