DAN A4-SFX: The smallest gaming case in the world

[dondan]

No it will not allow bigger cards because the metal frame will collide with 2.5 slot cards.

 

[sldr]

Will it be possible to remove the plastic from the window kit, but leave the metal sidepanel?

 

[greyhound]

i think that considering the size of the case the best side panel would be the one with lower thermals, if i remember right there was a third design with thermals lower than these 2

aesthetically the best one is the one with "dan" on the side but i remember it being the warmest one too.

 

[Itchy_Lettuces]

Quick question for you guys that got CableMod cables. How do the wires enter the last SATA power connector on the end? Does it come out of the:

top

bottom

or back?


With my hard drive mounted to the bottom of the case, there isn't room for cables to come out of the bottom, since the connector on the drive is also right against the bottom. To get the cables to fit without pressure or tension that makes me uncomfortable, I'd need them to come out of the top or back of the connector.

 

[illram]

Do the windows provide additional clearance on the CPU side?

 

[dondan]

Yes max cpu heatsink height will be 56mm.

 

[kingtron]

Yes max cpu heatsink height will be 56mm.

Great ! What are the NEW cooler options within that height ? Unfortunately axp-100 is 58mm !

 

[illram]

Well, the C7 can now operate without any turbulence issues...or an LP53 with a 25mm fan.

The new AXP-100RH could fit with the fan underneath it. It's the new AXP-100 version that is a little bit taller than the AXP-100 so there is more room to play around under there. 51mm without the fan on top. Still need to cut those metal bars out though.

 

[CknSalad]

Looks like possibly even for A4 V1 owners, 4mm standoffs and AXP-100RH could possibly be the best cooling solution?

 

[gcj]

Ah man, sounds like the "Dan" window will win the vote. Bummer. One of the biggest reasons I love this case is the lack of branding.

 

[dondan]

Just add some washers on the standoffs and mount the acryl panel to get 1-3 mm more. Or screw a standoff on the existing standoffs to get 5-xx mm more.

 

[illram]

What happened to the window panel with the vents? Is there a manufacturing issue with it? (I thought that was the best performer, temperature wise, correct me if I am wrong)

 

[illram]

Looks like possibly even for A4 V1 owners, 4mm standoffs and AXP-100RH could possibly be the best cooling solution?

With the window kit, you wouldn't need short mobo standoffs for the 100RH with an underslung fan. You would need them if you want to fit the old AXP 100, or the Big Shuriken, in their default orientation with the fan on top, but then you've got the fan turbulence issue again. So I would prefer the method dondan mentioned re: just pushing out the side panel more with washers or standoffs. The sky is kind of the limit on that one depending on how oddly shaped you are willing to let your case be.

 

[greyhound]

What happened to the window panel with the vents? Is there a manufacturing issue with it? (I thought that was the best performer, temperature wise, correct me if I am wrong)

yes it was the best option even for me...temps are really important in small cases

 

[mcheddadi]

Great ! What are the NEW cooler options within that height ? Unfortunately axp-100 is 58mm !

Gamer Storm Gabriel
Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Revision B
jonsbo hp-625
reeven STEROPES
thermalright axp100 and axp200
Cooler master geminii m4
Nitrogon NT06-Pro
Xigmatek Janus
Akasa Nero LX 2
bequiet SHADOW ROCK LP
GELID SlimHero Cooler
Phanteks PH-TC12LS
Prolimatech Samuel 17
RAIJINTEK PALLAS maybe with spacers on the glass screws.

This is just a quick list of coolers that, with spacers or with fan swaps or small bending of the heatpipes, could fit if the motherboard component allow it.

 

[hcts]

I think I like the slot cutout the best.

 

[epitaphic]

do you think that will have any affect on reliability?

No effect;
http://knowledge.seagate.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/195931en

Itchy_Lettuces try mounting upside down, had same problem.

 

[dondan]

What happened to the window panel with the vents? Is there a manufacturing issue with it? (I thought that was the best performer, temperature wise, correct me if I am wrong)

I don't like the design.

 

[Itchy_Lettuces]

I heard back from the CableMod support guy today. He told me that theirs come out the back, so no need to worry.

Quick question for you guys that got CableMod cables. How do the wires enter the last SATA power connector on the end? Does it come out of the:

top

bottom
View attachment 23039
or back?
View attachment 23040

With my hard drive mounted to the bottom of the case, there isn't room for cables to come out of the bottom, since the connector on the drive is also right against the bottom. To get the cables to fit without pressure or tension that makes me uncomfortable, I'd need them to come out of the top or back of the connector.

 

[dondan]

RePost! Big Update:

Today I got some preview shots of the DAN Cases A4-SFX v2 with Window Kit installed. I will make a poll where you can decide between dan cutout or slot cutout for the final design:


(Lian Li forgott so screw the panels so the panels sack)

Here you can see the new cutout for Asetec 92mm AIO or a 92mm fan. Also the new screwed rubber feets are attached:

Here you can see the slot cover:

And some pictures of the new cartons:

Lian Li will ship the sample with DHL express tomorrow, so I will have it next week. Today I got my Asetec 92mm AIO for testing and shooting with V2.

