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

[commander_]

Just finished purchasing all my parts, now it's just the waiting game now.

Here's the list:

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Commander_/saved/3DEV

I'll start building next week!

Thanks W360 and Necere!

 

[Proglin]

I remember reading it a while back, but just wanted to confirm; the current ASUS DCII card will not fit into the M1?

I know it looks like a very tight fit. I want to know if this is Absolutely confirmed, or if it was a "best guess" that it would not fit.

i.e. Has someone physically tried this card in this case?

I am still searching in this thread for information.

I have "printed" (paper and cut edges) and tried to fit on my impact board. In my test it didn´t fit

 

[MikeTheTiger]

This is pretty much the same setup I am aiming for. H220 with GPU block. BTW how much did you have to bend the daughter board up to get the h220 to fit? Also do you think there is room to fit a fan on the bottom?

The daughter board isn't bent. It does have pressure on it, though. The pump is a pain to put in while the mobo is installed in the case. I wound up stripping one of the screw heads while installing it. A bottom fan is pointless in my setup, as the gpu is water cooled. Unless you wanted airflow to push hot air up and out of the case. I'm leaving the space empty for when I upgrade the loop with a better pump later.

 

[wopsang]

anyone else still waiting for their M1 res?

 

[JoepieDeSnoepie!]

I remember reading it a while back, but just wanted to confirm; the current ASUS DCII card will not fit into the M1?

I know it looks like a very tight fit. I want to know if this is Absolutely confirmed, or if it was a "best guess" that it would not fit.

i.e. Has someone physically tried this card in this case?

I am still searching in this thread for information.

I have this card and added to the google docs page ages ago it didn't fit.
There are plenty of other gfx card that do fit so it's far from a problem

 

[okwchin]

Ah yes, google docs! it has more pages now.

Thanks Proglin and Joepiedesnoepie, I think thats a definite no for the ASUS

Looking for a really silent 780 card, and the DCII historically has been a quieter one. This one is just a particularly wide card. Although ASUS has been the go to in previous generations, The MSI TwinFrozor card looks even more promising this time round. Its wider than the PCI bracket, but no where near as wide as the ASUS card. I believe it has the same width as the gigabyte card.

Wonder if waiting to the end of the year will bring lower prices with the release of the 800 series cards. Not really something I need as such as my current 670 is a quiet and very low power card for now.

 

[MikeTheTiger]

Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how I feel right now. I reassembled everything when I got home from work this morning. I let the computer run for at least half an hour and my CPU temp at idle is 100C!!! The GPU is idling at 35C. In the process of putting everything together, my fat sausage fingers mangled the H220 pump mounts and I stripped the screw heads on at least two of the mounts. I wanted to go m-ITX for this build, and I love the idea of this case. But I'm beginning to think that this isn't the one for me. I leave for Disney World with my family for vacation for the next week. When I return I will have a lot to think about. Should I scrap the idea of the M1 and go build in the Phantom 630 case that I have lying here vacant? As much as I want to stay with the M1 case I don't feel like my large fingers will allow me to build in it properly without messing anything up.

So next week, I may have my case, PSU, mobo, flat cables and old GPU block up for sale on eBay. Like I said, I have a lot to think about.

 

[Phuncz]

Honestly, I don't understand how the mounting of a waterblock is related to mITX.
While you need more patience and a softer hand to work with it, the same waterblock could have given you problems on an ATX motherboard in all likeliness.

I'd say: get your week's rest, start at it ONLY with a calm mind and no one around you to annoy you and just be relaxed while doing it. This isn't hard but many people tend to go from "why doesn't this fit ?" to "WARRGGHHH HULK SMASH !!!" in a few seconds, while all it would take is reading the manual, googling other people's experience or looking at YouTube videos.

I wish these were the hard things in life, than I could ignore them. But for me, this is relaxing because it's a hobby.

 

[Vittra]

If the H220 is salvageable, keep it, use it, and switch your GPU back to air. Keep the case, you'll regret selling it.

mITX rigs can be quite the challenge to air cool, so when you throw custom loops in the mix and are new to it, it can be very frustrating. Patience is key. It can take days or weeks to get everything just right. They aren't "quick set and forget it" style builds.

