Stalled ~7L console-style case concept (and possible future NCASE product)
- Thread starter Necere
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In the internal pic in this post you can see how it's possible to have two 80mm fans right above the card. The Zotac 1080 and 1080 Ti are taller than reference though (125 vs 111mm), which only allows for 15mm thick fans on top, rather than full 25mm thick fans.
ok, you've got me sold, when can I pledge? ;p
All these weird VR ready premade mini pcs with no upgradeability, and here you come with the holy grail.
Heh... well, that may be a bit too generous. It's a different take on a small, console-ish PC case, that offers a different balance of features. The DAN A4 and Zaber Sentry are still technically smaller (volume-wise, at least). What this offers is a smaller footprint, (potentially) better CPU cooling, plus features like an integrated dust filter and a GPU window. That comes at the cost of long GPU support and PSU choice (flex ATX is well behind SFX in that respect).
Also w360 isn't exactly on board with this concept. If enough people express interest in it, though, I think he could be okay with it.
Also w360 isn't exactly on board with this concept. If enough people express interest in it, though, I think he could be okay with it.
@Necere, just looked at this thread for the first time in ages and was really impressed to see how the design has developed and taken on a real NCase look to it.
I wasn't really interested*, as I thought there were plenty of other flat/console style cases on the go; but you've sprinkled NCase magic over it and it's made it stand out from the crowd.
*I am still sad about the shelving of the Sidearm Project...but that's another story
I wasn't really interested*, as I thought there were plenty of other flat/console style cases on the go; but you've sprinkled NCase magic over it and it's made it stand out from the crowd.
*I am still sad about the shelving of the Sidearm Project...but that's another story
Well for what it's worth the long gpu sacrifice made this case extremely backpack friendly. The dan style cases are a bit thick even though they can still fit. And it leaves enough space for a 15.6 inch portable monitor.
My only two concerns are:
If the glass panel can deteriorate the ncase look. Think of the Mercedes a class. The hatchback design was not well received initially but it grew on people and ended up selling well
My gut feeling suspects there is a correlation between parts compatibility, and long term longevity.
The m1 by today's standard is not the most compact, however it is still extremely attractive because when you don't want to sacrifice X or Y fby going with smaller offerings, you can just go with the M1 and only the M1.
The problem with this case is that we don't know if Volta or vega will have sub 21 cm offerings for their top of the line. Or similarly further down the line. Provided you discuss with zotac and make it compelling for them to keep that size for future releases since your case is made for them, it should be interestingl.
Thanks, I appreciate that. Yeah, I do wonder now if I should've spun this off into its own thread. I know a lot of people will check out a new project when it first pops up, find nothing to interest them, and never click on the thread again.
Then again, this new concept came about because I had a "what if" idea and tossed it out there to see where it would go, and I think I've started enough threads now for random ideas I've had
Ironically, rotating the PSU from the original concept was something we'd discussed before, but both dismissed due to the "fattening" it entails (which w360 still hates). Nevertheless, after seeing the Zotac mini 1080 cards, and the increased number of flex PSUs at Computex, I took a stab at it just to see what the result would be. And it turns out it's not that bad after all (well, IMO. W360 doesn't agree ).
Space might not be much of an issue, but yeah, a good design would be quite complex to make, especially if it has to sit flush with the front panel when closed. And it would have to feel solid and smooth as well. Quite a challenge.
I like how the rectangular IO cutout perfectly compliments the rectangle GPU window.
Maybe the GPU window could support being replaced with a vented panel insert?
Maybe the GPU window could support being replaced with a vented panel insert?
Some comparison renders between my new concept and the version of the PCX @wahaha360 prefers:
This is the model he's been working on, and includes his addition of a window and VESA mounts. Also the open area of the intake vents at the hole spacing he's using is down to 19.6%, which is obviously not a good choice.
This is the model he's been working on, and includes his addition of a window and VESA mounts. Also the open area of the intake vents at the hole spacing he's using is down to 19.6%, which is obviously not a good choice.
The width is mostly dictated by the PSU orientation, though it does come with the benefit of the 65mm CPU cooler height limit.
I prefer your chubby one.
Far more backpack friendly.
Far more cooling potential (the extra few mm for cpu cooler clearance and the exhaust fans makes all the difference)
If you made a VR harness attachment the chubby one would be the way to go.
Far more backpack friendly.
Far more cooling potential (the extra few mm for cpu cooler clearance and the exhaust fans makes all the difference)
If you made a VR harness attachment the chubby one would be the way to go.
Ah good point, CPU cooler height is indeed quite the benefit.
Some comparison renders between my new concept and the version of the PCX @wahaha360 prefers:
This is the model he's been working on, and includes his addition of a window and VESA mounts. Also the open area of the intake vents at the hole spacing he's using is down to 19.6%, which is obviously not a good choice.
In horizontal orientation the smaller one looks quite a bit sleeker. Would fit a HiFi rack very well. Mr. Chubby looks even thicker than it is in comparison because it's missing the black strip, which would break its perceived height down a bit. Very desktop computer-y look. Slim PCX shines in this orientation, you could easily replace an Xbox One with a black version of this without anyone noticing.
In vertical, Mr. Chubby looks waaaaay better, but I think the slim PCX doesn't need a window at all, that would look better with just a blank side. Especially putting it over the rear of the mainboard looks silly. Maybe the VESA mount could be a little off-center to allow the window to fully cover the GPU, if people really want the window?
So, who would've guessed, each case looks better (to me) in the orientation it was designed for. What a shocker!
Just making me want both versions even more with each render.
I think iFreilicht summed it up pretty well. Even like I said earlier, each looks good in their intended setup and kind of out of place in the opposite.
I think iFreilicht summed it up pretty well. Even like I said earlier, each looks good in their intended setup and kind of out of place in the opposite.
The relative transportability isn't something I've touched on much, but I agree the reduced depth of the rev3 vs. the PCX does lend itself better to not only carrying in a backpack, but in carry-on luggage as well. I've seen some people put the M1 in a carry-on Pelican case, and the height (250mm w/feet) is right at the limit of what will fit. That's where the rev3 is right now, but the PCX at an extra 20-30mm or so depth wouldn't be able to fit.
IMO the internal layout of the PCX designs don't lend themselves to a window at all, and I've been pretty vocal about it. Nevertheless, w360 has persisted in trying to integrate one, in what to me feels like a "check the box" feature add. In my view it's a shoehorned feature, an afterthought, and a bastardization of my design concept. Well - "creative differences," I guess. Maybe he needs to hear it from others to be convinced it's a bad idea.
The rev3 concept, in contrast, is designed from the ground up for an aesthetically integrated window. In many ways, despite the similarity in layout and supported hardware, these are two different concepts, targeting somewhat different markets. The PCX is the more living room friendly, more casual gaming/media consumption case, while the rev3 is the more hardcore gamer/show off/power user case.
I wouldn't go as far as to say that they don't lend themselves to it at all, but I do agree that the way it's implemented now, it looks bad. However, I do see where you're coming from. The inability to make the window span farther towards the front throws of the visual balance quite a bit, so it seems like just keeping the panel plain is a better option, especially considering the aesthetic standard you guys have set yourself to so far.
Jup, that is quite obvious. Considering that, it is a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. But, this is also something to take into consideration when deciding which product to bring to market (first). I'd say both are quite viable, but Rev3 in comparison to PCX captures more of your existing following. It is a beautiful showcase that fits in quite will next to the M1 in terms of aesthetics. To me it seems more logical to slowly expand your reach, keeping a consistent design language, and then look into more foreign concepts. The Rev3 does that quite nicely in my eyes.
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