CircleTect
n00b
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2017
- Messages
- 13
CIRCLE ONE
CIRCLE ONE is a 7L mini-itx tower computer the size of a piece of A3 paper. The focus of this build is a balance of aesthetics and power for people who want a beautiful, quiet, capable computer. It uses a 'mini' GPU, which provides room for extra ventilation and internal 2.5" drives. The TFX power supply allows the case the be narrower than other similar cases, and quieter than those using a FLEX-ATX.
Update - April 2017
First prototype has arrived. As expected there were a few minor teething issues, but apart from having to drill out and tap some screw threads, everything fit together perfectly. See the full photo album of the prototype HERE.
Plans for the future include a major design revision with optional legs and an improved thermal layout. The main downside to the case (which is shared by other similar cases), is the CPU fan noise. Support for a full AIO water cooling solution is being explored.
Update - March 2017
First full prototype in production. Current build is designed around a TFX PSU and mini format GPU, using an internal IEC passthrough cable, room for multiple 2.5" drives and additional 90mm ventilation fan.
Hi guys,
Long time lurker, first time poster here. It's been pretty inspiring to see a slew of great small form factor cases being developed here (NCASE M1, Dan A4-SFX and Sentry just to name a few). I want to pay respect to these cases - I have already pre-ordered the Sentry and am on the waiting list for the Dan A4. I guess you could say I'm a mini-itx case enthusiast.
Although I love these cases, I still think there's room in the market for a portable professional workstation for creative professionals. Many people that I know who work in video editing, post production and 3D use Apple hardware, but these people are increasingly feeling alienated by Apple's lack of professional options. Their top of the line Mac Pro hasn't been updated since 2013 and the new MacBook Pro has been widely criticised for not being 'Pro' enough.
I am one of these people. I think there is room in the market for an aesthetic, powerful, semi-portable computer that uses top-of-the-line consumer parts in a visually uncompromising package.
Above is the current concept, borrowing internal componentry layout from Dr Zaber's Sentry, laser cut powder coated steel (or aluminium - undecided) with an anodised circle logo and machined back plate. The frame is symmetrical, so the stand doubles as a handle in any orientation. Removable rubber feet for noise dampening.
Keep in mind this is just a concept and is likely to change at any time.
A bit about me, I am an industrial designer and mechanical engineer by trade with skills in prototyping and manufacturing. I'm planning to make one of these things for myself as a hobby / experiment.
Design factors in order of importance:
1. Aesthetics / build quality / overall design
2. Installation and ease of use
2. Portability
Trade-offs will be made - having lots of build options, expandability and extra storage flexibility is not a priority. This case is better off being limited in the hardware it can support if it means it can be the best portable workstation for creative professionals.
This case won't be the smallest on the market - Sentry is smaller. This case only needs to be 'semi-portable' - small enough to move around comfortably with the built in handles, and to fit in a suitcase or carry-on luggage.
Above is the first concept protyped in cardboard to test for scale next to an Antec One (already a case on the smaller side)
Above: general part layout borrowed from Sentry but with some unique concepts, such as a sliding 'core' that all components attach to which can be removed from the case.
-
First stage CAD work is already under way for a proof of concept prototype in metal.
Before the design is locked in, my question to you guys is whether any of you would be interested in such a case? Do you think this is a market worth exploring? Do you think a case like this is different enough to warrant existing, or are there other cases out there like it? What factors are important to you, what would you change and why?
Thanks guys, I'm excited to be here on [H]ardForum and looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Long time lurker, first time poster here. It's been pretty inspiring to see a slew of great small form factor cases being developed here (NCASE M1, Dan A4-SFX and Sentry just to name a few). I want to pay respect to these cases - I have already pre-ordered the Sentry and am on the waiting list for the Dan A4. I guess you could say I'm a mini-itx case enthusiast.
Although I love these cases, I still think there's room in the market for a portable professional workstation for creative professionals. Many people that I know who work in video editing, post production and 3D use Apple hardware, but these people are increasingly feeling alienated by Apple's lack of professional options. Their top of the line Mac Pro hasn't been updated since 2013 and the new MacBook Pro has been widely criticised for not being 'Pro' enough.
I am one of these people. I think there is room in the market for an aesthetic, powerful, semi-portable computer that uses top-of-the-line consumer parts in a visually uncompromising package.
Above is the current concept, borrowing internal componentry layout from Dr Zaber's Sentry, laser cut powder coated steel (or aluminium - undecided) with an anodised circle logo and machined back plate. The frame is symmetrical, so the stand doubles as a handle in any orientation. Removable rubber feet for noise dampening.
Keep in mind this is just a concept and is likely to change at any time.
A bit about me, I am an industrial designer and mechanical engineer by trade with skills in prototyping and manufacturing. I'm planning to make one of these things for myself as a hobby / experiment.
Design factors in order of importance:
1. Aesthetics / build quality / overall design
2. Installation and ease of use
2. Portability
Trade-offs will be made - having lots of build options, expandability and extra storage flexibility is not a priority. This case is better off being limited in the hardware it can support if it means it can be the best portable workstation for creative professionals.
This case won't be the smallest on the market - Sentry is smaller. This case only needs to be 'semi-portable' - small enough to move around comfortably with the built in handles, and to fit in a suitcase or carry-on luggage.
Above is the first concept protyped in cardboard to test for scale next to an Antec One (already a case on the smaller side)
Above: general part layout borrowed from Sentry but with some unique concepts, such as a sliding 'core' that all components attach to which can be removed from the case.
-
First stage CAD work is already under way for a proof of concept prototype in metal.
Before the design is locked in, my question to you guys is whether any of you would be interested in such a case? Do you think this is a market worth exploring? Do you think a case like this is different enough to warrant existing, or are there other cases out there like it? What factors are important to you, what would you change and why?
Thanks guys, I'm excited to be here on [H]ardForum and looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
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