NCASE M1: a crowdfunded Mini-ITX case (updates in first post)

[Necere]

In that case, then you can turn the AD2 and have the outlet above the memory. Less desirable for priming/bleeding but still workable, no?

Edit: I just took the cover off my rig and -- yes going just by sight and your pictures (YMMV) -- even if the CPU is closer and the heatspreader is higher then the outlet port should still clear it.

Well, we're talking about two different things here: the AD2 and the H220/Glacier240L pump/block. But it sounds like the H220 will fit the Impact, at least in one orientation with low profile RAM, while you're saying the AD2 should fit either way on the Impact.

I'm a bit confused; what would regular height RAM heatspreaders be in the way of when using an H220 on the Impact?

The barbs extend a bit outside of the socket area, so taller bits on the board (e.g., RAM or the VRM board on the ASUS boards) can obstruct them.

 

[WiSK]

Yeah, my bad- the z77n-wifi.... Looks like I'll need to get RAM too though. I have 16 gigs of G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 1600 I had planned to use but I think the heat spreaders are too big for the AD2. Any recommendations on a good set of low profile ram- I don't need to OC the hell out of it? I just want a reliable, of course paired set at least PC3 12800 (which I believe is the max for my MB anyway).

RipjawsX heatspreaders are soft copper, you can use nail clippers to take a little chunk out of them and then the AD2 outlet will nestle in there nicely

while you're saying the AD2 should fit either way on the Impact.

Yes, I don't own an Impact only P8Z77-I, but I'm pretty sure you can fit it with outlet port on daughterboard side, or if that doesn't fit certainly with outlet port on memory side.

 

[Skott]

So the cases are starting to go out? Good job Waha. Well done. And grats to Necere. Looks like your idea has taken flight and becoming reality.

 

[Andorski]

Confusion is because we're talking about the AD2, with regards memory clearance. Because it has ports that angle at 75 degrees (while H220 ports go straight up).

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[xinux]

It seems I actually only tried fitting it in the only way that works. I'm sorry if this causes trouble for anyone.

This is the orientation that works:



This can not be mirrored, as the left fitting on this picture will hit the coverplate (possibly removable) on the power board:



And if you flip it 90 degrees it covers the RAM:

 

[xinux]

And now I remember this thing has an additional onboard soundcard. I'll try fitting it and report back.

edit: The soundboard is not a problem. It clears the tubing by a couple of millimeters.

 

[M4rk]

And now I remember this thing has an additional onboard soundcard. I'll try fitting it and report back.

edit: The soundboard is not a problem. It clears the tubing by a couple of millimeters.

Is there space to include an M.2 SSD on that daughterboard? There should be a riser for it on the side facing the CPU.

 

[Andorski]

It looks like the tubing absolutely has to be cut in order to fit with the ROG Impact+soundcard. I just don't see how you can route it. Also, if that is the case, I doubt that the H100/H100i can fit in with this motherboard. Thanks xinux for checking this out and posting some pics.

 

[xinux]

Is there space to include an M.2 SSD on that daughterboard? There should be a riser for it on the side facing the CPU.

Are you thinking of this?

It looks like the tubing absolutely has to be cut in order to fit with the ROG Impact+soundcard. I just don't see how you can route it. Also, if that is the case, I doubt that the H100/H100i can fit in with this motherboard. Thanks xinux for checking this out and posting some pics.

Wow, didn't even think about if the connector was usable.
I really need to sleep, you be the judge:

 

[Necere]

Thanks for that, xinux. At least we know it'll work at least one way. If necessary, you can get a little more clearance sizing the tubing down to 1/2" OD.

It looks like the tubing absolutely has to be cut in order to fit with the ROG Impact+soundcard. I just don't see how you can route it.

I think the tubing probably needs to be cut regardless of the motherboard when using the H220. It's pretty long.

I doubt that the H100/H100i can fit in with this motherboard.

I don't know if I'd say that. The H60i should be pretty much the same as the H100i in terms of the block and tubing, and I had that installed in the case on the P8Z77-i Deluxe. I think what makes it an easier fit compared to the H220 is the shorter, stiffer tubing, which is less likely to kink.

 

[adamantium]

And now I remember this thing has an additional onboard soundcard. I'll try fitting it and report back.

edit: The soundboard is not a problem. It clears the tubing by a couple of millimeters.

Wow, didn't even think about if the connector was usable.
I really need to sleep, you be the judge:

Yea I was going to bring that up. I have the connector attached on mine and it barely clears the stock cooler. The connector is more than double the height of the pins on the daughter board, so I am certain it won't fit without modification.

Correction: Actually the H220 has swivel fittings doesn't it? In that case the tubing might be able to move enough out of the way to clear the wiring that comes out of the top of the connector.

 

[drklu]

Anyone have a Apogee II and a Impact to test just to be sure?

 

[M4rk]

I'm glad I'm waiting on pulling the trigger on my mobo. The Impact isn't do or die for me, the ASRock mobo is "good enough" in my situation, but I'd rather have the top-of-the-line stuff.

