PROJECT LOG Any interest in a gaming PC (ATX) "desk-TOP" case? Would appreciate feedback!

[Shazim]

Any interest in a gaming PC (ATX) "desk-TOP" case? Would appreciate feedback!

So about over a year ago, I integrated a PC case into my computer desk as seen here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/xhb7z

Now since then I have gotten many inquires of doing this custom mod for people, and till recently I came across the crowdfunded M1 case, and it got me thinking about making a case that sits on a desk, that functions similar to the pc/desk mod I did?

The Purpose:
To introduce a new style of case on the market that captures the beauty of whats inside the case without needing to do extensive modding.

I find it kind of pointless to spend so much on expensive tubing, sleeving, fancy lights, fans and then stowing it away in a case with a fairly with a small window. If you look at peoples setup around the web, many people keep their pc case on their desk, with the aim to "show off" their PC case...but those cases are the norm nowadays, and I don't think they grasp the beauty of the case as the prototype I am about to propose.

The Idea:
So after a year of using the initial PC case/desk I made, I discovered many of the issues I wish I could fix.

With that in mind, it came to me that it was very possible to actually construct a stand-alone case with a large glass/plexi screen that could be used by anyone as easily as buying their own case.

The Prototype design:
Here are the following prototype designs for the "pc on a desk" case (credits to 3D design go out to David G.):

The model has been redesigned to support a full ATX motherboard as well as a microATX:

Note: This is still a work in progress so not all the details are there yet! (and may be a few problems here and there)

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Explanation of Model:

• So the model has a plexiglass screen along the entire front, allowing all the inside/components to be seen (setting up for some very cool watercooling related setups). We want the case to ultimately to be made of all aluminium (need to consider price).
  
• The case supports ATX motherboards as well as micro ATX
  
• The case is setup to be watercooling friendly and should have more than enough room for a radiator, reservoir (various sizes) and pump all WITHIN the case.
  
• Space for a slim optical drive.
  
• Modular or non-modular full ATX PSU
  
• TOP and BOTTOM compartments to hide cables, and easily get them where they need to go. This is where all the LED and various lighting stuff can be done too.
  
• There is also space next to the PSU to hide cables for those of you that don't use a modular PSU (holes for where to feed wires are not designed yet).

We need your feedback:

• So we really are looking for your guys feedback:
  
• What do you guys think of a case like this? Would you buy one?
  
• How much would you be willing to spend a case like this?
  
• What improvements or features would you like to see implemented into the case?

We ultimately want to kickstart this case if there is a large enough interest, so please let us know...I would love to see some innovation to the case market and bring a new style of case to PC enthusiasts.

 

[dostov]

It is a novel idea. Not sure how many people could be interested in this design. I guess it will depend how much you want to sell it for.

Are you going to do a Kickstarter?

 

[Shazim]

It is a novel idea. Not sure how many people could be interested in this design. I guess it will depend how much you want to sell it for.

Are you going to do a Kickstarter?

Yep that is the ultimate goal.

But we wanted community feedback first, and see how we can further improve the design so it supports as many things people want (reasonably ofcourse)!

 

[dostov]

Quick question: How does it open? Top or front?

 

[Shazim]

Quick question: How does it open? Top or front?

Both

 

[Springbok]

I think the horizontally oriented PC is due for a comeback, it reminds me of my 486 Gateway 2000!

However, I think the size of your design is too large for most ppl. The limiting factor on box dimensions would be the height of the graphics card, and the depth would be the motherboard. I think it's do-able, but I think you should try scale it down as much as possible. That M1 case is appealing for the same reason as other mini motherboard cases, it lets you get high performance out of a small box, and it looks good. If you spread out all the parts so the dimensions are as you have them now, it's going to be a pain to pick up and move that thing.

The mainstream trend is going smaller, people are already using tablets over laptops. If you're targeting enthusiasts, they're going to want something that looks great and has a benefit nothing else has. I don't really see the benefits of all that extra space just for a radiator.

 

[Shazim]

I think the horizontally oriented PC is due for a comeback, it reminds me of my 486 Gateway 2000!

However, I think the size of your design is too large for most ppl. The limiting factor on box dimensions would be the height of the graphics card, and the depth would be the motherboard. I think it's do-able, but I think you should try scale it down as much as possible. That M1 case is appealing for the same reason as other mini motherboard cases, it lets you get high performance out of a small box, and it looks good. If you spread out all the parts so the dimensions are as you have them now, it's going to be a pain to pick up and move that thing.

The mainstream trend is going smaller, people are already using tablets over laptops. If you're targeting enthusiasts, they're going to want something that looks great and has a benefit nothing else has. I don't really see the benefits of all that extra space just for a radiator.

Hmm interesting points. So would you say that if this case had everything a watercooling enthusiast may want, that they would be most likely to buy this type of case?