S4 MINI Classic (S4M-C)

Josh | NFC

Not From Concentrate
Original poster
NFC Systems
Jun 12, 2015
1,869
4,466
www.nfc-systems.com

ULTIMATE S4 MINI (Classic) THREAD INDEX
Updated: November 20th, 2017

History of the S4 MINI (S4M-C):
SFF.net Interview
I introduce the S4 MINI

Differences between S3 and S4M-C:
Twitter Link

LP53 VS NHl9i DELID:
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-125#post-39993

8700K in a S4M-C THERMAL TESTING:
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-209#post-68531

Undervolting and tuning a 8700K (and other CPUs) on an ASUS board

https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/s4-mini-classic-s4m-c.96/page-209#post-68531


Best 1070s for the S4M-C and how to fit them:
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/t...view-of-mini-gtx-1070-cards-nfc-s4-case.2586/
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-127#post-40465

1080 in a S4M-C:
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-91#post-32818

How to install a 1080ti in a S4M-C (and the 3D Bezels)
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/s4-mini-walnut-front-with-1080-mini.3089/#post-60618
YouTube instruction video
Youtube full build video

How to remove studs from R1 and R2 S4M-C:
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=aWvM9gGqEmY

Wrapped S4M-C (Obsolete due to SkySkins)
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-109#post-35528
My Attempt

S4M-C Size Compared to other SFF cases:
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-115#post-36500
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-121#post-38933

"Brickless" 1050ti S4M-C:
https://smallformfactor.net/articles/feature/community-feature-kmpkts-orangulan

My thoughts on Dust Filters for the S4M-C
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/nfc-systems-s4-mini.96/page-10#post-8385


 
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Josh | NFC

Not From Concentrate
Original poster
NFC Systems
Jun 12, 2015
1,869
4,466
www.nfc-systems.com
Alive and kicking! Man, I have had so many setbacks and battled so many lawyers separating the IP but I have put in the P.O. for the run! I will be showing off the system at PDX LAN in July, and expect to have preorders up by then.

I'm excited about the invite to this forum so I can share some of my discoveries about the process and learn from others going through similar ordeals. :D

--------------NFC-SYSTEMS "S4 MINI"--------------------

 
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rawr

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Mar 1, 2015
137
10
Hopefully you can generate more interest with this thread! Good luck.

PS are those spare S3 Minis on ghe back shelf there
 

veryrarium

Cable-Tie Ninja
Jun 6, 2015
144
44
Nice to know S3/S3mini isn't the last of your console PC project.
One thing that left me confused after watching the video is which DC-DC converter you have in mind that's to be used in S4. At one point you mention a max 19 Amp Dell brick so you have those old 12V ones in mind, then you have a caption indicating 19.5V 10.5 Amp Dell brick. Also you mention this case should handle 380W total TDP from the CPU and the GPU, but I see a mini DC-DC board in the rendering that is of the stick-it-into-the-24pin-socket type, and whether you go with picoPSU, picobox Z-series, or some other obscure mini DC-DC board that you can find from China, I don't think any of those mini DC-DC boards have enough 12V line, at least based on their rated max and peak amps. If you go with the HD Plex 250W one or picobox X3/X7, you would need a space somewhere inside the case to mount it in that I don't see in the rendering in case you use a dual slot "ITX" GPU like Sapphire's R9 285 that you mention.
 

PlayfulPhoenix

Founder of SFF.N
SFFLAB
Chimera Industries
Gold Supporter
Feb 22, 2015
1,052
1,990
Very thoughtfully made. The wrap-around brushed aluminum facade, in particular, is brilliant.

Will be following this! Look forward to updates :D
 

Josh | NFC

Not From Concentrate
Original poster
NFC Systems
Jun 12, 2015
1,869
4,466
www.nfc-systems.com
Thanks for the comments! Veryrarium, I don't think at this time I will be selling PSUs, but maybe accessories (wiring, connectors) and providing links and resources for choosing your own small format PSU. The chassis will actually fit a HD-Plex PSU in the front under the power button aperture for 19v solutions, or if the end user prefers they can go with a PICO solution. I have actually tested mini-box's PSU up to 260w constant @12v. You need to upgrade the cabling to 15 AWG, but it takes it like a champ. I am going to be making a video of how to do this.

