SENTRY: Console-sized gaming PC case project

[Rysen]

This is wrong on the first view it is 6.9L vs. 7.2L. But you can't use the Sentry without case feets, because this will result in overheating the GPU, so if you compare the Sentry with casefeets with the A4 with case feets it is: A4: 7.5L vs Sentry (horizontal usecase): 8.1L.

So the A4 is 0.6L smaller and Linus is right.

This is not a very good point to make. You are assuming that the case size is only relevant when you are using it on top of a solid flat desk and not in situations when you are transporting the case to a LAN gaming party. Also you completely ignored wall mounting which should work just fine without any legs. I agree with ZombiePL that the argument is not very productive mostly because a gaming case size is not only relevant when its sitting on top of a desk gaming at full speed. Size is relevant for transportation. Size is relevant when wall mounted. Size is relevant when the case is on desk stand which most of them are hallow so don't require the additional Sentry stand. When you start gaming the A4 takes more desk surface than the Sentry which is a limitation for people who have smaller size desk so if you took into account the amount of surface area on a desk the case its taking it would be a disadvantage making the A4 essentially much bigger. You can't include accessories when comparing size is what I am getting to here. Mouse/keyboard/monitor are accessories that are essential for the PC to be usable, that doesn't mean you should include them when comparing size among cases. The stand is an accessory that in some instances might be required for gaming, that doesn't mean it has to be added to the case size. Also you can argue than when counting volume you are including empty air space not actually measuring the volume of the metal stand which when added to the overall surface area of the entire case will still give you a much smaller volume than what the Dan's case takes. A practical example is I can place a group of pencils under my stand and that wouldn't limit the case performance in anyway so you can't count open air space as part of the case volume.

 

[Stefano1989]

Perfect!!!!!

 

[Stefano1989]

No problem man!

 

[Stefano1989]

Ahahahah fun!

 

[kyjol]

Btw. most of you probably know already, but for anyone looking for an attractive 1080 that will still allow you to mount hdd's in the GPU chamber (as Saper mentioned - may require fiddling with mounting holes), this looks like it's very well made:

https://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2017/02/07/zotac-geforce-gtx-1080-mini-review/1

Unless another mini comes out, this looks like a solid choice and I will be very tempted to get one myself... when I finally get my hands on a Sentry that is, which probably won't happen sooner than fall, lol. Fingers crossed it's available ASAP though

SaperPL
Any way of getting a left-over unit for purchase with an extra incentive of a good bottle of whisky?
Joking of course

 

[Bucwolfser]

Btw. most of you probably know already, but for anyone looking for an attractive 1080 that will still allow you to mount hdd's in the GPU chamber (as Saper mentioned - may require fiddling with mounting holes), this looks like it's very well made:

https://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2017/02/07/zotac-geforce-gtx-1080-mini-review/1

Unless another mini comes out, this looks like a solid choice and I will be very tempted to get one myself... when I finally get my hands on a Sentry that is, which probably won't happen sooner than fall, lol. Fingers crossed it's available ASAP though

SaperPL
Any way of getting a left-over unit for purchase with an extra incentive of a good bottle of whisky?
Joking of course

I'd like to know about this card with 4k TV! Sweet card!

 

[kyjol]

I'd like to know about this card with 4k TV! Sweet card!

Should be fine, it's pretty much as powerful as any 'standard' GTX 1080. I heard good things about the cooling. Noise is not perfect, but perfectly manageable as well. Overall, the reviews are good.

 

[SaperPL]

Finally had time to play with my Sentry today (already shipped Wednesday!)

Now running a R7 1700 and my old R9 390 in a beautiful black sentry.

Full specs:

MB - Biostar X370GTN
CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 1700
RAM - G.Skill FlareX 3200 MHz (CL14)
GPU - Gigabyte G1 Gaming R9 390
SSD - Samsung 960 Evo 500GB
CPU Cooler - Some cheap Akasa low profile cooler (rated for AM3, but it works on AM4.) Linked it somewhere earlier in this thread.
PSU - Corsair SF600

Some updates I will get later:

1. Definitely a better CPU cooler. Waiting for good Low Profile AM4 heatsinks to be released. The Akasa cooler works, but it runs hot and loud.
2. Probably a more efficient GPU
3. Might add one or two 2.5" drives for more storage.

