SideArmD SA4 case, CNC + AIO + 9.35L

Haha, we actually bought this unit just to test this potential setup.

The current plan is to get the temperature with just 2 92x25mm fans air cooling, then then compare it to Asetek 545LC on top.

Once we have temperature and fan noise results, we can have a discussion about the pros and cons.

Temperatures with the radiator on top will be massively different... but not because of the heat that the radiator introduces into the system, but because of the airflow-loss due to sheer restriction.
 
Assuming you find a place to sandblast/anodize, would this be a potential option for NCASE panels? I'd love to have a Macbook like finish on my panels!

Mmmmm, nice. I'm looking forward to see the new batch of NCASE products :)

I have been working on getting Apple MacBook like sandblasted finish for a long time, now I can finally show some results.

I'm pretty happy and relived that all those months of working with a new mfg finally moved things forward.

On the left is the MacBook Air trackpad in silver, the right is our custom black sandblast finish (still work in progress).

 
Last edited:
I have been working on getting Apple MacBook like sandblasted finish for a long time, now I can finally show some results.

I'm pretty happy and relived that all those months of working with a new mfg finally moved things forward.

On the left is the MacBook Air trackpad in silver, the right is our custom black sandblast finish (still work in progress).


Looks very good :) Also, very similar to Phanteks Galaxy Silver colour. Love this kind of silver. It is shiny but, at the same time, it is very resistant, easy to clean up and doesn't show finger prints. IMO, this finish is as good as it gets for anything computer-y.
 
Man that prototype is looking sharp, great work on that! Does it already have your riser in it?
 
Looks very good :) Also, very similar to Phanteks Galaxy Silver colour. Love this kind of silver. It is shiny but, at the same time, it is very resistant, easy to clean up and doesn't show finger prints. IMO, this finish is as good as it gets for anything computer-y.

I have the Phantek panels, the sandblasting is more coarse than the MacBook sandblasting.

My impression is that larger cases with more coarse sandblasting looks fine. However, as a SFF case, the coarse sandblasting doesn't look good (maybe porportions are not as good) . So I stuck to Apple'a finer sandblasting as the goal, more expensive, but looks better in my opinion.

Finger print is basically one of the main reason I wanted Apple sandblast finish.

Man that prototype is looking sharp, great work on that! Does it already have your riser in it?

Had our first review of the Gerber file today, I hope to get first 10 prototypes by DEC.
 
Last edited:
I like it. Sandblasting makes a lot of sense, and with the market for these products being higher end, I think the increase in cost is worth it as long as we can still sell under the $200 mark before shipping.

For the black, does the Razer Blade use sandblasting? Because I feel like they do a good job of keeping a nice exterior.
 
I have been working on getting Apple MacBook like sandblasted finish for a long time, now I can finally show some results.

I'm pretty happy and relived that all those months of working with a new mfg finally moved things forward.

On the left is the MacBook Air trackpad in silver, the right is our custom black sandblast finish (still work in progress).


Looks amazing! I really can't wait to get my hands on some sandblasted panels. Right now I have powder coated white panels and it completely loses the premium feeling.
 
I have the Phantek panels, the sandblasting is more coarse than the MacBook sandblasting.

My impression is that larger cases with more coarse sandblasting looks fine. However, as a SFF case, the coarse sandblasting doesn't look good (maybe porportions are not as good) . So I stuck to Apple'a finer sandblasting as the goal, more expensive, but looks better in my opinion.

Finger print is basically one of the main reason I wanted Apple sandblast finish.

Makes perfect sense. Made in China, then? :sneaky:

BTW, the structure is alu or steel?
 
For the black, does the Razer Blade use sandblasting?

I have the Razer Blade Stealth with me, and it is sandblasted and anodized as far as I know. Based on online images, I think the latest Razer Blade (14") and Razer Blade Pro is also sandblasted and anodized.

However, the Blade Stealth is more finger print prone than the MacBook, not sure if it's the black color vs. MacBook silver, or my subconscious bias.

Makes perfect sense. Made in China, then? :sneaky:

BTW, the structure is alu or steel?

