Funding SLATE-CASE AQ >>IMPORTANT Adjustment Updates! -PREORDER TOMORROW!

[TaylorChiller]

Hey Everyone!​

Just letting you all know that we are doing well and are excited for this next week and half to come. We have more content coming this weekend featuring a build with the 3090 ti and a HWlabs 280GTR on the CPU. A lot of you have been asking for compatibility for items like these.

As a reminder, we are pushing for some more pre-orders as we move forward. If we get just 50 more orders we can upgrade everyone with PCIe 4.0 riser cables!

Sffbuild posted some content of a quick build in the Slate Case just so you can see some interaction with the case:

Best,

Taylor, Protolyth LLC

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-April 20th-

Our main driver to extending the pre-order window to May 15th was because we have had a lot of people requesting for Reviewer Samples sent to influencers. In order to meet that request we extended this window. We felt it was important for people to know that they are pre-ordering something high-quality and will feel good about their order. We sent a sample to the following youtubers:

Gear Seekers
Machines and More

They both are really good at explaining the details and should help answer a lot of your questions.

Best regards,

Taylor, Protolyth

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-April 13th-

The price for the PRE-ORDER Slate-Case AQ will be increased to $325 USD.

Hopefully this isn't a set back for you all, and we wish the best!

Also, please note that while selecting variations for the PRE-ORDER this will adjust if you want configurations that require higher cost parts.

We have also added the Trad Bracket, Display Port Cable, and Aluminum Feet as separate products that will be shipped with your Slate-Case PRE-ORDER.

Best regards,

Taylor, Protolyth LLC (April 14th, 2022)

>>We are very excited to open pre-orders this Friday, April 15th, and thank you all for your support!<<
We want to let you know there will be a limited number of cases produced every production run. This is based on our manufacturing capacity.

For regional availability, we have decided to focus on North America, Europe (in major select areas), and Australia for this first run. This is to the keep production process smooth.

General Shipping Estimates​

-North America: $30-60
-Europe: $100-200
-Australia: $150-200

(Depends on rates and shipping time selection)

Project Updates​

We have also been paying close attention to variations in the market for raw material costs and operational costs. As we do a final review of project quotes, it is possible that the price of the Slate-Case may need to be adjusted to meet those requirements.

However, we are committed to retaining a promotional price for this first run and look forward to your participation on Friday!


CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE: sign up for the waitlist and product updates!

www.protolyth.com

>Please view the new webpage updates - New Timeline Diagram<

-Improved visuals to help tell the build story, and technical details (more diagrams to come)

-Included the option for choosing the panels you want (one perforated option required).

-Color choice as well, although this is heavily based on order quantity.

Preorder Date: ->April 15th<-
Production Timeline Goal: May 1st - June 30th
Start Shipment Goal: Sept 1st (This is influenced by many factors, and is the earliest estimate date. Shipment date could change depending on the supply chain).

Updated Product Specs:

-Dimensions: L - 294mm, W - 179mm, H - 373mm

-Volume: 19.7 liters

-GPU clearance: L - 325mm, W - up to 4 slots, H - 170mm (depends on setup)

-CPU cooler clearance: 80mm (with perf. panel)

-PSU support: SFX, SFX-L

-Storage: Up to Five 2.5in drives

Changelist: March 3rd, 2022
-Added some slots and holes for better cable management
-Removed one of the slot ribs for better airflow for blower style cooling
-Website content updates
-Timeline updated
-Better certified power cable

Changelist: June 10th, 2021
-Altered size of front and back I/O to accommodate passthrough (rear) and space for addition front connectors (audio and usbC).
-Consolidated aluminum columns and fanplate into one part, (this made assembly much smoother while also lowering part cost).
-Made adjustments to various brackets for clearance and rigidity (especially for the PCIE riser cable).
-Custom length PCIE riser cable.
-Front and Rear Grills are now aluminum, (they were injection molded nylon but I felt this didn't quite fit with the design given some feedback).
-Small adjustments to the System Core rail system (this is for ease of use and to ensure strong locking).
-Improved panel indexing geometry.
-Implemented a bracket shift so users can compromise CPU clearance for more GPU clearance (3.5 slots).
-Introduced dedicated brackets for DDC pump and 2.5drives (up to 6 drives).
-Support for 30 series GPUs
-Perforated panels

Future Endeavors:

-Looking into adding an additional DPcable extension for dual monitor users (so they don't need to use the passthrough.
-Considering an opening for a top cap lid so users can reorient their case into an upward motherboard alignment (like the phanteks shift ).
-Optional, interchangeable bed bracket to change the case from a dual chamber layout into and traditional layout, (like the Ncase, which would still allow dual radiator support; I actually already have this designed but it is set to release after first stage).
-Optional feet to turn case 90 degrees for traditional Motherboard orientation.
-Release of Slate-Case Air with be after successful release of AQ.





ARCHIVE CONTENT:
In the past two weeks I realized that the internal design of the original case was not strong enough. Considering some of the feedback I've received, I went back to the drawing board and made some very significant changes to the overall experience and features of the case:
-two different size options (19.9L and 15.4L) -added modular support for cooling -new internal structure (CNC ALUMINIUM) -rail system that increases access to component installation -removed all exterior screws, only sleek part lines -thinned out material thicknesses for lighter weight -full glass panel edge to edge
-supports up to 60mm thick radiators -dual radiators (recommend perforated panels) -support for mDTX motherboards

SLATE MT1 case

Looking forward to all your feedback! Please note that this case does not aim to be the smallest SFFcase, but to bring a fresh look and opportunity for those interested. If you like it, please share "why." If you hate it, also please share "why."

