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

What fluid are you using? With the case/loop being so small I went for maximum minimal maintenance (heh) and did distilled water + killcoil only.

Mayhem pastel pure black. Such a bad idea, especially since my tubing is solid black as well. It was mostly so the reservoir would be black like the rest but clear water would have worked perfectly fine. Oh well, learning by failing I suppose.
 
Does the Arctic Freezer 13 fit into the M1? I'm just worried because according to arctics product page, the cooler has a height of 130mm. The exact maximum for the M1. Can I still install the side bracket with such a cooler?
 
Does the Arctic Freezer 13 fit into the M1? I'm just worried because according to arctics product page, the cooler has a height of 130mm. The exact maximum for the M1. Can I still install the side bracket with such a cooler?
Assuming a ~8mm tall CPU socket, there's actually just about 132mm between it and the bracket. So anything less than that should be fine.
 
I could do that, but the fans were kinda expensive and I don't have a tool like that anyway. It ran fine all night so I'm going leave it like it is. If it breaks I have a good reason to abandon watercooling for good. It is not for me I think. Kinda fun to "plan" and build but too much of a pain in the ass to maintain.

Yea as ghostwich said, not something to try if you don't have the tool. I happened to so it worked out. The thinner rad is probably the best route.

I totally understand the reluctance to tinker with the loop once it's done. It's a major pain to get it all built in that tiny space. Congrats on finishing it though! It gets easier each time, so don't get too discouraged. Plus, if you successfully built a loop in an M1 you can pretty much build one anywhere.
 
Hey Guys,

This is my first time building a PC so I want to ask for some assistance. The following components are what I plan to put into my NCase M1, once it gets here.

Case: NCase M1 V3 (No Optical Drive)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Graphics Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card
SSD: Crucial BX100 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
PSU: Silverstone 600W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply


My biggest concern is with the GPU... will it fit? is a 600W PSU enough?

Also, I want to put two fans on the bottom of the case as intake but am unsure which ones I should go with. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
 
Hey Guys,

This is my first time building a PC so I want to ask for some assistance. The following components are what I plan to put into my NCase M1, once it gets here.

Case: NCase M1 V3 (No Optical Drive)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Graphics Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card
SSD: Crucial BX100 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
PSU: Silverstone 600W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply


My biggest concern is with the GPU... will it fit? is a 600W PSU enough?

Also, I want to put two fans on the bottom of the case as intake but am unsure which ones I should go with. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

A 600W PSU will be plenty. Using a PSU calculator I got a recommended 430W for your build. That is with a CPU clock of 4.5GHz.

Just to offer even more assurance I have had almost the same build since October 2014 and it runs very well. I have 16GB RAM, custom liquid cooling, an SSD and a standard HDD, 2 fans and a overclocked 970GTX and 4690K.

Your GPU of choice is more power hungry than mine, but it should be fine overall. ITX boards draw less power, prosessors these days draw very little power, SSD's draw very little power etc. As for GPU compatibility I want to say yes. But check the size of your version of the 290 against this the numbers on the compatibility tab here https://www.ncases.com/
 
Hey Guys,

This is my first time building a PC so I want to ask for some assistance. The following components are what I plan to put into my NCase M1, once it gets here.

Case: NCase M1 V3 (No Optical Drive)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Graphics Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card
SSD: Crucial BX100 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
PSU: Silverstone 600W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply


My biggest concern is with the GPU... will it fit? is a 600W PSU enough?

Also, I want to put two fans on the bottom of the case as intake but am unsure which ones I should go with. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Hi. Welcome to the Forum.
1- The GPU Should fit just fine. The 970 with the same cooler is a confirmed fit on the spreadsheet.
2- 600W is comfortable. You could get away with the cheaper 500W SFX-L PSU as well, but that has some clearance issues with long GPUs.
3- Is there a specific reason for going with the Asrock board? The Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI is cheaper. Also, keep in mind that in choosing an H97 board instead of a Z97 board, CPU overclocking is no longer an option. Worth a mention since your going for a 240mm AIO instead of 120mm. If you're not overclocking you don't need a cooling solution that beefy. You can even get away with a decent air cooler for less money.
4- I would start off with no fans. If temperatures are ok, then you don't need them. Choosing the right fans can be a PITA. Noctua's fans are very popular but expensive. Corsair make good fans for a more budget oriented build. One thing i like about them is that they idle pretty quietly when not ramped up. Make sure to get pressure optimized fans, due to the restricted airflow in that area of the case.
5- 500GB SSD is a good call imo if you have the budget for it since it can holde a quite extensive steam library installed.

I'm guessing this is primarily a gaming machine?

Edit: And the quick draw round goes to Locrin:cool:
Edit2: @Locrin. You have a Z97 MB right? With the CPU overclocking and all... If not, my advice #3 is horrible.
 
