NCASE M1: a crowdfunded Mini-ITX case (updates in first post)

We can only hope!

Drooling over the thought of a 2 slot, SFX PSU only, 11" GPU, no room for water unless you're a masochist version of the M1!
 
Ncase M2:
- SFF PSU mounted like the SilverStone SG09/SG10
- support for only 120mm CLC mounted like M1 or 130mm height air coolers.
- no 3.5", only 2x 2.5" mounted in the current M1's ODD area.
- 2 PCI slots
- minimum GPU length that supports the above configuration.
 
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At a certain amount of shrinking this case even more, the universe will probably collapse on itself.

But I do agree that with my config (see signature) I still feel there is room to spare. I can fill it up with watercooling just as easily though.
 
Just read a review of the Palit GTX 680 Ti and I'm in love. I think that even with that part sticking out the card will still fit in the M1
p02240_bigimage_859528b15c4189c2.jpg

But I just confirmed something bad. The ST45SF-G does not have two 8-Pin PCIE connectors, only one 8/6-Pin PCIE and 6-Pin PCIE, and using an adapter will only add extra volume inside the case.
That's why we need a new model. And surprise surprise, the Palit consumes a negligible amount of extra power.
Not sure however if in terms of length it will fit as the card is 280mm and the usb/power/audio panel might be in the way.
Was hoping for a Zotac GTX 780 Ti AMP!, because the 780 AMP! is the fastest GTX 780 out there.
 
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Ncase M2 hasn't even came out yet. And I am already pumped up for it. I agree with the rest. 2 pci slots, SSDs, Sfx, 11 inch gpus.:D
 
1911Shootist said:
We can only hope!

Drooling over the thought of a 2 slot, SFX PSU only, 11" GPU, no room for water unless you're a masochist version of the M1!
Click to expand...

cowsgomoo said:
Ncase M2:
- SFF PSU mounted like the SilverStone SG09/SG10
- support for only 120mm CLC mounted like M1 or 130mm height air coolers.
- no 3.5", only 2x 2.5" mounted in the current M1's ODD area.
- 2 PCI slots
- minimum GPU length that supports the above configuration.
Click to expand...

Phuncz said:
At a certain amount of shrinking this case even more, the universe will probably collapse on itself.

But I do agree that with my config (see signature) I still feel there is room to spare. I can fill it up with watercooling just as easily though.
Click to expand...

neocmetal said:
Ncase M2 hasn't even came out yet. And I am already pumped up for it. I agree with the rest. 2 pci slots, SSDs, Sfx, 11 inch gpus.:D
Click to expand...

Lol, I don't even have my M1 yet and I completely agree with all of you.

NCase M2 - Shrink it down, room for a good air CPU cooler, GPU and just couple of ssd's and 1 big slow moving quiet fan to cool the whole thing. :D
 
grazina said:
Just read a review of the Palit GTX 680 Ti and I'm in love. I think that even with that part sticking out the card will still fit in the M1
Click to expand...

Not really sure if that will fit, or not. Here's the Palit GTX 680 Ti overlayed on the EVGA GTX 780 Classified..

fOt6yLf.jpg


Think the major limiting factor in the Classified series not fitting the M1 is lack of space for the power cables. So, if the Classified physically fits the M1 (which I'm not sure about), then the Palit might fit okay *if* the power connector is located above the far right fan.

Some related info..

Necere said:
Cards *can* be taller than the bracket (just not as tall as e.g. the EVGA Classified cards).
Click to expand...

Necere said:
Just a reminder: extra-wide video cards will not fit in the M1, due to the PCIe power connectors not having enough room.

The regular-width GTX 670 pictured is fine, it's just the Classified and other cards with wider than normal PCBs that will have issues.
Click to expand...
 
shrink it down? i would have to beg to differ.

my take on the ncase and probably the reason why it's so great,
is that it hits that fine line between performance and size ratio

going smaller would mean that it would take away the most important feature it has: versatility
you could easily go for the gaming rig or the htpc/nas rig with plenty of water / air cooling options at your disposal.

little bit off topic, but have anyone seen some of the hardware canucks video reviews of the pc cases?
they have some of the prettiest looking vids i've seen.
would be awesome if they would also have a unit up for review.
 