I apologize for no pictures (yet)

Very satisfied with the case! Installation was obviously more involved than a standard case, but manageable. Cable management (the rather stiff Corsair cables and the thick front USB cables in particular) was a pain though.

That was predictable with that Akasa cooler. I thought it was something for T and S model CPUs with 35W and maybe 45W TDP for thin mini ITX use.

I'm still waiting for X370GTN availability in Polish distribution, I hopefully will have some info on that tomorrow. I'll start with adapting NH-L9i to AM4 when I get the board. After that I hope to find some time for dynatron adaptor project.

Anyway I can't wait for the photos of your build

Btw. most of you probably know already, but for anyone looking for an attractive 1080 that will still allow you to mount hdd's in the GPU chamber (as Saper mentioned - may require fiddling with mounting holes), this looks like it's very well made:

https://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2017/02/07/zotac-geforce-gtx-1080-mini-review/1

Unless another mini comes out, this looks like a solid choice and I will be very tempted to get one myself... when I finally get my hands on a Sentry that is, which probably won't happen sooner than fall, lol. Fingers crossed it's available ASAP though

This is NOT a recommended GPU for Sentry - there's little to none space for power connectors on it because of the PCB oversize.

SaperPL
Any way of getting a left-over unit for purchase with an extra incentive of a good bottle of whisky?
Joking of course

We've been responding to this question for a long time now: we're not selling anything until we deliver case to backers. There's two main reasons for that:

1) It would be really unfair to the backers and most of the crowdfunded projects/companies that did such thing got properly punished sooner or later. In short, brand reputation matters.

2) We have our hands full with current orders and any sign of opening doors for sales, even if we were selling only few leftover units, could bring a great wave of mails asking for them and in the end people would be disappointed.

 

[kyjol]

This is NOT a recommended GPU for Sentry - there's little to none space for power connectors on it because of the PCB oversize.

You're right - there's only 5mm of clearance, so even with the lowest possible custom connector (5.5mm AFAIK) it's still probably not enough. Damn.

We've been responding to this question for a long time now: we're not selling anything until we deliver case to backers. There's two main reasons for that:

1) It would be really unfair to the backers and most of the crowdfunded projects/companies that did such thing got properly punished sooner or later. In short, brand reputation matters.

2) We have our hands full with current orders and any sign of opening doors for sales, even if we were selling only few leftover units, could bring a great wave of mails asking for them and in the end people would be disappointed.

Yeah, it was just a joke - I realize people must ask all the time (can't blame them looking at that beauty!) and it would be unfair for the campaign backers. Since I was late for the campaign party I'll just have to be patient and wait for retail, wishing you all the best in the meantime

 

[marsavela]

Yeah, it was just a joke - I realize people must ask all the time (can't blame them looking at that beauty!) and it would be unfair for the campaign backers. Since I was late for the campaign party I'll just have to be patient and wait for retail, wishing you all the best in the meantime

Or just stay tuned around here, since some people might sell their case. I myself don't know if I will keep it or not. Anyhow, you'll have to wait, since the first backers really wanted the case. There is more chance of getting one of the last backed cases. I wouldn't be surprised we find some Sentries in ebay with crazy prices...

 

[octagoncow]

I received my Sentry today, it's #21! Here's the obligatory completed build shot. I apologize for all of these pictures being vertical... And for my probably lackluster camera skills(I'm a software engineer, not a photographer, sue me). I was using my phone and wasn't thinking... :/ (It's just sitting on the base detached)

Spoiler: Completed Build

My thoughts on the case in no particular order:

• WOW this is a really well build case. It feels really premium. I don't think I've owned a case more solid than this.
  
  
• There's definitely an order to assembling the case and I caved and used the directions. For how long I've been stalking this thread I thought I would be able to assemble this case in my sleep... I cannot. The directions make things pretty easy and clear though.
  
  
• The PCI-E Riser holding mechanism is actually really cool. I can definitely appreciate the thought that went into the design. It's possibly one of my favorite things about the case.
  
  
• The case seems to get a little warm to the touch even when idling, but all of my temps seem to be just fine, so I'm not worried. with my GPU fan off, it seems to be sitting at ~45C. With my CPU at 10% speed, it's at ~40C right now. I'll do some stress testing bench marks this weekend probably.
  
