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

It's perhaps less economical but you can buy a silver panel set + silver non-ODD top from ncases.com. Just food for thought in case you weren't aware.

I did this. The panel set came very well wrapped and now I have both colours.
 
Hi. First post here :) Been eyeing the Ncase for some time, and finally pulled the trigger on it, 3-4 weeks back or so. Havent gotten it yet. Only just got shipped a week ago, and gotta get past customs etc

Anyway. Im having a bit of trouble with the parts

So far i have :

Asus Impact VI
Core i5-4690K
Crucial DDR3 BallistiX Tactical ( Not VLP, only LP ) 16GB
Samsung 850 EVO 250gb
2TB WD Black
Sony DVD/writer ODD

Still undecided on GPU aswell. Maybe a Asus Strik ITX version ??

Im still missing a psu and cpu cooler. I would have liked to have gotten the VLP ram, but its sort of a budget build, so have been buying used peices, to try and keep cost down, since the Ncase is pretty expensive.

Wich cooler would you guys recommend for this build ? Been looking a bit at Noctua nh-c12p se14, but dont know if there is a better option, that would fit/cool better ?

And what about PSU ? From reading the forums here. The Silverstone PSU's in general got a bad rep for making noise. Im not a total freak, when it comes to getting it silent, but would like it somewhat silent, atleast, when just browsing etc. Been looking a bit at the Sharkoon SilentStorm SFX Gold 500W, since it doesnt have the fan control the Silverstones have

Any other suggestions to case fans in general would also be very helpfull !

Hope you guys can help me a bit out :)

Thanks
 
Mmm i could be in real trouble, I didnt realize the 5820k can draw so much power.

Bit-Tech tested a 5820k @ 4.3ghz and its drawing 340w. Im @ 4.4ghz currently. Fine with the 980 but a 980Ti or 390X and I think i'll be in real trouble.
Than I would advise you to not overclock more than the standard voltage allows. It's not really "trouble", it's a choice. My i5-4670K and 290X are stock too, I'd rather have a quiet PC than 5% more performance, which I don't notice anyways.
The 5820K and 980Ti or Radeon Fury (because 390X = 290X) are very fast without overclocking and when using a compact case like the Ncase M1, you need to make consessions.
 
It's perhaps less economical but you can buy a silver panel set + silver non-ODD top from ncases.com. Just food for thought in case you weren't aware.
I was aware of that but the fact that all the cases are sold out on ncases.com means I can't buy anything yet :)

I was too late to get a the V3 case before they sold out completely and I wasn't willing to spend an extra $86 + shipping just for panels so I could replace the black ones. I can wait for V4 to get released and get the one I want
 
Hi. First post here :) Been eyeing the Ncase for some time, and finally pulled the trigger on it, 3-4 weeks back or so. Havent gotten it yet. Only just got shipped a week ago, and gotta get past customs etc

Anyway. Im having a bit of trouble with the parts

So far i have :

Asus Impact VI
Core i5-4690K
Crucial DDR3 BallistiX Tactical ( Not VLP, only LP ) 16GB
Samsung 850 EVO 250gb
2TB WD Black
Sony DVD/writer ODD

Still undecided on GPU aswell. Maybe a Asus Strik ITX version ??

Im still missing a psu and cpu cooler. I would have liked to have gotten the VLP ram, but its sort of a budget build, so have been buying used peices, to try and keep cost down, since the Ncase is pretty expensive.

Wich cooler would you guys recommend for this build ? Been looking a bit at Noctua nh-c12p se14, but dont know if there is a better option, that would fit/cool better ?

And what about PSU ? From reading the forums here. The Silverstone PSU's in general got a bad rep for making noise. Im not a total freak, when it comes to getting it silent, but would like it somewhat silent, atleast, when just browsing etc. Been looking a bit at the Sharkoon SilentStorm SFX Gold 500W, since it doesnt have the fan control the Silverstones have

Any other suggestions to case fans in general would also be very helpfull !

Hope you guys can help me a bit out :)

Thanks

for air cooling the noctua you mention is a good choice, however the C14 (if you can still get it) is fantastic (and fits flush with the side panel fan mount) or the scythe kabuto II does practically the same job. otherwise the silverstone NT06-Pro is pretty nice when paired with a good fan and comes in at about 105mm high. otherwise look at the noctua L12 for something a bit smaller.

water cooling any 120mm aio works very well - i have a Tt Water 3.0 Performer with a Noctua iPPC 2000rpm pwm fan on it and with the pump volted down to 1200rpm its silent and the fan never spins above 1000rpm in GTA V and my temps stay in the mid 50C area (4670K @ 4.2ghz).

if you can get the sharkoon SFX-L it seems to be the choice. not available for me in Australia so i deal with the silverstone 600w - its fine for me as i have my R9 290 on a H55 AIO blowing exhaust into the PSU which keeps the temp up so the fan stays on 24/7.
 