I can't get MacBook like surface finish outside of China.

The bigger issue is that we need suppliers to be close to one and another for cost reasons and final assembly quality control, I can't find the complete list outside of China, in fact, only in *one state/province of China, I can get all the suppliers. It's insane how consumer metal manufacuring is all concentrated in this area.
 
Last edited:
I have the Razer Blade Stealth with me, and it is sandblasted and anodized as far as I know. Based on online images, I think the latest Razer Blade (14") and Razer Blade Pro is also sandblasted and anodized.

However, the Blade Stealth is more finger print prone than the MacBook, not sure if it's the black color vs. MacBook silver, or my subconscious bias.



I can't get MacBook like surface finish outside of China.

The bigger issue is that we need suppliers to be close to one and another for cost reasons and final assembly quality control, I can't find the complete list outside of China, in fact, only in *one state/province of China, I can get all the suppliers. It's insane how consumer metal manufacuring is all concentrated in this area.

Considering the fact that SideArmD is still undergoing design, would we expect to see sandblasted NCase panels sooner rather than after SideArmD?
 
Considering the fact that SideArmD is still undergoing design, would we expect to see sandblasted NCase panels sooner rather than after SideArmD?

Same time, it's easier for me to QC both at the same time.

On my end, I'm trying a new luggage collapsible handle idea to reduce the case height from 230 to 210mm, ~9L.

Then Necere wants to flush out some ideas / tweaks and do some testing of his own.

The bottleneck is mostly with refining the design and testing, the actual production *can be done in less than one month theoretically.

The efficiency here is quite shocking since factories run 24/7. I had to wait on a que to get machine time for the prototype, but from actual start to finish, the prototype took 2 days. When I told one factory 300 cases, they asked me if i wanted same day delivery, maybe they are joking since our volume is so low, hahaha.

We'll see.
 
Last edited:
I can't get MacBook like surface finish outside of China.

The bigger issue is that we need suppliers to be close to one and another for cost reasons and final assembly quality control, I can't find the complete list outside of China, in fact, only in *one state/province of China, I can get all the suppliers. It's insane how consumer metal manufacuring is all concentrated in this area.

This is precisely the reason why everybody is manufacturing in China. They have all the processes and they have them side by side. So, one company makes the case, another makes the ribbon, a third makes the painting and the whole process takes a lot less than it would in the West. This is why everybody goes there, even though you risk having your IP stolen and copied.

Same time, it's easier for me to QC both at the same time.

On my end, I'm trying a new luggage collapsible handle idea to reduce the case height from 230 to 210mm, ~9L.

Then Necere wants to flush out some ideas / tweaks and do some testing of his own.

The bottleneck is mostly with refining the design and testing, the actual production *can be done in less than one month theoretically.

The efficiency here is quite shocking since factories run 24/7. I had to wait on a que to get machine time for the prototype, but from actual start to finish, the prototype took 2 days. When I told one factory 300 cases, they asked me if i wanted same day delivery, maybe they are joking since our volume is so low, hahaha.

We'll see.

hahahahah

Regarding M1... will you just offer sandblasted panels for the current Lian Li made case or you plan to change mfg. for the M1 and make it in China?

In any case, and as I told Necere, if you get to the lower price point you could change the industry. Again. Not because of the design (that is, as usual, subjective), but because of the form factor + custom design + materials and craftmanship. After owning both sandblasted and brushed aluminum... sandblasted looks much better to me and is much more scratch resistant (so better for a computer that you upgrade and disassemble periodically).
 
The efficiency here is quite shocking since factories run 24/7. I had to wait on a que to get machine time for the prototype, but from actual start to finish, the prototype took 2 days. When I told one factory 300 cases, they asked me if i wanted same day delivery, maybe they are joking since our volume is so low, hahaha.

We'll see.

That is absolutely nuts.
 
even though you risk having your IP stolen and copied.

It's quite true, and it seems like no company can do much about it.


Regarding M1... will you just offer sandblasted panels for the current Lian Li made case or you plan to change mfg. for the M1 and make it in China?

