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

Anyone use FrozenQ NCase M1 Reservoir can tell me
how many Plugs does it include?
I got one with only 4 Plugs~but totle need 6!!

thanks
 
Hanakuso said:
How did you get the 120mm fan mounted? Doesn't look like any zip ties or clips were used.
Click to expand...
My NH-C14 came with a support bar that holds the lower fan against the heatsink. This review has a few pics. It's intended for the included 140mm fan, but worked fine for the 120mm I used. Wasn't loose at all.
 
Necere said:
My NH-C14 came with a support bar that holds the lower fan against the heatsink. This review has a few pics. It's intended for the included 140mm fan, but worked fine for the 120mm I used. Wasn't loose at all.
Click to expand...
Does your bar extend farther then the actual fan like this?

9c17ccd4-60c0-4d2d-beb9-b64ce5c8a1be.jpg
 
Hi Necere,

Just asking again in case you missed my last post, would you agree sharing your sketchup model of the M1?
Only the chassis will be enough, so I could visualize its measurement and better see what could fit or not in it.
I understand that you maybe want to keep it for yourself but just want to be sure before I start drawing it. Thx!
 
BaK2BaK said:
Hi Necere,

Just asking again in case you missed my last post, would you agree sharing your sketchup model of the M1?
Only the chassis will be enough, so I could visualize its measurement and better see what could fit or not in it.
I understand that you maybe want to keep it for yourself but just want to be sure before I start drawing it. Thx!
Click to expand...
I'm hesitant to release it publicly, and that's partly because of the changes I've been making for v2, and partly because it's cluttered with various components and test designs. I'd have to clean it up, at least.
 
Ok I see, thx for the answer.
I am following this thread anyway, I guess that's where you will publish it if you decide to.
 
aceman said:
Anyone use FrozenQ NCase M1 Reservoir can tell me
how many Plugs does it include?
I got one with only 4 Plugs~but totle need 6!!

thanks
Click to expand...

It should come with 6 plugs. You can contact them to send you the missing ones, or probably quicker to just order some stop plugs from your local watercooling specialist. I like to change my plugs always for black ones (e.g. Monsoon or Koolance stop plug).
 
Moved my questions from the suggestion-thread to the discussion-thread since suggestion-thread is for suggestions, not for my questions.

Herstal said:
You can fit two standard 9mm 2.5" drives in the front with a H100i, i used this configuration before - it's tight, but it fits. Alternatively, if you need a 12mm+ drive you could consider getting an M.2 SSD (if you have a compatible mobo), they're as fast or faster than SATA SSDs, and it's one less cable to cram inside the case.
Click to expand...
Did a quick-check. The 2.5''-HDDs I'm interested in are 9.5mm. Since a standard-SSD has a height of 7mm (right?) it should fit with a Corsair H100i or a similar all-in-one cooler and the drives mounted between the rad and the front of the case. Thanks for your help.

What other all-in-one liquid coolers and radiators would fit with an SSD and a 2.5'' HDD mounted between radiation and front-panel? The Swiftech H220 for example?


Other questions I have:

1 - An ASUS DirectCU II is no fit, right? Well, it will be an EVGA with a standard duct-cooler then. The case performs better with duct-coolers anyway, right? But aren't duct-coolers considerably louder than top-down coolers? I wouldn't mind slightly higher temperatures if I can avoid the humming of a little radial turbine.

2 - What is the recommend airflow with a 240mm radiator? Sucking fresh air through the side-panel or pushing hot-air through the radiator and out of the case? I assume it depends a bit on the GPU-cooler you use. I have a feeling that a top-down GPU-cooler would profit from pushing air out of the case, while with a duct-cooler you could go for "fresh air for the CPU" (in both cases I'd mount the PSU with fan-hole facing the side-panel).
 
With a H220 you can only fit a single drive at the front mount. I have a 9.5mm one installed atm, i don't think a 12mm would fit.
 
Hey guys, so new dude here who's interested in the Ncase since September, missed the restock because of a credit card issue. So instead of emailin them, I made an account and will try here. I remember the email/first post mentioned a rerun, (I think I remember a kickstarter/indiegogo campaign?).
So any status on the rerun/preorder? First post mentions early May and well...
P.s. I dont mind if we can preorder it early summer and get it mid summer, not reall interested in buying it now. A delay for this Is fine.
 