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@chaeid
You should get a Z- board instead of a H- board for overclocking. Like the Z97M-ITX/ac. I assume you're overclocking since you're throwing money at H100i and a -K CPU.
 
You can overclock on all Asus motherboards. Doesn't matter about chipset for overclocking any more.
 
You can overclock on all Asus motherboards. Doesn't matter about chipset for overclocking any more.

if youre looking for big OC's the Z series still offer better power delivery/stability than the majority of other series mobos - which is something peope should def think about depending on the numbers people want to aim for. but i agree - any OC under about 4.4ghz shouldnt worry a H series at all
 
Long time lurker/follower of the ncase m1, about to jump on finally buying my parts. Two quick questions...

1. Can you use the dual 3.5" HDD mount along with the dual 2.5" SSD mount? I'm hoping to get 2x 4TB 2.5" drives along with 2x 512gb SSD all in the system.

2. See anything wrong with the system's part list? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tgssgs
 
Long time lurker/follower of the ncase m1, about to jump on finally buying my parts. Two quick questions...

1. Can you use the dual 3.5" HDD mount along with the dual 2.5" SSD mount? I'm hoping to get 2x 4TB 2.5" drives along with 2x 512gb SSD all in the system.

2. See anything wrong with the system's part list? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tgssgs

The CPU and motherboard you have chosen is the previous generation. You'd be better off getting a 4790k and a Z97 motherboard.
 
1. Can you use the dual 3.5" HDD mount along with the dual 2.5" SSD mount? I'm hoping to get 2x 4TB 2.5" drives along with 2x 512gb SSD all in the system.
You can't install the 2.5" drives in the 3.5" cage, if that's what you're asking (not without a separate drive adapter, anyway). There are a total of three places to mount 2.5" drives: case floor, inside front, and behind the front panel (in place of the slim ODD). Since you're using an ODD, there are only two 2.5" mounts available. However, you can also use the stacking brackets (of which two sets are included) to double up the drives on any of the mounts, so four 2.5" drives is possible.

2. See anything wrong with the system's part list? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tgssgs
No issues from a fitment or power standpoint.
 
The CPU and motherboard you have chosen is the previous generation. You'd be better off getting a 4790k and a Z97 motherboard.

This board is better suited for my needs. The asus z97 board has fewerUSB ports, and fewer SATA ports. I'm also 100% certain on the fit for the mobo + CPU cooler + HDD cage with this setup. Thanks though! :D

There are a total of three places to mount 2.5" drives: case floor, inside front, and behind the front panel (in place of the slim ODD). Since you're using an ODD, there are only two 2.5" mounts available. However, you can also use the stacking brackets (of which two sets are included) to double up the drives on any of the mounts, so four 2.5" drives is possible.

Ah, that makes sense. I was referring to the stacking bracket and using the mount inside the front. My concern is the stacking bracket + the 3.5" cage can't be used in that position at the same time. It's the only fit/capability concern I have left ha. I'm basing my planning on AFD's system since it's using the same mobo, cpu cooler, and the HDD cage all without problems, but I haven't found any photos or builds out there yet using the cage + SSD stack setup to make sure that fits.
 
Ah, that makes sense. I was referring to the stacking bracket and using the mount inside the front. My concern is the stacking bracket + the 3.5" cage can't be used in that position at the same time.
There's no issue using the 3.5" cage and stacked 2.5" drives on the inside front at the same time.
 
There's no issue using the 3.5" cage and stacked 2.5" drives on the inside front at the same time.

That's fantastic news! Looks like I'll be building my new beast in the M1 haha. I'll be sure to post a build log and maybe some HQ video as well.
 
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Thanks for the files! Too bad there wasn't enough interest. Too bad for me too, there aren't any Staples in my state with 3D printing services. :(
 
Ok, so I found this site:
http://i.materialise.com/

When you upload a file, it asks for scale and units of measure (mm or inches).

Then it asks what material you want it made of. I see a stainless steel and titanium as far as metals.
 
I've used Shapeways, can be a bit pricey but the quality is good.

I wouldn't recommend just taking my model as is and 3d printing it. It's really meant to be made from bent sheet metal.
 
Ah bummer.

I guess I'll have to stick with the SX600G then. I don't want my GTX980 being pushed or bent down at all.

Was your custom bracket for the PSU mounted to the 2.5" drive mount on the front of the M1?
 
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any tried the h80i gt with this case? It has a 49mm thickness. The original h80i was 38mm and it fits.
 
Anyone have a set of black panels they don't want? (Any version, ODD or no ODD) I put a little scratch in mine and it made me sad :(
 
Will be building Titan X / M1 / PETG Hard Tubing build for my self
c1064529ad20.jpg

8819d8c54129.jpg

14224685195f.jpg
 
Does anyone know if the EVGA GTX 980 Hybrid will fit into an M1? My concern is with the side panel clearance, and whether there is enough room for the tubing that is running out from the side of the GPU.
 
