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

[voklskier4452]

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?

People have run 2x AIO coolers in the ncase before so it's doable and I think leads to very acceptable temps.

 

[Speed-Driven]

any news on the exhaust fan temp differences?

 

[broddy]

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?

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.

 

[No Hands 55]

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!

 

[StrawKite]

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)

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!

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

 

[anak85]

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?

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.

 

[Sagar Chakraborty]

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?

 

[StrawKite]

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

And my internet is crisp, if that means anything.

 

[anak85]

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?

Why not a 240mm rad system?

 

[anak85]

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


And my internet is crisp, if that means anything.

Write them an email.

 

[Sagar Chakraborty]

Why not a 240mm rad system?

Where will I then put the RAD of sea hawk?

 

[anak85]

Where will I then put the RAD of sea hawk?

Ahh, I didnt read that bit. According to Necere the Sea Hawk won't fit https://hardforum.com/threads/ncase...n-first-post.1717132/page-503#post-1042375331
https://hardforum.com/threads/ncase...n-first-post.1717132/page-503#post-1042375331
Or is there new information I am not aware of.

Why have two separate pumps? Surely a single loop with a 120mm radiator will reduce your pump noise.

 

[StrawKite]

Write them an email.

Done. They only answer twice per week, so I guess I'll just have to cross my fingers that I can place an order before this batch is sold out.

EDIT: Oh no.. Even though I got an error every time I tried to pay they somehow went through, and lord knows how many orders I got now. What should I do?

EDIT 2: Looks like it's "only" 2 cases, however I'm still very worried.

 

[69matrix69]

you need an upgrade like i got:
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/5671105753

http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/5671105753

 

[Sagar Chakraborty]

Ahh, I didnt read that bit. According to Necere the Sea Hawk won't fit https://hardforum.com/threads/ncase...n-first-post.1717132/page-503#post-1042375331
Or is there new information I am not aware of.

Why have two separate pumps? Surely a single loop with a 120mm radiator will reduce your pump noise.

The card they are talking about is the EK version. The sea hawk X will fit as the dimensions are that of the FE. As for the one single pump. I am a noob and cost for going for a custom water cooled solution is much higher than a two AIO.

 

[Necere]

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

And my internet is crisp, if that means anything.

Yes, the website sometimes throws an error after ordering, but it's nothing to worry about. As long as you get a confirmation from Paypal, the order has gone through.

 

[fightertoad]

Good news everyone (in a Prof. Farnsworth voice), I managed to get my build assembled, and pursued the various GPU cooling options for my Asus Strix 1080 that we discussed on this thread a bit earlier. I'm providing here a summary of my results for reference to those who might be exploring options for open air GPU cooling in NCASE.

My setup is as follows: 4790K - overclocked to 4.7GHz, Noctua C14, 16GB G.Skill DDR3 2400MHz, Gigabyte Z97N Gaming 5, Asus Strix 1080 OC edition, SF600, 4 SSDs

I tested 3 configs for air cooling (all share a rear exhaust Noctua A9x14). All testing done with case completely closed. For reference, in open bench, my GPU at default stock settings stays at 2000MHz, with temps around 64 deg C and fans reaching 44%.

Config 1.

CPU cooling: 2 Noctua S12As push-pull on the C14 + 1 S12A on front side bracket. S12As and A9x14, all have LNAs and are connected via Swiftech PWM splitter to CPU header.

GPU cooling: Strix heatsink only, shroud and fans removed, 2 Noctua NF-F12s with LNAs mounted at bottom, connected to Strix through FanConnect headers. Makeshift shrouds for the two fans created using 7mm radiator gaskets and taped to the fans using Kapton tape

I wanted to connect the NF-F12s directly to the main pwm of Strix and procured the 5 pin pwm adapter Qrash earlier linked, in hopes of doing that. However, turns out that the Strix is using neither a 5 pin, nor a 4 pin pwm header, but rather a new-fangled 6 pin one. The FanConnect link has a big disadvantage in that the fans cannot be made to spin below 60degC.

