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

[Engr62]

Is there a current recommended hardware list for the M1 V6 / 6.1?

I'm for sure going to need a new CPU cooler (8700K) and my 1080Ti / AXIII will need compatible fans - all that and a new PSU and I think I'm good to go...

You can't go wrong with a Noctua NH-U9S with dual fans for the i7-8700K.

 

[DoubleTap]

You can't go wrong with a Noctua NH-U9S with dual fans for the i7-8700K.

I've heard it's pretty loud and that the C14 is quieter and performs better.

 

[Bawjaws]

I've heard it's pretty loud and that the C14 is quieter and performs better.

I have both of the fans on my U9S running on the low noise adaptors and even at full speed (1,600rpm iirc) they are not loud by any means. They're audible, but it's a quiet whoosh and far from unpleasant on the ear.

The C14 is discontinued, so if you can find one then buy one.

 

[Pillars]

You can mod the C14S to fit, Dremel out the middle bar and bend to fit. This allows the rear, side bracket and an under sink fans to fit given you desink your ram. I run a delid 9700K at 4.8Ghz that doesn't break 60C gaming.

 

[retnyop]

The C14 is discontinued, so if you can find one then buy one.

There are two C14's on ebay for sale at the moment up for grabs if anyones interested.

 

[Skott]

If those C14 hsf are complete and decent shape and decently priced best to jump on them.

 

[retnyop]

I got mine for £32+shipping, another went for £42 + shipping and there's one still left. Mine was in good nick, but without any noctua fans or AM kit, but I was getting a Chromax replacement anyway. The other incl AM fitting + 2 original Noc fans. The one still available is at £3 so far! includes 2 original Noc round fans.

 

[enyownz]

Dang March for the restock. Wanted that silver v6.1.

How's the build quality of the v6.1?

 

[Raptor5150]

Can someone tell me how the thermals are on the v6 with a 2080Ti FE ?

Looking to nab this case upcoming restock

 

[Skott]

Supposedly June we see the next Ti flagship GPU. 3080Ti or whatever they intend to call it. Can't wait to see what this community does with that and the NCASE case.

 

[DoubleTap]

There are two C14's on ebay for sale at the moment up for grabs if anyones interested.

Got one that looks nib for about $96 shipped.

 

[GnomeCop]

Can someone tell me how the thermals are on the v6 with a 2080Ti FE ?

Looking to nab this case upcoming restock

I only have the V1 (first edition) but I have a FE in it and my GPU idles at 35 C on a cold day and 42 C in the dead of summer on a hot muggy day (my place doesn't have AC). At load it has never gone over 80 C regardless of ambient. usually in games I see about 65 C average. Running benchmarks, I see about 75-78 C max.
I think with the improved side panels of the V6, those temps should be a good chunk lower, but even right now with my setup (9900k w 240 AIO, 2080 TI FE) temps in this case are fantastic.
I can't wait for the accessories like the side panels, front i/o. etc to come in stock.

The only thing of note with my setup is that I have my NCASE mounted under my desk so it gets plenty of airflow under the case. (no filters installed at all)

 

[Raptor5150]

I only have the V1 (first edition) but I have a FE in it and my GPU idles at 35 C on a cold day and 42 C in the dead of summer on a hot muggy day (my place doesn't have AC). At load it has never gone over 80 C regardless of ambient. usually in games I see about 65 C average. Running benchmarks, I see about 75-78 C max.
I think with the improved side panels of the V6, those temps should be a good chunk lower, but even right now with my setup (9900k w 240 AIO, 2080 TI FE) temps in this case are fantastic.
I can't wait for the accessories like the side panels, front i/o. etc to come in stock.

The only thing of note with my setup is that I have my NCASE mounted under my desk so it gets plenty of airflow under the case. (no filters installed at all)

Thank you so much!

Took like 3 different posts on 3 different sites for this reply haha I appreciate it.

Maybe temps will be even better with the v6 and I won't have to undervolt. Do you have bottom mounted fans as well or does the v1 not allow that?

 

[GnomeCop]

Thank you so much!

Took like 3 different posts on 3 different sites for this reply haha I appreciate it.

