We all want small cases. What I want to know is, is it possible to make a case that is 100% constrained by the dimensions of its components?
The requirements are:
We can also barely squeeze a 240mm radiator up top if we really try:
Using a short GPU (R9 Nano) and putting the PSU above the motherboard, we can converge upon the truly smallest possible case for these constraints. A tad over 3 liters in volume. Mathematically as small as possible.
Can such cases be made? Is it possible in the real world? Using a single slot for a high-end GPU means watercooling is mandatory.
I've long dreamed for a case like the render with a radiator, but the tubing would have to exit out the back of the card (Like an R9 Fury X). That would mean a custom machined waterblock or modded AIO. The CPU cooling would probably be an AIO as well, no reservoir either. Two AIOs modded together Not easy. But, I think it is possible.
Here's the OpenSCAD markup if someone wants to play with it:
The requirements are:
- Mini ITX board
- Front-PSU shoebox form factor (Xigmatek Eris or HAF Stacker 915F layout)
- Use a full-height single slot GPU inserted directly into the PCIe slot (no risers)
- Use an internal SFX psu (no dc-dc with external bricks)
- Rectangular prism profile (no cylindrical or pyramid cases)
- Width must be no wider than that of a Mini ITX board (~170mm)
- Height must be no taller than the top of the PCIe card (~110mm)
- Depth must be no deeper than the motherboard + SFX PSU (~170+100mm)
We can also barely squeeze a 240mm radiator up top if we really try:
Using a short GPU (R9 Nano) and putting the PSU above the motherboard, we can converge upon the truly smallest possible case for these constraints. A tad over 3 liters in volume. Mathematically as small as possible.
Can such cases be made? Is it possible in the real world? Using a single slot for a high-end GPU means watercooling is mandatory.
I've long dreamed for a case like the render with a radiator, but the tubing would have to exit out the back of the card (Like an R9 Fury X). That would mean a custom machined waterblock or modded AIO. The CPU cooling would probably be an AIO as well, no reservoir either. Two AIOs modded together Not easy. But, I think it is possible.
Here's the OpenSCAD markup if someone wants to play with it:
Code:
group(){//2x120mm rad with fans
color ("white")
translate([-110,5,80]){
cube([279,124,30],false); //based on alphacool st30
}
color("green")
translate([20,7,65])
cube([120,120,15],false);
}
group(){//SFX psu
color ("purple")
translate([-105,5,0]){
cube([100,125,64],false); //numbers from Silverstone
}
}
group(){//pcie card
color ("brown")
translate([-80,155,8]){
cube([250,15,100],false); //generic 250mm GPU
}
}
group(){//mini itx board
color("orange"){
translate([60,60,5]){
cube([60,60,20],false); //cpu/waterblock
}
translate([30,155,5]){
cube([130,8,10],false); //pcie slot
}
translate([150,0,5]){
cube([20,150,40],false); //IO area
}
cube([170,170,5],false); //board
}
}