(Some have asked about adding an optional handle, what do you think?)

Enjoy,

Taylorchiller

 

[JDragon]

That is gorgeous. Layout and design look great.

As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast I like the Cherry MX switch as the power button but it does look out of place on such a sleek case.

If the screws on the aluminum end caps could somehow be hidden this case would be perfect.

 

[TaylorChiller]

That is gorgeous. Layout and design look great.

As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast I like the Cherry MX switch as the power button but it does look out of place on such a sleek case.

If the screws on the aluminum end caps could somehow be hidden this case would be perfect.

I agree about the screws. They are positioned in line with other elements so they feel okay, but yeah that refinement may come later. It comes down to the complexity of assembly in manufacturing/production. Having no screws will increase costs, however if numbers add up well, then It is something I'd want to change also. A shallower key for the mxcherry might feel better too.

 

[CountNoctua]

I suggested a Kailh Choc switch in another thread (nice to see mechanical power switches is a thing now). Flatter stem should be more stable, and the heavy variant (~100g) would be well suited for a power switch.

 

[TaylorChiller]

I suggested a Kailh Choc switch in another thread (nice to see mechanical power switches is a thing now). Flatter stem should be more stable, and the heavy variant (~100g) would be well suited for a power switch.

Sweet, thanks for the suggestion. I guess it wouldn't be too much different to use those (Kailh Choc switch). If people are to customize their power switch they would just use the appropriate geometry.

 

[CountNoctua]

I like the case design overall, too. Very nice symmetrical modularity. Dimensions and compatibility are pretty much perfect for me in what I was looking for in a case.

 

[Ukee]

This is probably my dream case, it fits all my wants and needs.
78mm CPU cooler height, 280mm radiator, 320mm GPU length and looks good while at it, take my damn money already.

Really like the power button too, users can add more flair to it by using their own keycap, maybe an artisan one too.

 

[drakeonyou]

Can you make a video about the progress? I'd be happy to sub on youtube and lookout for this. also, do you have an estimated release date?

 

[Windfall]

Okay, thoughts:

In regards to the power switch: WOW. That is cool. I love it!

Case itself: I prefer it vertical.

Question: Who did you have manufacture it?

 

[CountNoctua]

Question: Who did you have manufacture it?

This is something I would like to know, too.

 

[ignsvn]

Just put the switch location deeper and 3D print your own flat, cherry mx compatible keycap.

Example https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:677556

 

[August]

You mention 280mm radiator support—is this in the front and back?! ?

Brilliant design. A kick of personality with the mechanical switch. Looks like it's got good bones, and some well-considered modular aspects. Eager to hear more!

 

[TaylorChiller]

Can you make a video about the progress? I'd be happy to sub on youtube and lookout for this. also, do you have an estimated release date?

I will be making videos soon. I'll be making a second case so I can demo an air cooled setup vs a water cooled. You can follow me on Instagram if you like, @TaylorChiller, either way I'll keep you guys updated.

 

[TaylorChiller]

You mention 280mm radiator support—is this in the front and back?! ?

Brilliant design. A kick of personality with the mechanical switch. Looks like it's got good bones, and some well-considered modular aspects. Eager to hear more!

Hey August,
Glad you are interested! As of right now the design supports up to one 280. This was a decision I had to make to keep the case design direction under 20L. However it would be possible to design an extension to the body, similar to the Louqe Ghost does with their top hats, except on the front. I'm not sure if the spacial requirements meets the gain though as one of the radiators would be using cycled air from the first based on the current layout. I'll be releasing more as this progresses. You can also follow me on instagram if you wish, @TaylorChiller

 

[TaylorChiller]

Okay, thoughts:

In regards to the power switch: WOW. That is cool. I love it!

Case itself: I prefer it vertical.

Question: Who did you have manufacture it?

Hey Windfall and @CountNoctua
Thanks for the feedback! As more manufacturing this prototype, I had protocase do most of the sheet metal forming. There were some steps I made a tool to press. I did all the 3dprints, finishing and assembly. I have a workshop at the studio so that makes things easier.

 

[chyll2]

This is beautiful. Do you already have a target price for this?

 

[WinterCharm]

I like that you embraced straight edges. Looks very good since you carried that design language all the way through!

 

[TaylorChiller]

This is beautiful. Do you already have a target price for this?

Hey! Yes. I would like to hit around MSRP $120-180 USD. We will see though.

 

[Kylenol]

I love how clean and sophisticated this case looks! The switch for power is a great idea. It would be cool to choose my switch type to my own personal preference like one of the heavier zealious switches. I'm planning to build a new relatively small gaming/workstation rig when rtx 3080 comes out and would love to use this case in the new year. Any ETA on this beautiful case?

 

[youngdocument]

Love to see a vertical layout and the power switch is a great detail. Does it have mounts/places for case fans? Are there parts of the design you can scale back to free up volume and increase GPU compatibility to triple slot?