Smallest Mini - ITX Case Design

[HeroXLazer]

So imagine an M-ITX motherboard and the graphics card. Above the GPU that would be horizontally mounted, there would be a vertical Flex ATX PSU. What software should I use to design this case? SolidWorks, SketchUp, etc.? Also where should I get references? I know that Protocase has a design guide.- http://www.protocase.com/pdf/How_to_design_enclosures_for_motherboard_based_systems_092010.pdf

 

[iFreilicht]

Welcome to the forum!

SketchUp is a good program to start off with, also take a look at the "Resources" section above, you'll find reference models and documents there. Also take a look at the other posts in this subforum.

 

[HeroXLazer]

Welcome to the forum!

SketchUp is a good program to start off with, also take a look at the "Resources" section above, you'll find reference models and documents there. Also take a look at the other posts in this subforum.

What should my final program be for the final render or sketch? Also, what about the screws.

 

[HeroXLazer]

Update: I have a basic sketch showing components.

 

[XeaLouS]

Update: I have a basic sketch showing components.

Pictures?

 

[HeroXLazer]

Pictures?

I haven't posted much on this forum, so how do I post pictures?

 

[Phuncz]

Welcome ! You can host pictures on an image host like IMGUR.com and copy-paste the "forum links" in a reply. Or if you just have the URL (http-yadda-yadda/image.jpg), you can use the Add Image button (landscape, next to the smiley) in the formatting bar when you type a new message or edit an existing one.

 

[iFreilicht]

What should my final program be for the final render or sketch? Also, what about the screws.

Depends on what you want to make the case from and whether you need bends or not, but to produce actual technical drawings, a good idea would be to use a volume-based CAD software. So Inventor, Solidworks, or FreeCAD. The last one of those is free, the first two are free for non-commercial use if you're a student and your university has a deal with the makers of that software.

What about the screws?

 

[HeroXLazer]

Depends on what you want to make the case from and whether you need bends or not, but to produce actual technical drawings, a good idea would be to use a volume-based CAD software. So Inventor, Solidworks, or FreeCAD. The last one of those is free, the first two are free for non-commercial use if you're a student and your university has a deal with the makers of that software.

What about the screws?

How would I put threads in or would I?
First Pictures -

 

[iFreilicht]

On the SketchUp model, just use holes and size them to the diameter of the thread you'll be using. SketchUp doesn't have thread tools.

 

[HeroXLazer]

On the SketchUp model, just use holes and size them to the diameter of the thread you'll be using. SketchUp doesn't have thread tools.

Okay so what programs have thread tools?

 

[HeroXLazer]

Also on the motherboard template on this site, on the template, on the IO shield, what is the "keepout area".

 

[jeshikat]

My build log has lots of useful info regarding case design like screw threads, CAD programs, motherboard spec documents etc. I'd recommend checking it out: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/stx160-0-the-most-powerful-atx-unit-in-the-world.934/

 

[HeroXLazer]

My build log has lots of useful info regarding case design like screw threads, CAD programs, motherboard spec documents etc. I'd recommend checking it out: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/stx160-0-the-most-powerful-atx-unit-in-the-world.934/

Thank you.

 

[HeroXLazer]

Also, what is the Keep out near the IO Shield area on the template on this website?

 

[Necere]

You shouldn't have any bends, screws or other features within the keepout area.

 

[jeshikat]

To add to that, those things shouldn't be in the keepout area so they don't prevent the IO shield from fitting correctly.

 

[HeroXLazer]

You shouldn't have any bends, screws or other features within the keepout area.

To add to that, those things shouldn't be in the keepout area so they don't prevent the IO shield from fitting correctly.

So I just don't change that area?

 

[HeroXLazer]

New Update - More Compact - 140.7265×215.26×275

 

[HeroXLazer]

It may be bigger but no extra latency from riser.