Prototype Velka 1: The smallest APU case

[VELKASE Michael]

The purpose of this case is to be the smallest case that can fit a standard Mini ITX motherboard, 65 W TDP CPU cooler such as the Noctua NH-L9a/i, and DC-DC power supply such as the Pico PSU.

Top priorities:

• Size
• Appearance

The case will look best when set flat as shown in the first picture by hiding the ventilation opening and non-countersunk screws.

Such a case will be able to house systems to be used for office applications, entry level gaming, entry level CAD, etc.

This case will only be 1.6 L in volume. To put the size into perspective, the 2018 Mac Mini is 1.4 L (13% smaller).

Spoiler: Specifications

Dimensions: 176 x 173 x 54 mm
External volume: 1.6 L
Material: 1.5 mm anodized aluminum
Weight: 0.36 kg (0.8 lb)

CPU cooler clearance: 37 mm
Storage: M.2 only
PSU: direct plug in DC-DC (160 W max)

Target price point: 50 USD

What features do you think should be implemented?

 

[cleveland]

This thing will be hot.

 

[Maki2]

I really like this so far.

 

[smallcaps]

looking forward to seeing how this turns out

 

[VELKASE Michael]

What do you think would be more interesting: a 1.6 L case that uses an external power adapter and only has M.2 for storage, or a 2.4 L case (50% larger) that supports Flex ATX power supplies and 2.5" storage?

 

[Tossy]

I think for a bit office and light gaming one would'nt need more than a M.2 drive. Especially with the continuesly falling SSD prices.
Flex ATX would make it easier for people who don't want to tinker as much as when using a picoPSU. But in my idea this is a minor point.
Conclusion: I would go for a smaller case. With a different use scenario this might differ.

 

[Maki2]

A 1.6 L case would be more interesting, to me atleast.

 

[VELKASE Michael]

One of my concerns is the lack of motherboards with 4 pin EPS connectors. Pico PSUs only have a 4 pin for the CPU. The HDPLEX 160 has 4+4 pin but its availability is not dependable. Has anyone here used 4 pin to 8 pin EPS adapters?

 

[Tossy]

If I understood The Hack right a 4 to 8 pin adapter would'nt improve anything and therefore isn't necessary. Most mainboards should work with only 4 pins being used. My gigabyte mini-itx am4 board in any case does.

 

[xredlinexx1]

I'm guesing this concept is dead? I was just looking around for this exact type of case...basically one that is small as possible for a mini-itx mobo and noctua l9i, that can be mounted behind a monitor. I was hoping to go the mini-stx route, but the current asrock mobo cant overlock the cpu, and is lacking some features mini-itx mobos typically have.

 

[Windfall]

I'm guesing this concept is dead? I was just looking around for this exact type of case...basically one that is small as possible for a mini-itx mobo and noctua l9i, that can be mounted behind a monitor. I was hoping to go the mini-stx route, but the current asrock mobo cant overlock the cpu, and is lacking some features mini-itx mobos typically have.

Check out the mini box m350.

 

[maxdfw]

Check out the mini box m350.

Literally was going to say this. 2.5L, but it's still tiny.