The next NCASE project: a Steam Machine-style case (indeterminate)

Well, there's a couple reasons for that. One is if you do that you need to duct in the air from the side, which is what the Steam Machine does, but its duct is specifically designed for the intake on Titan cooler cards. We need to support a wide array of cards, including open cooler and longer/shorter cards, and there's no way to design a universal duct that's going to work well.
I know, but... i'm not so sure it's absolutely needed. :) The air is sucked by the video card's fan(s) from the nearest vent, and that would be the side vent, with or without that shroud. Alternatively, you could just make a standard vertical barrier between the mobo and the video card, with slots for cables and the pci express extender.
Mounting the video card a bit higher, like in SteamBox, Silverstone ML07 or Lian Li Q19, would solve a lot of design headaches, imo.


the 2.5" drives are behind the GPU separated by a barrier.
I would be concerned with the heat from the video card, even with a metal shield between them. Some video cards have very hot spots on their back. Not to mention the lack of airflow.


4. I'm not sure there'd be much difference from what Silverstone already offers.
I have the silverstone sfx psu and its cables are stiff as hell. So i bought their psu black short cables (http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=438&area=en) and they are MUCH more flexible, allowing the pci express cables to sit flush on the plastic power connector (90 degrees or so), bringing down the height needed with ~1 cm. Not to mention better routing everywhere because they are so flexible & flat. But they are expensive, so i'm not sure if they can be included with the case. But they would allow the case to be a bit shorter on its long side.
 
great design.... but little too deep imo. with these dimensions (330 x 80 x 334m) I wonder if matx boards can fit for 2 more memory slots + X99 compatibility :/
 
Aren't flexible risers a nightmare issue?

If you include one with each case, you have to make a judgement about how much to spend, and hope there are no compatibility issues with certain MBs/GPUs, and risk costly RMA procedure if there are quality issues.

But if you let the customers decide then each individual can't match NCase/Lian Li buying power. Reliable flexible risers are like $50-$100, and the worst ones will not work, or break quickly and leave users frustrated. People might think they can skimp on such costs because "it's just a cable" but they are actually very delicate and temperamental components.

Perhaps I worry about nothing?

This is one of reasons we put this design on hold during the M1 process. We may have a viable solution from a new vendor.

Their sample riser cables were checked by Necere, nothing bad so far.
 
This is one of reasons we put this design on hold during the M1 process. We may have a viable solution from a new vendor.

Their sample riser cables were checked by Necere, nothing bad so far.

Of course you guys have already investigated it - I shouldn't be surprised :D
 
Not trying to be a troll here or a snub, in fact if my funds will allow me to support your project necere, I would gladly score one.

Now anyone can tell me what could be the difference between this project and the ML07 case? I know dimensions differ, I just don't know what were the limitations difficulties of such small cases, I know one - Cable management and perhaps cooling.
 
Not trying to be a troll here or a snub, in fact if my funds will allow me to support your project necere, I would gladly score one.

Now anyone can tell me what could be the difference between this project and the ML07 case? I know dimensions differ, I just don't know what were the limitations difficulties of such small cases, I know one - Cable management and perhaps cooling.

For the current design. it is really for people that are particular about design, minimalist design.

The plan is to revise the design based on feedback and new ideas inspired by the feedback. We are not in any rush for production. It will probably take a year before we finalize and a lot can happen in a year - it certainly did for M1.

How will the final product compare to ML07, I don't know. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
 
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Not trying to be a troll here or a snub, in fact if my funds will allow me to support your project necere, I would gladly score one.

Now anyone can tell me what could be the difference between this project and the ML07 case? I know dimensions differ, I just don't know what were the limitations difficulties of such small cases, I know one - Cable management and perhaps cooling.

1. Smaller (9L vs 14L)
2. Cleaner Design
3. No ODD (can be both pos and neg depending on preferences)
4. All Aluminium vs Steel and Plastic.
 
You weren't there or you weren't reading. Necere's first sketch was 19 liters.
Proof: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1717132&page=3

I was there 100%, but not at the 19L sketch...I think I was around the 12L sketch?I 've perhaps forgot lots of details (it was almost 2 years ago!) but personally I felt, by the end...for my needs the case was too compromised (could have been smaller, I was looking at the time for a vertical aluminium SG05)..and then eventually I signed on to CMadki4's case see: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1750863...which unfortunately never made it to fruition due to problems beyond his control.

