SideArmD SA4 case, CNC + AIO + 9.35L

[wahaha360]

Update 2019-01-19 : Noctua L12S fit verified, all 70mm of it (2 GPU Slot mode)

Update 2019-01-14 : Prototype 1, need to work on lighting

Update 2019-01-12 : CES 2019, I don't think need 240mm AIO

Update 2019-01-07 : 240 AIO support and no size increase (working it out with OEM), details on this post.

Update 2019-01-06 : size comparison, to help you guys visualize (dimensions do NOT include protrusions or feet)

Update 2019-01-05 : Space Gray, Black and Silver prototypes for CES 2019


After the initial project stalled, https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/ncase-project-sidearm.1525, I couldn't give up.

Special thanks:
Necere for letting me use the name and the layout
dondan for giving me some tips about spacing
guryhwa for helping I/O and PCIe riser

I got a i9-9900K and RTX Titan, and I need something small enough to travel with, so I created a case for the obsessed - like myself.


Specification

Material: CNCed from 10mm 6061 aluminum + 1.5mm aluminum metal brackets
Side panels: Vented Panel / Tempered Glass / Acrylic, window on both sides
Colors: Anodized sand blasted space gray for exterior, anodized black for interior

Dimensions (W x H x D): 210 x 135 x 330, 9.35L
Graphic cards support: Three-Slot Slot GPU up to 315mm
Motherboard support: Mini-ITX
Power Supply support: SFX
CPU Heatsink support: Up to 70mm height (Noctua L12S)
Water cooling support: 120mm AIO at 30mm thick
Drives: 2 x 2.5" HDD/SSD
I/O ports: 2 x Type-C, Power button
PCIe Riser: Included

Target Price: USD 240 - 270


Renderings

* 2 x 120mm fans + 30mm thick radiator + custom DDC Block Pump

* back panel is interchangeable to support 3 slot GPU or 2 slot GPU
* 2 slot GPU configuration allows for 70mm CPU cooler height, ideal for Noctua L12S
* 3 slot GPU configuration allows for 48mm CPU cooler height, ideal for AIO block pump

* 3 slot GPU configuration provides intake clearance for 2 slot blower GPUs behind glass window

* flip the case to get better cooling on high end parts

* ventilated side panel

Feedback appreciated!

 

[vipz]

I like what I'm seeing here. Is this the same case that Necere has been hinting about?

Can you talk more about the following quote?

• After playing with this design for so long, I had a creative breakthrough

What exactly does the breakthrough involve?

How is the riser different/better than the one in the A4?

Also, the case is 130mm wide, how come the case fans are only 92mm?

 

[Boil]

Okay, it's pretty cool & all, especially if you have your computer on the go a lot…

But…

Not digging the negative volume of the handle area…

And I note that the original prototype (in the pics for ants up top of the post) had water cooling…?

< this is where I went off on a redesign tangent incorporating a triple 92mm rad & custom pump/res that would require shorty GPUs & lose your extra SSD/HDD space >

Pretty cool though, would make a great portable workstation (6-core Skylake-X / X299 / Titan P); and I am loving the 92mm fans because the one over the MB should help keep those backside-mounted M.2 NVMe SSDs cool…

Or give enough clearance for a 15mm thick 2.5" SSD, and Intel 750 Series drives with the M.2 cable can be utilized (or whatever their replacement is by the time X299 is shipping)…!

Interested to see the unibody version… As I type this on my Late 2010 Unibody (Polycarbonate) MacBook…!

More I look, the more I get that G5 workstation era (custom closed loop water cooling from Apple? Crazy talk…!) portable RAID arrays vibe…

Don't get me wrong, not trying to come off as an ass (as I realize I might be sounding like one), but it is late and I am a little ripped and just freestyle on this thing…!

 

[Necere]

Is this the same case that Necere has been hinting about?

No. This is w360's pet project, inspired by my old concept. I consulted on it, but the bulk of the design is his own work. The project I'm currently working on is quite different from this.

 

[wahaha360]

I like what I'm seeing here. Is this the same case that Necere has been hinting about?

He is close on another case design he will reveal it when he is ready.

Can you talk more about the following quote?

• After playing with this design for so long, I had a creative breakthrough

What exactly does the breakthrough involve?

1. finding a factory to make the riser cable and finalizing the design:
1. finding a factory that is willing to make: low volume, CNCed, handles
3. finding a factory that can make MacBook-like sandblasting, anodizing, colors, and willing to accept small volume
4. getting my hands on the Razer Core (which has a unibody shell and a CNCed handle)
5. finalizing 120 vs 92mm for the top fans, 120mm fans are possible, but the handle would look different and in my opinion, uglier.
6. figuring out how much this case will cost in production

Once I had the information, I started hashing out a viable design with help from Necere, and here we are.

