Chimera Industries Cerberus: The 18L, mATX, USA-made enclosure

FoskcoRS5

Designated LMG
Jan 31, 2017
363
623
Yes, stock PCB's are fine. some taller aftermarket cards (MSI has one that is shown *somewhere* in this thread) are too tall to use with a waterblock.

I probably posted it a few months ago. ASUS Strix 1080 O8G with EK WB did not fit.

 

Crysilus

Caliper Novice
Nov 7, 2017
23
9
I probably posted it a few months ago. ASUS Strix 1080 O8G with EK WB did not fit.


Dang it just barely doesn't fit. Is that the msi card that Pyrath was talking about? I'll have to do a comparison of cards to see which one is the smallest on width.
 

nemotron

Chassis Packer
Oct 29, 2017
19
19
I probably posted it a few months ago. ASUS Strix 1080 O8G with EK WB did not fit.

Have you tried fitting a gpu in that slot perpendicular to the pci slots?
This case would be perfect if I could figure out a way to vertically mount the gpu. Thought about that cooler master bracket, but that needs an ATX case.
The other thing would be having 2x 120mm fan slots in the top with a SFX-L unit in the front, but I can live without that.
 

vpr

Cable Smoosher
Apr 2, 2016
8
6
Happy to see the announcement, I used to keep this thread in an active tab refreshing it daily for months, until I finally decided it wasn't happening anytime soon and closed it. Randomly thought about it tonight and decided to check progress and lo-and-behold there was that news.

Sad that Nova Blue isn't a color option though.

Now need to decide between X or non-X -- Is the mATX motherboard market still as stale as it was last gen (few choices, most bad) or has it improved? Seems to me like these mobo manufactures largely ignore the mATX form factor which pushed me towards the X for the plethora of choices.

What are the pro/cons of each of the different PSU locations?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Commissariat

Anthony

Average Stuffer
Dec 5, 2015
79
36
So, looks like the Vega cards are going for MSRP or near it in some cases. You guys think I should jump ship and get one of these instead? I could always flash the Vega 64 bios to the Vega 56 and get GTX 1080 level performance for $399. Kinda not liking the idea of dropping $800 on a waterblocked 1080ti while Volta is just around the proverbial corner.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...14202302&cm_re=rx_vega-_-14-202-302-_-Product
 
  • Like
Reactions: NuclearLemons

curzman

Efficiency Noob
New User
Apr 11, 2017
7
3
Hey what are the specs of the small case? how much stuff can i fit inside? How many HDD/SSD? PSU size? water cooled CPU/size? Case fans or no need?

Also does anyone have any info on acoustics? Im assuming if I buy a water block for cpu then it will take volume down.

If anyone has any pictures of their builds it would help.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/curzman/saved/XLcv6h
^This is my current build, Im thinking of swapping out the mobo for a Matx and getting a AIO like be quiet silent loop. to let me go SFF for the time being Then maybe down the line I'll get Ryzen gen 2 and swap most things out.
 

FoskcoRS5

Designated LMG
Jan 31, 2017
363
623
Hey what are the specs of the small case? how much stuff can i fit inside? How many HDD/SSD? PSU size? water cooled CPU/size? Case fans or no need?

Also does anyone have any info on acoustics? Im assuming if I buy a water block for cpu then it will take volume down.

If anyone has any pictures of their builds it would help.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/curzman/saved/XLcv6h
^This is my current build, Im thinking of swapping out the mobo for a Matx and getting a AIO like be quiet silent loop. to let me go SFF for the time being Then maybe down the line I'll get Ryzen gen 2 and swap most things out.

