NCASE M1: a crowdfunded Mini-ITX case

IlllI · 02-13-2013, 03:10 PM

hello, i'm not affiliated with the project but wanted to pass along the info.

they've started up a indiegogo campaign to raise funds to get a prototype built. after which they plan on doing a limited production run. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/nc...-mini-itx-case

more info about it can be found here, where the project originated: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1717132

Skott · 02-13-2013, 06:40 PM

Good to see its posted here on AT. There is quite a bit of interest in this little case.

IlllI · 02-13-2013, 07:08 PM

yep. i hope they can pull it off. this is my dream itx case.

IlllI · 02-15-2013, 04:44 PM

looks like they'll make it. they're already 2/3 of the way towards their goal and its only been 3 days

biostud · 02-15-2013, 07:27 PM

If I was about to upgrade my PC, that would definitely be on my shortlist.

dave_the_nerd · 02-15-2013, 07:28 PM

I want that so hard. Wonder what the final product will cost, though.

L0ne · 02-16-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_the_nerd

I want that so hard. Wonder what the final product will cost, though.

I would pay an unreasonable amount for this case.

dave_the_nerd · 02-16-2013, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L0ne

I would pay an unreasonable amount for this case.

I would go up to ~$250. Since I don't OC a lot or water cool, the only advantage over my SG05 is the additional couple SSD spots and OoB ATX PSU compatibility. And the novelty of a crowdsourced/crowdfunded case design. (hell, I just threw in $15.)

The performance will, ultimately, what does or doesn't sell to the OC/enthusiast crowd. The potential achilles heel (and greatest asset) is the modularity of it - there are going to be a lot of crap builds with fans, radiators and HDDs all tripping over each other before somebody figures out how to "min/max" (to borrow a MMO term) for best cooling with the most drive bays.

OTOH, going by the renders, it'll support a plethora of 2.5" HDDs. If the underclocked-Xeon-wielding home NAS/server jockeys don't buy out the first production batch for that alone, I AM DISAPPOINT.

EliteRetard · 02-16-2013, 05:46 PM

The largest problem I see is the desire for aluminum. With so many cutouts for all the custom options/features it could end up being very flimsy. The proposed 1.5mm is less than 1/16th of an inch and even steel that thin can get bendy.

IlllI · 02-16-2013, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_the_nerd

I want that so hard. Wonder what the final product will cost, though.

estimated between 160-200. i'm guessing not including shipping.

here is the entire quote " Once we've tested the prototype and made the necessary revisions, the next step will be a limited production run - funded via a second crowdfunding campaign. The retail price of the M1 is projected to be between USD160 - 200"

i think the final price will depend on how many sign up to buy one. i think their initial target is 300. but from what i understand, the more people who sign up to get one, the lower the cost for everyone.

SithSolo1 · 02-16-2013, 09:33 PM

I donated the other day but I've been following it from the start. I don't have the money but I'm going to buy one anyway once KickStarter hits.

Also, last I saw they were hoping to lend a prototype to a few review sites for some testing feedback.

Skott · 02-17-2013, 06:44 PM

Well, they been saying from the start its going to be a one time thing so once the initial orders are placed and delivered thats it its gone. Its aimed at enthusiasts the most but the case would be good for anyone looking for what it offers. Hard core or not. I'll probably buy one or two depending on price. I like the SG05 but have been longing for something a little better. This case seems to have it. This case is also born out of a lot of user feedback and I like to support this type of thing.

capeconsultant · 02-17-2013, 10:49 PM

I donated to get on their shortlist. Looks like a great case. I do not need a big vid card, so I could use my ATX power supply and a Noctua case fan for a darn silent computer. I do hope it will be a solid unit.

dave_the_nerd · 02-17-2013, 11:13 PM

If it's a limited run, there'll be "collectors" and profit-taking. Dammit.

EliteRetard · 02-18-2013, 12:37 AM

But if it's already been designed, prototyped, and tested then it costs nothing for the company that built them to just continue on making them. Totally free R&D. If it does end up being Lian-Li why would they NOT continue to keep making it? It's their business, and we just gave them a free superior design that has documented demand from it's primary market.

dave_the_nerd · 02-18-2013, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliteRetard

But if it's already been designed, prototyped, and tested then it costs nothing for the company that built them to just continue on making them. Totally free R&D. If it does end up being Lian-Li why would they NOT continue to keep making it? It's their business, and we just gave them a free superior design that has documented demand from it's primary market.