... as i have my R9 290 on a H55 AIO blowing exhaust into the PSU which keeps the temp up so the fan stays on 24/7.

How original! I think everyone else is blowing cool air into the PS to prevent the fan from starting to spin. Your method eliminates the noise the fan makes when it starts by getting it to spin early on and then and keeps it spinning.
 
Than I would advise you to not overclock more than the standard voltage allows. It's not really "trouble", it's a choice. My i5-4670K and 290X are stock too, I'd rather have a quiet PC than 5% more performance, which I don't notice anyways.
The 5820K and 980Ti or Radeon Fury (because 390X = 290X) are very fast without overclocking and when using a compact case like the Ncase M1, you need to make consessions.

Very true and absolutely valid.

I bought a power meter yesterday and so far max draw is 405w. HEAPS of headroom :D
 
How original! I think everyone else is blowing cool air into the PS to prevent the fan from starting to spin. Your method eliminates the noise the fan makes when it starts by getting it to spin early on and then and keeps it spinning.

its probably not the best for maintaining PSU longevity but tbh the exhaust from the GPU rad is really not that hot (<40C i guess) so i doubt its gunna result in significant issues.

but yes it does solve the issue of the fan chirp - and facing the fan towards the inside mutes any noise i could hear of the fan's bearing noise.
 
for air cooling the noctua you mention is a good choice, however the C14 (if you can still get it) is fantastic (and fits flush with the side panel fan mount) or the scythe kabuto II does practically the same job. otherwise the silverstone NT06-Pro is pretty nice when paired with a good fan and comes in at about 105mm high. otherwise look at the noctua L12 for something a bit smaller.

water cooling any 120mm aio works very well - i have a Tt Water 3.0 Performer with a Noctua iPPC 2000rpm pwm fan on it and with the pump volted down to 1200rpm its silent and the fan never spins above 1000rpm in GTA V and my temps stay in the mid 50C area (4670K @ 4.2ghz).

if you can get the sharkoon SFX-L it seems to be the choice. not available for me in Australia so i deal with the silverstone 600w - its fine for me as i have my R9 290 on a H55 AIO blowing exhaust into the PSU which keeps the temp up so the fan stays on 24/7.


Ty for the respons ! The C14 i can still get my hands on here in Denmark, but ive read, if you use that, you cant use the HD mount ? How can i mount my 3.5 Harddrive then ? I dont have the Ncase yet, so hard to see how it all fits, expect from pictures from the net.
Its gotten stuck in customs :( Because its missing documentation :/
 
The C14 i can still get my hands on here in Denmark, but ive read, if you use that, you cant use the HD mount ? How can i mount my 3.5 Harddrive then ?

You cannot use the 3.5" HDD side bracket with the C14 installed, however, you could still mount a single 3.5" drive on the bottom of the M1 below the GPU. Alternatively, if you would prefer to use the side HDD bracket, go with the Scythe Kabuto II, if you can source one. The Noctua C12, L12 and U9B should also fit just fine without blocking the HDD bracket.

As much as I'm interested in trying out a larger cooler, I've been very happy with my C12 + A15 PWM combo on the 4790k.


(NOTE: Cooler fitment info provided is assuming a centrally-located CPU socket, as found on most ASUS boards).
 
Hi guys! Will be building in an Ncase as soon as I can get my hands on one and these are the current parts I am thinking of using. However I am unsure on what CPU cooler to use that will fit my motherboard. any tips for air coolers?

GPU - 980TI reference
CPU + MOBO - 4790K + ROG IMPACT
RAM - HYPER X FURY / Savage 8GBX2
PSU - SILVERSTONE 600W
CASE - NCASE M1
COOLER -

Thank you!
 
Hi guys! Will be building in an Ncase as soon as I can get my hands on one and these are the current parts I am thinking of using. However I am unsure on what CPU cooler to use that will fit my motherboard. any tips for air coolers?

GPU - 980TI reference
CPU + MOBO - 4790K + ROG IMPACT
RAM - HYPER X FURY / Savage 8GBX2
PSU - SILVERSTONE 600W
CASE - NCASE M1
COOLER -

Thank you!

