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

illli said:
if you put it there, it will have minimal/to no impact on aesthetics, but give a little more flexibility. i was kind of secretly hoping one would make it in there somewhere/somehow but didnt want to push for it. only question would be.. where would the eject button go? or would there even be a need for one?
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eject can be done through windows , thats how they have it with the ft03 and mini version.


Jen
 
Jen said:
eject can be done through windows , thats how they have it with the ft03 and mini version.


Jen
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What about when you need to eject in a BIOS, eg: setting up a new computer... and you don't have a way to previously put the OS install on a usb drive? (Also don't have and don't want to buy an external dvd drive)
 
Necere said:
So at the moment we're trying to decide if having a slim optical drive would justify the small added complexity + cost and slightly less-clean aesthetics. We can add in an upward-facing slim slot drive behind the front panel with no real increase in size. It looks like this:



What do you think - worth doing? Y/n?
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I'd probably use it if it was there.
 
xyexz said:
What about when you need to eject in a BIOS, eg: setting up a new computer... and you don't have a way to previously put the OS install on a usb drive? (Also don't have and don't want to buy an external dvd drive)
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dont the slot loads have a force eject too? like stick a paper clip in on the side and theres a hidden eject mechanism?
 
One problem is there's no standard location for the eject button, so the whole bezel would have to be exposed to allow access across different models. In a pinch, you can just remove the top panel to get at it (one screw but otherwise toolless).

I should mention - if you choose not to use an optical drive, a 2.5" drive can be installed in that location with no additional hardware (just the standard soft mount screw+grommets).
 
Necere said:
One problem is there's no standard location for the eject button, so the whole bezel would have to be exposed to allow access across different models. In a pinch, you can just remove the top panel to get at it (one screw but otherwise toolless).

I should mention - if you choose not to use an optical drive, a 2.5" drive can be installed in that location with no additional hardware (just the standard soft mount screw+grommets).
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And then the slot serves as additional cooling. Jeeneeus.
 
I think you might run into patent issues with the vertical CD drive; I believe a Korean company, GMC, holds the patent. I assume that is the reason we don't see it more.
 
Just signed up to say, I am all for a top slot ODD placement like that! It's fairly unobtrusive for those who don't want to use it and it's perfect for those of us who would want to use it and don't want the case aesthetics ruined.

I also wanted to say that I really hope you sort something for international shipping when the full kickstarter/indiegogo goes up because I really want one here in Australia. I'm content with paying extra for shipping as long as I can get one or 2! Such a great looking case whatever it is named.
 
To get to 300, we will most likely have to ship internationally.

I will add Australia to the following list for research:
- N.America
- UK
- Euro Zones
- China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan
- UAE, Tanzania, Congo
 
Thanks so much w360!
I've been spreading some renderings of the case around my facebook and linked to the forum, I know I've a few friends with the itx bug and they'll probably be interested too.

Also regarding my above affirmative vote for the ODD inclusion, I'd be more likely to try and afford a couple not just one as it adds that little bit more versatility. In the renders it looks like the extender cable for the PSU winds down through that area in the case? I'm sure you have it covered but I figured I'd point it out anyway.
 
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I'm in the NO ODD camp, especially if you're going to go slot load only.

It's much more effective to not have an ODD at all, and if you need one, just use an external one. Personally, I haven't used an OOD in more than 2 years or so.

Also, as far as quantities goes, depending on price, there might be a few people here, including myself, who may buy more than one.
 
Necere said:
What do you think - worth doing? Y/n?
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Not at all keen on that, spoils it too much. I'd almost prefer a slimline tray flap for ODD mounted in that location.

Would it be feasible to incorporate a slim optical in the floor and somehow discreetly hide a slot under the front I/O panel? It would require some adjustment of the trapezium shape and I suspect this idea might also compromise the look too much, but perhaps you can see a way to do it neatly?
 
how is it 'much more effective' to not have one at all?
people with their usb drives can still use them and people who want to use an internal one can use the almost imperceptible slot. i see nothing wrong with giving people more options.
 
Diverge said:
+1

I have an external DVD burner for the rare times I need to use a disk or make a copy. Even when cases have spots for them I don't populate them.
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Same here, I use a external DVD burner when needed. Its better to use the space imho to other things in the case :).
 
