Purpose
Retain the OASYS exterior and tactile identity while replacing its internal computing hardware. Target a serviceable machine with a usable built-in display and keyboard, modern I/O, and sustainable gaming performance. Gaming resolution, frame-rate target, budget, and acceptable noise are still to be set.
Current state
Build plan only. The intended conversion is confirmed by the owner; no teardown, dimensions, panel model, keyboard protocol, purchased components, or completed work have been supplied. No exact OASYS30AX service documentation was verified for this plan. Related OASYS models are not used as dimensional or electrical substitutes.
Parts
| Part | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original OASYS30AX enclosure and keyboard | 1 set | Project base. Photograph the identification label and all connectors before disassembly; condition not yet documented. |
| Motherboard, CPU, RAM, NVMe storage | 1 platform | Candidate architecture: compact desktop board with replaceable RAM/storage. Mini-ITX is a layout candidate, not confirmed to fit. A compact APU system is the fallback if cooling or GPU clearance fails. |
| Discrete GPU and optional PCIe riser | 0–1 each | Choose only after GPU length, height, thickness, connector bend radius, airflow, and gaming target are measured. Validate riser compatibility and signal stability. |
| Certified enclosed PC power supply | 1 | Form factor and wattage TBD from component requirements, transient loads, cable clearance, and ventilation. Do not reuse an unidentified original mains supply. |
| Replacement LCD and matched controller | 1 set | Need measured viewable opening, internal clearance, aspect ratio, mounting pattern, controller input, panel timing, backlight requirements, and cable clearance. Connector count alone does not establish compatibility. |
| USB-capable keyboard controller | 1 candidate | Only select after determining whether the keyboard exposes a passive matrix or an encoded protocol, along with voltage and pin mapping. QMK-capable hardware is an option if the matrix is compatible. |
| Mounting tray, brackets, standoffs, insulation, fans, I/O extensions | TBD | Design from the measured envelope. Keep fasteners and sharp edges away from boards and cable insulation. Preserve access for maintenance. |
Build notes
Phase 0 · Capture the starting point
Photograph front, back, underside, model label, screen opening, keyboard layout, ports, and visible damage. Record the original behavior if it can be checked safely. Label screws and connectors by location. Deliverable: a before-state inventory and an annotated photo set. Do not describe restoration results before they exist.
Phase 1 · De-energized teardown
Disconnect mains and any batteries before opening. Vintage mains supplies and display circuitry may retain hazardous charge; do not probe or modify their high-voltage sections without appropriate expertise. Remove assemblies methodically, preserving the shell, keyboard, hinges, latches, and useful original mounting features. Store removed electronics separately. Deliverable: an empty-shell inspection with no live original power circuitry.
Phase 2 · Measure the enclosure
Measure internal width/depth/height at several points, not just the outside dimensions. Map ribs, screw posts, hinges, vents, cable routes, and service openings. Measure screen visible area and available panel depth independently. Record keyboard cavity and connector positions. Produce a dimensioned layout and cardboard mockups, including power and video connector clearance. Gate: the full assembly can be installed and removed without stress on the shell.
Phase 3 · Choose the compute layout
Start with two paper layouts: compact motherboard plus discrete GPU, and compact APU motherboard without a GPU. Put intake, exhaust, CPU cooler, GPU fans, PSU, display controller, and keyboard controller into each layout. Count the heat-producing components and model where their exhaust goes. Prefer the architecture that meets the eventual gaming target within measured thermal and acoustic limits. Do not order parts from an assumed enclosure volume.
Phase 4 · Replace the display
Choose a panel only after measuring the opening and verifying its exact datasheet. Match eDP/LVDS interface, timing, voltage, backlight control, and cable with a supported controller. Bench-test the complete display kit with a normal PC before fitting it. Design a removable bezel adapter; check viewing angle, text legibility, scaling, refresh rate, and access to brightness controls. Gate: stable image, correct color and resolution, no pinched cables or hinge interference.
Phase 5 · Recover the original keyboard
Identify whether the keyboard is a passive switch matrix or contains an encoder. For a passive matrix, map continuity while unpowered: record each switch’s row/column and any diode direction. For an encoded keyboard, identify voltage and protocol before considering a converter. Never connect unknown lines directly to USB. Prototype one small key group on a suitable controller, then map every key. Plan Japanese/thumb-shift legends and layers around the owner’s desired behavior. Gate: every key, modifiers, rollover, reconnect, and wake behavior tested on a separate PC.
Phase 6 · Bench-build the PC
Assemble and test the chosen modern platform outside the OASYS shell on a suitable nonconductive work surface. Verify firmware, memory stability, storage, display outputs, keyboard USB, and OS installation before introducing custom mounts or a riser. Record baseline idle and load temperatures, power, noise, and game performance. A later enclosure fault can then be distinguished from a faulty component.
Phase 7 · Mount and route
Use a removable inner tray and brackets attached to sound structure. Avoid loading brittle plastic posts with heavy components. Provide strain relief, protected cable passages, and clearance from fans and hot surfaces. Route mains only within appropriate enclosed certified assemblies; preserve protective grounding where required. Fit accessible power, network, USB, and video connections, ideally using existing openings. Gate: service access, secure retention, no conductive contact under boards, and unobstructed airflow.
Phase 8 · Thermal and functional acceptance
Test progressively: idle, CPU load, GPU load, and representative gaming load. Compare temperatures and noise with the open-bench baseline. Record throttling, clock behavior, crashes, and recirculating exhaust. Confirm cold boot, reboot, sleep/wake, keyboard reconnection, audio, wired network, USB, screen brightness, and all external ports. Gate: stable operation within each component’s limits and the owner’s agreed performance/noise target; do not choose a universal temperature threshold.
Phase 9 · Publish the finished record
Add real build photographs, exact parts and revisions, dimensioned brackets, keyboard matrix/keymap, wiring documentation, firmware configuration, OS setup, encountered problems, and before/after test results. Keep observed results separate from plans. Include a service procedure so the shell can be opened and a failed part replaced without repeating the entire build.
Open decisions before purchases
Need owner measurements and photos; budget; desired games and resolution/frame rate; preferred OS; integrated audio and wireless requirements; acceptable shell cuts; desired keyboard layout and thumb-shift behavior; and transportability versus desktop use. These inputs determine the parts list, not the other way around.
Reference and next evidence
The conversion goal comes from Johnny. The hardware plan is provisional until the exact machine is documented. QMK’s matrix wiring guide is a general keyboard reference, not confirmation of this OASYS keyboard’s wiring.
Next evidence needed: identification-label photo, internal layout photos, dimensioned screen opening, and keyboard connector details.