Maybe temps will be even better with the v6 and I won't have to undervolt. Do you have bottom mounted fans as well or does the v1 not allow that?

I do not have any bottom mounted fans, I definitely intended to install them when I was building my PC, but I decided I would add them later if temps were not great. I already have 2x Noctua NF-A12x25 fans on my 240 AIO radiator already and I didn't feel like spending another $60 for 2 more if I didn't have to. After completing the build the temps were so good, I decided to just leave it as is, but it's nice to always have that option to add 2 more fans at the bottom if the need arises.
I still want to undervolt the GPU to really optimize for noise and heat when I have some free time. But having the case mounted under my desk makes any noise really tough to hear unless the GPU is working at full bore.

for reference: my system

 

[Raptor5150]

@

for reference: my system

were about to have the same build except team red for me on the CPU and a different version of the same case

Awesome im so excited!

 

[DoubleTap]

I think my V6.1 is going to be delivered today - it's tracking around Austin.

I feel really unprepared - mostly I need to get the PSU but I'm wondering if I shouldn't just keep it in the box until the 3080Ti is released

My 1080Ti has the ACXIII installed - I know it will work, but I'm not sure all the effort makes sense with new cards likely a few months away.

 

[Skott]

I think my V6.1 is going to be delivered today - it's tracking around Austin.

I feel really unprepared - mostly I need to get the PSU but I'm wondering if I shouldn't just keep it in the box until the 3080Ti is released

My 1080Ti has the ACXIII installed - I know it will work, but I'm not sure all the effort makes sense with new cards likely a few months away.

Dont feel bad. I still have v1.0 still sitting in its box never used. lol I bought two on the first run and only use one so far. I keep saying I'm going to build something in the unused one. Just haven't yet.

 

[DoubleTap]

Dont feel bad. I still have v1.0 still sitting in its box never used. lol I bought two on the first run and only use one so far. I keep saying I'm going to build something in the unused one. Just haven't yet.

Thanks. that does make me feel better, but right now, I have 3 cases in my office:

Cougar PanzerMax (my favorite EATX, high airflow beast case)
Silverstone RL08 (a really good mATX, high airflow case - currently holding my mITX system)
Ncase M1 V6.1 (still in the box)

I love all 3 of these cases and find it very hard to sell any of them.

I bought an original Noctua C14 off of ebay and I have the Asrock Phantom Z390 motherboard and of course the ACXIII

I've been wanting to build this case for several years and now that it's basically in my lap, I'm second guessing myself.

Mostly I worry about dust - but a lot of people say you don't get as much dust in an SFF. Not sure I believe that, but I do buy a lot of air cans.

I forgot to start this with "Dear Diary"

 

[GnomeCop]

Dont feel bad. I still have v1.0 still sitting in its box never used. lol I bought two on the first run and only use one so far. I keep saying I'm going to build something in the unused one. Just haven't yet.

Thanks. that does make me feel better, but right now, I have 3 cases in my office:

Cougar PanzerMax (my favorite EATX, high airflow beast case)
Silverstone RL08 (a really good mATX, high airflow case - currently holding my mITX system)
Ncase M1 V6.1 (still in the box)

I love all 3 of these cases and find it very hard to sell any of them.
QUOTE]

I know how that feels, I finally busted open my sealed V1.0 and upgraded my 8 year old PC last year during black friday. When the time is right you'll know it. Just don't let release cycles dictate too much when you upgrade because hopefully you'll be able to at least do it when nand flash and system memory prices are low.

 

[DoubleTap]

I know how that feels, I finally busted open my sealed V1.0 and upgraded my 8 year old PC last year during black friday. When the time is right you'll know it. Just don't let release cycles dictate too much when you upgrade because hopefully you'll be able to at least do it when nand flash and system memory prices are low.

I think I'm fine with my 8700K + 16GB/4000Mhz RAM for a while. My main worry is how well my 1080Ti will work.

When I built the RL08, I installed the GPU (with the ACXIII) in the top slot of the case and used two top mounted Noctua fans to push air onto the cooler. It was a total disaster and the card throttled so bad you couldn't run any games without massive stuttering. The ACXIII works great - as long as you have direct airflow but I don't want to get all up to my elbows only to find I have to back out to the mATX case. Overthinking it for sure - a next gen founders card would probably make this way easier.

