Suggestions for Case

[Frozen-Q]

I am in the process of designing FrozenQPCMods first retail full size and mid size tower. Rather than go and fill these two case designs with ideas I think are well suited, I want to turn to the people who are the ones who would benefit from something like this, and get your opinion.

So ultimately, what would you like to see in both the mid tower and full tower version? Can be aesthetically related, or be certain features that you guys would typically want.

The cases will both be aluminum/acrylic.

I look forward to hearing some of your suggestions. :D

So far here is what I have in mind, at least for the full tower.

- Bottom mount removable hard drive sleds
- Interchangeable dual, triple, or quad top radiator mount plate
- Black aluminum mesh top and bottom
- Specific pre-bored holes for pumps and reservoirs
- Integrated cable management system

[RedRaider]

My suggestion would to not make them as barren inside as Mountain Mods towers and dump the fucking acrylic.:up:

[Starlite KNight]

9+ slots out the back for the new quad GPU motherboards.

[ablatman]

I'm guessing you're thinking of doing aluminum frame with acrylic/aluminum shell, something similar to the MM monticle/pinnacle (at least in terms of the design of the frame/etc).

One thing I would like to see is a case that uses it's space as efficiently as possible, and has maximum space for radiators. One way to do this would be to have a radiator mount lengthwise front to back blowing side to side, where it mounted to the alu frame directly above the motherboard at the top of the case.

Another thing to do would be to find a better place to mount the PSU than the back of the bottom of the case so that you could have a full-length radiator compartment there with side-to-side airflow. Perhaps make it wide enough that you could mount it/them directly over the video cards? that would also make it wide enough to support two rads in the bottom...

[RedRaider]

Moving this thread to the appropriate forum.

[Frozen-Q]

Ah, sorry Red, I had originally figure it would be geared more toward water cooling gear placement. My bad.


My suggestion would to not make them as barren inside as Mountain Mods towers and dump the fucking acrylic.:up:

Well, as much as some people don't like acrylic, I am going to try and make the acrylic work much better than it did for things like DD Tower series and MM. My new laser cutter comes in less than a month, and I plan on putting it to good use. I'm not so concerned about cutting corners and saving money though, but I am hoping for a good balance of metals and acrylic. Keep in mind, I will never be using anything less than 1/4" for components, and it will actually most likely be polycarbonate, not acrylic in the end.

9+ slots out the back for the new quad GPU motherboards.

I'll mark that down, I had only planned for 7.

I'm guessing you're thinking of doing aluminum frame with acrylic/aluminum shell, something similar to the MM monticle/pinnacle (at least in terms of the design of the frame/etc).

One thing I would like to see is a case that uses it's space as efficiently as possible, and has maximum space for radiators. One way to do this would be to have a radiator mount lengthwise front to back blowing side to side, where it mounted to the alu frame directly above the motherboard at the top of the case.

Another thing to do would be to find a better place to mount the PSU than the back of the bottom of the case so that you could have a full-length radiator compartment there with side-to-side airflow. Perhaps make it wide enough that you could mount it/them directly over the video cards? that would also make it wide enough to support two rads in the bottom...

The way I have the current design set up, allows you the flexibility to use a dual triple or quad radiator up top, but only one. Maybe if I made the case about 2 inches taller, I could work with putting two of them on their side.

PSU placement is a big PITA. But if perhaps the rad compartment was on the bottom, and the PSU up top, like you said it might work better.

[Daemas]

My main thing is that I shouldn't have to buy a $400 case to just take a fucking Dremel to it. I mean, for that kind of money, it had better be god damned perfect. I might as well go fucking buy a god damned CNC machine and jerk off in the corner with some aluminum.

-less homo prices on custom orders. If I could just take a MM case and tell them to do like 2 or 3 other things and not tack on 500 fucking dollars, that'd be great.

-Less gay PSU placement than MM (i.e not in the fucking way of the top rad) God forbid i want to put 38mms in push/pull and/or shrouds.

-More fucking 5.25 bays than 3. That's fuck asinine. Especially if you aren't going to include a front panel connection built into the case itself (please don't, I will be pissed if you put USB2.0 connections on it and in a year USB3 is cheap as fuck, then I got some useless shit).

-Wide enough space behind the mobo tray to route tubing.

-Holes in the motherboard tray for wire management.

Pretty much do MM, but learn from their mistakes.

EDIT: spellings and grammar

[talladega]

Easily removable (and optional) dust filters.

and lots of Delrin! :D

[ablatman]

I'll mark that down, I had only planned for 7.