This new Ncase seems to be what I was originally looking for...

Forgive me for not remembering exactly every single detail on the development of the M1 case, I'm a very busy person.
 
It will probably take a year before we finalize and a lot can happen in a year - it certainly did for M1.

Good job there is a long lead time. I need it to get my funds! I've been umming and ahhing whether to get a HTPC-like case and those renders have made up my mind :D
 
If you use a flexible riser, why not flip the gfx card?
This would allow for the power connectors to be towards the psu.

And ventilation holes to be at 1 side.

So you can use lower feet?
Three reasons:
1. Using a short riser minimizes potential signal integrity issues with the riser
2. Punching that many more holes in one panel increases the likelihood of panel uniformity issues
3. The compartmentalized design for the GPU couldn't be retained

Aren't flexible risers a nightmare issue?

If you include one with each case, you have to make a judgement about how much to spend, and hope there are no compatibility issues with certain MBs/GPUs, and risk costly RMA procedure if there are quality issues.

But if you let the customers decide then each individual can't match NCase/Lian Li buying power. Reliable flexible risers are like $50-$100, and the worst ones will not work, or break quickly and leave users frustrated. People might think they can skimp on such costs because "it's just a cable" but they are actually very delicate and temperamental components.

Perhaps I worry about nothing?
It still needs more testing, but we do have a source for reasonably bulk-priced shielded flex risers.

Okay, I really like this, please don't make it bigger and compromise the smallness factor for those of us who don't need water cooling and loads of drives. The M1 appealed to me at the start, but then it just got too big, and killed the appeal.
The final M1 is marginally larger than the smallest concepts I did (and smaller than a few as well). The vertical design wasn't going to happen, partly because Silverstone's patent on the layout, and partly because of some usability and manufacturing issues. Practically speaking, that design would've likely had to have been made larger to be viable as well. It's worth noting that the FT03-mini - a nearly identical design layout-wise - is 17.6L.

I assume sfx-l will be supported?
SFX-L should be possible, yes. At least I'm making it a point to ensure nothing is in the way of it, though there's only so much room to work with without increasing the dimensions of the case. The current design allows 30mm for the power cables with SFX-L, which isn't a lot admittedly.

I know, but... i'm not so sure it's absolutely needed. :) The air is sucked by the video card's fan(s) from the nearest vent, and that would be the side vent, with or without that shroud. Alternatively, you could just make a standard vertical barrier between the mobo and the video card, with slots for cables and the pci express extender.
Mounting the video card a bit higher, like in SteamBox, Silverstone ML07 or Lian Li Q19, would solve a lot of design headaches, imo.
Blower cards would be okay, but open cooler cards would recycle much of their exhaust with only the short side vents for both intake and exhaust. The other consideration is filtration. You could filter the short side vents, but it wouldn't be very efficient, and at least in the current design, difficult to access.

great design.... but little too deep imo. with these dimensions (330 x 80 x 334m) I wonder if matx boards can fit for 2 more memory slots + X99 compatibility :/
The depth is required to house the power supply. SFX is 125mm, 170mm for the motherboard, and the rest of the space for the chassis, side panel mounting, room for cables, and spacing between components. The depth includes 10mm for the PCI retaining tab, btw, which is often left off dimension specs.

MicroATX is impossible without making some major sacrifices (e.g., external PSU or no GPU). Look at how mini-ITX compares in size to mATX, and then look how much space there is in the Steam Machine (which is essentially the same layout as this concept):



The motherboard is in the lower left. There simply isn't any space left for anything else.
 
This is, quite possibly, one of the best PC cases I've ever seen. I say this as an engineer with some background in mechanical engineering and industrial design. Just saying. :)

What's the GPU support design? The PCIe riser and PCI bracket by themselves aren't structurally strong enough to hold the GPU without cracking the motherboard and/or riser, especially when the case is vertical (see Silverstone LC19 for a good brace/bracket/extender example).

One thing to consider is a large enough hole in the motherboard try to allow for HSF or M.2 card installation. Edge rolling the panel for the opening may give additional strength to the motherboard tray as well.

As for mATX support, that may be possible, but in a much larger "XL" version where the PCI slots are up higher so the GPU lays flat on top of the motherboard. You'll also need a PCIe extender design that allows the card to be plugged into either the 1st or 2nd PCI slot (see Silverstone LC19 again).
 