Also, everyone says to get the Corsair 600W, but I feel like I might as well get the 750W Platinum - I mean, why not?

Edit: The Corsair 600W and 750W SFF Power Supplies seem to be out of stock just about everywhere. Amazon is saying 1-2 months, Corsair says the 600W Plat will be available in a week.

 

[GnomeCop]

I think I'm fine with my 8700K + 16GB/4000Mhz RAM for a while. My main worry is how well my 1080Ti will work.

When I built the RL08, I installed the GPU (with the ACXIII) in the top slot of the case and used two top mounted Noctua fans to push air onto the cooler. It was a total disaster and the card throttled so bad you couldn't run any games without massive stuttering. The ACXIII works great - as long as you have direct airflow but I don't want to get all up to my elbows only to find I have to back out to the mATX case. Overthinking it for sure - a next gen founders card would probably make this way easier.

Also, everyone says to get the Corsair 600W, but I feel like I might as well get the 750W Platinum - I mean, why not?

Edit: The Corsair 600W and 750W SFF Power Supplies seem to be out of stock just about everywhere. Amazon is saying 1-2 months, Corsair says the 600W Plat will be available in a week.

I went all out with my system and to be honest, I really wish I didn't. But if money isn't a concern, it's your money and spend it however you like.
But it's good to know that the ncase can handle pretty much any system config within reason you can throw at it without heavy modifications. I just built a "standard" high end system with a 9900k, 32gb ram, 2TB nvme ssd, z390 mobo, 2080Ti, 750w corsair PSU and 34" ultrawide LG display. Because it's been done before by so many, the system came together perfectly and the build went through without a single hitch. Temps in the NCASE v1 are phenomenal for both the CPU and GPU.
my ncase v1 system

 

[DoubleTap]

I went all out with my system and to be honest, I really wish I didn't. But if money isn't a concern, it's your money and spend it however you like.
But it's good to know that the ncase can handle pretty much any system config within reason you can throw at it without heavy modifications. I just built a "standard" high end system with a 9900k, 32gb ram, 2TB nvme ssd, z390 mobo, 2080Ti, 750w corsair PSU and 34" ultrawide LG display. Because it's been done before by so many, the system came together perfectly and the build went through without a single hitch. Temps in the NCASE v1 are phenomenal for both the CPU and GPU.
my ncase v1 system

What is it you regret? Do you feel like you over-built?

Fortunately, I had most of what I needed already - apart from the PSU and cooler.

I ordered the Platinum 750 direct from Corsair - it was more than it would be on Amazon but I have this minor worry/conspiracy theory that a lot of PC parts and tech in general may become much harder to come buy while China fights their outbreak.

 

[GnomeCop]

What is it you regret? Do you feel like you over-built?
Fortunately, I had most of what I needed already - apart from the PSU and cooler.
I ordered the Platinum 750 direct from Corsair - it was more than it would be on Amazon but I have this minor worry/conspiracy theory that a lot of PC parts and tech in general may become much harder to come buy while China fights their outbreak.

yep , overbuilt, exactly, but the system is amazing, and I finally get to play everything at maxxed out settings. Now I just got to make the most of it and beat some games in my backlog. I'm fairly certain I would have been just as happy with a slightly smaller LCD, 2070 super, less ram, smaller ssd and of course a lower wattage PSU. I don't think I come close at all to stressing out my power supply even with the top end hardware. But lesson learned, and enjoying the system while it's still more than capable.

 

[Raptor5150]

Pre orders are up for 6.1 batch.

Got mine and now my X53 finally arrived cant wait to build!

 

[MightyBoo]

+1
I need to get one for my new build. Fingers crossed their back soon!

Thanks!! I just purchased the I/O header with USB-C, for my V2 + Strix Z390i.... even though it’s priced @ $40 USD

 

[Grendell]

And I could finally buy the top panel with odd slot vor my v6, till now I used the one from my v3

 

[DoubleTap]

And I could finally buy the top panel with odd slot vor my v6, till now I used the one from my v3

I really want a top panel with the optical slot but they have been OOS for 9 months...

