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

[xingyeqin]

Ok, hold on, maybe you have to see my "previous build"





You can fit A LOT of things in this tiny case!

But because I've changed a few things, moved some parts to other builds, I was trying to have s simple solution to replace my custom loop.

Then, maybe is better to use the Corsair one!

How is the performance of the TX240. I read some review of TX360, it works well with low rpm fans.

I'm using BlackIce 240 GTS, and it's really hard to install every part. So I'm thinking about change a GTS to TX240.

 

[Bioforce]

I searched through the thread for references to 280mm radiators and I'm seeing some mixed information. Some people are saying that you can fit a 280mm rad in the front of the Cerberus-X and some people are saying you can't. I know you can fit one in the bottom, but I'd prefer to avoid that scenario as I expect to use an AIO and I don't want air bubbles collecting in the pump. Is there a definitive answer on support for a 280mm AIO mounted in the front of the Cerberus-X?

 

[MuffinCrumbs]

I searched through the thread for references to 280mm radiators and I'm seeing some mixed information. Some people are saying that you can fit a 280mm rad in the front of the Cerberus-X and some people are saying you can't. I know you can fit one in the bottom, but I'd prefer to avoid that scenario as I expect to use an AIO and I don't want air bubbles collecting in the pump. Is there a definitive answer on support for a 280mm AIO mounted in the front of the Cerberus-X?

When I didn't have the PSU to the front, I had Kraken x62 (280mm) and H115i Pro (280mm) radiator to the front. It does indeed work. But it depends on your GFX too. depends how long it is, because it might not get enough access, depending on what card it is.

I got Vega Frontier Edition GFX, it is 267mm. The radiator is 30mm thick, with fans being 25mm thick. I found it to be okay using such config, though, if the card was slightly longer, it wouldn't be a comfy fit.

tl;dr
1. Yes, works on the front side of Cerberus-X
2. you might want to check the GFX length, and other hardware clearance issues with such config.

I hope this helps.

 

[Bioforce]

When I didn't have the PSU to the front, I had Kraken x62 (280mm) and H115i Pro (280mm) radiator to the front. It does indeed work. But it depends on your GFX too. depends how long it is, because it might not get enough access, depending on what card it is.

I got Vega Frontier Edition GFX, it is 267mm. The radiator is 30mm thick, with fans being 25mm thick. I found it to be okay using such config, though, if the card was slightly longer, it wouldn't be a comfy fit.

tl;dr
1. Yes, works on the front side of Cerberus-X
2. you might want to check the GFX length, and other hardware clearance issues with such config.

I hope this helps.

Wonderful. Thank you for the concise answer. My GPU is an EVGA 280Ti XC Ultra which I believe is only 270mm long. The website states that the total length of GPU + Fans + Rad should not exceed 330mm, so with my 25mm fans and 30mm rad I should have 5mm of clearance. I'll be using a rear mounted SFX
PSU so that shouldn't be an issue either.

 

[Bioforce]

With a rear mounted SFX PSU are there any pump/res combos which will fit mounted horizontally from the top 140mm fan on a 55mm thick rad + fan? I'm trying to find a good place to mount one if I go custom liquid cooling.

Edit: Or vertically even, if any are small enough to fit.

 

[Chromavoid]

No issue. Keep us informed..

well, this was surprisingly easier and cheaper than I anticipated. There is a local store called TAPS Plastics, they sell all sorts of plastics, vinyl etc.. They were able to mill out a piece for the window for $27 and I got a template in the process...
I have the incorrect tape holding everything together, but in the mean time, it functions.
They cut the window so that it sits almost perfectly flush with the outer plane of the case. Really happy witht the results

 

[MarcParis]

well, this was surprisingly easier and cheaper than I anticipated. There is a local store called TAPS Plastics, they sell all sorts of plastics, vinyl etc.. They were able to mill out a piece for the window for $27 and I got a template in the process...
I have the incorrect tape holding everything together, but in the mean time, it functions.
They cut the window so that it sits almost perfectly flush with the outer plane of the case. Really happy witht the results

Looks great!
Based on my experience, as Cerberus side panel is quite easy to bend (I don't mean physically) during removal process, it's putting a lot of pressure on tape.
At the end, tape didn't hold plexi panel in some area.