Many high-end motherboards on the market (like the E759/E760) really need an 8-slot case to be fully utilized, and adding one more with some breathing room below it (kind of like how Corsair did with the 800D) means that it can support boards like the E762 without much trouble...

The way I have the current design set up, allows you the flexibility to use a dual triple or quad radiator up top, but only one. Maybe if I made the case about 2 inches taller, I could work with putting two of them on their side.

PSU placement is a big PITA. But if perhaps the rad compartment was on the bottom, and the PSU up top, like you said it might work better.

I was thinking RAD compartment in the bottom, and have a radiator mount on the non-board side of the inside of the case frame -- in other words, have a radiator mounted to the top support bar and a lateral support bar on the non-board side of the case at the top (assuming traditional ATX config.




What's probably a better idea would be to mount the board to the LEFT side of the case (so that the expansion slots are at the top, and the proc at the bottom), put the PSU at the back of the top, and have 5.25" bays in front, and HDD mounts between the PSU (or plural depending on how you have it set up to mount them), and then have space for radiators in the bottom, with room for two in the very bottom, and one above the board/CPU in the bottom, all blowing side to side.

-Cheaper custom orders.

-Better PSU mounting

-More than three 5.25" bays, good front panel connections

-Enough space behind mobotray to route cables/tubing

-Holes in the motherboard tray for wire management.

Pretty much do MM, but learn from their mistakes.

I paraphrased a bit, but I tend to agree with all of what you said there...

Easily removable (and optional) dust filters.

Honestly, fan filters aren't really on my list of things things to design into a case from the start; they're something to work in once the overall design is mostly complete, because they shouldn't add much bulk.

and lots of Delrin! :D

Only if it's nickel plated.....

[Starlite KNight]

What's probably a better idea would be to mount the board to the LEFT side of the case (so that the expansion slots are at the top, and the proc at the bottom)

So kind of like BTX compatibility?

[Morae]

Are you planning a cube (MM style) or a conventional tower? If the latter, increasing its width by just two inches (11" wide) would solve a plethora of issues.

Add one of those inches behind the motherboard tray and predrill for anchor-mount cable holders.

Do not sleeve any interior case wiring. People will want to use their own colors anyway.

If you plan to thread anything into aluminum, use threaded inserts! (So tired of stripping out threads in aluminum, simply through repeated use.)

Build the drive bay column in three sections, so each section can be removed if neccessary, without cutting.

Line the inside top and bottom of the side panels with rubber, to reduce vibration and surface scratches.

Metal felt-tipped case feet. No more of that plastic crap.

The customization option to replace any acrylic windows (if there are any) with aluminum mesh instead.

Some of us have stepped up to real radiators, which are too large to fit inside the average case, so for us rad space isn't really a consideration.

[ballz0r]

Just build this

http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=12174

[p0Pe]

Only if it's nickel plated.....

i only remember one member here who tryid this:rofl:

[Kuro]

I was thinking about making my own MM style case a two weeks ago and I started drawing designs out a few days ago.

[Frozen-Q]

Easily removable (and optional) dust filters.

and lots of Delrin! :D

Fan filters I think are going to be one of those things you will have to buy extra. I will make them easy to install and remove, however most people would never use them, and it would be an unnecessary expense.


Are you planning a cube (MM style) or a conventional tower? If the latter, increasing its width by just two inches (11" wide) would solve a plethora of issues.

Add one of those inches behind the motherboard tray and predrill for anchor-mount cable holders.

Do not sleeve any interior case wiring. People will want to use their own colors anyway.

If you plan to thread anything into aluminum, use threaded inserts! (So tired of stripping out threads in aluminum, simply through repeated use.)

Build the drive bay column in three sections, so each section can be removed if neccessary, without cutting.

Line the inside top and bottom of the side panels with rubber, to reduce vibration and surface scratches.

Metal felt-tipped case feet. No more of that plastic crap.

The customization option to replace any acrylic windows (if there are any) with aluminum mesh instead.

Some of us have stepped up to real radiators, which are too large to fit inside the average case, so for us rad space isn't really a consideration.

The tower is going to be normal shaped, not a cube. I could add an extra 2 inches to the width, do you guys think that would be too much?

[Baleful]

There are a lot of good suggestions in here. Many of the things I was going to suggest have already been said, so I won't repeat them.

Only one thing I will add emphasis on: Come up with a better HDD mounting system than what MM has. MM's HDD mounting system BLOWS.

[mpolter]

I second the post by ballz0r. I think Mick64, the dude who designed that case, was shopping it around for production. I love the look of the horizontal radiators and that is currently how my Black Pearl is set up. I don't have the time or space to have a proper shop for modding so getting something for 400 bucks that works perfectly out of the box without modding would be fantastic. I considered the MM route but based on the lengthy order time I decided to wait.

