SideArmD SA4 case, CNC + AIO + 9.35L

Necere wahaha360

Is there a chance of this becoming reality at this point?

In my discussions with w360 one thing we realized was that there's a lot of overlap between this concept and the M1, and that it might make more sense to move forward on another project that targets a different niche before we do something like this. It's also important for us to be excited about whatever we're working on, and right now at least for w360 that's one of my other (yet to be revealed) projects.

Don't forget watercooling+window, which the M1 can't do*. That's a big deal for some people.

*Without major sacrifices

I'm waiting for a new power supply towards of end of this year before we move forward on this project.

Based on promising Flex PSU conversations at Computex, we will be updating the SideArmD concept with the Flex PSU in mind.

The original SideArmD concept was suppose to use Flex/1U PSU anyways, so now we can faithfully execute the concept the way it was intended.

ETA on this is next year at best, because Flex PSU will not be ready until then.

Promising as in "Flex PSU" no longer a noisy beast?


I just really like the idea of CPU / GPU custom loop water cooling that does not need to compromise for a window...!

Kind of a bummer that you are going back to FlexATX (not that it is a bad thing), I was excited because the design up until the change BACK to FlexATX would have allowed me to use this SF600 I have sitting here; and it would have addressed some of the things I did not like about the M1 (no window option without losing the best placement for a radiator& the need for an external reservoir for a full custom loop)...

I REALLY like the idea of having ALL of the WC loop components within the chassis. and if they can be (tastfully) displayed via a window, yet still offer top cooling performance, all the better...!
 
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Necere wahaha360

I just really like the idea of CPU / GPU custom loop water cooling that does not need to compromise for a window...!

Kind of a bummer that you are going back to FlexATX (not that it is a bad thing), I was excited because the design up until the change BACK to FlexATX would have allowed me to use this SF600 I have sitting here; and it would have addressed some of the things I did not like about the M1 (no window option without losing the best placement for a radiator& the need for an external reservoir for a full custom loop)...

I REALLY like the idea of having ALL of the WC loop components within the chassis. and if they can be (tastfully) displayed via a window, yet still offer top cooling performance, all the better...!
Heh... you're really pushing hard for this, aren't you? Alright - interest noted.

Also I'm not set on using flex over SFX. It really depends how some of the units coming out turn out. The smaller size is nice, but the potential for increased noise isn't.
 
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Heh... you're really pushing hard for this, aren't you? Alright - interest noted.

Also I'm not set on using flex over SFX. It really depends how some of the units coming out turn out. The smaller size is nice, but the potential for increased noise isn't.

Yeah, sorry, I just want a quality (product & performance) WC loop for mITX where EVERYTHING is in the chassis, yet I can still have a little bling via the windowed panel...

And by 'a little bling', I am talking mainly about the liquid showing thru on the reservoir & tubing; everything else would be Acetal/Nickel blocks, for that blacked out look...

I would love to get UV-reactive fluid, and use UV LEDs (the kind that can mount in a G1/4 plug, so the UV light is not 'painting' the interior of the chassis, only interacting with the fluid itself) to light it up; since the blocks would not be showing the fluid, just the tubes & reservoir would 'glow'...
 
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Yeah, sorry, I just want a quality (product & performance) WC loop for mITX where EVERYTHING is in the chassis, yet I can still have a little bling via the windowed panel...

And by 'a little bling', I am talking mainly about the liquid showing thru on the reservoir & tubing; everything else would be Acetal/Nickel blocks, for that blacked out look...

I would love to get UV-reactive fluid, and use UV LEDs (the kind that can mount in a G1/4 plug, so the UV light is not 'painting' the interior of the chassis, only interacting with the fluid itself) to light it up; since the blocks would not be showing the fluid, just the tubes & reservoir would 'glow'...

They make UV 'spotlights', too, so you could do custom power cables and aim the lights just at them, so they light up along with the tubing.
 
The initial project stalled, but I never gave up.

