CASELABS Resurrected

[Reality]

5k for a prototype? Seems cheap!

well he's gonna sell them all and probably make all that money back and then some

 

[DanNeely]

Latest update is that Emil thinks it will take about 10 months to save up the $5k for the prototypes the (potential?) outside investors want to see before moving forward.

He's reluctant to do any sort of crowd funding due to fear that if any other delays hit he'd be accused of scamming. Given his history with the project so far I can't blame him in the least there.

 

[RanceJustice]

10 months for 5K? How long does he think it will take after he gets the money to fab the prototypes and/or get approval? Also did he manage to get the schematics converted / 3D rendered already or is that still on the table?

 

[DanNeely]

Emil's savings are apparently depleted and he took a $1k/mo hit changing jobs.

Don't know to the first. At least some cases (not sure ifall) are supposedly done; with the last major delay being the previous planned manufacturing partner using "but they're in inches" as an excuse to back out.

 

[MrGuvernment]

Considering component prices, is creating a new case for the market now ideal?

How much as custom builds dropped due to prices, which likely wont change for a couple years at least...

 

[Nobu]

What's worse is how cheap relatively good cases are now. They may not be as refined, but you get 90% there for half the cost (if that).

Some people would be willing to pay that price, but it's a tough market right now.

 

[MrGuvernment]

What's worse is how cheap relatively good cases are now. They may not be as refined, but you get 90% there for half the cost (if that).

Some people would be willing to pay that price, but it's a tough market right now.

Ya, I love a good case, but once you get around the $150CAD mark, it better be making me breakfast as well

 

[RanceJustice]

Emil's savings are apparently depleted and he took a $1k/mo hit changing jobs.

Don't know to the first. At least some cases (not sure ifall) are supposedly done; with the last major delay being the previous planned manufacturing partner using "but they're in inches" as an excuse to back out.

It would be unfortuinate if Emil's personal financial situation became difficult, but I'm sure he needs to attend to his own/family needs first before taking any business risks. It would be nice to have as much info as he can give how this is going to proceed, like if he has one or more potential investors who are ready to jump in once they see the prototypes, or if its a matter of getting them made and then shopping around for those willing to help bankroll widespread production. Maybe I'll try and give some suggestions. There may be ways to raise some money and make progress on the project at the same time, without resorting to what may be a stressful attempt at traditional crowdfunding.

I'd guess that the cases that are done (converted to metric and fully 3D rendered schematics ready for manufacture) are likely the ones he discussed as the first wave of the most desirable cases awhile back - Magnum SMA8-A 2.0 / SMA8-X 2.0 (whatever the latest revision to the -A or -X models, plus the upgrades discussed is called) for vertical mobo arrangement, Mercury S8 for horizontal mobo, and then maybe one of the Bullet models for a more compact and less expensive kit (even the BH7 I think was the largest one and ATX compatible was still very small from a CaseLabs standpoint), and supposedly a TX10 upgraded variant (late arrival, VERY niche but very unique; probably still the largest production PC case to date). I'm guessing that the SMA8 Revision and the S8 are the two most likely to start with given they ar both desirable for new buyers and have a bunch of existing owners us like who will buy accessories and parts, many (but not all - obviously there are some specific to each case including things like pedestals are interoperable thanks to things like flex-bay compatibility. Some of the modular components would work for those who had older models and variants that may not be returning (M8, STH10 etc) too. There were discussions of new cases and designs but that would all come later.

Considering component prices, is creating a new case for the market now ideal?

How much as custom builds dropped due to prices, which likely wont change for a couple years at least...

What's worse is how cheap relatively good cases are now. They may not be as refined, but you get 90% there for half the cost (if that).

Some people would be willing to pay that price, but it's a tough market right now.

I think CaseLabs , even back a decade ago, were sort of a niche that were not as sensitive to price, more like a luxury good? Yes, they cost more than a lot of other cases but they were both made in the USA and were 100% aluminum (something that has become increasingly rare over the years. Back then you could pick up a full or nearly full aluminum case from LianLi or Silverstone etc), as well as completely modular and - until the end of the company - capable of upgrading through that modular nature. When other "high end supertower" cases from bigger companies cost $300-ish, CLs could easily be $500-800 but it would last you ages and swap out and upgrade parts as needed. Enthusiasts were willing to pay more in light of all that but it never felt unreasonably expensive and people generally felt they were supporting something beneficial for all those reasons.

I don't think they're worth bringing back without maintaining those features today - if you cheap out, cut corners, and still have to jack prices people will wonder why they'd be paying such things. I think the only way it will work, even with increased costs of materials or fabrication, will be to keep the same high level of quality as otherwise there's no point. As far as cheaper relatively good cases, I don't know maybe I'm out of the loop but it seems like the opposite. Prices have gone up, where there are enthusiast 'supercases' by large companies, manufactured in cheaper areas, that cost what used to be only boutique CL tiers in the past, not to mention that former aluminum focused companies now have moved to only use it as an accent. Designs of the cases themselves have changed along with the "average builder"'s needs, so there's less room for modular features and bay devices, and more "glass fishtank" cases (lots of LianLi O11D EVO style cases) which even for a high end build are meant to be used more or less one way. Not that there aren't some exceptions, but it seems like CaseLabs could be even more desirable now given the rest of the market, but of course they were always made for a niche userbase.

