New, unconventional mITX case idea!

[theGryphon]

What would you say to a mITX case that can hold a 240mm AIO, a 3-slot 11.5" GPU, an SFX PSU, two SSDs, and an optical drive, AND have a transparent side window at the same time, in a package that's smaller than NCASE M1, with better case temps? (I know, it's a bit too bold)

Intrigued yet? Then, keep on reading

For those who have Sketchup, here's the model showing the component placement: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=u7f0e7cc0-db6a-4cd5-b0de-12a74079f6a1

I'm a Sketchup newbie, but I think I got it right in terms of the most important design ideas.

As far as I can tell, the case dimensions as it is should not be larger than 330 x 250 x 140, including all the structural components and feet (more on feet below). That makes 11.55 liters! For comparison, M1 is 13.12 liters and SG05 is 11.09 liters, both with feet.

As you can visualize, the GPU is to be attached with a vertical riser. It's rather unconventional and the design forces the use of an AIO liquid cooler. The model currently has a 2-slot GPU, which requires an extension to the riser, using something similar to what Silverstone used in the Raven RVZ01. With a 3-slot GPU, the extension is not needed. As you can see, even with a 3-slot GPU, there is plenty of clearance for almost any AIO cooler, except for CM's Eisberg line.

The window would be on the GPU side, to show it off. I'm thinking of a perforated window to let the GPU and case breathe. I guess the window can be made of acrylic, or for a more premium look, out of tempered glass ala the In Win 901. The fans on the radiator can be made to suck air from inside the case, this way no hot air would build up on top of the motherboard. Perforations on the window should be plenty to let fresh air come in. Or, the fans can be reversed to take fresh air in and to keep a positive air pressure inside, and for better CPU temps and better dust filtering. The PSU would need an internal cable, and I indicated where the AC outlet would go.

Another thing is that I'm thinking about letting the user decide how to orient the case. In somewhat of an industrial design, think of feet that can be screwed in either 1) at the side where the SSD's are, for a more conventional look, or 2) at the side where the optical drive is, for a Fortress FT-03 style. When the feet are not there, the screw holes can be covered with placeholder hex head cap screws, or similar. Rubber washers would be needed not to scratch the case. For the second version, a case would be needed to cover the top, which would add some height. This second version would be preferable to reduce the footprint, which would then be 250x140, instead of 330x250. In the first version, DVD would feed from the top, front IO on the side, PSU venting from bottom. In the second, DVD feed is on the side, front IO is on the front, and PSU is venting on the other side.

(Apparently, this vertical orientation is patented by Silverstone, and I'm not sure if selling the case in conventional orientation and letting the user change to vertical if they want would fly in terms of infringement).

Well, obviously, the most striking downside of this idea is that it forces the user to an AIO liquid cooler (120mm or 240mm). The model is not showing any 3.5" drives, but one can possibly fit in place of the optical drive but that might add another 10mm. I rather not have that. Two more 2.5" drives would easily fit if the user choose to do so in place of the optical drive, without need for making the case larger. Yet four more 2.5" drives can fit with a cage if a 120mm AIO cooler is used instead of a 240mm.

The purpose of this case is basically to have a side window without sacrificing from any enthusiast-level components, as well as any cooling performance. The side window mainly serves to show-off the GPU. Maybe you guessed it, but I had the new Titan Z in mind, but I know that's a pipe dream for most of us

Edit: By the way, the case should have about 80mm height clearance for CPU heatsinks if used with a 2-slot GPU. With the two 120mm top fans blowing fresh air, it should do a fine job. Coolers like NH-L12i should fit just fine with a 2-slot GPU.

So, how do you like it? Would you consider buying this case? Or, would you say no need/market for it?

 

[theGryphon]

Reserved.

 

[thexshadow]

One thing the M1 has is it can fit a thicker rad. With this you will only be able to use a thin rad. And I would give some space between the rad and the mobo.

 

[theGryphon]

One thing the M1 has is it can fit a thicker rad. With this you will only be able to use a thin rad. And I would give some space between the rad and the mobo.

Thanks for your comment!

The case can be made a bit larger to accommodate 38mm rads. With a bit more clearance, that would add say 15mm, to make it 330x265x140, 12.23lt.

 

[King Icewind]

The psu is the black box under the gpu right? I feel like there should be at least one fan blowing air into the case too considering all that's going to be in there in such a tight space..

And let's see the concept of the entire case!

 

[medeyer]

Yeah, I don't think it's too practical. I can just imagine how frustrating it would be trying to run cables in there, let alone a WC loop.

All these "NCase Killah" design threads are an interesting read and sometimes a good looksee with pics like this one, but they're not bringing anything new to the table.

 

[Zangmonkey]

My problem with this case is that it doesn't permit easy aftermarket GPU cooling without a very tight custom loop.

