Update: Note that this announcement is now out of date. Please refer to Sliger's product pages for up-to-date technical specifications and availability!
Part I: Features
Dimensions
Cerberus's final dimensions are 303 x 170 x 354mm, leading to an overall volume of 18.2L. Though this is a tad bit larger than the last prototype, the benefits of the minor space increase are substantial (and to which I'll elaborate on in a moment), and the increase itself constitutes a mere 5% difference that's imperceptible to the eye.
Portability and space efficiency were among the original tenets of Project Nova's design, and they remain in full force within Cerberus. For portable workstations, multi-GPU rigs and VR-focused contexts, Cerberus's combination of component flexibility and size make it a revelation, and a substantial leap forward, for enthusiasts and for the industry as a whole.
Aesthetics
Cerberus sees a dramatic refinement in appearances for its final iteration, and its facelift is undoubtedly one of the most exiting updates we've made. Our last prototype embraced an industrial look to match the utilitarian focus of the design, but Cerberus strikes a much better balance, finding a way to retain that practicality and marry it with a refined, minimalist, and distinctive look.
Much of this evolution is a direct consequence of the materials and manufacturing methods made available to us through our manufacturer. For example, through them, we've been able to secure industrial-grade powder coatings that will be available in Obsidian Black and Pearl White as standard - with a rich Carmine Red available as a stretch goal for our crowdfunding campaign. And across all the coatings, we've selected a fine-textured matte finish that imparts an ultra-premium feel, exudes vivid color, and provides exceptional durability. For the black powder coat in particular, the texture and color lends Cerberus a particular sheen that catches the light in an interesting and eye-catching manner, shifting the hue ever so slightly as you shift your perspective.
Of course, changes weren't limited to our selection of coatings. Cerberus's panels have also seen a complete redesign: gone are the sliding hooks, and all the seams and bends they introduce; all panels on Cerberus are now uniform flat sheets of metal, with sharp edges that complement the enclosure's minimalist design. The face of Cerberus has eliminated several bends along the edges, embracing a simplified gull-wing-like profile. The I/O for the enclosure has been moved to the top, lending the front a cleaner and more understated look. And, best of all, we've adopted an industrial-grade pin-and-clip system to secure all panels to the chassis, relying on 100% steel hardware to provide convenient toolless removal, without the fragility of the plastic clips commonly used in industry.
Finally, the external vents themselves have been adjusted, with smaller cutouts, minor adjustments to positioning, and the elimination of the non-functional vents behind the motherboard tray.
Infinite Vents
Speaking of vents, perhaps the most impressive single feature we're introducing with Cerberus is an original and innovative mounting system, that we've decided to call "Infinite Vents". For past prototypes, we relied on traditional static mount points that essentially pre-determined where and what kind of hardware could be installed - but for Cerberus, we wanted a solution that could more effectively use the limited internal space of a SFF enclosure.
After considerable experimentation, we've developed a low-restriction vent pattern of tessellated slats, which freely allow air through whilst providing a continuous plane upon which hardware can be mounted. This means that, wherever there are Infinite Vents, anything from storage to fans to radiators can be secured to the enclosure, at
precisely the desired location, with nearly infinite adjustability.
Another benefit of this vent design, coupled with the alterations in Cerberus's dimensions, is greatly increased component compatibility. 92mm, 120mm, and now 140mm fans can be mounted on the front or bottom of the enclosure. Pairs of 2.5" and 3.5" drives can be secured anywhere along the Infinite Vents by use of the included brackets. 120mm and 240mm radiators can be installed. Pumps and reservoirs are now more easily and readily installed, for the adventurous. And we've even put in place two additional 2.5" mount points on the motherboard tray itself, adjacent to the motherboard, for users who have many drives, or who otherwise want to keep the vents free to hold additional hardware.
With Project Nova, options for internal hardware were numerous. But with Cerberus, they are seemingly infinite, achieving a level of customizability that few enclosures of any size have been able to provide to date.
ATX PSUs
Cerberus's default configuration is that of mounting a SFX or SFX-L power supply at the front of the chassis, and we recommend this method for the great majority of enthusiasts and builds, even across most dual-GPU rigs. However, given the desire by some to use standard ATX power supplies, our most recent prototype included a (clumsy but functional) optional bracket that allowed for such units to be installed on the back, above the motherboard.
With the final version, however, we've been able to work with our manufacturer to provide a much more elegant solution: enthusiasts can now decide at the time of purchase whether they want SFX or ATX support, and they'll receive an enclosure that was designed and built specifically for that form factor. In this way, we're able to do away with brackets entirely, provide a clean and more rigid frame, and eliminate the extra cost of a bracket for those who choose to go the ATX route.
Options
Finally, throughout Project Nova's evolution, we've been working on the option to add an integrated handle, in order to provide the absolute best possible portability to those who desire easy travel above all else. With Cerberus, we're now able to provide this solution as an upgrade that's custom-made for the enclosure, rather than as an off-the-shelf add on.
Each handle we make is custom-designed and carved from solid billets of aluminum, with chamfers and a powder coat finish offering superior ergonomics and
just the right amount of friction to provide a confident grip. And the handle itself integrates directly into the internal chassis of Cerberus, with a pre-installed bracket providing the strength necessary to support carrying even the heaviest of rigs around.
Another popular (and frequently requested) option was that of adding a plexiglass window to the bottom of Cerberus, for those who desire to showcase their meticulously-built desktops from the outside, and we're very happy to say that this too will be available as an upgrade option for enthusiasts. With the recent attention that AMD, nVidia and component manufacturers alike have given to the aesthetics of GPU shrouds, the window is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your build, and show off the potent hardware that powers it.
