Yup, I believe the correct term for the design I am aiming for, is "console case" layout. But instead of upright "portrait" mode orientation, my case would be in "landscape" mode. More on that below.
Both the flexi5 and the fl6icon are a bit too big for my layout and design. However, the actual layout arrangement of the components in the fl6icon design, matches exactly with my own layout. My main design goal is to optimise the space, reduce the overall volume footprint, and at the same time, manage the heat issues with proper airflow. Weight and flexibility-to-strength ratio are also important factors, as I will be using my build to travel a lot. So, I find that the fl6icon is very much in-line, albeit some changes in the space optimisation areas, particularly around all the unused space below the PSU. Since I'm using the HDPlex 500W GaN AIO PSU, I can pretty much place the PSU on its side, further reducing the "depth" / "width" of the case.
Also, all the IO, including the front panel IO, will be on the back side, where all the rest of the IO ports are, so that the panel which has the momentary switch becomes the top side, and the IO side becomes the bottom of the case, with legs. And the top side won't have the momentary switch. Why? To eliminiate, or at least reduce the dust ingress. Although, I may compromise on the exact positioning of the IO, based on physical tests in real-life use.
So, my main question to you is, can your design be modified to decrease that unused space? I am starting up with FreeCAD (hopefully I can do that soon), to mock up my designs, and then share it. There are some other crazy ideas (like articulating armatures for pen display that folds away with the case) that I have withe case design that I want to test out too. but my primary concern is the space optmisation and optimised airflow.
Now regarding the routing of the riser cable under the motherboard. That is a new design challenge I created for my own self. Talk about glutton for punishment! I wish to explore the possibility to electrically insulate, but thermally conduct any run-off heat from the backplate of the mother board and the GPU, and have that side of the case panel act as a giant heatsink. I couldn't find anything online to see if others have explored this idea or not, but routing the riser cable underneath the boards defeat that design challenge. I know, I'm crazy!
But I think another person did something similar to the general effect that I'm talking about, but his design is not flexible to mistakes or tolerances, since it is milled / machined (and lot more expensive). But his entire case is a giant heatsink. Here's the video:
[MEDIA=youtube]CTeBr0hBsn8:781[/MEDIA]