In the end, I just want to help out fellow enthusiasts who are looking for the compromises and design that the S4 offers. I already have one business that is my "job." XD
 

rawr

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Mar 1, 2015
137
10
Thanks for the comments! Veryrarium, I don't think at this time I will be selling PSUs, but maybe accessories (wiring, connectors) and providing links and resources for choosing your own small format PSU. The chassis will actually fit a HD-Plex PSU in the front under the power button aperture for 19v solutions, or if the end user prefers they can go with a PICO solution. I have actually tested mini-box's PSU up to 260w constant @12v. You need to upgrade the cabling to 15 AWG, but it takes it like a champ. I am going to be making a video of how to do this.

In the end, I just want to help out fellow enthusiasts who are looking for the compromises and design that the S4 offers. I already have one business that is my "job." XD
Which power brick would be able to supply the 260W?
 

iFreilicht

FlexATX Authority
Feb 28, 2015
3,243
2,361
freilite.com
I like it! But personally, I liked the S3 Elite/Mini a bit more. Having the GPU and CPU coolers intake from one side seems like a more versatile solution in my eyes.
 

rawr

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Mar 1, 2015
137
10
I like it! But personally, I liked the S3 Elite/Mini a bit more. Having the GPU and CPU coolers intake from one side seems like a more versatile solution in my eyes.
Yeah, but the custom riser needed for that was pretty expensive.
 

Josh | NFC

Not From Concentrate
Original poster
NFC Systems
Jun 12, 2015
1,869
4,466
www.nfc-systems.com
I love the comments and suggestions. I love the S3 Mini and I hope to bring back another run in the future, but since this is my hobby I can really only handle one at a time. The S4 offers more of the features from the S3 Elite without the STUPID high cost of milling out a 2" block of 6061T aluminum :)

I agree that having the GPU fan and CPU fan on the same plane made cooling easier, but so far I am surprised and satisfied with how the S4 performs in a horizontal orientation. I'm not a fan of feet but I have had a couple comments saying they like how that looks better...going to show that everyone's tastes are different!

Rawr, I do have a couple S3 Minis in the back that one of my larger customers hasn't used yet...as well as some other prototypes. I'm thinking about using them for a charity but I'm still debating on how to go about it. Also, Meanwell sells a PSU that with some mods supports the 260 watts...and more. I want to make that video this week. :)

I just finished powdercoating some of the parts. I never have done a green...so I went with a two stage fluorescent candy green over a silver hammertone. It shifts between a neon yellow and fluorescent green in the light. This is just for the show, obviously:

 
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rawr

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Mar 1, 2015
137
10
Also, Meanwell sells a PSU that with some mods supports the 260 watts...and more. I want to make that video this week. :)
So I looked at Meanwell's products, and I think this is these are the most powerful desktop ones that they offer:
http://www.meanwell.com/webapp/product/search.aspx?prod=GS280
There is a 260W brick, but it's 20V, whereas the Pico is 12V. Will the GS280A12-C4P (the 12V 222W brick) be able to handle higher wattages?
 

jeshikat

Jessica. Wayward SFF.n Founder
Silver Supporter
Feb 22, 2015
4,969
4,780
You're holding out on us Josh, just noticed you have pics on your FB page with it built in :p





Man that looks good.
 

Phuncz

Lord of the Boards
SFFn Staff
May 9, 2015
5,827
4,902
Nice seeying this come together nicely !
Cute heatsink on your WiFi card :p
 

iFreilicht

FlexATX Authority
Feb 28, 2015
3,243
2,361
freilite.com
That photography is top-notch. But I'm a bit weary about the SSD position behind the GPU. I know it's a convenient location, but that drive is going to get really hot.