I'm building another custom small form factor case, this time it's 4.2 liter case that can fit a short GPU.
Unlike most custom cases shown here, this one isn't made of metal. Most of the frame and exterior structure is 3D printed. Since I don't have a printer of my own, I had to choose third party supplier, using Markforged One printer and Onyx filament. This material is more expensive than most FDM filament, but it's also a bit tougher than ABS plastic with some more flex to the material. So as cost is a consideration I seeked a printer that can still get the parts made relatively cheap.
Not satisfied with just making a simple box, I designed the case to be a bit more refined with rounded corners and screw-less front, back, and top surfaces.
This material is pretty tough for a non-metal material, and the surface feels like a mix of plastic and vinyl. It has a somewhat matte to satin black finish which I like more than the glossy finish of most ABS printed material.
Without anything inside, the case is very light and a bit flexible. But once a build is complete it is very stable and easy to carry and transport. Most configurations require an external power brick as it's mainly designed for DC-DC power supplies similar to the S4 Mini case.
Case specs:
Installation of motherboard
The 2.5" hard drive fits in the bottom end of the case (as partly visible in the last picture).
I am using the Sapphire R9 285 ITX card for my personal build and also as a demo for the case. This card has the 8-pin connector pointing forward instead of upward, which is uncommon, so it would be also an example of how much room it can allow with the connector plugged in.
Still in progress are additional side, top, and bottom panels to complete the case. These panels will be made of laser cut acrylic. I will probably be able to have different designs for the panels.
Unlike most custom cases shown here, this one isn't made of metal. Most of the frame and exterior structure is 3D printed. Since I don't have a printer of my own, I had to choose third party supplier, using Markforged One printer and Onyx filament. This material is more expensive than most FDM filament, but it's also a bit tougher than ABS plastic with some more flex to the material. So as cost is a consideration I seeked a printer that can still get the parts made relatively cheap.
Not satisfied with just making a simple box, I designed the case to be a bit more refined with rounded corners and screw-less front, back, and top surfaces.
This material is pretty tough for a non-metal material, and the surface feels like a mix of plastic and vinyl. It has a somewhat matte to satin black finish which I like more than the glossy finish of most ABS printed material.
Without anything inside, the case is very light and a bit flexible. But once a build is complete it is very stable and easy to carry and transport. Most configurations require an external power brick as it's mainly designed for DC-DC power supplies similar to the S4 Mini case.
Case specs:
- Dimensions: 199 x 200 x 105 mm
- Volume: 4.2L
- Expansion card: max length 181mm
- Storage: m.2 plus 1x 2.5" hard drive
- Motherboard: Mini ITX
- CPU cooler: 39 mm max
- Power: internal DC-DC (HD-PLEX, PicoPSU, G-Unique, etc)
Installation of motherboard
The 2.5" hard drive fits in the bottom end of the case (as partly visible in the last picture).
I am using the Sapphire R9 285 ITX card for my personal build and also as a demo for the case. This card has the 8-pin connector pointing forward instead of upward, which is uncommon, so it would be also an example of how much room it can allow with the connector plugged in.
Still in progress are additional side, top, and bottom panels to complete the case. These panels will be made of laser cut acrylic. I will probably be able to have different designs for the panels.
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