All of this information can be found in the previous 142 pages. Please enjoy reading through it :D
 

VegetableStu

Shrink Ray Wielder
Aug 18, 2016
1,949
2,619
I don't think I'd want to wish that upon anyone, LOL

Hey what are the specs of the small case? how much stuff can i fit inside? How many HDD/SSD? PSU size? water cooled CPU/size? Case fans or no need?

https://kimeraindustries.com/cerberus#cerberus-specs
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/t...tx-usa-made-enclosure.454/page-135#post-67374
  • Mini-ITX/DTX; micro ATX
  • H x W x D: 303 x 170 x 354mm, 18.2L (not counting handle and feet)
  • Chassis weight: 5.30kg
  • CPU heatsinks: maximum height of 142mm with the side bracket installed; 148mm without
  • Total number of expansion slots: 5
  • Maximum PCI device dimensions for all slots:
    • 329mm length
    • 130mm height at the power plugs; 150mm overall
  • PSU mounting brackets: 3 options
    one included per set, additional costs $15 each
    • SFX/SFX-L Front, switch facing upwards inside, Power extension cable required and included
    • SFX/SFX-L Rear-side, switch facing out at rear
    • ATX PSUs Rear-side, switch facing out at rear
  • motherboard frame allows for two 2.5" disks closer to the front
  • disk mount frames, sold separately, $10 each
    • 2.5": two per frame
    • 3.5": two per frame
  • Fans: 92, 120 and 140mm fans can be installed anywhere with Infinite Vents
    • Bottom: two 140mm fans maximum; Using the 5th PCI slot limits fans to 15mm thick
    • Front: two 140mm fans maximum; if PSU mounted in front, only one can be mounted
    • Side: two 140mm fans maximum in theory; one can be mounted realistically with any SFX/ATX PSU used
      • length of PSU may interfere with fan size
      • height of CPU cooler may interfere with fan height
    • Rear: one 92mm fan
    • Top Handle frame: 120mm slim fan, only if components of motherboard nearby does not interfere
  • watercooling:
    • one 240mm radiator in front with SFX/ATX PSU in the rear would be the easiest setting, and maybe one more 120mm
    • anything more or custom watercooling would require exotic setups (DC-ATX PSUs, slim radiators, etc)
    • would be easier in the Cerberus-X

Also does anyone have any info on acoustics? Im assuming if I buy a water block for cpu then it will take volume down.

Few factors:
  • Fan speed (rpm)
  • Fan design, you'd want silent fans
  • duty curve (speed at temperature)
  • number of fans
And that's the most that you have control over. Unless you want the acoustics of the frame itself (vibrations, etc) which honestly is too much effort for too little positive gain

If anyone has any pictures of their builds it would help.
strictly mATX cerberus builds? I don't remember much in this forum off my head now. anyone?

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/curzman/saved/XLcv6h
^This is my current build, Im thinking of swapping out the mobo for a Matx and getting a AIO like be quiet silent loop. to let me go SFF for the time being Then maybe down the line I'll get Ryzen gen 2 and swap most things out.
AIO: no problem, if only one 240mm rad at best
on a personal note: kinda disappointed with AMD's mATX offerings at the moment.
 
Last edited:

curzman

Efficiency Noob
New User
Apr 11, 2017
7
3
I don't think I'd want to wish that upon anyone, LOL
You are a king among men! thankyou so much!

I regards to noise, I was thinking that if I got an AIO at the front or side I wouldn't really need any case fans because my gpu has never been loud or hot and my cpu would be getting cooled by the AIO right?
Apparently this is one of the quietest AIO's out there:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/be-quiet-silent-loop-superior-liquid-cpu-cooler-240mm-hs-015-bq.html

Also while I have your attention I was wondering if you had any knowledge on SFF PSU's? I particularly interested in a quieter PSU since I heard sff psu's are loud. this is the psu im considering since pcpartpicker says my TDP is about 437 W for my build:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/be-q...old-modular-power-supply-black-ca-122-bq.html

Also has there been any word on dust filters?
I was thinking I could just use some custom ones like this::
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/dust...ra-durable-and-adhesive-1100mm-cm-001-du.html

Thankyou so much your the most helpful person here :)

oh yeh just matx I'm here coz the future of pc's are getting smaller haha.

Yeh thats kinda why I'm holding off on upgrading for now/ my parts still let me do what I want :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Biowarejak

Pyrath

Average Stuffer
Feb 5, 2016
59
82
You are a king among men! thankyou so much!
Also while I have your attention I was wondering if you had any knowledge on SFF PSU's? I particularly interested in a quieter PSU since I heard sff psu's are loud. this is the psu im considering since pcpartpicker says my TDP is about 437 W for my build:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/be-q...old-modular-power-supply-black-ca-122-bq.html
https://smallformfactor.net/reviews/powersupplies
Anecdotally, I have a corsair SF600 and it's pretty dag quiet. Right now with air cooled 1080ti FE and a 7700k, I can't tell if it's on or not. At idle the fan doesn't spin and at load there are louder components. It's what I'll be putting into my cerberus and watercooling.