Also, I ended up using just the basic power button only front panel - I didn't have an internal connection for the USB-C and I don't need the headphone jack. I'd like to see a panel with only regular USB ports but that's unlikely...

EDIT: JUST CHECKED AND THEY HAD THE SLOTTED TOPS IN STOCK!

 

[Verdi]

Happy to see that the side panels now have expanded the ventilation openings for open cooler GPUs. That was the only weak point of this case in my opinion. Too bad the side panels are not yet available to purchase separately.

 

[MightyBoo]

Hello,

I had just came home (Singapore), and found out i received my M1 V2. I do not intend to assemble her up anytime soon due to work, but here are the unboxing pics to share:

- The build quality materials are outstanding. I'm impressed with the thoughtfulness of the fine details, such as nice power-on buttons and many more.

- The is the only case out there, which features: +mini-ITX +full-body AL +slot loading + 240mm radiator + long graphics card +minimalistic design.-

- The Silver finishing, looks and feels.... Perfect. Thank you Necere and W360.

This is an update to the post in 2014. Built in 2019, finally completed in 2020.... with the last piece of jigsaw puzzle USB-C front I/O panel.
Samsung CRG90
Stock Nvidia 2080ti
9900K + IC Diamond Thermal Interface Pad
2x 8GB Corsair 3200 LPX
Strix Z390i
2x 500GB NVME Samsung 970 Plus with BIOS Intel Raid 0.... (speed is limited by DMI)
Corsair SF750 Platinum
Corsair RGB H100i AIO attached paired 2x Noctua A12 with NCASE stock metal fan grills.... intake, with 2x small demciflex magnetic filters...
2x Corsair RGB H100i Fans relocated to the bottom.... intake, running at 50% (argus monitor app) due to noise... with 1x big piece bottom demciflex magnetic filters...
Generic SATA DVD drive, Bose companion 20, Logitech Craft keyboard & MX 2S mouse, Hue coloured bulbs & Nanoleaf Canvas to Sync with the display colour.

****look at a dust filter... it is doing magic!
****i have placed 1x translucent anti-slip silicone rubber stud bumper/shock absorber between the edge of the 2080ti & the corner of the corsair fan... to prevent card sag.

This is my final perfect build on the NCASE M1 V2. Thank you Necere and W360.

 

[Qrash]

This is an update to the post in 2014. Built in 2019, finally completed in 2020.... with the last piece of jigsaw puzzle USB-C front I/O panel.
Samsung CRG90
Stock Nvidia 2080ti
9900K + IC Diamond Thermal Interface Pad
2x 8GB Corsair 3200 LPX
Strix Z390i
2x 500GB NVME Samsung 970 Plus with BIOS Intel Raid 0.... (speed is limited by DMI)
Corsair SF750 Platinum
Corsair RGB H100i AIO attached paired 2x Noctua A12 with NCASE stock metal fan grills.... intake, with 2x small demciflex magnetic filters...
2x Corsair RGB H100i Fans relocated to the bottom.... intake, running at 50% (argus monitor app) due to noise... with 1x big piece bottom demciflex magnetic filters...
Generic SATA DVD drive, Bose companion 20, Logitech Craft keyboard & MX 2S mouse, Hue coloured bulbs & Nanoleaf Canvas to Sync with the display colour.

****look at a dust filter... it is doing magic!
****i have placed 1x translucent anti-slip silicone rubber stud bumper/shock absorber between the edge of the 2080ti & the corner of the corsair fan... to prevent card sag.

This is my final perfect build on the NCASE M1 V2. Thank you Necere and W360.

What a powerful build! Is it only for gaming? I like the silicone bumper to support the graphics card.

The filters are working well. How often do you have to clean them? When they are clean do you find they cause your temperatures to rise or the fan speeds to increase (to maintain a desired temperature)?

 

[MightyBoo]

What a powerful build! Is it only for gaming? I like the silicone bumper to support the graphics card.

The filters are working well. How often do you have to clean them? When they are clean do you find they cause your temperatures to rise or the fan speeds to increase (to maintain a desired temperature)?