How is the riser different/better than the one in the A4?

The A4 uses the 3M riser, it's very expensive and requires a custom length (~300mm).

The advantage of this riser is 1) cost, 2) allows for taller GPU height.


The riser I'm working should be 30-50% of the cost. Performance and reliability will be published after testing. I will be sending it out to other people on the forum to test as well.

For the back to back design like the A4, The riser also allows the PCIeX16 female socket to sit lower than the 3M riser (because the 3M riser has to turn 180 degrees), the end result is more room for taller GPU.

Also, the case is 130mm wide, how come the case fans are only 92mm?

Dual 120mm fans is possible, but the handle would look different and in my opinion, uglier.

 

[vipz]

Huh, I don't know how I feel exactly about an NCASE project that Necere only has a consulting role on. A little weird perhaps.

You mentioned cost - how come there is nothing said about how much you expect the case to cost?

I look forward to seeing more about the case and the riser.


BTW I created an imgur album of the prototype pics so people can see them in full res without manually copy/editing the URLs:

http://imgur.com/a/xIPlI

 

[SaperPL]

Interesting concept, but I'm not sure if it's really something viable to sell and therefore manufacture at this point.

It looks to me like A4-SFX with some additional room for bit bigger GPU and CPU cooler, but the handle which is its core feature is not exactly useful if you have to put this in a bag for transportation - from this kind of construction I'd expect to have reinforced external body and not to need a bag for it unless You're planning to make a customized bag with cutout for the handle.

Your riser design is what is missing from A4-SFX both in terms of cost and reliability so that's a plus.

From what I see here You're pretty close to making something quite extraordinary here, but You'd have to change focus here:
- replace the handle and those two fans with space for ~280mm radiator with fans and prepare for pipe routing.
- keep the motherboard and SFX area as slim as possible to accommodate most of the current cpu water blocks.
- make the handle in a way that it can hide flush in the top surface when not being carried around

 

[wahaha360]

Not digging the negative volume of the handle area…

And I note that the original prototype (in the pics for ants up top of the post) had water cooling…

From what I see here You're pretty close to making something quite extraordinary here, but You'd have to change focus here:
- replace the handle and those two fans with space for ~280mm radiator with fans and prepare for pipe routing.
- keep the motherboard and SFX area as slim as possible to accommodate most of the current cpu water blocks.

I designed it for air cooling to be carry-on flight ready. Water cooling makes things complicated.

The handle occupies the empty space between the dual 92mm fans. However, there is space for a ~280mm radiator on dual 120mm fans.

So I could offer 2 top panel options, either the air cooling + handle or water cooling setup.

- make the handle in a way that it can hide flush in the top surface when not being carried around

You mean something like this:

My primary concern is that the folding handle *has to be made out of Steel for strength. The finish on a Steel handle would be very different to the anodized aluminum panel .

Traditional folding handles have protrusions that are not minimalist in design. To make the handle we want, the tooling cost and MOQ for is annoying.

On the plus side, the folding handle would 1) decrease volume, 2) allow dual 120mm fans.

 

[wahaha360]

Huh, I don't know how I feel exactly about an NCASE project that Necere only has a consulting role on. A little weird perhaps.

Well, since I represent half of NCASE, so I can't let Necere have all the fun.

You mentioned cost - how come there is nothing said about how much you expect the case to cost?

The design is not finalized, so the tooling/MOQ is not finalized, so talking about cost is king of moot at this point.

But if it helps, with the riser included, we are targeting USD 120 - USD 160.

There are 3 factors that can throw the price off:
1) Tooling for the Unibody and Handle, if we screw up, you can't really just fix tooling, so it's likely have to be redone, which double the cost
2) Sandblasting + Anodizing, I really want to get a finish close to Apple's MacBook. Quality anodizing can be quite expensive for small volume. I know the person who can make this happen, but it depends on her mood.
3) MOQ

Let's see what happens.

 

[Frazhna]

Looks like a good case! I personally don't like handles on my computer case, but in the M1, Hutzy, MI-6, and A4 threads, it seemed like there were always people clamoring for handles. I think you have made their dreams come true.

 

[NFSxperts]

A case with a handle? I'm interested . I'm the one clamoring for handles
Especially if its below $160 w/ riser.

