Prototype The world most flexible SFF case? LOUQE Ghost S1

[PaChalski]

I literally just read the entirety of this forum in an effort to learn as much as I can about this project. Safe to say I am very excited about what you guys are doing and will definitely be backing/buying when you guys go to market!

Appreciate it!

A few questions
- I know there had been questions regarding 2 x 120mm AIO in a H tophat for both the cpu and gpu. While you said that it wasn't supported initially you left it kinda open ended and I would love to get some clarification on this. I did extensive research on the ncase m1 and I think you would be surprised by just how much this type of setup is desired! It would definitely make me much more attracted to this case.

We will be able to answer this better when we get the prototype. In theory the updated design is wide enough to allow routing of pipes around the first AOI to reach the other but it will likely be a tough squeeze and depend on the stiffness and radius of the pipes.

You will very likely be able to put a TopHat on the bottom and then using 2 240mm AIO won't be a problem!

- The Krona and the USD have fluctuated a lot in the last few months, I was wandering if prices will be adjusted for the re-launch. The original KS was at sek1650 which was about 180 - 185 usd at the time, now its at 210 usd, so some clarification on this as well would be appreciated. Also, will there be a way to remove/get back VAT if you are buying from North America?

Some of our costs are in USD but the majority is in SEK resulting in an unfavorable price adjustment compared to USD. However, some adjustments have also resulted in better production efficiency which will hopefully compensate for the currency effect. I'm sorry for the vague answer, but can't say more regarding pricing right now. Oh and, we will most likely be using € instead of SEK for the coming launching campaign.

- As I watched the progression of this project in the forum the one design change I really did not like was the removal of the USB ports and the changing of the power button location. When I saw the original renders for this case it struck me for how absolutely clean it was. I absolutely loved the small light near the top of the front panel for the PWR LED (it was so minimalist and gorgeous), with the power button and all the I/O located on the top. I know this comes with some design challenges, but I think if your aim is to really make one of the best cases on the market then its imperative you get front I/O back on this case, something that may be phased out someday, but for now is still very relevant. If I may, I didn't really like the inclusion of an HDMI port (I think it makes for more complicated cable routing and without a third USB port there really is no point, and I mean a VR headset is a very stationary and permanent thing, while a USB drive is taken in and out all the time), I think 2 x USB A 3.1 is a great choice, and if you can fit front panel audio instead of the HDMI I think that would be a great swap.

The TopHats have been discussed within the team, "should we just get rid of them, are they worth all the hassle!?". The TopHats, alone have probably driven half of all the development time and resulted in challenges that otherwise would't have been there. In short, they are energy consuming and have been questioned - but it is one of the features that make the Ghost very special. They have forced us to a number of trade-offs and the one being discussed now is probably the nastiest of them all. We have a suggested solution in place where TopHats (potentially as standard) will have the cut outs for I/O and the panel included. If not desired simply rotate the TH and don't mount the panel.

This solution would showcase the flexibility of THs and leave an ultra clean option for the ones that prefer that.

Also, the PWR-LED is not any larger than the original. radius is still 0.5 mm

- Are you taking any steps to ensure that the back of the graphics card doesn't make contact with the metal spine or even the motherboard or psu? I'm thinking about Dan case's decision to include the plastic divider to ensure that you were never going to damage or even short out your graphics card or motherboard.

We will test this in practice and then see if it is needed. Gaps between components are significantly larger in the Ghost and we have not seen the need for it in previous prototypes.

Some small, inconsequential suggestions
- I don't know if you are still taking color suggestions, but a dark navy blue would be amazing looking in my opinion.

- perhaps instead of just plain circles for ventilation holes you could add some design there. I really liked the triangular design for ventilation holes on the corsair one, maybe you could look to that for some inspiration

Regarding colors, there will likely be two colors to begin with, simply for financial reasons and MOQs. After (and if) a successful launch and delivery we will explore more variations.

In terms of aesthetics the ONE's trianglar shaped openings are good looking in my opinion, maybe less minimalistic?
Aesthetics aside, given our material choices and construction design, for us to manage these types of shapes we would have to go down to very small mill pins and probably quadruple the time in the machine.

 

[fleetfeather]

Consumers of high end conputer cases like this tend to have high quality monitors (either in terms of resolution, refresh rate, panel types, or colour space), and I'd guess 99% of recently-released, high quality monitors have built-in USB hubs that can fill the role of front panel I/O.