In game temps in Witcher 3 after 10 mins - CPU - 53-55, GPU - 76-78. GPU slows to 1950MHz and stays there.
Had to create custom curve for NF-F12s that let them attain 100% LNA speed (1200RPM) to keep these temps.


Config 2.

CPU cooling: Same as config 1

GPU cooling: Stock Strix shroud and fans, no bottom fans in NCASE

In game temps in Witcher 3 after 10 mins - CPU - 55-57, GPU - 75-79. GPU slows to 1950MHz and stays there.
GPU fans reach 62% RPM and are quite noisy at these temps.

Config 3.

CPU cooling: NF-A15 and S12A in push-pull on the C14 (with LNAs), A9x14 with LNA at rear. NF-F12 as exhaust on front side bracket (speed controlled using SpeedFan based on GPU temps)

GPU cooling: Stock Strix shroud and fans, 2 S12As at bottom connected to the Strix using FanConnect.

In game temps in Witcher 3 after 10 mins - CPU - 56-59, GPU - 70-71. GPU slows down to 1987MHz and stays there. GPU fans reach 54% and stay there, so an 8% reduction over no bottom fans.

Inferences

• Acoustics wise, Config 1 is better than Config 3 is better than Config 2.
• Better shroud setup and main header PWM control would make config 1 the best option. However, currently it is too kludgy for my taste. In a similar vein, Arctic Accelero should indeed be the best option like this config, as it apparently fits like a glove in NCASE (provided you are satisfied with its VRM cooling setup)
• The GPU definitely sags onto the front bottom fan, needed to put a foam pad in there to prevent this
• NCASE does tend to amplify a bit the wind noise from the fans inside, but this comes with the territory I suppose. Also, if one is not careful, the screw sockets tend to lose threading easily (I had this happen to one of the SFX bracket mount points)
• For now, I'll use Config 3, and have customized the GPU fan curve so that it attains a maximum of 46% fan speed with temps saturating at 74 deg C @ 1974 MHz at stock settings.

 

[anak85]

Good news everyone (in a Prof. Farnsworth voice), I managed to get my build assembled, and pursued the various GPU cooling options for my Asus Strix 1080 that we discussed on this thread a bit earlier. I'm providing here a summary of my results for reference to those who might be exploring options for open air GPU cooling in NCASE.

My setup is as follows: 4790K - overclocked to 4.7GHz, Noctua C14, 16GB G.Skill DDR3 2400MHz, Gigabyte Z97N Gaming 5, Asus Strix 1080 OC edition, SF600, 4 SSDs

I tested 3 configs for air cooling (all share a rear exhaust Noctua A9x14). For reference, in open bench, my GPU at default stock settings stays at 2000MHz, with temps around 64 deg C and fans reaching 44%.

Spoiler: Configs

Config 1.

View attachment 10744

CPU cooling: 2 Noctua S12As push-pull on the C14 + 1 S12A on front side bracket. S12As and A9x14, all have LNAs and are connected via Swiftech PWM splitter to CPU header.

GPU cooling: Strix heatsink only, shroud and fans removed, 2 Noctua NF-F12s with LNAs mounted at bottom, connected to Strix through FanConnect headers. Makeshift shrouds for the two fans created using 7mm radiator gaskets and taped to the fans using Kapton tape

I wanted to connect the NF-F12s directly to the main pwm of Strix and procured the 5 pin pwm adapter Qrash earlier linked, in hopes of doing that. However, turns out that the Strix is using neither a 5 pin, nor a 4 pin pwm header, but rather a new-fangled 6 pin one. The FanConnect link has a big disadvantage in that the fans cannot be made to spin below 60degC.

In game temps in Witcher 3 after 10 mins - CPU - 53-55, GPU - 76-78. GPU slows to 1950MHz and stays there.
Had to create custom curve for NF-F12s that let them attain 100% LNA speed (1200RPM) to keep these temps.