I'd actually prefer a really compact mATX case :). If there is ever another case from ncases, I hope it would be one, that would mop up the floor with the currently available.. Some are decent, but most are just way too large for what they offer. I want something like the M1, as small as possible, but still versatile. Most cases buy versatility with unnecessary large measurements, though.. :)

I love my M1, but having to buy an expensive USB soundcard as replacement for my superior PCIe Creative card is a huge downside.
 
siRtobey said:
I love my M1, but having to buy an expensive USB soundcard as replacement for my superior PCIe Creative card is a huge downside.
Click to expand...

The Asus Impact VI has a mini sound card daughter board... Or do you need a full featured sound card?
 
Nivaku said:
How is the sound on the mini sound card daughter board? Like any personal reviews?
Click to expand...

I've got some annoying DC popping issues during startup/wake/sleep/shutdown from it, aside from that it's fairly neutral and relatively clear sounding. Much better than most onboard audio solutions from years past, but not as warm and dynamic/detailed as my old creative x-fi.
 
siRtobey said:
I love my M1, but having to buy an expensive USB soundcard as replacement for my superior PCIe Creative card is a huge downside.
Click to expand...

Are you mixing or otherwise using special features of the soundcard? Why not just run the digital out into an external DAC or spring for a higher end USB DAC like the NAD D1050? NAD has some interesting new products in that series. The problem is at that price point you can start to buy some really nice active speakers. Some of which (lately), are incorporating their own DAC --Like the KEF X300A.

Though it looks like they aren't as expensive as I thought if you stick with Creative X-Fi:
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-System-SB1240/dp/B004275EO4/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_1
 
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Here's what I'd like to see for the M2 AKA "The Stuff Cable Management Nightmares Are Made Of"

Rough_Sketchup_1_Annotated.jpg


Rough_Sketchup_2_Annotated.jpg


The general layout is based off the Steambox. I'm not sure how expensive it would be to make two front panels (one w/ slot and one w/out) so the ODD may have to go.

I forgot to model it but there should be a slot in the front of the frame for the connectors to the 2.5. I'm thinking there would have to be a bracket attached to the frame for them to mount to.

I also just realized the frame would have to have the top sections for the panels to mount to, the Steambox has a one piece top so it can get away with that :p

I'm also not sure exactly where the front panel stuff would go either.

This is just something I whipped up in SketchUp after looking at some pics of the Steambox, so it's probably completely impractical but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.
 
While I think it's a nice idea we are seeying above my post, I tend to think Necere has done pretty well on his own. Ultimately, he decides if he wants to design and build another case and how it would look like.
The best product designs are not the ones that have the most user input but the best designers on it. Basically because everyone has different demands (example: I would never want a desktop case) and you get a diluted product this way. Necere already allowed some user input on certain aspects of the case but it quickly became a jungle of opinions.

Anyone remember the "should the Ncase be taller"-times ? It was months of discussing how the case would be made 10mm taller, in the end, people were demanding 50mm taller and 20mm wider... If we would have let it continue, it would have been a BitFenix Prodigy most likely.

Also, let's wait until everyone has received their case first before we start pestering Necere with ideas, suggestions and demands for another one ;)
 
Nivaku said:
How is the sound on the mini sound card daughter board? Like any personal reviews?
Click to expand...

The advertised "600 ohm headphone amp" doesn't work at all, at least with current drivers.

I was actually looking into buying a mPCIE/NGFF to PCIE converter and connecting a regular sound card via a PCIE riser, it's a lot of hassle though. I'll wait for some news about a possible driver fix first.
 
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Not Bad Aibohphobia :eek:. But I agree with Phuncz. Maybe some other time. If Necere wants to build a steam machine or m2. I would be likely to pay for another case. :p
 
i heard, that there was an info mail, that all the cases got shipped. is there reason to worry if i didn't get that mail?
 
clericc said:
i heard, that there was an info mail, that all the cases got shipped. is there reason to worry if i didn't get that mail?
Click to expand...

