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

Wow that is one sexy solution. I'd prefer it in black/red to match the motherboard if I was interested but the Asrock Z87E-ITX suits my every need.

You can get it in a "smoked glass lid" at least. Great now I have to find a place for a pump.
 
I know Tony from SS said that if you're waiting for a new SFX PSU in the next quarter or two, then don't wait for it, but I just got my response from SS...

I know this email means nothing after Tony cleared it up for us but we can hope, right? :D

S9Bb5NB.png
 
I know Tony from SS said that if you're waiting for a new SFX PSU in the next quarter or two, then don't wait for it, but I just got my response from SS...

I know this email means nothing after Tony cleared it up for us but we can hope, right? :D

I got the exact same email today, from my inquiry a couple days ago.

Really hoping they get it to market closer to JAN'14 rather than MAR'14. They stand to lose a significant number of M1 sales if someone else beats them to the punch in that time frame (unlikely, but possible). Either way, I'm gonna try to wait it out if I can, cause I know I'll be pissed if I end up buying 2 PSUs within a few months time.
 
Really hoping they get it to market closer to JAN'14 rather than MAR'14. They stand to lose a significant number of M1 sales if someone else beats them to the punch in that time frame (unlikely, but possible). Either way, I'm gonna try to wait it out if I can, cause I know I'll be pissed if I end up buying 2 PSUs within a few months time.

I guess you could say that I'm lucky because I don't even get my parts for my M1 until February! :p

So I'm forced to wait an extra month before I can actually fill it. Hopefully SS will release it by then...
 
I know Tony from SS said that if you're waiting for a new SFX PSU in the next quarter or two, then don't wait for it, but I just got my response from SS...

I know this email means nothing after Tony cleared it up for us but we can hope, right? :D

S9Bb5NB.png

I'm sure Phuncz's red flags are flaring up.... watch out!!!

glad to hear I'm not the only one that is psyched about the possibility of a higher wattage psu!
 
Does anyone know the maximum thickness of fan(s) + rad off the cpu? Also- is it possible to mount the hard disc cage on the cpu side and the rad on the right (as viewed from outside the case)? Wondering if it might make the tubing run easier to do such a thing....
 
I guess you could say that I'm lucky because I don't even get my parts for my M1 until February! :p

So I'm forced to wait an extra month before I can actually fill it. Hopefully SS will release it by then...

Yeah, I suppose I could wait it out until February w/you if I had to.. but March or after? Man, I'd be full-on nerd raging w/all my parts minus a PSU to run them :eek:

Also- is it possible to mount the hard disc cage on the cpu side and the rad on the right (as viewed from outside the case)?

It is my understanding that the HDD rack can be mounted on either 120mm mount, or even both, if you happen to score a spare rack. Sounds like a good idea in theory, to leave the tubing less tightly coiled, but not really sure how well it would work in practice.

Ugh ... sadly, I have to agree. I want the res from adam'ant, and the rog impact waterblock. Might be my first water-cooled build.

Do it! I'm really hoping to see at least a couple badass all-water builds
 
Yeah, I suppose I could wait it out until February w/you if I had to.. but March or after? Man, I'd be full-on nerd raging w/all my parts minus a PSU to run them :eek:

To be honest, I could wait until March... gotta buy all my parts when the prices is the lowest and it gives me more time to gather more funds :D goodbye $1500 budget, hello $1800 budget!
 
It is my understanding that the HDD rack can be mounted on either 120mm mount, or even both, if you happen to score a spare rack. Sounds like a good idea in theory, to leave the tubing less tightly coiled, but not really sure how well it would work in practice.

I agree- but thought that when I order the tubing I might buy a bit more just to see.... any idea the approx max thickness of radiator plus fan(s)?
Likely gonna end up with a single 120mm radiator cause I need my hard drives more than a liquid cooled gpu
 
There is space on the floor of the case for to mount things, like HDDs right?

it should probably remain open if we air-cool the GPU, and I'll probably use the space for some cable management too -- but if I get a water block for the video card, there would be space for an HDD down there?
 
The estimated price at this point is $60. It will be available through FrozenQ.

Here are some images. The front plate and edges of the reservoir are not beveled in the drawings, but should be in the final product. Maybe Necere can post a render of it mounted on the back of the M1 if there is enough interest. Alex would like to know how much interest there is.

