DAN A4-SFX: The smallest gaming case in the world

@ Dondan

I just saw your B3 case and sigh...why did I not see this last year. I was frantically looking for an original steam machine.

This brings me to the real question. Do you have a general idea of what the crowdfunding perks will be? I just want to put some extra R&D to the Dan Corp to be able to give the A4 the sibling that it deserves.
 
Hey Dondan!

Love the concept, and I'll definetly build a system in with this case when skylake CPUs will be released.

One idea for you, think about including a good quality protective "travel bag". I think people will carry this thing everywhere since its so small and it would suck to get scratches on it=)

And also, some mini-itx motherboards have the M.2 slot on the back of them. Will there be any problems with them? I'd really like to have 2 2,5" HDDs and a M.2 SSD.
 
The travel bag would be a great idea. Something like what was done for the ncase m1. If I'm not mistaken that was done by a separate member and was made to order. Time to check etsy.com
 
@TheANDRAXY: I use a MSata SSD on the backside of my ITX board and the max temps under heavy gpu and cpu load over 20min was 54°C. You will have no problems using a M.2 on the backside.

I don't plan to offer a carry bag by my own.

By the way professionell product pictures will be made on the 8. July and the website is under construction.
 
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Thank you ^^

That would be cool, even if they don't come with serial numbers would be good.

If there are going to be 100 Dan A4 cases with serial numbers, who will get them?

The first 100 donators?

I'm waiting to the website, you are doing so much work and thats admirable,

one man project :eek:
 
Just saw that sheet of plastic that protects the GPU from motherboard tray. Would a more aesthetic approach be possible? That flimsy plastic looks quite ugly in there, so to speak.
 
Mackan said:
Just saw that sheet of plastic that protects the GPU from motherboard tray. Would a more aesthetic approach be possible? That flimsy plastic looks quite ugly in there, so to speak.
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I honestly dont think you will notice it once the system is fully built, it will be covered by the gpu, motherboard, and psu not to mentioned any of the cables in the case.
 
Sorry to say i have to agree with Mackan on this one. That thin flimsy plastic divider looks quite ugly and given the high quality of the rest of the case, does not seem up to same standard.

I like the fact that is it clear but why not use an acrylic/perspex sheet instead which would be both clear and solid, improving the overall build quality of the finished product.

I mean from what i have read, dondans aim is to deliver a quality product (in every regard - inside and out) to the end user. Just go back and read all the posts relating to the fitting of the side panels. "Quality" is the aim and I for one feel the paper thin flexible clear divider doesn't cut it.

My vote is to use a clear, solid, non flexible acrylic/perspex sheet between the motherboard and GPU. It is very important the non flexible sheet is clear to ensure all components in the case will be easy to see once the outer shell is removed.

Other than that, the case ticks all the right boxes. ;-)
 
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Dondan use whatever product/material that fits the needs of the case as well as your cost. Pay no mind to people telling you how something "needs" to be on your case.
 
I don't think Peeple are telling dondan how something "needs" to be done but rather voicing their opinion. First thing I noticed when I looked at this case was that clear plastic divider and how "flimsy" it appears. I figured I'd make my own divider using acrylic or some other material and make my own custom one if it really bothered me that much. It's up to dondan if he wants to keep it or switch it out for something for solid/reliable. Yes dondan is the creator but don't forget forums like these give him new ideas/feedback to help him improve the case as well.
 
Additionally, he plans to sell the case, so it has to appeal to potential customers. If these potential customers are voicing their concerns now, it gives dondan the opportunity to adapt the design. If he ignored all feedback, some people would maybe turn around on the decision to buy one of these cases, which would ultimately hurt him.
 
I'm all for opinions and input, but the post I responded to was more than; "Have you considered? Or what if you used/did this instead?"

In fact the poster edited their post and it is more palatable as constructive feedback than the directive it was. It isn't always what you say, but how you say it.
 