This does mean that they have to "get it right" though - users willing to pay more in this case, will expect results. When I think of some other niche case manufacturers, some seem to be moving right along, others have stumbled, and still others seem sort of stuck in time for better or worse. I think CaseLabs will need to do what it always did best, while also keeping up with more recent developments (ie the SMA8-A Revision coming with tempered glass is a good example here), but at this point their revival is contingent on just getting off the ground, so I guess we'll see how that moves forward.

 

[DanNeely]

It would be unfortuinate if Emil's personal financial situation became difficult, but I'm sure he needs to attend to his own/family needs first before taking any business risks. It would be nice to have as much info as he can give how this is going to proceed, like if he has one or more potential investors who are ready to jump in once they see the prototypes, or if its a matter of getting them made and then shopping around for those willing to help bankroll widespread production. Maybe I'll try and give some suggestions. There may be ways to raise some money and make progress on the project at the same time, without resorting to what may be a stressful attempt at traditional crowdfunding.

I'd need to dig through a few months of old discord messages. He first mentioned them a few months ago, unless I'm misremembering Emil gave the impression that he was in talks with someone specific (not if you build a prototype they will come) as long as the prototypes are good everything would be good to go. I've seen enough cases where what a first time small business owner thought was agreed to with investors and what the investors actually committed to were widely apart. As such, I'm not holding my breath until the prototypes are made, Emil reports a signoff, and opens a shop to order from.

I'd guess that the cases that are done (converted to metric and fully 3D rendered schematics ready for manufacture) are likely the ones he discussed as the first wave of the most desirable cases awhile back - Magnum SMA8-A 2.0 / SMA8-X 2.0 (whatever the latest revision to the -A or -X models, plus the upgrades discussed is called) for vertical mobo arrangement, Mercury S8 for horizontal mobo, and then maybe one of the Bullet models for a more compact and less expensive kit (even the BH7 I think was the largest one and ATX compatible was still very small from a CaseLabs standpoint), and supposedly a TX10 upgraded variant (late arrival, VERY niche but very unique; probably still the largest production PC case to date). I'm guessing that the SMA8 Revision and the S8 are the two most likely to start with given they ar both desirable for new buyers and have a bunch of existing owners us like who will buy accessories and parts, many (but not all - obviously there are some specific to each case including things like pedestals are interoperable thanks to things like flex-bay compatibility. Some of the modular components would work for those who had older models and variants that may not be returning (M8, STH10 etc) too. There were discussions of new cases and designs but that would all come later.

One of the cases is an SMA8 variant. I'm not sure what the other is, it might be SMA8A and SMA8X since those two would have the most part commonality and b because the SMA8X was the winner of a "what else would you like" poll done on discord last year. SMA8-X never went beyond a single prototype by the original CaseLabs.

Emil's plan years ago was only to have the most common models in continuous stock and do once or twice a year batch orders for the rarer ones. The giant double wides were definitely in that group. Not sure what else was. If not there originally, I suspect the bullet models probably would be there today. The enormous size of current generation GPUs makes trying to build around an ITX board mostly pointless.

First he actually needs to get the initial batch of cases built and then hope there's enough sustained demand once the initial backlog of people who've never found what they were looking for in the used market is satiated.

 

[DanNeely]

Update from Emil posted a few minutes ago:

A quick update on the revival.

At the end of August, I will meet with the engineers and designers helping me develop the 3D case models. Their involvement has now expanded to include manufacturing setup and production planning. Together, we will establish a clear plan for the next phase of the project.

We will also meet with the manufacturer to discuss production options and possible ways to finance the SMA8-A and S8 prototypes. One option under consideration is offering the prototypes as limited collector editions including all the parts manufactured and with custom powder coating.

The funding outlook for the wider revival is positive, although I cannot share further details at this stage. I am still interested in speaking with potential investors and strategic partners. We are open to structuring an attractive arrangement, including priority repayment from future profits.

All the best
Emil

 

[Reality]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know how CL painted their cases? Was it powder coating? If so, do we know what color they used? I'm buying some aftermarket flex bay mounts and I need to have them color matched to my black M8

edit: https://www.overclock.net/posts/28677169/

Sounds like they were powder coated Cardinal Black T241-BK59

 

[DanNeely]

From documentation on the CL discord:

Case and Accessory colors
Black powder coat - http://www.cardinalpaint.com/assets/Uploads/BK59-T241-TDS.pdf
White powder coat - http://www.cardinalpaint.com/assets/Uploads/WH120-C031-TDS.pdf
Red powder coat - http://www.cardinalpaint.com/assets/Uploads/RD129-T241-TDS.pdf
Gunmetal powder coat - https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PTB-2614/river-stone
Blue powder coat - https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/EWS-0531/rainbow-blue
Tangerine powder coat - https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PMB-4050/tangerine
Berry powder coat - https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PMB-6968/mystic-purple
Lime powder coat - https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PMB-2304/lime-juice-green

 

[DanNeely]

A bit of clarification about the planned first cases from discussion today. They'll be the SMA8A and S8 along with all parts they use. SMA8-X probably soon after, since only a few additional drawings would need updated. Current status is "SMA8-A is more or less 100% done and the S8 is almost done. That is how far we got when we ran out of money."