 

[Proglin]

Looking for a really silent 780 card, and the DCII historically has been a quieter one.

I´m using PNY 770. It is quiet if fans are running up to 60% of max speed.

My biggest (noise) problem was PSU (atx one). It was doing a lot of noise when powering GPU. I have changed my old PSU from coolermaster to be quiet! and now my M1 is running very quiet.

 

[lemkeant]

Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how I feel right now. I reassembled everything when I got home from work this morning. I let the computer run for at least half an hour and my CPU temp at idle is 100C!!! The GPU is idling at 35C. In the process of putting everything together, my fat sausage fingers mangled the H220 pump mounts and I stripped the screw heads on at least two of the mounts. I wanted to go m-ITX for this build, and I love the idea of this case. But I'm beginning to think that this isn't the one for me. I leave for Disney World with my family for vacation for the next week. When I return I will have a lot to think about. Should I scrap the idea of the M1 and go build in the Phantom 630 case that I have lying here vacant? As much as I want to stay with the M1 case I don't feel like my large fingers will allow me to build in it properly without messing anything up.

So next week, I may have my case, PSU, mobo, flat cables and old GPU block up for sale on eBay. Like I said, I have a lot to think about.

I know the screws on the H220 arent all that great, but after taking mine in and out a few times, this most recent time I just finger tightened them since theyre similar to a thumb screw. My temps are great and I didnt have to torque them down ultra tight.

Try that. if it works, im curious about your temps too? Only a few of us with H220 custom loops

 

[Sparhawk1022]

Hey guys,

Sharing my build. My goal was for as quiet and lightweight a build as possible. I tried to accomplish this by mounting the video card to the side bracket, and hoping that two fans on the bottom blowing up could exhaust enough air out the top and out the back for both the cpu and video card. Since the video card generates a ton of heat, I thought this solution could help offset the issue with blower types as the hot air would be expelled out the side and not so much back into the case.

So, this is my first real attempt at trying to tweak a case to fit a vision. I've built many very cookie cutter standard cases in the past, but lurking on these forums, and seeing the innovation people had made me want to try out something different as well, and this seemed like a good idea in theory.

Anyway, the main issue I ran into is that since I was using a short video card, I mounted it towards the front of the case which required me to use a longer 13 inch pci-e x16 extension cable which doesn't seem to want to work. I tested it with a 7 inch extension and that worked fine, but the 7 inch extension doesn't have enough twist and bend to get it to the front where I need it to be. So, I think it should work if I upgrade to a longer card down the road, but for now, I'll probably have to go back to keeping the video card connected directly into the motherboard.

I wasn't too sure that my two gentle typhoon ap-15s were providing enough cooling either... I tried running prime95 blend test, along with realtemps, and by test 8 I think my temperatures were near or at 80 degrees celcius so I stopped. Not sure if this is considered too hot, but if so, this idea is better in theory than actuality. Pictures do not show the pci-e x16 extension cable in place, but I did my tests with it in to see what temperatures I could get on average, although I'm sure it would only have been hotter had the video card been running as well.

Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts, or ideas for improvement. I probably will need to just go back to having the standard build, with one of the case fans moved to the side bracket to cool off the cpu which seems to get pretty hot quickly.

 

[Vittra]

I think there's a combination of factors that led to it ultimately not being as effective as you initially suspected it might be.

GPUs on average run around that temp range (bit more, bit less) on stock coolers so it's not all that unusual. Although that card is not stock, it's a special circumstance. Asus tried to design those cards to be as quiet as possible while still maintaining the same or better temps that the awful stock cooler the 670 had.

I'd also like to point out that while the Gentle Typhoon fans are great for static pressure (used on rads, heatsinks), I'm not sure i'd actually use them as air intakes/case fans.

Lastly - the case is designed around the concept of fresh air coming in from that side bracket's fans, with the bottom being more of a supplement due to the low clearance given by the small feet. I suspect this point may have been hampering you more so than the actual fans you have selected.

