I need to change the state of this project to "Stalled" because nobody has placed a single order for this case.
Please let me know why you think that is (via a reply here or direct message). Thanks!
I chose an NCASE M1 for my late 2020 build. I'm likely not your core audience, but since you're asking for feedback, I thought I'd chip in. There are a few things that would have prevented me from being interested in this build.
Functional:
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Larger volume. At ~19L, this stops being "semi-portable" and starts becoming more "footprint saving". There seems to be a non-trivial amount of unused space. Not a deal breaker, but I'd need to be sold that the additional space is necessary or adds value somehow.
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Limited cooling options. I'm interested in quiet PC that can fit an enthusiast GPU. Liquid cooling isn't a must, but the option is compelling. With limited choices, I'd want to be sold that it isn't necessary.
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Poor IO access. No front/top IO. Vertical mounting makes rear IO harder to reach.
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No testing. I don't know anything about how this case will perform with thermals or acoustics. This alone is deal breaker for me.
Aesthetics:
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Non-flush external screws. I personally dislike the look of the panel screws. They look like snag points to my brain. I can totally see others liking the look though.
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Questionable finish quality. The photos of the finished product were only OK. I couldn't tell if some of the smudging was just handling, or variance in the coating. At the more premium price point, I'd want to feel secure that the coating was going to be top notch. Better photographs with ideal lighting and spotless panels to show this case at it's best would go a long way to improving appeal. I personally also enjoy "typical use" photos that aren't focused on perfect conditions, but only in addition to high quality shots that clearly show the finish quality.
Marketing:
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No/limited exposure. I didn't come across any third party reviews or discussion of this case. A youtube review or two (yours + a third party) would go a long way.
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No Value proposition. The case doesn't seem to enable a specific kind of build compared to other options (ie - the smallest vertical case that fits a DTX & a 3090). What's unique about this build that other vertical cases aren't doing? Why spend $250 on this case instead of others?
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Non premium feel. I get you're still in pre-production, but I don't get the premium feel of high budget item with the photo quality, website layout, and limited information in the thread. I'm not being sold on the premium quality of the parts, or the beauty of this specific design.
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High cost/high risk. I'm not opposed to spending $200+ on a case, but I really want to know I'm going to be happy with my purchase. At $250, you're competing with some of the best cases with high profile reviews on the market. There's no reviews. No quality/happiness guarantee. Flying blind into this level of purchase is higher risk that I'm willing to accept.