For the most part I'd rather change the cooler on the GPU because it's a more likely source of noise. In your design the CPU doesn't have headroom because it offloads to an AIO but the GPU appears to pull from a top intake.

So if I wanted to upgrade the GPU cooler, or attach it to an AIO instead, now I've lost the headroom for an effective air coolers on the CPU.

I think your design works for some people, just not for me.

 

[CHANG3D]

Use a flexible riser and put the gpu behind the motherboard. Better for air.

 

[theGryphon]

The psu is the black box under the gpu right? I feel like there should be at least one fan blowing air into the case too considering all that's going to be in there in such a tight space..

And let's see the concept of the entire case!

Yep, the black box is the PSU. I guess I should another pic for a better angle. I'm pretty sure the case will be fine with two 120mm fans, either as exhaust, or as intake. Remember, the side window on the GPU side is supposed to be perforated. Even with small holes that should be enough for breathing.

If only I had the skills to do it quickly, I would've given you a case model already It would take me a looong time to come with a detailed drawing, and I thought this model is good enough to visualize the case.

Yeah, I don't think it's too practical. I can just imagine how frustrating it would be trying to run cables in there, let alone a WC loop.

All these "NCase Killah" design threads are an interesting read and sometimes a good looksee with pics like this one, but they're not bringing anything new to the table.

Ncase killah was not even crossing my mind. I think of this case as a controversial, windowed brother of M1 It's always good to have options! What's new with this case is obviously a transparent side window.

GPU is the last thing one would install in this case, once all the cabling and stuff done. It's tight, but about as much as M1.

My problem with this case is that it doesn't permit easy aftermarket GPU cooling without a very tight custom loop.

For the most part I'd rather change the cooler on the GPU because it's a more likely source of noise. In your design the CPU doesn't have headroom because it offloads to an AIO but the GPU appears to pull from a top intake.

So if I wanted to upgrade the GPU cooler, or attach it to an AIO instead, now I've lost the headroom for an effective air coolers on the CPU.

I think your design works for some people, just not for me.

Well, I don't know if I got you right, but this case has tons of headroom for aftermarket GPU cooling. Anything up to 3 slots and 11.5" should fit, and still using the 240mm AIO for the CPU. Observe that very tall GPUs should also fit just fine. I think GPU support is probably the most strong edge of this case.

If you're thinking about an AIO solution on the GPU, that's a no-go, unless a manufacturer comes up with a design with two blocks in a single 240mm AIO. Off-topic, but I've been wondering why they didn't do that yet. If they do that, this case would be a huge winner in my eyes

Use a flexible riser and put the gpu behind the motherboard. Better for air.

I thought of that but I don't see any benefit to it; how is it better? Plus, the GPU position would be very awkward. Either the GPU would face the back of the mobo, terrible for GPU temps and any visual. Or, you would have to use a very long flexible riser to inverse the GPU. Even then, you would need a space between the mobo and GPU for not overheating, and installation of the 240mm rad would require even further engineering of the case... Just too complicated.

 

[illli]

I like it.

 

[CHANG3D]

I thought of that but I don't see any benefit to it; how is it better? Plus, the GPU position would be very awkward. Either the GPU would face the back of the mobo, terrible for GPU temps and any visual. Or, you would have to use a very long flexible riser to inverse the GPU. Even then, you would need a space between the mobo and GPU for not overheating, and installation of the 240mm rad would require even further engineering of the case... Just too complicated.

there are flexible reverse riser cables. You do realize that the current design is a reverse solid riser, right?

 

[Stevo_]

Meh, already done minus the WC

http://www.overclock.net/t/1256109/build-log-velociraptor/0_100

 

[theGryphon]

I like it.

Thanks!

there are flexible reverse riser cables. You do realize that the current design is a reverse solid riser, right?

Yeah, it is in reverse compared to Silverstone one. Depending on the availability, a flexible riser might be used. Actually a flexible riser would be the best choice for this case, since the 2-slot and 3-slot configurations need different riser lengths anyway. The riser can be held in place in three different locations using some kind of easy to on-off clip mechanism, for 1-slot, 2-slot and 3-slot GPU configs. Yeah, that would do it perfectly!

In either case, note that the GPU needs support from the bottom. Although I didn't draw it, the case frame would actually end right under the mobo/gpu, and the SSDs would attach from underside, to be covered with an outer shell/cover.

Thanks for your input!

Meh, already done minus the WC

http://www.overclock.net/t/1256109/build-log-velociraptor/0_100

Wow, that guy's a true engineer! So much respect for guys like him!
Yeah, he uses a long flexible riser and pretty much does everything that can possibly be done, less the WC. That case would be too costly to manufacture though, don't you think?

By the way, the case proposed here should have about 80mm height clearance for CPU heatsinks if used with a 2-slot GPU. With the two 120mm top fans blowing fresh air, it should do a fine job. Coolers like NH-L12i should fit just fine with a 2-slot GPU.