Specification

Material: CNCed from 10mm 6061 aluminum + 1.5mm aluminum metal brackets
Side panels: Vented Panel / Tempered Glass / Acrylic, window on both sides
Colors: Anodized sand blasted space gray for exterior, anodized black for interior

Dimensions (W x H x D): 210 x 135 x 330, 9.35L
Graphic cards support: Three-Slot Slot GPU up to 315mm
Motherboard support: Mini-ITX
Power Supply support: SFX
CPU Heatsink support: 70mm height (Noctua L12S)
Water cooling support: 120mm AIO at 30mm thick
Drives: 2 x 2.5" HDD/SSD
I/O ports: 2 x Type-C, Power button
Risercard: Includes PCIe 16x hard riser

Renderings
rldgMgn.png

* 2 x 120mm fans + 30mm thick radiator + custom DDC Block Pump

p5K5D87.png

* back panel is interchangeable to support 3 slot GPU or 2 slot GPU
* 2 slot GPU configuration allows for 70mm CPU cooler height, ideal for Noctua L12S
* 3 slot GPU configuration allows for 48mm CPU cooler height, ideal for AIO block pump

haGdfzG.png

* 3 slot GPU configuration provides intake clearance for 2 slot blower GPUs behind glass window

A3QZ8mU.png

* flip the case to get better cooling on high end parts


Prototype Photos



Feedback appreciated!
 
The initial project stalled, but I never gave up.




Feedback appreciated!

Does just admitting that I'm pretty much a mega fan of your cases having already owned 3 of the Ncase M1s, still holding onto them *and* still appreciating all the effort into the details to two of you did for it count as feedback?

I have been lurking and just looking at all the other concepts which haven't taken off so far hoping you'd produce yet another insane M1 alternative.
 
Love this configurable design. With CNC, you may be able to design for rounded edges and corners, where it is challenging to do so with sheet metal. Not necessarily turn it into a soft blobby mess, but the opportunity to take advantage of the machining process.
 
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I like the idea of shifting the middle wall, but isn't CNCing this going to be overly expensive for what you want to achieve?
 
Does just admitting that I'm pretty much a mega fan of your cases having already owned 3 of the Ncase M1s, still holding onto them *and* still appreciating all the effort into the details to two of you did for it count as feedback?

I have been lurking and just looking at all the other concepts which haven't taken off so far hoping you'd produce yet another insane M1 alternative.
I appreciate that, but I should clarify that the M1 is 100% my work, while the SideArmD is 100% w360's. I have no direct involvement in its design. All I can claim credit for is the original Sidearm (no -D) name, and perhaps inspiring the layout.
 
I am mostly lurking with high anticipation & excitement.

Many similar projects have omitted front i/o, likely for asthetics, cost, or volume constrains.

I would be very pleased with 1 or 2 USB-C ports... or a modular option like we’ve seen on other projects here (but prettier ;) ).
 
I am mostly lurking with high anticipation & excitement.

Many similar projects have omitted front i/o, likely for asthetics, cost, or volume constrains.

I would be very pleased with 1 or 2 USB-C ports... or a modular option like we’ve seen on other projects here (but prettier ;) ).

We are working on 2x USB-C for the case.
 
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The project will be subsidized by me, so it will be very similar in price with other cases on SFF, but limited in quantity.

Wow, when I saw SaperPL's reply that was my thought too, that CNC would blow the cost out of whack compared to stamping.

* back panel is interchangeable to support 3 slot GPU or 2 slot GPU
* 2 slot GPU configuration allows for 70mm CPU cooler height, ideal for Noctua L12S
* 3 slot GPU configuration allows for 48mm CPU cooler height, ideal for AIO block pump

And it's again, insane stuff like this where you kill yourself in terms of details gone into compatibility which blows me away.
 
YSZMawR.png

* another look at the GPU intake clearance using 3 slot configuration

LI9tWzH.png

* ventilated side panel
 

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Great, this solves all the issues I have with the A4 -- adequate CPU cooling, dust control, and solid windows. I think an extra 2L for all of that is worth it. I love my M1, but I've been wanting to get something tiny with windows and the M1's window option is not great for streamlined airflow. I'll be buying this.

A couple of questions, sorry if they've already be asked on the other forum. What is the airflow clearance for the bottom intakes, i.e. length of the feet? Please say at least 1cm, I think anything less is inadequate. I'm a little confused as I don't see any feet or the case being raised at all in the renders. And how would flipping it work with airflow clearance/feet?

And second, why not raise the PSU a bit, it seems unnecessarily low. You don't want cables to be too close to the fan.
 
Great, this solves all the issues I have with the A4 -- adequate CPU cooling, dust control, and solid windows. I think an extra 2L for all of that is worth it. I love my M1, but I've been wanting to get something tiny with windows and the M1's window option is not great for streamlined airflow. I'll be buying this.

