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Scratch Build – In Progress DAN A4-SFX: The smallest gaming case in the world

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by dondan, 12 Sep 2014.

  1. dondan

    dondan What's a Dremel?

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    [​IMG]


    Introduction

    The A4-SFX case is a one-man project with the goal of creating the smallest case possible while still using high-end standardized components, such as Core i7 processors and powerful full-length GPUs such as the GeForce GTX 980 Ti.

    The result is a unique product that is much smaller than all competing cases. This case is perfect for SFF (Small Form Factor) enthusiasts, those who need a highly portable system, developers who require a case with a smaller footprint due to limited desk space, and gamers who want a high-end PC experience in their living room.



    How it works

    A number of creative ideas were needed to create the case. Using a PCIe extender allowed for the most prominent design feature of this case, which is the location of the GPU behind the motherboard. The A4-SFX will come with the highest quality PCIe extender on the market, made by 3M, which allows for PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 support.

    The case allows for easy mounting of either SFX or SFX-L power supplies. The PSU is located in the front of the chassis.

    Depending on the size of the PSU, up to two 2.5” HDDs or SSDs can be mounted in the drive bay. This drive bay could potentially be mounted with rubber spacers to reduce vibration. A third drive can be mounted behind the front cover.

    Every component is able to cool itself by getting fresh air directly from the outside. Hot air in the case will move to the top and then outside without the need of an extra fan. This principle works perfect and results in an amazing cooling efficiency compare to other cases.



    Specification

    Case Dimensions (H x W x D): 200 x 112 x 317mm, 7.25L
    Overall Dimensions: 205 x 112 x 327mm (including feet and rear protrusions)
    Weight: 1,25 Kg

    Graphic cards support: Dual-Slot up to 295mm length
    Motherboard support: Mini-ITX
    Power Supply support: SFX, SFX-L

    Drives: 3 x 2.5" HDD/SSD

    Front ports: 1 x USB 3.0 (internal 20pin plug)
    Power button: Premium-grade button

    Material: 1.5mm aluminum, brushed exterior
    Sidepanels: Easily clippable with Lian Li Push Pin technology

    Colors: Anodized black or silver exterior, matte black painted interior

    Risercard: Includes the 3M Twin Axial 300mm riser cable
    PCIe Gen3+ support, Link: 3M product page



    Gallery

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    [​IMG]



    News

    30.08.2015 DAN Cases is online: www.dan-cases.com

    08.07.2015 Professional pictures of the A4-SFX were made. Many thanks to Torsten Paris!

    05.2015 Prototype from Lian Li arrived


    FAQ

    When will this be released? How can I buy one?
    End 2015 on Indiegogo or Kickstarter. For Europe I plan to sell the case through a distributor.

    How much will it cost?
    Around $200-230 + shipping + tax (depending on where you are located)

    It is possible to get the case with dust filters?
    No they are not included, but I will try to make them buyable with Demiflex.

    Why does it only have one USB 3.0 port on the front?
    After much discussion, I have decided that one port is enough for most users as having more ports on such a small case will hurt the aesthetics of the case.

    Where do you ship?
    Worldwide

    Does the case includes a manual?
    Yes, every case includes a manual paper in two languages (German & English).

    How do you ensure that the backside of the GPU does not make contact with the metal motherboard tray and SFX PSU?
    The motherboard tray and PSU will have a non-conductive shield attached in order to ensure that the back of the GPU does not come into contact with bare metal.
     
    Last edited: 30 Aug 2015
  2. Canardwc

    Canardwc @French_fab_factorie

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    Awesome!!!

    Really nice proto!
     
  3. siliconfanatic

    siliconfanatic Johny-come-Lately

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    Nice idea!


    Any particular point to using oversized text, though? Seems albeit like you're trying too hard to fill up the space. No offense intended, of course.
     
  4. Sanjaya

    Sanjaya Minimodder

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    your GPUs gonna suffocate to death unless you WC it. i wanted to achieve same kinda goal, but i use full ATX smallest system. but never use your gc in front or back of the mobo, coz even the backplate gets too damn hot.
    n in SFX PSU gonna the cooling for the PSU?

    Hopefully waiting for some good results :)
     
  5. Sanjaya

    Sanjaya Minimodder

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    n dun forget HD audio
     
  6. David

    David μoʍ ɼouმ qᴉq λon ƨbԍuq ϝʁλᴉuმ ϝo ʁԍɑq ϝμᴉƨ

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    Intriguing - looking forward to this!
     
  7. dondan

    dondan What's a Dremel?

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    @jrs77: 2500k@default + Gtx 670@default in Bechmark (Prime+3DMark) CPU: 63°C and GPU: 82°C

    @siliconfanatic: thanks for that info i resized the text.

    @sanaya: In the defauklt version it is better to use a blower style gpu like nvidia or amd reference and than you will have very nice temperatures. Because the gpu fan is in the airtunnel of the 2x92mm fans. For the SFX version, i will flip the gpu.
     
    Last edited: 17 Sep 2014
  8. Sanjaya

    Sanjaya Minimodder

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    yeah blower style gpus are ok, what m saying is unless you flip it it will over heat, even if you flip it it will still heat the mobo. even the backside of a GC gets damn hot when it's at full load
     
  9. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Sweeet!
    I bet there's room for a radiator in there still.:naughty:
     
  10. dondan

    dondan What's a Dremel?

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    Delete
     
    Last edited: 28 Apr 2015
  11. dondan

    dondan What's a Dremel?

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    Big update in the first post.
     
  12. The_Frag_Man

    The_Frag_Man What's a Dremel?

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    Very nice design. I'll try to keep an eye out for the crowd-funding. The only thing I don't like really is there's only 1 front USB and not 2.
     
  13. dondan

    dondan What's a Dremel?

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    Its done :)

    I put everything together and it works :).

    Here are two early shots of the case with parts. It is very late so I will make better pictures tomorrow and some professional pictures next week.


    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  14. Arboreal

    Arboreal Keeper of the Electric Currants

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    Dondan, that is brilliant! So please for you to be able to see your hard work pay off and become a reality.
    I have been lurking over on Hardforums for a while, and have watched your project and Kimera's Nova develop over the months.
    Great work, a very ambitious goal, to produce such a small ITX case that has so much horsepower in it.
    I will be watching with interest, this is true SFF at its best :thumb:
     
  15. Shirty

    Shirty W*nker! Super Moderator

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    Very nice, it's always good to see persistence and patience pay off :thumb:

    I'm sure this will generate some sales too once it hits production. It's not quite for me however, I prefer slightly meatier CPU cooling so will continue to use ITX cases with chunky AIO support for now.

    Good luck with the rest of your journey!
     
  16. dondan

    dondan What's a Dremel?

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    Here are some new pictures that I made today, while I did the tests for the different CPU coolers I have.

    LP53 headsink vs. L9i Headsink
    [​IMG]

    LP53 heatsink with Noctua A9x14 FAN. I could not mount the Noctua FAN with the LP53 anti vibrations rubbers, because the default 92mm FAN use a 80mm mountpoins. So I mount it with four cable ties.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: 31 Aug 2015
  17. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Awesome and small. Usually those two don't go together.
     
  18. Guest-56605

    Guest-56605 Guest

    I like it :thumb: :D
     
  19. David

    David μoʍ ɼouმ qᴉq λon ƨbԍuq ϝʁλᴉuმ ϝo ʁԍɑq ϝμᴉƨ

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    That looks fantastic!

    I'd love to see the cooling performance once you're done.
     
  20. The_Frag_Man

    The_Frag_Man What's a Dremel?

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    How does it fare with the drop test?
     

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