Heads up for anyone using a Swiftech H220 in their M1; seems those plastic elbow are pretty crappy:
IMG_20150401_172755.jpg

IMG_20150401_173031.jpg


I went to swap out a GTX Titan for a GTX Titan X today, and that's what I found.

The kicker is that Swiftech says the M1 is not the ideal case for the H220, and will deny your RMA, saying the failure is from user error. That too much stress was put on the elbow (even though there is plenty of hose slack, and everything fits pretty good).
http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3102&p=13730

The fact that they are calling this user error right away, and not even admitting the possibility of a defect leaves me with zero confidence in the H220, especially when it's right above a $1000 videocard. I just figured I'd give a heads up for others using the H220, because to me, those elbows seem like a weak link, and I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Here's another guy on their forums, which a leaking elbow, that they also blamed on user error: http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3094&sid=3c9a75024dc6cf5f43f503254a636b40
 
The kicker is that Swiftech says the M1 is not the ideal case for the H220, and will deny your RMA, saying the failure is from user error. That too much stress was put on the elbow (even though there is plenty of hose slack, and everything fits pretty good).
http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3102&p=13730

The fact that they are calling this user error right away, and not even admitting the possibility of a defect leaves me with zero confidence in the H220, especially when it's right above a $1000 videocard. I just figured I'd give a heads up for others using the H220, because to me, those elbows seem like a weak link, and I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Here's another guy on their forums, which a leaking elbow, that they also blamed on user error: http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3094&sid=3c9a75024dc6cf5f43f503254a636b40

There are other Swiftech stories in this thread...

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1041006534&postcount=12585

:(
 
any tried the h80i gt with this case? It has a 49mm thickness. The original h80i was 38mm and it fits.
Nobody has gotten the H80i in with both fans. The most I've seen is with one regular and one slim fan. Given that that configuration is about the same thickness as the H80i GT with one fan, it's conceivable that could fit. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend it, since it will be under-fanned and probably perform no better in that configuration than a thinner rad with single fan.
 
Will this case fit 2 x 2.5 drives, h100i, asus 970 strix and a sfx psx?

Yep. I have 2 x2.5 drive, a h100i and a 670 in mine with the sfx-L 500w powersupply. Its a little bit tight where the GFX meets the powersupply but you can squeeze it. IF you went with the standard SFX size more room opens up.
 
Yep. I have 2 x2.5 drive, a h100i and a 670 in mine with the sfx-L 500w powersupply. Its a little bit tight where the GFX meets the powersupply but you can squeeze it. IF you went with the standard SFX size more room opens up.

I thought i saw someone post that a 970 strix didnt fit. Would like to confirm with anyone that has tried
 
Heads up for anyone using a Swiftech H220 in their M1; seems those plastic elbow are pretty crappy:
IMG_20150401_172755.jpg

IMG_20150401_173031.jpg

The kicker is that Swiftech says the M1 is not the ideal case for the H220, and will deny your RMA, saying the failure is from user error. That too much stress was put on the elbow (even though there is plenty of hose slack, and everything fits pretty good).
http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3102&p=13730
LOL not this Swiftech Warranty Dodge Tactic again. Not so long ago they wouldn't honor warranty because someone was using an 450W SFX PSU with a high-end GPU (which many here can attest works flawlessly) because the Nvidia website says it would need a 600W PSU (if it was a crappy PSU).

It's remarkable how crappy their support is, it might as well have said on the box that you should only use this inside a computer that's on their Qualified Vendor List.

I also wouldn't call that "bone stock" either. In such a cramped case it could very well be that evaporation is setting in quickly and thus the reason you've had to top it off so frequently. I hope this helps to answer your questions.

Regards,

Bryan Ramirez, Swiftech Warranty Denial Team
Someone give this guy a book on basic physics. It's getting sad.
 
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I thought i saw someone post that a 970 strix didnt fit. Would like to confirm with anyone that has tried
It won't fit. The problem is this corner of the PCB, which runs into the rear chassis flange:

Z5zEPSC.jpg


If you're not afraid to take a dremel to a $350 video card (and void your warranty), it's a fairly minor mod to make it fit.
 
It's a shame how problematic the H220 turned out to be; in theory it's an ideal all-in-one watercooling kit for the M1. But between the (apparently) flawed pump design, Swiftech's questionable support practices, and Asetek's patent monopoly, I guess it wasn't meant to be. The latter is especially troubling, since it means it's unlikely we'll see any companies do an expandable AIO, unless Asetek themselves are involved. I was looking forward to the Fractal Design Kelvin series, but it looks like they won't be available outside of Europe.
 
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