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Yeah, looking into it further, I suspect this is a proprietary header designed to support this Asus expansion card: https://www.asus.com/us/motherboards-components/motherboards/accessories/thunderboltex-4/techspec/
Out of sheer morbid curiosity, has anyone managed to cram a 3-slot video card into a P-ATX case with an ATX motherboard installed? GPU compatibility is listed as "with ATX, m-ATX or m-DTX board - max dual slot (~42mm) or 2.5 slot (~52mm) if height is under 120mm". What does "height" refer to here? Is that measurement correct?
No way unfortunately, strict 2.5 slot (50-52mm) barely fits with a riser. Height is the dimension from the bottom of the pcie connector to the top of the gpu, across fans. 120mm is max if your mbo has pcie slot in the second position, if it's in first position then you could add around 20mm.
Have you considered N-ATX, we have some B-stock units left still.
Thanks! It's not really that important, I just happened to find an ATX board that's perfect for the white version of the case (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z590-VISION-D-rev-10) and thinking about GPU upgrade options a year or two down the line. There is at least one 4080 that's 2.5 wide and might potentially fit (https://www.asus.com/us/motherboards-components/graphics-cards/proart/proart-rtx4080-o16g/techspec), will have to see if they make a similarly small one for the next generation. (If not, I could just find an old ITX board whenever I upgrade my GPU.)
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Well oddly enough that mbo actually has pcie slot in the first position which is rare for modern atx boards.. and the gpu is 120mm tall and 50mm thick so it should fit.
Heads up for anyone looking for a CPU cooler for this case. I've been trying to find a place to buy the full-copper Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Black for a while, since it seems to have even better cooling performance than the IS-55, but nobody was selling it, even on AliExpress. Recently, Thermalright released another variant called the AXP90-X53 Full (ugh, they really need to work on their naming...) which is the same as the Full Black but without the black coating. This one seems widely available on AliExpress. Bought one and it fits and works great. Now I should hopefully be able to run my i7-10700 at 105W instead of the 65W I was using previously!
Note: installation involves a small backplate, which can either "cup" the existing CPU mount backplate on the motherboard, or else (if it doesn't fit) flip the other way and use longer mounting screws. The latter arrangement is too thick for the P-ATX case, but the backplate contains a number of holes to accommodate screws on various CPU mount backplate types, so I have to assume it should work fine in the compact arrangement with most motherboards.
Note: installation involves a small backplate, which can either "cup" the existing CPU mount backplate on the motherboard, or else (if it doesn't fit) flip the other way and use longer mounting screws. The latter arrangement is too thick for the P-ATX case, but the backplate contains a number of holes to accommodate screws on various CPU mount backplate types, so I have to assume it should work fine in the compact arrangement with most motherboards.
Yeah, the Vision D is a great fit for this case. Similar build to Hardware Canucks, but I can't really do much about cable management with the PSU I've currently got... waiting for the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold White Edition ATX 3.0 (12VHPWR) version to actually be sold somewhere so I can remove some of the clutter (and get some more white components in the case).
While I was replacing the motherboard, I noticed two things about the case that I would love to fix somehow.
First, the slider that the GPU riser is mounted to has a tendency to slide around, regardless of how tightly you screw in the bottom screws. I put some zip ties through the notches to try to hold it in place, but I'm not sure it'll work, since the top notch is inset from the bottom notch. Is there a better solution to this?
Second, the two screws holding the GPU from the back are a bit too small and are eating into the case over time. They also tend to get loose over time. Is there a better screw that can be used for this?
While I was replacing the motherboard, I noticed two things about the case that I would love to fix somehow.
First, the slider that the GPU riser is mounted to has a tendency to slide around, regardless of how tightly you screw in the bottom screws. I put some zip ties through the notches to try to hold it in place, but I'm not sure it'll work, since the top notch is inset from the bottom notch. Is there a better solution to this?
Second, the two screws holding the GPU from the back are a bit too small and are eating into the case over time. They also tend to get loose over time. Is there a better screw that can be used for this?