Interesting idea in theory to be sure, but not all that practical here

 

[Sparhawk1022]

@Vittra:

Thanks for the feedback. I'm likely going to have to just swap things back to the more traditional layout given your excellent insights. I'm not planning on doing much of an overclock if at all when the time comes; I just want a quiet gaming PC that is easy to transport.

Either way though, it seems like having to deal with the weight of two extra fans, and a slightly cleaner look is ultimately more preferable to owning a mini toaster that could blow up in my face at any time.

Edit: I know there's been some discussion about this, but I couldn't find anything concrete about whether having the PSU intake fan face inward would work better than having it face outward assuming that you have a side bracket fan blowing cool air in, and that there isn't any HDD or other objects blocking or hindering the airflow coming in? Has anyone tested this in their builds?

 

[AFD]

http://i59.tinypic.com/5ob09e.jpg

Interesting build.. what PSU is that?

 

[Sparhawk1022]

@AFD:

Cheap, no-name brand (ReplacePower RP-SFX-350 SFX) that I'm using while I wait for the new SilverStone SFX to come out. Initial rumors said that there was a chance of it coming out in March, but it's looking more likely that it'll come out at the tail end of Q2 if not further into Q3. So rather than torture myself with sitting around admiring the M1, and all the parts I've purchased with it anchored to my dining room table because of an outside the case ATX PSU that I was using prior; I decided to splurge on the cheapest SFX I could find which was this one that I got from OutletPC.com for $25.98. I know, they don't call me high roller for nothing.

Works fine for what I need it for since I don't plan on using the video card too heavily until the SilverStone comes out. I can't really tell if it can properly support 350w or just 250w since on the unit it says, rated power: 250w, max power: 350w. My setup uses a max of 350w I think, but I guess just to be on the safe side I shouldn't use my video card to avoid the psu blowing up on me.

Cables are easy enough to work with. It's my first SFX PSU, so not sure if they're considered long or short to be honest. It has a discernable coil whine at high loads, and fan is a little loud, but nothing terrible and I'm almost positive it's a heck of a lot quieter than the Silverstone one given the amount of outrage I've read on here. Doesn't have mounting holes that fit perfectly with the SFX bracket, so a little adjustment is needed to get it mounted. I basically have it screwed in by two screws, and some rubber pads below it to get it to match the holes but once done, it appears to be pretty stable and doesn't move around while I move the case.

 

[Hawxie]

So, I'm thinking about ordering one of these NCASE M1's, that will be available soon, but I have a few concerns.

First and foremost, is if my GTX 760 Gaming from MSI, will be compatible with a CM V650S inside the M1.

Secondly would be which cooler to use, I prefer Noctua and I have had my eyes on the NH-L9i, since my CPU is a 3770 stock, and thus won't dish out enough heat, to render the L9i unsuitable.

Thirdly is probably the cost, but I don't expect anyone to know that already, although a estimation or numbers from the last batch, would be very much appreciated .

 

[Kaos_Drem]

So, I'm thinking about ordering one of these NCASE M1's, that will be available soon, but I have a few concerns.

First and foremost, is if my GTX 760 Gaming from MSI, will be compatible with a CM V650S inside the M1.

Secondly would be which cooler to use, I prefer Noctua and I have had my eyes on the NH-L9i, since my CPU is a 3770 stock, and thus won't dish out enough heat, to render the L9i unsuitable.

Thirdly is probably the cost, but I don't expect anyone to know that already, although a estimation or numbers from the last batch, would be very much appreciated .

I think you have misunderstood some things. The M1 is sold out, and was a limited run. They are gone, and from what we have heard from Necere and Wahaha they are not planning any time soon to order another batch.

The cost on the case was $205 per case + shipping.

It is an amazing case and I have received nothing but compliments since building my computer in it.