I never really liked the look of the plastic cover that much but it's sole purpose is to protect the gpu from getting shorted out with the motherboard divider. With that being said it is in ther for functionality over looks. There are multiple options to include backplates for the gpu and user created shielding options such as acrylic. Seeing as space is limited I can understand why shipping the case with acrylic might not be the most efficient nor price concious option. It is more prone to break and or crack compared to the sheet of flexible plastic that will, for the most part, be concealed behind the video card during shipping and or the manufacturing stages. I would understand an urgent user request to update that area if the case had a side window but it doesn't. The only time you will see it is if you plug your eyball to the vents and see ligh refracting from the plastic and when you are working inside of it. I don't know you huys buy my eyes are on the monitor when I'm on my computer and not on the side of the case becuase a shiny piece of plastic is calling my name like a laser pointer draws all of a cats attention.

Suggestions are always welcomed but let's leave it at that and not escalate things to a highly encourage because the consumer is always right mentality. The project belongs to Dondan and he knows what he wants for this case and his company. There will always be time for revisions and such. The time to discuss most of these items has already passed. There is no point in making alterations after you just saw a forum when the project has been going on for over a year.

This is in no way intended to poke fun or offend anyone. Please understand that Dondan is already finalizing the case to prepare it for the crowdfunding. I mean he has scheduled a professional photo shoot for July 8th. I doubt anyone would spend their time or money to dothat for an unfinished product.

Dondan I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS CASE!

Please excuse the fat fingering typos if any.
 
The piece of plastic appears to be the same type used in the SG08 to shield the GPU from the PSU.

If the plastic really bothers you, you can always take it out and plasti-dip it. Or plasti-dip the the metal parts directly.
 
That's an excellent idea. I was thinking of something similar but I had completely forgotten about plastidip and it's mitaculous applications.
 
This case looks absolutely beautiful! I'm starting to get into SFF builds, and I fell in love with the NCase, which had been my first choice.

If the crowd-funding campaign for this is soon, though, I might just change my mind ;).

Good job Dondan, this is a beautiful case.
 
Mackan said:
Just saw that sheet of plastic that protects the GPU from motherboard tray. Would a more aesthetic approach be possible? That flimsy plastic looks quite ugly in there, so to speak.
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firies2000 said:
Sorry to say i have to agree with Mackan on this one. That thin flimsy plastic divider looks quite ugly and given the high quality of the rest of the case, does not seem up to same standard.
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yoyo55 said:
First thing I noticed when I looked at this case was that clear plastic divider and how "flimsy" it appears.
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iFreilicht said:
Additionally, he plans to sell the case, so it has to appeal to potential customers.
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what a pointless line of discussion. the plastic is optional. you can remove it. it can't be seen. if it can, you can cut it to shape. please don't waste any more of dan's time
 
Why do you you say it is pointless?
Maybe it ins't the most important thing in the case, but any improvement opinion is useful. Dan will decide if he wants to answer, or if he wants to improve that particular point or not.
More opinions are always a good thing.

So many Dan's defense lawyers in this thread!
 
Barbarian_PT said:
Why do you you say it is pointless?
Maybe it ins't the most important thing in the case, but any improvement opinion is useful. Dan will decide if he wants to answer, or if he wants to improve that particular point or not.
More opinions are always a good thing.

So many Dan's defense lawyers in this thread!
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Where were these issues 3 months ago? Prototyping is over. Requests for change that threaten production and offer minimal aesthetic benefit should be held for v2 if one is to exist. Mod if you must.

This is your cease and desist order from the DanLaw DanOffices of DanCourt. :D

The anticipation is real.
 
bAMtan2 said:
what a pointless line of discussion. the plastic is optional. you can remove it. it can't be seen. if it can, you can cut it to shape. please don't waste any more of dan's time
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Don't discourage people from giving their opinions just because you don't care about the same issues they do. Dondan created this thread to get feedback, and it's not up to you to decide what feedback is valuable.
 
goodbyegalaxy said:
Don't discourage people from giving their opinions just because you don't care about the same issues they do. Dondan created this thread to get feedback, and it's not up to you to decide what feedback is valuable.
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true, but I'm sure some "issues" have low priority than others:D
 
bAMtan2 said:
what a pointless line of discussion. the plastic is optional. you can remove it. it can't be seen. if it can, you can cut it to shape. please don't waste any more of dan's time
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Thank you for your very insightful post as well. I did not know:
"The plastic is optional"
"You can remove it"
"It can't be seen"
"You can cut it to shape"

All my questions and concerns have been answered! I'm ready to buy the case dondan!!
 
DrakonSan said:
Where were these issues 3 months ago? Prototyping is over. Requests for change that threaten production and offer minimal aesthetic benefit should be held for v2 if one is to exist. Mod if you must.