We have the exact same spec. And for CPU cooler I go for Corsair Hydro H100i. A very reliable one ;)
 
We have the exact same spec. And for CPU cooler I go for Corsair Hydro H100i. A very reliable one ;)

I am thinking of going air cooler as I want to use the other 120mm slot for 2 HDD. Any flat down air coolers you would recommend?
 
I am thinking of going air cooler as I want to use the other 120mm slot for 2 HDD. Any flat down air coolers you would recommend?

The Noctua NH-C12 permits the use of the hard drive cage and cools only slightly less than the NH-C14 which prevents mounting of the drive cage.
 
A few air coolers that will fit the NCASE M1 on ASUS boards..



( FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NOCTUA C12 W/A15 BY AFD -- SCYTHE KABUTO II W/2X 120MM BY COWSGOMOO -- NOCTUA C14 W/2X 120MM BY NECERE )


The Kabuto II is one of the beefiest coolers that will fit and still allow use of the side HDD rack (the C14 pictured above does not).
 
A few air coolers that will fit the NCASE M1 on ASUS boards..



( FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NOCTUA C12 W/A15 BY AFD -- SCYTHE KABUTO II W/2X 120MM BY COWSGOMOO -- NOCTUA C14 W/2X 120MM BY NECERE )


The Kabuto II is one of the beefiest coolers that will fit and still allow use of the side HDD rack (the C14 pictured above does not).

Thank you for the pictures! The C12 seems like a solid choice!
If inwere to not use the hdd cage. Would you say that thw c14 is the best cooler that can fit on the ROG impact
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the pictures! The C12 seems like a solid choice!
If inwere to not use the hdd cage. Would you say that thw c14 is the best cooler that can fit on the ROG impact

Not sure if the C14 is the absolute best, but it's definitely a great choice that's been popular with several folks here. It's just a shame that it doesn't fit with the 3.5" HDD bracket (as it's shown in the main pictures at Ncases.com).
 
The Noctua NH-C12 permits the use of the hard drive cage and cools only slightly less than the NH-C14 which prevents mounting of the drive cage.

Hit the order button on this cooler + a noctua 92mm pwm for the rear.

Would you guys recommend getting two 120mm for the button of the case or would this not benefit to much ?
 
Hit the order button on this cooler + a noctua 92mm pwm for the rear.

Would you guys recommend getting two 120mm for the button of the case or would this not benefit to much ?

Probably won't make much of a difference, depending on GPU style (blower, open air, aftermarket heatsink). I personally think it's a good idea, just for additional case airflow, but it likely won't have much effect on your GPU temps.

Before considering bottom fans, I'd highly recommend ditching the fan that ships with the C12 and replacing it with the larger A15 PWM (or any other PWM fan). The included non-PWM P14 was noticeably louder than the F12 PWM and the A15 PWM to my ears.
 
Before considering bottom fans, I'd highly recommend ditching the fan that ships with the C12 and replacing it with the larger A15 PWM (or any other PWM fan). The included non-PWM P14 was noticeably louder than the F12 PWM and the A15 PWM to my ears.

My experiences with the P14 was that it generated a lot of noise, and barely pushed any air. I know its not necessarily a fair comparison, but a gentle typhoon running significantly quieter was able to push far more air Through the heatsink than the noctua P14.

As impressive as the P14 looks compared to a 120mm fan, I am getting better results will a 120, acoustically and thermally.
 
Not sure if the C14 is the absolute best, but it's definitely a great choice that's been popular with several folks here. It's just a shame that it doesn't fit with the 3.5" HDD bracket (as it's shown in the main pictures at Ncases.com).
It's actually the C12 in the renders. Look at this pic carefully - note the curvature of the heatpipes and the fin stack at the base. The C14 doesn't have that.
 
Can you still mount 3.5 harddrives with the A15 PWM ?

Yes, just mount it direct to the heatsink as far towards the rear as possible and oriented with the tabs at top/bottom (doesn't interfere with GPU either). I just posted a picture of the A15 mounted on a C12 today (LINK; see 1st photo)

Noctua NF-A14 PWM Will this be any good to replace the fan that comes with the C12 ?

No. The C12 will only fit square 120mm fans and 140mm fans that have 120mm hole spacing (P14 or A15)



It's actually the C12 in the renders.
My bad.. didn't realize you changed it. :eek: It was a C14 at one point, I think.
 
My bad.. didn't realize you changed it. :eek: It was a C14 at one point, I think.
In the original IGG campaign for the prototype funding, I did show the C14 in the renders. Of course, I actually tested it later after we had the prototype and discovered it wouldn't fit that way, so it changed to the C12 for all subsequent renders.
 