 

[Sparhawk1022]

@Hawxie:

1) ATX support is limited to 140mm, so if the CM V650S meets that criteria, it should fit.
2) You should go to the first post, and pull up the M1 statistics spreadsheet. There's a tab that shows which coolers work for which motherboards that the community has been awesome at keeping updated.
3) Cost of the first batch was like $205, forgot if that includes shipping or not. Recent sales on ebay have gone anywhere from $300-$400 plus. Honestly, if I were Necere, and Wahaha though, I'd sell the remaining units at a bit of a premium if they aren't planning on having a second run of the M1 specifically, since the demand will obviously be high... and honestly, they deserve to get a bit of a windfall (more money for beer!) for all of their hard work and effort like others have been getting by selling their units on ebay. Just my 2 cents.

 

[CrazyRob]

I think you have misunderstood some things. The M1 is sold out, and was a limited run. They are gone, and from what we have heard from Necere and Wahaha they are not planning any time soon to order another batch.

The cost on the case was $205 per case + shipping.

It is an amazing case and I have received nothing but compliments since building my computer in it.

Since you missed it:

Extra M1s will be sold on our website on March 1, 2014 at 10AM EST.

 

[AFD]

@AFD:

Cheap, no-name brand (ReplacePower RP-SFX-350 SFX) that I'm using while I wait for the new SilverStone SFX to come out.

Thanks! That's actually a smart idea.. I'm not too thrilled about giving them my money twice (but probably will, lol).

I'd sell the remaining units at a bit of a premium if they aren't planning on having a second run of the M1 specifically, since the demand will obviously be high... and honestly, they deserve to get a bit of a windfall (more money for beer!) for all of their hard work and effort like others have been getting by selling their units on ebay. Just my 2 cents.

I agree with this.. supply & demand, and Necere & W360 most definitely deserve a little extra for their efforts in this project.

Plus, if the price is high enough, hopefully it will keep me from buying another M1

 

[FinnishNerdmare]

Im having a serious problem with this on my z77-i deluxe. If AI Suites readings are accurate, my vrm is almost always 1 degree hotter than the cpu itself. Im getting a Noctua NF-A9x14 fan that I will install in the rear and hope this will help at least a little.

Just installed 2 x 120mm Scythe SlipStreams slim 12mm 800rpm on the bottom and Noctua NF-A9x14 to the rear. Wasnt even a tight fit with a 240mm rad. Idle temps dropped by 5 degrees and vrm by whopping 9. Im using lna-adaper for Noctua so its running at around 600rpm. The system is somewhat louder but I think with a little bit of tweaking I can reduce the noise a bit.

 

[Skott]

So, I'm thinking about ordering one of these NCASE M1's, that will be available soon, but I have a few concerns.

First and foremost, is if my GTX 760 Gaming from MSI, will be compatible with a CM V650S inside the M1.

Secondly would be which cooler to use, I prefer Noctua and I have had my eyes on the NH-L9i, since my CPU is a 3770 stock, and thus won't dish out enough heat, to render the L9i unsuitable.

Thirdly is probably the cost, but I don't expect anyone to know that already, although a estimation or numbers from the last batch, would be very much appreciated .

The NH-L9i is for certain cpus and their TDP. Check on that. Assuming that is all fine the NH-L9i will do the job better than Intel's stock hsf. It should cool a little better and at lesser noise level. At stock. If you plan to overclock the cpu I would highly suggest something that is better than the NH--L9i as its not really built for overclocking.

Edit: Oh, and good luck getting one of the cases on March 1st. Best to be ready at 10am to submit an order. I'm guessing they will go fast.

 

[Necere]

So, I'm thinking about ordering one of these NCASE M1's, that will be available soon, but I have a few concerns.

First and foremost, is if my GTX 760 Gaming from MSI, will be compatible with a CM V650S inside the M1.

This GTX 760, or the ITX version? I'm going to assume the former, in which case it won't fit with that PSU unless you don't use any of the modular connectors:

The modular plugs will conflict with any card longer than 230mm or so. The fixed cable bundle exits the PSU to the side of the video card, which is the only thing allowing an ATX PSU to fit at all.

The ITX version of the MSI GTX 760 is only 170mm long, which frees up space for a longer and/or modular ATX power supply.

