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M3A1 Prototype - Customizable SFF Aluminum Case
- Thread starter CMadki4
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Happy new years everyone! I haven't forgotten this project. But I have been reevaluating things and looking at a few different layouts. In addition to the cube style case I'm looking at making something along the size and layout of a console system.
Here's a rough idea of what I'm chewing over now:
On the left is M3A1 as originally built (see OP). Next over is a shorter version of M3A1. Then we have a slim layout and a slightly less slim layout. I'll share more as I think through these and get feedback from you all.
Here's a rough idea of what I'm chewing over now:
On the left is M3A1 as originally built (see OP). Next over is a shorter version of M3A1. Then we have a slim layout and a slightly less slim layout. I'll share more as I think through these and get feedback from you all.
It is so neat that you are doing this! And I am very jealous of your tools and abilities... Great looking website, too. Do you have any interest in expanding the prototype line, and making a minitower (deeper version of your vertical M3A1)? I am definitely subscribing to this one!
Thank you!
It is fun to be able to design something in my office, go out to the shop and run it and have a nice custom part in no time. Prototyping is a blast, I must admit.
I'm always up to adding to the list of potential prototypes. When you say minitower, do you mean GPU facing down with the I/O on the back? Do you sketchup?
I'm reevaluating now and not cutting any metal for multiple reasons. 1) I've got custom case orders I'm working on. 2) I'm busy as hell trying to balance a fulltime job, a baby, grad school and the M3 Case Designs startup. 3) And I'm wanting to make sure I focus my design before I use up any more material and time. It isn't cheap!
Yes! This is exactly what I had in mind. I do have a sketchup mockup that I will be more than happy to show you, I just need to clean it up first.
Way to make me feel mature and accomplished... thanks... But seriously, great job, and keep it up.I'm reevaluating now and not cutting any metal for multiple reasons. 1) I've got custom case orders I'm working on. 2) I'm busy as hell trying to balance a fulltime job, a baby, grad school and the M3 Case Designs startup. 3) And I'm wanting to make sure I focus my design before I use up any more material and time. It isn't cheap!
On the other hand, and I hope there is no conflict of interest there, did you have a chance to check out this thread: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1717132 ? This equally ambitious person went to great lengths researching and designing his ideas, and it seems that now he is looking to manufacture it. Just wonder if there is a room for collaboration...
BTW. Happy New Year!
Sweet! PM if you're interested in getting something made. I can give you a quote if it's something you're wanting.
Oh yeah, Necere and Wahaha360 have got a really great idea rolling there. But I believe they have established they aren't interested in profit. Plus, I'm not involved, so no conflict of interest.
I will try to offer a line of M3 exclusive cases, but my focus at the moment is on custom one-off prototypes per customer request and small project runs as an OEM.
geostation
n00b
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i like the slim one... i wonder it it can even slimmer like the custom case here
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...Chassis-(100-aluminum-ITX-and-made-in-America)
while we are at it, how about inverted T, L shaped case with the video card being vertical
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...Chassis-(100-aluminum-ITX-and-made-in-America)
while we are at it, how about inverted T, L shaped case with the video card being vertical
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The slim profile is gaining popularity. They exist out there, but they don't seem to be very mainstream. We've got a few talented members here and on a couple other forums forging ahead with some great ideas.
I'm running the numbers on a machined aluminum version, as opposed to aluminum sheet. What would you all think of that?
Things are still slow going at this point. I can get little shop time in between a 60hr work week, changing diapers and thesis prep. Excuses, excuses... I know. But the idea is ever evolving in my mind, so when I get the time to cut some metal I'll be ready to go.
I'm running the numbers on a machined aluminum version, as opposed to aluminum sheet. What would you all think of that?
Things are still slow going at this point. I can get little shop time in between a 60hr work week, changing diapers and thesis prep. Excuses, excuses... I know. But the idea is ever evolving in my mind, so when I get the time to cut some metal I'll be ready to go.
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I use it loosely to mean aluminum that is milled/cut or extruded to take shape of the various case parts as opposed to bending and forming (i.e. sheet metal fab). Some brackets are still aluminum sheet, but the majority of the structure is machined.What is "machined aluminum"?
In contrast, most cases are formed entirely from sheets by cutting/punching/pressing/bending/forming into shape. A machine case would be less conventional have a luxury/rugged feel to it. (yes luxury and rugged can coexist)
Oh, i know now what you're referring to, i've seen it used in some crazy scratch builds. Personally i think it's useful only for aesthetic reasons, like a beautiful front face or something like that. Otherwise it adds additional weight and costs. Not sure it's worth it, i imagine the tools needed (and materials) are quite expensive.
Done properly the cost difference is negligible. And I've got the equipment already. But you are correct, it is slightly heavier.
TheHobbyist
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I'd like to see the M3A1 go the distance. I really liked your design goals for it and I could see you were passionate about the idea. I'm not sure what kind of volume you would need to make it customizable at the price point you had in mind; that is the only problem I see as that needs to be explored.
<off topic> Got some time to work in the shop today? I expect to put in a good day today too! Thank goodness for Saturday!
<off topic> Got some time to work in the shop today? I expect to put in a good day today too! Thank goodness for Saturday!
It's been explored. That's the benefit of being the manufacturer, I can fabricate cases in the small quantities as long as the materials are purchased in quantities enough to warrant vendor discounts.I'd like to see the M3A1 go the distance. I really liked your design goals for it and I could see you were passionate about the idea. I'm not sure what kind of volume you would need to make it customizable at the price point you had in mind; that is the only problem I see as that needs to be explored.
<off topic> Got some time to work in the shop today? I expect to put in a good day today too! Thank goodness for Saturday!
In other words, whether I make 50 of 1 design of 50 different designs makes little difference on my end. I'm still hand crafting 50 cases. But it does help if they are fabricated in similar ways. The less setup time and processes required the easier it is for me do.
The cube is too similar to the existing SG05 case, so personally i wouldn't go that path. Since you want (and can) make custom cases, i would like to see different designs, that only appeal to some. For example, the other two you proposed: the slim and the shorter cube.
For the shorter cube i would go with support for full atx PSU, because it should fit at the rear, above the cpu. But you would be required to use a w\c system like Corsair H60, with the radiator&fan at the front. You could also offer the option of a SFX psu mounted vertically at the front, thus clearing the CPU area for a bigger air cooler. One or two SSDs should fit in some locations, but i haven't done exact measurements.
For the slim version, this only works with a SFX PSU, and we know that there's only one currently available on the market that's modular. Anyway, this could be more popular than the cube, imo.
I have some suggestions for this layout:
top: http://imgur.com/by26kM2
side: http://imgur.com/dFksVun
underside: http://imgur.com/XUNRInF (the advantage of this layout is that the air holes for the video card and psu are bottom oriented and get fresh air directly; the bottom orientation also dampens the noise a little)
the case from a different angle: http://imgur.com/OBeWPqi
The rear part is ~8 cm (3.1") high, the front PSU part is ~6.5 cm (2.5") high and the video area is ~4.5 cm (1.7") high. The case sits on the mobo area, the taller part. The two ssds (2.5" hdds) can be positioned in several places...
Anyway, i realize that this could be challenging to build with sheet metal, and also cable management issues need to be addressed.
Personally, i would also like to see something done with a micro atx mobo, a smaller SLI capable case: http://imgur.com/iLL2Iwc
H60 radiator+120mm fan at the front, ATX PSU at the back (preferable something shorter, modular and with a 120mm fan underneath), 92mm fan directly in front of the two video cards. The air is pushed from front to back, positive pressure.
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