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

For those with open-air GPUs, do you find it necessary to install two 120mm fans on the case bottom, directly below the GPU? Does this have any impact during extended gaming?

I'm just wondering if I need more fans for my configuration:
- Intel i5 6600k
- Noctua NH-U9S (2-fans)
- Noctua NF-F12 Side intake
- Gigabyte 1070 G1 Gaming

So, one intake fan on the side (120mm), two CPU fans (92mm), and passive exhaust. Is this enough to keep GPU temps down, and to build sufficient positive air pressure inside the case?

On a separate note, what's the best orientation for the PSU? Should the PSU fan face inward or outward, given the configuration noted above? I would have thought outward (i.e., no hot air from inside the case), but most pictures I see have it the other way around. Any pointers?
 
jferreir said:
On a separate note, what's the best orientation for the PSU? Should the PSU fan face inward or outward, given the configuration noted above?
Click to expand...

I have the PSU with the fan outward (not dumping more heat into the case). I believe the only time you have to orient with the fan inward is if you had an SFX-L PSU with a long GPU...this is so the PSU cables clear the backplate on the graphics card.

For bottom fans, I have two slim fans installed to help move air. It doesn't really change my thermals on my CPU/GPU after gaming for a while...it may take them a little longer to get to their normal "operating" temp, not really sure. Reason I use the bottom fans is my GPU dumps the heat out the top, bottom and sides of the card (i.e. toward the sides and front/back of the case). With the side panels so close to the GPU, all the hot air was heating up the side of the case. After gaming for an hour, the sides of the case were uncomfortably hot. Bottom fans, even at minimum rotation, help push the hot air up and bring cool air into the space between the GPU and the side panel. Not required, but I like them :)
 
jferreir said:
For those with open-air GPUs, do you find it necessary to install two 120mm fans on the case bottom, directly below the GPU? Does this have any impact during extended gaming?

I'm just wondering if I need more fans for my configuration:
- Intel i5 6600k
- Noctua NH-U9S (2-fans)
- Noctua NF-F12 Side intake
- Gigabyte 1070 G1 Gaming

So, one intake fan on the side (120mm), two CPU fans (92mm), and passive exhaust. Is this enough to keep GPU temps down, and to build sufficient positive air pressure inside the case?

On a separate note, what's the best orientation for the PSU? Should the PSU fan face inward or outward, given the configuration noted above? I would have thought outward (i.e., no hot air from inside the case), but most pictures I see have it the other way around. Any pointers?
Click to expand...

incredadamible said:
I have the PSU with the fan outward (not dumping more heat into the case). I believe the only time you have to orient with the fan inward is if you had an SFX-L PSU with a long GPU...this is so the PSU cables clear the backplate on the graphics card.

For bottom fans, I have two slim fans installed to help move air. It doesn't really change my thermals on my CPU/GPU after gaming for a while...it may take them a little longer to get to their normal "operating" temp, not really sure. Reason I use the bottom fans is my GPU dumps the heat out the top, bottom and sides of the card (i.e. toward the sides and front/back of the case). With the side panels so close to the GPU, all the hot air was heating up the side of the case. After gaming for an hour, the sides of the case were uncomfortably hot. Bottom fans, even at minimum rotation, help push the hot air up and bring cool air into the space between the GPU and the side panel. Not required, but I like them :)
Click to expand...

1. PSU, facing inwards is better. It will in any case dump the air upwards into the case. It is only a question where the air intake is coming from.
Reasons:
a) No dust drawn in with this orientation
b) The PSU is cooled via the front case fan on the side bracket. I have heard from many Corsair SF450 users that their fans never spin this way (as does mine).

2. Bottom fans. They are maybe not a must in this system but I would recommend them. It is better to have 3 or 4 low speed fans than 1 high speed fan to create enough positive pressure to push out any hot air and keep out the dust. I gues 2 fans would be a sufficient compromise if you need to watch your budget.
 
What are the best slim 120mm fans to put at the bottom of the case? I have a Gigabyte G1 1080 so I don't think I have the space to put 25MM fan.
 
mcbirds said:
Anyone who runs dual 240mm rads mind posting their temps at idle/load? The temp difference of adding the second rad for me was almost unnoticeable. I know it's a slim rad with slim fans but I thought I would see a bigger drop.
Click to expand...

That sucks...

However, I'm not so surprised given how little airflow there was in my case when I paired the EK Coolstream with a slim fan. I basically couldn't feel any airflow unless the fans were blasting at max.
 
CaptnBen said:
What are the best slim 120mm fans to put at the bottom of the case? I have a Gigabyte G1 1080 so I don't think I have the space to put 25MM fan.
Click to expand...

That card is 41 mm thick which is two slots exactly, so 25 mm thick fans will fit, though it's always tight due to card sag. A thin piece of foam between the fans and the card may be helpful.
 