In any case, and as I told Necere, if you get to the lower price point you could change the industry. Again. Not because of the design (that is, as usual, subjective), but because of the form factor + custom design + materials and craftmanship. After owning both sandblasted and brushed aluminum... sandblasted looks much better to me and is much more scratch resistant (so better for a computer that you upgrade and disassemble periodically).

The M1 will continue to be built by Lian Li.

The reason we began looking into China was b/c Lian Li effectively limits us to stamping and bending when designing cases, it constrains our creativity on what is possible. In China, the cellphone / tablet industry basically created a metal industry that can do a wide variety of manufacturing at reasonable prices for large quantity buyers.

This project is basically me being tired of waiting. To give you some context, I bought SideArmD.com on JAN 7 2013, before the M1 prototype crowdfunding campaign in 2013. Every year, when I scoured the internet for coupon codes to renew my domains at a discount, this lifeless domain name is a reminder of what I didn't do. The way I see things, either you are happy with the situation or make a change. Failure is more acceptable than not trying. For too long, I have waited for Necere to resolve the design issue so I can get one, so I'm going to try and solve the design problems myself.

That is absolutely nuts.

This person may be trolling me, because she def gets a kick out of making fun of our low volume. I'll give you the background story:

Since the factories that I talk with are referrals, adding the fact that I don't want to mention NCASE (foreign company = higher price quotes), factory people assume I am a wholesaler. For larger buyers / insiders, asking for 1 = 1K or 1,000 units. so when I ask for 300, they assume 300,000 units. Also, it doesn't help when I'm contacting them through a not very professional msg app called WeChat (it's like WhatsApp). Basically, I get trolled by friends about my "large order of 0.3".

If they use 1) a unibody extrusion for the entire outer panels, 2) use grill/mesh insert to replace vent holes, 3) die stamp the inner chassis, 4) and they *really *really wanted to, 300 units, same day delivery to shipping port, theoretically, maybe.

This company is a supplier for luxury car parts (I spoke with them for their expertise with anodizing and die stamping), and next to them, there are over a 10+ car parts suppliers. They can make the entire case within 2km radius (extrusion for outer panel, die stamp or laser cut for the grill/mesh, die stamp again for the chassis, CNC the handle, anodizing/powder coating, injection molding for toolless rubber gaskets, assemble the C13-C14 inlet, make the foam and packaging). Also, their location to shipping port is within 100km.
 
Last edited:
Looks very good :) Also, very similar to Phanteks Galaxy Silver colour. Love this kind of silver. It is shiny but, at the same time, it is very resistant, easy to clean up and doesn't show finger prints. IMO, this finish is as good as it gets for anything computer-y.

For the black, does the Razer Blade use sandblasting? Because I feel like they do a good job of keeping a nice exterior.

I had the 13" MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, Razer Blade Stealth, Razer Core all with me when I visited the factory for anodizing/powder coating, let's just say they know what I want.

Having used both the Silver (MacBooks) and Black (Razer Blade Stealth) anodized, in my opinion the silver is more resistant to finger print.

However, while the Razer Blade Stealth sandblasting looks near identical to the MacBook, i don't know if the finger print difference is due to the anodizing or color. This is worth investigating. I guess I will have to hunt eBay for some parts and then use a lab to find out.

 
Last edited:
wahaha360 I had a few questions regarding the prototype.

- If I was interested in making my own aluminum case like yours, and wanted a similar finish, what's the cost of just getting one done?

- I understand that you most likely will accommodate space for a SFXPsu. Would you ever consider making a case that relies on a DC one? HDPlex is releasing his new 200W pico and 300W Hdplex next year. I would love to see something similar to the DanCase that was smaller and omitted the SFX space.

- Be also nice to see u sell a slightly thicker side panel for the option of passive cooling with heatpipes
 
wahaha360 I had a few questions regarding the prototype.

- If I was interested in making my own aluminum case like yours, and wanted a similar finish, what's the cost of just getting one done?

We don't have enough clout to request one off project with the current factories. We have not order anything from them and tbh, our volume / business is too small for them anyways. So we are effectively operating on favors, and I don't want to push it too much until we make several orders with them.