NCASE M1 FAQ


What is the NCASE M1?
  • Succinctly put, it's a Mini-ITX computer case that looks to maximize flexibility and compatibility inside as small a chassis as possible, whilst keeping an aesthetically pleasing exterior. Whereas most SFF cases tend to force big compromises that translate into very large sizes, limited component choice, and downright-ugly exteriors, the M1 makes unique and well-considered design decisions, resulting in one of the best overall Mini-ITX cases on the market for the discerning system builder.

    Regarding its size, the M1 has one of the smallest footprints of any Mini-ITX case, with a total volume (12.6L) that is among the lowest on the market. As for capacity, it can support a plethora of 3.5'' and 2.5'' drives, large CPU heatsinks, or even a 120mm or 240mm radiator for AIO and custom water-cooling solutions - as well as graphics cards up to 12.5'' long. And regarding appearances, well... Just look at it!

    The M1 itself originated as an idea between wahaha360 and Necere. Born on this forum, it eventually roped in much of the HF SFF community throughout the design and development process. Lian-Li ultimately took on manufacturing, and by 2014 almost one thousand units were sent worldwide, with leftover units selling out in March.


Can I still purchase the NCASE M1? How/where/when can I order?
  • Production runs and buying opportunities are rolling in on a regular basis, so visit the official website for the current status, subscribe to the NCASE mailing list for email newsletters, and read through the thread for the latest updates.

  • For context: A while ago, wahaha360 and Necere announced that they would be creating a second production run of M1 cases (Rev 2), and that some changes were to be introduced. Although these changes were relatively minor, they addressed feedback from owners, and allowed for some more flexibility and component choice. These alterations were reflected in the M1 Rev 2, and the future revisions that are now available.


How long will it take to get my M1, once I've ordered?


Can I buy parts/cabling, or just some exterior panels, for the M1?
  • Navigate to NCASE's Accessories page to purchase a plethora of parts for the M1, including power cables, panels, cages, hardware, and more.

  • As far as case customizations are concerned, orders of the M1 have the option of quantity, color (black/silver), and the inclusion of an ODD slot. For panels, full sets (with-ODD only), or just the top panel (no-ODD), are provided, in either silver or black.


Will a certain component fit?
  • It can be all too tempting to ask on the thread straight away about component compatibility, but there are actually quite a few places that you should check first before posting questions. With hundreds of components and perhaps thousands of possible configurations already discussed and explored, the odds that someone has already answered your question are actually quite high! As such, do look through these sources (in order) beforehand, and feel free to ask away if they aren't of help:
  1. The official NCASE website has informative specs and compatibility pages with abbreviated lists of tolerances and possible configurations.
  2. The Indiegogo page for the original NCASE M1 Production campaign goes into great detail with regards to component compatibility based on dimensions. Furthermore, it explains what you can or can't use based on what else is in the case, since the use of certain components can preclude the use of others, dependent on location. There are also photos galore.
  3. The OP has a more succinct guide of the above, as well as even more glorious photos :D Links are also provided there to a series of test builds Necere performed in the M1, complete with impressions and temperature readings.
  4. The official NCASE M1 Google Doc for user-reported compatibility has tabs for known-to-work and known-to-not-work components, with lots of feedback from owners that have actually tested and built in the M1.
  5. Finally, you can also always search this thread quickly to see if the component in question has already been brought up or otherwise discussed. Just click the "Search this Thread" button located near the top of the page.


Can I suggest changes to the M1? Would they be implemented in future versions?
  • You can always navigate to the official improvements and changes thread, and share your ideas for possible future revisions, or post your comments on this thread!


What comes with the M1? What's new in Rev 2?


Are there any reviews of the M1?


Are there any third-party accessories for the M1?


