CCD MI-6: Performance in a 6.7L MIcrotower

Yeah, but per Overclock3d, the Zotac 1080 Mini is 23cm long (9.05")...

https://www.overclock3d.net/news/gpu_displays/zotac_announces_a_gtx_1080_mini_gpu/1


EDIT:::
So that will be something to ponder, -how it will affect minimum case length.


On another note, regarding the Z270 MB, it has the 1151 socket and there is talk of bios support for i5-6600 / i7-6700-gen CPUs. With the minimal gain seen in Kaby Lake trials, I think I'll keep my 6700k and eventually go to Z270!
 
Last edited:
Well, if your pondering includes an eventual redesign to allow for the longer "ITX" 1080, then also ponder that 92mm AIO CPU cooler fitting into the spot where the NF-A9x14 goes currently…!

And while we are bench redesigning the chassis, add a brace of 92mm fans up top to extract the hot air from the AIO & 1080…!
 
Maybe someone could 'hack' a Zotac 1060 Cooler or something like that to fit on the 1080 Mini. That way the case doesn't have to change in size. It would probably mean higher temps for the gpu, but I like how small and compact the case is right now.
Or go for the Gigabyte 1070 ITX.
 
Exactly my thoughts on optical, the last 4 PCs I've built for my friends and family have not had optical drives because nobody uses them. I keep a USB DVD drive in the closet just in case I need it. If you really need a USB drive often, a slim version might not be the right choice, anyway. Playing movies and such is fine, but the slim/laptop type are all half as fast as the desktop type, so using them to rip a bunch of CDs into MP3s or rip DVDs for your phone, etc. is a lot slower.
 
Hi all. Sorry about the absence --been busy with other pressing issues lately.

I do have a bit of something to share: I've uploaded the model of the front plate, so peeps can go to town on customization ideas (woo hoo!).

I exported out of my cad program (solidedge) into a STEP file, an IGES file, a parasolid (xt) file, and a plain ol' jpg with dimensions in case someone wants to create a model themselves. The part is pretty simple (.125" thk alum), so re-creating should be easy, if you can't get the model files to work for you.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/khbbb6pfog1vtb0/Firewolfys Mi-6 Front Plate.stp?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bphggfqlogtg9rl/Firewolfys Mi-6 Front Plate.igs?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wxyvh0dk6ijfony/Firewolfys Mi-6 Front Plate.x_t?dl=0

(Note those 3 aren't image files, so they won't display correctly, but you can download them)

Here is the jpg:
Firewolfys%20Mi-6%20Front%20Plate%20%20%20g%2B%2B.jpg


Feel free to share what you come up with!
 
Makes no sense in my opinion. The 1080 commands an 50% price premium for an at best 25% performance gain. Making the case bigger just for this single, megaexpensive card... definitely not worth it.

Yes, I have come to the same conclusion! The case would have to grow around 1.5", so that is out of the question for this case model. If the 9" GPU size becomes popular with several mfgrs down the road, then we can all figure out what the means for SFF.
 
A quick update--
I have been focusing my efforts lately in generating lots of style ideas. The goal is to define tweaks or even wholesale changes to make the case look epic. I'll be showing off some of the leading ideas soon.

Thx!
 
Does making the case look epic mean that it will become even more clean looking and minimalistic? Like making the front screws flush instead of protuding? ;-)
 
Interesting you should say that....it is one of the areas I'm looking at.
1. Considering flush screws on front now that i know the tolerance stack up will be pretty tight and no concern about matching up the cover holes to the chassis threaded inserts.
2. Adding, yes adding audio and usb back on the case. I have using the test case for several months for gaming and everything else. I found that having the headphone jack on the back is a pain: routing the cord that AlwayS wants to get hung up on something, and the reduced cord free length, and the blind connection. Will be a hit to total number of hdd/ssd's that can be mounted, but i don't think anyone will mind...
3. The cover is the 2nd highest cost item, due to all the custom vent slots This cost can be reduced significantly by using inserted perforated panels in the cover instead.

So I'm kicking around these sorts of things. I was getting close to show and tell phase. --that is until my cad software, that I just updated, decided to lock me out due to webkey software errors. Grrr. --But should be fixed within a couple of dayz.

The goal of course to improve aesthetics, functionality and cost, to see if there is a market big enough to support a production run.
 
