Prototype k_ses: 2,5 slot cards up to 179/197mm @ 3,93L/4,32L (brickless / HDPLEX 250W GaN)

[k0n]

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My most recent case project, born the moment I first saw the 250W GaN PSU from HDPLEX (at a time where AMD can't deliver a worthy replacement for a 7 year old R9 Nano).

First time I did powder coating myself... and now I want to do a small production run. Maybe ~100 units? 2-3 prototypes before that?


The goal is to make use of the possibilities outsourced manufacturing will give me, but keep it simple so:

• keep the design only base + cover
• one more bend on both 200mm sides (of the base)
• partially removed bend, to better fit the graphics card
• venting holes in the base
• keep the outer dimensions to 360*200*60mm (=4.32L)
• 1mm galvanized steel

Let me know what you think. What kind of venting pattern should I use?

 

[k0n]

base + cover + riser + power button (powder coated)

 

[k0n]

base (raw)

 

[k0n]

base + cover (raw)

 

[k0n]

base + cover (powder coated)

 

[aromachi]

Nicely done! Looks really good. GaN are still too pricey for the wattage you're getting imo.

 

[k0n]

Any thoughts on venting patterns? I like RV 7-8, but over the entire cover it would be costly and where I'm looking it doesn't scale so much with order volume... Another downside is recirculation of hot air. Good RV 7-8 placement only over the fans would be to configuration specific and look a bit too "functional" :/



RV 5-8 is cheap and with a 6,5/7mm drill anyone can re-drill the holes needed. Intake of fresh air can be prioritized, airflow directed and instead of everything beeing equally revealed a focus point can be set (notice the 6,5mm holes among the 5mm holes? ).

The downside is that re-drilling is almost a must AND the threads on the base will have to be made afterwards (placed individual RV 5-8 specific).
EDIT: Oh and the edges can be sharp depending on where they cut it..

 

[k0n]

I had the possibility to pass on the RX 6600 without a loss and get the RX 6600 XT Challanger ITX for 430€ (Amazon Warehouse)... Even though the whole motivation behind the k4.32L was to not rely on ITX size cards. Navi 23 is just toooo good to only have a cut down version of it and I coudn't get the ASRock card out of my head!

Yes I could have made the k4.32L fit the RX 6600 XT Fighter but I don't like this model because the memory modules have diffrent thickness thermal pads to make contact with the heatsink ... and the whole heatsink is a joke. WHY don't they first make use of the space there is @ 17cm before stretching it out to 20cm..!More cheap fans and plastic shroud than actual heatsink!

Anyway... I have ordered 5 k4.32L in December (without a cover) with delivery mid January. And than I made a 3.93L version (360x182x60mm) for ITX size cards and ordered 2 of it. I will have to see whether the k3.93L is even possible (ordered it without graphics card opening).

 

[k0n]

The five k4.32L and two k3.93L prototypes just arrived

 

[k0n]

3,93L (360x182x60mm) was possible... but is it woth it over the k4.32L?

 

[k0n]

The only k4.32L (V1.0) and one of the two k3.93L (V1.0) was/is used in two builds now. Online I didn't have much interesst,. niche within a niche? But since it's just a hobby I'm happy to slowly pass on what I have and make room for revisions/other projects. Yesterday I powder coated the base of the first k4.32L (V1.1) ... the cover for this one will be optimized RV5-8 from 1mm alumimim. The other 4 I haven't touched yet because I think someone might want one to custimize himself or as a base for another project or open air? But slowly I'll finish them too ...

self-clinching standoffs

venting and mounting holes for the HDPLEX 250W GaN / venting holes (exhaust) for graphics cards

4 Pin PWM extension that comes with the Kaze Flex Slim is ideal for PowerSW/PowerLED ...

open air hidden next to a M27Q (27" 2560x1440p)

 

[BaK]

Really like the symmetry of the case!
Is the plastic film we see a duct for the GPU fan?

Yesterday I powder coated the base of the first k4.32L (V1.1)

It looks very nice in black!
What is this blue riser, any link to it?

 

[k0n]

Really like the symmetry of the case!
Is the plastic film we see a duct for the GPU fan?


It looks very nice in black!
What is this blue riser, any link to it?

Thank you, no the plastic is from the packaging. I left it on while I was moving the card around alot.

I found the riser on eBay and bought 4 of it at the time: https://www.ebay.de/itm/255507355206 another seller but it must be this one (I use the 18,5cm one).

 

[BaK]

I found the riser on eBay and bought 4 of it at the time: https://www.ebay.de/itm/255507355206 another seller but it must be this one (I use the 18,5cm one).

I thought it was made from individual separate wires, but it's actually not the case. Thanks anyway!