With best regards
Daniel

 

[zeromyst]

dondan that looks great! Excited for May!

 

[antioch]

The panels with windows may not actually allow for taller HSFs to be used in certain configurations due to interference of the aluminum "frame" of the panel with the location of the cooler. You'll need to pick your parts, including motherboard, carefully to ensure that the CPU placement will allow installation of a cooler that fits into the panel cutout properly. (Different boards place the CPU socket in different locations)

Just a word of caution before everyone explodes with excitement.

 

[mcheddadi]

with swirls I think it would work better for the airflow
testing: https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Effects-of-Grill-Patterns-on-Fan-Performance-Noise-107/

if anybody wants to have a go at it, here's a blank template:

 

[Calysto]

I kind of prefer the honeycomb pattern done by one user. (Although, window panels are not my thing.)

 

[Deleted member 288494]

Ah man, sounds like the "Dan" window will win the vote. Bummer. One of the biggest reasons I love this case is the lack of branding.

I agree, but where to vote?

 

[dtagirov]

I would like to have just a clean blank panel without a cutout in the form of a strip or letters. In the end, it seems to me the air has enough room for ventilation, because the panel is on the legs, and on each side there is a large slit. Even if this gap is not enough, I think we can add one washer, and we will have more airing, and a clear view of the panel.

 

[dondan]

This is wrong i tested it without a cutout and the temps was very bad.

mathijs159 i will offer a poll/vote in the next days.

 

[antioch]

with swirls I think it would work better for the airflow
testing: https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Effects-of-Grill-Patterns-on-Fan-Performance-Noise-107/

This won't work so well as the fan placement varies by motherboard processor socket placement, and fan size varies by user.

 

[kingtron]

.
.

Can I remove the glass part and replace it with a dust filter ? is it gonna fit ? do you think that it will improve the airflow and reduces the air turbulence ?

 

[Your pic is my reflection]

Hey you all! This is my A4 build. That filter on the cpu cooler does not actualy filter well but it eliminates the fan-too-close-to-vents-turbulence completely.

 

[kingtron]

Your pic is my reflection

Nice build, can you please provide the part numbers of the PSU and the CPU fan filters ?
how did you connect the A9x14 power cable to the PSU (internally or using the motherboard fan pins) ?

 

[HoodedHusky]

Ok, how about this as a pattern (crap effects I know, but you get the idea)

Should help to provide additional airflow to the PSU and CPU areas, plus that way it also caters for different vertical positions of the CPU placement on the mobo.

 

[theGryphon]

^ That will end up looking like ++ two plus signs... which is not bad at all.

The current cut though, it's way too long, showing the metal underneath, not looking very good.

 

[greyhound]

Ok, how about this as a pattern (crap effects I know, but you get the idea)

Should help to provide additional airflow to the PSU and CPU areas, plus that way it also caters for different vertical positions of the CPU placement on the mobo.


View attachment 23116

it looks very bad, adding 2 horizontal smaller cuts (one above and one under the original one) would look much better

 

[galletabah]

RePost! Big Update:

Today I got some preview shots of the DAN Cases A4-SFX v2 with Window Kit installed. I will make a poll where you can decide between dan cutout or slot cutout for the final design:


(Lian Li forgott so screw the panels so the panels sack)

Here you can see the new cutout for Asetec 92mm AIO or a 92mm fan. Also the new screwed rubber feets are attached:

Here you can see the slot cover:

And some pictures of the new cartons:

Lian Li will ship the sample with DHL express tomorrow, so I will have it next week. Today I got my Asetec 92mm AIO for testing and shooting with V2.

With best regards
Daniel

Will can we buy this item with the second version?
I Want to buy this too at the same time

 

[Your pic is my reflection]

Your pic is my reflection

Nice build, can you please provide the part numbers of the PSU and the CPU fan filters ?
how did you connect the A9x14 power cable to the PSU (internally or using the motherboard fan pins) ?

I get the filters at a local radio store. Here they are http://www.evercool.com.tw/categories/global/accessory/fingerguard&filter.php . I used 90mm grey one for the CPU and 120mm black one for the PSU. I've cut out a circle and glued inside. PSU fan is controlled by the motherboard. I choose that way cause a noctua 9x14 fan has a really limited range when controlled by voltage, it starts from 1200 RPM, which is a bit audible, and using PWM control you can make it rotate at any speed from 350 RPM.

 

[mangoOS]

This is my Completed Build. <-- Gallery

 

[Kennedy Kolmes]

Looks great! Two question though:

- Is it worth it to change the fan of the Cryorig to the TY-100?
- Do you still have the 450W power supply and its enough to power the TI?

edit: Found your comment about the fan

I switched out the Cryorig fan for this really nice black and white Thermalright fan. It is sooo much quiter!!!

 

[mcheddadi]

Anybody tried prolimatech slim 12 with c7 heatsink?

 

[dondan]

Not good i tested the fan in the past on an axp 100. The fan is too slow, has a bad air pressure and is too big for the c7. Too much air will move not through the heatsink.