Prototype Introducing the PL-1TX: A modular ITX platform!

[Lux]

Parvus Lux PL-1TX​

Happy Halloween to those who celebrate! Regardless of the holiday, I bring treats for all. A “mini” teaser of a modular ITX case. The Parvus Lux PL-1TX!
While the core design is close to its final state, we welcome constructive feedback and any questions. Details most likely to alter before production are the stands and case screws.

Design & Function:​

• We’ve gone for an industrial aesthetic, since a modular design of this scale blends with that vision. Each side panel can be individually removed and replaced to allow new output options and/or mounting capabilities. Thus, we encourage the community to be creative with custom additions of their own. Once our website is fully running people can purchase individual panels to mod and design as desired.
• The tapered corners allow for small brackets to slide in and hold via the existing case screws. As shown in the prototype below, two “units” have been combined such that the second houses four 3.5” drives.
• Alternatively a GPU and additional power can go into that second “unit”. Or a mix of 2.5”, 3.5” drives and/or PCIe devices can be inserted. For homelab users, a system can stand vertical, as shown or rack mounted.

Specifications:​

• Motherboard Compatibility: Mini-ITX, Thin-ITX & Deep-ITX
• Recommended Power Configurations: (Internal EPP-200-12 with Pico-style ATX DC/DC) or (External 19v laptop brick with compatible ~19v input Pico-style DC/DC)
• Case Dimensions: (~3.3L internal: 189mm x 276mm x 64mm) and (external: 192.2mm x 279.2mm x 67.2mm)
• CPU cooler max height: (~42mm AMD) & (~44m Intel)

Logistics:​

• The first batch will launch via a crowdfunding platform. The date of which is TBD but certainly before the end of the year. There will be no cap on the number of units that can be pre-ordered. We have already established connections with high capacity, local fabrication shops to assist in handling manufacturing needs.
• We aim to support USA manufacturing as much as possible. Especially within the small rural community. Our company logo, the lighthouse is located on Lake Superior and near our shop. A “small” symbol of that value.
• Environmental impacts are another consideration we take seriously. Plans are being made to recycle packaging materials on-site, with more details to be shared soon.
• Videos with 3d renders will be available to assist with assembly. Thus, lowering the bar of complexity and allowing users of different experience levels to utilize.

As shown, our team has put a lot of effort and thought into getting here. Thus, any support received means a great deal. Thank you for reviewing this announcement and keep an eye out for updates here.

Lux,
Parvus Lux LLC - Founder

 

[reimaru]

Congrats it looks interesting and well designed. Some questions: what are the specs of the pico PSU and what's the max CPU/GPU supported config? And for the case material: is it aluminum or steel and what thickness?

 

[Lux]

Congrats it looks interesting and well designed. Some questions: what are the specs of the pico PSU and what's the max CPU/GPU supported config? And for the case material: is it aluminum or steel and what thickness?

Here is a table of the specs for both prototypes shown:

All case panels are machined from 5052 1/16" (~1.6mm) Aluminum. Then painted with scratch resistant, epoxy-resin powder coating.

As is often the case with mini builds, thermals will decide CPU limits. We've tested primarily with NH-L9 series, which Noctua warns not to use with a TDP higher than 95W. https://noctua.at/pub/media/blfa_files/infosheet/noctua_nh_l9a-am4_datasheet_web_en_1.pdf

Below is an image of the rear bracket for PCIe devices. This allows for a max GPU width of ~2.5 slots.

The max GPU length is 250mm before contacting the front case fans. Removal of those fans would increase potential length to ~175mm.
The expansion has space for two additional EPP-200 power supplies. Which would increase the total system power to 600W.