Thirdly is probably the cost, but I don't expect anyone to know that already, although a estimation or numbers from the last batch, would be very much appreciated .

Cost will be the same as it was during the campaign: $185 + shipping ($20 US/$60 international).

 

[Hanakuso]

Gosh I really hope I can buy 1 left over. I really hope the website doesn't crash and cause havoc

Going from a TJ07, M8, S3, then M1 would be appropriate

 

[OverRated]

Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how I feel right now. I reassembled everything when I got home from work this morning. I let the computer run for at least half an hour and my CPU temp at idle is 100C!!! The GPU is idling at 35C. In the process of putting everything together, my fat sausage fingers mangled the H220 pump mounts and I stripped the screw heads on at least two of the mounts. I wanted to go m-ITX for this build, and I love the idea of this case. But I'm beginning to think that this isn't the one for me. I leave for Disney World with my family for vacation for the next week. When I return I will have a lot to think about. Should I scrap the idea of the M1 and go build in the Phantom 630 case that I have lying here vacant? As much as I want to stay with the M1 case I don't feel like my large fingers will allow me to build in it properly without messing anything up.

So next week, I may have my case, PSU, mobo, flat cables and old GPU block up for sale on eBay. Like I said, I have a lot to think about.

HAHA you sound like i did i also had problems putting my M1 together because of the room, I broke the clear cmos button off my 1st impact also over did the socket screws and didn't know why it wouldn't boot. Also had a load of small problems like killing my ssd mounting screws and for month i was putting components in and taking them out again because i could get them to fit, but i stuck with it and it all worked out i say forget the H220 like i forgot my ADII and get the EK impact block and a DDC pump these two parts will fix all your problems like they did for me.

 

[vortaku]

This

Cost will be the same as it was during the campaign: $185 + shipping ($20 US/$60 international).

necere, i think i read that there will also be spare parts listed? can you confirm this? also how do i make an acct to purchase before hand so i dont miss out lol

 

[Necere]

necere, i think i read that there will also be spare parts listed? can you confirm this? also how do i make an acct to purchase before hand so i dont miss out lol

W360 isn't ordering any extra parts, so it's just going to be whatever was left over from the M1s that had to be pillaged for replacement parts for people.

I'm not in charge of the website, but I don't think you'll be able to make an account early. W360 can probably give a more definitive answer.

 

[vortaku]

W360 isn't ordering any extra parts, so it's just going to be whatever was left over from the M1s that had to be pillaged for replacement parts for people.

I'm not in charge of the website, but I don't think you'll be able to make an account early. W360 can probably give a more definitive answer.

is there a way we could get in contact and order our own individual parts from them?

on a completely different note, has anyone tried to cram the msi twin froz 4 into this casE?

 

[Necere]

is there a way we could get in contact and order our own individual parts from them?

Depends what you need. If it's just screws, rubber washers, fan filters - those are stock Lian Li parts and you can order those directly from them. Some people have already done that.

As for M1-specific parts (panels, brackets, etc.), they need a minimum order quantity. For us, for the extra top panels for example, it was an MOQ of 50 - but that was in addition to our primary order. For smaller parts, I doubt it's worth their while to get tooled up for anything less than several hundred/thousand units.

 

[vortaku]

Depends what you need. If it's just screws, rubber washers, fan filters - those are stock Lian Li parts and you can order those directly from them. Some people have already done that.

As for M1-specific parts (panels, brackets, etc.), they need a minimum order quantity. For us, for the extra top panels for example, it was an MOQ of 50 - but that was in addition to our primary order. For smaller parts, I doubt it's worth their while to get tooled up for anything less than several hundred/thousand units.

was thinking about the connectors to the panels.

 

[Necere]

was thinking about the connectors to the panels.

The plastic clips? LL use them on a lot of their cases, so they shouldn't be a problem to order.

 

[Bman69]

was thinking about the connectors to the panels.

Scroll back a few pages I got them straight from Lian li
and even have the contact email you would need along with the price

 

[MikeTheTiger]

Honestly, I don't understand how the mounting of a waterblock is related to mITX.
While you need more patience and a softer hand to work with it, the same waterblock could have given you problems on an ATX motherboard in all likeliness.

