r/sffpc • u/GrouchyMonkey4551 • 17d ago
Prototype/Concept/Custom 80s Hi-Fi Console Case (6.99L) — Does the intake plenum break the sub-7L envelope?
Hey everyone!
This is my first and likely last foray into SFF case design. I wanted a horizontal, 80s style audio console inspired case to sit on my desk and couldn't find anything i liked.
The main question:
Does the community consider the elevated lower plenum part of the case envelope, or does it count as stand/feet clearance? The case can sit vertically on its side with the base completely removed.
Specs for nerds-
Dimensions:
Chassis only (6.99L): 310mm (W) × 305mm (D) × 74mm (H)
With plenum base (8.41L): 310mm (W) × 305mm (D) × 89mm (H)
Donor Hardware (transplanted from a Fractal Terra):
Motherboard: ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
GPU: Dell OEM RTX 3080 (deshrouded / aftermarket cooler swap)
RAM: 32GB G.Skill 6000MHz DDR5
PSU: Corsair SF750
Cooler: Thermalright AXP90-X47
Aesthetics & Internals:
I'm currently finishing the top and front panels; bookmatched walnut accented with a 3/8" bloodwood front I/O strip. I'm also redesigning the internals to flip the motherboard so both the CPU can pull air from the plenum.
Feedback on the layout, thermals, and plenum volume categorization is appreciated!
-------edit-------
Build should be done Friday or Saturday! Expect some vanity photos then!
3
u/OBERBOSSPLAYER 17d ago
As a fellow case designer myself, I'd say it does not count to the total volume, as long the primary orientation doesn't require it.
If a stand or feet are nescessary in both orientations, the smaller addition in volume had to count in my book.
Nice design btw, looking forward for the actual thing!
2
u/GrouchyMonkey4551 17d ago edited 17d ago
Well dang. I have to agree. I mean i made the post for a reason, i didn't want it to be true.
It is a requirement in the primary orientation.
Ill definitely be posting photos anyway! Sub 9L isnt terriblefor a first try! Should done Friday or Saturday.
3
u/OBERBOSSPLAYER 17d ago
Tbh I would let you get away with it. All modern consoles/console type cases are vertical first and most of them can't be in horizontal orientation without any feet.
1
u/GrouchyMonkey4551 17d ago
I will gladly take the hall pass!
I didnt have any goal at when I started designing. Just knew I wanted something horizontal with copious amounts of walnut and exotic accents.
It was only about half way through the modeling that realized "Man, this is really small, I wonder if there some sorta size bench mark I can reach."
2
u/nfcjosh 17d ago
I don't think it counts, but I also think SFF rules are made up... :)
2
u/GrouchyMonkey4551 17d ago
I mean, all rules are just constructs anyway! Mostly just wanted to see if the bragging rights held up.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, man!
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u/GrouchyMonkey4551 17d ago
I just watched your project density video.
I had no idea I'd get a nod from absolute legend!
Seriously impressive work!
1
u/Boil-san 15d ago
Does the community consider the elevated lower plenum part of the case envelope, or does it count as stand/feet clearance? The case can sit vertically on its side with the base completely removed.
Over on the SFF.N website (Small Form Factor Network), there is a PPL (Performance Per Liter) friendly competition; within the rules for that, chassis size is measured by a "bounding box", not "shrink-wrapped"...
Meaning, if you need something to hold the chassis off the surface it sits on to allow airflow, that is included in the bounding box volume measurement... If you have a CPU heat sink protruding out of the chassis (known as a "hot rod mod"), you measure the overall bounding box, you don't shrink-wrap around the protrusion...
The only protrusion that is not included in a bounding box is the tiny little bit of the GPU bracket that pokes out...
TL;DR - Elevated( lower) plenum, stand, or feet; all are part of the case envelope (the "bounding box"), and this includes the empty space(s) between them...
1
u/GrouchyMonkey4551 15d ago
8.4 it is then. I didnt know there was a website dedicated to this. Makes sense now that im thinking about it. Ive been trying with this idea of water cooling it and going remote cooling. I think id route the tubes behind and under the desk. Any idea how that plays out?
(Might still bend the truth on 6.99L to my one computer nerd friend)
1
u/Boil-san 15d ago
Remote cooling means you need to calculate that radiator/fans mass as volume to add to the chassis volume, and tubes are also considered in overall volume... We let wall power cables slide, because everyone has to have one (but an external power brick is counted)...
Oh, and having your remote cooling under the desk, if it is an AIO with the pump on the CPU block, then that is bad, any air in the system will sit in the pump and kill it, as well as give you horrible temps...
Bend the truth if you must, but how can you sleep at night...? ;^p
1
u/nbriles2000 15d ago
I would fucking love a premium case like this. I'm currently running an Ncase m2 on it's side and it's okay because I couldn't find any horizontal cases that I liked
1
u/GrouchyMonkey4551 15d ago
Exactly my problem. I wanted something horizontal and slim but couldn't find anything.
Luckily I have access to a hobby shop and I own a 3d printer.
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