Chapeau said:
That sucks...

However, I'm not so surprised given how little airflow there was in my case when I paired the EK Coolstream with a slim fan. I basically couldn't feel any airflow unless the fans were blasting at max.
Click to expand...

I even switched the both rads to HWL GTS and saw no real change. Swapped out the case feet to be a bit higher and still don't think any real air gets to those fans to push through the rad.
 
Anyone have some first hand knowledge on pcie risers for their M1? Trying to figure out if there are any other "good" options besides a 3M twin axial. Not sure I want to purchase it just yet because the shortest size is 250mm. Would be great for 3M to make some custom sizes like say 150mm.
 
mcbirds said:
Anyone who runs dual 240mm rads mind posting their temps at idle/load? The temp difference of adding the second rad for me was almost unnoticeable. I know it's a slim rad with slim fans but I thought I would see a bigger drop.
Click to expand...

Load (running Prime 95 and Heaven simultaneously), see Post 65, Post 64 and Post 63. I'll try to run a gaming session for more typical load results. I should be able to provide idle results too. IF I'm really motivated, I might detach the bottom radiator and test temperatures with only the top radiator--but I'm guessing that results will be similar to folks that only run a top-side radiator.
 
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Gandergray said:
Load (running Prime 95 and Heaven simultaneously), see Post 65, Post 64 and Post 63. I'll try to run a gaming session for more typical load results. I should be able to provide idle results too. IF I'm really motivated, I might detach the bottom radiator and test temperatures with only the top radiator--but I'm guessing that results will be similar to folks that only run a top-side radiator.
Click to expand...

Those temperatures are really high!! Why is that with a dual 120mm rad system? Have you overclocked the CPU to hell?

My i5 6600K @ 4.5Ghz runs under load at around 50°C with air cooling...

Edit: Here a test of the two CPUs using a Corsair H100i CPU cooler. The i7 with 4.7Ghz reaches 76°C under load.

http://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/luke-hill/intel-core-i7-6700k-i5-6600k-skylake-cpu-review/9/
 
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anak85 said:
1. PSU, facing inwards is better. It will in any case dump the air upwards into the case. It is only a question where the air intake is coming from.
Reasons:
a) No dust drawn in with this orientation
b) The PSU is cooled via the front case fan on the side bracket. I have heard from many Corsair SF450 users that their fans never spin this way (as does mine).
Click to expand...

Never thought of it this way, though I've always considered having a separate PSU airflow "loop" was best. I'm almost tempted to try rotating my PSU, but that would mess up all my cable runs...not sure I'm up for redoing those again!
 
incredadamible said:
Never thought of it this way, though I've always considered having a separate PSU airflow "loop" was best. I'm almost tempted to try rotating my PSU, but that would mess up all my cable runs...not sure I'm up for redoing those again!
Click to expand...

Yes, I was also surprised when I was introduced to this trail of thought. But most cases fan PSU fan filters and no case fan flowing directly at the PSU.

Does your PSU fan spin? If not it shouldn't matter which way you orientate it.
 
Just got the tracking number!! Can't wait to get my hands on the beauty!! Now wait for Black Friday for the other parts!! Anyone with me in this?
 
incredadamible said:
I feel your pain, but it usually goes the other way...I finally find what I want at a good price, but it's a US site that doesn't ship to Canada!
Click to expand...

...actually, I ended up contacting them through the website and they gave me a shipping quote to send it to the US!
Here's the link again if anyone is interested
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX34316

Thanks again for posting the link originally a few days ago! I'll have a brand new C14 in a week or so!

edit: My total came to $115 CAD (~$88 USD)
 
anak85 said:
1. PSU, facing inwards is better. It will in any case dump the air upwards into the case. It is only a question where the air intake is coming from.
Reasons:
a) No dust drawn in with this orientation
b) The PSU is cooled via the front case fan on the side bracket. I have heard from many Corsair SF450 users that their fans never spin this way (as does mine).

2. Bottom fans. They are maybe not a must in this system but I would recommend them. It is better to have 3 or 4 low speed fans than 1 high speed fan to create enough positive pressure to push out any hot air and keep out the dust. I gues 2 fans would be a sufficient compromise if you need to watch your budget.
Click to expand...

This is super helpful, thank you!

I've decided to use two NF-F12 intake fans on the bottom, and one NF-F12 intake fan on the side (would ~600rpm (all) do the trick?). I have two 92mm fans for the CPU cooler, so would it be better to attach both fans to the cooler and exhaust upwards, or should I orient the CPU cooler horizontally and use one of the 92mm fans as an exhaust on the case?

Once I figure out the CPU fan orientation, I'm just about DONE! I've started purchasing the various parts, but will likely wait for Black Friday to pick up the 1070 G1 Gaming and (hopefully) the new Samsung 960 Evo 500GB M.2. Now the waiting game...
 
jferreir said:
This is super helpful, thank you!