--MikeP

[slpdLoad]

+1 for teaming up with Mick

[Kuro]

only problem with micks design that it doesn't fit 140mm rads in the top and bottom compartments

[Baleful]

Give me a case that can elegantly hold a MO-RA :up:

[Frozen-Q]

Well, this design I have right now, CAN fit a MO-RA easily.

But, if you would want it to house two radiators side by side, then that would probably not work.

This case can easily do 140mm rads though. My intent is to make a "Rad Plate" of sorts, that can be purchased separately for like, $20, to fit whatever you want.

[slpdLoad]

The tower is going to be normal shaped, not a cube. I could add an extra 2 inches to the width, do you guys think that would be too much?

I think this is a good move. A little extra width isn't noticeable outside, but give you a lot more room for cable management and other things.

[Snyxxx]

I think the Silverstone TJ-07 is the perfect watercooling case. Rads down low with a crossflow of air in and out of the case.

An update for 140mm radiators and some extra width would be a nice refresh.

[talladega]

some sort of nice tool-less mounting of drives without it being gay cheap plastic.

[Merby]

seems like there's just not as much variety these days.

[ablatman]

some sort of nice tool-less mounting of drives without it being gay cheap plastic.

Tool-less mounting is overrated. Especially on this scale it adds a ton of cost for a *tiny* bit of convenience. Also take into account that if you can afford a 300-500 USD case, you can certainly afford 10 USD worth of screwdrivers (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941809000P?keyword=craftsman+screw driver+set). In the end, tool-less mounting (at least for 5.25" bays) is a bunch of wanking.

That said, I'm all for using thumbscrews wherever practical.


Really, I think a good design would be to take the general design of the TJ07, keep the bottom as a radiator compartment, and make new compartment on top for HDD's and PSU's. Another thing to consider would be having the option of side-facing 5.25" stacks.

[kevikev]

9+ slots out the back for the new quad GPU motherboards.

+1 for this. For the folders out there, 8 slots is an absolute must for the quad dual slot configs. Either that or 7 slots and the 8th slot has some clearance so you don't need to bend or shear off the 8th piece of metal.

Tool-less mounting is overrated. Especially on this scale it adds a ton of cost for a *tiny* bit of convenience. Also take into account that if you can afford a 300-500 USD case, you can certainly afford 10 USD worth of screwdrivers (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941809000P?keyword=craftsman+screw driver+set). In the end, tool-less mounting (at least for 5.25" bays) is a bunch of wanking.
I disagree that it adds a "tiny" bit of convenience. For me, if I need to mount drives using 4 mount points using screws, it's a big hassle to have to move my case out to where I can work on it, remove both side panels of my case, then get into a position where I can unscrew and remount drives even using thumb screws. Having tool-less sliders that are able to mount to the drives using the pre-drilled holes is a huge convenience when I can do drive maintenance without having to move the case much or even at worst, power down and take it to a work bench.

[Frozen-Q]

Tool-less drive bays is a possibility, but it would dramatically increase the price.

I was planning for side oriented 3.5" inch bays, but I could play around with making it possible to mount the 5.25"s on the side.

I think from what I understand you all would rather see the radiator mounts on the bottom, right now I have them at the top, I think I will be changing that.

I appreciate the input so far guys, its a big help. I want this product to be right the first time.

[4 73h l055]

Mick's design is good shit.

I want:

- Metal feet
- Large windows
- Good price (not MM price)
- Sexy grill at the top of the case or radiator space
- It to be tall enough to fit an EK400 Res
- Easy HDD placement }See Coolermaster Cosmos [Original version]
- Layer to hide wires
- A cover for the DVD drive to make it look built-in
- Tinted windows
- Colour options
- Glass as window OPTION
- Mobo tray should be removable (Also nine slots)
- Space for those nifty vandal power buttons

That makes one of the best cases EVER. :D

EDIT:

I also want a:

- Window that can mount a MO-RA (AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAA)
- MM-esque Pedestal thingy
- SSD mounts

[ablatman]

I disagree that it adds a "tiny" bit of convenience. For me, if I need to mount drives using 4 mount points using screws, it's a big hassle to have to move my case out to where I can work on it, remove both side panels of my case, then get into a position where I can unscrew and remount drives even using thumb screws. Having tool-less sliders that are able to mount to the drives using the pre-drilled holes is a huge convenience when I can do drive maintenance without having to move the case much or even at worst, power down and take it to a work bench.

My point is that in general, you'd likely still need to have access to both sides of the 5.25" stack to be able to do that, and if you've got both side panels off, the amount of time it'd take you to use screws is negligible.