I think it would look better if the part with the handle is the bottom and when you want to carry it, you flip it over. (sortof like the inwin chopin)

 

[wahaha360]

A case with a handle? I'm interested . I'm the one clamoring for handles
Especially if its below $160 w/ riser.

I think it would look better if the part with the handle is the bottom and when you want to carry it, you flip it over. (sortof like the inwin chopin)

Haha, an earlier design had the fan at the bottom for intake with dust filters, therefore the handle was at the bottom as well

However, to allow this set up to be flipped frequently, I need a lock on the female PCIe X16 riser socket....and that's a ~ USD 40,000 problem. The current PCB riser uses an existing right angle PCie X16 socket, but it doesn't have a GPU lock, to get the lock, it's ~ USD 40,000 for tooling.

 

[vipz]

Have you considered engineering a GPU lock/holder into the chassis itself? It'd easily be stronger than that little hook on the socket.

 

[Fifth Horseman]

Overall I really like it! My main concern with it, which happens to be the same one behind the reason why I didn't buy an NCASE, is the max video card size supported. Ironically this go around it's not the max length of the card that's the issue, it's the max height (I'm using an Asus Strix 980Ti OC that's officially 305MM x 152MM x 39.8MM). I know it's easy to say "just buy a reference card", and a few years from now I will (whenever the successor to the current TITAN-X is released), but if this case was just 10MM taller to allow for a non-reference video card I'd be all over it. Although my current mini-itx mobile gaming rig (in a Corsair 380T) is water cooled and I was able to shoe-horn in my video card into the case, I'd gladly forego the watercooling on your case if it meant my video card would fit.

Additionally although I like the idea of saving space by using a Flex PSU, in practice it'd probably be better to stick with an SFX/SFX-L PSU. Most Flex PSU's that I've been able to find aren't powerful enough to support a high end GPU.

Beyond that I really like the styling of the case and I can see where you got the inspiration for the handle from (a handgun carrying case).

 

[Tyki]

So is there no front IO for this case because of how small it is?

I'll say the same things here that I said to Necere on the LRPC thread, which is that you should focus here on defining an identity for the NCase brand. Make sure that this case fits that identity rather than the goal you want for it. What I think this means is deciding that to do to make this the best enclosure of its size class by not being small just to be as small as possible, but to have a mixture of style, functionality, and options to make it great.

 

[Mackan]

Interesting concept, but I'm not sure if it's really something viable to sell and therefore manufacture at this point.

It looks to me like A4-SFX with some additional room for bit bigger GPU and CPU cooler, but the handle which is its core feature is not exactly useful if you have to put this in a bag for transportation - from this kind of construction I'd expect to have reinforced external body and not to need a bag for it unless You're planning to make a customized bag with cutout for the handle.

Your riser design is what is missing from A4-SFX both in terms of cost and reliability so that's a plus.

From what I see here You're pretty close to making something quite extraordinary here, but You'd have to change focus here:
- replace the handle and those two fans with space for ~280mm radiator with fans and prepare for pipe routing.
- keep the motherboard and SFX area as slim as possible to accommodate most of the current cpu water blocks.
- make the handle in a way that it can hide flush in the top surface when not being carried around

Agree about the water cooling solution. I've always wanted to see a slightly bigger A4 design, with a 280mm radiator on top, and a pump/res in front. Would indeed make for an extraordinary nice hardline tubing setup. Perhaps some fans at the bottom to help push air upwards. I've seen this idea pop up from several people, so I hope that someone can make it happen. It looks like this case is a step towards that. Perhaps offered with different tops as pointed out; one with handle and air cooling, one for just holding the radiator in a shroud in a sleeker design for water cooling. The solid pci riser is nice as well.

One can make a top shroud for the Ncase M1 as well, to mount a 240/280mm on top, but that is a lot of expensive modding.

 

[Smitty2k1]

Looking great. Excited to follow!

 

[wahaha360]

Have you considered engineering a GPU lock/holder into the chassis itself? It'd easily be stronger than that little hook on the socket.

The PCIe X16 female socket should be sufficient holding the GPU in place for front and back.

So, the latest idea for holding the GPU in place for top and bottom is to use custom ABS/PC Standoffs mounted both above and below the GPU's PCB (see red standoffs in pic below), but only testing will tell.

...is the max video card size supported. Ironically this go around it's not the max length of the card that's the issue, it's the max height (I'm using an Asus Strix 980Ti OC that's officially 305MM x 152MM x 39.8MM)...

Additionally although I like the idea of saving space by using a Flex PSU, in practice it'd probably be better to stick with an SFX/SFX-L PSU. Most Flex PSU's that I've been able to find aren't powerful enough to support a high end GPU...