Your build actually looks pretty sweet 
1. Riser issue, screws probably don't pull as tight because your riser pcb is a bit too tall so it is pulling on the bracket. You could maybe try some longer screws and a nut so you can torque it a bit more
2. You should use some washers with those screws, they should be in the zipbag, check it out
1. Riser issue, screws probably don't pull as tight because your riser pcb is a bit too tall so it is pulling on the bracket. You could maybe try some longer screws and a nut so you can torque it a bit more
2. You should use some washers with those screws, they should be in the zipbag, check it out
Ah! That's what those are for. I totally skimmed over "put a washer under the bolt head in necessary" in the manual.2. You should use some washers with those screws, they should be in the zipbag, check it out
I had the same issue. I suggest replacing the included screws with standard ones that usually hold the mobo in place (industry standard ones), they feature a built-in washer head for increased surface. If you couple these screws with a soft washer, you will solve your problem.
Loved the P-ATX, and already loving the U-ITX Concept ! Congrats for our excellent work !
Here are a few suggestions of features that I would love to see in the new batch of U-ITX / P-ATX / N-ATX :
1. 1cm Taller case for ATX Motherboard (specifically for Asus/Asrock/and some others boards because every year they make bigger Motherboards. They do have an extra notch on the top left corner or top of I/O Shield or Top of VRM Block and they don’t fit strict ATX Dimensions Standards anymore.
2. Tool-Free Removable Side Panels Like in most of the ITX case nowadays : Fractal Design Terra, Meshroom S, Ghost S1, etc.
3. 1 Optional (or Pay Add-on $) Perforated Glass Side Panel, just cause we also love to see our internal components sometimes…
4. The option to have the power button on top
5. The power chord on the bottom and back of the case (like in most cases)
6. Multiple USB on Top Front I/O. Like 1x20gbps, 2x5gbps, 2xUSB2.0. Or at least 1x20gbps, 1x5gbps, 1xUSB2.0 - We have USB headers available on our Motherboards why not use them ?
7. A little door on the front top of the case to have access to the Power Button of the PSU without opening the case
8. More options for the feet (like in the meshroom S) - small minimalist removable feets (black/white in rubber/plastic/aluminium) of different shape or height
9. Additional Aluminum piece to close the back of the case according to the GPU width
10. A part of the back of the case to be magnetic ? For example to temporary fix the Wifi Antenna ?
11. An option to add a Vertical Internal PCIE bay (in the bottom right of the case underneath the PSU) so we could add small PCIE extension card vertically (with a PCIE extension cable/riser) for additional M.2 Storage. For those using modern ATX Motherboards we often still have a PCIE 5.0 x8 or at least a PCIE 4.0 x4 not being used and this part of the case is often empty.
12. A specific Case to travel with the Case : )
Here are a few suggestions of features that I would love to see in the new batch of U-ITX / P-ATX / N-ATX :
1. 1cm Taller case for ATX Motherboard (specifically for Asus/Asrock/and some others boards because every year they make bigger Motherboards. They do have an extra notch on the top left corner or top of I/O Shield or Top of VRM Block and they don’t fit strict ATX Dimensions Standards anymore.
2. Tool-Free Removable Side Panels Like in most of the ITX case nowadays : Fractal Design Terra, Meshroom S, Ghost S1, etc.
3. 1 Optional (or Pay Add-on $) Perforated Glass Side Panel, just cause we also love to see our internal components sometimes…
4. The option to have the power button on top
5. The power chord on the bottom and back of the case (like in most cases)
6. Multiple USB on Top Front I/O. Like 1x20gbps, 2x5gbps, 2xUSB2.0. Or at least 1x20gbps, 1x5gbps, 1xUSB2.0 - We have USB headers available on our Motherboards why not use them ?
7. A little door on the front top of the case to have access to the Power Button of the PSU without opening the case
8. More options for the feet (like in the meshroom S) - small minimalist removable feets (black/white in rubber/plastic/aluminium) of different shape or height
9. Additional Aluminum piece to close the back of the case according to the GPU width
10. A part of the back of the case to be magnetic ? For example to temporary fix the Wifi Antenna ?
11. An option to add a Vertical Internal PCIE bay (in the bottom right of the case underneath the PSU) so we could add small PCIE extension card vertically (with a PCIE extension cable/riser) for additional M.2 Storage. For those using modern ATX Motherboards we often still have a PCIE 5.0 x8 or at least a PCIE 4.0 x4 not being used and this part of the case is often empty.