This is your cease and desist order from the DanLaw DanOffices of DanCourt. :D

The anticipation is real.
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Some people just found out this thread a couple of days, weeks, or months ago...It's normal to have some late participants, with some late opinions.

Like everything in life, try to take the best of it, even if it is for an A4 V2...

;)
 
bAMtan2 said:
what a pointless line of discussion. the plastic is optional. you can remove it. it can't be seen. if it can, you can cut it to shape. please don't waste any more of dan's time
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You know that this plastic sheet is there to prevent the GPU backside from touching the mainboard mount and PSU and therefore short circuiting, right? If you remove it, you'll risk a dead video card.
Also, it doesn't help that you are rude and call this discussion pointless, that just ignores the importance of these concerns. As soon as a potential customer has a concern about your product, you should think about how you can alleviate his concerns.
It's nice that you try to help dondan filter out some comments, but please try to be a bit more understanding next time.
 
For me, as long as the plastic do her job is fine.

This time i would concern about the functionality and not the aesthetics, wich this time it doens't mattern, we can't see that plastic when the pc is already builded.

If the plastic does her job right, then the plastic will be a good quality one.
 
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When I first saw the A4 prototype, I thought the plastic piece stuck out like a sore thumb. I went on Mcmaster Carr and found some options for a better looking replacement. I also found some that are extremely heat resistant that might be overkill for this application but that's some extra assurance. If Dan decides to leave it as is, i'll probably pick one a replacement on my own.

Whenever I make changes to computer stuff, I'm only satisfied if it makes sense functionally and ascetically.
 
Hanakuso said:
When I first saw the A4 prototype, I thought the plastic piece stuck out like a sore thumb. I went on Mcmaster Carr and found some options for a better looking replacement. I also found some that are extremely heat resistant that might be overkill for this application but that's some extra assurance. If Dan decides to leave it as is, i'll probably pick one a replacement on my own.

Whenever I make changes to computer stuff, I'm only satisfied if it makes sense functionally and ascetically.
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Ascetically or aesthetically?

(P.D: In this case we can't see the plastic, so aesthetics is secondary, but if the new option looks better and do the same job or better, then perfect.)
 
Xan-Z said:
Ascetically or aesthetically?

(P.D: In this case we can't see the plastic, so aesthetics is secondary, but if the new option looks better and do the same job or better, then perfect.)
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Aesthetically.

It probably comes down to the individual since this is a case without windows.
 
You wrote ascetically (i think) and that confused me :p

Whats are those options that u found on Mcmaster Carr? I'm curious.

Btw i think i'm gonna stick with the default ''plastic'' when i will get the case :)
 
Sorry for the confusion. I just googled what that means lol

I believe I went under the plastic and rubber section and they sell sheets of different materials. You would have to cut it up to the size you want tho. I'll wait till the A4-SFX is finished and delivered
 
Hi guys, I will talk with LianLi what kind of option I will have for the plastic shield. The original plan was getting a black one for the final product.
 
dondan said:
Hi guys, I will talk with LianLi what kind of option I will have for the plastic shield. The original plan was getting a black one for the final product.
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That would certainly look a lot better. If it was black, it could extend well beyond the GPU, maybe even divide the two sides of the case completely.
 
Can we see some sexy new pictures with the case, pretty please? :)
 
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On july 8. I will made some professionell pictures with a photographer than I will offer some new pictures ;).
 
Dondan, please also ask lian li from time to time when they will have USB type C and whether it's viable for the A4... a few months ago they did not have it, but maybe in a few weeks for the A4. thanks :)
 
That subject was discussed. From what I recall, the conclusion was that the USB type C ins't the standard, we don't know if it will be someday and how long will it take to be (or not), and it will be more expensive.
 
Barbarian_PT said:
That subject was discussed. From what I recall, the conclusion was that the USB type C ins't the standard, we don't know if it will be someday and how long will it take to be (or not), and it will be more expensive.
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Also, from the pictures it looks like the USB 3.0 port has screw mounts that could be removed if need be. So, if in the future USB C becomes ubiquitous and you would rather have that in from of the case then you could replace the USB 3.0 port that comes with the case and put a USB C port in its place.

Dondan, could you confirm if the front USB 3.0 is easily removable?
 
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