A couple of questions, sorry if they've already be asked on the other forum. What is the airflow clearance for the bottom intakes, i.e. length of the feet? Please say at least 1cm, I think anything less is inadequate. I'm a little confused as I don't see any feet or the case being raised at all in the renders. And how would flipping it work with airflow clearance/feet?

And second, why not raise the PSU a bit, it seems unnecessarily low. You don't want cables to be too close to the fan.

I asked about the case feet on SSF and this was his reply.
 
I asked about the case feet on SSF and this was his reply.

I see, thanks. So 5mm. That's pretty bad. :( At least with the case being fairly well sealed, the negative pressure orientation will draw air almost entirely from the bottom vents, so if you filter those you shouldn't get more dust than with the intake orientation/positive pressure. However, the graphics card would be upside down, which I really don't like. Okay, well I'll wait for some temperature tests then, but for a 120mm AIO, 5mm of airflow clearance is very restricted.

How would flipping the case work feet-wise?
 
I asked about the case feet on SSF and this was his reply.

I see, thanks. So 5mm. That's pretty bad. :( At least with the case being fairly well sealed, the negative pressure orientation will draw air almost entirely from the bottom vents, so if you filter those you shouldn't get more dust than with the intake orientation/positive pressure. However, the graphics card would be upside down, which I really don't like. Okay, well I'll wait for some temperature tests then, but for a 120mm AIO, 5mm of airflow clearance is very restricted.

How would flipping the case work feet-wise?

Using 5mm feet:
- for the 120mm AIO fan, the intake clearance is 30 + 5 = 35mm
- for the rear fan by the mobo, it’s 5 + 5 = 10mm

The feet can attach to the Top or Bottom Panels through the vent holes. That also means you can use other taller meet as well and attach with a screw through the same vent hole.
 
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And second, why not raise the PSU a bit, it seems unnecessarily low. You don't want cables to be too close to the fan.

There are two positions to mount the GPU (higher and lower), as you can see from the image below, the higher GPU mounting point gives adequate airflow room.

qSnRkWo.png
 
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Update 2019-01-07 : 240 AIO support and no size increase (working it out with OEM), details on this post.

View attachment 133469View attachment 133470View attachment 133471

Update 2019-01-06 : size comparison, to help you guys visualize (dimensions do NOT include protrusions or feet)

C071DDZ.jpg


Update 2019-01-05 : Space Gray, Black and Silver prototypes for CES 2019


After the initial project stalled, https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/ncase-project-sidearm.1525, I couldn't give up.

Special thanks:
Necere for letting me use the name and the layout
dondan for giving me some tips about spacing
guryhwa for helping I/O and PCIe riser

I got a i9-9900K and RTX Titan, and I need something small enough to travel with, so I created a case for the obsessed - like myself.


Specification

Material: CNCed from 10mm 6061 aluminum + 1.5mm aluminum metal brackets
Side panels: Vented Panel / Tempered Glass / Acrylic, window on both sides
Colors: Anodized sand blasted space gray for exterior, anodized black for interior

Dimensions (W x H x D): 210 x 135 x 330, 9.35L
Graphic cards support: Three-Slot Slot GPU up to 315mm
Motherboard support: Mini-ITX
Power Supply support: SFX
CPU Heatsink support: Up to 70mm height (Noctua L12S)
Water cooling support: 120mm AIO at 30mm thick
Drives: 2 x 2.5" HDD/SSD
I/O ports: 2 x Type-C, Power button
PCIe Riser: Included

Target Price: USD 240 - 270


Renderings

View attachment 132333
* 2 x 120mm fans + 30mm thick radiator + custom DDC Block Pump

View attachment 132334
* back panel is interchangeable to support 3 slot GPU or 2 slot GPU
* 2 slot GPU configuration allows for 70mm CPU cooler height, ideal for Noctua L12S
* 3 slot GPU configuration allows for 48mm CPU cooler height, ideal for AIO block pump

View attachment 132335
View attachment 132336
* 3 slot GPU configuration provides intake clearance for 2 slot blower GPUs behind glass window

View attachment 132337
* flip the case to get better cooling on high end parts

View attachment 133082
View attachment 132338
* ventilated side panel

Feedback appreciated!
This is awesome.
You guys sold me on SFF with the Ncase and you keep outdoing yourselves.
 
Using 5mm feet:
- for the 120mm AIO fan, the intake clearance is 30 + 5 = 35mm
- for the rear fan by the mobo, it’s 5 + 5 = 10mm

The feet can attach to the Top or Bottom Panels through the vent holes. That also means you can use other taller meet as well and attach with a screw through the same vent hole.

