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Apex MD100-BK

S

Screes

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 28, 2013
Messages
367
So im constantly on the lookout for new itx cases, especially ones in the "console" form factor. While looking through google images i came across this.

http://www.apextechusa.com/products.asp?pID=183

With a little modification i think you could fit an SFX PSU in front of the motherboard, and then put whatever graphics card you want in it. All within a 5.1 liter chassis.

Or use the following method to use an external 330 watt brick: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2303999

Here's a site selling the silver front version for $70: http://www.directron.com/md100.html
 
Last edited:
Black5Lion said:
Wait those are full size expansion slots?! :O
I think you just found a gem...
Click to expand...

I know, at first glance i thought "those must be half height", but nope. Full height double expansion slots that can hold over a 10 inch long graphics card.

The only minor issue is figuring out how to power it. Maybe modding in a SFX PSU, maybe using a 330 watt external brick via this method: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2303999
 
Looks like you should be able to squeeze a ST45SF-G in there. You'll probably want to put it up on feet and cut an intake under the GPU. Especially if you want to lay out the internals like the M3A2 project.

Nice find!
 
Machupo said:
Looks like you should be able to squeeze a ST45SF-G in there. You'll probably want to put it up on feet and cut an intake under the GPU. Especially if you want to lay out the internals like the M3A2 project.

Nice find!
Click to expand...

Well the total height of the case is 2.5 inch, which is the same height as the SFX PSU. So the internal height is going to be slightly less than what you'll need. So you'd have to cut a hole and make some sort of holder to allow the PSU to sit lower in the chassis. Which would necessitate taller feet.
 
Newegg and the manufacturer have different measurements.

Newegg: 10.4" x 13" x 2.5" (W / D / H)
Apex: 11.75" x 11.9" x 2.5" (W / D / H)

Im not sure which is right. It's possible the manufacturer changed its size after newegg stopped carrying them.
Im inclined to believe the manufacturer.

The big question is what is the interior depth of the case. I need at least 295mm to fit the SFX PSU without cutting out the front of the case.

Here's a site selling the silver front version for $70: http://www.directron.com/md100.html
 
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EnzoFX said:
Looks kinda narrow to fit the width of the SFX.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing.

But its very close to ideal dimensions (closest ive ever found), has about the narrowest width you can have and still have full height expansion cards.

I think an SFX PSU can be made to fit, but it will require extensive modding. The front plastic bezel will likely need to be replaced, the front of the internal steel enclosure may need to be cut open to allow the PSU to sit further forward in the enclosure, and the bottom will need to be cut open to allow the PSU to sit further down in the enclosure.

In addition, a top fan hole needs to be cut above the CPU region, and at least 1, possibly 2 fan holes cut in the bottom for the GPU region. The custom bracket holding the PSU will also need a fan hole in it. Then it needs feet tall enough to allow the PSU fan to intake air under the chassis. Lastly you'd need to fabricate a new front bezel to bolt onto the front.

It's definately a lot of work, but to date this is about as easy as it gets without making a completely custom enclosure from scratch.
 
Found this site listing dimensions: http://www.made-in-china.com/showro...deyEJlYvbQAw/China-MINI-ITX-Case-MD-100-.html

SIZE: (W)300*(H)65*(D)265mm

Height seems like i MIGHT be able to squeez a 63.5mm thick SFX PSU in, but the depth says i will definately have to mod the front of the case.

With so many conflicting measurements, im kinda leaning towards just buying one for $70 and measuring it for myself. Might give me something to tinker with while i wait for the Ncase M1 to ship.
 
EnzoFX said:
Looks kinda narrow to fit the width of the SFX.
Click to expand...

What about TFX? Only 350W, but is 80Plus Gold and a Seasonic. Hmmm, discontinued at Newegg? Superbiiz and Provantage has it for under $60 before shipping. 29A +12v for 348W. Might be enough for a non-overclocking rig with just below the highest end card. GTX 760 for example. Using an i7-3770K overclocked to a whopping 4.8GHz and the card being factory overclocked, full load still only drew 312W from the wall. That is 17W lower than a GTX 670 for almost the same performance and a lower cost. I think/hope the Seasonic 350W can handle that kind of load.

EDIT: And now, for the pleasure of us all kicking ourselves... $30 shipped almost 3 years ago.
 
But we forgot something MAJOR!! >.>
The expansion brackets are too close to the edge :/
With most high end GPUs nowadays it would be higher than the bracket and even then you'll need to plug the aux power connectors, do you think it would fit?
 
I would love if it were narrower still and fit TFX. But my builds ate modest and practical heh.
 
EnzoFX said:
I would love if it were narrower still and fit TFX. But my builds ate modest and practical heh.
Click to expand...

You can't get any narrower without going to half height expansion slots.

This is the absolute thinnest width you can get with a full height expansion card on a riser.
 
Black5Lion said:
But we forgot something MAJOR!! >.>
The expansion brackets are too close to the edge :/
With most high end GPUs nowadays it would be higher than the bracket and even then you'll need to plug the aux power connectors, do you think it would fit?
Click to expand...

Just eyeballing it, it appears that it provides less room than my setup (which has the PCIe power wires crammed against the side of the case)... or it could just be the low-res poor angle photos; we won't know until someone measures it :)

At the end of the day, if you wanted it bad enough, you could make your own low-profile plugs
 
By narrower I meant less deep. I don't need to fit in a 10"+ card. Then again, I haven't looked at the dimensions, I was just eye-balling it =P.
 
It's an old case that almost made the cut.
As said. Probably it will be hard fitting a graphics card as there almost no space left "above" the brackets (to the right side of them).
The SFX just might work.

It would be perfect if some of the truly good companies made it today. A few mm wider. Skip the optical and make place for a SFX. Holes for the CPU and GPU fans. Room for 2 SSDs.
 
Just picked up an open-box one of these for $65 shipped... should be a fun project :D
 
Slight update -- open box model didn't come with a riser card, so I got a 1U model off amazon (saturday one-day delivery ftw). Doesn't exactly fit the case, so the dremel is coming out. The case is getting shortened down to ~50mm total height and the depth is getting hacked down to 180mm. Welding will probably be next week and painting the week after.

Extra 90-degree pcie power plugs came in, so I'll have the power board all mounted for the test fit shortly.
 
This is a really interesting thread! But also confusing.. Would someone mind explaining please how a graphics card would fit in that? Does a graphics card always sit perpendicular to the motherboard? It looks like it would have to be parallel and next to the motherboard. How do you create that set up? I would love to understand. Thank you!

edit: Nevermind, I think I found it. Something like this eh? You people are smart.
 
Here is the riser that I used -- but it is not the appropriate height for this case, so I will modify the case.
 
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