Up to 153mm GPUs *may be possible. I would have to move the C14 inlet upwards (see image below). However, I need to finalize other features before trying to accommodate this request.

So is there no front IO for this case because of how small it is?

There is space for ports, I just didn't want any on mine because I like the clean look.

I'm hoping to see more ITX mobos with USB-C front I/O support next year, this way I can just bypass USB-A and go straight to USB-C front I/O.

I'll say the same things here that I said to Necere on the LRPC thread, which is that you should focus here on defining an identity for the NCase brand. Make sure that this case fits that identity rather than the goal you want for it. What I think this means is deciding that to do to make this the best enclosure of its size class by not being small just to be as small as possible, but to have a mixture of style, functionality, and options to make it great.

Yea, Necere and I talk about this a lot. For this project, its intended to be a decent 10L case with a handle.

However, I will also say this, we started with something entirely different from the M1 in 2012. I have faith in the creative process that also led us to the M1. I'm putting this incomplete idea on the forum because comments will give me more ideas, and who know what the end product will look like. This creative process is exciting, so I try and enjoy the ride

Agree about the water cooling solution. I've always wanted to see a slightly bigger A4 design, with a 280mm radiator on top, and a pump/res in front. Would indeed make for an extraordinary nice hardline tubing setup. Perhaps some fans at the bottom to help push air upwards. I've seen this idea pop up from several people, so I hope that someone can make it happen. It looks like this case is a step towards that. Perhaps offered with different tops as pointed out; one with handle and air cooling, one for just holding the radiator in a shroud in a sleeker design for water cooling. The solid pci riser is nice as well.

One can make a top shroud for the Ncase M1 as well, to mount a 240/280mm on top, but that is a lot of expensive modding.

People really want WC huh. Unfortunately, I'm a noob when it comes to WC setups, but I guess I can hash it out with Necere.

I have move to another country end of this month, so I will try to show the WC version in Dec (assuming it fits).

 

[Boil]

- replace the handle and those two fans with space for ~280mm radiator with fans and prepare for pipe routing.
- keep the motherboard and SFX area as slim as possible to accommodate most of the current cpu water blocks.
- make the handle in a way that it can hide flush in the top surface when not being carried around

Agree about the water cooling solution. I've always wanted to see a slightly bigger A4 design, with a 280mm radiator on top, and a pump/res in front. Would indeed make for an extraordinary nice hardline tubing setup. Perhaps some fans at the bottom to help push air upwards. I've seen this idea pop up from several people, so I hope that someone can make it happen. It looks like this case is a step towards that. Perhaps offered with different tops as pointed out; one with handle and air cooling, one for just holding the radiator in a shroud in a sleeker design for water cooling. The solid pci riser is nice as well.

One can make a top shroud for the Ncase M1 as well, to mount a 240/280mm on top, but that is a lot of expensive modding.

I have actually been thinking of a build that would be designed specifically around the EK 280 Predator AIO w/QDCs & the appropriate pre-filled full-cover EK water block with its own QDCs…

Initial thoughts were of an A4-style chassis, but with the 280 Predator coming in at 142mm wide, I figure one could just keep the MB/GPU in a standard configuration (MB in vertical orientation & GPU attached directly to the MB PCIe slot)…

This could also reduce overall unit costs because it would not require an expensive PCI riser…

I would see a chassis coming in around 350mm L x 250mm H x 150mm W; there should be some wiggle-room to bring those dimensions down a little, to get the overall chassis volume to 13 liters…

So I guess I am basically looking at a M1 configuration, but designed specifically to fit the 280 Predator up top…

Where the 92mm fan can fit at the back of the M1 is the location I would have for a single 15mm thick 2.5" drive, or a pair of 7mm thick 2.5" drives…

This would obviously be a negative pressure chassis, so a solid bracket to replace the stock vented one that comes with the GPU would be needed, and dust filters on the side venting would be needed… I would keep the floor of the chassis solid…

 

[vipz]

The PCIe X16 female socket should be sufficient holding the GPU in place for front and back.

So, the latest idea for holding the GPU in place for top and bottom is to use custom ABS/PC Standoffs mounted both above and below the GPU's PCB (see red standoffs in pic below), but only testing will tell.

Since PCBs come in different heights, it might be easier to simply make use of the existing tab/hook already present on the vast majority of GPU PCBs:

It'll need to be fairly strong but should be universally compatible. I'm imagining a pin or tab mounted onto the case's center divider.