I'd say: get your week's rest, start at it ONLY with a calm mind and no one around you to annoy you and just be relaxed while doing it. This isn't hard but many people tend to go from "why doesn't this fit ?" to "WARRGGHHH HULK SMASH !!!" in a few seconds, while all it would take is reading the manual, googling other people's experience or looking at YouTube videos.

I wish these were the hard things in life, than I could ignore them. But for me, this is relaxing because it's a hobby.

What I mean't was that I feel like I can't maneuver in the case. I'm going to give it another shot when I get back next week.

HAHA you sound like i did i also had problems putting my M1 together because of the room, I broke the clear cmos button off my 1st impact also over did the socket screws and didn't know why it wouldn't boot. Also had a load of small problems like killing my ssd mounting screws and for month i was putting components in and taking them out again because i could get them to fit, but i stuck with it and it all worked out i say forget the H220 like i forgot my ADII and get the EK impact block and a DDC pump these two parts will fix all your problems like they did for me.

I think you're right. It'll be cheaper on me to get the impact block and pump than to start over on a new rig. I noticed also that the tubing is pushed down on my graphics card. So I took everything out, AGAIN. Did this happen to you? I don't want my card to warp. Guess I need a back plate too.

 

[Ichinisan]

Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how I feel right now. I reassembled everything when I got home from work this morning. I let the computer run for at least half an hour and my CPU temp at idle is 100C!!! The GPU is idling at 35C. In the process of putting everything together, my fat sausage fingers mangled the H220 pump mounts and I stripped the screw heads on at least two of the mounts. I wanted to go m-ITX for this build, and I love the idea of this case. But I'm beginning to think that this isn't the one for me. I leave for Disney World with my family for vacation for the next week. When I return I will have a lot to think about. Should I scrap the idea of the M1 and go build in the Phantom 630 case that I have lying here vacant? As much as I want to stay with the M1 case I don't feel like my large fingers will allow me to build in it properly without messing anything up.

So next week, I may have my case, PSU, mobo, flat cables and old GPU block up for sale on eBay. Like I said, I have a lot to think about.

After a few days, I noticed my CPU was at 95°C and the pump on my Corsair H100 has apparently never worked. I'm on the stock Intel cooler now and it's at 43°C.

 

[MikeTheTiger]

After a few days, I noticed my CPU was at 95°C and the pump on my Corsair H100 has apparently never worked. I'm on the stock Intel cooler now and it's at 43°C.

I don't know if the pump isn't seated on the CPU we'll or not, but on air I was getting around 45C at idle. I'm taking this next week off and planning my next move.

 

[cowsgomoo]

I broke a motherboard (RMA'ed) and broke a HD7870 (can't be RMA'ed) in the course of building the M1, if that makes you feel better.

 

[MikeTheTiger]

I broke a motherboard (RMA'ed) and broke a HD7870 (can't be RMA'ed) in the course of building the M1, if that makes you feel better.

Ouch!!

 

[MikeTheTiger]

This is how I think I might go about a loop redesign:

I think a pump/res combo with the EK impact block would be pretty cool. It would give me more room inside to play with and also draining the fluid could be kept external.

 

[Hawxie]

This GTX 760, or the ITX version? I'm going to assume the former, in which case it won't fit with that PSU unless you don't use any of the modular connectors:

The modular plugs will conflict with any card longer than 230mm or so. The fixed cable bundle exits the PSU to the side of the video card, which is the only thing allowing an ATX PSU to fit at all.

The ITX version of the MSI GTX 760 is only 170mm long, which frees up space for a longer and/or modular ATX power supply.

Cost will be the same as it was during the campaign: $185 + shipping ($20 US/$60 international).

Yes it is the long 760 Gaming from MSI. Oh well, that's going to be pricey :/, since I have to pay taxes and other fees to get the case into Denmark, and then purchase new components ( PSU, Mobo, CPU Cooler ), I might hold off.

Thanks for the clarification though