Config 2.

View attachment 10745

CPU cooling: Same as config 1

GPU cooling: Stock Strix shroud and fans, no bottom fans in NCASE

In game temps in Witcher 3 after 10 mins - CPU - 55-57, GPU - 75-79. GPU slows to 1950MHz and stays there.
GPU fans reach 64% RPM and are quite noisy at these temps.

Config 3.

View attachment 10746

CPU cooling: NF-A15 and S12A in push-pull on the C14 (with LNAs), A9x14 with LNA at rear. NF-F12 as exhaust on front side bracket (speed controlled using SpeedFan based on GPU temps)

GPU cooling: Stock Strix shroud and fans, 2 S12As at bottom connected to the Strix using FanConnect.

In game temps in Witcher 3 after 10 mins - CPU - 56-59, GPU - 70-71. GPU slows down to 1987MHz and stays there. GPU fans reach 54% and stay there, so an 8% reduction over no bottom fans.

Inferences

• Acoustics wise, Config 1 is better than Config 3 is better than Config 2.
• Better shroud setup and main header PWM control would make config 1 the best option. However, currently it is too kludgy for my taste. In a similar vein, Arctic Accelero should indeed be the best option like this config, as it apparently fits like a glove in NCASE (provided you are satisfied with its VRM cooling setup)
• The GPU definitely sags onto the front bottom fan, needed to put a foam pad in there to prevent this
• NCASE does tend to amplify a bit the wind noise from the fans inside, but this comes with the territory I suppose. Also, if one is not careful, the screw sockets tend to lose threading easily (I had this happen to one of the SFX bracket mount points)
• For now, I'll use Config 3, and have customized the GPU fan curve so that it attains a maximum of 46% fan speed with temps saturating at 74 deg C @ 1974 MHz at stock settings.

View attachment 10747

I would be interested if you could even improve Config 1 by removing the 120mm fan on the bottom of the C14 and getting rid of the 92mm fan.

 

[fightertoad]

I would be interested if you could even improve Config 1 by removing the 120mm fan on the bottom of the C14 and getting rid of the 92mm fan.

The bottom S12A on the C14 improves the motherboard VRM temps by 10 deg C and CPU temps by 1-2 deg C in my testing. so I quite like it there, plus it doesn't add perceptibly to the noise. I haven't checked the impact of the rear 92mm on temps, though logically I presume it makes a nice system with the C14 fans to remove heat from the CPU's exclusive system at the rear of the case (all of them on LNAs and running off the CPU header). At some point, I may look into checking its impact though, should be interesting.

 

[Chimaera43]

Done. They only answer twice per week, so I guess I'll just have to cross my fingers that I can place an order before this batch is sold out.

EDIT: Oh no.. Even though I got an error every time I tried to pay they somehow went through, and lord knows how many orders I got now. What should I do?

EDIT 2: Looks like it's "only" 2 cases, however I'm still very worried.

Same thing happened to me. I emailed them and they cancelled the double order, and one M1 has been shipped.

 

[Aguda33]

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.

According to Necere on another thread the V5 will be the last production run. Better order soon.

↑
Hi,

I am looking to buy 2 readying for Kaby Lake / Cannonlake, but wanting to know the following...

1. Don't want to order the Version 5 and couple of months later once the cases arrived, Version 6 is announced. Is there any speculation of about the next version?
2. Order now and find out there's a cyber Monday discount 3 weeks later.
3. Are there other shipping to USA cheaper than what's calculated on the website?

Thanks for listening.

Steve
Click to expand...
1. V5 is likely the last revision of the M1.

 

[anak85]

According to Necere on another thread the V5 will be the last production run. Better order soon.

↑
Hi,

I am looking to buy 2 readying for Kaby Lake / Cannonlake, but wanting to know the following...

1. Don't want to order the Version 5 and couple of months later once the cases arrived, Version 6 is announced. Is there any speculation of about the next version?
2. Order now and find out there's a cyber Monday discount 3 weeks later.
3. Are there other shipping to USA cheaper than what's calculated on the website?

