Image Credit- Densium
The original Densium 4 has just arrived and a new revision is already in the works. Learning from the last prototype, the second batch of cases will include support for dual orientation PSUs, and a USB 3.1 10gbps front panel port. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg for the changes. Check out the list from the SFFN thread. I’ve also posted it below this article.
The first version of the case has just arrived to many backers as there was a shipping issue that caused damage to some of the cases. To Densium’s credit, they absolutely stepped up and addressed the issues including an issue I had with the one I ordered. It’s great to see Densium not pushing the design forward and perfecting it.
Check out the Densium SFFN Thread by CLICKING HERE.
Check out the Densium Website by CLICKING HERE.
Discuss this article in the SFFN forum by CLICKING HERE…though I STRONGLY advise you also visit the actual Densium SFFN thread.
June 1st (2022)
Though I was pretty happy with the V1 of the Densium 4 it was immediately apparent that there was some flaws and some ‘low hanging fruit’ for improvements. After many great suggestions from here at the forum and r/SFFPC, I knew I had to make a revised design for the 2nd batch.
Of course, as a lot of people liked the appearance of the V1, so I’ve done my best to keep the exterior as untouched as possible.
As I was starting out I felt restricted by the uncertainty of the project, as I didn’t know what to expect in terms of sales, engagement ETC.
After seeing this much interest, engagement and (a lot of) support, I’m much more comfortable taking bigger ‘risks’. This enables me to make bigger commitments, such as a more expensive design with more features and higher quality. If you’ve read the changelog for the V2, it should be apparent that there has been some major upgrades.
As a result of this, I’ve added some costly features which in turn means I’ve got to increase the price a fair amount. Of course, the great improvement to extra features and quality will make it justified, I’m sure you all understand.
As I lost most of my margin to replacing damaged cases I’ll need a small funding campaign for the new cases, but not as big as V1 (I think I need about 20 units). Of course there will ‘early-bird’ offers for those who pre-order. I think I’ll be able to initiate the production in about 2 weeks, and we’re looking at about the same production time as the Densium 4 (6 weeks). This time we’ll hopefully avoid the factory being locked down during production.
The ‘Densium 4 plus V2’ will come later, but I’ll order extra of all the ‘non sheet-metal’ parts together with the Densium 4. This will significantly reduce the production time for the ‘plus’ when it eventually enters production, as the sheetmetal can be manufactured very quickly.
The new website is being developed, and I’m looking to start the campaign as quickly as possible. The website will include all the details of the funding campaign and timeline.
I think I’ve covered everything, but I’ll update this post if I should remember something I’ve missed – and of course, all questions are welcome.
- ‘Base’ and ‘Spine’ to be made of 1.5mm aluminum instead of 1.2mm SPCC
- The increased thickness will make the countersinking more consistent
- Reduces the weight.
- Evidently, the PSU screws now tears away the powdercoat easily, so I’ll make sure washers are included.
- Side panels will be made of 304 stainless steel instead of SPCC
- 304ss is less pliable, making the side panels stronger and stiffer.
- Corrosion resistant
- Motherboard standoffs changed from M3 to UNC #6-32 threads, and also made 2mm longer.
- More clearance for CPU cooler backplates
- More clearance for motherboard backplates
- Slightly bigger diameter
- GPU standoffs increased 1mm
- Some GPUs have thicker backplates than advertised
- Adds to the CPU cooler backplate clearance
- Completely redesigned frontpanel bracket. Now made from 1 single piece of 1.2mm 304 stainless steel. Attaches to side flanges instead of top and bottom of case.
- Much stronger
- Having the bends on the side instead of the top prevents cables from putting strain on the front panel.
- Hides screws under front panel
- Now completely flippable, so you can choose the orientation.
- Adds to the rigidity of the case
- Added USB 3.1 10gbps type A port to front panel.
- Manufactured by ADT-Link
- Uses 19pin A-key internal usb connector
- Securely attaches to the front panel bracket
- Still waiting for prototype
- Dual orientation PSU
- Together with dual orientation frontpanel, it allows for completely flippable layout.
- PSU raised 3mm off the ‘floor’
- To accomodate case feet
- To accomodate screws for handles/case feet
- Case will come with Ø10x3mm magnets that securely attaches to PSU (tested with Enhance ENP-7660)
- The aluminum and 304 stainless will not interfere with magnets
- Magnets are very low friction, so sliding in the PSU is still effortless.
- The rear flange on GPU-side now extends all the way.
- Adds to the rigidity of the case
- Giving more clearance between the GPU fan and side panel.
- Ventilation holes changed from Ø6 with 7.5mm pitch to Ø6.5 with 8mm pitch
- 8mn can perfectly divide 96mm and 128mm, which are commonly used screw spacings for cabinet and drawer handles, giving customers option to source a wide variety of handles if they desire.
- Slightly more open area
- Added an extra row of ventilation holes to the side panels
- More airflow
- Better aesthetic (top and bottom holes are now aligned)
- Custom length standoffs
- Made to fit the perfectly without the use of washers
- Prevent washers being forgotten during assembly.
- Custom branded boxes with foam
- This was a necessity, as last time I left the packaging up to the warehouse staff, and it resulted very high damage rate. Now the cases will be assembled and put in the box at the factory assembly, also resulting in shorter fulfillment times.
- Black ‘base with lid’ boxes
- Accessories will come in extra box that will be inside the case
- The GPU now sits lower in the case
- This is achieved with the CNC aluminum part shown in picture 8. Previously the standoffs for riser and motherboard would interfere in this position, but thanks to this part we can mount the GPU here.
- IMO, better aesthetics
- Makes inserting the cables easier for some GPUs
- Problem with prototype identified. The Gen4 risers take more space than Gen3, so I’ll have to raise the mounting 5mm more than shown in picture.
- Extended the ‘depth’ of the case by 3mm
- To accomodate for the new frontpanel bracket
- Gives slightly bigger place for cables
- Added more clearance on top of the motherboard to accomodate screws for handles.
- Extras
- Will come with allen key for the hex screws
- Will come with UNC 6-32 screws for motherboard and power supply
- Extra screws
- Rubber case feet
- Powerbuttons have longer cables
- If you don’t like the USB-port I can manufacture frontpanels without the USB cutout.
All the changes have led to a slight increase in size. The new dimensions are now 103x225x93mm, resulting in a volume of 4.47L (increase of 4dl)
The size inrease will be equivalent in the new 4+ version. The size increase does not make a ‘real world’ difference, but actually makes the case even easier to assemble.