I've decided to use two NF-F12 intake fans on the bottom, and one NF-F12 intake fan on the side (would ~600rpm (all) do the trick?). I have two 92mm fans for the CPU cooler, so would it be better to attach both fans to the cooler and exhaust upwards, or should I orient the CPU cooler horizontally and use one of the 92mm fans as an exhaust on the case?

Once I figure out the CPU fan orientation, I'm just about DONE! I've started purchasing the various parts, but will likely wait for Black Friday to pick up the 1070 G1 Gaming and (hopefully) the new Samsung 960 Evo 500GB M.2. Now the waiting game...
Click to expand...

My case fans all run at about 3-400rpm idle and ramp up from there. The bottom two fans are controlled by software according to the GPU temp using "speedfan" http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php and I removed the plastic shroud of my GPU to help the air flow. But even under load the case fan is at no more than 6-700rpm.

The side fans are controlled via the BIOS and the CPU temp als ramping from 3-400rpm to about 6-700rpm. These speeds get me 50°C CPU under load with my i5 6600K at 4.5Ghz.

I am not sure about the tower orientation but a lot of users face it out the back of the case with one fan on the heat sink and one on the case. I guess this makes sense as the air that is drawn in via the 120mm side fan is directly in one line back out the case.
 
jferreir said:
I've decided to use two NF-F12 intake fans on the bottom, and one NF-F12 intake fan on the side (would ~600rpm (all) do the trick?). I have two 92mm fans for the CPU cooler, so would it be better to attach both fans to the cooler and exhaust upwards, or should I orient the CPU cooler horizontally and use one of the 92mm fans as an exhaust on the case?
Click to expand...

Here is how I have mine set up. You can't see the rear fan, but it is mounted to the case (not to the D9L). One note on the bottom fans, with the 25mm thick standard fans, you won't have much room between the fan and the GPU. As anak85 mentioned, removing some of the shroud on the GPU would probably help.

IMG_4530.JPG


IMG_4532.JPG


On a completely different topic, I just noticed the Noctua rubber fan mounts look very phallic...and now I can't unsee it.
 
harsaphes said:
What's your part list look like?
Click to expand...

CPU => i7 6700K
MBD => Gigabyte Z170N Gaming 5
RAM => Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 3000MHz
PSU => Corsair SF450
M.2 => Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
GPU => MSI 1070 Aero
AIO => yet to finalise but a 240mm for sure. Reading about Cooler master liquid pro 240 else Corsair H100i.

Ignoring the case fans as of now. Let me check the system if required will put case fans later.
 
Sagar Chakraborty said:
CPU => i7 6700K
MBD => Gigabyte Z170N Gaming 5
RAM => Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 3000MHz
PSU => Corsair SF450
M.2 => Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
GPU => MSI 1070 Aero
AIO => yet to finalise but a 240mm for sure. Reading about Cooler master liquid pro 240 else Corsair H100i.

Ignoring the case fans as of now. Let me check the system if required will put case fans later.
Click to expand...
Just to let you know the Aero is absolute garbage and it will throttle considerably under full load. My card was pretty much stuck running stock clocks with no boost with the stock cooler. I ended up replacing it with a EVGA Hybrid kit and it runs under 45C now and never throttles.

--Oh another note if you have Micron memory you will need to apply the latest bios from the MSI website or you will be unable to OC the memory at all or worst have artifacts at stock speeds.
 
Sagar Chakraborty said:
CPU => i7 6700K
MBD => Gigabyte Z170N Gaming 5
RAM => Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 3000MHz
PSU => Corsair SF450
M.2 => Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
GPU => MSI 1070 Aero
AIO => yet to finalise but a 240mm for sure. Reading about Cooler master liquid pro 240 else Corsair H100i.

Ignoring the case fans as of now. Let me check the system if required will put case fans later.
Click to expand...

You might take a look at the new NZXT Kraken X52, the new ones are supposed to be pretty good. https://www.nzxt.com/products/kraken-x52
 
Sagar Chakraborty said:
CPU => i7 6700K
MBD => Gigabyte Z170N Gaming 5
RAM => Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 3000MHz
PSU => Corsair SF450
M.2 => Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
GPU => MSI 1070 Aero
AIO => yet to finalise but a 240mm for sure. Reading about Cooler master liquid pro 240 else Corsair H100i.

Ignoring the case fans as of now. Let me check the system if required will put case fans later.
Click to expand...

I have the aero, dont buy it. Get the seahawk....I'm in the process of using corsair HG10 N980 to convert my aero 1070 to liquid cooled.
 
I'm about to upgrade my 970 to Asus Strix 1070, the only problem is I read that the Asus Strix is very big, will my Noctua NH-U9S get in the way ?
P/S :
nvm, look like it will fits well.
 