Thanks for listening.

Steve
Click to expand...
1. V5 is likely the last revision of the M1.

Last revision, not last production batch.

 

[Aguda33]

Last revision, not last production batch.

Thanks, I stand corrected. I misread his post, sorry if I freaked any out!

 

[smanet]

Last revision, not last production batch.

Phhheeew!

 

[Chimaera43]

Ordered the rare-as-hen's-teeth Noctua NH-C14 cpu cooler from that Canadian retailer. They are ground shipping it to me in the Southwestern USA and the total in USD was ~$85. Here's the email link if you want to pursue it, the guy's name was Kiev.

websales@memoryexpress.com

 

[StrawKite]

Done. They only answer twice per week, so I guess I'll just have to cross my fingers that I can place an order before this batch is sold out.

EDIT: Oh no.. Even though I got an error every time I tried to pay they somehow went through, and lord knows how many orders I got now. What should I do?

EDIT 2: Looks like it's "only" 2 cases, however I'm still very worried.

A little update:
I'm still not sure exactly how many cases was ordered, but my bank has now closed my creditcard because of suspicious activity
And no word from the ncase guys yet.

 

[Qrash]

I wanted to connect the NF-F12s directly to the main pwm of Strix and procured the 5 pin pwm adapter Qrash earlier linked, in hopes of doing that. However, turns out that the Strix is using neither a 5 pin, nor a 4 pin pwm header, but rather a new-fangled 6 pin one. The FanConnect link has a big disadvantage in that the fans cannot be made to spin below 60degC.

Sorry that fan adapter didn't work out for you. In my earlier post I did remind everyone to examine their graphics card's fan header to make sure they order the correct adapter.

I did a search for a mini 6-pin PWM splitter, but found nothing. A good description of the Strix fan headers at the end of the card is found in Tech Report's review of the Strix 1080:

(photo credit: Jeff Kampman, Tech Report)

The most unique feature of the ROG Strix GTX 1080 hides under the front edge of the card's PCB. Asus includes a pair of four-pin fan headers that allow system fans connected to the Strix to respond to the graphics card's temperature fluctuations. Hallelujah.

You see, I'm a huge stickler about firmware fan control, and being able to tie system fan speeds to a variety of component temperatures is one of my favorite things about the better motherboards out there. Even Asus' motherboard firmware doesn't allow builders to set the graphics card temperature as a control variable for system fan speeds yet, though. For systems where the graphics card is likely to be the biggest heat generator (like small-form-factor builds), I've had to rely on third-party fan controllers like NZXT's Grid+ v2 for that kind of control. With the ROG Strix GTX 1080, that all changes.

The fan headers on the Strix card take some DNA from Asus' best-in-class fan-control mojo. They can control both four-pin (PWM) and three-pin (DC) fans, and the headers automatically sense the type of fan that's connected for plug-and-play simplicity. The fans connected this way are controlled by the same fan curve that governs the graphics card's fans, however, so they can't be configured independently or individually. They'll also shut off at idle, which might be an issue in powerful systems with only a couple of fans. Be careful.​

 

[applees]

Was I too late to order my M1? Just paid 5 minutes ago (5:40 AM PST 19th November)

 

[rfarmer]

Was I too late to order my M1? Just paid 5 minutes ago (5:40 AM PST 19th November)

Well it states on site, Pre-orders made between 2016-NOV-8 PST and 2016-NOV-19 PST will ship between 2016-NOV-23 to 2016-NOV-25 PST.

You ordered on Nov 19th so you should be fine.

 

[linux.alucard]

I looked at Alphacool blocks when I was water cooling my GTX 970, the vrm and vram are passively cooled by the fins on the block. They state "A new sophisticated injection system means the GPU is actively cooled. All other chips are sufficiently cooled by the passive cooler which is also in contact with the watercooling block for extra efficiency." If you go this route bottom intake fans would be a plus, cooling the passive parts of the block.

