M3A2 Beta Project: Discontinued

[CMadki4]

Just a small update: parts are starting to come in here and there. I've got the PCIex16 risers/extenders, stainless steel buttons for the rear panel mounted power button option and power button cables w/ 2-pin headers. I'm anxtious to get the rest of my tooling and machine in, as well as my aluminum profiles. I love hardware Lots more to come!

 

[Chime]

Awesome! I also see you're up to 50% funded on Indiegogo! Great to see things are progressing, I can't wait to see this in the A/V rack!

 

[vipz]

Where did you source the risers/extenders from?

 

[Drown Babies]

Is the spacing between the two parts a big concern to most? Would 1 port be preferred over the two close together?

I'm working on sourcing these now.

It doesn't really matter to me, but I can see how it might be an issue to have them spaced close together.

It's good to see the parts coming in. Renderings are nice, but there's nothing like having the real material to see and feel.

 

[AP2]

do you have plans on making a rackmount option?

 

[CMadki4]

It doesn't really matter to me, but I can see how it might be an issue to have them spaced close together.

It's good to see the parts coming in. Renderings are nice, but there's nothing like having the real material to see and feel.

Yes, it is nice. A lot of money going out, it's nice to have things coming in to show for it, even if they're small

do you have plans on making a rackmount option?

Yes, I do actually. What application are you looking use a rackmount for?

 

[AP2]

Yes, I do actually. What application are you looking use a rackmount for?

just a small homeserver. I would be very interested in purchasing one with just a led front panel and matching case for harddrives.

 

[CMadki4]

just a small homeserver. I would be very interested in purchasing one with just a led front panel and matching case for harddrives.

Let me do a rendering of one tomorrow and show you what it might look like. There are still a few Beta models available via the Indeigogo campaign. It'd be cool to do a rackmount version! Would the existing size case with the proper 19" front panel be sufficient?

 

[AP2]

Let me do a rendering of one tomorrow and show you what it might look like. There are still a few Beta models available via the Indeigogo campaign. It'd be cool to do a rackmount version! Would the existing size case with the proper 19" front panel be sufficient?

Can I purchase a beta case now?

I think just keep the case the same and offer a option for rack mount ears. That way you're not redesigning a whole new front panel and I'm assuming that it will be cheaper for you and the consumer.

 

[CMadki4]

Can I purchase a beta case now?

I think just keep the case the same and offer a option for rack mount ears. That way you're not redesigning a whole new front panel and I'm assuming that it will be cheaper for you and the consumer.

Absolutely, you can purchase beta case now. Just check out the Indiegogo campaign. One of the perks is receiving one of the 8 beta cases. You can specify how you want your case configured when the times comes. This includes a rackmount option.

A whole new front panel wouldn't be a bad thing. I think I'll do a nice clean one piece front panel/ears. That would probably look and function the best. But I'll work on a few renderings today and post up my findings.

 

[CMadki4]

Small update: a very critical part of the cases is inbound, the aluminum profiles that make the side, front and back panels. Raw material that will be machined into your custom cases... cool

 

[updawg]

Small update: a very critical part of the cases is inbound, the aluminum profiles that make the side, front and back panels. Raw material that will be machined into your custom cases... cool

When will you be in touch with those who donated to pick the setup we want for the front face plate?

Also keep up the great work, I am getting really excited!

Thanks!

 

[CMadki4]

When will you be in touch with those who donated to pick the setup we want for the front face plate?

Also keep up the great work, I am getting really excited!

Thanks!

As the campaigns nears its end (April 16th) and I have the front panel options squared away I'll contact the beta model contributors to get your desired specs. I just want to make sure that each option is thought out thoroughly. But at any time you can PM or email me your desired front panel configuration and I'll send you a rendering of your case design.

And your continued input is greatly appreciated!

I'm getting excited too! Lots to do between now and then, but its moving forward and that is good

 

[blackrose]

As the campaigns nears its end (April 16th) and I have the front panel options squared away I'll contact the beta model contributors to get your desired specs. I just want to make sure that each option is thought out thoroughly. But at any time you can PM or email me your desired front panel configuration and I'll send you a rendering of your case design.