I really don't see how front panel I/O removal is such a problem. Aesthetically, I'd prefer to not have front panel I/O. Functionally, I'm indifferent to it.

 

[bennyGrose]

You will very likely be able to put a TopHat on the bottom and then using 2 240mm AIO won't be a problem!

...I think I need to go change my pants... If possible that would make this case absolutely more outstanding than it already is! I seriously can't wait to see what you guys do!

And may I just add that having a creator so open, forthcoming, and timely with their responses to actual customers' queries it makes me want to support this project even more and really want you guys to succeed! Not only do i think you guys are designing an amazing case, but I also think that your designing an amazing company if you maintain this mentality of consumer-level feedback.

We have a suggested solution in place where TopHats (potentially as standard) will have the cut outs for I/O and the panel included. If not desired simply rotate the TH and don't mount the panel.

By the way, I think this is an amazing compromise and continues the ghost's commitment to flexibility and customizability.

Thanks Again!!

 

[Boil]

You will very likely be able to put a TopHat on the bottom and then using 2 240mm AIO won't be a problem!

Interesting, maximum dimensions of a 240mm AIO in your largest TopHat, please...?

Would really be interested in seeing a digital mockup of dual 240mm AIOs, especially where the tubing runs will go, clearances on other components & such...

Envisioning a 240 Predator on the CPU & a 240 Predator on the GPU...!

 

[PaChalski]

Interesting, maximum dimensions of a 240mm AIO in your largest TopHat, please...?

Would really be interested in seeing a digital mockup of dual 240mm AIOs, especially where the tubing runs will go, clearances on other components & such...

Envisioning a 240 Predator on the CPU & a 240 Predator on the GPU...!

@Boil, love the creative and powerful builds that are being envisioned!

Testing dual rads is best experimented with in practice where we can feel the tension of pipes and deal with imperfect cable lengths etc. Also, it is likely the entire system will work with only 2 120mm fans instead of 4 - just like the ONE is "sharing" fans between the radiators, but we will try to get 4 fans to fit! When this is confirmed in practice we can do a rendering of it and show some real pictures.

When we first set out this project, finding a way to mount AIO in a space efficient way was our first ambition (I could show you images of our very first prototype that was intended as a proof of concept) we were not even thinking of crating something that looked good, that came much later. We quickly realized that the most space efficient way to was to run pipes right above the memory sticks. On the GPU-side the pipes will likely have to run above and around the GPU on the back to down to the bottom. If this is the case we will add slots for stripes in the blade to hold pipes in place.

Predator rad is tall, so bight be a good solution when using double radiators and one set of fans. Vertical space of the L TopHat is currently set to 56,5 mm, probably the easiest thing to adjust, but remember you can stack them and create XL, XXL etc.

For now we can show you these two OLD renderings of the L TopHat with 240 AIO installed to illustrate clearance and tubing. Remember this is the not the latest design.
(Pardon the poor resolution)

 

[circlemeone]

In terms of aesthetics the ONE's trianglar shaped openings are good looking in my opinion, maybe less minimalistic?
Aesthetics aside, given our material choices and construction design, for us to manage these types of shapes we would have to go down to very small mill pins and probably quadruple the time in the machine.

Triangle openings are a no-no for me. Circles look cleaner and also easier to clean if need be.

 

[Nosuchthing]

Consumers of high end conputer cases like this tend to have high quality monitors (either in terms of resolution, refresh rate, panel types, or colour space), and I'd guess 99% of recently-released, high quality monitors have built-in USB hubs that can fill the role of front panel I/O.

I really don't see how front panel I/O removal is such a problem. Aesthetically, I'd prefer to not have front panel I/O. Functionally, I'm indifferent to it.

I've come round to the idea of spending £250 on a case. I'm not looking to spend an additional four hundred on a new monitor. I also have to make use of a crappy, unreliable laptop for work so the ability to make use of a USB stick is key for me.

 

[Boil]

I've come round to the idea of spending £250 on a case. I'm not looking to spend an additional four hundred on a new monitor. I also have to make use of a crappy, unreliable laptop for work so the ability to make use of a USB stick is key for me.

There are still USB ports provided on the motherboard, you only need to reach that extra foot...

 

[Nosuchthing]

There are still USB ports provided on the motherboard, you only need to reach that extra foot...

Crowded desk at best, I'd have to stand up and reach over my monitor. Plus I don't have many ports on the back of my PC that aren't occupied by something already. Yeah it's not that much further, but it's a selling point for me.