Well to be fair, a radiator is basically a duct, so you still only have 5mm of intake clearance, but the rad/duct would help with turbulence. Also, if you put a dust filter, especially the looser ones like Demciflex or Silverstone, you're looking at even more obstruction, those filters may even touch the desk. Why not use 1cm feet? You'd get much better temps.

Does the case come with filters by the way?

There are two positions to mount the GPU (higher and lower), as you can see from the image below, the higher GPU mounting point gives adequate airflow room.

I meant the PSU, seems like it could be moved up higher, so that the cables coming out of it don't interfere with the AIO undreneath.

I like the idea of supporting 240mm AIOs. Would it take too much work/volume increase to accommodate regular 240mm AIOs, not just the one from Alphacool?
 
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DnTEy56.jpg

NqFlldQ.jpg


CES 2019, special thanks to 3lfk1ng for thermal testing and volunteering his Ghost S1 + 26mm Top Hat

Test Setup
SideArmD Project Prototype 1
Intel i9-9900K + Asus Z390 ITX
Fr33Flow 48mm CPU Block + Pump Prototype 1
Koolance HX-CU420V Radiator (120x30mm, 30FPI, *Copper)
Noctua Sterrox Fan (120x25mm, one mounted on Koolance radiator, one beneath motherboard)
Nvidia RTX Titan
Samsung 960 EVO SSD



Results
Ambient temperature probably around ~25C
WITHOUT OC, CPU-Z stress test max temperature ~65C
OC all 8 core to 5ghz, (unstable & ran out of time to test more), ~85C
* there is no side panel on the CPU side (it was late, prototype 2 is more relevant for benchmark)
* case in pull mode, where radiator is on the bottom, 5mm feet
* thanks to 3lfk1ng, |||, PlayfulPhoenix, 3feetcat, for helping despite insane schedule during CES



Prototype 2 revision
move PSU and GPU upward to allow better airflow from fans, so temps should be better
add cable mgmt clasps
 
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Well to be fair, a radiator is basically a duct, so you still only have 5mm of intake clearance, but the rad/duct would help with turbulence. Also, if you put a dust filter, especially the looser ones like Demciflex or Silverstone, you're looking at even more obstruction, those filters may even touch the desk. Why not use 1cm feet? You'd get much better temps.

Does the case come with filters by the way?



I meant the PSU, seems like it could be moved up higher, so that the cables coming out of it don't interfere with the AIO undreneath.

I like the idea of supporting 240mm AIOs. Would it take too much work/volume increase to accommodate regular 240mm AIOs, not just the one from Alphacool?

Nothing stopping you from putting 10mm+ feet.

We already tested the 120mm Koolance Radiator + Noctua 120x25mm Sterrox Fan via 9900K, I will post temperatures later, but it's not a concern at all, in fact, I don't think we even need 240 AIO.

Dust filer needs some testing, there is some trade off with temperature, so TBD.
 
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Nothing stopping you from putting 10mm+ feet.

We already tested the 120mm Koolance Radiator + Noctua 120x25mm Sterrox Fan via 9900K, I will post temperatures later, but it's not a concern at all, in fact, I don't think we even need 240 AIO.

Dust filer needs some testing, there is some trade off with temperature, so TBD.

Brilliant. Maybe I'll just DIY the rest of the case while I'm at it, then I won't have to buy one at all. ;)

Was this a shot without feet? It appears that the case is completely flush with the desk there. It's good that stock temperatures are decent, but I think it goes without saying that almost everyone would want to use filters. That's part of the problem, at 5mm a lot of filters would almost touch your desk, especially saggy ones like Demciflex or Silverstone.

I could be wrong, I'd just like to see some testing with filters.
 
Great visual appearance and internal structure design. But 2 x 2.5 - oh common.. No chances for a third? :)
 
There is M.2, which is better than 2.5" SSD really.
Oh I completely forgot about them. But looking at your pics I see that standoffs are very short - does m2 fit there especially with riser cable occupies most of the space there?
 
Oh I completely forgot about them. But looking at your pics I see that standoffs are very short - does m2 fit there especially with riser cable occupies most of the space there?

Yes, the standoffs are spec (7mm).
 
I can’t quite tell from those angles, is there room to spare on top of the heatsink before what would be the side panel? Any measurement on the distance if so?

Thanks for the regular updates!

There are about 20mm from the top of the CPU cooler fins to the Top Panel

AWckTED.jpg
 
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