Also I noted that GPU heat (GTX1080ti overclocked that can generate something like 300w) is able to deform plexi panel (putting even more effort on tape).

Finally I came to original vented aluminium panel as I was fed up to put back plexi panel in place..

 

[sjug]

We will have both Cerberus and Cerberus X on display at QuakeCon, along with a coupon code for our site. Come by and visit!

So 2 days into QuakeCon, how about this coupon code? I hope it's not that $15 off coupon. Even less than the $17.76 independence day sale...
You guys really know how to motivate me to not spend money.

 

[Rick98761]

@KSliger Any possibility of an update on the front USB-C add-on? I'd love to have it.

 

[Myscion]

I just entered the marked for a new rig since my 4790K isn't up to snuff anymore and the cerberus looks like the perfect MATX case. I've always bought cheap cases but it's time to buy a quality case for once. It's a real shame they stopped selling it in red. It really was a beautiful shade.

Any pitfalls to be aware of? Planing to use a 650W PSU paired with either a 3700X or 3900X in the matx cerberus.

 

[EndEffeKt]

There is no sufficient mATX x570 board. Maybe go with ITX or DTX.

 

[VegetableStu]

maybe to rephrase: the only mATX x570 board isn't good for 12c CPUs and above ._.

probably go for a better built mATX board on X470 or ITX/DTX on X570

 

[Bioforce]

I just entered the marked for a new rig since my 4790K isn't up to snuff anymore and the cerberus looks like the perfect MATX case. I've always bought cheap cases but it's time to buy a quality case for once. It's a real shame they stopped selling it in red. It really was a beautiful shade.

Any pitfalls to be aware of? Planing to use a 650W PSU paired with either a 3700X or 3900X in the matx cerberus.

As the others have pointed out, MATX is becoming a dead form factor. The industry has simply stopped caring about it. You may be better off going with the Cerberus-X rather than the Cerberus. It's only about 1.5 liters larger, but accommodates up to E-ATX motherboards, though ATX is recommended since E-ATX can have compatibility issues depending on your setup. On top of that, the Carmine Red color that you want is still available for the Cerberus-X and at a $20 discount.

 

[Bioforce]

Any pitfalls to be aware of?

As far as issues go, there isn't too many things to worry about with the Cerberus cases as their compatibility level is huge. The only real concern that I have is that they have very limited exhaust, so you should do everything you can to maximize exhaust options. If you get the handle for the case, you can fit a slim fan on handle's mounting hardware. If you DON'T get the handle, make sure you purchase the "Top Mount Bracket" as it allows you to fit two slim fans up top. If you use the front mounted PSU setup, I believe you can also have a 92mm fan in the rear.

 

[VegetableStu]

As the others have pointed out, MATX is becoming a dead form factor. The industry has simply stopped caring about it.

we've yet to see how the motherboard vendors would deal with Intel's next release ._. it'll be pretty conclusive when the X570 story happens there as well.

You may be better off going with the Cerberus-X rather than the Cerberus. It's only about 1.5 liters larger, but accommodates up to E-ATX motherboards, though ATX is recommended since E-ATX can have compatibility issues depending on your setup.

(i mean this advice has to apply generally everywhere, but) take note of the additional length away from the ATX outline when dealing with EATX boards and cases. most boards do specify board dimensions, but cases are a completely on/off thing.

CX provisions for 335mm wide boards (91mm away from the ATX outline), with about an additional 25mm (24.92mm on paper) between that edge and the front vented wall (might be tight for a 25mm fan).

It's great on companies that did what Sliger has done for EATX accommodations/definitions, but not many go further from "supports EATX boards" ._.
(although I hear there's a standoff positional difference between EATX and SSI-CEB boards, so...)

what's worse in this situation is that PCPP stopped showing cases that's under the 330mm allowance for EATX boards ._. considering there are EATX motherboards that are under 330mm (a PCB button and a few 7-segment displays can't be that long)

[Correction] P600S E-ATX Support

pcpartpicker.com

 

[lomskat404]

Hello everyone,

I happen to have a Cerberus case for sale. Shipping only to EU from Poland. Shipping price is around 20 euroes, usually less.

