New SFF case from Aerocool

[AmberClad]

Aerocool M-40

One thing I found particularly noteworthy is that 4 inches is apparently the height clearance available for a CPU HSF. 4in = 102mm (by contrast, the QPack/MicroFly cases have a max clearance of 78mm, I believe).

 

[gorobei]

very sexy case, probably the best looking uATX i've seen yet. The break away upper frame is a nice touch as an alternative to removable M/B tray.

Very well laid out interior ergonomics-wise, but kind of at the cost of good air flow. The main intake is the 120mm at the front, while the only exhaust is the 80mm in the upper bay and the PSU(which if mounted fan side down, is trying to suck most of its air through the 4mm holes in the bottom of the upper bay pan. Looks pretty restrictive.) It's no surprise they had to add the other 2 80mm fan mounts. There even appears to be another 80mm mount near the front on the upper bay for an intake fan.(that much over compensation seems a little suspicious.)
Also the 100mm vertical clearance doesn't really allow you to mount any of the higher performing down-blow H/S coolers. Most of the really good ones are around 110mm tall without a fan on top. You could cut out some openings in the bottom of the upper bay/tray so that you could mount something bigger, maybe even a small vertical tower type.(I would probably cut out additional openings for the PSU too. Very tempting.)

If I didn't already have a microfly, and the price of the Aerocool wasn't outrageous I would probably buy it.

edit: seems to be retailing for $80. Not bad.

 

[tylerdustin2008]

I like it kinda. I don't like the front lcd, makes it look cheap. Has plenty of modding potential, well at least for a bigger hsf.

I would take the Q-micra over this thing any day. But If I am to get me a mATX case, this will be it.

 

[Zepper]

TY

.bh.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

It looks like it would be pretty easy to slice part of that grate above the CPU to put a taller HSF on too. I don't think I'd try and cram a TT or a TRU120 but maybe a TRU90...

 

[Skott]

Nice outer looks for sure. The big question in my mind is how big of a video card will it hold? If it cant hold the larger cards I wouldnt consider it good for a Lanbox or a gamer's box. SFF gamers like the big nVidia cards. Unfortunately it doesnt say anything about video card size in the review. At least I didnt see anything mentioned. More of a HTPC box IMO than a gamer's Lanbox. Not that thats a bad thing.

 

[gorobei]

Originally posted by: Skott
Nice outer looks for sure. The big question in my mind is how big of a video card will it hold? If it cant hold the larger cards I wouldnt consider it good for a Lanbox or a gamer's box. SFF gamers like the big nVidia cards. Unfortunately it doesnt say anything about video card size in the review. At least I didnt see anything mentioned. More of a HTPC box IMO than a gamer's Lanbox. Not that thats a bad thing.

i'd say you have 11" clearance for a video card. the pic with the m/b in place shows roughly 2" of space beyond the length(9.6") of the motherboard. So 9.6 + 2 = 11.6" - .5' for pcie power plug clearance = 11". You might even be able to fit a gtx.

 

[Zepper]

Don't ya love ATers? It was only the first reply before someone was figuring how to slice and dice it...

.bh.

 

[Zepper]

And if the Egg has it, you can get a deal on it starting midnight tonight. And they do:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811196028 .

.bh.

 

[gorobei]

actually i mentioned cutting the upper tray in my 1st reply. The real question is where could you mount a 120mm exhaust fan?

 

[Zepper]

Yup, you're top Dremel slinger today...

.bh.