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Make something from an old ATX PSU Power Supply Unit

Raspberry Pi inside a PSU
Energy needed to make [e.g., 150 MJ per unit]
Critical earth materials [e.g., 5g cobalt, 2g lithium]
Energy needed to disassemble [e.g., 10 kWh for full dismantle]
Energy to procure materials [e.g., 50 MJ for CRMs procurement]
Total supply chain emissions

You can Turn an Old PSU into a Clean Raspberry Pi Cluster Box.

If you have an unused ATX power supply, you can convert its metal case into a compact enclosure for multiple Raspberry Pi boards. This setup keeps cables tidy, improves airflow, and gives a clean, professional look to your wired projects.

What You Are Building

A small, enclosed “Pi hub” that:

  • Houses 2 (even 4) Raspberry Pi boards
  • Uses the original PSU fan for cooling
  • Routes all Ethernet and power cables neatly through one box

Instead of a messy desk full of wires, you get a single organized unit.

What You Need

  • Old ATX PSU case (fully emptied except the Fan, On/off switch and Cable plastic ring)
  • 2 – 4 Raspberry Pi
  • 12V 1A adapter (for the fan)
  • DC barrel jack
  • USB power adapters or powered USB hub
  • Standoffs or spacers (plastic or metal)
  • Zip ties
  • Ethernet cables for PIs (if they’re not connected via WiFi)

Step 1: Empty the PSU

Open the PSU and remove all internal electronics. Keep only the metal case and the fan. Do not touch capacitors or internal parts if still present.

Step 2: Reuse the Fan

  • The original PSU fan is perfect for airflow
  • Connect fan wires to a 12V adapter
  • Red with Red cable (positive)
  • Black with Black cable (negative or ground)
  • Add the switch in series with either black or red cable for manual control

Step 3: Mount the Raspberry Pis

  • Install your Raspberry Pis inside the case:
  • Use spacers to keep them off the metal surface
  • Arrange them so airflow passes across all boards
  • Leave some gap between each board for cooling
  • Do not let the PCB touch the metal casing directly.

Step 4: Power Distribution

  • Never try to power Pis directly from raw PSU wiring unless you know exactly what you are doing.
  • Safer option is to use a powered USB hub inside the case
  • Or route multiple USB adapters into the enclosure

Goal:

  • One clean power input
  • Multiple stable 5V outputs to each Pi

Step 5: Cable Management

  • Use the PSU’s rear panel for routing:
  • Ethernet cables and power cables all can exit through one side
  • Keep edges smooth to avoid cable damage. Push cables through the plastic smooth ring hole
  • Tie cables inside using zip ties to prevent movement

Step 6: Final Assembly

  • Secure all components
  • Ensure airflow path is not blocked
  • Close the case
  • Turn on the fan and power up the Pis.
  • You now have a compact Raspberry Pi cluster box.

Warning

Again, do not ignore this: PSU capacitors can retain lethal voltage long after disconnection. Never touch internal circuitry. Only work with a fully cleared and safe enclosure.

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