 

[Fifth Horseman]

Up to 153mm GPUs *may be possible. I would have to move the C14 inlet upwards (see image below). However, I need to finalize other features before trying to accommodate this request.

When you explain it this way, I think the card may actually fit. If it's just a question of relocating or modding the AC plug I could even do that on my own. Sweet!!

An alternative to the standard C14 receptacle could be to use a "Mickey Mouse Ears" (C5) cord and receptacle to save space.

I figure you're trying to keep the standard C14 plug since everyone has at least one cable that could plug into it. If you're trying to maximize space on the case though it may be worthwhile to use this smaller AC connector. It's just a thought and not a request BTW.

Now... lemme know when you start selling this case! I'm itching to ditch my Corsair 380T!

 

[vipz]

The C5/C6 coupler is only rated for 2.5A. For 110V that translates to 275W - not enough for this application.

 

[Necere]

The problem with supporting water cooling in a case layout like this is there really isn't any room to run the tubing. The EK Predator AIOs, for example, need a lot of clearance below the rad for the tubing:



You need practically the same again in clearance as the already substantial 68mm of the rad alone. The PSU at the front, and the motherboard/GPU at the back of the case are in the way. There just isn't room for it.

 

[Boil]

I would see the MB/GPU/PSU all to the right of the hoses (as pictured above), there may be 1cm or so of 'protrusion' beyond the edge of the AIO…

The front-most hose (again, referencing the pic above) would actually go down as it is depicted, but the would have to do a dogleg around the PSU to get into the MB/GPU area…

And keep in mind, I am thinking of a slightly scaled up M1 style chassis layout, NOT the A4 style chassis layout the SideArmD derivative is sporting…

 

[wahaha360]

The EK Predator is not exactly small, the volume increase is significant.

 

[NFSxperts]

Here's a very quick sketch of what I had in mind. I feel like the top section is too thick and the 'handle negative area' was too large. The dip should be around the same as the early design. Dual 92mm fans at the top, layout is the same.

(this is only my suggestion)

 

[Necere]

I would see the MB/GPU/PSU all to the right of the hoses (as pictured above), there may be 1cm or so of 'protrusion' beyond the edge of the AIO…

The front-most hose (again, referencing the pic above) would actually go down as it is depicted, but the would have to do a dogleg around the PSU to get into the MB/GPU area…

I've hashed this out with w360 in the past, and what you end up with is a case that's "long and low." That's not really ideal for an SFF case, where footprint can matter just as much as overall volume. Aside from that, the tubing run would be awkward to route under the PSU.

And keep in mind, I am thinking of a slightly scaled up M1 style chassis layout, NOT the A4 style chassis layout the SideArmD derivative is sporting…

For a standard layout, the 150mm width you gave earlier isn't really realistic. The M1 is 160mm wide, and only barely clears the GPU water block ports on reference cards as is.

I think the logical end result of going that route is probably something like the Compact Splash. That's really a design that's specialized for custom water cooling though, and as such has inherently much more limited market appeal (SFF+custom W/C). Remember, we need some decent volume if we want to have any chance of keeping costs reasonable.

Here's a very quick sketch of what I had in mind. I feel like the top section is too thick and the 'handle negative area' was too large. The dip should be around the same as the early design. Dual 92mm fans at the top, layout is the same.

(this is only my suggestion)

My original concept used a fold-down handle like you'd find on a lunchbox, which is what allowed for the lower height. With a fixed handle like the prototype has, it pretty much needs to be that tall to have enough room for your fingers. A folding handle would be nice, but it adds a bunch of complexity, and would need to be fairly robust to carry the weight of a fully loaded system.

 

[Boil]

The EK Predator is not exactly small, the volume increase is significant.

I would not be doing the Back-To-Back layout, like you have above (and the tubing would be a nightmare there!); but a standard layout, like the M1 is currently set-up…

I've hashed this out with w360 in the past, and what you end up with is a case that's "long and low." That's not really ideal for an SFF case, where footprint can matter just as much as overall volume. Aside from that, the tubing run would be awkward to route under the PSU.

For a standard layout, the 150mm width you gave earlier isn't really realistic. The M1 is 160mm wide, and only barely clears the GPU water block ports on reference cards as is.

I think the logical end result of going that route is probably something like the Compact Splash. That's really a design that's specialized for custom water cooling though, and as such has inherently much more limited market appeal (SFF+custom W/C). Remember, we need some decent volume if we want to have any chance of keeping costs reasonable.