You have about convinced me to go with a hybrid 1070 gpu when I start my build early next year. Gave my R9 Nano to my daughter - it was pretty loud (and hot) in BF4 anyway, so didn't want to use it in the M1.
 
voklskier4452 said:
Just to let you know the Aero is absolute garbage and it will throttle considerably under full load. My card was pretty much stuck running stock clocks with no boost with the stock cooler. I ended up replacing it with a EVGA Hybrid kit and it runs under 45C now and never throttles.

--Oh another note if you have Micron memory you will need to apply the latest bios from the MSI website or you will be unable to OC the memory at all or worst have artifacts at stock speeds.
Click to expand...

broddy said:
I have the aero, dont buy it. Get the seahawk....I'm in the process of using corsair HG10 N980 to convert my aero 1070 to liquid cooled.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys!! Then paying the few extra bucks make sense. Will do research on the hybrids. So now if I use hybrid then I won't be able to use 240mm AIO I think I have to go for 120mm.
What say?
 
Sagar Chakraborty said:
Thanks guys!! Then paying the few extra bucks make sense. Will do research on the hybrids. So now if I use hybrid then I won't be able to use 240mm AIO I think I have to go for 120mm.
What say?
Click to expand...
People have run 2x AIO coolers in the ncase before so it's doable and I think leads to very acceptable temps.
 
Sagar Chakraborty said:
Thanks guys!! Then paying the few extra bucks make sense. Will do research on the hybrids. So now if I use hybrid then I won't be able to use 240mm AIO I think I have to go for 120mm.
What say?
Click to expand...

I will be using 2x 120 AIO, my cpu is 4670k at 4.2G. With noctua u9s, I can keep them around less than 65. I think 120mm AIO will keep it about 60. So..depends on how much you want to OC your CPU. I'm gonna try silverstone TD-03E on CPU with H75 on my aero. I'm waiting for my case to come in as well.
 
Has anyone put an Arctic Accelero Xtreme on a 1070? I am trying to decide between the best blower, or the best 1070 i can fit with the accelero xtreme. Any help would be much appreciated!
 
I'm considering buying this case today, but it's quite expensive for me. It's 340 USD including import taxes and such. My question is:
Can I only buy the case today? Or can I order it next week too?
Comparing to the DAN-A4, would an aircooled system be more quiet in this case? (by using something like the C1 cryorig)

No Hands 55 said:
Has anyone put an Arctic Accelero Xtreme on a 1070? I am trying to decide between the best blower, or the best 1070 i can fit with the accelero xtreme. Any help would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...

That cooler doesn't look like it cools vrm/vram, aren't you afraid it'll catch fire?
 
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StrawKite said:
I'm considering buying this case today, but it's quite expensive for me. It's 300 USD including import taxes and such. My question is:
Can I only buy the case today? Or can I order it next week too?
Comparing to the DAN-A4, would an aircooled system be more quiet in this case? (by using something like the C1 cryorig)



That cooler doesn't look like it cools vrm/vram, aren't you afraid it'll catch fire?
Click to expand...

I am not sure about the order next week. If there is still stock, you can order next week. If the stock is out, you have to wait a few months for the next production batch.

I have no experience with the DAN-A4 case but the Ncase M1 will most likely be quieter due to the case fans. The DAN case circulates the hot air which means the CPU fan muss spin faster to cool the CPU. The Ncase always has fresh air. Most users get a very quiet system in the Ncase. My air cooled system is inaudible during normal use and quiet during gaming.

vrm/vram temps can be resolved with small heat sinks also available from arctic for a few dollars if there is an issue.
 
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So taking all the inputs below is the final parts list as of now.

CPU => i7 6700K
MBD => Gigabyte Z170N Gaming 5
RAM => Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 3000MHz (1X16GB)
PSU => Corsair SF450
M.2 => Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
GPU => MSI 1070 Sea Hawk X
AIO => Corsair H75 with one fan.

Will upgrade the fans later on. Or may be add a 92mm at back for the MBD cooling.

What say guys?
 
Something is wrong with the Ncase m1 website, paypal gives an error when trying to order a case.

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And my internet is crisp, if that means anything.

VSwjshH.png
 
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Sagar Chakraborty said:
So taking all the inputs below is the final parts list as of now.

CPU => i7 6700K
MBD => Gigabyte Z170N Gaming 5
RAM => Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB 3000MHz (1X16GB)
PSU => Corsair SF450
M.2 => Samsung 950 Pro 512GB
GPU => MSI 1070 Sea Hawk X
AIO => Corsair H75 with one fan.

Will upgrade the fans later on. Or may be add a 92mm at back for the MBD cooling.

What say guys?
Click to expand...
Why not a 240mm rad system?
 
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