Prototype Project Orthrus - Smallest SLI mATX case (V2)

[LukeD]

MarcParis,

Thank you for your wishes, lets just say the family situation is now stable so all good everything is back on track.
With regards to the PSU, and cables, they will not come premodded.
I've discussed with FSP and they said they will modify their 1U server PSU to meet "gaming" standards (6-8pin pcie plugs instead to 8pin cpu plugs), and they will modify the cable lengths to suit the case, however they will not braid the cables or paint the psu. That will have to be left for the creative modders out there

Thank you for the tip Aibohphobia.
I have rough estimates but nothing firm. Obviously I don't want to over promise and under deliver.
If you know of any good quality manufacturers that I could approach, I would greatly appreciate your help on this as the prototype guys aren't going to make a large volume run, since it would be too expensive.

 

[jeshikat]

If you know of any good quality manufacturers that I could approach, I would greatly appreciate your help on this as the prototype guys aren't going to make a large volume run, since it would be too expensive.

Yup, Protocase isn't really suited for larger production runs for designs like yours since they lack a punching machine for those vents.

• For an American company I've worked with Sliger Designs in Reno, NV: http://www.sliger.com/
• For Taiwanese companies NCASE and DAN Case are using Lian Li: http://www.lian-li.com/en/
• SilverStone does ODM work as well, the Falcon NorthWest Tiki is an example: http://www.silverstonetek.com/OEM/index.php?area=en
• There are Australian sheet metal shops too: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/t...itx-computer-enclosure-final-development.623/

 

[MarcParis]

and for your europe?...

 

[jeshikat]

I haven't worked with any European manufacturers so I can't speak to that.

 

[EdZ]

Zaber are their own manufacturers IIRC.

 

[jeshikat]

No, they're engineers (or at least one of the brothers is) so they're much more hands-on than most but their cases are manufactured by another company there in Poland.

 

[VooDooAddict]

Any thoughts to adding a handle to the top?

Do you think the frame could take the weight for adding one after the fact?

 

[jeshikat]

The top panel would need reinforced to take a handle, but it looks like the PSU is in the way.

So a carry harness would be more practical.

 

[BlackRogue]

I saw the Overclock3D article on this case, so glad I found the forum post. I think the concepts fantastic and a V2 that supports a 135 watt TDP cpu cooler would be fantastic for an x99 build that I am currently running and would like to downsize

 

[LukeD]

@VooDooAddict - the frame can definitely take the weight. I lift the case up with one hand just by grabbing the top of the frame. However, to incorporate a handle wouldn't be possible. The PSU is right under the top of the case. There is no place there for a "screwable" handle unfortunately.

@BlackRouge - Thank you for letting me know. I didn't even realise Overclock3D wrote an article on it. Yes, V2 will support much higher TDP CPU's and also 240mm AIO coolers. Even though things aren't toasty in the case, I thought it would give people the chance to further customise their builds.

 

[LukeD]

UPDATE: 23-October 2016

Just to give everyone a heads up. The 2nd prototype is underway.

I've made a number of key changes to the design, which did add 3cm to the length of the case and 1cm to the width, however in return it will:
- support 240MM AIO water coolers, for those among you that prefer H2O in your chassis
- support X99 platform thanks to the AIO water capabilities
- support 3,5" HDD's in the GPU bays (if both GPU bays aren't used)
- support taller heatsinks, for those of you that DON'T like H2O in your chassis

and I'm leaving a few more small changes as a surprise

 

[LocoMoto]

Does look like some major advantages there for the new prototype even though it'll take up some more space.

But is it restricted to water or could you use other liquids aswell? Like milk and stuff

 

[Kmpkt]

I want to do a ROG themed build with pig's blood as coolant.

 

[Ricky]

Would watercooling GPU's be possible?

 

[LukeD]

With an alphacool water block yes ....
http://www.vortez.net/news_file/8814_alphacool nexxxos gpx gtx 1080.jpg

There will only be 20 mm of clearance between the cards, so a full card water block such as those from EK, won't work because the mounting points for the G1/4" barbs stick out beyond the reference card too much.

Universal GPU water blocks should work though

 

[Colinreay]

Oh man, what an amazing build, I'm glad I saw it! It's really interesting to see how other people approach the M-ATX form factor, I'm designing my own right now, the popularity of M-ATX just pales in comparison to Mini-ITX. Gotta hand it to you, I think you've pushed the form factor to its limit. I was going for only one gpu, but it's only 2 or so liters smaller than this right now!

 

[LukeD]

Yeah its funny how size creeps up on you. Especially when you want to add compatibility for multiple product lines.
Its a balance between size / features / cooling.

 

[BlackRogue]

The V2 features sound awesome, how many 3.5" drives would you be able to fit if you just have the one GPU installed?

 

[LukeD]

There will be mounting points to secure the HDD from underneath to the GPU bracket. You may be able to get an adapter that will let you fit 2 x 3,5" HDD however, i haven't measured it exactly. I'll know once the CAD designs are in

 

[MarcParis]

do you have the link for overclock3D article please..