  
• It's amazing to see how little space is wasted. Unless the Ząber team wanted to seriously limit the components that would fit, there isn't much space left.
  
  
• I oddly really like the little post card that was included. I'm gonna put it up at work.
  
  
• I... HATE... USB 3.0 header cables. Installing the USB header was by far the most difficult part of this build.

I have mixed feelings about this journey being over and finally receiving my case. It's been fascinating watching this project evolve over the past ~2.5 years and finally come to completion; but, checking this thread to an almost embarrassing frequency (even with email notifications, I still checked the thread randomly wondering if I just hadn't received an email notification yet) has become a major part of my daily routine. I look forward to whatever the Ząber team has in store for us in the future and hope for it to be as successful as this project has been. Everyone involved in this project should congratulate themselves on a job very well done.

Below are just some random pictures that I decided to take for no particular reason.

A picture of my old computer, my temporary case that I was using while I waited (for nearly a year with) for my Sentry, and my Sentry

Spoiler: Computer Lineup

Finally, a random picture of the stupid temp case I was using. It has a hole in it from when I attempted a window Mod on it a few years ago.

Spoiler: Stupid case that I have grown to hate a lot

edit: Fixed my images to not be horrible to view

 

[KLoNe]

Hey guys. Hoping I could get a parts review here. Could you just give me the heads up if there's something I'm over looking or if there was a better option out there? All prices are in Australian $$$.

Cheers

CPU: Intel i5 7600 $307.00
MOBO: ASRock Z270M-ITX/AC $199.00
RAM: Corsair 32GB 3200MHz White LED $335.00
HSF: Noctua NH-L9i $54.00
PSU: Corsair SF450 $124.00
HDD: Corsair MX300 1TB M.2 $405.00
GPU: Something 1080 GTX FE ~$600.00-650.00
-------- --------
Total: $1894.00-$1944.00

​

Edit: Will but running the Sentry in Horizontal in a (open-air) Home Theater cabinet.

 

[SaperPL]

• I... HATE... USB 3.0 header cables. Installing the USB header was by far the most difficult part of this build.

Yeah, that 20 pin connector is really badly designed but that's a standard. That's one of the reason I wanted to stay with 2.0 initially, the other being able to easily source black or white connectors

If we were to target the 1000 cases from the start, then we could've prototype and order the cables with low profile connectors maybe, but with 100 units target it wasn't possible.

My question here about your build: does the location of 20 pin socket on the motherboard make the plug obstruct the hard drive bracket or you just didn't use the 2.5" drive?

edit: If anyone knows how to make my images not so monstrous that would be appreciated. I feel like you're assaulted the second you click on one of my spoilers...

You can upload the images directly to the forum and put them here as miniatures. Upon opening, they hopefully will auto fit within the screen area.
You can also go to the imgur page and click embed and use the miniature image, then post it here as a link. Its handled similarly in bbcode to how you make an image link in html.
You can resize the image itself before hosting on you pc with some image editing software as well

 

[SaperPL]

Hey guys. Hoping I could get a parts review here. Could you just give me the heads up if there's something I'm over looking or if there was a better option out there? All prices are in Australian $$$.

Cheers

CPU: Intel i5 7600 $307.00
MOBO: ASRock Z270M-ITX/AC $199.00
RAM: Corsair 32GB 3200MHz White LED $335.00
HSF: Noctua NH-L9i $54.00
PSU: Corsair SF450 $124.00
HDD: Corsair MX300 1TB M.2 $405.00
GPU: Something 1080 GTX FE ~$600.00-650.00
-------- --------
Total: $1894.00-$1944.00

​

Edit: Will but running the Sentry in Horizontal in a (open-air) Home Theater cabinet.

Everything looks fine apart from LED DDR sticks that are taller and will prevent you from mounting the 2.5" drive bracket. With only M.2 you might be okay, but you won't be able to add 2.5" easily in the future.

 

[KLoNe]

Everything looks fine apart from LED DDR sticks that are taller and will prevent you from mounting the 2.5" drive bracket. With only M.2 you might be okay, but you won't be able to add 2.5" easily in the future.

Thanks SaperPL. I've had a look through the Manual PDF, but couldn't find anything showing compatible DDR heights. Where may I find that dimension?