Yeah, I am off on the needed width… I guess this hypothetical chassis just jumped to 14 liters…

Towards the PSU, I would not go UNDER it, but AROUND it…

I agree on the "SFF + Custom WC", which is why I have been thinking of a chassis that is specifically designed for the 280 Predator…

This would use all bolt-together off the shelf components, with a quality 'custom' loop that allows easy install (no filling & bleeding & all that mess)…

And I would go for the 280 over the 240 because that should allow more cooling headroom for those who want to overclock…

Sorry to go off topic in the thread though…!

 

[Deleted member 222586]

Yess!! More toys and shit to spend time and money on!!

Interesting concept, but I'm not sure if it's really something viable to sell and therefore manufacture at this point.

It looks to me like A4-SFX with some additional room for bit bigger GPU and CPU cooler,

And fans. I expect a heck of a lot of complains about people toasting stuff in their A4s. Fans change the whole thing.

I designed it for air cooling to be carry-on flight ready. Water cooling makes things complicated.

The handle occupies the empty space between the dual 92mm fans. However, there is space for a ~280mm radiator on dual 120mm fans.

So I could offer 2 top panel options, either the air cooling + handle or water cooling setup..

I suggest that you show some renders for a "desktop" version of the project (desktop = without handle) for those that find the handle "weird". I know I have no use for it... but a small case with fans is always on my "things to check" list. Specially now that I'm getting ready to move most of my storage to a NAS. Stuff gets easier when 1 x SSD can get the job done.

Well, since I represent half of NCASE, so I can't let Necere have all the fun.

The design is not finalized, so the tooling/MOQ is not finalized, so talking about cost is king of moot at this point.

But if it helps, with the riser included, we are targeting USD 120 - USD 160.

There are 3 factors that can throw the price off:
1) Tooling for the Unibody and Handle, if we screw up, you can't really just fix tooling, so it's likely have to be redone, which double the cost
2) Sandblasting + Anodizing, I really want to get a finish close to Apple's MacBook. Quality anodizing can be quite expensive for small volume. I know the person who can make this happen, but it depends on her mood.
3) MOQ

Let's see what happens.

Looks like you found a good fab then, because the quoted price for an alu, sandblasted anodized finish is insane. I can see a lot of stir being created at such a price-point. Specially if it ends up on the low side of the interval.

Haha, an earlier design had the fan at the bottom for intake with dust filters, therefore the handle was at the bottom as well

However, to allow this set up to be flipped frequently, I need a lock on the female PCIe X16 riser socket....and that's a ~ USD 40,000 problem. The current PCB riser uses an existing right angle PCie X16 socket, but it doesn't have a GPU lock, to get the lock, it's ~ USD 40,000 for tooling.

Well... yes, but that isn't a problem if you simply use some tall feet. Mind you this would be only used for the "desktop" version but making the case be separated from the desk with some some sort of a stand would make it more flexible. And more flexible = more volume = less cost per unit.

Overall I really like it! My main concern with it, which happens to be the same one behind the reason why I didn't buy an NCASE, is the max video card size supported. Ironically this go around it's not the max length of the card that's the issue, it's the max height (I'm using an Asus Strix 980Ti OC that's officially 305MM x 152MM x 39.8MM). I know it's easy to say "just buy a reference card", and a few years from now I will (whenever the successor to the current TITAN-X is released), but if this case was just 10MM taller to allow for a non-reference video card I'd be all over it. Although my current mini-itx mobile gaming rig (in a Corsair 380T) is water cooled and I was able to shoe-horn in my video card into the case, I'd gladly forego the watercooling on your case if it meant my video card would fit.

Additionally although I like the idea of saving space by using a Flex PSU, in practice it'd probably be better to stick with an SFX/SFX-L PSU. Most Flex PSU's that I've been able to find aren't powerful enough to support a high end GPU.

Beyond that I really like the styling of the case and I can see where you got the inspiration for the handle from (a handgun carrying case).

By the time you will get the chance to buy this thing you will certainly have changed your gpu.

In any case, ultra small cases such as this requires you to buy your hardware according to the case.

So is there no front IO for this case because of how small it is?

I'll say the same things here that I said to Necere on the LRPC thread, which is that you should focus here on defining an identity for the NCase brand. Make sure that this case fits that identity rather than the goal you want for it. What I think this means is deciding that to do to make this the best enclosure of its size class by not being small just to be as small as possible, but to have a mixture of style, functionality, and options to make it great.

I do not agree with that. The NCASE brand is very young to make such a move. In any case, even the biggest brands can afford to have different branches so that wouldn't be a problem either.

What is important is that they follow the same due-process that got the M1 to where it is.