I ordered!

Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 / 1070 M01 - Black






Review link

GPU idle: 29 ° C
GPU load: 51 ° C

VRM: 49,7 ° C (infrared thermometer)
FAN speed: constans 800 RPM

 

[Jspr]

I ordered!

Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 / 1070 M01 - Black






Review link

GPU idle: 29 ° C
GPU load: 51 ° C

VRM: 49,7 ° C (infrared thermometer)
FAN speed: constans 800 RPM

Haha, THAT video! really made me laugh :-D He is SO proud of that system!

 

[linux.alucard]

Haha, THAT video! really made me laugh :-D He is SO proud of that system!

yeh, but the product is very good (i hope)

sorry for my english

 

[Necere]

I ordered!

Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 / 1070 M01 - Black






Review link

GPU idle: 29 ° C
GPU load: 51 ° C

VRM: 49,7 ° C (infrared thermometer)
FAN speed: constans 800 RPM

Just be aware that you'll only be able to use that rad with a single fan, and even then it will be fairly thick and won't leave much space to run the tubing.

 

[fightertoad]

Sorry that fan adapter didn't work out for you. In my earlier post I did remind everyone to examine their graphics card's fan header to make sure they order the correct adapter.

I did a search for a mini 6-pin PWM splitter, but found nothing. A good description of the Strix fan headers at the end of the card is found in Tech Report's review of the Strix 1080:

​

No worries!, I ordered the 5 pin adapter before I had the card in hand so that there wasn't a delay in trying out the setup. Those 4 pin Strix fan headers Techreport talks about (Asus calls them FanConnect) were the saving grace in the end as they allowed the two NF-F12s to atleast be controlled by the GPU.

 

[Qrash]

I ordered!

Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 / 1070 M01 - Black






Review link

GPU idle: 29 ° C
GPU load: 51 ° C

VRM: 49,7 ° C (infrared thermometer)
FAN speed: constans 800 RPM

Wow, what a cooler! Is the heatsink milled for the Founders Edition cards? Are all non-FE cards so similar under their proprietary heatsinks that the milled Alphacool block will fit all of them?

 

[Chapeau]

Haha, THAT video! really made me laugh :-D He is SO proud of that system!

Pretty much the entire video series that guy is having a techgasm.. I do like Germans - they're always interesting folks.

 

[applees]

Well it states on site, Pre-orders made between 2016-NOV-8 PST and 2016-NOV-19 PST will ship between 2016-NOV-23 to 2016-NOV-25 PST.

You ordered on Nov 19th so you should be fine.

Is there an email you get when they get shipped out? I got the email for the paypal payment.

 

[rfarmer]

Is there an email you get when they get shipped out? I got the email for the paypal payment.

You will get tracking info sent, it sometimes takes a couple days after it was actually shipped.

If you are in the US shipping is surprisingly quick, I got mine 6 days after it was shipped.

 

[Bender248]

No worries!, I ordered the 5 pin adapter before I had the card in hand so that there wasn't a delay in trying out the setup. Those 4 pin Strix fan headers Techreport talks about (Asus calls them FanConnect) were the saving grace in the end as they allowed the two NF-F12s to atleast be controlled by the GPU.

I just switched my bottom fans from the Mobo fan controller to the STRIX and, I thought I had an improvement right away of 5c but then I realized I had the side panel off, ultimately the benefits temperature wise I think are going to be marginal at best but the noise profile might be better as having the noctua fans on an aggressive profile will delay the 3x92 STRIX fans from spinning. Or maybe I should just commit and remove them...

 

[gabor017]

Hey guys! Im new here. Read "couple" of pages of comments but i still would have some questions if u dont mind. Do you know if there is any site where i can order the case? (I mean Canadian website). I would love to build a not too heavy, NOT watercooled, BUT as quiet as possible gaming desktop with gtx1070. Could u please help me out with some advices?