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For the current design. it is really for people that are particular about design, minimalist design.

The plan is to revise the design based on feedback and new ideas inspired by the feedback. We are not in any rush for production. It will probably take a year before we finalize and a lot can happen in a year - it certainly did for M1.

How will the final product compare to ML07, I don't know. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Whoah I am humbled to be quoted by you sir, yes your NCASE M1 if I could recoup some funds definitely I will order one! If I could contribute probably the designer should take into consideration also the difficulties and the bounderies that RAVENZ01/ML07 case builders encountered so to guarantee a sweeping win against current mainstream mini ITX/HTPC productions...well just my 2 cents! ;)

Noobie me did not notice case design is almost finish..
 
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I reposted your case (and linked back here) on OCN. Thought I'd give my support even though I don't have the M1.

This is pretty close to what you can get to the ideal "Steam Machine form factor" without resorting to mods/custom parts. The shorter GPU bracket was one of the gotchas for people wanting to make their own Steam Machine and providing minimal special hardware will help keep costs low.

But to be honest I am supporting this just on the notion that I prefer slender SFF cases, am not a big fan of the cube-like or shoebox SFF cases :)
 
This is, quite possibly, one of the best PC cases I've ever seen. I say this as an engineer with some background in mechanical engineering and industrial design. Just saying. :)

What's the GPU support design? The PCIe riser and PCI bracket by themselves aren't structurally strong enough to hold the GPU without cracking the motherboard and/or riser, especially when the case is vertical (see Silverstone LC19 for a good brace/bracket/extender example).

One thing to consider is a large enough hole in the motherboard try to allow for HSF or M.2 card installation. Edge rolling the panel for the opening may give additional strength to the motherboard tray as well.
I appreciate the kinds words.

I occasionally hear people talk about heavy GPUs breaking PCIe slots, but I've yet to actually see any proof of it. I would think if it were an issue we'd see it a lot more often. In any case, the current design uses a flex riser attached to the chassis, so the the motherboard isn't bearing any of the weight. In the vertical orientation, there shouldn't be any issue supporting the GPU. When the case is horizontal, it'll be prone to the same sag as in any other case.

The motherboard tray does in fact already have a cutout almost as large as the motherboard itself. Standoff height has been reduced, however, which leaves only 6.5mm between the back of the motherboard and the side panel.

Noobie me did not notice case design is almost finish..
Well, I'm not sure I'd say that. As of right now, I think it's a fundamentally viable design, with mostly detail work left. That doesn't mean I won't make more drastic changes to the overall structure if I think it can be done better.

I reposted your case (and linked back here) on OCN. Thought I'd give my support even though I don't have the M1.
Aye, I saw your post. Thanks :)
 
So totally awesome necrere you have great minimalistic taste.
Now,I know the plan is small here,but could you please work in a slim drive? Before everyone shoots me,some of us still have DVD collections,and blu ray movies in disk. I'd happily throw out my DVD player for this,rather than stack effect things there under the telly. I could always copy into internal storage or a NAS but not sure how cost effective that would be especially the NAS,no wifi in the house.
Also,some aesthetic ideas,how about a stealth door over the usb ports, and you relocate the logo to the top whilst horizontal (ie side whilst standing) so it doesn't interfere when faced head on at least. Cheers
 
Necere, questions about water cooling will appear anyway, so let me be the first one to ask it - do you think it would be possible to fit a 120mm rad in the back of the case when using a short GPU, like the new Sapphire R9 285 which is < 180mm long?
 
So totally awesome necrere you have great minimalistic taste.
Now,I know the plan is small here,but could you please work in a slim drive? Before everyone shoots me,some of us still have DVD collections,and blu ray movies in disk. I'd happily throw out my DVD player for this,rather than stack effect things there under the telly. I could always copy into internal storage or a NAS but not sure how cost effective that would be especially the NAS,no wifi in the house.
Also,some aesthetic ideas,how about a stealth door over the usb ports, and you relocate the logo to the top whilst horizontal (ie side whilst standing) so it doesn't interfere when faced head on at least. Cheers
The thing with an optical drive, besides how it would screw up the aesthetics, is that it's already going to be very cramped for cables, and that would make it that much worse. Consider that this is a very similar layout to the RVZ01/ML07, which does support an optical drive - but it's 14L. Compared to 9L. That's 55% larger. There's just no room for it. The only way I'd really want to do it is as an option in lieu of the GPU.

