NCASE M1: A Crowd-Funded Mini-ITX Case

[Arthur]

This has to be one of the best looking Mini-ITX cases I have ever seen. The fact that it was designed with input from members of the HardOCP forum is even more impressive.

 

In order to put this case into production, the designers are currently looking for funding on IndieGogo (a Kickstarter-style crowd-funding website). More details below.

 

Website / IndieGogo Project

 

Who are NCASE?

We're two Small Form Factor (SFF) PC enthusiasts from the [H]ardForum that connected while discussing our visions for the perfect SFF computer case.

 

Why design the M1?

We believe the potential of the Mini-ITX form factor has been stunted by the lack of high performance cases currently available for the platform. We also share a dissatisfaction towards the overuse of plastic, mediocre aesthetics, bloated case dimensions and lack of water-cooling support common to many Mini-ITX cases. So we did the logical thing...we designed the product we wanted to buy - the NCASE M1.

 

Why should you care?

By backing this project you can prove to companies that more involvement and coordination with the PC building community can result in innovative products where previously there had been stagnation.

 

NCASE M1: A Powerful, Refined Mini-ITX Case

The NCASE M1 is a new Mini-ITX case that raises the bar in performance, versatility, and design for SFF PC cases. With support for 12.5” GPUs, water or air cooling, and a variety of drive mounting options, the M1 offers unparalleled power and flexibility for its surprisingly small footprint, all wrapped in an elegant, minimalist aluminium exterior.

 

We've spent months perfecting the design using feedback from [H]ardForum community and Lian Li's engineers. Our goal is to take this design to production, and we need your help.

 

The next step before production is to test a prototype of the M1. The funding goal is the minimum we need to produce a prototype plus a small components budget to test fitment, thermals and noise.

 

The more funding we're able to raise, the more hardware configurations we'll be able to test for, which leads to a better product. If we achieve our funding goal, don't let it stop you from backing us! Every little bit will help make the M1 better.

 

Specifications:

• 160 x 328 x 240mm, 12.59L (250mm including the feet)
  
  • panels extend out 5-10mm from the back for easy removal - max: 338mm
    
  • compared to SilverStone SG05 at 10.78L, 16.79% bigger
    
  • logo will be a sticker included in the box - apply it anywhere you prefer
    

  [*]105mm CPU cooler height

  [*]3 x expansion slots:

  • 1 & 2 support 12.5" GPU cards
    
  • 3 supports 11" cards
    

  [*]2 x 3.5" HDD mounts (up to 3 x 3.5")

  [*]2 x 2.5" HDD mounts (up to 4 x 2.5")

  [*]4 x 120mm fan mounts

  [*]1 x 80/92mm fan mount

  [*]Single or dual 120mm radiator capable

  [*]SFX power supply

  [*]ATX power supply (up to 140mm, non-modular)

  [*]Slim optical disk drive

  [*]Package Dimensions Estimate: 228.6x304.8x406.4mm / 9x12x16"

  [*]Package Weight Estimate: 2.72kg / 6lbs

 

http://i.imgur.com/U1In0Zw.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/9ttNyZ3.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/TKT4J6D.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/6zYUcgI.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/3pkvhfq.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/83Kk8ud.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/TCoHXxv.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/7t4Iyni.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/OpdANgA.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/x88GXDV.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/x88GXDV.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/vypdXqs.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/M5LQftn.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/WgB3uK1.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/nFnTbOx.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/QQpQ6tg.jpg

[Arthur]

The NCase M1 (manufactured by Lian Li) is now available to pre-order.

 

http://i.imgur.com/BlSsqWM.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/a8tOOOg.jpg

[Arthur]

Pre-orders for the M1 rev. 2 should start this month. Sign up on NCases.com to be notified.

 

The (tentative) final change list for M1 v2:

 

• Enlarged CPU cutout upward on motherboard tray
  
• Additional cutouts at bottom of motherboard tray
  
• Move rear 92mm fan and tubing holes down 2mm
  
• Additional 3.5" HDD mounting location at forward bottom of chassis
  
• Cable tie holes on chassis bottom reduced from 10 to 5
  
• SSD stacking brackets modified to allow stacked 7mm thick SDDs closer
  
• ATX PSU bracket moved back to allow more clearance behind chassis front
  
• 3.5" HDD cage fixed to work in upper fan bracket position
  
• ODD bracket screw holes reduced for better M2 screw fit
  
• No top panel screw
  
• More SSD mounting screws
  
• Extra side panel clips
  
• Dome head M5 screws changed to flat head M5
  
• Shortened internal AC cable
  

 

Edited May 4, 2014 by Arthur

[Arthur]

The M1 V2 pre-order website is now live (from today until 22/06/2014).

 

www.ncases.com/v2/m1.php