Alchemy Case Design Contest Voting

I voted for the_gnu's design. If it were possible to mount optical drives horizontally in its tower configuration, I would probably buy that case, so that's why I voted for it. I like joungne's design very much too, it is definately the most worked out design from the participants. I see potential in geno's design too, pitty the internal layout isn't worked out. (Don't shoot me on this that's just my opinion)

I'm just wondering? Did you receive any really crazy designs? Like strange shapes or anything? I would sure like to see them if there are any.

 

Thx for the support freemc, I really apprechiate it and its really needed

 

Gnu, I really liked your design (and voted for it) but I was wondering if you could send me the psd file or whatever you used to design it so I could take a look at it more in depth. Im making plans for my own HTPC and I want to use a part of your design for it. My email address is mattthegamer463@gmail.com, thanks.

 

There are a multitude of images on the link below the thumbnail.

I don't however, think it ethical to be tryign to grab other people's designs during the middle of a contest where their design may become the "branding" design/layout of a computer company.

 

Looks like Joungne is going to be the undisputed winner. Real nice case and beutiful pictures too. Congratulations!

I wish I put more effort in to the pictures and less into functionality since none of the functions shows anyways. It's designed around watercooling and silence but you can't tell from my lousy sketchups.
I didn't have time to do any 3D rederings, instead I explained all the functions in my mail but I understand that we can't show all that, the thread would get too long!

I'd like to thank Static Lullaby for this contest. I hope to see more like it in the future!

 

I believe his interest in the case is for personal use. I also voted for the_gnu's design. I recently put together a HTPC system and spent forever looking for an affordable case that fit my expectations. The aesthetics of the case are appealing as it is sleek but not obnoxiously flashy. I like the optical drive arrangement as well, but personally, I think that the internal configuration could be optimized a bit.

 

Again... this is only to determine the top 5. If you read the guidelines in the original post, you would know that this is not to determine the winner. The top 5 will all be asked to build a prototype of their case design. (the top 5 will be influenced greatly by these forum votes, but not 100%...there are other forums as well voting on this, as well as a panel of judges here w/ the company).

After those 5 have been chosen and their prototypes are built we will determine the winners from there. (Yes second and third palce also get prizes)

 

*sigh
Here's to hoping I can atleast keep 5th place. There are more details of my design in the thread: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=92646&page=1&pp=20

 

andersson.j,

When voting, your case design was one of my top considerations (top 3) but there are a few factors which I didn't really strike my fancy.

The swinging doors seem to be a major highlight but would only be used when the system was upgraded? Do the doors have to be opened in order to access the optical drive(s)? I didn't really see where they go. Also, the case seems a bit large. Perhaps "cave-in" the center of the case a bit to add an inverse curve? It may offer more curvature and the doors can still hinge open. Maybe add another hinge in the door at point of highest curvature?

Oh, I see now, the optical drives are in front, hiding the PSU. If you put a heat bulkhead between the mobo and drive/PSU section, you can move the two parts closer together, saving on space.

 

CaptainSlug! I remember seeing your project on OCF, what an awesome case man, good luck.

 

Yes I know, I've read the guidelines. I know that this isn't the only forum voting and of course you and your company should have the final word in choosing the winners. It's your money and your investment!

I just wanted to congratulate Joungne for being the peoples choice here and over at EOCF. Getting the case mass produced and winning the price money would be real nice, but being the peoples choice is worth allot to!
Sorry if it came out wrong. I'm not too good at this englishcrap!

 

I'm glad you made this clear. I wasn't understanding that the winner would be chosen from the five built and completed prototype cases. I read the rules to say that building a case wouldn't be part of the requirement, but something that would come as a possible option to the winner(s).

Wowzers... that kinda puts a whole different spin on things from how I understood them. Again, thanks for clearin' that up.

This will be one looong contest.

 

Thx mattthegamer . I created it using 3D studio max and I think I'll hold on to the original file untill I know the results of the competition. But maybe I can help you with your little problem in some other way. Feel free to ask the_gnuu@hotmail.com

Thx for your support too Stuey83 . I know the internal configuration could be a little bit better, but most of the racks etc is ment to be removable and replaceable to as many places as possible. I even have the idea to allow the user to adjust the placement of the PSU and motherboard. (if it should be on top or bottom etc). But Time didnt allow me to incorporate that into the 3D model. There is always way to improve things...I'm never satisfied.

 

hey andersson.J tnx alot for the compliment, i appreciate it.
But the contest is still ongooing so everything is possible. We have a saying in Belgium for this, which i'm gonna try to translate in english. "Dont sell the bears skin before the bear has been shot" I hope this makes sense. I'm even worse in "this englishcrap"

anyway, best of luck to all contestants

As for my vote: it will go to the_gnu because I feel that there are a lot of new ideas in the case, and it looks pretty damn good (design wise) and i'm a sucker for design. A job very well done, congratz to you the_gnu

Greetz,
Joungne

 

Top 3 you say? To bad for me that the poll system didn't let everyone rank the cases 1-10 instead of just voting for the number one case then!

The case could be significantly smaller, but I didn't have time to measure so I added a few centimeters above the mobo to be sure that a gpu + waterblock with nipples sticking up wouldn't be a problem. The lexan front is a bit bulky. Sketchup isn't very good for curved faces so it takes quite a while to make them, time that I didn't have.
The overall look of the case should be about the same either way so it doesn't really matter.

I sent a small webpage with my contribution too. I'm not proud of it since I made it in about an hour, but it's got more pictures of the case and some short comments about the design. I posted it in the rules thread and I havn't altered it since I sent my contribution and I won't untill the vote is over. I don't want to add material after the deadline, that would be cheating!
Link

 

Very nice to hear you liked my work. But I dont agree when you claim you are a "sucker for design".... How can you say that when you are an architect? Thats what you are right? Your case looks fantastic (hypercube too )...you get my vote...Good luck Joungne and everybody else

/The_Gnu

 

It looks like I have gotten a few votes; what do you guys think of my design?

 

Yes, it will be a long contest. I hope this is ok with you. I really do think your design holds a lot of potential. We ARE reimbursing ALL of the 5 participants for materials and the first through third place does get a cash prize (or computer system if they so choose).

While it is up to the designer to not build a prototype machine, if in the top 5, it may effect the final judging of the design as well.

 

I appologize if it seemed I was "blasting" in your direction. I only wanted you to be clear on the guidelines.

 

well what i mean by that, (maybe i expressed myself badly) is that i love design, and things that have a designisch look. I dont know how to explain it, but your case is a piece of design in my eyes that would integrate pretty well on my design desk ;-)