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

[jeshikat]

The prototype I current have (the one in all the pictures) actually does have removeable standoffs so it is possible with the current frame design but I'm not happy with how it turned out.

It requires custom-machined standoffs (extra expense) and extra-short screws (more difficult to source) but the resulting thread depth is so shallow that the motherboard screws have very little engagement.

Thus I made the decision to switch to fixed standoffs for the production design even though it doesn't technically meet the microATX specification. And then the ATX variant was done as an afterthought since it reuses most of the parts so it inherits the same fixed standoffs.

 

[Anthony]

That diagram about the standoffs cleared up a lot of confusion for me. Thanks Phuncz.

So, in theory. I could nab some plastic standoffs (easier to sand down) and some epoxy glue and mount an MATX board? I'd just turn the case on its side and let the weight of the board hold the standoffs in place while the epoxy cures and voila. Or is this a dream of a madman?

Could the other standoffs (for ATX boards) be left alone after this and I have easy peasy extra height for a radiator?

 

[jeshikat]

So, in theory. I could nab some plastic standoffs (easier to sand down) and some epoxy glue and mount an MATX board? I'd just turn the case on its side and let the weight of the board hold the standoffs in place while the epoxy cures and voila. Or is this a dream of a madman?

Just be careful not to glue the motherboard to the case

But yes, that should work.

 

[Phuncz]

Could the other standoffs (for ATX boards) be left alone after this and I have easy peasy extra height for a radiator?

You could also use them to secure a custom shroud or some extra PCB like a better fan controller even !

 

[Anthony]

You could also use them to secure a custom shroud or some extra PCB like a better fan controller even !

Ohh boy, I have a feeling my entire tax return is going to be "wasted"

 

[Pyrath]

I'm excited for the X as it will let me madke my ideal itx buld: Front SFX psu + 120mm front rad + 240mm bot rad AND room for a horizontal pump+res combo underneath the gpu / above the bottom res.

Will make a clear acrylic side panel if I can figure out those metal mounting pins...

 

[PlayfulPhoenix]

I believe this will be quite relevant for a lot of folks luring on this thread, myself included:

https://smallformfactor.net/news/silverstone-discloses-800w-sfx-l-power-supply

 

[Qrash]

I just saw this about a new micro ATX motherboard from Asus for the Z270 chipset: https://www.techpowerup.com/228271/asus-rog-strix-z270g-motherboard-leaked

 

[jeshikat]

Hopefully there will be more microATX boards. The selection with the current-gen parts is somewhat lacking.

And any more takers on the pre-pre-production units?

 

[PNP]

Hopefully there will be more microATX boards. The selection with the current-gen parts is somewhat lacking.

I thought that after Nvidia dropped 3 and 4 way SLI we'd see more mATX development. But it would seem that we've been caught up in the CrossFire.

 

[jeshikat]

Yeah, we'll have to wait and see what the mobo companies show at CES but I'm worried they'll abandon the enthusiast microATX market.

 

[mAnChO]

I found you through searching for a mATX case and initially stumbled upon the Nova concept, but sadly not until after the Cerberus Kickstarter had already concluded. I was excited to find out there are still plans to manufacture Cerberus and have been catching up through the forum.
I guess as a general question, what can one expect from a pre-pre-production unit?

 

[jeshikat]

Welcome to the forum!

This batch of cases currently in production are leftovers from a run we're doing for a business customer. They're mostly the same as the production design, but:

• They will not come with an internal power cable for SFX mounting (they will come with the brackets though if you can source your own cable)
• Includes handle kit and ATX PSU mounting brackets
• Standard panels (non-windowed)
• are available in any color you like so long as it's black
  
• about $475 excluding shipping
• should ship mid-January if the schedule doesn't slip.

PM me if you're interested.

 

[jeshikat]

Out of curiosity, would anyone be interested in buying the original Nova prototype?

 

[3lfk1ng]

Little ol' Blue needs a home?

 

[jeshikat]

Yeah, I'm seriously considering spending a month or two in Japan and then going from there to Taiwan for Computex. I've realized that I'd rather have the experience of going to another country for a good chunk of time than holding onto this case forever.

So despite my attachment to it as my first serious design made real, I'd rather sell it to someone who'd make use of it to help fund my trip.

 

[clean003]

Yeah, I'm seriously considering spending a month or two in Japan and then going from there to Taiwan for Computex. I've realized that I'd rather have the experience of going to another country for a good chunk of time than holding onto this case forever.

So despite my attachment to it as my first serious design made real, I'd rather sell it to someone who'd make use of it to help fund my trip.

How much are you are you willing to accept

 

[jeshikat]

It's a bit scuffed up and scratched, top panel is a total pain to remove, and several other little issues, but I paid $2600 for it so I'm thinking $400.

 

[MJVR1]

It's a bit scuffed up and scratched, top panel is a total pain to remove, and several other little issues, but I paid $2600 for it so I'm thinking $400.

Ramen soup for a month or an awesome case. Hmm...

 

[Anthony]

Are there any major compatibility differences between Blue and the production MATX models?