Yup for gaming only.
This was the first time I opened up the case to install the Front USB-C I/O since my last build in 2019.... so it was about 6 months plus...
Surprised that the components were clean of dust; most of the dust was trapped at the intake side panel and bottom filters.

 

[DoubleTap]

My Ncase M1 v6.1 build is complete with the exception of the optical drive which should be here in a week or so:

Silver M1 v6.1
Slotted top panel (not shown)
Astock Z390 Phantom ITX
8700K (stock)
16GB 4000Mhz Trident
Noctua C14
5x Noctua NFA 120mm
Corsair SF750
GTX1080Ti
Arctic ACX III GPU cooler
250GB WD Black NVME
2TB Sabrent Rocket NVME
2TB Micron SSD
4TB Evo 860 SSD
MNPCTECH custom feet - black (not shown - new screws are on the way from Bill)
Simplified (power only) front panel (no USB C header on my mobo)

This system is incredibly quiet while gaming and silent when not gaming, I couldn't be more pleased.

 

[Grendell]

heyho ,

did a unnecessary update to my system , had a msi 2080ti ventus oc installed , the cooler is way quiter than the blower cards .... and i could be happy but i wanted to try something
so i bought a evga 2080ti xc gaming second hand, the cooler on this hard is about 10mm lower than an the msi one , could install 120x25mm fans in the botom again , with the msi one "only" 15mm where possible
and i was surprised to find that evga hath a zero fan mode , msi did 900rpm while idle

post some pictures later , some funny ones , a few screws reach within the plastic casing of the fans

 

[harsaphes]

hey all you locked downers. I'm looking for something to 'suspend' my Ncase from under my desk. I know I've seen things like this but cant remember where. Any suggestions please?
Thanks.

 

[GnomeCop]

hey all you locked downers. I'm looking for something to 'suspend' my Ncase from under my desk. I know I've seen things like this but cant remember where. Any suggestions please?
Thanks.

I use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07657F2SX

doesn't seem to block off enough venting to affect cooling too much, leaves plenty of space above the case between it and the bottom of the desk to allow for hot air to vent out.

i have pics in my completed build page on PCPartPicker: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/X2KBD3

 

[harsaphes]

thanks.

 

[Epos7]

Being bored in lockdown, I'm thinking about making some updates to my NCASE build.

I've been happy with the performance of my C14 on the CPU, however I've never been too pleased with my GPU cooling. I tried installing an Accelero III, and it is pretty effective, but I'm not happy with the installation. It's not really plug and play on the 2080 and requires a lot of custom shimming so I've never been 100% confident in it.

So I'm thinking about doing liquid cooling for the first time. If it was just for the CPU I'd get an AIO, but given that I want to include the GPU, I think I need a custom loop.

What are my options in terms of radiators and waterblocks? It looks like none of the cards with a factory installed waterblock will fit. I've heard the Heatkiller blocks will fit in the NCASE - can anyone confirm? I'm wondering if I can fit a second radiator under the graphics card, or if I'd be limited to one 240mm rad on the side.

 

[harsaphes]

Check this guys Youtube page. He does great stuff and has a lot on Ncase
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRYOj4DmyxhBVrdvbsUwmAA/search?query=ncase

 

[cmalcolm48]

Hey all Thinking of building a new computer in a Ncase M1 myself. I would very much like to go mini-ITX Ryzen 7 3rd gen. But one of the problems I am running into is find a good ITX mobo that I can bifurcate the PCIE. Want to run 1 Graphics card and my WIGIG wireless card for my wireless HTC Vive VR setup. Got any advice on mobo and bifurcation products to use?

 

[rfarmer]

Hey all Thinking of building a new computer in a Ncase M1 myself. I would very much like to go mini-ITX Ryzen 7 3rd gen. But one of the problems I am running into is find a good ITX mobo that I can bifurcate the PCIE. Want to run 1 Graphics card and my WIGIG wireless card for my wireless HTC Vive VR setup. Got any advice on mobo and bifurcation products to use?

Gigabyte x570i Aorus Pro Wifi, check page 28 of the manual.