And your continued input is greatly appreciated!

I'm getting excited too! Lots to do between now and then, but its moving forward and that is good

Ohh man all of these pics are making me anxious. And now you're discussing rackmount possibilities... decisions decisions...

 

[raymondo]

Would also be interested in knowing where you got those riser cards as their size looks quite perfect in terms of height.

 

[CMadki4]

I did a couple quick renderings for those of your interested in the rackmount option. This fits the standard 2U height nicely! AP2 also mentioned wanting just an LED on the front panel, but you can of course still get the USB3.0, optical, power button, etc.

 

[DG25]

Would also be interested in knowing where you got those riser cards as their size looks quite perfect in terms of height.

+1
Though i wanted one with double the height.

 

[FLECOM]

problem with that rack mount case is if you put any equipment on top of it in the rack its going to block all the fans

 

[EnzoFX]

I'm digging this, and it's actually "close" to what I really want in a compact build haha.

I'm just leanings towards the console-ification of a computer these days. Light to Medium gaming is what it's about for me, in this size range. If it were any more, I'd opt for bigger/more felxibility right? Light gaming for me further implies, well not trying to fit a GTX 680 in every case lol. So this would be perfect if the depth were reduced to accomodate a value-oriented card. I think even a short GTX 670 is coming out that is the same depth as an ITX board itself, crazy. Furthermore, we're talking single card, few drives and ITX, not really OC'ing, so don't need that much wattage, you'd be hard pressed to push 400W, so a perfect case would push the limits in efficient space design. The whole nine yards if you will. I would love to see TFX, Seasonic has some inaudible Gold PSU's @ 350W. It no doubt will run what little and value-oriented components I'd fit in this type of case. Again, if I were going with a GTX 680, a 3770K AND looking to overclock it, while adding as many drives as I can lol, to actually make use of 450W, then I'd probably go with a bigger case. I suppose my argument is that one set of components demands more flexibility. I also don't like the idea of diminishing returns, if I cared about 10% more for cpu performance for another $100, then another 10% more overclocking everything that cost 2x as much, then I again, would not be going for such a compact case. This is what console-ification of a pc would mean to me. Efficiency every step of the way, where as sometimes it feels we start in the right place, then we keep trying to accomodate everything that one possibly can. Rant over lol.

Oh, and that PCQ-12 mod is great, it can benefit from the same type of suggestions I think, but it does push things. In regards to fitting a gpu in there, I like how conceptually, it's the same principle of picking something practical, in that case a low-profile card, and sticking with that for slimmer profile purposes. I wish smaller parts were more common and standardized. Case design would evolve much faster.

 

[CMadki4]

problem with that rack mount case is if you put any equipment on top of it in the rack its going to block all the fans

Yes, that is a limitation of this rack mount variant. It would have to be located unrestricted in the rack. I supposed 80mm fans could be fitted to the front panel, but that defeats the clean look and isn't really the direction I'm going. But of course if someone wants that I can do it.

I'm digging this, and it's actually "close" to what I really want in a compact build haha.

I'm just leanings towards the console-ification of a computer these days. Light to Medium gaming is what it's about for me, in this size range. If it were any more, I'd opt for bigger/more felxibility right? Light gaming for me further implies, well not trying to fit a GTX 680 in every case lol. So this would be perfect if the depth were reduced to accomodate a value-oriented card. I think even a short GTX 670 is coming out that is the same depth as an ITX board itself, crazy. Furthermore, we're talking single card, few drives and ITX, not really OC'ing, so don't need that much wattage, you'd be hard pressed to push 400W, so a perfect case would push the limits in efficient space design. The whole nine yards if you will. I would love to see TFX, Seasonic has some inaudible Gold PSU's @ 350W. It no doubt will run what little and value-oriented components I'd fit in this type of case. Again, if I were going with a GTX 680, a 3770K AND looking to overclock it, while adding as many drives as I can lol, to actually make use of 450W, then I'd probably go with a bigger case. I suppose my argument is that one set of components demands more flexibility. I also don't like the idea of diminishing returns, if I cared about 10% more for cpu performance for another $100, then another 10% more overclocking everything that cost 2x as much, then I again, would not be going for such a compact case. This is what console-ification of a pc would mean to me. Efficiency every step of the way, where as sometimes it feels we start in the right place, then we keep trying to accomodate everything that one possibly can. Rant over lol.