My experience with doors is the typically wear out, break, or fit badly. I also don't really know how to design a door mechanism. I've seen the little doors Lian Li has on some of their cases covering the USB ports (as on the A05), and I don't care for them. So yeah. No doors.

Necere, questions about water cooling will appear anyway, so let me be the first one to ask it - do you think it would be possible to fit a 120mm rad in the back of the case when using a short GPU, like the new Sapphire R9 285 which is < 180mm long?
Short answer: no. There is neither the height, depth, nor width available for any size of 120mm radiator, anywhere in the case.
 
A simple slide open/shut door would do,where it slides into the back of the front fascia to open and over the ports to close. Also,how would getting an ODD into the gpu space work exactly?
 
A simple slide open/shut door would do,where it slides into the back of the front fascia to open and over the ports to close. Also,how would getting an ODD into the gpu space work exactly?
I'm skeptical of making a sliding mechanism just out of aluminum. Sounds like a recipe for scratches to happen.

With no GPU there's a big empty space on the left side of the case. That could easily accommodate a bracket for a slim ODD and/or a 3.5" HDD.
 
Some internal pics from Sketchup:

ZyewaVM.jpg


rPK2qqi.jpg


hrsRE1i.jpg


Bkf57bD.jpg


Not everything is in, but it gives an idea of what the internal layout is like. The GPU is pretty well sectioned off, so it's not heating everything else up.

Using a flexible riser has some advantages - namely, it allows more freedom with how to position the GPU, whereas with a riser card you're stuck at 1U or 2U heights. The ability to shift it one way or another can make a big difference when every millimeter counts.

Flex risers also have the benefit of allowing heatsinks that overhang the PCIe slot, since there's no PCB to get in the way.
 
You had me at "internal pics" <3

Now that I see it like this, I wonder if it isn't possible to have the foot attachable to both sides of the case ? This would solve some people's request for flipping the I/O to the other side. and I feel more comfortable with my PSU's hot air exiting out of the top (think semi-fanless SX600-G and other PSU's) while the GPU still have enough oomph to suck up air if it's on the bottom or top. Dust shouldn't be a problem, that GPU vent needs to have a filter one way or another if you don't want dust.

Maybe even have the vented sides be identical on both sides so you only need to have the foot's screw holes on one side ?

I'm also thinking about the softness of the aluminium concerning the threading: would it be possible to have steel inserts to mitigate overtightening or frequent loosening/tightening ? If you consider it a problem. I have yet to shred a thread on the Ncase M1 but I was worried about the feet. With this case, it might happen "more often" considering that you can have two ways (or three if above suggestion will be used) to orient it.

BTW: I see you have even taken the PCIe port lock into consideration, that's the kind of detail an idiot like me would miss in designing.
 
Some internal pics from Sketchup:

Not everything is in, but it gives an idea of what the internal layout is like. The GPU is pretty well sectioned off, so it's not heating everything else up.

Using a flexible riser has some advantages - namely, it allows more freedom with how to position the GPU, whereas with a riser card you're stuck at 1U or 2U heights. The ability to shift it one way or another can make a big difference when every millimeter counts.

Flex risers also have the benefit of allowing heatsinks that overhang the PCIe slot, since there's no PCB to get in the way.

Now going back to my question about 120mm rad. It seems, that if the rear part of GPU cover along with front usb ports is removed, then the rad could fit ;) The case is 330mm deep so I assume there would be like 13-14 cm from the end of a short 18cm gpu to the case end. A 120mm rad is about 16cm long and 12.5cm wide. It would come very close to the PSU, making cable and pipe management a major PiTA, but looks doable. One ssd space would be lost, though. I do not accept you short "No" answer nor facts nor common sense :p I am saying this because if the case goes into production someone will eventually try it ;) Anyway, very nice design.
 
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But a single 120mm radiator would not matter much. A single low-profile CPU cooler can adequately cool the latest Core i7's. You would also need tubing where there doesn't seem to be any room for and a short GPU won't need watercooling to begin with. It just makes no sense in supporting watercooling in this case because one or two people are going to try getting it to work, without any assurances it would even perform better. But I guess we can't stop people from trying because it is remotely possible, like the waste of time and money the two 240mm radiators in the M1 was.
 