Also has there been any word on dust filters?
I was thinking I could just use some custom ones like this::
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/dust...ra-durable-and-adhesive-1100mm-cm-001-du.html
The consensus for good, removable filters seems to have been https://www.demcifilter.com/
 
  • Like
Reactions: Biowarejak

FoskcoRS5

Designated LMG
Jan 31, 2017
363
623
https://smallformfactor.net/reviews/powersupplies
Anecdotally, I have a corsair SF600 and it's pretty dag quiet. Right now with air cooled 1080ti FE and a 7700k, I can't tell if it's on or not. At idle the fan doesn't spin and at load there are louder components. It's what I'll be putting into my cerberus and watercooling.


The consensus for good, removable filters seems to have been https://www.demcifilter.com/

I have the SF600 in my Cerberus and I don't hear it. If I hear anything its my GPU going ham pushing those 165hz 1440p buttery smooth frames.

I picked up my magnetic dust filters on amazon.
 

TheHig

King of Cable Management
Oct 13, 2016
951
1,171
I also run the Corsair sf600 on an open bench and find it to be very quiet. Looking to use in the CerbX.

I have overclocked my R7 1700 and Vega 56 to hell and back and it has performed admirably so far.

I own the sf450 as well. Definitely nice units.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Biowarejak

curzman

Efficiency Noob
New User
Apr 11, 2017
7
3
Thanks guys it seems corsair is popular.
anyone got the measurments for all the vents?(inc front bot back top side)
 

Rubricae

Efficiency Noob
Jan 13, 2017
5
6
Quick questions regarding fan compatibility:

When an SFX psu is located at the front of the case, is there any room between it and the front panel to mount a slim fan? and would it provide any extra airflow or is it so little room that it would be pointless?

Also is it possible to mount two 140mm fans at the front of the Cerberus or Cerberus X? I understand a 280rad would be too much, but is there any hope of still having two fans in that area? What about the bottom?

Cheers guys, just planning some stuff out ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Biowarejak

VegetableStu

Shrink Ray Wielder
Aug 18, 2016
1,949
2,619
When an SFX psu is located at the front of the case, is there any room between it and the front panel to mount a slim fan?
Between the PSU and the front vents? I highly doubt it, it's quite tight in there. I think I remember asking if a dust filter would fit there and the answer was "no"

If you mean between the vent and the front panel cover (technically outside the case), you could (according to a fitting experiment by MarcParis)


Also is it possible to mount two 140mm fans at the front of the Cerberus or Cerberus X? I understand a 280rad would be too much, but is there any hope of still having two fans in that area? What about the bottom?
You can fit two 140mm fans in front in CX, but not the regular cerberus. As for the bottom you can definitely fit two 140mm fans.
 

curzman

Efficiency Noob
New User
Apr 11, 2017
7
3
Between the PSU and the front vents? I highly doubt it, it's quite tight in there. I think I remember asking if a dust filter would fit there and the answer was "no"

If you mean between the vent and the front panel cover (technically outside the case), you could (according to a fitting experiment by MarcParis)





I dont see why we couldnt have one of those magnetic dust filters on the front mesh but behind the front painted panel.
 

Nanook

King of Cable Management
May 23, 2016
805
793
What’s the best air cooling solution (assuming SFX PSU) in the Cerberus? Would a C14 be better than a tower style (eg Cryorig H7)?
 

Pyrath

Average Stuffer
Feb 5, 2016
59
82
When an SFX psu is located at the front of the case, is there any room between it and the front panel to mount a slim fan? and would it provide any extra airflow or is it so little room that it would be pointless?

If you mean between the vent and the front panel cover (technically outside the case), you could (according to a fitting experiment by MarcParis)

With such little space for air intake, I'd value a fan there at somewhere between 'utterly useless' and 'an egregious waste of money'