That depends on whether Lian Li gets actual rights to the design, or if they're just building it as a subcontractor.

EliteRetard · 02-18-2013, 02:09 PM

Well a bit off topic, does anybody know if there are any decent slim bluray drives (for ripping disks)? Will they operate correctly turned vertical like that?

capeconsultant · 02-18-2013, 02:44 PM

I did not realize that there may be only the initial run. That does sort of change everything.

sm625 · 02-18-2013, 02:45 PM

Is there something I'm missing? 'cause that thing looks like a freakin ripoff. What does this thing do for you that a $50 case doesnt do? Take this one for example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147098

biostud · 02-18-2013, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sm625

Is there something I'm missing? 'cause that thing looks like a freakin ripoff. What does this thing do for you that a $50 case doesnt do? Take this one for example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147098

Yes there's something you're missing...

That case requires low profile videocard making it unusable for a gaming rig, has it's own doubtable 300W PSU, and has no room for watercooling. Which is kind of what the NCASE M1 is all about

Try find find a ITX case which allow for:
240mm raditor + watercooling setup
ATX or SFX form factor PSU
Dual slot videocard.

Zap · 02-18-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlllI

this is my dream itx case.

It is not mine. Granted it has evolved a bit and is pretty nice in the current iteration. My personal "problem" with it is that it tries to be everything to everyone, including those downsizing from huge liquid cooled rigs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by biostud

Try find find a ITX case which allow for:
240mm raditor + watercooling setup
ATX or SFX form factor PSU
Dual slot videocard.

But I don't want to use a 240mm radiator or an ATX PSU.

Me? I want to compromise to make the small size. I've lived with an ISK 300 with low profile graphics card for a half year. I don't want a no-compromises case. I want my case to have limits. That's the only way to make things even smaller. I see an SG05 (what the NCASE M1 started with in philosophy) and see a case that is 30mm too tall. Ditch the optical drive. Put the SFX PSU (not ATX) in the front of the case. Cut 30mm off the top. Make out of aluminum. Voila! Being small and simple, it also would be a lot cheaper and lighter.

ViviTheMage · 02-18-2013, 04:26 PM

@Zap, I am sure you know, but you can fit a 680gtx in a SG05.

I put down a few bucks, get my name on the list ... would love to see it come in to reality!

biostud · 02-18-2013, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zap

It is not mine. Granted it has evolved a bit and is pretty nice in the current iteration. My personal "problem" with it is that it tries to be everything to everyone, including those downsizing from huge liquid cooled rigs.

But I don't want to use a 240mm radiator or an ATX PSU.

Me? I want to compromise to make the small size. I've lived with an ISK 300 with low profile graphics card for a half year. I don't want a no-compromises case. I want my case to have limits. That's the only way to make things even smaller. I see an SG05 (what the NCASE M1 started with in philosophy) and see a case that is 30mm too tall. Ditch the optical drive. Put the SFX PSU (not ATX) in the front of the case. Cut 30mm off the top. Make out of aluminum. Voila! Being small and simple, it also would be a lot cheaper and lighter.

Yeah if you don't need all the stuff they want to put in this case there's no reason to buy it.

SithSolo1 · 02-18-2013, 04:40 PM

It was smaller but people were complaining they couldn't fit everything in it so it got bigger. It didn't even have ATX support until about 2 weeks ago because the modular SilverStone SFX is "loud" and there is just enough room for a 140mm ATX.

I think for my next build if I don't end up using the NCASE I'll make a small custom build specific to the parts I'm using. Just room for a short dual-slot card, mobo w/low-pro heatsink, SFX psu, and a SSD or two.

Zap · 02-18-2013, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViviTheMage

@Zap, I am sure you know, but you can fit a 680gtx in a SG05.

Having two SG05 in the household, I am well aware of that.

I just think it can be even smaller while retaining GTX 680 compatibility.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SithSolo1

It was smaller but people were complaining they couldn't fit everything in it so it got bigger.

Exactly why it is not the case for me. It does look like a great alternative to the ever popular BitFenix Prodigy, for the overclock.net "watercool or die" crowd.