But a single 120mm radiator would not matter much. A single low-profile CPU cooler can adequately cool the latest Core i7's. You would also need tubing where there doesn't seem to be any room for and a short GPU won't need watercooling to begin with. It just makes no sense in supporting watercooling in this case because one or two people are going to try getting it to work, without any assurances it would even perform better. But I guess we can't stop people from trying because it is remotely possible, like the waste of time and money the two 240mm radiators in the M1 was.

Of course, you are right. But I wasn't asking for any water cooling support ;) I was just asking if there is space for any rad. I would leave this design as it is. If someone is devoted enough to water cooling, he would saw off part of the gpu cover ;) This was not a request, but a rather a theoretical question. And yeah, the M1 doesn't look good with 2 240mm rads...
 
Now that I see it like this, I wonder if it isn't possible to have the foot attachable to both sides of the case ? This would solve some people's request for flipping the I/O to the other side. and I feel more comfortable with my PSU's hot air exiting out of the top (think semi-fanless SX600-G and other PSU's) while the GPU still have enough oomph to suck up air if it's on the bottom or top. Dust shouldn't be a problem, that GPU vent needs to have a filter one way or another if you don't want dust.

Maybe even have the vented sides be identical on both sides so you only need to have the foot's screw holes on one side ?

I'm also thinking about the softness of the aluminium concerning the threading: would it be possible to have steel inserts to mitigate overtightening or frequent loosening/tightening ? If you consider it a problem. I have yet to shred a thread on the Ncase M1 but I was worried about the feet. With this case, it might happen "more often" considering that you can have two ways (or three if above suggestion will be used) to orient it.
Now that you mention it, the top and bottom panels are already identical except for the holes for the stand. So you could swap them to flip the case upside down. I didn't intend for that, but now that you've brought it to my attention I'll try to avoid destroying that feature (without good reason, anyway).

Threaded inserts are definitely something I had in mind, at least for the stand. M1 V2 has threaded inserts for the radiator bracket (WiSK's request), so it's definitely something that isn't a problem to add.

Now going back to my question about 120mm rad. It seems, that if the rear part of GPU cover along with front usb ports is removed, then the rad could fit ;) The case is 330mm deep so I assume there would be like 13-14 cm from the end of a short 18cm gpu to the case end. A 120mm rad is about 16cm long and 12.5cm wide. It would come very close to the PSU, making cable and pipe management a major PiTA, but looks doable. One ssd space would be lost, though. I do not accept you short "No" answer nor facts nor common sense :p I am saying this because if the case goes into production someone will eventually try it ;) Anyway, very nice design.
Well, I didn't know we were throwing modding into the mix :p

So yeah, if you wanted to cut a big piece out of the center section of the chassis (not something I'd really recommend), you could fit a rad in there with a short GPU:

0LisClO.jpg


Thing is, the air doesn't have much of anywhere to go unless you also cut a hole in the side panel. The vents also don't extend to cover the entire rad area on the GPU side. And the USB ports would have to be removed. And unless the whole rad+fan package is less than 50mm, it's probably going to run into the PCB for the power button (represented by the gray block above the USB module). All in all, not so worth it IMO.
 
Now that you mention it, the top and bottom panels are already identical except for the holes for the stand. So you could swap them to flip the case upside down. I didn't intend for that, but now that you've brought it to my attention I'll try to avoid destroying that feature (without good reason, anyway).

Threaded inserts are definitely something I had in mind, at least for the stand. M1 V2 has threaded inserts for the radiator bracket (WiSK's request), so it's definitely something that isn't a problem to add.

Well, I didn't know we were throwing modding into the mix :p

So yeah, if you wanted to cut a big piece out of the center section of the chassis (not something I'd really recommend), you could fit a rad in there with a short GPU:


Thing is, the air doesn't have much of anywhere to go unless you also cut a hole in the side panel. The vents also don't extend to cover the entire rad area on the GPU side. And the USB ports would have to be removed. And unless the whole rad+fan package is less than 50mm, it's probably going to run into the PCB for the power button (represented by the gray block above the USB module). All in all, not so worth it IMO.

Just an idea - would it be possible to move the PSU slightly up (assuming case in vertical position) and put the power button and usb ports below the PSU? Could the power cable be moved down to run over the mobo? This would free up space over the GPU allowing for a third ssd (or a 120mm rad :p or 3,5 hdds for those water cooling sceptics ;) )
 
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Just an idea - would it be possible to move the PSU slightly up (assuming case in vertical position) and put the power button and usb ports below the PSU? Could the power cable be moved down to run over the mobo? This would free up space over the GPU allowing for a third ssd (or a 120mm rad :p or 3,5 hdds for those water cooling sceptics ;) )
Sure, the PSU could be moved up and the ports/power button moved to the bottom. But there are tradeoffs to doing that - for one, SFX-L couldn't fit. I think ports/power at the bottom is less ideal for this case as well.

