Sorry for the lack of updates over the last few weeks, I've been concentrating on production in preparation to deliver the second batch of case parts to Overclockers UK including all the new DC-DC panels, Grey panels and Vandal Switch options.
The original delivery target was last Friday, but the laser cutter developed a fault and was out of action for a week. Its fixed now and things are on track for delivery of parts to be made this Friday, it will probably be the week after before they are available to order as the configurator will need updating with the new options.
I'm very excited about all the new options, they really open up the possibilities of what can be done with the case. I haven't had chance to take any proper photos of the new stuff yet, so instead here are some overviews of the new options:
Grey Panels
The main panels and some side panel options will be available in matte finish Mineral Grey.
Vandal Switch Side Panel
Replaces Full IO panel (power + reset button, USB + Audio ports), with a simple Vandal Power Switch, helping to reduce the amount of cables inside the case.
These panels will be available in matte Black, Grey or White, with Open, Aero, Radial, Cylone and slotted (GPU) vent options.
16mm Vandal LED Power Switches
Available with White, Red, Green or Blue LED rings, they come pre-wired with a custom short cable and are provided with motherboard wiring instructions.
Rear DC-DC Panels
An alternative rear panel that replaces the SFX PSU opening with a C14 power connector opening and adds support for a rear mounted 80mm/92mm fan. The panel is provided with a set of C14 adapter plates that allow you to attach a range of different types of DC input connectors including HDPLEX, G-Unique as well as generic round thread and nut types.
Removing the SFX power supply allows for tower coolers up to 130mm tall to be installed in the case, to aid cooling even further a 92mm x 25mm fan can be fitted to the rear of the case for direct CPU heat exhaust. My testing has shown this configuration to provide amazing results.
Alternatively the rear panel is also provided with a set of pre-installed M3 Standoffs that allow you to mount a HDPLEX DC-ATX power supply to the rear panel instead of a case fan.
This panel will be available in Black, Grey or White
Storage Drive + DC-DC Mount Panel
An alternative storage drive panel, allowing you to mount 1x 2.5" storage drive and a power supply. This panel is
not compatible with the Full IO side panel, this panel
requires the Vandal Switch side panel option to be used.
The panel includes 2 sets of pre-installed standoffs which are spaced to allow a range of different power supply units to be mounted. Including the HDPLEX DC-ATX power supplies, The HDPLEX AC-DC adapters (160w + 300w versions), or the more generic slim and long power boards (usually 154mm long) that use 144mm spaced mounting holes.
This panel will be available in matte Black or Clear.
TOP XL-Vent Panel
An alternative top panel with increased ventilation, provided through a series of specially aligned vent slots that allow you to mount a range of cooling options including a 120mm AIO watercooler.
Depending on your overall system configuration, the Top XL-Vent panel is compatible with 1x 120mm/140mm fan, or up to 2x 92mm fans, or up to 4x 80mm slim fans, or 1x 120mm AIO watercooler*.
*Compatibility of fans and AIO cooler is highly dependent on your overall system configuration, which includes:
- Power Supply type (SFX / DC-DC / AC-DC Adapter / PicoPSU / etc)
- Power supply position (mounted to Rear Panel or Front Storage Panel)
- CPU Cooler height (up to 130mm without top panel mounted fan)
- The options are limitless, so please approach Top XL-Vent Panel fan compatibility with caution
This panel is available in matte Black, Grey or White.
Using DC-ATX and AC-DC Adapter at the same time:
Something else to note as I'm sure some of you will be curious: Using HDPLEX DC-ATX and AC-DC Adapter at the same time is possible, but unfortunately it reduces CPU cooler height to under 60mm in most instances and is not compatible with AIO coolers either.
However, it should still be possible to mount a slim 120mm to the top panel with this configuration which could provide better overall system cooling performance when compared to SFX PSU setups.