Video is almost ready. I added some sexy, sexy jazz music. Will be up tonight if Google doesn't ruin anything.

 

[adamantium]

I chose to go with the The Koolance 380i. I haven't installed it yet since I am waiting for my radiator, reservoir, tubing, coolant, dye, fittings, and M1, but holding it over the motherboard I see no clearance problems. The tubing comes out of the face and the mount is X shaped so it clears the surrounding parts and daughter board and connectors well. If you go with a 25mm reservoir you can put an MCP35X pump on the radiator/fan over the CPU using a Z2 mounting bracket. If you use low profile rotary 90s I think you can go a little bigger on the radiator thickness with one fan. That is my plan at this point. You never know until you have everything though. It needs some good clearance on the back with the thick mounting plate and silicone insulator, but I think that still works with the M1 dimensions. I am going to try low profile rotary 90s and a Black Ice GT Xtreme Gen II 120 which is 54mm thick and doesn't stick out on the ends too much. I think it will barely fit with the tubing and fan mounting brackets with 3/8in x 5/8in Monsoon Free Center compression fittings. If not I plan to move the pump to the front bottom fan. Mini ITX GPU in that case.

 

[adamantium]

Their Black November sale prices suck, so far. Just went through the whole list, and many items are priced the exact same as their usual pricing, and many are actually worse than their normal weekday sales.

Yea they all do that. Many people will buy this time of the year no matter the price thinking the sales are real. Usually it is just the old inventory on sale and regular prices (or even higher prices) for the really good stuff. If you really know the prices you will find better deals throughout the year. I have all of my parts in hand or in transit at this point, most of which was really on sale at one time or another over the past 5 months. I've been using my guts for a couple of months now. Even designed the reservoir on it.

Some of it will never be on sale like the ST45SF-G (always on sale for $5 off), and the custom specialty parts. I even have my Lutro crimper (which works great by the way), wire cutters, strippers, paracord, threader, pin removers, wire, connectors, terminals, etc.

 

[adamantium]

I'm glad I'm waiting on pulling the trigger on my mobo. The Impact isn't do or die for me, the ASRock mobo is "good enough" in my situation, but I'd rather have the top-of-the-line stuff.

Video is almost ready. I added some sexy, sexy jazz music. Will be up tonight if Google doesn't ruin anything.

Been waiting in anticipation all evening.

 

[AFD]

Some of it will never be on sale like the ST45SF-G (always on sale for $5 off), and the custom specialty parts.

Actually, they had the ST45SF-G on sale during the summer - happened right before the v2.0 became available.

Needless to say, I've been watching the pricing on this PSU very closely for a while.. and not to save money

Video is almost ready. I added some sexy, sexy jazz music. Will be up tonight if Google doesn't ruin anything.

Thanks! I'm pretty sure everyone already has their pants off

 

[Thoz]

Wondering if anyone knows the measurement from top of the case to the graphics card (back of the card)?

 

[Iam918]

I'm glad I'm waiting on pulling the trigger on my mobo. The Impact isn't do or die for me, the ASRock mobo is "good enough" in my situation, but I'd rather have the top-of-the-line stuff.

Video is almost ready. I added some sexy, sexy jazz music. Will be up tonight if Google doesn't ruin anything.

Been waiting in anticipation all evening.

Same here, I feel like an addict waiting for his next hit . . .

 

[M4rk]

Been waiting in anticipation all evening.

Sorry it's been taking so long, here's the link. When it's finished encoding completely it should be 1080p.

http://youtu.be/ndY7D41p8jg (Currently at 15% according to my video manager.)

I should have had this video up hours ago, but Youtube's been giving me shit today. I've had to reencode and reupload like four times now. First it was audio desync, then it couldn't figure out what audio and video codecs I had used (h264 and AC3, not exotic stuff).

I'll probably make another video tomorrow with a different lens with a slightly wider FOV and slower aperture. The manual lens I used for this video is great for live action cinematography, but it's not just manual focus; it's manual aperture too. I had it stuck at around f2.2 the whole time and as a result the video's a little blurrier than it should have been, even when I had focus dialed in. A cheaper lens will actually work better for these kinds of videos, ironically. Oh well. Live and learn.

EDIT: Youtube says 20% now.

Gonna go get a shower after all this steamy aluminum wranglin'. It'll probably be done before I get back.

EDIT: 75% now.

 

[Thoz]

damn youtube! i guess im gonna go to bed.. anyways thanx for taking the time and trying to get us some videos Mark hopefully i catch them tomorrow

 

[gerry85]

cheers mark. much appreciated.

 

[M4rk]

Video should be playable in HD now. Enjoy. I'm going to sleep.

 

[wjcomment]

Thanks M4rk for taking the time to create and post a video of your M1 unboxing. 480p was the highest quality available from YouTube when I watched it, but it was sufficient to give me a great idea of what to expect. The video concluded before you had figured out how to get the side panels off. Have you since found your way into the case?

Thanks again.