Hey I know I'm jumping the gun very early, but I wanted to stir some discussion.

Do you think we'll be able to get Type-C connectors for the front to swap-out the USB 3.0s?

We could do a group buy. Seeing as SkyLake is coming out, and Type-C peripherals are about to come out... I figured I'd try to raise some interest.
 
Hey I know I'm jumping the gun very early, but I wanted to stir some discussion.

Do you think we'll be able to get Type-C connectors for the front to swap-out the USB 3.0s?

We could do a group buy. Seeing as SkyLake is coming out, and Type-C peripherals are about to come out... I figured I'd try to raise some interest.
I'd be up for this, and willing to pay too much for it. :p

Would take a good bit of work, but getting a case made does too. :)
 
I wouldn't mind the new v4 run having 1x type-C and 1x type-A at the front as a compromise, if that's possible. Having strictly 2x type-C will have a limited market for some time, and would be useless for folks continuing to use older boards.

Plus, I'm gonna miss trying to plug in a cable, flip it around and try it again, only to realize I had right the first time.. which happens >90% of the time :p
 
has anyone tried to cram a Gigabyte 980 in here?

Looking at 980's and considering the Gigabyte, but I'm pretty sure it's too long.
 
Yes, just mount it direct to the heatsink as far towards the rear as possible and oriented with the tabs at top/bottom (doesn't interfere with GPU either). I just posted a picture of the A15 mounted on a C12 today (LINK; see 1st photo)



No. The C12 will only fit square 120mm fans and 140mm fans that have 120mm hole spacing (P14 or A15)



My bad.. didn't realize you changed it. :eek: It was a C14 at one point, I think.

Thanks for the advice. Just ordered the A15 now + a 92 mm pwm for the rear of the case. Wont order any buttom case fans. And went with a SilentStorm SFX Gold 500W. Hopefully the system will be very low noise. Atleast when just browsing etc. Can live with a bit of noise, when gaming, since i use headphones 99% of the time, when gaming
 
I wouldn't mind the new v4 run having 1x type-C and 1x type-A at the front as a compromise, if that's possible. Having strictly 2x type-C will have a limited market for some time, and would be useless for folks continuing to use older boards.
There's a long lead time and significant tooling costs for something like that, and we're too close to v4 production to consider it. I wouldn't expect type-C to really catch on for some time anyway.

has anyone tried to cram a Gigabyte 980 in here?

Looking at 980's and considering the Gigabyte, but I'm pretty sure it's too long.
It does fit (that's a GTX 970, but it's the same cooler/dimensions as the 980), though it's at the upper limit lengthwise. The bigger concern is heat when using an axial fan cooler like the Windforce, which deanx0r goes into in his post.
 
There's a long lead time and significant tooling costs for something like that, and we're too close to v4 production to consider it. I wouldn't expect type-C to really catch on for some time anyway.
I do look forward to USB type-C being mainstream but I'd also guess this is going to take a while. And we're obviously hoping Ncase will bring us more nice stuff in the future by then :D
 
For now:
We're considering changing the fan bracket to SECC (steel) for V4. It's not for strength reasons though - it's to allow us to include a magnetic filter with the case that attaches to the bracket. This is what it looks like on a Lian Li case.
 
I wouldn't mind the new v4 run having 1x type-C and 1x type-A at the front as a compromise, if that's possible. Having strictly 2x type-C will have a limited market for some time, and would be useless for folks continuing to use older boards.

Plus, I'm gonna miss trying to plug in a cable, flip it around and try it again, only to realize I had right the first time.. which happens >90% of the time :p

Really looking forward to type-C where I'll only have to turn the plug around once to get it in :D

But that will be a while, we're just now starting to see boards with a single of these plugs at the back because there aren't any stacked versions of it yet, and I'm not sure if there even is a section in the standard for front type-C yet, especially when considering alternative modes.
 
It does fit (that's a GTX 970, but it's the same cooler/dimensions as the 980), though it's at the upper limit lengthwise. The bigger concern is heat when using an axial fan cooler like the Windforce, which deanx0r goes into in his post.

Thanks for the link!
Good to know it does fit, that at least makes it an option when searching fro 980's.
 
I'm sure eventually there'll be Type-C cables like the Type-B cables that you can just screw into the front panel of your case, possibly with a similar form-factor for compatibility. I don't see why they wouldn't, anyway.
 
Back
Top