Production Nouvolo Steck - SFF 8.7-11.2L ITX PC Case, supports liquid cooling

Dreamwrx

Caliper Novice
Jul 12, 2018
22
17
@macbosco
I'm sure you're busy working on the project right now but I got a few questions/comments:

1) Did you have any plans on adding different sized stacks? There are a million ways to do radiator stacks so you can't win them all. However I am wondering if you are willing to think about the first size stack to be 60mm instead of 55mm. Most Rads/AIO are 30mm and most fans are 25mm.. so a 55/56mm stack is minimalist and ideal for SFF. However just by going to 60mm, you can give a bit more room to the users to work with.. but also give them the capability of doing push/pull with dual 15mm fans.

Others may not agree with this but its just my 2 cents.

2) I think others asked for a lower height stack if they want to do air cooling only.. I believe it would be ideal to have two fans pull from the bottom and push out at the top. So however that config would work.

3) I believe in the current iteration of this case, it is possible to stack one on bottom AND one on top of the case, correct? If so I assume that the feet will be removable? I'm planning on some extendable feet like speaker stands for stability/and being a bit different.

Thanks.
 
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macbosco

Airflow Optimizer
Original poster
Mar 20, 2018
304
710
www.nouvolo.com
Thanks for your comments. Just an update on the progress first. I have now sourced the power adapter/cable and have to custom make pcb for the power switch. Hopefully will have all the accessory items in place in couple weeks time. Now trying to answer your questions:

1) Did you have any plans on adding different sized stacks? There are a million ways to do radiator stacks so you can't win them all. However I am wondering if you are willing to think about the first size stack to be 60mm instead of 55mm. Most Rads/AIO are 30mm and most fans are 25mm.. so a 55/56mm stack is minimalist and ideal for SFF. However just by going to 60mm, you can give a bit more room to the users to work with.. but also give them the capability of doing push/pull with dual 15mm fans.
It is in my plan to offer different sizes stack, but there are issues with MOQ with the manufacturer. Actually the overall height of the current stack is 60mm. It may well fit 60mm height rad, but I am quoting a smaller size just to be on the safe side. I have allowed some slack in all my designs. I will measure it again once I get the first batch. There may well be some surprises :).

2) I think others asked for a lower height stack if they want to do air cooling only.. I believe it would be ideal to have two fans pull from the bottom and push out at the top. So however that config would work.
You mean a 25mm stack just for 2 fans? I have thought about it, but same issue in Q1 (MOQ). And please note that I am now using a 70mm Noctua NH-L12S just with the main case. This cooler is one of the best for its size that can handle TDP of about 95W (as quoted). Although choices are limited, I think the main case body is quite sufficient for non-overclocking rigs.
Note that I have tested a few different configs, and the best is to have the cooler blow outwards (i.e. fan blows away from cpu). As the cooler is right at the side panel mesh, air is pushed right out of the case as soon as it leaves the fins, and causing no air turbulence (air is already outside of the case).

3) I believe in the current iteration of this case, it is possible to stack one on bottom AND one on top of the case, correct? If so I assume that the feet will be removable? I'm planning on some extendable feet like speaker stands for stability/and being a bit different.
Yes, the case can have maximum of 2 stack, one top and one bottom. I can do a double stack package if there is demand. Or I can sell the stacks as separate.
 

Dreamwrx

Caliper Novice
Jul 12, 2018
22
17
Wow thanks for the quick answers. It makes sense how you are using the NH-L12S.. but I assume that others might take a different approach maybe using other coolers? and wanted more ways to add fans.

Personally I think I'd go for the 240mm top radiator with push-pull fans when these are ready... I'd probably like a smaller stack on the bottom to add some fans as intake.

Also another question. I know you said it'd take 240mm radiator.. but can it do 2x120mm?
 
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macbosco

Airflow Optimizer
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Mar 20, 2018
304
710
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Wow thanks for the quick answers. ...
Also another question. I know you said it'd take 240mm radiator.. but can it do 2x120mm?

To directly answer your question, there will only be 1 height (60-56mm) for the stack initially. Reason is quantity and scale (MOQ) vs costs requirements. Pray that I sell tons of it after launch then I can afford to offer more variations ;).

As for rad, case length/depth allowance is about 300mm, I think a 120mm AIO is about 160mm. For 2 of those it is about 320mm. So I think they won't fit. 120mm rad is longer than 120mm, extra length of approx 40mm is for the tubing.
 

MadDrake

Cable Smoosher
Jul 13, 2018
12
10
So is there going to be a list of people that have dibs on cases?. I'm not trying to be impatient. I was just wondering if there was some sort of reserve. Unless I'm blind and you talked about it already (sorry ). I've been hunting for an ncase or dancase or zs-a4( dont really want to wait for that one to come in), but cost is a big factor. This would be my dream case because of the cost and its design. That way I can get something more portable than my nano s (i love it but its too big.) ,fit my water cooling set up, and look awesome.
 
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macbosco

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Mar 20, 2018
304
710
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yea I think a lot of us are excited to get our hands on this case. Sign me up for early bird!!!
As soon as I have first batch come out from stamping process, I will start collecting names for early bird tester/reviewers. Note that certain criteria apply in order to get this earlier than all others e.g. MUST provide reviews and build photos/video, at least on this forum, or on other sites (e.g. youtube, or even better on a professional review site).