 

[M4rk]

Thanks M4rk for taking the time to create and post a video of your M1 unboxing. 480p was the highest quality available from YouTube when I watched it, but it was sufficient to give me a great idea of what to expect. The video concluded before you had figured out how to get the side panels off. Have you since found your way into the case?

Thanks again.

Yup! I'll put that in the next video. I suprised myself when I took off the first panel, almost sent it flying. I quickly learned how much force was necessary and where the posts were and now it's a much smoother operation. I'm guessing over time these friction clamps get worked in a little and it becomes less nerve-wracking to remove panels. This is the first case I've owned with this kind of attachment system. I'm guessing it's more common on other high end cases?

Top panel has one screw keeping it from being removed, but that's the only panel that needs a screwdriver.

 

[dstart]

Thanks M4rk for the video,

Could I ask what are these raised dimples on the side of the case or this something else?

 

[kackburt]

Saturday morning rise and shine... The M1 arrived!! I can't believe it.

Had to pay 34€ customs fee. Europe, Austria.

 

[The_Cheese]

Thanks M4rk for the video,

Could I ask what are these raised dimples on the side of the case or this something else?

Those are the backs of the fasteners that hold the case sides in place.
They are spot-welded in place (I believe) and the spot-welding process can distort thin aluminum sheet a little.

 

[The_Cheese]

Saturday morning rise and shine... The M1 arrived!! I can't believe it.

Welcome to the club!

 

[WiSK]

Saturday morning rise and shine... The M1 arrived!! I can't believe it.

Had to pay 34€ customs fee. Europe, Austria.

Grats!

 

[grazina]

I have a couple of questions for both our Saviors.

Wahaha360, will we receive a confirmation email telling the case has been shipped with the details we provided/updated on the website and some sort of tracking number, or should I just keep an eye on the post?

Necere, since you recommend we use the provided filters inside the case, can I assume there will be some clearance issues using the noctua nh-c14? I remember from the pictures you posted that it was a very tight fit without having the filters added thickness.

And you mentioned something about those magnetic filters and you would be able to give us the correct specs. Any way you can give us a link so I can order the correct ones from them?

 

[wahaha360]

Wahaha360, will we receive a confirmation email telling the case has been shipped with the details we provided/updated on the website and some sort of tracking number, or should I just keep an eye on the post?

Email will be sent.

 

[danny.nguyen]

wahaha360

Just out of curiosity, when will they send the case to Australian customers? I am one of them. Just dying to receive it before Christmas.

 

[M4rk]

Thanks M4rk for the video,

Could I ask what are these raised dimples on the side of the case or this something else?

Those are where the clamps are for attaching the side panel. They're only obvious if you shine a light on them at a really steep angle.

 

[Andorski]

This is the first time I'll be doing any watercooling in my rig and I'm using the H220. Which is better to use in such a small case like this: 1/2" or 5/8" OD tubing? I ask because the AIO comes with 5/8" OD but Necere used 1/2" OD for the watercooler test.

 

[WiSK]

This is the first time I'll be doing any watercooling in my rig and I'm using the H220. Which is better to use in such a small case like this: 1/2" or 5/8" OD tubing? I ask because the AIO comes with 5/8" OD but Necere used 1/2" OD for the watercooler test.

3/8"-5/8" can bend more tightly, 3/8"-1/2" might need wider turns but obviously will be easier to fit the smaller fittings.

 

[Aftermath101]

this is probably the 2nd time I've noticed someone being this careful about fingerprints while handling aluminum cases

It's weird I didn't know it could stain that easily because my lian li, a bit dusty, doesn't have any prints... maybe I'm not touching it as much as most people and I've never wore any gloves handling it

 

[Necere]

Sorry it's been taking so long, here's the link. When it's finished encoding completely it should be 1080p.

http://youtu.be/ndY7D41p8jg

Thanks Mark, looks good. Though now I'm wondering if I should've left the tabs on the side panels to make removal more intuitive... ah well.

Necere, since you recommend we use the provided filters inside the case, can I assume there will be some clearance issues using the noctua nh-c14? I remember from the pictures you posted that it was a very tight fit without having the filters added thickness.

Not 100% sure, but it seems likely the NH-C14 will leave too little room to use the included filters in conjunction with the side bracket. You can use them without the side bracket though, as I did when I attached the filter directly to the C14's top fan.

And you mentioned something about those magnetic filters and you would be able to give us the correct specs. Any way you can give us a link so I can order the correct ones from them?

Yeah, I emailed Demciflex the other day, still waiting back for a response. Hopefully we can get a custom order page for you guys to use.

 

[M4rk]

Thanks Mark, looks good. Though now I'm wondering if I should've left the tabs on the side panels to make removal more intuitive... ah well.

I was just super worried about bending anything. Once I figured out how much force was necessary to remove the panels it became super easy to do.

Maybe just post an infographic on where the studs are and where to safely apply pressure

 

[cznv]

Though now I'm wondering if I should've left the tabs on the side panels to make removal more intuitive... ah well.

Looks much better without. This is why I like that case, Any case designer would have put large and easy tabs, floppy tray and stuff that ruin every LL case. I dont think you can improve it without change the philosophy of the case.