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

Long time lurker/follower of the ncase m1, about to jump on finally buying my parts. Two quick questions...

1. Can you use the dual 3.5" HDD mount along with the dual 2.5" SSD mount? I'm hoping to get 2x 4TB 2.5" drives along with 2x 512gb SSD all in the system.

2. See anything wrong with the system's part list? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tgssgs

The CPU and motherboard you have chosen is the previous generation. You'd be better off getting a 4790k and a Z97 motherboard.
 
1. Can you use the dual 3.5" HDD mount along with the dual 2.5" SSD mount? I'm hoping to get 2x 4TB 2.5" drives along with 2x 512gb SSD all in the system.
You can't install the 2.5" drives in the 3.5" cage, if that's what you're asking (not without a separate drive adapter, anyway). There are a total of three places to mount 2.5" drives: case floor, inside front, and behind the front panel (in place of the slim ODD). Since you're using an ODD, there are only two 2.5" mounts available. However, you can also use the stacking brackets (of which two sets are included) to double up the drives on any of the mounts, so four 2.5" drives is possible.

2. See anything wrong with the system's part list? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tgssgs
No issues from a fitment or power standpoint.
 
The CPU and motherboard you have chosen is the previous generation. You'd be better off getting a 4790k and a Z97 motherboard.

This board is better suited for my needs. The asus z97 board has fewerUSB ports, and fewer SATA ports. I'm also 100% certain on the fit for the mobo + CPU cooler + HDD cage with this setup. Thanks though! :D

There are a total of three places to mount 2.5" drives: case floor, inside front, and behind the front panel (in place of the slim ODD). Since you're using an ODD, there are only two 2.5" mounts available. However, you can also use the stacking brackets (of which two sets are included) to double up the drives on any of the mounts, so four 2.5" drives is possible.

Ah, that makes sense. I was referring to the stacking bracket and using the mount inside the front. My concern is the stacking bracket + the 3.5" cage can't be used in that position at the same time. It's the only fit/capability concern I have left ha. I'm basing my planning on AFD's system since it's using the same mobo, cpu cooler, and the HDD cage all without problems, but I haven't found any photos or builds out there yet using the cage + SSD stack setup to make sure that fits.
 
Ah, that makes sense. I was referring to the stacking bracket and using the mount inside the front. My concern is the stacking bracket + the 3.5" cage can't be used in that position at the same time.
There's no issue using the 3.5" cage and stacked 2.5" drives on the inside front at the same time.
 
There's no issue using the 3.5" cage and stacked 2.5" drives on the inside front at the same time.

That's fantastic news! Looks like I'll be building my new beast in the M1 haha. I'll be sure to post a build log and maybe some HQ video as well.
 
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Thanks for the files! Too bad there wasn't enough interest. Too bad for me too, there aren't any Staples in my state with 3D printing services. :(
 
Ok, so I found this site:
http://i.materialise.com/

When you upload a file, it asks for scale and units of measure (mm or inches).

Then it asks what material you want it made of. I see a stainless steel and titanium as far as metals.
 
I've used Shapeways, can be a bit pricey but the quality is good.

I wouldn't recommend just taking my model as is and 3d printing it. It's really meant to be made from bent sheet metal.
 
Ah bummer.

I guess I'll have to stick with the SX600G then. I don't want my GTX980 being pushed or bent down at all.

Was your custom bracket for the PSU mounted to the 2.5" drive mount on the front of the M1?
 
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any tried the h80i gt with this case? It has a 49mm thickness. The original h80i was 38mm and it fits.
 
Anyone have a set of black panels they don't want? (Any version, ODD or no ODD) I put a little scratch in mine and it made me sad :(
 
Will be building Titan X / M1 / PETG Hard Tubing build for my self
c1064529ad20.jpg

8819d8c54129.jpg

14224685195f.jpg
 
Does anyone know if the EVGA GTX 980 Hybrid will fit into an M1? My concern is with the side panel clearance, and whether there is enough room for the tubing that is running out from the side of the GPU.
 
Heads up for anyone using a Swiftech H220 in their M1; seems those plastic elbow are pretty crappy:
IMG_20150401_172755.jpg

IMG_20150401_173031.jpg


I went to swap out a GTX Titan for a GTX Titan X today, and that's what I found.