This limited time and quantity offering is intended for marketing and testing purposes ONLY, I am making loss on selling these wanting to get some more in depth and deliberate feedback from the community. I trust all you who have given me valuable ideas so far. So I will definitely reserve some for you (My estimate is around less than 10 so far, but I hope to allocate 15-20 units for this round) ;) Would not mind if you guys spread the words around, 1 refers another 1 to 2, will be great!!!
 

Dreamwrx

Caliper Novice
Jul 12, 2018
22
17
I probably won't be one of those they.. I guess I'll just wait for the early adopters. While I would love to do review/videos and what not.. I'm balancing my time and $$$ with a newborn. So I guess I'll need one in a few months.

Good luck to all of those earlier guys that can guarantee a review/pictures!!!
 

dumplinknet

Airflow Optimizer
Jan 26, 2018
364
168
As soon as I have first batch come out from stamping process, I will start collecting names for early bird tester/reviewers. Note that certain criteria apply in order to get this earlier than all others e.g. MUST provide reviews and build photos/video, at least on this forum, or on other sites (e.g. youtube, or even better on a professional review site).

This limited time and quantity offering is intended for marketing and testing purposes ONLY, I am making loss on selling these wanting to get some more in depth and deliberate feedback from the community. I trust all you who have given me valuable ideas so far. So I will definitely reserve some for you (My estimate is around less than 10 so far, but I hope to allocate 15-20 units for this round) ;) Would not mind if you guys spread the words around, 1 refers another 1 to 2, will be great!!!
I know we spoke over private message, but I cannot wait to review the case here and x-post it over at Reddit, [H], etc...
 

macbosco

Airflow Optimizer
Original poster
Mar 20, 2018
304
710
www.nouvolo.com
Thanks guys for all your enthusiastic response. It already gives me great encouragement to get this to ship.

First batch run will be probably around 20-30 units, save for any final minor adjustments, before moving to full production run ( > 500 units). If those 20-30 units are close enough for final approval, they will be offered to the following types of people:
  1. Enthusiasts in this forum, agreeing to post build photos (at least), and/or a short write up on their build experience and review.
  2. Online reviewers. e.g.Youtubers (Linus, Bitwit, etc), tech website.
  3. Industry trader /w potential bulk purchase opportunity
  4. Anybody else who are willing to post photos and reviews for their rig
  5. My sister ;) (reserved a pink version for her)
 
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Aki

SFF Lingo Aficionado
Aug 9, 2016
100
97
Thanks guys for all your enthusiastic response. It already gives me great encouragement to get this to ship.

First batch run will be probably around 20-30 units, save for any final minor adjustments, before moving to full production run ( > 500 units). If those 20-30 units are close enough for final approval, they will be offered to the following types of people:
  1. Enthusiasts in this forum, agreeing to post build photos (at least), and/or a short write up on their build experience and review.
  2. Online reviewers. e.g.Youtubers (Linus, Bitwit, etc), tech website.
  3. Industry trader /w potential bulk purchase opportunity
  4. Anybody else who are willing to post photos and reviews for their rig
  5. My sister ;) (reserved a pink version for her)

TBH, I'm not that much into the more boxy design (m1, dan case, etc) but more into the slim form factor, but my sentry just limits my CPU cooling options a bit much (I still love it). Just for conformation, the l12s fits and and the panels are attached magnetically only, or is it possible to screw them in if needed?
But damn you, you got me with the pink :p. Would it be possible to do one more in pink? I would also be interested in the early batch and would post a review of it on this forum and on hard forum. I know that I did not contribute at all to this project so far so I would understand if this is asking for too much. Also, I would also pay a bit more for the custom paint job, if my budget allows it.
Also, I still think that the vents might be a bit restricting, but if I get the chance, I will test that out before complaining more.
 
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macbosco

Airflow Optimizer
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Mar 20, 2018
304
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TBH, I'm not that much into the more boxy design (m1, dan case, etc) but more into the slim form factor, but my sentry just limits my CPU cooling options a bit much (I still love it). Just for conformation, the l12s fits and and the panels are attached magnetically only, or is it possible to screw them in if needed?
But damn you, you got me with the pink :p. Would it be possible to do one more in pink? I would also be interested in the early batch and would post a review of it on this forum and on hard forum. I know that I did not contribute at all to this project so far so I would understand if this is asking for too much. Also, I would also pay a bit more for the custom paint job, if my budget allows it.
Also, I still think that the vents might be a bit restricting, but if I get the chance, I will test that out before complaining more.

  • Confirm NH-L12S works just fine (i.e. 70mm height cooler). But that is the absolute maximum the case can take. There is only about 2mm gap with the side panel.
  • There are screw holes for glass side panels and also screw holes for top, BUT the Aluminum panels can only be attached by magnets. This is decided for aesthetics reasons. No screws show up in the external using the standard metal panels.
  • I will probably do a few pink ones. Will let you guys know what are available then. As long as you guys promise to post photos and/or reviews of your build, then you are welcome to get one early at 'test community' price. I think it is only fair to the rest of the "users".
 
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macbosco

Airflow Optimizer
Original poster
Mar 20, 2018
304
710
www.nouvolo.com
will the case come with the pci riser and power button?
Yes, certainly, I have sourced the button with custom pcb. The button is of low profile type, not the barrel type which takes up too much space.
Will post new photos of the "complete" rig once I have all the accessories items ready.

Riser card I will include with the package also at no additional cost, or priced in, whichever way you want to look at it. You may well know that the riser is not cheap :)