The problem with supporting water cooling in a case layout like this is there really isn't any room to run the tubing. The EK Predator AIOs, for example, need a lot of clearance below the rad for the tubing:



You need practically the same again in clearance as the already substantial 68mm of the rad alone. The PSU at the front, and the motherboard/GPU at the back of the case are in the way. There just isn't room for it.

Ignore the predator. It is simply too big for small enclosures to be ever considered. Also, I suggest you ignore watercooling altogether. Not because it isn't a good idea... but because you mention that you aren't savvy and water cooling in very small enclosures requires somebody that knows their stuff. So... the easiest way would be to send a prototype (which won't happen for the time being, I know) to somebody who is used to do watercooling builds in very small cases and see what they feel about it.

But if people is watercooling even their Raspberry Pis... they will watercool anything. The challenge is what makes it interesting.

To me, the fact that it is a small case with FANS is what makes or breaks the design. High-powered systems will never work properly without fans. Period. What if once everything is settled WC is compatible? Good. What if with minimal changes you can accommodate lots of things? Good. But tinkering that early? Nah. I wouldn't waste my time in it.

 

[exhale]

Assuming you find a place to sandblast/anodize, would this be a potential option for NCASE panels? I'd love to have a Macbook like finish on my panels!

 

[wahaha360]

...NOT the A4 style chassis layout the SideArmD derivative is sporting…

Before this project takes a beating about cloning the A4/Hutzy XS/MI-6, I just want to state that in 2010, the original SideArm had a "back to back" layout (see image below). The main difference from the A4 is the 1) handle, and 2) using SFX PSU placed adjacent to the motherboard (which the M1 uses).

I have been actively chatting with Dondan about the future of the A4 and partnering/licensing. If things are not cool, we will def have a conversation before I decide to move forward this project

 

[wahaha360]

Assuming you find a place to sandblast/anodize, would this be a potential option for NCASE panels? I'd love to have a Macbook like finish on my panels!

Yes, the plan is to offer sandblasted finish and new colors for the M1 as well. We may offer power coating / paint as well if the supplier comes through.

Within 50km of where I am now, Apple, Samsung, LG, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Huwaei, Xiaomi, and all other major brands get their metal stuff made and anodized/painted here.

Lian Li has been great, I have lots of great things to say about them and their people. However, my goal since forming NCASE has always been try and get close to Apple's MacBook/iPhone quality and consistency. Obviously being low volume makes it difficult, but that's another topic.

For NCASE products to get to the next level in quality, this project is necessary. SideArmD is the first project that requires us to expand our knowledge of manufacturing techniques.

 

[Deleted member 222586]

Before this project takes a beating about cloning the A4/Hutzy XS/MI-6, I just want to state that in 2010, the original SideArm had a "back to back" layout (see image below). The main difference from the A4 is the 1) handle, and 2) using SFX PSU placed adjacent to the motherboard (which the M1 uses).

I have been actively chatting with Dondan about the future of the A4 and partnering/licensing. If things are not cool, we will def have a conversation before I decide to move forward this project

Why would you need to partner/license anything? You clearly have prior art and your shape (with or without handle) has nothing to do with the A4 or any other case for that matter.

Yes, the plan is to offer sandblasted finish and new colors for the M1 as well. We may offer power coating / paint as well if the supplier comes through.

Within 50km of where I am now, Apple, Samsung, LG, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Huwaei, Xiaomi, and all other major brands get their metal stuff made and anodized/painted here.

Lian Li has been great, I have lots of great things to say about them and their people. However, my goal since forming NCASE has always been try and get close to Apple's MacBook/iPhone quality and consistency. Obviously being low volume makes it difficult, but that's another topic.

For NCASE products to get to the next level in quality, this project is necessary. SideArmD is the first project that requires us to expand our knowledge of manufacturing techniques.

Mmmmm, nice. I'm looking forward to see the new batch of NCASE products

 

[Boil]

Well, since I represent half of NCASE, so I can't let Necere have all the fun.



The design is not finalized, so the tooling/MOQ is not finalized, so talking about cost is king of moot at this point.

But if it helps, with the riser included, we are targeting USD 120 - USD 160.

There are 3 factors that can throw the price off:
1) Tooling for the Unibody and Handle, if we screw up, you can't really just fix tooling, so it's likely have to be redone, which double the cost
2) Sandblasting + Anodizing, I really want to get a finish close to Apple's MacBook. Quality anodizing can be quite expensive for small volume. I know the person who can make this happen, but it depends on her mood.
3) MOQ

Let's see what happens.

Okay, this chassis is growing on me…!