Many thanks

 

[SaperPL]

This dimension is shown in the spec on the campaign page. I have added this info to the website as well.

 

[KLoNe]

This dimension is shown in the spec on the campaign page. I have added this info to the website as well.

Wonderful, have found it on the website. Thank you

 

[SaperPL]

I think you can simply pick up similar corsair LPX modules:

http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/vengea...00mhz-c16-memory-kit-black-cmk32gx4m2b3200c16

 

[Samsquamptch]

If anyone is willing to sell, I was deployed when the indiegogo went live and couldn't order and would gladly purchase it. Super bummed I missed it after following the project for 2 years

 

[REX666]

I am happy for those who have received the homes this days! I hope to receive it in a few days! I wanted to ask who was sentry, what are the steps in tracking? I came to NIF-Input

yeah those updates are not very useful, I have received 6 NIF-input status updates over 3 days without any location data at all. Anyone know what comes after NIF, if you ever get any other kind of update before it arrives any kind of how, where, when or will it just arrive with no heads up at all ?

 

[nadeboy]

yeah those updates are not very useful, I have received 6 NIF-input status updates over 3 days without any location data at all. Anyone know what comes after NIF, if you ever get any other kind of update before it arrives any kind of how, where, when or will it just arrive with no heads up at all ?

I think it'll depend on the country and courier being used. I'm in the UK and my package tracking on original email link says the same thing. But I've looked it up on GLS tracking which then gave me a Parcelforce reference code and looking at that tracking info it shows my parcel had cleared UK customs yesterday. I forgot i expect i'll be asked to pay UK VAT ontop of the Indiegogo price of my order as the price only included shipping costs that i can remember.

 

[octagoncow]

Yeah, that 20 pin connector is really badly designed but that's a standard. That's one of the reason I wanted to stay with 2.0 initially, the other being able to easily source black or white connectors

If we were to target the 1000 cases from the start, then we could've prototype and order the cables with low profile connectors maybe, but with 100 units target it wasn't possible.

My question here about your build: does the location of 20 pin socket on the motherboard make the plug obstruct the hard drive bracket or you just didn't use the 2.5" drive?

A lower profile connector would have been nice, but the one that's being shipped works fine after fighting with it a little. I think everything worked out fine in the end, especially since you were able to get ahold of a black connector instead of a blue one.

I have no idea if the USB 3.0 header location would interfere with a 2.5" drive, I didn't try. I have an M.2 drive on the back of my motherboard and a 1TB network drive, so I didn't feel the need to buy a 2.5" drive for this build yet. It does look like a pretty close fit though if I were to want a 2.5" drive there. Nothing a dremel couldn't fix if it wouldn't fit .

You can upload the images directly to the forum and put them here as miniatures. Upon opening, they hopefully will auto fit within the screen area.
You can also go to the imgur page and click embed and use the miniature image, then post it here as a link. Its handled similarly in bbcode to how you make an image link in html.
You can resize the image itself before hosting on you pc with some image editing software as well

Thank you! My images aren't overwhelming anymore.

 

[REX666]

I think it'll depend on the country and courier being used. I'm in the UK and my package tracking on original email link says the same thing. But I've looked it up on GLS tracking which then gave me a Parcelforce reference code and looking at that tracking info it shows my parcel had cleared UK customs yesterday. I forgot i expect i'll be asked to pay UK VAT ontop of the Indiegogo price of my order as the price only included shipping costs that i can remember.

Oh cool thanks the GLS tracker has full details on how it went to germany and now it seems to be in a depo in Denmark . I doubt you need to pay VAT when its from an EU country I never have to when I get stuff from the UK and Germany.

 

[octagoncow]

I have something extremely similar, that i'm willing to part with, called the NFC Systems S4 Mini

its extremely well known on these forums

I don't really know if I would consider the S4 Mini to be extremely similar. Sure, they both have the goal of being a compact gaming case; but, the design choices are fairly different. The S4 requires a power brick and cannot fit full sized GPUs, which in my mind makes it a pretty poor alternative. Don't get me wrong, the S4 is a beautiful case and is impressive for what it is, but I wouldn't consider it to be as easy of a comparison as you seem to be making it out to be. The closest product with the same form factor that I can think of is the Fractal Design Node 202 which is larger and less premium. The DAN-A4 is also a small premium case with similar hardware support, but the form factor isn't the same making it not as easy to travel with in my opinion.