Interesting you should say that....it is one of the areas I'm looking at.
1. Considering flush screws on front now that i know the tolerance stack up will be pretty tight and no concern about matching up the cover holes to the chassis threaded inserts.
2. Adding, yes adding audio and usb back on the case. I have using the test case for several months for gaming and everything else. I found that having the headphone jack on the back is a pain: routing the cord that AlwayS wants to get hung up on something, and the reduced cord free length, and the blind connection. Will be a hit to total number of hdd/ssd's that can be mounted, but i don't think anyone will mind...
3. The cover is the 2nd highest cost item, due to all the custom vent slots This cost can be reduced significantly by using inserted perforated panels in the cover instead.

So I'm kicking around these sorts of things. I was getting close to show and tell phase. --that is until my cad software, that I just updated, decided to lock me out due to webkey software errors. Grrr. --But should be fixed within a couple of dayz.

The goal of course to improve aesthetics, functionality and cost, to see if there is a market big enough to support a production run.

Glad you're adding the audio and USB back to the case! Are you adding one or two USB ports? If 2, could you make sure there's adequate spacing between them for larger USB keys etc?
Have you considered having a very small batch made, maybe 5 or 10 units, and sending them out to some of the tech reviewers on YouTube?
I think that'd be a great way to gain a following, and if you have it set close enough to the start of say a Kickstarter campaign, I think you could see some real success. Plus you can set the amount you want to get, thus knowing if there's a big enough market without taking on any extra overhead or chances of people backing out last minute.

Can't wait to see some updated units :)
 
Ok, so I worked on fitting a USB/audio port PCB in the case and here it is. The green oval indicates the board location, in the middle lower front. It eliminates the HDD mounting there, but there is still mounting on the upper front wall as shown, or in place of the lower front fan.

efnXNDZl.jpg


To reduce the cover cost, I changed to inserted ventilation panels, attached with 3M permanent 2-sided transfer adhesive.

I also changed to black flathead SS screws for the front.

Here are the latest concepts with the new IO and flat screws. I am considering several vent patterns, take a look and leet me know what you think.

A: Slotted, simple:
jzVmGwzl.jpg


B: Staggered holes, simple:
a2DppzLl.jpg


C: Slotted with horizontal dividers:
IuyCGJMl.jpg


D: Staggered holes with horizontal dividers:
CjCbXncl.jpg


E: Staggered holes with vertical dividers:
YM7O2Jkl.jpg



I am concentrating on C, D and E as I think they give the best aesthetics. A and B seen a bit too wide open, but maybe its just me.
(Sorry about the varying brightness and shading, I'm having trouble recreating the same positioning of case and lighting in the render program).
 
Glad you're adding the audio and USB back to the case! Are you adding one or two USB ports? If 2, could you make sure there's adequate spacing between them for larger USB keys etc?
Have you considered having a very small batch made, maybe 5 or 10 units, and sending them out to some of the tech reviewers on YouTube?
I think that'd be a great way to gain a following, and if you have it set close enough to the start of say a Kickstarter campaign, I think you could see some real success. Plus you can set the amount you want to get, thus knowing if there's a big enough market without taking on any extra overhead or chances of people backing out last minute.

Can't wait to see some updated units :)

The USB spacing is 15mm center to center, and looks to be plenty for the big USB drives.
The prototyping is the real trick, as it costs $$, so I'm working on increasing interest and lowering risk.
Thx
 
I prefer D - I think the design is the cleanest of the five.

If the cost is substantially reduced compared to the original design by having inserts, can some dust filter holders be made on the inside of the case to accommodate some sort of standard sized dust filter too?

Strong edit: also, further to the dust filtering point, open mesh on the roof of a case is a serious turn off for me; it causes heaps of dust issues arising from when the system is turned off. I would much prefer to see ventilation towards the top of the side panels to allow trapped hot air to escape from, and have a solid top panel instead.
 
Last edited:
I like C the best and E the least.

I expect some potential buyers will lament the change to the clean front panel, but the front USB and audio significantly increases the appeal for me.

Is there a small change to the max CPU cooler height with the inserts mounted on the inside of the cover panel?
 
I prefer D - I think the design is the cleanest of the five.

If the cost is substantially reduced compared to the original design by having inserts, can some dust filter holders be made on the inside of the case to accommodate some sort of standard sized dust filter too?

Strong edit: also, further to the dust filtering point, open mesh on the roof of a case is a serious turn off for me; it causes heaps of dust issues arising from when the system is turned off. I would much prefer to see ventilation towards the top of the side panels to allow trapped hot air to escape from, and have a solid top panel instead.