Oh, and that PCQ-12 mod is great, it can benefit from the same type of suggestions I think, but it does push things. In regards to fitting a gpu in there, I like how conceptually, it's the same principle of picking something practical, in that case a low-profile card, and sticking with that for slimmer profile purposes. I wish smaller parts were more common and standardized. Case design would evolve much faster.

A smaller version of this is lined up to follow the Beta model release. I too don't game like I used to and could do with a more humble/low power GPU without any problem. As you pointed out, a different and relocated PSU is required to shorten the case depth. Once Beta models are squared away I should have time to look into this further.

 

[CMadki4]

If I use a 1U power supply mounted above the GPU like the Digital Storm Bolt the dept the of the case can be reduced from 320mm to 230mm. Overall volume goes from 9.36 liters to 6.96 liters.

 

[Drown Babies]

Oh, and that PCQ-12 mod is great, it can benefit from the same type of suggestions I think, but it does push things. In regards to fitting a gpu in there, I like how conceptually, it's the same principle of picking something practical, in that case a low-profile card, and sticking with that for slimmer profile purposes. I wish smaller parts were more common and standardized. Case design would evolve much faster.

It really is baffling that it was necessary to mod that case at all. It only takes a few minutes with a dremel and a file, but it could have easily been included in the first place.

I have been expecting smaller parts to be more common over the past year or so (the PCB's of even fairly high end cards have been getting very small), but there has still been next to nothing in the low-profile GPU market.

http://www.squidoo.com/best-low-profile-video-graphics-cards-for-gaming-2011-pci-express

When I bought that case last fall I was partly expecting AMD to come out with a new series that would allow for a little better performance in that range (something around the performance of a 7770-7790), but now that doesn't seem like it will happen this year. And NVIDIA doesn't even seem to be trying in this area.

If I use a 1U power supply mounted above the GPU like the Digital Storm Bolt the dept the of the case can be reduced from 320mm to 230mm. Overall volume goes from 9.36 liters to 6.96 liters.

I like this size for a smaller version. There are a lot of shorter cards now that can easily fit in to that 230mm space without being too cramped. Space for some of the internal drives is probably the only thing you would have to give up with this size.

 

[CMadki4]

I like this size for a smaller version. There are a lot of shorter cards now that can easily fit in to that 230mm space without being too cramped. Space for some of the internal drives is probably the only thing you would have to give up with this size.

Yes, on this miniaturized version you can pretty much count out a 3.5" drive. And an optical drive would overhang the motherboard by 60-70mm. But you would have plenty of room for a 3-4 x 2.5" drives.

 

[geostation]

woo. love the mini version what would the dimensions be for the mini version? any more renders of the mini version ?

 

[CMadki4]

woo. love the mini version what would the dimensions be for the mini version? any more renders of the mini version ?

I haven't really started designing it, just the quick and dirty rendering you've seen. 325x238x90.

 

[fyleow]

How about using a TFX power supply instead? Would that be doable? I don't think 1U power supplies are that great, they tend to be pretty load. Seasonic has the SS-350TGM which is a gold plus PSU that even runs passively at low loads.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1246-page1.html

I'm not familiar with the differences of 1U and TFX to know how it impacts the design though.

A mini version with a shorter video card and TFX power supply would fit well because the power supply options are limited to 350 watt and under so power hungry GPUs wouldn't work anyway.

 

[george88]

excellent looking case, I am in the market to replace my sugo07, as I want to upgrade to a titan and watercool that and the cpu, where as now i only have a corsair h60 to cool cpu, and my 570gtx is super loud.

I'm stuck between this and the ncase, however it appears the ncase has already sold out for the first bunch, and don't fancy waiting till year end.

What watercooling options could you possibly have for this requirement?

 

[Morac]

The NCase hasn't sold out. Spots on the priority list have been sold out, but the NCase has yet to fund/do a production run and as such hasn't sold any units.