If I can get things going with SideArmD, I will be in a *better position to help other projects, but no promises.

wahaha360
- I understand that you most likely will accommodate space for a SFXPsu. Would you ever consider making a case that relies on a DC one? HDPlex is releasing his new 200W pico and 300W Hdplex next year. I would love to see something similar to the DanCase that was smaller and omitted the SFX space.

I haven't look into it, but that could be interesting. If Hdplex is making these at the same location as their risers, they are close to where we will manufacture, so it would be easier to coordinate logistics.
 
Last edited:
In Love with this project. When is eta order ?

In terms of production for the current design, we are close.

However there are some rumors for next year that *may change a lot of things, so I'm waiting for some update on Computex, then I will decide on ETA.
 
From left to right:
M1 Bag (coming soon)
LG 31MU97 Monitor, TKL Keyboard, 13" MacBook Air
M1
SideArmD Prototype
Razer Core

 
I'd love to see this also next to a Sentry and a Dan Case. I know the aesthetics are different and uses are too, but it's really worth knowing what were working with with all the stuff there is to be offered here.
 
In terms of production for the current design, we are close.

However there are some rumors for next year that *may change a lot of things, so I'm waiting for some update on Computex, then I will decide on ETA.

I am ready to buy dark black sandblasted panels for the M1, if you offer. I actually like a more coarse finish. Also ready to buy this new case. ;) It looks pretty awesome in those last pictures. And how did it go with the evaluation of the Asetek 545LC? And why wait to Computex? Computex is still far away, and whatever they show on Computex is by tradition just paper launches and usually not available until 6 months later.
 
I am ready to buy dark black sandblasted panels for the M1, if you offer.

We will make an announcement in the M1 thread.

There are ten M1 panels in transport for the sandblast finish right now. We still have to see how the actual M1 panels turn out, plus some tweaking on the color.

And how did it go with the evaluation of the Asetek 545LC?

I'm holding up the testing because my riser cable is late (I made some last minute changes), current ETA mid JAN 2017.

And why wait to Computex?

It's a combination of the following:

1. I have been working on a redesign:
sikeiJ6.jpg


This design revision for is inspired by my time with the Razer Core. The mfg technique involves Extrusion, CNC machining and bending.

It is made from 3mm 6000-series aluminum, supports 66mm CPU cooler, currently 136x214x320 ~9.3L

I may change the design again to an outer shell + inner chassis like the Razer Core (instead of the current I-Beam) because Necere thinks it will be cleaner looking.

2. I have strong preference for USB-C front I/O, I don't want to spend the tooling cost around USB-A. I want to get a better idea on the ITX motherboards that are coming out.

3. I met with a startup working on a product that turns a DIY PC into external GPU for laptops. I want to accommodate this feature. To that end, I'm waiting for things from Intel as well.
 
Last edited:
We will make an announcement in the M1 thread.

There are ten M1 panels in transport for the sandblast finish right now. We still have to see how the actual M1 panels turn out, plus some tweaking on the color.

Most excellent!

I'm holding up the testing because my riser cable is late (I made some last minute changes), current ETA mid JAN 2017.

Many people are drawn to small versatile cases and love finding "easter egg" options to watercool - or ways to fit "impossible" heatsinks. Perhaps 92mm radiators like you mentioned. But it has to be beneficial in some way. Space, temperature or noisewise. Also, compared to the A4, I think improved case airflow can be important. Even if warm air rises, it won't do so fast enough and the case faces the risk of being an oven at around 80C for CPU+GPU. This is fine, but if it can be alleviated by some case airflow, I support that. There is also a PSU in there somewhere that might get surrounded by too hot air, and have its fan spin unnecessarily fast.

1. I have been working on a redesign:
This design revision for is inspired by my time with the Razer Core. The mfg technique involves Extrusion, CNC machining and bending.

It is made from 3mm 6000-series aluminum, supports 66mm CPU cooler, currently 136x214x320 ~9.3L

Looks very professional. Always temps me to dig into SolidWorks myself... but that license costs a fortune. Perhaps OneShape will offer sheet metal soon.