Right now there is no provision for filters on the inside. Framed filters could be added to the outside though. It would mean plain vent patterns and I could tweak the vent sizes for a std filter, if there is interest.

Hard to get away from exhaust vents on top, as it helps prevent recirculation.
 
Last edited:
I like C the best and E the least.

I expect some potential buyers will lament the change to the clean front panel, but the front USB and audio significantly increases the appeal for me.

Is there a small change to the max CPU cooler height with the inserts mounted on the inside of the cover panel?

I researched gpu thicknesses and didn't find any that used the whole 43mm that I allotted, so ill be moving the center divider over about 1mm to maintain clearance for a 65mm cooler.
 
One more note -- I revised the thread title to match what the case is (you know, a deliberately stocky very small tower, meant to hold performance parts and the requisite cooling).
 
Curious, what are the chances of this card fitting?
It looks like it might have a better cooling solution than the Gigabyte alternative.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/11098...70-for-miniitx-pcs-with-galax-and-kfa2-brands
The infograph says that it's 195mm, making it slightly too large, however the write up states 181mm without the bracket, making it just the right size. Not sure exactly what they mean by bracket though?

Case looks great! Can't say I really have a style preference, they all look good.
 
Curious, what are the chances of this card fitting?
It looks like it might have a better cooling solution than the Gigabyte alternative.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/11098...70-for-miniitx-pcs-with-galax-and-kfa2-brands
The infograph says that it's 195mm, making it slightly too large, however the write up states 181mm without the bracket, making it just the right size. Not sure exactly what they mean by bracket though?

Case looks great! Can't say I really have a style preference, they all look good.

That Galax 1070 mini will fit just fine with 181mm length not including bracket. I just measured the EVGA1060 itx I have in my test case and it is right at 181mm plus or minus a mm, with plenty of space.
 
I pefer B for its unobstructed airflow.

Also, any possibility of implementing detachable dust filters as vents? like this:

CA054SR_111226_800x800.jpg


It would shave off the weight of the case quite a bit :)
 
Does anybody have personal experience with a case with filters like this? It looks like they would fall off and/or get damaged when carrying in the case in a soft-sided bag, or just handling the case for that matter.
 
Not a huge fan of front IO and inserted ventilation, but maybe I'm not the one this case is intended for. Basically I'm a fanatic minimalist :)
 
Does anybody have personal experience with a case with filters like this? It looks like they would fall off and/or get damaged when carrying in the case in a soft-sided bag, or just handling the case for that matter.

I haven't used them before, but they look interesting. I like the idea of easy removal. You are right though, the plastic filter element with no backing sounds a bit weak.

I'm looking at what the case would look like with the vent insert sized so Demciflex framed filters could be added to the outside. Maybe steel vent inserts, so the magnetic filter would stick.

I ordered a Demciflex 140mm square filter for delivery tonight, so I'll post what i find out.

/EDIT/ Tomorrow night Thursday it is supposed to arrive.
 
Last edited:
Not a huge fan of front IO and inserted ventilation, but maybe I'm not the one this case is intended for. Basically I'm a fanatic minimalist :)

I saw that Streacom case above and thought that is pretty minimalist and sweet. The atx case size and price are both pretty huuuge though.
 
I really like these newer renders that were posted over on SFFN…

GdpMoI5l.jpg

OjbLY8sl.jpg

GFYsWSIl.jpg


I include the first pic because I like the black, but I prefer the left-aligned front I/O & would like to see the same LARGE cutouts & honeycomb mesh backing, but with the vents angled like on the Hutzy XS…
 
Nice!

I like the large slots with hex/honeycomb mesh better than the previous single or double cutouts. I also prefer the front panel items in the lower left vs. the center.

You're definitely on the right track for improving the aesthetics.
 
Question towards the CPU cooler clearance with the backing mesh…

Is the clearance still at 65mm (really wanting to use the Noctua NH-L9x65)…?

I really, Really, REALLY love the latest revision…! The large venting slots with the honeycomb mesh backing has a great industrial look, the left-aligned front I/O looks awesome, and the flush / recessed screws give everything a cleaner look…!

Now if Nvidia could see their way to making a nice Titan ITX GPU…!!!
 
If you go with that design, and forego the filter design of the Streacom case is there any way a provision could be made to simply stick the filters to the outside?
I suppose one could just drill some holes and insert small screws? Aluminium isn't magnetic so it's not as easy as just sticking them to the side of the case.
It'd be nice to have some way to deal with dust ingress.
 
Back
Top