The Qmicra Thread [Or not].

[lowteckh]

Could just turn into my Qmicra thread but w/e, didn't want to hijack a thread (not a work log, just a lot of pics)
This box has given me some headaches and "think-tank" sessions regarding cable management, but I think I've got the hang of it (messy wires kill me even if I don't see them - that unsleeved power switch wire haunts me ).

To-do:
- Find another front USB connector as stock's cable is stupidly short
- Sleeve power switch cable (can't be bothered with the rest : \ Sleeving the Lanbox just killed me)
- More sound dampening (echo chamber inside, e.g. screwing the top thumbscrews in makes a hollowing noise)
- Front USB Card reader
- Longer SATA cables for top hard drive and optical drive
- Window in the future.. maybe, very maybe. I kinda like the darkness vs. my Lanbox's gleaming LEDs; then again I could just install on/off CCFLs.

First build:

Current:

 

[Dangman]

Nice! I see that you finally buckled and bought the case for $275.

But dang, that case is huge!

 

[lowteckh]

Huge is this mother

 

[Drakan290]

Huge is this mother

You seem to be a mountain biker.

 

[Quezor]

Nice build

I decided to go with a Qmicra due to its roominess and great cooling in an SFF. I know it's a bit bigger/more pricey than most similar cases, but I plan to keep this case for a long time - it's my first sff build.

Some thoughts:
- seems difficult to open as you need to loosen the feet at the bottom and pull the cover off the top but it's solid when it is together
- no instructions (not a biggie, but would be nice)
- great design: the top tray with the PSU and the side radiator bracket are removable allowing you to easily access/install the mobo

Didn't complete the build just yet though.

How are you mounting the side 120mm fan(s)? The screws that are provided do not fit the holes.

 

[lowteckh]

-I have the feet loosened precisely because it's a hassle unscrewing them every time I take the top off.
-I do not have side mounted fans, the Noctua is attached to the S1283. 2x 25mm thick fans will not fit w/ the S1283; I imagine a smaller cooler like the SD964 or Ultima/Ultra-90 will fit both cooler+fan+side fan but have no idea how it will compare. There is a 4cm gap between the S1283 and the radiator bracket so 2 20mm thick fans may fit. http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g36/c15/s771/list/p1/Fans-12_Volt_Fans-120mm_x_20mm_Fans-Page1.html

Case is growing on me, but I can definitely feel a lighter and emptier wallet.

 

[yang88she]

you can use a single 120mm fan on the radiator bracket if you remove the other hard drive bracket since you aren't using it anyway. nice build and great wire management

 

[Skott]

Whats also nice about Qmicra is that if you need to call its Dave, the owner/designer, that answers and gives you whatever help/info you need. The Qmicra is the Cadillac of the SFF cases IMO.

 

[PClark99]

Whats also nice about Qmicra is that if you need to call its Dave, the owner/designer, that answers and gives you whatever help/info you need. The Qmicra is the Cadillac of the SFF cases IMO.

Dave is the best, thats for sure.

I am just waiting to see what he has cooked up for V3.

 

[PClark99]

-I have the feet loosened precisely because it's a hassle unscrewing them every time I take the top off.
-I do not have side mounted fans, the Noctua is attached to the S1283. 2x 25mm thick fans will not fit w/ the S1283; I imagine a smaller cooler like the SD964 or Ultima/Ultra-90 will fit both cooler+fan+side fan but have no idea how it will compare. There is a 4cm gap between the S1283 and the radiator bracket so 2 20mm thick fans may fit. http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g36/c15/s771/list/p1/Fans-12_Volt_Fans-120mm_x_20mm_Fans-Page1.html

Case is growing on me, but I can definitely feel a lighter and emptier wallet.

Ultra 90 will fit with ease with 2 fans on the side bracket installed.

At least for Asus P5E VM HDMI, a Zalman 9700 will fit also blowing towards side, with 2 fans installed also.

 

[lowteckh]

Question is how the 90mm versions w/ 2 fans (cooler + side) compare to its 120mm brother w/ 1 fan (cooler.

Regarding v3:

Sure thing. Qv2 will pretty stay the way it is and the next case will
for high performance mini-ITX stuff.

-Dave