Add to that that mounting the drive through slots (like most Lian-Li cases do) allows you to get the drive/whatever EXACTLY where it needs to be with relation to the front of the case. Then there's that nasty bit about every tool-less drive mounting system I've seen looking like ass...

Seriously, tool-less drive mounting systems are just a gimmick. If you want them, then feel free to cannibalize them off another case of your choosing.

[Kuro]

If you really wanted tool less hdd drive bays you should just buy the Lian Li one and put it in the 5.25" bays theres no point in over complicating a system.

[mcoffey]

Make sure you design it in such as was as to compartmentalize the rads. Allowing both clean fresh air in and exhaust out without dumbing the heated air from the rads back into the MB area. Also, pay special attention to how the exhaust air circulates outside the case, and make sure it doesn't get pulled back in to the rads. Blacked out pre painted internals with a nice coating that doesn't scratch off easily.

As far as tool-less design features, I've never met a screw driver that didn't fit my hands, so fuck wasting time on that shit IMO. The dimensions would have to be at least 24x24x10 for a full tower design. If this thing is priced over 300.00, it better be one spectacular design. And now that I think about it...only acrylic I'd like to see would be the side panel window. I don't want a case that's made of acrylic.

andyc

[KaptCrunch]

a case that's made of acrylic looks nice but not worth it for the static charge within acrylic is deadly on chips, would need lots of ground straps for the hardware

[saike]

SSD mounts!
________
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[mcoffey]

a case that's made of acrylic looks nice but not worth it for the static charge within acrylic is deadly on chips, would need lots of ground straps for the hardware

Yeah...not to mention a total nightmare to keep clean on the inside even with the best of filters. For my money, if the OP can't work with AL to make a decent case, then take it over to XS. They'll buy anything made of plastic over there:D

andyc

[cheapskate]

a case that's made of acrylic looks nice but not worth it for the static charge within acrylic is deadly on chips, would need lots of ground straps for the hardware

Quit rubbing yourself against the case to build a charge up.:rofl:

I like the idea of a modular setup like lego. -Mora sized main compartment, front or bottom compartments for 120 rads or PSU or drives, (depending on how you mount them.) Each box could be bolted to the others in various ways, and the buyer could add new compartments as he needed them. You could do the frame in alu, and the face panels in plexi or alu.

[KaptCrunch]

Quit rubbing yourself against the case to build a charge up.:rofl:

I like the idea of a modular setup like lego. -Mora sized main compartment. front or bottom compartments for 120 rads or PSU or drives (depending on how you mount them.) Each box could be bolted to the others in various ways, and the buyer could add new compartments as he needed them. You could do the frame in alu, and the face panels in plexi or alu.

worked for a trucking comany that hauls plastic piping, if trailers didn't have any ground.

the crankshaft of engine would get pitted from the static charge and blow bearings left and right

due from the air flowing along pipes

so case fans move the air creating static so its air cheapskate

[Frozen-Q]

Alright guys, the first prototype is in pre-production.

I have settled on using the following points.

-Side panels have a lower portion that can be removed and be replaced by a bracket to hold dual, triple, or quad radiators
-More aluminum elements in additional to acrylic/polycarbonate (ie. acrylic for non functional, polycarbonate/aluminum for structural
-Top mount PSU, above motherboard
- 4 fan holes up top, allows possibility for rad to be mounting up top, or just for a lot of airflow
- 4 floor fan holes to allow for maximum intake to suit radiators
- Side facing hard drive bays, 6 in total
- 4 5.25" bays

When the first prototype is ready it will be posted!

[Kuro]

looking forward to it :up:

[RedRaider]

I hope it is inverted ATX...

[ILikeCosmosS]

I would want at most good cable management system
I don't know why my haf922 it took me a good 4-5hours trying to get that thing closed but i had to use a bit of force

[Frozen-Q]

Why would it not be inverted ATX? lol

And yes, it will have a back cavity to route cables through with some added channels for routing specific common cables.

[Darkvine]

By any chance this will be made to fit the SR-2?


Personally what I would also love, if it hasn't be said yet, is all 140mm fans. Overall most high end cases are starting to move that way, more airflow at less noise. It is a plus for both air cooling and water cooling.

at LEAST 8 pci slots, 9 preferred and 10 if this thing can fit the SR-2 either standard or with modding.

Now days unless you are into some serious shit you don't need a ton of HDD bays. SSD's can be mounted damn near anywhere and with some double sided tape no less and most people only have 2-3 HDD's Maybe 4 with raptors. That space could be used for another fan or just left free for room to mod. You could even make a small platform for mounting pumps or something in that space.