12. A specific Case to travel with the Case : )
Hi, thank you so much for the thoughtful and well written feedback! Let me answer your points:
1. Yeah, unfortnately some ASUS boards are breaking the ATX standard, I will see if the trend will continue and if I will have to change something. P-ATX and U-ITX are affected by this while N-ATX isn't.
2. Definitely on radar, if I figure out the tech and if there is enough space in the case for bigger attachment points
3. glass would be very hard to perforate in this way, acrylic would work and I have been thinking about it but the issue is that they would lack top and bottom flanges so the top of the case would look bad. But I will think about the solution in any case
4. If you can invert the case you can have the button on top
It will most probably be possible since the next batch, and it already is on U-ITX and N-ATX5. It is on the back on the case, it can be on the bottom if you invert it. I can't put in under the GPU unfortunately, that would increase the volume too much.
6. I went for the visuals in this regard, multiple ports would look bad. And I though since it is a small case rear ports are more accessible anyways, that is why I omitted the front IO on the U-ITX which is even shorter.
7. It is accessible through the vents, just use something narrow and non metallic to hit it
8. I do sell some rubber feet for horizontal orientation, but for vertical orientation it is better to use a wider stand since the case is narrow. You can ofc use it with those rubber feet but it will be less stable and GPU exhaust will suffer somewhat.
9. Could be an option and I have though about it but I would need to find the way to attach it which is bit more complicated with variable GPU mount this case has.
10. never though about this tbh, there are some holes in the back for mounting wifi antennas but I haven't seen any magnetic ones tbh.
11. I think this is too niche and would be too complicated to add for a feature that wouldn't get much usage in real world. But I will think about a 3D printed bracket addon
12. Yes, this is on my radar, good idea
Thanks a lot for your Detailed Answer !Hi, thank you so much for the thoughtful and well written feedback! Let me answer your points:
1. Yeah, unfortnately some ASUS boards are breaking the ATX standard, I will see if the trend will continue and if I will have to change something. P-ATX and U-ITX are affected by this while N-ATX isn't.
2. Definitely on radar, if I figure out the tech and if there is enough space in the case for bigger attachment points
3. glass would be very hard to perforate in this way, acrylic would work and I have been thinking about it but the issue is that they would lack top and bottom flanges so the top of the case would look bad. But I will think about the solution in any case
4. If you can invert the case you can have the button on top
5. It is on the back on the case, it can be on the bottom if you invert it. I can't put in under the GPU unfortunately, that would increase the volume too much.
6. I went for the visuals in this regard, multiple ports would look bad. And I though since it is a small case rear ports are more accessible anyways, that is why I omitted the front IO on the U-ITX which is even shorter.
7. It is accessible through the vents, just use something narrow and non metallic to hit it
8. I do sell some rubber feet for horizontal orientation, but for vertical orientation it is better to use a wider stand since the case is narrow. You can ofc use it with those rubber feet but it will be less stable and GPU exhaust will suffer somewhat.
9. Could be an option and I have though about it but I would need to find the way to attach it which is bit more complicated with variable GPU mount this case has.
10. never though about this tbh, there are some holes in the back for mounting wifi antennas but I haven't seen any magnetic ones tbh.
11. I think this is too niche and would be too complicated to add for a feature that wouldn't get much usage in real world. But I will think about a 3D printed bracket addon
12. Yes, this is on my radar, good idea
1. It would be nice indeed to find a fix for this for P-ATX and U-ITX
2. Maybe the "attachment points" could be on the outside to avoid losing some space inside or you could go for a Fractal Design "Terra" like system (they open like Lamborghini but can also be removed) - You can also go with Side Panels that slides in like in the Ghost S1.
Terra Side Panels
Terra open
Ghost S1 - Slide Them In !
Ghost S1 Frame
3. Yes I meant Acrylic sorry not Glass, 3a) you could have extra top and bottom flanges pre-attached to the acrylic or 3b) for those who want the acrylic option you sell is as a kit with custom top and bottom panels that already have those flanges I guess ?