Can you make an M1 with just one more PCI slot, so that it is compatible with mATX motherboards? And what about a NCASE that's perfect for my media center, or as a Steambox?
  • Succinctly put, an M1 made larger to accommodate a mATX motherboard is no longer an M1. The larger motherboard is also deeper, and would thus require a taller and much longer case if the M1 layout was retained. Furthermore, mATX introduces LGA2011 and multi-card GPU setups that would necessitate better cooling solutions, a rethought side bracket... All told, a total redesign of the interior. It simply wouldn't work. Still, if a "NCASE M1 but with mATX" is essentially what you want, Aibohphobia's project is probably the closest thing out there currently.

  • If a Steambox or HTPC is what you're after, though, check out Necere's recent thread sharing an initial design for precisely this sort of case.


I got my M1, but the case isn't quite level! And the panels aren't quite aligned properly! And maybe I have other quality issues...
  • Don't panic - though the case is designed with very tight tolerances, shipping and the general flexibility/malleability of an aluminum case can translate into minute shifting and bending that alters the case just enough to be noticeable. Fortunately, that means it is also very easy to fix; refer to the OP to see the document and video links which demonstrate how to fix such issues.

  • If you have other issues with your case, or the panel and leveling issues can't be fixed with the provided methods, contact wahaha360 ASAP to see about finding another solution.


I still have other questions about the M1, NCASE, etc!
  • Don't dispair! The official NCASE website has a more detailed FAQ with lots of information, including answers that are specific to ordering! And if you've exhausted all of these resources as well, you can always post questions on this thread.
 
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I've read the entire thread over the last few days. Must have missed the information or link I needed or I forgot about after computing hundreds of pages of information and discussion about the case and possible builds. Really, reading your comment was like "Oh, yeah, right, there was this link 200 pages ago!".

A sticky with all the crucial information about the case would be really helpful. For now I have saved the link to your comment for later use (by the way, the smaller ASUS DirectCU II cards fit with ~three millimeter clearance between heatpipes and side panel).
 
geogga said:
Hey guys, so new dude here who's interested in the Ncase since September, missed the restock because of a credit card issue. So instead of emailin them, I made an account and will try here. I remember the email/first post mentioned a rerun, (I think I remember a kickstarter/indiegogo campaign?).
So any status on the rerun/preorder? First post mentions early May and well...
P.s. I dont mind if we can preorder it early summer and get it mid summer, not reall interested in buying it now. A delay for this Is fine.
Click to expand...

phillai said:
Any closer to a launch yet of the NCASE M1 rev2?
I'm itching to buy!!
Click to expand...
Closer, yes. Site's taking a bit longer than expected to get set up - had some false starts with various cart systems, ultimately going with something simpler for now (Paypal cart).

pavel said:
Is there any site that shows the different configuration options or is that later?

http://mygaming.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/NCASE-M1-ITX-gaming-chassis-14.jpg

I was wondering if you can have smth like this: Corsair H60 or H75 + 2 120mm fans + 2 SSDs + gtx 750 + SFX modular PSU.
Click to expand...
That'll fit with room to spare. The only issue is doing fans in push-pull on the rad might be difficult.

Sverebom said:
What is the max-width for GPUs? Please say "more than 237mm"!
Click to expand...
Sorry - the case is only 160mm wide. I suspect you have a typo. Regardless, GPU size restrictions are still listed on the Indieogogo page for the last campaign.

PlayfulPhoenix said:
...
Click to expand...
Succinct, thanks. Might also add the Demciflex filters to the accessories section (available on their site, as well as here and here).
 
Necere said:
Sorry - the case is only 160mm wide. I suspect you have a typo. Regardless, GPU size restrictions are still listed on the Indieogogo page for the last campaign.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it should have ben 137mm, the width of the smaller ASUS DirectCU II cards (in this case Geforce GTX760). And thanks to your help I know now that the card fits. I think I have found my setuo :)
 
Necere said:
Have you seen Zizu32's build?
Click to expand...
Yeah, and it's nice that the case offers that flexibility, but I prefer to build the system more or less following the ideas you had in mind while you was drawing it :)

The plan:

Mainboard - ASUS Z87 Impact
CPU: Intel Xeon E3 refresh
RAM: 16GB Corsair XMS3 Dominator
GPU: ASUS GTX760 DirectCU II
PSU: Silverstone 500W SFX-L (with short cable kit and modifications if necessary)
SSD: 500GB Samsung 840 Evo (7mm)
HDD: 1TB WD Red or Blue (9.5mm)
Cooler: Corsair H100i or better with a radiator that leaves enough room for two 2.5'' drives (with a combined thickness of 16,5 mm) between radiator and front-panel)
 
PlayfulPhoenix said:
As someone who's asked easily answerable questions in the past, I thought it wise to list off all the places where one can find information on the M1.
Click to expand...
This should (atleast partially) be included in the topic start or on the website. Too many times these questions are asked and the answers get lost in the thousands of other posts.

Sverebom said:
Yeah, and it's nice that the case offers that flexibility, but I prefer to build the system more or less following the ideas you had in mind while you was drawing it :)

The plan:

Mainboard - ASUS Z87 Impact
CPU: Intel Xeon E3 refresh
RAM: 16GB Corsair XMS3 Dominator
GPU: ASUS GTX760 DirectCU II
PSU: Silverstone 500W SFX-L (with short cable kit and modifications if necessary)
SSD: 500GB Samsung 840 Evo (7mm)
HDD: 1TB WD Red or Blue (9.5mm)
Cooler: Corsair H100i or better with a radiator that leaves enough room for two 2.5'' drives (with a combined thickness of 16,5 mm) between radiator and front-panel)
Click to expand...
Just some questions and comments on that build, I'll make the presumption this all has to be bought, you didn't specify what you already have:
1. why a Xeon on a Z87 motherboard ? It offers zero benefit to a Core i5 or i7 CPU.
2. without overclocking, the Asus Z87 Impact is a lot of money wasted.
3. Also, Z97 motherboards have started to trickle in, offering M.2 support, negating the need for two wires and the space for a 2,5" drive.
4. you could always install the HDD on the outside in the front and the SSD on the inside in the front.
5. the SX500-LG PSU already includes the PP05-E kit, while not exclusively "short" for the Ncase, it's still shorter than ATX PSU's.
 
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Phuncz said:
1. why a Xeon on a Z87 motherboard ? It offers zero benefit to a Core i5 or i7 CPU.
Click to expand...

1. Much cheaper than a i7 with Hyper Threading. Will smash any i5 in tasks which are "hyperthreadable". Basically a non overclockable i7 for the price of an i5.
 
I'm not seeying those low prices, the quadcore 3.4GHz or faster Xeons are 280$ and up. The lowest priced is also without an iGPU which could always be handy later or during troubleshooting.

There is the new i7-4790 which is 5$ more expensive than the 4770 for a 3.6GHz (4.0GHz boost clock). And let's not forget the upcoming K-series, which might have an impact on current pricing as well.
 
No idea how I've missed this case until today, but I'm really excited for it now. I've been looking at building a good, compact gaming rig for a while, but pickings have been a bit slim.

So far the top contender for me has been the Lian-Li TU100, however with only a single 120mm front fan it's cooling is pretty pathetic; if Lian-Li had taken the time to put a second mount at the front, which would easily fit, then it would have been perfect, as an all-in-one cooler would be able to cope with the tiny CPU cooler clearance, while the second fan prevents the GPU from cooking itself, but with a single fan mount it's just not possible to run anything that powerful, which is shame.

But yeah, the two top 120mm fan mounts alone make me very interested in the M1, even if it's a bit longer than I was hoping for. I think that one of these fully loaded with 120mm Prolimatech Ultra Sleek Vortex fans, or Scythe Slip Stream (12mm thick) fans could be a pretty sweet rig for modest performance, otherwise a pair of 120mm radiators for the CPU and GPU for high performance.

I'm curious when I might be able to expect this in the UK though; are any resellers for the EU lined up that might be able to get one to me at a reasonable cost? Importing one from further afield may be a bit too much.

Also, I'm wondering how easily I could fit a carrying handle, as that's the other main feature of the TU100 that I liked, something that clears the top fan grilles but gives enough support…
 
Sverebom said:
I've read the entire thread over the last few days. Must have missed the information or link I needed or I forgot about after computing hundreds of pages of information and discussion about the case and possible builds. Really, reading your comment was like "Oh, yeah, right, there was this link 200 pages ago!"
Click to expand...