Definitely interested.

If you make it... i'll buy it. FACT!

:eek::p:D
 
I'm also interested in the FrozenQ external res. Does he need pre-orders before making it, or just statements of intent?
 
I'm also interested in the FrozenQ external res. Does he need pre-orders before making it, or just statements of intent?

He hasn't asked for preorders or a count. I think he just wanted to know how much interest there was. First we need to get a prototype or two completed to see how well it works and how easy it is to build. Last I heard we were waiting on materials.
 
He hasn't asked for preorders or a count. I think he just wanted to know how much interest there was. First we need to get a prototype or two completed to see how well it works and how easy it is to build. Last I heard we were waiting on materials.

Well put me down as interested, I'll most certainly purchase one when available. I look forward to updates.
 
Well put me down as interested, I'll most certainly purchase one when available. I look forward to updates.

Also interested. The impact water-block has me thinking about taking the water-cooled plunge.
 
It is very exciting to see all the AMAZINING things that are coming to the itx form factor!
 
Is there still a chance to get this case in any way? Or did this beautiful train leave without me? :(

I'm afraid you missed the train. I do keep saying this because I just got a feeling someone will but watch ebay just after delivery. You may be able to score one. I'm not promoting a ebay sale but I just got a feeling someone has the intention. Its one of those rare opportunities to do it. Just a gut feeling.
 
I'm afraid you missed the train. I do keep saying this because I just got a feeling someone will but watch ebay just after delivery. You may be able to score one. I'm not promoting a ebay sale but I just got a feeling someone has the intention. Its one of those rare opportunities to do it. Just a gut feeling.

Oh no, not just a gut feeling.

I can almost guarantee there will be someone selling theirs on eBay.

A case this good people want.

Just gonna say that I not the one who's gonna sell. :p Two M1s is too rich for my blood.
 
I'm now starting to wish I actually sprung for 2, or maybe 3 or 4 M1 cases.. not for resell, just for myself. Heck, maybe even a couple for work would be nice to look at all day.

Ah well.. my wallet would've hated me for trying to build 6 systems in one shot. It's really amazing how well these cases would work for HTPC, NAS, gaming rig, whatever.. just a really versatile, good looking little box.

So.. is it done yet?? :D
 
Can someone fill me in on what's going on with the Ncase? I just messaged the thread creator about if i can still get the M1.

Any updates i rather not go through 200+ pages.

I'm afraid that i won't be able to get this case :(
 
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Can someone fill me in on what's going on with the Ncase? I just messaged the thread creator about if i can still get the M1.

Any updates i rather not go through 200+ pages.

I'm afraid that i won't be able to get this case :(

This question has been asked now the 100th time. You are the winner of this competition and will therefore NOT get an Ncase M1, because the late order period has been terminated.

Afaik though, they ordered a few extra cases to cover for damages and other things that might could happen during shipping. I could imagine, that after all the backers got their cases, that there are still some left an they might sell them to a few lucky people ;)
 
Just wanted to show interest for that res.

I also regret not ordering more than one case. But Im sure there will be an M2 down the road. New components means new ways to build in the case. This could all be a part of an M2.
 
Oh no, not just a gut feeling.

I can almost guarantee there will be someone selling theirs on eBay.

A case this good people want.

Just gonna say that I not the one who's gonna sell. :p Two M1s is too rich for my blood.

Can you imagine the bidding? I wonder how high it could go? People will sometimes pay crazy prices to just have something. :D


I now wish I bought four instead of two but oh well. I'm happy to get what I ordered.
 
I bought black, but man do I wish I had a silver on its way too... It all came down to $ and timing for me- I was one of the lucky few who got in on that little lateorder link they did- and while I was just barely about to pull the trigger on two, I felt bad that I might be getting the very last of the last and taking a case from someone else. I bet an ebay auction would get bids starting at 800 bucks
 
I bet an ebay auction would get bids starting at 800 bucks

I highly, highly doubt that. Who in their right mind would spend $800 on a case (aside from the Level 10?). Maybe 1, maaaaybe 1 person. But if multiple went up on Ebay, I doubt they would all go for $800. I say $500 tops.

Though, I think another run would be in the best interest for NCase and LL. Maybe some slight modification to create a V2 (5mm wider PLEEEEASE).
 