I vote in favor of the ODD, but only if it doesnt drive up cost much. If it is not used, its hardly noticeable anyway, and most builds I do for other folks, they want an ODD.
 
PolarBear said:
In the renders it looks like the extender cable for the PSU winds down through that area in the case? I'm sure you have it covered but I figured I'd point it out anyway.
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You're correct. There's a probable conflict when using an optical drive and the Silverstone ST45SF-G (that's the modular SFX), specifically, because of the angle of the plug on the internal AC cable and the proximity of the inlet on the PSU to the front. It's possible it may still work, but it depends entirely on the flexibility of the cable/connector housing. The non-modular ST45SF doesn't have this issue.

Unfortunately, due to the variety of different AC inlet locations on different power supplies, no single angled plug will fit them all perfectly.

IanM said:
Would it be feasible to incorporate a slim optical in the floor and somehow discreetly hide a slot under the front I/O panel? It would require some adjustment of the trapezium shape and I suspect this idea might also compromise the look too much, but perhaps you can see a way to do it neatly?
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No - that would bump the I/O up ~15mm, which would block longer cards (>11") from being installed. It would also block off half of the bottom vents. And as you say, it would require redesigning the front.

The only reason I'm even considering putting an ODD in is that the space is otherwise unused, so it's not taking up any extra space and doesn't require changing the layout. The reasons against it come down to 1.) extra complexity/cost (3 more brackets/5 more screws), and 2.) aesthetics.

ScabSE said:
Will dust be an issue with it facing upwards like this?
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Slot-load optical drives have a fabric or rubber membrane inside the slot, which should keep most dust out of the interior of the drive. I suppose it might tend to accumulate around the top of the slot, but I'd think it'd be pretty easy to dust/vacuum out.
 
how big is the empty space? would water cooling and fan controllers fit in there? Aquaero LT, mCubed, Koolance, fanmate etc. Would it be a good spot for small reservoirs? another 2.5" HDD/SDD mount?

even if it's 'wasted' volume you don't have to utilise every last mm³ anyway!
 
IanM said:
how big is the empty space? would water cooling and fan controllers fit in there? Aquaero LT, mCubed, Koolance, fanmate etc. Would it be a good spot for small reservoirs? another 2.5" HDD/SDD mount?
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It's about 150 x 135 x 16mm (which tapers towards the sides due to the angled front). Basically just enough for a 12.7mm-thick optical drive. I believe I mentioned you could mount another 2.5" drive in lieu of an ODD.

It's possible the T-Balancer big/miniNG will fit, as long as nothing on them exceed their listed height of 16mm. I'm guessing the Aquaero probably won't, on account of the headers being perpendicular to the board. The rest of the things you suggested are unlikely to fit.

IanM said:
even if it's 'wasted' volume you don't have to utilise every last mm³ anyway!
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Sure. But if it's a feature people want, may as well, right?
 
Count me in the no ODD crowd, I stopped using internals years ago and even rarely use my external now (at least, I haven't in the past 8 months, over dozens of reinstalls). Kills the lines of the top for me :(
 
Necere said:
So at the moment we're trying to decide if having a slim optical drive would justify the small added complexity + cost and slightly less-clean aesthetics. We can add in an upward-facing slim slot drive behind the front panel with no real increase in size. It looks like this:



What do you think - worth doing? Y/n?
Click to expand...

Y..
 
burnoutmalle said:
@wahaha360
Is the shipping to Euro Zones all equal?
Especially to germany.
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The shipping price is not equal.

Using United States Postal Service as an example (Fedex & UPS cost ~ $200):
USA, 6-10 business days, > UK, $55.25
USA, 6-10 business days, > Spain, $52.55
USA, 6-10 business days, > Germany $49.35

NO PROMISES on the price because :
1) current logistic company shipping from Lian Li in Taiwan to USA didn't confirm they can ship via USPS
2) current logistic company will charge us a) warehouse fee, b) handling fee, c) shipping label fee

I'm still researching, but if you know how I can get cheaper shipping, please share.
 
IIRC, the top plate is removeable, right? Can't you just make a bunch of each (w/ and w/o ODD)? Sell one or the other as an option? Prepare the internals of the case for the ODD, but make the option for both panels and you'd probably make all of the "no-ODD" folks (myself included :p) happy while hitting a larger market segment.
 