 

[Elitist1]

The S4 .................................. and cannot fit full sized GPU.

my S4 Mini has been modified by its creator, it can fit large GPUs like a Nvidia Geforce GTX1080

 

[kyjol]

Or just stay tuned around here, since some people might sell their case. I myself don't know if I will keep it or not. Anyhow, you'll have to wait, since the first backers really wanted the case. There is more chance of getting one of the last backed cases. I wouldn't be surprised we find some Sentries in ebay with crazy prices...

I'm not willing to pay horrendous prices, most likely shipped from who-knows-where As I'm based in Poland, I'll just wait for the retail to come around. Ideally I'd like to go with a Ryzen 1800x build so I still have to wait for a good mITX board, and maybe Vega will be a pleasant surprise as well.

 

[octagoncow]

I just finished running a short stress test and wanted to share my results with you guys. This was only a 20 minute test so it's nothing too extreme, but it gave me an idea of the maximum temperatures I'd realistically see on a day to day basis. My apartment is at ~21C and the case is sitting vertically for reference.

Relevant computer specs: 6700K delidded and slightly undervolted, EVGA 1070SC +80 core clock and +550 memory clock at 50% fan speed, Thermolab LP53 with Cryorig C7 fan (i'll be replacing the fan eventually) at 100% fan speed.

Average CPU temperature: 72C
Maximum CPU temperature: 76C
Average GPU temperature 83C
Maximum GPU temperature 85C

An interesting thing to note is that my GPU fan speed seemed to directly effect my CPU temperature since the fan speed determines how much force the air exhausting from my GPU has. I put my GPU fan speed at 100% at one point to see if I could get a lower GPU temperature. my GPU dropped down to about 70C, but my CPU jumped up to 80C. I didn't leave it on 100% for very long, so it's possible my CPU temp would have increased further. Once I put my GPU fan speed down to 50% again, my CPU temps went back down. I'll play some games soon to give a more realistic idea of what temps will be on a regular basis.

 

[Ej24]

Can you please give me a link to where you got your custom cables and which size I should be looking for I have the sf600 from corsair as well. Thank you in advance.

I got them form Cable Mod. I'll feel more comfortable providing the lengths of cables I ordered once I know they fit. I'm afraid the 24pin may be too short and the Sata power may be ridiculously long, etc. Definitely measure your system yourself though. So use my measurements at your own risk, because they're very expensive. If you don't have your Sentry yet, you can lay out your hardware to get a good idea of the necessary lengths.

For some reason I can't access my order configuration anymore, the link in my confirmation email isn't actually a link so I can't see exactly what I ordered but I'm almost certain the above lengths are what I ordered.
I got plain black sleeving because I could decide on a color, plus it won't really be visible in Sentry anyway, but they have a ton of colors available if that's your thing.

 

[Ej24]

I just finished running a short stress test and wanted to share my results with you guys. This was only a 20 minute test so it's nothing too extreme, but it gave me an idea of the maximum temperatures I'd realistically see on a day to day basis. My apartment is at ~21C and the case is sitting vertically for reference.

Relevant computer specs: 6700K delidded and slightly undervolted, EVGA 1070SC +80 core clock and +550 memory clock at 50% fan speed, Thermolab LP53 with Cryorig C7 fan (i'll be replacing the fan eventually) at 100% fan speed.

Average CPU temperature: 72C
Maximum CPU temperature: 76C
Average GPU temperature 83C
Maximum GPU temperature 85C

An interesting thing to note is that my GPU fan speed seemed to directly effect my CPU temperature since the fan speed determines how much force the air exhausting from my GPU has. I put my GPU fan speed at 100% at one point to see if I could get a lower GPU temperature. my GPU dropped down to about 70C, but my CPU jumped up to 80C. I didn't leave it on 100% for very long, so it's possible my CPU temp would have increased further. Once I put my GPU fan speed down to 50% again, my CPU temps went back down. I'll play some games soon to give a more realistic idea of what temps will be on a regular basis.