3.5" HDDs on the motherboard side aren't possible due to thickness. However, there's technically enough room to stack (<=9.5mm thick) 2.5" drives in that space, like in the M1.
 
So how probable is getting a ODD in with a short card? Or mounting it next to the motherboard cutout?
Negative on both counts. The back of a slim optical to the front of a 173mm long GPU is only 10mm, which isn't going to be enough for the slim SATA connector. Even Silverstone's CP10 adapter looks like it's about 10-15mm too long.

Same problem with mounting it by the motherboard, since it's also 170mm. Plus there you additionally have a width issue with the PSU.
 
Negative on both counts. The back of a slim optical to the front of a 173mm long GPU is only 10mm, which isn't going to be enough for the slim SATA connector. Even Silverstone's CP10 adapter looks like it's about 10-15mm too long.

Same problem with mounting it by the motherboard, since it's also 170mm. Plus there you additionally have a width issue with the PSU.

But if the power and usb can be moved below the psu (in vertical position) then slim odd would fit above gpu in place of SSDs?
 
Now that you mention it, the top and bottom panels are already identical except for the holes for the stand. So you could swap them to flip the case upside down. I didn't intend for that, but now that you've brought it to my attention I'll try to avoid destroying that feature (without good reason, anyway).

Threaded inserts are definitely something I had in mind, at least for the stand. M1 V2 has threaded inserts for the radiator bracket (WiSK's request), so it's definitely something that isn't a problem to add.
Good to know that the vented sidepanels can be flipped. This atleast solves the issues some people have with the I/O being on top when mounted vertically.

I think threaded inserts might be important for the vertical stand, it will be in much more strain because of only two screws and the small footprint the case would have in relation with the stand. I guess the two screws could lead to lesser rigid construction after a number of removals, it could put even more strain on the threads.
Maybe 4 screws on the corners would be a better choice ? You know more about the materials and industrial design than me, so I might be completely wrong.
 
But if the power and usb can be moved below the psu (in vertical position) then slim odd would fit above gpu in place of SSDs?
If I was going that route, I'd be more inclined to move the power/USB over to the other side of the divider, into the GPU compartment. That cuts down a bit on maximum GPU length, but it'd still be at least 10.5". Aside from that, my major objection is on aesthetic grounds.

You guys with your antiquated spinning plastic discs :p

I think threaded inserts might be important for the vertical stand, it will be in much more strain because of only two screws and the small footprint the case would have in relation with the stand. I guess the two screws could lead to lesser rigid construction after a number of removals, it could put even more strain on the threads.
Maybe 4 screws on the corners would be a better choice ? You know more about the materials and industrial design than me, so I might be completely wrong.
I've thought about this a bit. They can't be out to the very corners because of the side panels wrapping around, but there could still be four screws in the center section of the bottom panel. But then again, bigger gauge screws could work fine, too. Right now it's M4, where the rest of the screws around the case are M3.
 
Negative on both counts. The back of a slim optical to the front of a 173mm long GPU is only 10mm, which isn't going to be enough for the slim SATA connector. Even Silverstone's CP10 adapter looks like it's about 10-15mm too long.

Same problem with mounting it by the motherboard, since it's also 170mm. Plus there you additionally have a width issue with the PSU.

Darn. So would a short card allow an ssd in front of it? Might as well maximise drive capacity
 
Darn. So would a short card allow an ssd in front of it? Might as well maximise drive capacity
Sure. Could probably get four of them on that side. Plus stacking four on the motherboard side, that's 8 total. Have fun with the cables though :p
 
All a case ever really needs is 11" of gpu space.What is the exact clearance if you move usb's to gpu space?
 
All a case ever really needs is 11" of gpu space.What is the exact clearance if you move usb's to gpu space?
Well, the distance to the USB module itself is 11.25", but it's fudgy because it has a cable that comes out the back of it. Forcing the cable into a right angle in a quarter inch isn't going to happen, but if you've got an 11" GPU the cooler design might offer some leeway in that department.

You really want that ODD, huh?
 
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