Stalled Knarr: ~12L case with a focus on liquid cooling and aesthetics

[Tabtree]

Something like the formd T1 look? I don't think it would look bad. Would we still get a window?

 

[Poblopuablo]

Is this "pluto" yours? (Pictures above are a different case, see quote blow)

Please note these pictures are for a prototype and the production version may differ.

Pluto is an ~11L (11.1-11.3 in prototype stage) SFF case forged from anodized aluminum and powder coated steel that that seeks to avoid certain conventions in order to define its own. With a daring bit of engineering, the exterior unibody shell unlatches without tools and can be peeled open using the natural spring of aluminum. This allows the exterior of the case to be made from a single piece of seamless metal, decreasing the use of screws and reducing production costs. *Prototype currently shows magnetic closure.

Inside, by focusing on water cooling, Pluto manages to fit 2x full size 240mm AIOs or fan-filled rads at the same time, along with GPUs up to (around) 300mm in length, at up to 2.5 slots in thickness. Without AIOs, 4 120mm fans can be used. And in either scenario, 2 60mm fans fill the rear panel of Pluto. With a focus on airflow throughout the chassis, and clear paths for ventilation from front to back and side to side - the top panel is allowed to remain closed. Above, the exterior is topped with a piece of hardwood available in multiple species such as maple and walnut. Wooden feet may optionally be used underneath.

Artesian Builds is currently finishing prototyping and Pluto will be available later in the fall of 2020.

Because if not, someone looks like they are taking your design...

 

[Shatrod]

Is this "pluto" yours? (Pictures above are a different case, see quote blow)



Because if not, someone looks like they are taking your design...

Yes it is
But the pics are the previous prototype. Lots of things not great on it

 

[Shatrod]

Something like the formd T1 look? I don't think it would look bad. Would we still get a window?

In a later version a window is definitely possible

 

[Dynamite]

So. Community question. I spoke with the engineers and we can resolve all our woes if we just make the aluminum fully perforated. By using pre perforated stock. Think fractal design meshify c but on all sides. I'm a little concerned about how this would look and I can't model it, too many holes, computer crashes.

I was promised it can be made finger safe.

Thoughts?

I've been following this project for some time now, mostly because I love the form factor that you've com up with. The footprint is small, vertical, and can fit a variety of off-the-shelf hardware or allow a custom loop with full view of the motherboard and GPU.

That being said, the custom touches like the design of the aluminum panels and wood top were really exciting. I think most of the hobbyists in this forum would rather pay more for a unique design. I think the fully perforated panels are a step in the wrong direction from the design perspective, but I understand that manufacturing perforated aluminum panels with precision can be really difficult.

I am most interested in a windowed version. Is it possible to render a version with a fully perforated side panel but a windowed main panel? This might be less taxing, computationally.

 

[Shatrod]

I've been following this project for some time now, mostly because I love the form factor that you've com up with. The footprint is small, vertical, and can fit a variety of off-the-shelf hardware or allow a custom loop with full view of the motherboard and GPU.

That being said, the custom touches like the design of the aluminum panels and wood top were really exciting. I think most of the hobbyists in this forum would rather pay more for a unique design. I think the fully perforated panels are a step in the wrong direction from the design perspective, but I understand that manufacturing perforated aluminum panels with precision can be really difficult.

I am most interested in a windowed version. Is it possible to render a version with a fully perforated side panel but a windowed main panel? This might be less taxing, computationally.

I will try. At present after talking with the factory we decided on a fully perf panel with thin solid aluminum welded on top to preserve the aesthetic. It looks good. Il post a couple renders today.

The windowed side panel however has become somewhat of a huge problem. I need to come up with a way to attach glass to this. It will definitely have visible screws. Glass is very hard to work with generally. Plexiglass is a bit of a no no because it scratches and squeaks under some vibration.

 

[Tabtree]

I agree with many of the things that dynamite said, and I also think that the welding of metal on top of the perforation could give rise to interesting looking side panels. Could something like the h500 glass panel be done where the screw is towards the back? I'm guessing that that would be far too much of a hassle...

 

[Shatrod]

I agree with many of the things that dynamite said, and I also think that the welding of metal on top of the perforation could give rise to interesting looking side panels. Could something like the h500 glass panel be done where the screw is towards the back? I'm guessing that that would be far too much of a hassle...

Basically no we cant do that because that requires adhering aluminum to glass. Its clearly possible but i dont know how and thats a layer of complexity that i am not willing to undertake.

I did come up with a way that is maybe promising. I put my computer through its paces today and came up with these for you. This is latest concept art if you will. All in all its slow progress with long turn around time with the factory and things generally not working out smoothly.

 

[Tabtree]

I think that this look pretty clean!

 

[Tabtree]

Any updates?

 

[Shatrod]

Work has slowed down on this because my actual job has been requiring a lot of attention. But its not abandoned. I will try my best to update as soon as there is some substantial movement on the next prototypes