Phuncz said:
Too many times these questions are asked and the answers get lost in the thousands of other posts.
Click to expand...

Yeah... It's easy to not know (or simply forget) that you can find all sorts of info in certain places. Hopefully a centralized list will help people quickly arrive at answers, and avoid repeating questions on the thread.

Necere said:
Succinct, thanks. Might also add the Demciflex filters to the accessories section (available on their site, as well as here and here).
Click to expand...

I'll add those, and generally keep the post update, so that anyone who stumbles on it can make use of it. Everyone is welcome suggest or request that things be added, too - I'm sure I've forgotten some things myself!
 
Phuncz said:
1. why a Xeon on a Z87 motherboard ? It offers zero benefit to a Core i5 or i7 CPU
Click to expand...
What milkcow has said, and I could actually need the benefits of an i7 without the integrated graphics or the additional price hit.

Phuncz said:
2. without overclocking, the Asus Z87 Impact is a lot of money wasted.
Click to expand...
I know, but I like the layout and want the dedicated sound-card. Plus: I'm still working and playing with the PC I have build as a student, a machine that was build to be cost-effective. I want to reward myself with something beautiful :)

Phuncz said:
3. Also, Z97 motherboards have started to trickle in, offering M.2 support, negating the need for two wires and the space for a 2,5" drive.
Click to expand...
I know, and by the time I will actually buy my new machine, the Z97 might already be available (it's summer, and I'm in no rush get a new PC and spend the summer playing around with it). I'll keep that in mind.

Phuncz said:
4. you could always install the HDD on the outside in the front and the SSD on the inside in the front.
Click to expand...
I'm not in dire need for an internal optical drive, but since the M1 offers an non-obtrusive mount for a slim-line drive, I will go with it.

Phuncz said:
5. the SX500-LG PSU already includes the PP05-E kit, while not exclusively "short" for the Ncase, it's still shorter than ATX PSU's.
Click to expand...
Good to know. Thanks! I'll ask my sister anyway to shorten the cables for me.


Edit: After doing some research I might indeed wait for an ASUS ROG Z97 Impact, hoping that it will bundle improved layout for the Supreme-FX module seen with the latest Z97 Gene boards and M.2 support through the MPCIE Combo module as described on the ROG website. The way I understand the SSD Guide on the ROG website I could use an mSATA-SSD with the current Z87 Impact, but I don't mind waiting for the Z97 Impact and see, if it offers an even better bundle.

And with just one 2.5''-drive between radiator and front-panel I could use the Swiftech H220 in the M1, right? That would later give me the option to upgrade to a fully water-cooled machine if I want to. Or is the Corsir H100i the better AiO-cooler?
 
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Necere said:
Might also add the Demciflex filters to the accessories section (available on their site, as well as here and here).
Click to expand...

That's awesome those 2 retailers have decided to stock the M1 filter kits (for those in the US that don't want to import them).

I already bought several direct from Demci, but thanks for the update!
 
av6zQ6a.png

So there is this idea I've had for a custom internal reservoir for my build but I have a few questions and I looked at those links and don't think they answered them
1. Is there room for some tubes round the 'back' of the graphics card GTX 780 reference?
2. Will the position of the reservoir make positioning the front cables difficult?
3. Do I need the T-line (in the dirty green colour)? Because I'm not sure the bubbles will flow straight down
And just in case people don't understand the dirty green represents a T-Line but if I don't need the T-line then I will have the yellow line if there is space for that tube
 
Hi Peter,
1. Sure you can get tubes under the PSU and 'behind' the GPU.
2. Yes, I guess you will likely have trouble with the USB3 cable.
3. Think you are fine using the yellow tube as a fill line, don't see an advantage in doing a t-split on the rad->res tube.

With the reservoir that low, it's going to be hard to prime the pump safely. When the case is standing normally, the weight of the water in the res will not be enough to force it into the impeller of the pump. You'll need to tip the case 45 degrees on its back when first starting the pump.

I guess you are looking at the MCP35X or something similar low-profile?
 
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