Machupo said:
IIRC, the top plate is removeable, right? Can't you just make a bunch of each (w/ and w/o ODD)? Sell one or the other as an option? Prepare the internals of the case for the ODD, but make the option for both panels and you'd probably make all of the "no-ODD" folks (myself included :p) happy while hitting a larger market segment.
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This could be an option for later after the case is already out.
 
+1 NO vote on the ODD. Unless it's bluray (which I assume would increase the cost substantially) I don't see the need for a disk drive... steam, netflix and a usb stick replaced practically everything I used a disk for. Everyone with a vast collection of games, movies and music can get an external :p
 
sliv said:
+1 NO vote on the ODD. Unless it's bluray (which I assume would increase the cost substantially) I don't see the need for a disk drive... steam, netflix and a usb stick replaced practically everything I used a disk for. Everyone with a vast collection of games, movies and music can get an external :p
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To be clear, there is no plan to include an optical drive under any circumstances. The question is only over whether we should include the capability for one (with the extra brackets + slot in the top panel).
 
Necere said:
To be clear, there is no plan to include an optical drive under any circumstances. The question is only over whether we should include the capability for one (with the extra brackets + slot in the top panel).
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Necere said:
The only reason I'm even considering putting an ODD in is that the space is otherwise unused, so it's not taking up any extra space and doesn't require changing the layout. The reasons against it come down to 1.) extra complexity/cost (3 more brackets/5 more screws), and 2.) aesthetics.
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Haha, looks like I need to catch up on my pc terminology :eek:... If the cost difference is bearable I'm sure most people won't mind having the option and assuming everyone getting this case is a pc enthusiast, complexity shouldn't be an issue either :cool:. Since this is a pretty drastic aesthetic change (minimal, but still), would it be possible to see a full 3d render of the ODD version to have better idea?
 
sliv said:
Haha, looks like I need to catch up on my pc terminology :eek:... If the cost difference is bearable I'm sure most people won't mind having the option and assuming everyone getting this case is a pc enthusiast, complexity shouldn't be an issue either :cool:. Since this is a pretty drastic aesthetic change (minimal, but still), would it be possible to see a full 3d render of the ODD version to have better idea?
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To be fair, the fault was entirely mine; I literally said "add in a slim optical drive," when what I should've said was "add in the capability to mount a slim ODD," so it's no surprise if people understood it to mean we'd be including the drive itself. I get used to thinking/talking in shorthand when designing, so e.g., "add in ATX PSU support" or "add dual rad support" just becomes "add ATX PSU/dual rad" etc. Sorry about the confusion.

Cost difference should be pretty minimal, so mainly it comes down to whether people will be bothered by the slot or not. It's possible we'll be able to have two versions of the top panel - one with the slot, one without, which might be specifiable at order time (we'll have to see).

I'll do renders with the slot at some point.
 
everyone can always use an external USB optical drive if they had to.

I vote no. (total legacy, what next, add 3.5" disk drive)
 
having the option of a ODD means the case can be used as an htpc, seems like win to me (shrug)
 
I don't really care either way tbh. I have an external bluray drive, and I don't really want to have the slot, but it wont ruin it for me.
 
Necere said:
To be fair, the fault was entirely mine; I literally said "add in a slim optical drive," when what I should've said was "add in the capability to mount a slim ODD," so it's no surprise if people understood it to mean we'd be including the drive itself. I get used to thinking/talking in shorthand when designing, so e.g., "add in ATX PSU support" or "add dual rad support" just becomes "add ATX PSU/dual rad" etc. Sorry about the confusion.

Cost difference should be pretty minimal, so mainly it comes down to whether people will be bothered by the slot or not. It's possible we'll be able to have two versions of the top panel - one with the slot, one without, which might be specifiable at order time (we'll have to see).

I'll do renders with the slot at some point.
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Hey don't sweat it man, I do that all the time with "please". Like, "get me a sandwhich woman", I always forget the please. At least now it's clear for everyone, and I'm sure if you make the ODD an option, people will make use of it, and if not, it won't really matter because this is AN AWESOME CASE.
 
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