I didn't get one either, but already have my case ;)

Log in @ ncases.com (log in data in email with subject "Please update your NCASE info")
and find your tracking number in the last field (shipping label)
 
Aibohphobia said:
Here's what I'd like to see for the M2 AKA "The Stuff Cable Management Nightmares Are Made Of"

Rough_Sketchup_1_Annotated.jpg


Rough_Sketchup_2_Annotated.jpg


The general layout is based off the Steambox. I'm not sure how expensive it would be to make two front panels (one w/ slot and one w/out) so the ODD may have to go.

I forgot to model it but there should be a slot in the front of the frame for the connectors to the 2.5. I'm thinking there would have to be a bracket attached to the frame for them to mount to.

I also just realized the frame would have to have the top sections for the panels to mount to, the Steambox has a one piece top so it can get away with that :p

I'm also not sure exactly where the front panel stuff would go either.

This is just something I whipped up in SketchUp after looking at some pics of the Steambox, so it's probably completely impractical but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.
Click to expand...

This design has completely blocked all intakes for the video card, and it's impossible to water cool it; definitely not going to work.
 
I think it would be best to start a new thread instead of discussing this in the NCASE M1 topic.
 
I agree with Phuncz

It's funny to think that most of people have not received the case and yet there's already talk about M2...

Who knows how long Necere have had this project brewing in this mind before making this thread in Nov 2012... even he is waiting for the production case along with the rest of us in the US. Give the man a break, let us enjoy our M1 before throwing around 'superior' layouts for the M2 like he's our personal box designer.
 
If I take the idea any further I'll be sure to create a new thread for it. Thanks for the feedback though, I've already made some modifications.

I asked in the build thread but didn't get a definitive answer, does anyone know if the power cord is flexible enough to install one of the Seasonic X-series PSUs? The problem is the position and orientation of the inlet on the Seasonic's forces the cord to make a sharp bend to clear the side panel.
 
Aibohphobia said:
If I take the idea any further I'll be sure to create a new thread for it. Thanks for the feedback though, I've already made some modifications.

I asked in the build thread but didn't get a definitive answer, does anyone know if the power cord is flexible enough to install one of the Seasonic X-series PSUs? The problem is the position and orientation of the inlet on the Seasonic's forces the cord to make a sharp bend to clear the side panel.
Click to expand...

Do either of these help?

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1040361958&postcount=7121 (similar question in a different context)
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1040361958&postcount=7123 (Necere's response)
 
I would also agree the dreamy talk of a second case design be put into a seperate thread so this one doesn't get bogged down more than it is. My other thought is to give Necere and Waha a chance to relax and enjoy their success during the holidays and not pester them with ideas. If they want to do another project I'm sure they'll tell us.
 
Has anybody played around with ribbon PSU cables with the ST45SF-G? I know you'd pretty much have to custom fit and crimp the whole thing, but that's what I plan to do. Maybe I'd have to make the 24-pin two or three wires thick (3x8 wires) instead of a completely flat 24 wires.
 
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Proglin said:
After a lot of work it looks nice! But I don´t think I can do this twice :D


Just assure that your GPU cooler gets tons of air flow


If someone plans to shorten cables in ATX PSU it might be possible to curl it inside psu case.
Take a look: (Worklog PSU Cables)

Mk8JXyf.png
Click to expand...
I'm going with an ATX supply. Depending on how long the cables are on this particular supply (TP-550c) I'll consider modding it, don't really want to though.
 
hydroforge said:
Has anybody played around with ribbon PSU cables with the ST45SF-G? I know you'd pretty much have to custom fit and crimp the whole thing, but that's what I plan to do. Maybe I'd have to make the 24-pin two or three wires thick (3x8 wires) instead of a completely flat 24 wires.
Click to expand...

Do you mean something like this?

ipuoL said:
Yeah, cable management is really tricky ... hardest job i've ever had in a computer case :D

_59a792231fmt.jpg
Click to expand...

ipuoL said:
That are these cables from Cubitek
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So if I read this iPOST info correctly my cases were shipped November 7th. Destination FOREIGNCENTER JERSEYU.S.A. I'm seeing two Acceptance dates. One on October 30th and the second under it as November 7th. Anyone else have a date like mine? Giving it a month to go by sea, I think someone said about 28 days. So around December 5th or so lands in NJ? Then sent on to me here in FL via the USPS. That sound right?
 
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