Nice! I saw the LP53 in your photo earlier, looks good! I undervolted my i7-4790k by 0.035 to a maximum of 1.165v and I'm still getting 4.4ghz on all cores and typically around 75C under normal heavy usage. Cinebench can still push it to 89C though, luckily thats not a normal load scenario. I am surprised by how much my temps went up in sentry. I plan to get some thick foam weatherstripping today to go around my cpu fan and up to the grill on Sentry so the CPU fan is only able to draw in cool outside air. Should create more positive pressure too, forcing hot air out. I did the same on the GPU side, rubber seal between the case and shroud on my 1080FE. GPU maxes out at 75C. I'm also using Silverstone magnetic dust filters so the fans don't draw in any dust. They have a nice fine mesh and they don't seem impede airflow at all.

my idle temps are around 40C for both CPU and GPU in 23C ambient. So not bad.
I'll do some more testing today to get more accurate average temperatures

 

[dam_j]

Nobody asked...

 

[JRicoC]

... We've been responding to this question for a long time now: we're not selling anything until we deliver case to backers. There's two main reasons for that:

1) It would be really unfair to the backers and most of the crowdfunded projects/companies that did such thing got properly punished sooner or later. In short, brand reputation matters.

2) We have our hands full with current orders and any sign of opening doors for sales, even if we were selling only few leftover units, could bring a great wave of mails asking for them and in the end people would be disappointed.

I can understand the problems associated with the issues you've raised, but I would hope that there would be an avenue for folks to buy the unsold units after the initial orders were filled. There are folks like myself who did not know of or were not in the market for a case during the time of the crowd funding. I'm sure some of us would be willing to pay 2-3x the original sale price for one of these units prior to the scheduled retail roll-out, particularly given the likelihood that the originally-planned schedule may be delayed ...

 

[pendragon1]

the s4 has its own thread here. no need to pimp it in another case's thread.

 

[Elitist1]

i like Dr. Zaber's Sentry a lot also.

its just not available, at this time.

 

[pendragon1]

that's great but are you over in the s4 thread telling them that the sentry isn't available? prob not...

 

[Elitist1]

i'm not against Dr. Zaber's Sentry

i want one myself, if someone has it

 

[dtagirov]

But we want you to write less extraneous messages in this thread

,)

 

[Elitist1]

its not that serious !!!!

i have exactly 4 messages

life is short

do something important with your life

 

[kyjol]

I can understand the problems associated with the issues you've raised, but I would hope that there would be an avenue for folks to buy the unsold units after the initial orders were filled. There are folks like myself who did not know of or were not in the market for a case during the time of the crowd funding. I'm sure some of us would be willing to pay 2-3x the original sale price for one of these units prior to the scheduled retail roll-out, particularly given the likelihood that the originally-planned schedule may be delayed ...

Oooooooor you can just accept the fact that you're too late and be patient The Sentry team is in no way obliged to make a case available for you.

 

[ZombiPL]

11th week of Sentry manufacturing process
​

As you know, because of external factors last weeks weren't good for us in terms of making progress with the production. Because of that, this week we tried to speed up some things. This is what we achieved:

- First transport of Sentry cases, which were sent to countries outside EU, left polish customs zone. We had to fill all the documents 4 times, because your packages are being transported to different countries by different ways of transport and are being checked in 3 different customs services offices (at least this time). Luckily everything ended ok and most of the packages from this part of orders are on their way to you.

- For the last few days we are getting information from our backers (mostly from EU) who already received their Sentry cases. Some of them are posting photos with their builds in our forums topics. We won't reveal you their results. Just go and check them by yourselves (links to our topics as usual are at the end of this update).

- We prepared accessory boxes for the next transport of cases.

- We finally received first transport of body parts for white Sentry units:

- We locked editing of shipping address information for first 150 white Sentry orders and we are filling transport forms for those backers.

- Without wasting more time we started assembling those cases and before this weekend we were in the middle of this process.

- What is more, this week we received another part of unpainted Sentry body elements and immediately we sent them to our 2nd paint shop. Maybe this time we will receive them faster.

After this weekend we will finish assembling process of first transport of white Sentry cases. We will pack and send them to you. Hopefully this time without any surprises.

 

[JRicoC]

... The Sentry team is in no way obliged to make a case available for you.

I think we all understand this. That's why I used the phrase "I would hope" ...