Case in pristine condition, without any modifications. Sent in the original box and with everything included. A bequiet! silent wings 92mm fan included for free.

My current asking price is 230 euroes (shipping included), but it is negotiable.

PM me if you're interested or if you want more pictures.

Picture below:

 

[Chromavoid]

Looks great!
Based on my experience, as Cerberus side panel is quite easy to bend (I don't mean physically) during removal process, it's putting a lot of pressure on tape.
At the end, tape didn't hold plexi panel in some area.

Also I noted that GPU heat (GTX1080ti overclocked that can generate something like 300w) is able to deform plexi panel (putting even more effort on tape).

Finally I came to original vented aluminium panel as I was fed up to put back plexi panel in place..

Thankfully I have not had any serious thermals to create any issues. My EVGA 2080 doesnt run very warm. I am aware of the panels wanting to slightly bend. Its annoying honestly and one of my only gripes about the case. I appreciate the firm connection all the panels have but man, its hard to pop them off at times lol. I'm getting some PSlate cables in a couple weeks so I will revisit my utilitarian cable management and update with some images.

One question for all users: I have 2 x 12x25 intake fans on the bottom of the case. One 12x15 intake on the lower front and an exhaust fan in the back. My Motherboard only has 2 fan connections, one the dedicated chassis fan connection and the other being the water pump connection. How would you wire these?? I have 2-1 and 3-1 splitters available. I think the water pump connection sets the fan speed at 1000 and it stays there if Im not mistaken. Should I use all intake fans with the 3-1 splitter and connect it to the chassis fan contact so I can adjust them and connect the exhaust fan to the water pump contact and just let it stay at 1000 rpm? Currently I dont recall how I have them set up, likely whatever was cleaner and easier to wire.

 

[KSliger]

Thankfully I have not had any serious thermals to create any issues. My EVGA 2080 doesnt run very warm. I am aware of the panels wanting to slightly bend. Its annoying honestly and one of my only gripes about the case. I appreciate the firm connection all the panels have but man, its hard to pop them off at times lol. I'm getting some PSlate cables in a couple weeks so I will revisit my utilitarian cable management and update with some images.

One question for all users: I have 2 x 12x25 intake fans on the bottom of the case. One 12x15 intake on the lower front and an exhaust fan in the back. My Motherboard only has 2 fan connections, one the dedicated chassis fan connection and the other being the water pump connection. How would you wire these?? I have 2-1 and 3-1 splitters available. I think the water pump connection sets the fan speed at 1000 and it stays there if Im not mistaken. Should I use all intake fans with the 3-1 splitter and connect it to the chassis fan contact so I can adjust them and connect the exhaust fan to the water pump contact and just let it stay at 1000 rpm? Currently I dont recall how I have them set up, likely whatever was cleaner and easier to wire.

If you want to really loosen the panels up I would stick a screw driver into the ballstud clip, and bend the clips out a minuscule amount. This should make the panels substantially easier to remove. Any future revision of this case will drop to 4x ballstuds and a little more panel overhang on rear to pop them off from.

I'd get a SATA power fan controller and see if you can fit it in, run them all off of that.

Like this: https://www.newegg.com/p/376-001Y-0..._re=fan_controller-_-9SIACJF6HF8769-_-Product

 

[Myscion]

Thanks for the advice. There's currently only one matx x570 board so it would seem your dead on. It'll be a shame to only be populate two slots in an atx case but looks like that's the best option.

I think I'll be order the red Cerberus x case. I can always use water cooling to fill up the space in the future!

 

[MarcParis]

Thanks for the advice. There's currently only one matx x570 board so it would seem your dead on. It'll be a shame to only be populate two slots in an atx case but looks like that's the best option.

I think I'll be order the red Cerberus x case. I can always use water cooling to fill up the space in the future!

best choice by far..
I never regret my pre production Cerberus-x, bought 2.5years ago...