This project was originally started with the goal of fitting a complete Windows 10 PC inside of a Gamecube case, with the major requirement of being capable of running Wii and Gamecube at full FPS and native resolution using Dolphin Emulator. Additional goals were set to retain full functionality of the original buttons, controller ports, cooling system, and more.

Based on the specifications of the Mini-STX form factor, I knew one of these motherboards would barely fit inside of a Gamecube shell. Using a Dremel to hollow out the inside of the bottom shell quickly turned into an ugly JB-welded mess, and there was still no good way to firmly mount the motherboard to it.

So while I thought about the case, I continued to worked on wiring the original front controller ports to a Mayflash Gamecube-to-USB adapter. I found a connector with the proper pitch that allowed me to interface with the original controller port board

I was able to get it to function in both PC (D-Input) and Wii-U mode in Dolphin. With a lack of USB ports on the motherboard, I thought it would be a good idea to install some additional USB ports in the memory card slots, so I designed a custom PCB to handle that using the very low-profile tinkerBOY 4-Port USB Hub. There is only one internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard, so the Mayflash uses one port and the 4-port USB hub uses the other.

I realized I was going to need a 3D printer to make this build clean, so I picked up an Ender 3 v2. After many tweaks to match the curvature of both the inside and outside of the front panel, I was able to print some standoffs and USB port covers.

I also now had a solution for the bottom shell. Only a few prints were required to get the base very close to the original shape. I then worked on adding access to the motherboard I/O and a slot for the front controller port panel to rest in.

I then had to design some standoffs to go from the original Gamecube screw posts in the top half of the case to the PC motherboard's mounting pattern. A cover was also printed that goes above the motherboard rear I/O shield, and has mounting holes for the WiFi and Bluetooth antennas.

Features

• Functional controller ports using Mayflash USB adapter
• Added 4 USB ports to front panel
• Accessible front motherboard I/O from outside of case
• WiFi/Bluetooth antennas connected to internal dual wireless card
• Large M.2 heat sink (drive gets quite hot)
• Sturdy structure and assembly

Future fixes

• Top shell LED only comes on when the Mayflash adapter is in a certain mode. As soon as I toggle the switch, it turns off power to that LED, so I need to source power from somewhere else
• Perhaps part of the same problem above, the reset switch actually has power going to it in a certain mode of the Mayflash adapter, which holds the reset pin on the motherboard high and causes the computer to continuously power cycle until I switch modes
• May be more convenient to relocate the switch on the Mayflash adapter to the front panel
• No issues with cooling the CPU yet but may install some small fans using the original intake and exhaust vents
• Design a PCB to mount the original power switch to, and then 3D print a mount for it