I like thicker panels though. 1.5mm panels bend a bit too easily I think.

2. I have strong preference for USB-C front I/O, I don't want to spend the tooling cost around USB-A. I want to get a better idea on the ITX motherboards that are coming out.

I think January-March will see a bunch of new motherboards for Kaby Lake (mostly rehash of Skylake motherboards), and then completely new motherboards for AMD. USB-C should really take over as standard. I assume you want to see if they offer internal connectors on the motherboards?

I agree that USB-C is the future to put effort on. One problem I have had with I/O ports, though, is the long cables you have to battle with inside the case. Typically they are 2 times longer than you need. I understand this is to cover up for all kinds of motherboard positions of connectors, but perhaps you can offer 2 lengths instead? These cables are usually very stiff as well, making it a nightmare to route. Perhaps some nifty solid variable length routing enclosure can be developed (like EVGA did for their graphics card power cable). This is for perfectionists of course, but many of us are...

3. I met with a startup working on a product that turns a DIY PC into external GPU for laptops. I want to accommodate this feature. To that end, I'm waiting for things from Intel as well.

Intel certification for Thunderbolt? They have been famous for holding up eGPU solutions previous years, until it took off now recently.
 
Many people are drawn to small versatile cases and love finding "easter egg" options to watercool - or ways to fit "impossible" heatsinks. Perhaps 92mm radiators like you mentioned. But it has to be beneficial in some way. Space, temperature or noisewise. Also, compared to the A4, I think improved case airflow can be important. Even if warm air rises, it won't do so fast enough and the case faces the risk of being an oven at around 80C for CPU+GPU. This is fine, but if it can be alleviated by some case airflow, I support that. There is also a PSU in there somewhere that might get surrounded by too hot air, and have its fan spin unnecessarily fast.

As a reference case, even without any CPU, the 80mm fans inside the Razer Core gets really loud, it's not something I want to live with.

Let's see what happens with 92mm fan and a bigger CPU heatshink. The case temp will determine if we will pursue this project. While I'm all for the smallest case possible, but I'm also pretty sensitive to fan noise and the tone of that fan noise. I will kill this project if the cooling is too loud.


I like thicker panels though. 1.5mm panels bend a bit too easily I think.

Extrusion at this size requires 3mm aluminum :)

I also prefer this approach because it gives the case a unibody feel. Also, this approach requires CNC machining for the main body, and tends to be more precise than punching + bending (how M1 is made).

Unibody + CNC + sandblasted finish will give you comparable fit and finish to MacBooks and other high end smartphones / tablets.

I assume you want to see if they offer internal connectors on the motherboards?

I have had with I/O ports, though, is the long cables you have to battle with inside the case. Typically they are 2 times longer than you need. I understand this is to cover up for all kinds of motherboard positions of connectors, but perhaps you can offer 2 lengths instead?

Yes, and will explore the cable length down the line.

Intel certification for Thunderbolt? They have been famous for holding up eGPU solutions previous years, until it took off now recently.

You hit the nail on the head. Ideally, all future NCASE cases should double as an eGPU case. We are trying to get documentation on Intel's DSL6540 Thunderbolt 3 Controller, and Intel has not responded to us yet.
 
Last edited:
We will make an announcement in the M1 thread.

There are ten M1 panels in transport for the sandblast finish right now. We still have to see how the actual M1 panels turn out, plus some tweaking on the color.



I'm holding up the testing because my riser cable is late (I made some last minute changes), current ETA mid JAN 2017.



It's a combination of the following:

1. I have been working on a redesign:
sikeiJ6.jpg


This design revision for is inspired by my time with the Razer Core. The mfg technique involves Extrusion, CNC machining and bending.

It is made from 3mm 6000-series aluminum, supports 66mm CPU cooler, currently 136x214x320 ~9.3L

I may change the design again to an outer shell + inner chassis like the Razer Core (instead of the current I-Beam) because Necere thinks it will be cleaner looking.