I highly, highly doubt that. Who in their right mind would spend $800 on a case (aside from the Level 10?). Maybe 1, maaaaybe 1 person. But if multiple went up on Ebay, I doubt they would all go for $800. I say $500 tops.

Though, I think another run would be in the best interest for NCase and LL. Maybe some slight modification to create a V2 (5mm wider PLEEEEASE).

If anyone want's to buy mine for $800 pm me LOL. You would have to be crazy or have more money than intelligence.
 
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With the Bitspower full-cover motherboard water block, you can't use the Swiftech Apogee Drive II. What solution for the pump are you guys planning to use if you go with the motherboard water block? Should you be able to fit a 38 mm tall DDC pump below the gpu (with gpu water block) without issue? Is there a better place inside the case to put such a pump?

I also have a question about the psu fan. Do you think it's best to use an 80 mm fan inside the psu with the intake facing the ventilated case panel, or do you think it might be better for noise and airflow to use a 120 mm fan mounted outside the psu (but inside the case)? How thick can the radiator be while still having room for a 25 mm thick 120 mm fan between the rad and the psu?

I highly, highly doubt that. Who in their right mind would spend $800 on a case (aside from the Level 10?). Maybe 1, maaaaybe 1 person. But if multiple went up on Ebay, I doubt they would all go for $800. I say $500 tops.

Though, I think another run would be in the best interest for NCase and LL. Maybe some slight modification to create a V2 (5mm wider PLEEEEASE).

Why 5 mm wider? Just curious.

I would want a V2 to be taller, to accommodate another 240 rad+fans below the gpu. Then at some point it could be possible to have a build with a 500-600 W SFX psu and 2x240 rads, overclocked to the max with low noise/good temps.
 
Just wanted to show interest for that res.

I also regret not ordering more than one case. But Im sure there will be an M2 down the road. New components means new ways to build in the case. This could all be a part of an M2.

While I assume because of the success of the M1 and it's awesomeness and the fact that outside of not realizing the actual time periods of the project as a first time attempt (step 1 ignore all "estimates" they are always if everything is perfect, the moon is full, and they have a virgin on hand to sacrifice), its been a clean and trouble free project. That there will eventually be a M2 (or whatever they call it, in fact early suggestion, N7).

What I would not assume is that the M2 (or N7) will be a low-medium liter ITX case. Remember this case was made because W360 wanted a certain type of case (Aluminum SG05) and it later became the M1. If they create another case it may very well be some other design and niche that W360, Necere, or someone brings to their attention that they think they could pull off. The M1 is the end result of one single focused goal and honestly for these niche small run cases, I personally like the idea of these two tackling different markets and ideas whenever they want to start another project.

Maybe a water cooled HTPC machine. Maybe an ITX Node/small server option. Maybe a true small footprint mATX case. Maybe even a Quad SLI/CFX box setup perfectly for 3 rad water cooling. Maybe bring sexy back to the "desktop" desktop cases. Maybe a gamers box with handles. Maybe Necere will wake up one morning and give W360 a call about this awesome case he designed in his dream, one that makes heads explodes just thinking about it.
 
Why 5 mm wider? Just curious.

I would want a V2 to be taller, to accommodate another 240 rad+fans below the gpu. Then at some point it could be possible to have a build with a 500-600 W SFX psu and 2x240 rads, overclocked to the max with low noise/good temps.

I would want it 5mm wider so that I could run dual H80i's. the way it stands now (and I tried to make a point of this a while back, but I guess the dimensions were already finalized), you can't run an H80i with dual 25mm fans. The front fan bracket with a H80i mounted would run into a SFX PSU (technically, it would be 3mm INSIDE the PSU). So by widening it by 5mm, you'll be able to fit in a stock H80i with dual 25mm fans (the way it supposed to be used).

Pretty much you can't use thicker rads with dual fans.

I'll probably get around this by going with dual H80i and some high static pressure 38mm fans, one for each rad.

In regards to it being taller, it's plenty tall. You don't need 2x240 in an ITX chassis, no matter what you're running, unless you're shooting for like 2-3 degrees above ambient. In which case, it's much easier to 1) just build it in a bigger chassis, or 2) make all the watercooling external.
 
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