I get that having USB makes the case front less 'clean' but frankly in this case I go for function over form. Otherwise I'd be buying a much smaller case that doesn't have room for watercooling. I have a great case that isn't 'all that much' bigger, but cost me less than a sixth the cost, if I'm not happy with what's offered I won't buy it. Simple as. If other people want to, then please do, and I may even support the kickstarter because I like the principle. It's my money, I can do what I want with it.

 

[Biowarejak]

I feel that having some way to swap the front panel would be the most elegant solution to this problem. It would allow not only the ability to decide if you as a user want front IO, but also the ability to fully customise the front of it, and flip it over to revert

 

[SeeFiFo]

high quality monitors have built-in USB hubs that can fill the role of front panel I/O

True, but I've never encountered a monitor offering convenient access to the usb ports, and I hate having to readjust the monitor alignment if I accidentally move it while inserting or removing a usb device.

But an external usb hub would work just fine. Could e.g. mount it upside down under the desk using mounting tape, for super convenient access.

 

[treos7]

We are not afraid of taking a radical route if it makes sense. This would make sense if people seldom used the power button. And maybe that actually is the case nowadays? I myself rarely power my computer off completely and start it using the mouse.

I also think that moving the power button to the back is a good idea, if possible. If the front I/O and ports are to be moved for a cleaner look, it seems logical to apply that to the power button as well.

P.s. Thank you for the all the updates, love the work you guys are doing.

 

[PaChalski]

I also think that moving the power button to the back is a good idea, if possible. If the front I/O and ports are to be moved for a cleaner look, it seems logical to apply that to the power button as well.

P.s. Thank you for the all the updates, love the work you guys are doing.

Moving the power button to the back... personally i like the idea... would you leave the PWR LED in the front? What do the rest of you say?

 

[PaChalski]

We have not yet received the prototype. We had planned to start the tests yesterday and be able to present something today but no. We are chasing the courier company and making every effort to get the prototype before the weekend!

 

[Nosuchthing]

Moving the power button to the back... personally i like the idea... would you leave the PWR LED in the front? What do the rest of you say?

I personally turn my PC off every night, but as the case isn't super long I wouldn't be all that worried about reaching over to turn it off. I have usually stood up to turn my PC off anyway, so it makes no difference to me.

 

[Masj]

Moving the power button to the back... personally i like the idea... would you leave the PWR LED in the front? What do the rest of you say?

I'll start with saying that i really like this project. Then for some feedback I personally use the power button everyday so I would avoid placing it on the back. Then there is in my belief a small magical line between clean/minimalistic and bland so avoid getting rid of all details on the front.

 

[Mackan]

Moving the power button to the back... personally i like the idea... would you leave the PWR LED in the front? What do the rest of you say?

Companies like Apple aren't afraid of clean aesthetics. For example, they put the power button on the iMac on the back (and no visible PWR led on the front at all I think). Their attention to detail is one reason why their products are appealing to many. Controversal subject though...

Personally I don't mind it on the back on a small case.

 

[Biowarejak]

The more I think about it, the more I think a reversible/swappable front panel makes sense. Especially since Firewolfy isn't pursuing that anymore. It gives you a few more SKU's, but shouldn't add too much cost or headache if you use standard front IO modules and button types (ie a Bulgin/Anti-Vandal Switch). Then you can have one with front IO and button, and one totally clean. Retain a single button mounting position in the back regardless so that the use can swap the front plate on a whim. Little more overhead to get there, but I think it stays within the modular spirit of this case.

-Edit-

Was thinking of the wrong case, corrected

 

[bennyGrose]

Honestly the more I think about it, I really woundnt mind the pwr button on the back, i mean it is a really small case. In terms of the PWR LED, I think that can go to the back too, as in I get more information about my computer posting or not from the fans spinning and the rgb powering up, also if you were to leave the LED in the front that just makes more of a headache in terms of cable management, splitting the cables for pwr and the led from back to front. I say be bold, move them to the back!

 

[PaChalski]

I'll start with saying that i really like this project. Then for some feedback I personally use the power button everyday so I would avoid placing it on the back. Then there is in my belief a small magical line between clean/minimalistic and bland so avoid getting rid of all details on the front.

I totally agree with your statement regarding blandness, there is not much left. The different surfaces on the panels compared to the grill create some contrast but it might not be enough.