2. I have strong preference for USB-C front I/O, I don't want to spend the tooling cost around USB-A. I want to get a better idea on the ITX motherboards that are coming out.

3. I met with a startup working on a product that turns a DIY PC into external GPU for laptops. I want to accommodate this feature. To that end, I'm waiting for things from Intel as well.


Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm delicious.

Sandblasted panels might force me to buy another M1. Sold my V1 precisely because the panels were flimsy and started to get bent ever so slightly because of mounting and dismounting them.

The sidearm is looking better every day. Also, you should test the fan in push vs pull. Push would allow you to put filters whereas pull wouldn't. Also, 2x 92mm fan should be enough to ventilate the case properly. I am confident with that.
 
This case seems badly designed with the top fans and handle providing no real benefit. Try doing some benchmarks with and without the top fans and I imagine you will see no real performance increase. Maybe the GPU will boost 3% higher, but to say that is worth increasing the case size 20% is simply bad design.
 
This case seems badly designed with the top fans and handle providing no real benefit. Try doing some benchmarks with and without the top fans and I imagine you will see no real performance increase. Maybe the GPU will boost 3% higher, but to say that is worth increasing the case size 20% is simply bad design.

The two fans at the top will have an effect on overall system temperature. The secondary components will be better cooled - VRMs, M.2 drives, 2.5" HDD/SSD, etc, because the hot exhaust from the CPU and GPU won't accumulate inside the case. The temperature of the secondary components are a concern, not the primary components (CPU/GPU).

For the handle, I just want one ;) and it fits into the space nicely.

In terms of volume, using the latest dimensions (136x214x320, ~9.3L), the top fan and handle is occupying ~12% (136x26x320) of the space.

Is it worth the extra volume, that's a personal decision. For me, the difference is in the height dimension, not the actual foot print (width and depth) on my desk, so the trade off is not noticeable, therefore worth it for me.
 
Last edited:
Risers are looking good.

Regarding eGPU, I'm not convinced on the idea unless it is drastically smaller than a desktop I can already build (e.g. Dan A4). With eGPU we're still dealing with relatively speaking low bandwidth and slow CPU on the laptop.
 
I think the whole egpu thing is for people who want a laptop to bring with them, then just plug it in at home to game. No need to have two computers.

If I didn't have a nice desktop, I would be all over a blade stealth with the core. But I have a desktop.

I still like the idea of having one though, if I could have the side arm with a nice sound card and some HDDs then I would totally get it for my DJ stuff.
 
Risers are looking good.

Regarding eGPU, I'm not convinced on the idea unless it is drastically smaller than a desktop I can already build (e.g. Dan A4). With eGPU we're still dealing with relatively speaking low bandwidth and slow CPU on the laptop.

It's not for everyone, but for some people, it's just the right combo.

On my way back from Asia, 17 hour flight, I played GTA 5 using Laptop + Razer Core.

Then the 80mm fans got really loud, people started to look at me, then I stopped.

I think the whole egpu thing is for people who want a laptop to bring with them, then just plug it in at home to game. No need to have two computers.

If I didn't have a nice desktop, I would be all over a blade stealth with the core. But I have a desktop.

I still like the idea of having one though, if I could have the side arm with a nice sound card and some HDDs then I would totally get it for my DJ stuff.

I thought about Mini-DTX, maybe it's time we have a serious convo with some motherboard mfg during Computex.
 
Last edited:
the whole egpu thing is for people who want a laptop to bring with them, then just plug it in at home to game. No need to have two computers.

If I didn't have a nice desktop, I would be all over a blade stealth with the core. But I have a desktop.

I get the idea and appeal of having a single PC, but I most certainly won't be able to put up with a 15W CPU or maybe even 45W.

What I would rather see is, instead of piping just the GPU out, why not have the laptop act as a dumb terminal + boot drive and run everything on the desktop CPU? Maybe even leverage VM tech to migrate a running instance from the laptop to the desktop so you don't have to reboot.


On my way back from Asia, 17 hour flight, I played GTA 5 using Laptop + Razer Core.

You plugged the Core in on the flight?! :eek: What card do you have in it?
 
Back
Top