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Completed Project Thin-X case: Super small, super flexible
- Thread starter CC Ricers
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- case thin mini itx
And who knows when that will be as details are still hazy for the next GeForce GPU series, plus a given that the low-spec cards will be the last to release. For now, I'm content with 1080p gaming with a 1050 Ti. Some games can even crank up the resolution if you are willing to lower the details.
I have also just placed an order for the panels to be laser cut. Again, this is a bulk order of panels for 5 cases, but with only 1 3D-printed frame for my own case and demonstration/testing purposes.
These cases are made-to-order. I can sell 4 cases with this batch, and each case purchase will allow me to print another frame.
I have also just placed an order for the panels to be laser cut. Again, this is a bulk order of panels for 5 cases, but with only 1 3D-printed frame for my own case and demonstration/testing purposes.
These cases are made-to-order. I can sell 4 cases with this batch, and each case purchase will allow me to print another frame.
The first 3D printed frame is approved for production, and the case panels are currently being made. I estimate a week to two weeks to have them delivered to me and I could then post photos of the product. It would be nice if it can also fit inside this hardshell travel case. It's very similar in dimensions to the Alienware case it was designed for.
My 4 front panel USB 3.0 and audio ports came in. The PCB looks just the right size for the case, but the cables are going to be rather bulky. The motherboard connectors that come with them are just tall enough to bend them and not reach the height limit of the case. Hopefully a couple of cable ties can tuck them in the space beside the motherboard.
Just going off speculation I'm seeing online, next gen Nvidia, going by model 1180 in the lineup, is supposedly going to be released in July. Nothing confirmed, but maybe we'll see something single slot by end of year?
I have a setback with the 3D printing when I was told the part won't properly print because of weak geometry. The design passed their auto-filters, but physically it wouldn't hold. And I know why. The part is actually designed as two parts (front and back) joined together with skinny stems that I would cut to split them up. But these stems were TOO skinny so that's why it was weak. So I think I will just have the front and back to be printed separately.
It will increase production costs, by a little. Printing as one part is cheaper than printing as two parts. Here are some of the weak points that my model has, which need to be removed to split up the parts:
So I'll update the file and re-send it to be printed. Hopefully I can get a fast track to the printers as they'll be refunding me for the purchase.
And here are the front I/O panels I'll be using. I'll need to order at least one more to fulfill all the cases, and gotta see how they'll fit with both a discrete GPU and without. The cables are sorta long at 40cm but they can be bundled up.
It will increase production costs, by a little. Printing as one part is cheaper than printing as two parts. Here are some of the weak points that my model has, which need to be removed to split up the parts:
So I'll update the file and re-send it to be printed. Hopefully I can get a fast track to the printers as they'll be refunding me for the purchase.
And here are the front I/O panels I'll be using. I'll need to order at least one more to fulfill all the cases, and gotta see how they'll fit with both a discrete GPU and without. The cables are sorta long at 40cm but they can be bundled up.
I really want one.... we shall see!
So, we are getting close to production then! Gonna send some to some youtubers? Also, would you collab on a sheet metal version? I have gotten pretty good with F360's sheet metal tools.
Sending a case to a YouTube reviewer sounds like a good idea. I'm considering @Tek Everything since he's a member of this forum and does lots of videos on SFF (and he has a LP Quadro card to use it with!). It'll mean another cost investment to make a review case to hand out, but I hope it's good enough to generate more sales.
I know you're making your own sheet metal case so I might collab, depending on where the design can take me. This design aesthetic will have to be altered greatly for sheet metal and could also be tweaked further for parts compatibility. EDIT: on second thought, what do you think of a design that would combine 3D printed and metal materials? The frame design will still have to be tweaked but it can still work!
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I just realized I didn't show the case completely with the new vent pattern on the top panel. So here it is!
Edit: I've also been thinking about offering side panels in other colors, in particular clear or translucent tops to show off your mini-builds inside. Right now the frame can only be printed in black or white, but could offer combinations with that if I can scale up the sales. I will have to set up a website with a proper store for that (and still need a proper name for the case!) so that's still in the brainstorming phase.
Edit: I've also been thinking about offering side panels in other colors, in particular clear or translucent tops to show off your mini-builds inside. Right now the frame can only be printed in black or white, but could offer combinations with that if I can scale up the sales. I will have to set up a website with a proper store for that (and still need a proper name for the case!) so that's still in the brainstorming phase.
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I just realized I didn't show the case completely with the new vent pattern on the top panel. So here it is!
Edit: I've also been thinking about offering side panels in other colors, in particular clear or translucent tops to show off your mini-builds inside. Right now the frame can only be printed in black or white, but could offer combinations with that if I can scale up the sales. I will have to set up a website with a proper store for that (and still need a proper name for the case!) so that's still in the brainstorming phase.
This is just so.... awesome.
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