Others will be added based on perceived demand, likely in pre-order batches.

 

[THUMPer]

I'm glad they are trying to return. But, I don't see a need for a huge case these days.

 

[RanceJustice]

A bit of clarification about the planned first cases from discussion today. They'll be the SMA8A and S8 along with all parts they use. SMA8-X probably soon after, since only a few additional drawings would need updated. Current status is "SMA8-A is more or less 100% done and the S8 is almost done. That is how far we got when we ran out of money."

Others will be added based on perceived demand, likely in pre-order batches.

Are they still seeking income/partners? Also, is there a comparison of the SMA8-A vs SMA8-X feature/design wise? I forget the particulars as it has been awhile. Glad that they're picking those cases SMA8-A (-X) and S8 first, as they're definitely some of the more widely desired and advanced feature wise. Was there any mention of the Luminous Panel mid-plate? I remember it being an option on the SMA8-A and had both white and black versions; as I recall they were a partnership with XForma (who could also use them in their MBX MKII chassis, another very expensive but slightly different than CaseLabs in terms of design focus). While I think of it, did anyone mention anything about a tempered glass S8 window option? Given that the SMA8-A / X were being sold with them already I'm sure they'll return, but the S8 never had an official option.

With regards to the paint / powder coating, I hope they bring back the two-tone option for at least certain colors. My Mercury S8 is Black exterior / White Interior which is a great aesthetic I'd consider doing again if I grab a SMA8 . The price premium was actually not outlandish either. For other paint stuff, I'm kind of surprised the blue was so light - for some reason I thought the blue runs were darker. The pictured one may have been a full custom request then - I've been carrying around this pic for a long time because its one of the few examples of the S8 that include the Extended 36mm Top , like mine; I don't have the pedestal though . The "Berry" color being a MysticPurple prismaticpowders, if it has color-shifting effect in the light, seems almost like what they called "Maziora" in Japan ; if CaseLabs offers something like that again that would be neat, but I imagine the cost would be significant so it would probably be a limited run. Pic of a limited edition Dreamcast (that today goes for over $10K) that came in a similar color.

.

Still glad to see things moving along.

I'm glad they are trying to return. But, I don't see a need for a huge case these days.

If you mean you personally don't have a need for it, I can understand that. However given the changes in the market overall I think having the larger sized, modular nature of CaseLabs is perhaps more unique and desirable than it was in the past thanks to the lack of other options. While there are some larger cases around, even "super towers" and the like, the overall aesthetic shift towards the "glass fishtank" build, without any 3.5 / 5.25" bays means that a CL style case , while they've always been a niche enthusiast item, differ even more. Of course that's just referencing design - CaseLabs's modular nature was always unique and its biggest strength, but also offers full aluminum cases - something increasingly rare There seems to be a growing secondary market for "old fashioned" cases among some demographics, but we'll have to see. In any event, I can hope that Emil is able to evolve CaseLabs while still maintaining all of the quality and features that allowed the original owners to carve out a unique niche.

 

[DanNeely]

Are they still seeking income/partners? Also, is there a comparison of the SMA8-A vs SMA8-X feature/design wise? I forget the particulars as it has been awhile. Glad that they're picking those cases SMA8-A (-X) and S8 first, as they're definitely some of the more widely desired and advanced feature wise.

SMA8-X was dual chamber, but with rotated IO slots for use with risers. They had a similar case with top/bottom chambers, a normal PCI orientation and 10 IO slots. Not sure what the model was "10" something. I think it and the SMA8 had the same chamber height (my SMA8 has enough space for 2 more card cutouts past where the last one ends)

For the rest I've relayed your questions and will post answers if given.

 

[DanNeely]

And answered:

Me:
1) Are they still seeking income/partners?
2) Are there any plans regarding the luminous mid-plate?
3) Tempered glass window for the S8?
4) Two tone or custom color coating options?

Emil:
1) Yes. I can't tell you more than we are having discussions with some parties about funding. But that does not mean that we are closing the door on others.
2) We would like to bring it back, maybe not at first since it is not production critical (meaning that we need to include it to ship a complete case). I think it was sourced from another manufacturer since there are no blueprints for the luminous panel. (it is basically a panel you lay on top of your mid-plate, not a mid-plate itself).
3) Would be awesome to offer that. Might not be done at first since it is not production critical and might need some re-designing on the fasteners, but it is something we could offer in a S8-A model if not sooner.
4) I do not see a problem with bringing that back at re-launch since it is "just" powder coating in a different color. What I really would like to do is offer "real" two tone coating, I think it might look sick with having a side panel in black and the vents in white. But that is a more complicated procedure since you need to partially cure/bake the first color, then mask over that color, do another color and fully bake it. I'd also love to offer more color options, but it might be hard to justify the price of that depending on the production method for the powder coating.


I then passed along your thinking the panel itself was from XForma.