The kicker is that Swiftech says the M1 is not the ideal case for the H220, and will deny your RMA, saying the failure is from user error. That too much stress was put on the elbow (even though there is plenty of hose slack, and everything fits pretty good).
http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3102&p=13730

The fact that they are calling this user error right away, and not even admitting the possibility of a defect leaves me with zero confidence in the H220, especially when it's right above a $1000 videocard. I just figured I'd give a heads up for others using the H220, because to me, those elbows seem like a weak link, and I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Here's another guy on their forums, which a leaking elbow, that they also blamed on user error: http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3094&sid=3c9a75024dc6cf5f43f503254a636b40
 
The kicker is that Swiftech says the M1 is not the ideal case for the H220, and will deny your RMA, saying the failure is from user error. That too much stress was put on the elbow (even though there is plenty of hose slack, and everything fits pretty good).
http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3102&p=13730

The fact that they are calling this user error right away, and not even admitting the possibility of a defect leaves me with zero confidence in the H220, especially when it's right above a $1000 videocard. I just figured I'd give a heads up for others using the H220, because to me, those elbows seem like a weak link, and I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Here's another guy on their forums, which a leaking elbow, that they also blamed on user error: http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3094&sid=3c9a75024dc6cf5f43f503254a636b40

There are other Swiftech stories in this thread...

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1041006534&postcount=12585

:(
 
any tried the h80i gt with this case? It has a 49mm thickness. The original h80i was 38mm and it fits.
Nobody has gotten the H80i in with both fans. The most I've seen is with one regular and one slim fan. Given that that configuration is about the same thickness as the H80i GT with one fan, it's conceivable that could fit. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend it, since it will be under-fanned and probably perform no better in that configuration than a thinner rad with single fan.
 
Will this case fit 2 x 2.5 drives, h100i, asus 970 strix and a sfx psx?

Yep. I have 2 x2.5 drive, a h100i and a 670 in mine with the sfx-L 500w powersupply. Its a little bit tight where the GFX meets the powersupply but you can squeeze it. IF you went with the standard SFX size more room opens up.
 
Yep. I have 2 x2.5 drive, a h100i and a 670 in mine with the sfx-L 500w powersupply. Its a little bit tight where the GFX meets the powersupply but you can squeeze it. IF you went with the standard SFX size more room opens up.

I thought i saw someone post that a 970 strix didnt fit. Would like to confirm with anyone that has tried
 
Heads up for anyone using a Swiftech H220 in their M1; seems those plastic elbow are pretty crappy:
IMG_20150401_172755.jpg

IMG_20150401_173031.jpg

The kicker is that Swiftech says the M1 is not the ideal case for the H220, and will deny your RMA, saying the failure is from user error. That too much stress was put on the elbow (even though there is plenty of hose slack, and everything fits pretty good).
http://forums.swiftech.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3102&p=13730
LOL not this Swiftech Warranty Dodge Tactic again. Not so long ago they wouldn't honor warranty because someone was using an 450W SFX PSU with a high-end GPU (which many here can attest works flawlessly) because the Nvidia website says it would need a 600W PSU (if it was a crappy PSU).

It's remarkable how crappy their support is, it might as well have said on the box that you should only use this inside a computer that's on their Qualified Vendor List.

I also wouldn't call that "bone stock" either. In such a cramped case it could very well be that evaporation is setting in quickly and thus the reason you've had to top it off so frequently. I hope this helps to answer your questions.

Regards,

Bryan Ramirez, Swiftech Warranty Denial Team
Someone give this guy a book on basic physics. It's getting sad.
 
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I thought i saw someone post that a 970 strix didnt fit. Would like to confirm with anyone that has tried
It won't fit. The problem is this corner of the PCB, which runs into the rear chassis flange:

Z5zEPSC.jpg


If you're not afraid to take a dremel to a $350 video card (and void your warranty), it's a fairly minor mod to make it fit.
 
It's a shame how problematic the H220 turned out to be; in theory it's an ideal all-in-one watercooling kit for the M1. But between the (apparently) flawed pump design, Swiftech's questionable support practices, and Asetek's patent monopoly, I guess it wasn't meant to be. The latter is especially troubling, since it means it's unlikely we'll see any companies do an expandable AIO, unless Asetek themselves are involved. I was looking forward to the Fractal Design Kelvin series, but it looks like they won't be available outside of Europe.
 