4/5/6. I was thinking about those kin of top panel Front I/O
Top Panel Front I/O and Power Button Example 01 (NR200P)
Top Panel Front I/O and Power Button Example 02 (Meshroom S)
Top Panel Front I/O and Power Button Example 03 (IQunix ZX1)
7. Ok yes sure it's a small detail and not a priority for sure : )
8. I understand
9. Maybe a thin Slider like the one for the PCIE Riser and just 2 screws to fix the desired length ? The Back part could be perforated to still let the air pass ?
10. Was just saying that most motherboard comes with magnetic Wifi Antenna to stick to the back of the case, but on these Cases the Material is Aluminium and non magnetic, so I was thinking maybe it's possible to add something on the back like small magnetic sticker that could be added to fix the antenna on... anyway it's also more a detail and not a priority for sure : )
Magnetic Sticks
11. Yeah a "3D printed bracket addon" would be awesome especially for those having ATX Motherboard and Air Cooling Systems !!! Cause we had support for 2.5 inch SSD before on the same spot but it's 2024 and that would be nice to have support for a small PCIE Extension Card ! We buy a Riser buy the addon and boom Voilà : ) !
12. Would be Nice Indeed ! Something As Small and Light As possible but strong enough just To Protect the Case when we Travel from one Workplace to Another : )
Today I came across a very interesting open air case fully aluminum.
I really like the placement/position of the different hardware parts.
It fits a Full E-ATX Motherboard and a 240 AIO Cooler (maybe a bit more cause there's still room on the back of the case) !
My suggestion is :
1. Reduce the size of PSU to SFX / SFX-L (to reduce a bit the overall volume in liters)
2. Add a Full Mesh Shell to slide in from top to bottom
Wouldn't it be a nice Idea for an upcoming SFF Time New Case ?
After expanding the line going smaller (with a bit more restrictions) with the U-ITX (which looks great BTW congrats again !)
Wouldn't it be nice to expand also going bigger (somewhere between 12 to 20 liters) (with less restrictions) ?
I know it's quite a lot for SFF, but for all those looking for a powerful system but still in a compact size, that could be nice indeed.
The only one in that market branch is Cerberus X and I have to say :
1. it's old
2. it's 23.40 Liters
3. it's almost 5KG (Case only)
Wouldn't it be possible to do better nowadays (2024/2025) ? What do you think ?
I really like the placement/position of the different hardware parts.
It fits a Full E-ATX Motherboard and a 240 AIO Cooler (maybe a bit more cause there's still room on the back of the case) !
My suggestion is :
1. Reduce the size of PSU to SFX / SFX-L (to reduce a bit the overall volume in liters)
2. Add a Full Mesh Shell to slide in from top to bottom
Wouldn't it be a nice Idea for an upcoming SFF Time New Case ?
After expanding the line going smaller (with a bit more restrictions) with the U-ITX (which looks great BTW congrats again !)
Wouldn't it be nice to expand also going bigger (somewhere between 12 to 20 liters) (with less restrictions) ?
I know it's quite a lot for SFF, but for all those looking for a powerful system but still in a compact size, that could be nice indeed.
The only one in that market branch is Cerberus X and I have to say :
1. it's old
2. it's 23.40 Liters
3. it's almost 5KG (Case only)
Wouldn't it be possible to do better nowadays (2024/2025) ? What do you think ?
Sorry for previous post I made a mistake the MB used in the video is the Asrock Taichi Z690 (Full ATX MB) I thought it was the Asrock Taichi Z790 (Full E-ATX MB).
So the video use an ATX MB and not an E-ATX MB (also easy to see cause if it was E-ATX it would be wider) but anyway it's more about the concept and placement/position of the hardware in this vertical build that I found interesting, and also the fact that it is made of aluminum like SFF Time Products.
The Idea/concept I was describing in my previous post could be ATX and E-ATX Compatible to extend the line of SFF Time Products.
So the video use an ATX MB and not an E-ATX MB (also easy to see cause if it was E-ATX it would be wider) but anyway it's more about the concept and placement/position of the hardware in this vertical build that I found interesting, and also the fact that it is made of aluminum like SFF Time Products.
The Idea/concept I was describing in my previous post could be ATX and E-ATX Compatible to extend the line of SFF Time Products.
Thanks for the suggestion, this layout certainly has some benefits (mainly space for the AIO) but would be too large if I wanted to keep the same GPU compatibility. I also didn't want to increase the P-ATX size too much since it would be too close to the N-ATX in that case.
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