Prototype G-UNIQ ACDC, 7.7-8.5L Expandable Console Case

[Wahaha360]

Update 2019-08-25: PSU prototype received.

Update 2019-04-14: I got bit by the CNC bug, making this case via Extrusion and CNC.

Extrusion and CNC will give the most versatility for 2-3 sizes for this project. Thanks to an early backer, we should have enough MOQ to hit the same target price.

The following is Prototype 1 = design is not finalized, just testing thermals. I'm waiting for the Sidearmd T1 to finalized before starting this.

Background Story:
Met G-UNIQ guryhwa in mid 2017 and he showed me some power supply ideas. I am not an engineer, but the custom PSU kit looks just awesome - I wanted to put a better casing around his PSU creations. After many late night conversations, set backs, delays, interference, we are finally ready for prototype.

Here are some pictures of the G-UNIQ power kit inside an earlier prototype case:

Product highlights:

Comes in Anodized Silver and Anodized Black, WITH Window and NO Window variants.
The G-UNIQ Custom Power Supply kit looks awesome. it would be a crime not to have a window


Supports *two 120x15mm fans for intake by default. The Top Panel can lift to support *two 120x25mm fans, for high performance setups.


Rear I/O Chassis comes in 2 variants, supporting two different ways of mounting GPU.
3 PCIe slots for G-UNIQ special upgrade kits (will reveal later).
Supports ATX Motherboard with G-UNIQ Power Supply.
Supports Mini-ITX Motherboards with SFX Power Supply.

Dimensions: 72x308x346mm / 7.7L standard, Top Panel lifts to 80x308x346mm / 8.5L for *two 120x25mm fans
Motherboard: Mini-ITX, ATX (require G-UNIQ Passive Power Supply).
GPU: up to 300mm, 3 PCIe Slot thick.
Cooling: 58mm CPU cooler, 140 AIO (short GPU or external power brick).
Drive Support: Up to 3 2.5" drives.
Power Supply: SFX or G-UNIQ Power Supply

Designs Iterations:

Past prototype:

Special thanks:
Necere for case layout and the ~7L console-style case thread.
Josh | NFC for collaboration on Skyreach 4 Mini, exchanging ideas on GPU flip bracket.
guryhwa for the power supply kit.

 

[DSmithBYU]

Intriguing design!

 

[Phuncz]

Interesting with the PCB and the ATX support, I'd like to see more on that last one !

 

[chyll2]

ATX in sub-10L case.

 

[Sympathizer]

As compact as possible and yet stylish ATX body - this is exactly what I'm looking for!

But I very much ask you to think about compatibility with a full-fledged power supply. Perhaps, something non-typical, as used in Project Orthrus.

 

[Kmpkt]

So just to be clear the GUNIQ AC-DC solution is that broad PCB attached to the three HDDs?

 

[Wahaha360]

So just to be clear the GUNIQ AC-DC solution is that broad PCB attached to the three HDDs?

guryhwa

 

[masteraleph]

Say more, say more...

CPU cooler compatibility? Any prototype test setups done already? Looks like a flexible riser setup? Is the GPU also size limited by sfx vs guniq?

 

[Wahaha360]

Say more, say more...

CPU cooler compatibility? Any prototype test setups done already? Looks like a flexible riser setup? Is the GPU also size limited by sfx vs guniq?

58mm CPU cooler, 140 AIO (short GPU or external power brick).

we already made 2 prototypes, but not the same case, similar.

GPU is not limited by power supply (SFX or G-UNIQ).

 

[garou81]

Whats behind the decision to incorporate atx motherboard support, it seems to defeat the purpose of a small form factor.

Kinda bummed that the chassis has gotten so big and the smaller case which did not suppoort full length gpu's has been abandoned

 

[CARC Mini]

Whats behind the decision to incorporate atx motherboard support, it seems to defeat the purpose of a small form factor.

Kinda bummed that the chassis has gotten so big and the smaller case which did not suppoort full length gpu's has been abandoned

@Wahaha360 , i agree with garou81.

can you please consider reducing size to around 7.0L ??

 

[br3nd0]

@Wahaha360 , i agree with garou81.

can you please consider reducing size to around 7.0L ??

+1 here too.

 

[Wahaha360]

Whats behind the decision to incorporate atx motherboard support, it seems to defeat the purpose of a small form factor.

Kinda bummed that the chassis has gotten so big and the smaller case which did not suppoort full length gpu's has been abandoned

@Wahaha360 , i agree with garou81.

can you please consider reducing size to around 7.0L ??

+1 here too.

If you were to place a 7L console next to the current case, yes, it's appears a little thinner, but the difference in size, looking at it in person, is just too small considering the compromise (significant) on CPU cooling.

The mainstream flagship CPU, i9-9900K coming up is 95W - 130W+. There is also the 2700X. Even at the current size, I'm worried about the air cooler + dual 120x25mm fans cannot handle these CPUs and a RTX 2080, this is why I don't intend to make it smaller.

I have i9-7900X, about 140W without OC, similar to the i9-9900K TDP, I have tried it in multiple <10 liter cases, cooling the CPU is a problem. Since Intel is chasing AMD on more cores, and 10nm is prob not happening even in 2019, new CPUs for the next 2 years are likley high TDP.

I know delidding helps (prob not enough on i9), but I don't want to tell people to void their warranties. Also, rumor has it the 9900K coming up has soldered IHS, temps are prob worse than delid.

I did it for cooling, that's reason. I don't want a hot garbage case.

 

[catpuke]

Love to see more progress!

I really appreciate small form factors on ATX boards, but if you can sneak in E-ATX.. That's even better!

 

[garou81]

@Wahaha360 I'm still looking forward to this case. Is there any chance this could be available by Christmas-ish?

 

[Wahaha360]

@Wahaha360 I'm still looking forward to this case. Is there any chance this could be available by Christmas-ish?

Depends on testing results, guryhwa is testing prototype now.

 

[htko89]

This is a really intriguing design. I like how the window and the intake are the same size and symmetrical. It looks simple but I can already see a lot of thought in the design.

I know this is a crazy ask and a bit personal, but since people are asking for size changes: any chance you can reduce the case width to below 335mm? Ikea's kallax and expedit cube shelf openings are 335mm (13 1/4") in width I think it would look great inside one of these https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/series/27534/

 

[Nanook]

This case may be perfect for me.

 

[RogueLeader]

but since people are asking for size changes: any chance you can reduce the case width

@Wahaha360 ,agreeing with htko89.

Please think about making it a 7L chassis.

 

[EdZ]

Is the G-Uniq Power System a DC-DC system, or does it take AC?