I thought i saw someone post that a 970 strix didnt fit. Would like to confirm with anyone that has tried

Correct.

It won't fit. The problem is this corner of the PCB, which runs into the rear chassis flange:

Z5zEPSC.jpg


If you're not afraid to take a dremel to a $350 video card (and void your warranty), it's a fairly minor mod to make it fit.

Incorrect.
If you take out the rubber plug for the clip at the back that bit fits in fine. The problem lies with the heatpipe. It sticks out over the edge of the case and prevents the side panel being put on. Same problem with the 980 Strix.

EDIT: Upon closer inspection it seems that the 970 strix is very marginally shorter which may allow the side panel to close.
 
Incorrect.
If you take out the rubber plug for the clip at the back that bit fits in fine. The problem lies with the heatpipe. It sticks out over the edge of the case and prevents the side panel being put on. Same problem with the 980 Strix.

EDIT: Upon closer inspection it seems that the 970 strix is very marginally shorter which may allow the side panel to close.
Yeah, I would've thought the person that did that mod would mention the heatpipe not fitting. So the 980 Strix is out, 970 Strix probably fits with some modding.
 
It's a shame how problematic the H220 turned out to be; in theory it's an ideal all-in-one watercooling kit for the M1. But between the (apparently) flawed pump design, Swiftech's questionable support practices, and Asetek's patent monopoly, I guess it wasn't meant to be. The latter is especially troubling, since it means it's unlikely we'll see any companies do an expandable AIO, unless Asetek themselves are involved. I was looking forward to the Fractal Design Kelvin series, but it looks like they won't be available outside of Europe.

That said... my personal experience with an Apogee Drive ii has been positive. I also appreciate Swiftech's Lok-Seal compression fittings being compatible with 17mm wrenches.
 
Now you guys have me worried. Maybe I shouldn't be using an H100i. It really took a lot of force to get the thing in there, with those stiff hoses.
 
Can't wait!

March 26, 2015 , 8:59 am
Processed Through Sort Facility
TAIPEI INT AMF, TAIWAN

Currently "Inbound Into Customs"

Moving my stuff out of a Fractal Node 605 w/ an ASUS RoG Maximus VI Formula board into the v3 of this case w/ an ASUS RoG VII Impact board. I still need to get a smaller PSU -- but I'm waiting until this thing is closer to delivery.
 
Now you guys have me worried. Maybe I shouldn't be using an H100i. It really took a lot of force to get the thing in there, with those stiff hoses.
After a DOA Swiftech H220 and a EK Full Cover Water Block leaking (after one year), I've decided to stop with watercooling. I choose to go with about the largest air-coolers I could get for my build (Scythe Kabuto 2 and Arctic Xtreme) and it's made my system very quiet and less prone to problems like leaks and evaporation.
 
Correct.



Incorrect.
If you take out the rubber plug for the clip at the back that bit fits in fine. The problem lies with the heatpipe. It sticks out over the edge of the case and prevents the side panel being put on. Same problem with the 980 Strix.

EDIT: Upon closer inspection it seems that the 970 strix is very marginally shorter which may allow the side panel to close.

Yeah, I would've thought the person that did that mod would mention the heatpipe not fitting. So the 980 Strix is out, 970 Strix probably fits with some modding.

Are you guys sure about this? Specs on cards show the 980 not being as "tall" or "wide" as the 970. 5.5 vs 5.3.

980
970

This appears verified by DfknG:

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1041288789&postcount=14785
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/case-mods-worklog-gallery/68871-ncase-m1-build-minivalidus.html

Unfortunately he hasn't posted an update on his build as of yet.
 
Are you guys sure about this? Specs on cards show the 980 not being as "tall" or "wide" as the 970. 5.5 vs 5.3.

980
970

This appears verified by DfknG:

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1041288789&postcount=14785
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/case-mods-worklog-gallery/68871-ncase-m1-build-minivalidus.html

Unfortunately he hasn't posted an update on his build as of yet.
Hm, yeah... in the comments on his most recent youtube video someone asks him that very question and he does say the Strix 980 should fit better than the 970, but it doesn't look like he's completely sorted it out yet. Going by the specs though, you're right - the 980 seems like a more likely fit, though the PCB of both models looks like it will have the same problem at the back corner.
 
damn so tempted to get this case..but the part where the strix 970 doesnt fit. im willing to shave down part of the pcb if it fits.
 
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