 

[george88]

The NCase hasn't sold out. Spots on the priority list have been sold out, but the NCase has yet to fund/do a production run and as such hasn't sold any units.

yeah sorry, i miss typed that, but I think i read somewhere that the production cases wont be delivered till around august? Not sure if that is true, but dont fancy reading that whole thread again! lol I am waiting for their announcement before I pull the trigger, I will however donate to this project regardless come payday!

 

[CMadki4]

I'll take a look at putting a TFX in there and see what I can do. I've got a busy weekend but ill try to so some renderings too

Edit: I've also gotten a few requests for a low profile GPU / picPSU version that would be ultra tiny! I'll review that as well.

 

[CMadki4]

Here are just some superficial renderings of two smaller versions of the already tiny M3A2. Internal design has not been fully developed. That will take more time.

Ultra-mini: 208mm x 208mm x 90mm; 3.9 liters

• picoPSU, 1-2 x 2.5" SSDs, low-profile GPU

Mini: 325mm x 238mm x 90mm; 6.96 liters

• 1U or TFX PSU (under review), full-sized GPU (9" max length)

Standard: 325mm x 320mm x 90mm; 9.36 liters

• specs previously stated

What do you think of that tiny little thing?

 

[Jen]

i love tiny


Jen

 

[Drown Babies]

Wow, that ultra mini is great. With a 150W picoPSU you could really get some decent components in there. Put in maybe a 35W i3 and an AMD 7750 and you would have a great HTPC and a decent SteamBox type of gaming machine. I'll have to keep my eye on that one.

 

[Screes]

Is it possible to get a rear plate with a GPU cutout to allow for it to mount one slot higher? I would mount the SSD below the graphics card instead of above it. This would allow me to use 3slot aftermarket GPU heatsinks.

 

[CMadki4]

Is it possible to get a rear plate with a GPU cutout to allow for it to mount one slot higher? I would mount the SSD below the graphics card instead of above it. This would allow me to use 3slot aftermarket GPU heatsinks.

Totally, if you end up ordering a case just specify you want to do a 3-slot graphics card and omit the 3.5" drive bracket. Should be no problem

 

[DG25]

Wouldn't this option require a taller pcie 16x extender?

 

[updawg]

Please if you make the pico version put the optical under the mobo!

 

[Drown Babies]

Please if you make the pico version put the optical under the mobo!

I think that would kill the possibility of a low-profile card in the pcie slot. I imagine this size would necessitate using an external drive if you need one.

 

[CMadki4]

Wouldn't this option require a taller pcie 16x extender?

Assuming you're talking about the 3 PCI variant, yes it would.

Please if you make the pico version put the optical under the mobo!

Can do. It will reduce the CPU cooler height by 10mm or so, but at least it wouldn't be hanging over top (reducing CPU cooler height by at least 13mm).

I think that would kill the possibility of a low-profile card in the pcie slot. I imagine this size would necessitate using an external drive if you need one.

And this.

 

[JoeH823]

Wow, this case is really interesting. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on it. It's near perfect for me... though for the IR receiver option, I assume you'd be just putting the window in the front and not including the IR hardware itself, right? I'd personally rather just use the Intel CIR header instead of a USB header if it was my choice.

And then also, I know you mentioned at one point that you were considering making a mATX mockup, have you given any more thought to that, since you've done a few smaller renders recently? I'd totally understand if you were too busy with all the other stuff, but I was thinking about a few things for that kind of form factor.

I know I personally would be interested in this for a gaming HTPC, but I have a 2-slot GPU and a TV tuner card that need to fit in. Looking at the Intel H77 micro-ATX board, they have one of the PCI-E x1 slots between the x16 slot and the rest of the motherboard. If you ever did go with mATX, it would be really interesting to have a low-profile card slot there, and then use the same riser solution for the x16 slot. Sure, some of the slots would be blocked off that way, but it'd be interesting to know how many slots people would actually have a need for. And with a full-sized ATX PSU somewhere, that'd be even more perfect.

Most of the mATX cases I've seen that can hold a large GPU are larger cube ones, so if you were ever able to play off this case's basic design for that, it could be really nice I think.