Game Force One; a portable PC project

[heffaklump87]

(Old name: Companion Case)

Introduction:

Inspired by custom briefcase computers I wanted to create a PC case with 3 main features:

1. Sturdy, small and effective to travel with and bring to LAN-parties.
2. Enough room to build a high-end PC with watercooling, full length gpu's, a 24 inch monitor and storage space for keyboard, mouse and headset.
3. Not require custom components, its built like a normal Mini-ITX system and the user can change components later.

Description:

In one sentence the Game Force One is a PC case, with a monitor mount built from an eqiupment case. So far I have implemented several designs to make the case effective.

• Arm with VESA mount for the monitor. It's easy to set up after moving the case.
• Smart placement for the keyboard under the radiator which acts as a clamp, securing the keyboard during transportation.
• GPU and PSU is placed to draw fresh air and exhaust hot air away from the case.
• Good options for cable management. Keeps the interior clean and the case is effective to pack as no cables has to be disconnected (except internet cable).

Spoiler: Pictures and info on the prototype

I made the prototype with an equipment case from China, metal parts from a local workshop here in Sweden and printed the plastic parts myself with a 3D printer.
I have used the prototype as my main PC for about a year now and so far its working great. I brought it to my family country house on many occasions and visited friends to LAN with it. I have several improvements in mind listed further down.

Dimension and component restrictions:

Case outer dims: 665x500x210mm
Monitor: 24", max 575x350x65mm with VESA 100x100 mounting holes
Formfactor: Mini-ITX
GPU: 2-Slot, max 32 cm
PSU: SFX or SFX-L
Cooling: AIO with 240mm or 120mm radiator or low profile air cooler up to ~80mm
Storage: One 3.5" HDD and two 2.5" SSD's with options for up to 4 additional disks
Gear: Full size keyboard up to 450x195x40 mm (including cord), mouse and headset (atleast the size of corsair Corsair Vengeance 2100)

Planned changes from the prototype (see pic below for latest cad):

Case: The same equipment case is available with wheels and handle, so hopefully I will be able to offer a choice between the "vanilla" used in my prototype and the wheeled version.
Mounting of the inner case: Vibration dampening mounting is needed if a wheeled case is to be used. Will detail and plan the design in a later update. (Red parts and yellow rubber "cussions" in the cad below).
Metal inner case: Updated design for production from Lian Li, Silverstone or other to be decided. Will incorporate "click" locks and hinges for the radiator bracket. Still thinking about having two different panels to
choose from (aircooler version with vent hole and watercooler without hole as seen in the cad currently).
Cable management: New routes for some cables are planned. Will probably route the GPU's signal cable behind the GPU and up to the monitor on the left side to keep away from the storage section on the right.
I will also redesign the straps and options to tie down cables on the right side and behind the monitor. In future update.


Current work (Jan 25, 2017):

Modelling on the next prototype to be produced by Lian Li, Silverstone or other manufacterer to be decided.

Starting this thread to get a discussion going.

Spoiler: History

I started thinking about a case like this in the summer of 2015. I was drawing hundreds of layouts on paper and in Sketchup and in the autumn I decided to start a company and try to sell it. I continued to work on the layout and started to think about how to actually produce it. I decided to try for a small scale production with a case from China, metal panels made here in Sweden and 3D printed parts by myself and make the assembly myself. I created the prototype I currently use.

I started to work on a Kickstarter campaign in spring 2016, launched early summer but failed to reach the goal. This made me doubt the project and I put it on hold. But now I want to give another try, get some help from forums and see if I can finish modeling for a new prototype and have it produced. I believe I committed two big mistakes during the campaign; I didn't post on forums before launch and I wasn't completely done with the design to start production.

 

[Skott]

And he's back! I had thought this idea died. Glad to see you are moving forward with this design. If you can pull it off I am seriously considering buying one. I just love the concept. Can't wait to see more.