I especially like the inclusion of the top mounted fans, I feel this is important to keep the exchange of air constant in the chassis; fresh cool air in, old hot air out…!

The finish is exciting, I am wondering if this would be available in a black as well (but still with that silky smooth sandblasted & anodized aluminum)…?

Now, the handle can be accepted, and maybe with an all black finish it will 'fade away' until needed to carry about…

But…! If there were to be alternative top sections, THAT could be pretty exciting as well…!!!

And (after reading thru the thread again) I am curious as towards Necere's newest project…!

 

[Boil]

Thinking more on this chassis…

Now, I know I am bringing up water-cooling again, but…

I can see the 'fan dormers' as the perfect spot for a 120mm AIO for the CPU & the 120mm AIO that comes with assorted 'hybrid' GPUs…

I realize the space allotted would be a bit too small for the 120mm AIOs, but just a thought I, well, thought I would throw out there…!

I would guess the chassis would need to be significantly wider, as the easiest way to run the tubing to each component would be to have the AIO oriented so that the tube/tank end of the AIO was on the side of its components respective chamber…

But that would mean the chassis would need to be about 160mm in width…

Maybe a 'central chamber' between the MB/PSU & GPU chambers; for running cables, allowing more breathing room (and possibly mounting heat sinks to) for backside M.2 SSDs, and possibly an area for one or two 2.5" drives to mount…?!?

Just thinking out loud here…!

 

[Mackan]

The problem with supporting water cooling in a case layout like this is there really isn't any room to run the tubing. The EK Predator AIOs, for example, need a lot of clearance below the rad for the tubing:

You need practically the same again in clearance as the already substantial 68mm of the rad alone. The PSU at the front, and the motherboard/GPU at the back of the case are in the way. There just isn't room for it.

AIO can be a problem, but I am thinking of custom water cooling. A 240/280 on top, with the fans underneath in a push configuration to elevate the radiator a bit so you get room to do a 90 degree tube routing around the PSU from one of the radiator inlets, and then downward. I have already tried this out with the M1, and it works and clears the SFX PSU perfectly. For example, the EVGA Hadron Hydro has this kind of top compartment, but with the tube outlets on the back I think.

Here's another link to someone who had an idea with radiator on top, where the motherboard "is in the middle". Not back to back motherboard and GPU, but similar. Some case

 

[Fifth Horseman]

The C5/C6 coupler is only rated for 2.5A. For 110V that translates to 275W - not enough for this application.

Damn. It's never that easy, is it?

 

[Boil]

Alright, it hit me today, whilst ruminating on the SideArmD…

Rather than dual 120mm AIOs, which probably would NOT fit in the 'fan dormers'. how about a pair of Astec 545LC units…? One for the CPU (tank/hose end of radiator to the CPU chamber side of the chassis), and one for the GPU (mounted into either the Corsair HG10 or the NZXT Kraken G10; and again, tank/hose end of radiator to the GPU chamber side of the chassis)…

http://www.asetek.com/desktop/oem-cpu-coolers/545lc/

The radiator on this unit is 38mm thick; so 63mm with a 25mm fan, or 52mm with a 14mm slim fan…

Now that would make for a pretty cool portable gaming / LAN / workstation rig…!!!

Not for the extreme overclocker, but I could imagine an i7 6700 CPU (NON K-series) & a GTX 1070 in the SideArmD, both under water…!

 

[wahaha360]

...how about a pair of Astec 545LC units…?…

http://www.asetek.com/desktop/oem-cpu-coolers/545lc/

Haha, we actually bought this unit just to test this potential setup.

The current plan is to get the temperature with just 2 92x25mm fans air cooling, then then compare it to Asetek 545LC on top.

Once we have temperature and fan noise results, we can have a discussion about the pros and cons.

 

[Boil]

Haha, we actually bought this unit just to test this potential setup.

The current plan is to get the temperature with just 2 92x25mm fans air cooling, then then compare it to Asetek 545LC on top.

Once we have temperature and fan noise results, we can have a discussion about the pros and cons.

Good deal…! Looking forward to the results of your testing…!

Are you looking at just the CPU temps at this point, or are you gonna go all in & mod a GPU (again, Corsair HG10 or NZXT Kraken G10) for those temps as well…?

Hmm… The more I look at the Corsair & NZXT units, I see they are for older models of GPUs (no 10-series cards listed)… The dual 92mm AIOs dream might be shattered…!

I guess there is always the M1 with dual 120mm AIOs; hopefully available in that sexy sandblasted & anodized MacBook-eaque finish, double hopefully available in black…! So smooth…!